“Mayap a abak,” good morning enclosed to parentheses as Cha Guintu, one of Angeles tourism guide greeted us via text message, beginning cue of forage for eats and far more than the gastronomic episode that awaits us.

“For a year, Angeles was a ghost town. Most of the locals transferred to Manila; the entire city was covered with ash-fall, people wearing a mask for protection, rivers swallowing the land, collapsed bridges, lahar,” sudden downpour as we pass along Balibago street with the tourism officer driving our way back to the hotel. Depicting the old face of the city after the catastrophe decades ago. “Like a phoenix, rising from the ashes,” as he says.

Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Manila.

After this entire visit to Angeles City, I am still filled with wonder and inspired by how it continuously turns into a thriving city, a city that has it all – lights, eats, thrills, customs, and history.

Accommodation

Grandview Tower

Well, we just basically stayed in one of the best hotels around Angeles City. On the very same day, at the same hotel, is where our DOT sec checked in, visiting Angeles for a Museum relaunch.

Grandview tower is a condo-hotel well located in Clarkview, Angeles, a short distance from the entertainment and business district of Clark Freeport Zone and International Airport. Room well equipped with cozy mattresses, en suite bath, A/C, flat screen tv with cable, wi-fi connection, hi-tech security system, telephone plus unlimited “good morning/afternoon/evening” from the lovely staff. Grandview tower also has condominium units for sale.

Local Eats

Genghis Mongolian Grill

The first step into the front door, welcomed by the feast of bowls with veggies, meat, and spices. Aside from its Mongolian theme, my eyes were drawn to these fascinating decors around the room. Hanging kitchen utensils. No, not the ordinary use of these things. Hanging kitchen graters and colanders used as light decors! All these were designed and created by the owner/chef himself, Ryan Santos.

Spinach, mushroom, squid, carrots, so on and so forth, freedom is all yours in creating your very own Mongolian recipe. If unsure of what sauce compliments squid or chicken liver, Chef Ryan would be more willing to help you!

After the Mongolian feast, Chef Ryan and her wife dish up the specialties. Pork Buns, Genghis Chops, Cereal Prawns, Honey Cashew Fish Fillet, Korean Beef Stew, Char Kway Teow, and my ultimate pick, Khan’s Conquest! The couple is absolutely hands on with their craft that aside from preparing the meals, they even do the personal picking of ingredients from the market.

Genghis Mongolian Grill, our first toothsome dining experience in the city!

Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy

“Simple, very simple. Calamansi, fish sauce,” owner’s plain revelation of their own and original Pork Sisig recipe. As simple as that, not even a dash of umami was mentioned. They manage to serve a finely chopped meat dish bursting with bold spices!

Aside from Sisig and their signature dish, Tokwa’t Baboy, another champion in the menu is their Paco Salad. Sweet flavored vinegar poured into these green crispy edible young fern topped with slices of salted egg, tomatoes and onions.

Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, without question, a perfect way to spend midday meal with family and friends.

19 Copung-Copung Grill

Familiar with the “19 forgotten” expression? This is exactly what 19 Copung-Copung means. Forgotten as they say but the opposite once you experience the fiesta of flavors in this all-you-can-eat native style restaurant. Offering unlimited choices of food, not just food, but really good food. From the well-known Filipino dishes up to the out of the ordinary recipes. Kare-Kare, Pancit, Adobong Balut, Lumpiang Gulay, Pakbet, Ginataang Kuhol and more to mention, absolutely worth every cent!

If exotic specialties fancy you as a food adventurist, better try their Adobong Kamaru (Crickets) or Balut Sisig (Fertilized Duck Egg). Actual cooking demo before food experience is a bonus!

Susie’s Cuisine

Not a fan of the traditional sticky sweet delicacies but when the feast of native signature specialties was introduced, I found my self-left open-mouthed with the desire of experiencing them all in my palate! Rice Cake, Moche, Aleya Ube, Kalame Duman, Tibok-tibok and more sweets to enjoy!

The best Pinoy dessert as featured in a news magazine television show in GMA 7 happens to be my ultimate personal pick, the Tibok-tibok! Kind of similar to Maja Blanca with a sweetish creamy soft melting taste.

A plain proof that they serve specialties with the best quality is through their exports – delicacies proudly made in the Philippines! Susie’s Cuisine is truly the “Kakanin Queen” beyond any doubt!

Cioccolo Bistro and Cafe

Ended our Saturday night with a parade of sundry cakes. Green Tea Ferrero Cake, Turtle Pie, Midnight Cake, Ferrero Rocher Cake, Pistachio Sans Rival, Red Velvet and more! Just a mere glance to these treats would be a hundred percent sweetness overload!

Cafe is located at Rotal Garden Estate, Friendship Circumferential Road Angeles City with telephone numbers +6345 624 5279

And then off we go for a walk just nearby the Cafe, to the Grand Palazzo Royale. From the facade to the set of steps leading to the lion guarded entranceway, towards the wide astounding dreamlike ballroom, ideal for special celebrations like birthdays, weddings, debuts, etc.

Teaspoon Desserts

Sweet treats from Teaspoon Desserts, boxes with surprise as they served Queso de Bola Cheesecake and Cashew Petit Fortunes. The latter was the most-liked treat. Not too sweet, just the right taste and very chewy. If not fond of sweets, Queso de Bola Cheesecake is an excellent choice for you. Salty with a light sweetish flavorful kick in every bite.

Juan Sebastien Catering Services’ Pititian

Angeles’ version of Chicharron, Pititian is a bite-size fried pork crackling. Enjoy every nibble with this appetizing nosh perfect for a light midday snack or “pulutan” maybe.

A quick drive from the bustling streets of Manila, Angeles City, is the perfect food and leisure getaway. This is just part one of the Angeles Tourist Experience. More exciting tales of tasty and smashing episodes to follow!

Related Article: Ultimate Food & Travel Guide to Angeles City, Pampanga

For further info about your plan to visit Angeles City, you can directly contact the Angeles City Tourism Office:
2/F Angeles City Hall, Brgy. Pulung Maragul, Angeles City 2009 Philippines
Email Address: [email protected] or [email protected] * Direct Line/Telefax: + (63 45) 625 2286 (ACTO

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