Tacloban's Food Trip

Last December 2013, we went to Tacloban for a project. We saw firsthand the painful devastation of Typhoon Yolanda. While we wallow in sadness, we were also confronted with the realisation that there were simple joys that we take for granted because they have become regular fixtures in our lives. It was truly humbling. 

Last week, more than 100 days after Typhoon Yolanda struck, we came back to Tacloban to shoot the ABS-CBN Summer SID for 2014 with anchor Ted Failon and reporter Atom Araullo.  I can say it's a better time. Although the traces of devastation were still very much apparent, the people were slowly getting back on their feet again. 

When we visited the first time, food from relief is almost the everyday staple.  There's no cold water, no electricity. Even softdrinks were sky high. But now, restaurants are operational, the local market is bustling, more parts of the province are powered by electricity and the streets are cleaner. We also discovered some good food, which, as Mr. Ted Failon mentioned, were good indications of "moving on."

Let me share with you some of our food finds in Tacloban. 

1. Seafoods at Ocho's

Scallops at Ocho

We were there for three days and two nights. And we ate every single day at Ocho's. It's a restaurant that serves good seafoods.  My favorites were calamares, which was fried to crunchy perfection. Grilled scallops, grilled fish and grilled chicken also won my heart. And their apan-apan, a dish of kangkong stalks sautéed in garlic with special spicy sauce, is worthy of a mention.

Where to get it? Trece Martirez Street, Tacloban City, Leyte

2. Tacloban's Lechon

Tacloban's lechon

Since I don't eat pork, I just felt elated for my companions who tried Tacloban's famous Lechon. Those who sampled it said that it's tasty and juicy.  The difference of this lechon from the others we've seen in the past was it doesn't come with a liver sauce.  It's just dipped in vinegar. And they don't usually pair with rice but with boiled gabi or taro. Mr. Failon, a native of Tacloban where he also served as a congressman, pointed out that the return of the lechon in the streets of Leyte is proof of better times ahead. 

Where to get it? Real St., Tacloban, Leyte

3. Chocolate Moron

Chocolate Moron

It's a delicacy much like the suman. Also wrapped in banana leaves, it's ground rice flavored with cocoa and cooked in coconut milk. Now you don't need a chocolate dip for your suman. It's heaven for a sweet tooth like me. 

Where to get it? Tacloban Public Market, Tarcela St., Tacloban City