Food tours are one of my favorite types of tours, because like music, food can bring different cultures together. In 2007, I had the privilege of co-developing Viajeng Cucinang Matua (VCM), or Old Kitchen Tours. It is the first regular public food tour of Pampanga, a province not very far from Manila also regarded by many as the culinary capital of the Philippines.

I started the tour with two other friends who not only promotes responsible travel but has a love for country. We didn’t make VCM just to make money. In fact, it was very far from our objective.

What we had in mind was simple. The goal was to create a food tour that 1) Doesnt exist yet. 2) You cannot replicate on your own to give value to those who attend it. 3.)Promotes the culture and heritage of Pampanga 4.) Supports and enables the local trade industry.

What we wanted was to re-introduce Pampanga as a culinary haven because people knew it but they didn’t experience it. From then on, many other similar tours started to flourish in Pampanga, it’s culinary culture is being promoted and the industry is flourishing – a job well done.

This year, Ilocos Norte opens its doors to the first ever regular public food tour of Ilocos – Makan Ti Amianan or Food from the North. We will be visiting local delicacy factories, market places, and even enjoy heritage areas while enjoying authentic Ilocano food.

click the image to enlarge :D

Aside from a weekend of food fun, we expect people to appreciate culture in the North, know why you shoudn’t eat Pinakbet during your birthday and what the secret is behind crispy bagnet.

The debut run will be on April 29-May 2. This is a weekend trip. The bus leaves Manila on Friday evening and back Monday daybreak so you don’t really need to take a leave from work.

Makan Ti Amianan is brought to you by Travel Tales Inc.  As for me, I continue to promote responsible travel, fair trade, and cultural identity.