10 of the Best Places to Visit in Nepal

One of the best places to visit when nature tripping and travel back in time - Nepal. The country is full of antique places where history comes alive. It is also gifted by nature with natural wonders recognized in the world. That in addition to a diverse cultural richness and lively traditions, beautiful temples and monuments as well as rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable experience. It is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and language. However, all people of different races and religions live in harmony and there is an ideal blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Let me tell you 10 of the Best Places in Nepal that proves it's wonder.

1 - KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, KATHMANDU

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The old town with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. Here one can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old Monasteries and historic monuments.

2 - BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE, BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon, is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is shaped like a snail, one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889. The city is 1402 meters above the sea level. Pottery and weaving are the most important traditional industries. The town is located fifteen kilometers east of Kathmandu.

3 - TEMPLE OF KRISHNA, PATAN

The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur meaning, city of beauty. In fact, a city of beauty and grace and is planned in a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the four cardinal points. The town is three kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, across the river Bagmati. As Kathmandu, center of attraction is its Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of the marketplace. The city is full of monuments, Buddhist and Hindu temples with fine bronze entries, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Known for its craftsmen and metal workers, also known as the city of artists. The city is believed to have been built during the reign of Vira developer in the year 299.

4 - FEWA LAKE, POKHARA

Pokhara, a charming city located in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for many of the most popular destinations in Nepal, trekking and rafting. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the summit trail Machachhapuchhre Fish (6977 m) behind them create an environment of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and views of the world famous Himalayas. Located 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air and by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near India. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.

5 - LUMBINI

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. The Prince and the Buddha Shakya Finally, the Enlightened One, is the place of pilgrimage for millions of people in the world of the faithful in all schools of Buddhism. UNESCO lists the birth site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka pillar commemorating a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains the sacred garden spread 8sq km, possessing all the treasures of the historic area. Mayadevi Temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing to the west of the sanctuary is Mayadevi the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar in 249 a. C. to commemorate his pilgrimage to the holy sites. South of the column, is the sacred lake, where there Puskarni} {Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to Buddha. Places of interest around the area there are several other attractions nearby. It can be accessed by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.

6 - CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK, CHITWAN

Chitwan is one of the best national parks in Asia, renowned for its concentration of wildlife and better class tourist lodges, which offer the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means "heart of the jungle 'is among the last surviving example of the continuous band of forests and grasslands, which stretched from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. Its main attraction is the Chitwan National Park One of the major forest regions of Asia where wild animals live, like the few great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bears, leopards, wild boar, fresh water dolphins, crocodiles, 350 species of birds and the elusive Bengal tiger. Chitwan National Park is shown in the World Heritage Site (natural) list. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoeing and hiking through the jungle. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors can also take a raft. First driving from Kathmandu to the river or Seti Khola Trishuli. The five-hour trip to Chitwan (165 km overland) from Kathmandu, is filled with exciting views of the hills, rivers and plains with jungles on either side.

7 - DHULIKHEL

Dhulikhel is scenic and the town located 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here you can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas. In the main city, a brief visit to Namobuddha with Buddhist stupa and the monastery is highly recommended place to visit. Panauti, a village famous for its numerous temples with magnificent wood carving is a short distance from Dhulikhel.

8 and 9 - MUKTINATH TEMPLE, MUKTINATH and JOMSOM

It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti = Nirvana, Nath = God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3749 m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the wall is around 108 suppliers who take holy water. The temple is located in a high mountain and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Or take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours through Kagbeni or trekking to the end of Pokhara which is 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after competing pilgrimage of four dhams in India. This temple is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. Not a first class accommodation in Jomsom from where one can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty.

10 - GORKHA DURBAR, GORKHA

Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples and Kali Gorakhanth place within the enclosure. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana temple on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting. The Nepalese believe Manakamana Goddess fulfills the desires of all people and that's one reason why the temple is visited by tourists and locals throughout the year.

About Nature of Nepal, Contributor

Namaste and Welcome to Nepal, for many visitors, this Himalayan country brings images of snow-capped mountains and green hills. In fact, ten highest mountains in the world, eight are in Nepal, Nepal mountaineering make a dream. Nepal, a small country with an approximate area of 147,181 square kilometers is geographically and ethnically diverse, with over 61 ethnic groups and 70 languages spoken. That in addition to a diverse cultural richness and lively traditions, beautiful temples and monuments as well as rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable experience. It is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and language. However, all people of different races and religions live in harmony and there is an ideal blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.

