2023

If 2022 was all about revenge, 2023 was the year where almost everything felt back to normal. Most of us chose to move on and adapt to the "new normal" after three peculiar years (which felt like a lifetime). With this newfound sense of freedom and relief, we revisited old habits while incorporating pandemic-inspired changes. The result? A bit weird, to say the least.

It’s Starting to Look Like 2019…

The pandemic never quite left us, to be honest. In fact, I found myself infected again in the first half of the year after a holiday. Thankfully, the symptoms were generally mild, allowing me to carry on as if it wasn't a big deal. While it clearly wasn't severe for me, COVID-19 remains a disruptive virus with the potential to cause long COVID in vulnerable individuals. Needless to say, we're all exhausted by the whole situation. We've recovered, and now it's time to ask ourselves, "Where the hell do we go from here?"

I still don't have the answer to that question, and 2023 has been a year that occasionally defies logic. The urge for self-preservation persists, and at this point, we're all just winging it—pretending that "weird" has become the new normal.

But first, let's travel. We still have some catching up to do.

Travel

We traveled more than usual in 2023, continuing the theme of "revenge travel" and embracing a newfound desire to explore the region. Despite flights becoming more expensive, we finally took advantage of the miles we'd accumulated over the years.

Southeast Asia

Living on this side of the world is truly wonderful. Our move back to the Philippines in 2018 (though it was more like 2019 for me) has proven to be an excellent decision. Southeast Asia is brimming with excitement and promise. My recent trips to Hanoi, Bali, and Bangkok rekindled my love for the region's beauty, cuisine, and people. The diversity is awe-inspiring—there's always something for everyone to enjoy.

Bangkok

We kicked off the year with a visit to Bangkok, which is fast becoming one of our favorite destinations. A mere three-hour flight from Manila transports you to a tourist-friendly metropolis, boasting fascinating architecture amid a vast urban landscape. I'd actually recommend Bangkok as a starting point for friends planning to explore the region.

January is an ideal time to visit, with its mild weather. For this trip, Rica and I stayed in Sukhumvit, an area we're quite familiar with. Given our previous visits, we opted for a laid-back itinerary centered around shopping and dining—often combining the two. We indulged in daily massages, a true Bangkok luxury. We did, however, venture out to explore the much-hyped Jodd Fairs night market, which lived up to its reputation. And of course, no Bangkok trip is complete without a visit to the ever-vibrant Chatuchak market—it never disappoints.

Singapore

I used to travel to Singapore for work in the early 2000s and developed a fondness for this modern, prosperous city with its great food. Almost all my memories of travel in the city revolved around cuisine (except for that time I watched an Oasis concert with friends). While we have many friends who call Singapore home, we often choose other countries for holidays. This could change with our children in the future, given Singapore's kid-friendly nature.

Thanks to Netflix, Formula One racing has gained popularity. Even I jumped on the bandwagon after watching the series, rooting for Red Bull and their rivalry with Mercedes. You could say their investment in producing that show paid off—my high school friends suggested we visit Singapore for the F1 weekend and watch the race. I didn't hesitate. Besides, a trip to the city was long overdue.

Singapore keeps improving from an infrastructure standpoint. I was impressed by how nice Changi Airport was, giving me a severe case of airport (and country) envy. It was also easy to move around the city, thanks to Grab and the public transit system. Everything just worked, putting many North American cities to shame.

We were there for F1, and while I didn't know what to expect, I was thrilled to experience the night race in person. There was something exhilarating about hearing those engines roar across the city. The event was well-organized for us non-paddock spectators too. Ironically, this turned out to be a race Red Bull didn't win, but it was still exciting to rush towards the podium and celebrate with the race winners. I highly recommend it.

Overall, my trip was quite short. Still, I managed to hang out with Quark, whose wife recently gave birth, and my long-lost friend Danda, who has made Singapore her home (and gave me a tour of her neighborhood). I should really consider Singapore more for future trips.

China

I never really thought I'd visit China anytime soon, although I'd heard plenty about it from friends who'd been there. They raved about the food (as one would expect!) and described it as a unique experience compared to other East Asian countries. It took an invitation from one of our work partners to finally check this country off my must-visit list—thanks to Huawei for inviting us to their campus in August.

