As food documentaries turn the spotlight on international cuisines — including Filipino food — people are scrambling to find authentic, well-made Pinoy dishes.

Foodies can troop over to Resorts World Manila, the Philippines’ first integrated tourism destination, which has consistently received recognition for championing the Filipino in the fields of entertainment, hospitality and food, to take their taste buds on a trip around the country through RWM’s signature restaurants and hotels.

RWM’s partner hotels range from international marquee brands such as the Marriott Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Hilton Manila and Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, to local homegrown brands such as the Belmont Hotel Manila and Savoy Hotel Manila and RWM’s very own Maxims Hotel.

“I’ve worked as a chef in several hotels — including five-star brands — around the world,” said Chef Mario Manaloto of Silogue, an RWM signature restaurant. “I’m glad that by working for a company like RWM, I am able to prepare meals that are truly Filipino for both my kababayans, as well as for foreigners.”

Silogue, which is dedicated to Filipino comfort food, has a vast array of Filipino offerings, including an all-day, all-Filipino buffet. It has proven to be very popular with RWM guests — many of whom are experiencing Filipino food for the first time there.

Proving that the appeal and mastery of Filipino cuisine goes beyond nationality, chef Paul Stoks, the Dutch chef of S Kitchen by Sheraton Manila Hotel has developed a deep appreciation for Filipino cooking techniques as he immersed himself in the culinary traditions of several Philippine regions.

The result of the combination of his European background with a thorough immersion in the local culture is a remarkable proficiency in Tagalog and what may be the crispiest, most tender lechon ever. S Kitchen’s empanada is a study in creativity, combining the rich fattiness of sisig with the sharp tang of Kapampangan longganisain a delicate pastry shell.

Kusina, Hilton Manila’s all-day dining restaurant, unabashedly embraces the Filipino dining experience. The all-day buffet includes an heirloom Kare-Kare recipe from its executive sous chef’s grandmother.

Taking advantage of its location in Manila’s busiest airport terminal, The Manila Life Café by Marriott Hotel Manila showcases Filipino cuisine to millions of tourists every day, including its Manila Sunrise platter and Pancit Luglug.

The Belmont Hotel’s Café Belmont takes diners to a jaunt to the famed grilleries of the Negros Islands with its smoky and tangy Chicken Inasal. It also serves an impossibly crisp and tender Crispy Pata.

Guests can indulge in town fiesta favorites Menudo sa Puti and the Pakbet con Bagnet at the Savoy Hotel Manila. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City takes a similar route with its lip-smacking Binagoongan, with the sharp flavors the shrimp paste infusing the fatty chunks of choice-cut pork belly.

Maxims Hotel’s two restaurants, the Terrace and Café Maxims both offer sweet endings with the Halo-Halo and Bibingka.

RWM recently partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for a sustained promotion of Philippine heritage cuisine.

“I’m very happy that we have the private sector like Resorts World Manila as partnering for the celebration of the Filipino Food Month. It shows that people today especially in the private sector are interested in being part of the government’s efforts for the society,” said NCCA executive director Rico Pableo Jr. Follow RWM on its official social media pages for updates on its efforts to promote Philippine cuisine and culture. Download the RWM Mobile App or visit www.rwmanila.com for more information.

As part of the Hotel’s celebration of its fifth anniversary, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila presents the Philippine debut of premiere pizza acrobat, chef Pasqualino Barbasso, who performs at the hotel from 28 August to 5 September.

Chef Pasqualino hails from Palermo in Sicily, where he developed his skills as a pizzaiolo as part of his family’s tradition. He is a two-time World Champion of Pizza Acrobatics, and recently completed tours showcasing his talent at the Marco Polo Hongkong, Niccolo Chongqing and Niccolo Changsha. With over 25 years of pizza-making experience, chef Pasqualino heads a pizza school in Italy, where he champions the art and intricacies of making this beloved culinary staple.

He has showcased his acrobatic talents in restaurants across the world, including Brazil, the United States of America, India, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Argentina. Chef Pasqualino is set to enthrall the young and the young-at-heart with his wacky pizza stunts when he visits Cucina for La Vida Italia from 28 August to 15 September. For more information and reservations, please call (02) 7207720 or email restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com.

Since 2009, SaladStop! has been spreading the goodness of healthy eating through its selection of hearty salads, wraps and warm grain bowls. Every so often, a new addition to the menu comes along and this season’s limited edition salad is inspired by the Asian palate.

The new Kokoro warm grain bowl is available at SaladStop! outlets from 5 to 31 August 2019.

The bowl consists of nourishing grains, such as quinoa and brown rice. A boost of protein comes from a generous serving of baked salmon; while carrots, romaine lettuce and cabbage add to its nutritional value. It also gets its crunch from sunflower seeds and sweet corn. A furikake seasoning and sesame lime dressing lend some Japanese flavors to the Asian-themed dish.

Kokoro means ‘heart’ in Japanese, which is a fitting descriptor for the grains that make this bowl. Grains are essential to a healthy diet, as they provide dietary fiber, and help reduce blood cholesterol levels, as well as lower the risk of heart disease in the long run. Whole grains also aid in digestion and provide the feeling of fullness but with fewer calories.

In its 10-year history, SaladStop! has been getting its diners to switch to a good way of eating, presenting them with a new approach to ‘fast food.’

The all-new Kokoro warm grain bowl is available in all SaladStop! locations, except Ayala Tower 1, starting August 5. The Kokoro warm grain bowl is available for a limited time only.