Rich Filipino culture & cuisine

Delicious regional Filipino cuisine by Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016 Margarita Forés and our rich culture and heritage were showcased during the launch of Islas Pinas, an indoor Filipino food and heritage village at the DoubleDragon Plaza in Pasay City. This will definitely be a new go-to destination for both local and international guests, especially for  balikbayans craving for different types of Filipino food.

Islas Pinas, a collaboration between the DoubleDragon Group and chef Margarita Forés, was conceptualized to showcase Filipino culture, to discover and experience the heritage sites of the Philippines (in a smaller scale) and to taste Filipino cuisine all under one roof. It features everything from a jeepney to a vinta and was designed by interior designer Lara Fernandez Barrios of Larawan Ink, an architecture, interior and design firm.

During the Islas Pinas launch, Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild performed tinikling, Ifugao banga dance and La Jota Manila against the beautiful backdrop of a mini-replica of the Banaue Rice Terraces.

The food and heritage village has a 700-person seating capacity in a large 2,500-sq.-m. space. Its different sections include Sinag (ray of light), which offers all-day Filipino breakfast favorites (the longganisang hubad was amazing!); Alamat (legend), which tells the story of the different regions of the Philippines through its signature dishes; Bilao (woven winnowing basket), which  serves desserts as well as pancit; Panaderya that offers Filipino baked goods such as pan de ube; Tusok-tusok (to prick on a stick), which offers urban street food like isaw; Panulak (beverage) where samalamig (cold drinks with different flavors) will be available. Pampang (shore) will allow guests to enjoy chosen fresh catch cooked to their preference. Do check out the taho and balut vendors walking around!

DoubleDragon chief investment officer Hannah Yulo said, “DoubleDragon has always believed in embarking on projects with relevance. We believe Islas Pinas will be a landmark in the country, and will showcase the diversity not only of our cuisine and handicrafts but also our landscape and architecture brought about by the rich heritage and culture of the country.”

Forés’ mission is to bring Filipino cuisine to global prominence and Islas Pinas is a vision coming to life for her.  She said, “This is an absolute dream project for me that has come at such a perfect time. I give my thanks to then Undersecretary of Agriculture, now Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, for putting me together with the DoubleDragon group, who was looking for someone to operate this amazing Islas Pinas project about half a year ago. This fast-tracked such a blessed opportunity to continue pushing my biggest advocacy — that of helping to promote the best our country — our cuisine, ingredients, farers, artisan producers and home cooks from Batanes to Jolo in the best way I can!”

Check out Islas Pinas and experience the wonders the Philippines has to offer.