China is truly fascinating. This particular trip took us to Guangdong, its most populous province, and I was blown away by how deeply technology is integrated into their cities. Known as the "factory of the world," I saw massive facilities on the outskirts as well as LED-laden buildings in cities like Guangzhou and Dongguan (which is more of a suburb, akin to Palo Alto in the States).

What struck me most was the ubiquity of electric cars, offering a glimpse into the future for the rest of the world. Huawei even demoed one of their cars to us, and I was impressed by all the tech involved. I can hardly recall seeing a gas station during my visit. The city was incredibly connected—you could do almost everything with your phone. China seemed to be living in the future, and I was in awe of the scale of it all.

The Huawei campus itself is something else. Situated in Dongguan, it's home to over 25,000 employees, set against a backdrop of European-inspired buildings (more like castles) connected by a tram system. I later learned these are exact replicas of their European counterparts. It's also adjacent to Songshan Lake. The campus currently houses their research and development facilities, which made sense as we were there for the company's Developer Conference (held in a stadium elsewhere). Having never attended Google or Apple conferences, I guess this was the closest I'd get to experiencing one—and it was quite fun.

I was only there for four days and three nights, but it was enough to leave a strong impression. I'm still curious to visit other cities like Shanghai and Beijing. I'll be back—provided they grant me a visa, of course!

South Korea

South Korea's soft-power push has been incredibly successful, with its culture reaching ubiquity worldwide. The Philippines, which saw an influx of South Koreans starting in the late '90s, has embraced the food, beauty, and entertainment norms of this East Asian country. While the idea of visiting Seoul itself was always on our minds, Japan often took precedence when it came to travel plans.

It took a healthy amount of soon-to-expire miles to make Seoul our next destination. Although we'd considered scaling back on "big" international trips with our children, we realized Seoul would be perfect, given its abundance of kid-friendly attractions.

We spent five days and four nights in South Korea, covering considerable ground. Following friends' recommendations, we opted for a spacious serviced apartment in the Jongno area, minutes away from the Myeongdong shopping district where we'd spend our evenings. The nearby Cheonggyecheon stream was beautiful, though we were surprised by the unseasonably warm fall weather—which, as it turned out, would drop drastically a week later.

As first-timers in the country, we signed up for tours and attractions. These took us to the Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island, where we captured plenty of family photos amidst autumn colors. We kept our social media posting to a minimum, though Rica's misplaced phone added some unexpected drama. Thanks to our kind tour guide and his colleagues, we recovered it the following day.

Our New York days had gifted us with global connections. My former colleague Hong, now back in Seoul, has found success as a startup influencer and founder alongside his wife. Reconnecting with old friends and witnessing their post-New York lives was a joy. I'm immensely proud of Hong's achievements, including his recent wedding. He shared his plans to return to the US, and we couldn't resist peppering him with questions about K-Pop and Physical 100.

We planned this trip with our children in mind, seeking out kid-friendly activities. For the first time, we turned to TikTok and YouTube for travel suggestions. This led us to Cali Club, a kids' cafe where our children had a blast. We appreciated that parents had their own space while kids expended energy in the sprawling play area. Our children are becoming seasoned travelers, though one night's 30,000-step adventure left poor Max in tears—a reminder to pace ourselves!

Overall, it was a comfortable trip. South Korea's robust tourism infrastructure made a world of difference, especially when traveling with children. Klook proved invaluable in securing our arrangements, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable family vacation.

Taipei

My wife and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary this year, and we wanted to make it special by venturing beyond Manila. Despite December being the most expensive time to travel from the Philippines, we pushed through with our plans to honor a decade together—expenses be damned. We ultimately settled on a short trip to Taipei.