10 of the Must-Try Adventure Places in the Philippines

Sometimes, the ones who are bound to you are the one who makes a great influence to you. Sharing a story to a friend about the places you’ve been is good, but bringing them to that place and letting them feel and experience the same feeling of what you have felt when somebody have shared it to you is better.
We only have three seasons of life:

a. Full of energy, lots of time, but no money
b. Full of energy, lots of money, but no time
c. We have lots of money, lots of time, but no more energy

What season are you now? When will you be able to do outdoors and have some adventures? May these pieces of pictures encourage those people out there to see ten of the many magnificent art works of God, from mountains to beaches, from ocean and seas to waterfalls, from boulders to caves, from northern part of the Philippines to the southern part of the country, Swim, hike, and explore!

1 - Mt.Pulag, Kabayan Benguet

Mt. Pulag also known as the “Playground of Gods”, standing at 9,586 feet above sea level, found in the Cordillera region of Central Luzon, is the highest mountain in Luzon and second highest in the Philippines next to Mt. Apo. The Mt. Pulag National Park is open all year round. Dry season is the best time to trek up to the summit preferably from the month of November to March for you are able to witness breath taking sea of clouds.

Most of its visitors and guests were attracted not only in its low temperature and spectacular sea of clouds, but also on its unique characteristics for its rolling plains, mossy forest and an amazing eye soothing greens which defines its biodiversity. You can camp on the top but only on designated areas. Be sure that you have warm clothing to protect yourself in cold weather as the temperature drops.

The mountain is classified as a major climb with its five defined trails to reach on to the summit which defines it difficulty. These are the Ambangeg trail, also known as the executive trail and the easiest, the Eddet trail, Tawangan trail, Ambaguio trail, and the Akiki trail which is said to be the most difficult among the five.

2 - Lipata Caves

(Lipata Caves of Quezon Province) From Lipata Island is said to have seven 7 Caves which called the Lipata Caves. The said island is found at the Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon which takes you 3-4 hours drive from Manila.

It will take you a 20-30 minutes boat ride from the Padre Burgos Pier, the jump off area, to the island. From the Island a 15-20-minute trek will transpire you to see rock formations at the side of the mountain and amazed with the stalactites and lime stones inside the caves. You can also witness the view of the sea from above along the trail.

The rock formation inside the caves gives amazement into its visitors. The soil of Lipata caves are rich in minerals which are transported by the residents all the way down to the foot of the mountain which is used for growing their crops. However, mining in the caves is prohibited. This activity will surely destroy the caves’ natural rock formations.

3 - Dampalitan Island

From the province of Quezon lies an island name Dampalitan. Its white sandy beach and long stretch shorelines attracts most of its visitors. The beautiful long stretch of the beach and quiet place returns a peaceful and relaxing experience with nature.

Rocky formation will be seen during the low tide. You can even take your photo almost at the middle of the sea. Take those shots while enjoying the light of the sunset in the place.
A bench near the seashore is best for a seat to watch on the dramatic scene of a sunset along with your best friend or love ones.

4 - Borawan Island

Not far from the Dampalitan Island is the Borawan Island which is name after the combination of Boracay and Palawan for its characteristics of white sand and huge rock formations similar to that of Palawan’s cliffs. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the place with its crystal clear water, and long stretch white beach at the west coast of the island.

You can climb on to the top of the huge rocks ranging from 15-20 feet high allows you to view the west and east coast of the island and take shots of your pictures. Be careful on climbing because the edges of the rock are quite sharp.

Camping is allowed in the island, but make sure that you have your head lamps, flash light, extra batteries, and drinking water with you. There is no electricity and fresh water available in the area. If you are avoiding a crowd in the place, you can visit the island before the summer euphoria begins.

5 - Pagbilao Grande Island (Isla Putting Buhangin)

Pagbilao Grande Island in Pagbilao Quezon is also called as “Isla Putting Buhangin” with its fine white sand. It’s cold crystal clear water and white sand stretch attracts its guests. In here also found the “Kwebang Lampas”, a cave located at the east point of the stretch, and one of the highlights when you go in Pagbilao Grande.
The water here is more ideal for swimming compare to the nearby islands of Borawan and Dampalitan. The Pagbilao GrandeIsland is not that crowded with people compared with other beach resorts near it. You can go to the cave known as the “Kwebang Lampas” by passing through the rocky area at the side of foot of the cliff at the east point of the island. Be careful of the slippery rocks you may encounter while going inside the cave. Cold and relaxing views from the cave will definitely sooth you to the nature.

