Cebu: Zubuchon lechon is Anthony Bourdain's best roasted pig in the world!

The best lechon in the Philippines may be found in Cebu. And Cebu as the producer of the best whole roasted pig in the world has found an endorser in Anthony Bourdain who had ranked the Philippines as his top pick in the hierarchy of pork, dislodging Bali and Puerto Rico from the top slots!

So what lechon did Anthony Bourdain get to taste when he was in Cebu which made him declare such? Well, we found out during our trip that Market Manila served his own Zubuchon lechon. And the great thing about Zubuchon lechon is that it's available for sale to the public (while supplies last).


A kilo sells for Php450. They serve it fresh, or if you plan to bring it to Manila, frozen and properly boxed up, very convenient to bring as carry-on luggage.

There are two branches. One is in the Banilad Town Center. And the other is at the Mactan Airport Pre-Departure Area. But they only sell it at the Mactan Airport beginning at 4 p.m. until supplies last.

I got to taste the Zubuchon lechon while in Cebu. The skin itself is crispy and packed with so much flavor. Even the meat of the Zubuchon lechon is so rich in flavor, there's no need for the usual sarsa.

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Bohol: Danao and the Dagohoy Rebellion

Who is Francisco Dagohoy? Do you know his significance in Philippine history? Dagohoy led the longest revolt in Philippine history, the Dagohoy Rebellion, from 1744 to 1829. I'm sure most of us learned that from our grade school textbooks. We all know he's from Bohol and that the revolt was in Bohol. But it was only when I visited Danao did I realize that I was standing on the ground which served as the headquarters of the Dagohoy Rebellion.

Magtangtang in Danao was said to be the headquarters or hideout of Dagohoy during the revolt. People in Danao were telling us stories about the Francisco Dagohoy Cave which was his main headquarters. It is said that hundreds of Dagohoy’s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site. But unfortunately, like in many places of historical interest, stupid treasure hunters imagined that there was gold or valuable objects in the cave, and did irreversible damage to it.


Today, a statue of Francisco Dagohoy stands in Magtangtang, Danao, a few minutes from the Danao Adventure Park, a silent reminder to the heroism of the Boholanos. The Dagohoy Marker was installed by the Philippine Historical Committee (now NHI) in 1953 to honor his heroism.

Danao Adventure Park
E.A.T. Danao's Plunge, the only canyon swing in the Philippines!
Danao Adventure Park's E.A.T. Danao
Spelunking at Danao Adventure Park's Kamira Cave

Bohol: Organic farm tour in Danao, Bohol

Aside from the Danao Adventure Park, among the activities in Danao, Bohol are visits to an organic farm. Our accommodation, the Jose L. Gonzaga Farmers Foundation, Inc. (JLGFFI), was in fact situated in an organic farm. Which is why we enjoyed fresh greens during our stay there.

We had fresh lettuce for our salads and basil for our pasta. There's a supply of rosemary for roast chicken or tarragon for tea. Plus we had a constant supply of freshly-picked mint leaves for our mojito night!

Jose L. Gonzaga Farmers Foundation, Inc.
Ian Gonzaga (0917) 3252426
Php300/person per night

They also arrange airport and ferry terminal transfers to Danao and meals. Ask about their custom-made tour packages to the Danao Adventure Park. And I highly-recommend that you have them arrange your visit to Danao.