Major East and Southeast Asian cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taipei offer remarkably similar travel experiences. With efficient, sprawling airports and well-developed public transport and tourism infrastructure, it's easy to enjoy yourself without hassle. In fact, once you've visited any of these cities, you'll find yourself navigating them with surprising ease. Each boasts its own shopping, restaurant, hipster, business, and historical districts. While this might sound homogeneous, the beauty lies in the subtle yet significant differences unique to each city.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Taipei. We chose a hotel a few blocks from Taipei 101 in the Xinyi district, granting us access to an excellent subway system and several intriguing restaurants. During our brief three-day visit, we explored Zhongzheng for shopping and Da'an for its culinary offerings. I was particularly taken with the Datong area, home to massive Japanese malls and charming streets lined with small retailers and quaint stores. It bordered a lengthy park that seamlessly blended into a larger mall complex. The December weather was a welcome respite from Manila's lingering humidity.

Our overall impression of the people, culture, and food (more on this later) was overwhelmingly positive. We're eager to return and see more of Taiwan. Three days and two nights in the city provided an excellent sampling—just enough to pique our curiosity about what else Taiwan has to offer.

The United Kingdom

I finally had a legitimate excuse to visit the United Kingdom for the first time, thanks to the London Marathon in April. Europe has always been a curious destination for me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore more of the continent as I get older. While the UK might not be in my top 5 European countries to visit, it's definitely a must-see destination before I kick the bucket.

As Filipinos, we've been exposed to both sides of the English-speaking Atlantic in terms of culture. I grew up appreciating Nirvana and Blur simultaneously. The same goes for TV shows—we watched syndicated UK programs on cable and American ones on free TV. Our nation's history naturally inclined us toward the USA, but we understood and often identified with what we saw and read in UK media. I think that's how the English-speaking world generally works.

The timing was perfect, as we arrived just days before King Charles's coronation. Although we didn't stay long enough to witness it, there was an air of festivity in the city as it prepared for the ceremony (despite the jaded yet valid criticism of the monarchy). It was fascinating to see a country honor its traditions and heritage.

I didn't know what to expect from the UK when we arrived in spring. I'd heard about the melancholy weather and knew they drove on the "other" side of the road. What I discovered was a wonderful—albeit shockingly expensive—country to visit. It was truly worth it.

We spent thirteen days in London and its surrounding suburbs. While a multi-country trip might have been ideal, given the thousands of miles we'd traveled, the UK (or more specifically, England, or even just Greater London) had so much to offer.

Our first few days were spent acclimating to London's rainy spring. We initially stayed in Kensington, close to the marathon finish line (we booked through a Marathon Tour Operator). Our hotel's proximity to a tube station made it easy to explore the city. We also enjoyed being near charming gardens, museums, a Nando's branch, and of course, Hyde Park.

I checked out Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's exhibit at The Design Museum and was impressed by his body of work—the gallery did justice to the subject matter. I also relished access to proper bookstores like Waterstones and smaller shops that helped me discover books I hadn't known about (which I ended up enjoying). Like New York City, London's neighborhoods each had distinct personalities. The accessible public transportation system was a huge plus—being able to pay for subway tickets with a credit/debit card was incredibly convenient.

For a single-country European trip, we kept ourselves busy appreciating what the UK had to offer while leaving enough unseen to make us wonder what else there was to explore. We were fortunate to stay with my wife's friend outside the city and experience the English countryside in Surrey Hills. While this might not fit the commuter's definition of "countryside," we were delighted by the rolling hills and lush greenery—a stark contrast to the city's buildings. We even managed a day trip to the White Cliffs of Dover, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

I can confidently say that I loved our time in the UK. London proved to be fascinating with its diverse neighborhoods, rich culture, and friendly people. I'd love to return—next time with a sturdier umbrella!

Seeing More of the Philippines

Working for a company named after a popular place outside the capital means you're bound to find yourself summoned to the beautiful province of Palawan. I've had the chance to visit Palawan twice for our corporate headquarters, and it's always a delightful experience and a welcome change of scenery.

I've grown quite fond of Puerto Princesa. The food is surprisingly great, the people are friendly, and I love how compact the city center is. It's one of those rare cities where you can actually run to the airport—and I've done it multiple times! Having access to a beach just an hour's drive from the office is an incredible perk of the job.

I also revisited Baguio after four years, opting for public transport this time. It's one of those cities that remains largely unchanged, and I found myself missing its mild, cool November weather. While there for work, I ventured beyond the city limits, exploring other towns in the Benguet area like Atok and La Trinidad. I was thrilled to spend time with my friend Gabe, who settled there during the pandemic and has become the city's unofficial champion.