6 - Cape EngañO in Palaui Island

It is like a secret paradise to witness a captivating view of the Dos Hermanos Island from the Cape Engano Lighthouse also known as the “Farol de Cabo Engano”. Located at northern point of Palaui Island, Sta.Ana, Cagayan, an 18th Century light house built during the Spanish time which guides the ships on the coastal areas of Sta.Ana. 229 steps of concrete stair and a trail will lead you all the way to the lighthouse.

Palaui Island was declared as a National Marine Reserve in August 28, 1994 encompassing an area of 7,145 hectares (17,660 acres). The waters around the island boast of 21 commercial species of fishes with about 50 hectares (120 acres) of undisturbed corals.

The hike from Punta Verde, the southeast tip of Palaui, to Cape Engaño takes about 3.5 to 4 hours of hike through beautiful verdant scenery. Primitive camping is allowed at the lighthouse vicinity. [source: wikipedia]

7 - 7 Chambers of Callao Cave in Cagayan

The Callao Cave is located on the Province of Cagayan near Tuguegarao City. According to the locals, the cave has seven chambers and formations namely as the Column, Chapel, Skeleton, Elephant’s Head, Praying Angel, Rocket, Lion’s Head, and the Dog’s Head; the 7th chamber is usually closed except during the holy week.

The photo above is the second chamber of the cave which became a Cathedral by the locals of Cagayan. Each chamber allows the natural light to enlighten the dim areas of the cave. Before witnessing the magnificent cave of stalactites and stalagmites, you have to pass the test of your stamina by surpassing a stair with approximately 200 steps. It said that there are still unexplored areas after the seventh chamber of Callao Cave.

[1] Callao Cave has gained another reputation after the discovery of a foot bone on a excavation done near the first chamber's entrance was proven by archaeologist to be about 67,000years old pushing back the long known Tabon man of being the oldest discovered human remains in the country. this did not just brought a new record within the country but has also placed the Philippines in the sixth position worldwide to have found the oldest Homo sapien fossil.

[source:dong ho’s eskapo 3.0, digital photographers philippines]

8 - Merloquette Falls in Zamboanga

From the Latin City of Asia, Zamboanga, found a magnificent piece of hidden treasure in Merloquete Falls, located at Sitio Merloquet, Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City. An approximate 2 hours drive from the city all the way to the jump off. From the jump off, it will drive your excitement band test your endurance by a 15 minutes downhill trek before witnessing the enchanted and majestic waterfall.

Measuring with an estimated width of 13 meters wide and a height of 10 meters high, the soothing sound of the water will surely amazed you. The second water fall with an estimated width of 8 meters wide and a height of 5 meters high lie above the first one that will test your endurance to witness its beauty. It is said that there are eleven waterfalls above the first one that is rarely visited and explored.

9 - Mt.Gulugod Baboy and Anilao Boulders

Not from afar from an overnight hike to Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Mabini Anilao, Batangas, was an amazing side trip to witness scattered boulders of rocks near at the beach. It was really surprising to see and walk on through the rock before having a swim in the clear waters of Anilao.

Anilao Batangas is well known as one of the best diving sites not only in the Philippines but all over the world. Unknowingly, there is a secret place for explorers and hikers to hangout out there to discover and see the beauty of these boulders with the strong waves splashing and playing on it.

At the end of the rocky stretch found a small cave where in you can stay. From there, you can choose where to swim by passing through it. You can also see bats inside the cave when you look upward inside, and requires you for a duck walk to pass through the other side and enjoy beautiful scenery of the sea.

10 - Mt. Makiling in Los Banos Laguna

Mt.Makiling situated at Los Banos Laguna is one of the known enchanted mountains in the Philippines because of the mystical Diwata (fairy) Maria Makiling who takes care of the mountain. According to te locals, you can encounter Diwata Maria Makiling in three persons, you can see her as a maiden, a mother, and an old woman along the trail while trekking on the mountain.

Rising with a 1109 meters above sea level, Mt.Makiling is not just simply an enchanted mountain, but classified as a volcano. It is one of the most challenging must try day hike that probably test your patience and thrill you into the adventure.

