Mirsbin’s Kitchen

Filipinos have this knack for beating world records, there’s the biggest bowl of salad, longest griller and other records that I wish not to recall. While I was in Baguio, I was able to witness the longest Longganiza being paraded by 700 students. They assembled at 6:00 AM last September 30 and paraded the longganiza up to Session Road where they danced and waited for the ceremonies.

The longganiza has a total length of 4.5 kilometers. They had to cut it down to 3 kilometers since nobody could hold the other 1 kilometer already.

I wonder what’s the next record will be.

I met Claude Tayag when Micky was supposed to review a resto in SM Manila. It was also the first time that I met Myrna Segismundo (she later on became another mentor on food and cooking). It was a rowdy bunch, I enjoyed a lot of their stories, and they often told me I was the quiet one. Later on, I would see Claude and his wife Mary Anne (Darleng) during several events hosted by the 9501.

I would often hear Micky about how nice his house was. Before going to Baguio, I was fortunate to have visited his house. I definitely agree that it was unique, different and beautiful. You’ll notice how each detail was carefully added through the years.

Aside from the house, they served local food. We had Pistu, Pendang Damulag, Longaniza, Kilain, some kind of empanada, tamales and suman. Plus hot cocoa and freshly brewed coffee. They were very hospitable. And the ambiance and the experience was truly nice.

Micky texted me Sunday afternoon. “Pack your bags, we’re going to Baguio”. I was overjoyed! I couldn’t contain my excitement, I wanted to skip Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday I was dropped off at the ELJCC entrance. Never in my entire 6 years in ABS was I greeted by a butler. The butler asked for my bags and was asked to go to the 14th floor to have breakfast and meet with the other guests for the Baguio trip.

 I wasn’t hungry yet, I had to skip breakfast prepared by the kitchen of Resto 9501 at the 14th floor. Raul greeted me and showed me his Gladiola creations at the dining room. Micky told me, good that you’re skipping breakfast. We’re going to Claude Tayags house for brunch! It was a really good surprise since I’ve always wanted to eat there. I was starting to wonder the other surprises the I would encounter in this 5 day Baguio trip. I was sure though that there will be a lot of eating, drinking and laughter.

 check out the photos in my flickr

after almost a moth of unplanned hiatus, i’m finally back. i’m just preparing all the stuff that i’ve encountered at the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Weekend in Baguio. I’ll talk about the competitions held at the Baguio Country Club, the food tasting, the wining and dining and the good company at the Manor and at the Country Club. Plus the 3.5 kilometer longaniza parade at session road. Do drop by again tomorrow as I finish fixing the photos that i took.