We wrapped up our travel year with a post-Christmas, pre-New Year's trip to Bohol. It was wonderful to see Panglao's tourism infrastructure developing further. We've been staying at the same resort since the mid-2010s. The only disappointment was our flight experience—delays cost us nearly a full day of travel, and we've vowed never to fly with that carrier again. On the bright side, the food was good, the amenities were excellent, and it was exciting to see more international tourists, especially Koreans, appreciating this gem of a destination.

There's still so much of the Philippines left to explore. I haven't made it to La Union or Siargao yet, mainly because we feel our kids are a bit too young for those destinations. I've promised myself to visit Iloilo after hearing such great things about the city. And of course, I'd love to revisit Cebu and Davao. If only there were more time!

Life

Eating In

We didn't spend as much time indoors compared to the previous three years. This meant fewer opportunities for me to cook at home, thanks to an abundance of activities elsewhere. Still, the mere act of cooking grounds me and provides an opportunity to not only feed my family but also explore new flavors. If it sounds good on paper, it should taste good too.

While everyone's raving about their air fryers, I'm still doing my usual business with the Instant Pot, now in its third year of service (these things are pretty durable). I still make my usual Siu Yuk, BBQ Ribs (with Sweet Baby Ray's—of course), chicken biryani (I now marinate my meat in yogurt for that creaminess), and multiple iterations of cheap primal cuts of pork or beef, cooked to near perfection.

One of my experiments was Instant Pot Milk Braised Pork, better known in Italy as Maiale al Latte. The New York Times published a recipe that was generally easy to follow. The dish, which uses milk as its quirky ingredient, is similar to Jamie Oliver's whole chicken braised in milk recipe (which went viral a while back). It's pretty simple: you braise the pork in the pot, add milk with some lemon and herbs, and dinner is served in two hours (including prep). The effort-to-flavor ratio for this dish was unbeatable, proving to be a great main alongside rice or bread—if you're feeling Italian. Also, once you reduce the sauce further, the curds turn into a gravy-like consistency that's quite addictive.

We also experimented a bit outside of the Instant Pot. My years in New York really trained me to favor simple recipes that generate a considerable amount of leftovers (which should keep well in the fridge). I must've roasted way too many spatchcocked birds (of course, they're best when fresh) and vacuum-sealed meat (I got a sealer and it's the best) for lazy days. My proximity to Palawan province also allowed me to enjoy some of their outstanding Danggit Lamayo at home, with apologies to my neighbors, of course. It was a year of practical cooking. We also discovered the joys of beef short ribs and have used this cut of meat for Filipino stews like Caldereta and comforting soups like Nilagang Baka. We've also been consistent with fish on Mondays, and we've grown accustomed to Tinapang Bangus for dinner—with salted egg and tomatoes, naturally.

Eating in has kept our health in check and our wallets happy. That being said, I actually think we ate out more in 2023 compared to previous years. Again, it's really just things feeling more like 2019 at this point.

Dining Out

2023 has been another thrilling culinary adventure for me, which partly explains my weight gain—though I'm sure aging has nothing to do with it. All my travels this year have introduced me to a delightful array of cuisines, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to sample such diverse flavors.

Philippines

The Philippine dining scene remains vibrant, with new restaurants taking over locations that shuttered during the pandemic and fresh dining hotspots emerging in Manila's neighborhoods. Despite promising myself to cook more at home (which I did), I couldn't resist exploring the culinary landscape.

Recent years have seen Filipinos embrace Japanese cuisine, perhaps due to increased travel to Japan. We now have everything from casual sushi spots and katsu joints to tempura bars, ramen shops, izakayas, and curry houses. You needn't travel far for your fix—they're quite good. You can even find various chu-hai in grocery stores now.

My family adores Coco Ichibanya; it's become our go-to mall food. I stick with my usual katsu curry meal, complete with all the fixings (corn, eggplant, cheese). While I appreciate Ramen Nagi for its proximity to our apartment, I still swear by Marudori and their chicken-based ramen—it boasts a shorter line than Mendokoro, just two stalls away in Makati. When time allows, I still frequent Ramen Ron. Their miso corn butter ramen remains as delicious as when I first tasted it in the mid-2000s.