[1]The Makiling Traverse is a classic example of an extended dayhike - a climb whose trekking time makes it a "major climb" but whose trail circumstances favor a long dayhike. It is a favorite training climb for mountains that are Difficulty 8/9 or higher - such as Mt Guiting-Guiting - and for good reason: a Makiling Traverse gives hikers a preview of extended hiking (8 hours/day) over a period of three or even four days. Moreover, Makiling gives samplers for various. Melkas Ridge, for example, is an introduction to the long rock scrambling of Guiting-Guiting; the proliferation of limatik and jungle density is the same environment of Halcon; and the meanderings of the Wild Boar Trail evoke Napulauan. Finally, the 'thrill' of a traverse is a junior version of what it takes to cross over Dulang-Dulang to Kitanglad, or Kidapawan to Kapatagan.

[source: Pinoy mountaineer]

About Desha, the author

Des Alimbuyuguen is an adventurous girl who have the passion for the love of nature. She is often called the "Backpacker Girl" since she often go for nature camping with her mountaineer friends.

10 of the Places or Countries that Miss Christmas Season 'We have No Christmas'

Oh here it comes – Christmas Season, the happiest days of the year and I’ve been thinking of a unique top 10 list for this season. I’ve been wondering what is like celebrating Christmas outside ‘Philippines’? Sad to say, this is what I found out!

Regardless of the reality that most of us celebrate Christmas with all of its pleasures and gift not to mention the joy it brings to everyone just by the thought of it, there are some places that do miss all of the Christmas spirit of Santa Claus and his reindeer, Christmas tree, hearing Christmas carols and lots of delicious evening food – I mean these places do literally interprets ‘No such thing as Christmas’. The thing is that they are either prohibited to celebrate it or do not have it as a public holiday. Here are 10 lists of the saddest countries or places during the Christmas holidays/season.

1 - Japan


Certainly in Tokyo you find a giant robotic Santa, but most likely he will only hint at the classic Christmas in this country. Holiday connected with the infant Jesus, there does not exist as the country is not Christian. But the Japanese love to have fun twisted it in his own way, actually turning it into a … Valentine’s Day!. Just imagine a Valentine Santa. Doesn’t it sound funny?

The most popular sweet for December 24 becomes a huge cake that every self-respecting man presents the woman he loves. Lovers must go to a restaurant, and children are not left alone but rather with gifts received- toys and candy. It is also considered fashionable to rent a room in an expensive hotel and spend a romantic night over there.

In addition, the bustle of the shops gives Japanese a custom to give gifts to each other at the end of the year. To do so, even there is a special industry: in the store it is enough to reach the shelf, where we can find presents laid of various amounts, so you choose the one that is of your desired sum and content, to fill in a form with the recipient’s address and pay for purchases at the checkout. The rest will be done by the store: putting the gift in a beautiful paper, making a card and delivering to the recipient.

2 - Saudi Arabia

If you like the story of Grinch who stole Christmas, and always wanted to ban the celebration, go to Saudi Arabia as its one of the best places to do so. In the most conservative Muslim country of the world the birth of baby Jesus is not celebrated, and sometimes persecute those who try to do it. The religious police periodically withdraw from stores thematic holiday’s greeting cards, and customs at the airport – Christmas ornaments. It sounds so awful, isn’t it?

The denial of any other religions in the country comes to the point that even aircraft are prohibited from flying over Mecca. For the simple reason that the shadow of the liner has a cross shape and fell to Kabbah, can defile it, so this sounds to be such a pity for the Christian popularity of the country which is a minority.

3 - Algeria

Well, the flag of the country which has a moon and a star on it speaks up of itself. Those who want quiet Christmas meet in Algeria do not pursue, but in the country, 99% of which adhere to Islam, this holiday is celebrated not accepted and some of it may still seem like an insult to Islam. For example, when a couple of years ago, reindeer, harnessed to a sleigh, carrying a Santa Claus, suddenly appeared on the main street of the Algerian capital, some passers-by a desire to pounce on the masks with his fists. Although the alleged eyewitnesses, in recent years in the country have become very popular Christmas cookies and the only Christian in the parish of the country, even spend the festive liturgy. But other signs of Christmas here to search are not worth it and its better not to organize something as it might be very dangerous.

4 - Iran

Despite the fact that the Iranian streets still are caught indecently dressed women, and along with the men who dared to something to stand out from the crowd, religious taboos in the country is not as strong as it is expected to be. In some places they even arrange “Christmas” sales; well of course the store managers explain it with the fact of the end of the year.
Typical picture is a showcase of expensive clothes shores, where there are mannequins in traditional Hijab, but right next to it is a hug amount of sparkling Christmas tree lights. Perhaps this is due to the fact that it was from Persia, two thousand years ago, that 3 Wisemen came to welcome the birth of blessed son, and therefore completely ignoring the holiday does not work.

5 - Thailand

Once in Thailand, you are likely to simply forget that this is the time for Christmas, and at the same time New Year. It is difficult to think about the Christmas tree and Santa Claus, when the temperature is increasing on the street up to 30 degrees, and instead of snowing outside the window, all you can see is a sparkling warm emerald sea.

Of course, the hotels always organize a special dinner, but if you go to the city, it turns out that it lives the usual bustling about Christmas and nobody thinks about it. However, Thais are not always averse of celebrating; even the public holidays here are 14, almost twice as much as in some of the countries. So, for example, the local schoosl may be visited by elephants, dressed in red and white caps, and make a presentation to the distribution of gifts. And in Bangkok, you can admire the Santa made of condoms, which is not the first year to be presented next to the entrance of one of the restaurants as a symbol of the fight against AIDS.

6 - Nepal

If the tourist part of India at Christmas is all shining with the glittering garlands, and the windows are decorated with small Christmas trees, then in neighboring Nepal on a holiday there’s nothing to remind anyone about the Christmas spirit present here except of the date on your mobile phone. At 12 o’clock at night in the city will be as dark and quiet as nowhere else in the world, and local residents will sleep, not even knowing that in many countries at this time the street lights are burning and there is a flowing crowd of many thousands of people. The country inhabitants even travel to the neighboring countries to take part in glamorous parties of the Christmas.

7 - Turkey

As in many Muslim countries, Turkey is not widely spread custom to meet Christmas, but Turks are rather religiously tolerant. The country is hosting a lot of Christian population to meet Christmas in some of their resort places. There are many cases where the first Muslim neighbors graciously accept from Christian neighbors Easter eggs, and then those same neighbors are Christians happily eat rah-at delight at the day, which marks the end of Ramadan.
But, according to recent studies of Turkish scholars, the tradition of prank up the tree just came from ancestors of the Turks. True, they decked it on 22 December, the winter solstice, which is esteemed by them as a “feast of rebirth. A Christmas tree is, in turn, was considered a “tree of life”.

8 - North Korea

It also happens that the policy is stronger than religion and everything that is happening in that country is all controlled by the police. For example, in North Korea the only person to celebrate Christmas is the great secrecy, because the only permissible holidays are gone birthday of Kim Il Sung and now Kim Jong Il’s ruling. So you just cannot have any kind of parties for that day to be associated with any kind of Christmas traditions. Yes, and calendar here is not on the birth of Christ, but from the birth of Kim Il Sung. However, the chance to get a tourist in Korea is very small. And this year the country is, in principle, closed its borders from November to mid January.

9 - China
Christmas in China is not officially celebrated, but the tradition to decorate anything and everything on the eve of the festival has established itself here as a presentation of the year. Though even the New Year celebrated here is different from the one celebrated in Western countries. Even palm trees are getting decorated and waiters of the restaurants and shops sellers often put on the red and white caps. What really is surprising? This country is more than half of Christmas toys for the whole world and of course, such abundance, combined with a love of Chinese to bright colors, could not affect the local traditions.

10 - Many tropical island excluding 'Philippines'

And you can just rent any suitable tropical island or visit one of them if the financial afford allow you to do so. Proposals, launched with about 10 000 dollars per week are good enough. Oh, this is the place where Santa Claus with his reindeer presents and other Christmas tinsel just does not get to. Though “Philippines” – was exempted since the country has the world’s longest and happiest Christmas which starts September - “BER” months and follows all the way through January’s “Candelaria” or blessings of the candles celebration.

• Reference/Source: travelvivi.com by by L.K.

10 of the Most Delectable Filipino Native Delicacies

Filipino native delicacies, known as kakanin, are popular snack foods that are usually served as merienda or desserts. Kakanin are native delicacies made of malagkit (glutinous rice), which comes in two varieties: the first-class variety that is sweet, rounded and white and the regular variety that is longish and translucent. The word kakanin is derived from kanin, Tagalog for rice. The three basic ingredients are malagkit or glutinous rice, coconut milk or gata, and sugar.

Filipinos love of kakanin can be traced way back pre-colonial times when our ancestors used suman as offering to gods and visitors. I remember when I was a child and used to help my Inang, a native of Bulacan, grind soaked glutinous rice in a huge grindstone (gilingang bato) to make galapong to be used in making sapin-sapin or kalamay or bibingka. We used to spend hours in this process and usually need to take turns with my cousins to finish grinding several kilos of malagkit to be used in making sapind-sapin or kalamay or other kakanin depending on the occasion. My Inang wanted to do it the traditional way even if milling services are available, just as her mother and grandmother used to do it.

Kakanin are usually present on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and fiesta. No celebration is complete without these kakanin being served in the table. They are especially popular during the Holiday Season and since Christmas and New Year is just around the bend, let’s take a delicious look at 10 of the Most Delectable Filipino Native Delicacies.

1 - Sapin-Sapin

Sapin-Sapin is a native dessert made from glutinous rice flour, purple yam or ube, coconut cream and sugar. It is a multilayer rice cake with different colors usually white, yellow and purple. The texture is very fine and should melt in your mouth without spending much time chewing it. It is topped with latik.

2 - Biko

Biko is a Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. Traditionally, this delicious rice cake is placed over banana leaves in a bilao and garnished with latik on top. Other variations of biko will have a custard like topping or matamis na bao (caramel like topping) instead of latik.

3 - Kalamay-Hati

Kalamy-hati is a native kakanin or rice cake made from ground sticky rice, sugar, mascuvado, coconut milk and sesame seeds. It is brownish in color and is very sticky that you will almost spend your whole time chewing it. It’s not easy to prepare as you have to spend around 2 hours cooking it with continuous stirring to achieve the tough-leathery texture (makunat). It is usually stored inside empty coconut husk or bao.

4 - Suman

Suman is a famous kakanin made from glutinous rice and usually wrapped tightly in leaves. The leaf wrapper—banana, palm, buri or pandan—varies according to locality. Filipinos have been making suman since pre-colonial times. Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian scholar and explorer who travelled with Ferdinand Magellan, provides the first description of suman in historical records which he observed “were wrapped in leaves and were made in somewhat longish pieces.”

5 - Kutsinta

Kutsinta is another native delicacy that is sweet, sticky, and golden brown rice pudding that is made from ground malagkit. Achuete is used for coloring and lye is added to improve its texture. The kutsinta ingredients are put into molds and steamed for 15 minutes. It is usually served with freshly grated coconut.

6 - Palitaw

Palitaw is made from ground glutinous rice and sugar and got its name from the manner it is cooked. It is quite easy and fun to make as all you have to do is form into small balls the ground malagkit and flatten with fingers to form tongues. Drop in boiling water, when they float (lumitaw or lumutang), skim and drop in cold water. Drain and roll in mixed grated coconut, sugar and sesame seed mixture and you’re done!

7 - Puto

Puto is a steamed rice muffin made from galapong or rice flour. It is traditi onally in plain white color but adding ube (purple yam) or pandan can create variations in flavor and color. It is usually being sold with kutsinta but Filipinos love to eat puto together with Dinuguan. A more recent variation of puto is the Puto Pao that has a meat filling just like the Siopao.

8 - Espasol

Espasol is a type of rice cake that is made of rice flour cooked in coconut milk. This cylindrically shaped treat originated from the Province of Laguna. Cooking the glutinous rice flour, sugar and toasted grated coconut mixture usually takes an hour as the mixture needs to become really thick to achieve the right consistency. Once cooled, it is then cut into desired size and rolled over dusted sweet rice flour until a cylindrical shape is formed.

9 - Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong is traditionally made from a special variety of heirloom sticky or glutinous rice called Pirurutong which has a distinctly purple color, soaked in salted water and dried overnight and then poured into bumbong or bamboo tubes and then steamed until done or steam rises out of the bamboo tubes. It is served topped with butter or margarine and shredded coconut mixed with sugar. It is a favorite among church goers, along with Bibingka, during Simbang Gabi or Christmas Eve Mass.

10 - Bibingka

Bibingka is a most sought after kakanin during Christmas Season traditionally served w ith salabat and sold alongside Puto Bumbong. It is a round rice cake made with galapong, sugar and coconut milk. It is cooked in a banana leaf-lined clay pan , with coals underneath and on top. It is topped with salted duck eggs or itlog na maalat and kesong puti. Once cooked it is brushed with butter, and is garnished with sugar and grated coconut and is served while hot.

About Marvs Correa, the author
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