Then there's this quirky genre of mid-scale Japanese restaurants in the metro—places that share menus similar to Manmaru, Ipponyari, and Marugame, but with superior quality (and prices to match). We're fans of Tanoshi in Alabang Country Club (Kenji Tei in Greenbelt is equally good) and Kazunori along Chino Roces. Tsumura's also excellent; they recently relocated to Ayala Triangle in 2024.

I've kept my dining options close to home, and I'm fortunate to call Makati home. Salcedo Village, in particular, has so much to offer. We have neighborhood legends like Crosta Pizza (try their Vodka Pizza with Pistachio), and we've treated our kids multiple times to Elbert's Collective (for their sandwiches) and Tyler's Cafe (for the burger) with their brunch fare. Di Cofi remains a personal favorite (get the Bun Thit Nuong). One of 2023's most celebrated openings was Franco, a French-inspired taqueria launched by my former partners from a short-lived hot sauce venture. While it's not technically a "French taco" like those found in France, they incorporate French techniques and dishes into buckwheat tacos. I'm particularly fond of their steak frites and "le bon junk"—a clever riff on Mexican frito pie.

In Legazpi Village, we rediscovered the joys of Sarsa, where we indulged in their Inasal and Pork Barbecue. We continue to appreciate Txoko Asador for their paella and steak, and Hai Shin Lou for excellent Fujianese/Cantonese fare.

For takeout, we still rely on our usual spots. I've concluded that North Park's Garlic Fried Rice perfectly encapsulates what fried rice should be: perfectly cooked day-old rice, the right amount of garlic, and a robust wok hei flavor that puts other places to shame. For Korean Fried Chicken, our family has pledged allegiance to Bok Chicken over 24 Chicken—my wife's decree. Happilee proved to be a sleeper hit at home with their Kimchi fried rice and Odeng Bokkeum.

The Philippines always offers something fun to eat, though I regret not exploring much beyond Manila. I did sample some dishes in Baguio after a long absence; my best friend Gabe took me to a roadside joint where we had bitter soup and grilled pork belly for breakfast. I also tried some cheap and plentiful Baguio Chinese food at Rebeka's Rose (technically in La Trinidad, Benguet). On a less positive note, I tried an old-fashioned sizzling steak place along Session Road—probably the worst meal I had in 2023.

Singapore

Singapore remains a culinary paradise, though my brief visit for the race limited my exploration. Traveling with fellow food enthusiasts made all the difference. Having not visited in a while, I prioritized the "essentials" (minus the Chili Crab).

Our first stop was the iconic Lau Pa Sat. We each ordered individually, then shared our bounty at the table. We sampled an array of dishes: Char Kway Teow, copious amounts of Satay, various curries, chicken over rice, and more. We also visited Chatterbox, a Filipino favorite, for their renowned chicken. The unexpected star, however, was their Rojak—a hit with everyone.

I reserved some appetite for new experiences. My friend Danda introduced me to Peranakan cuisine at Old Bibik's in her neighborhood. Everything impressed, especially their signature Crispy Chinchalok Omelette with fermented shrimp and vegetables. The rendang and curry were equally delightful. We also ventured to an Indian restaurant offering unlimited basmati rice, where we indulged in a variety of exquisite curries.

At the F1 event itself, I didn't eat much. I opted for a simple Biryani, mainly because there was no queue!

Bangkok

Eat, shop, repeat. This mantra encapsulates the allure of Bangkok. This time, we arrived well-prepared, having done some research before our trip. Our first meal, highly recommended by my sister, turned out to be the highlight of our culinary adventure.

Polo Fried Chicken, a hidden gem near Lumphini Park, is a bit of a trek from the hotel district—you'll need to take a taxi. Despite its out-of-the-way location, the food and beer alone justified multiple visits to this Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment. Their chicken, crowned with crispy fried garlic, was perfectly juicy and flavorful, accompanied by an array of dipping sauces. We also indulged in their yum catfish salad and pork jowl to complement the meal. Everything paired wonderfully with rice. The pièce de résistance? They serve the coldest bottles of Singha ever, thanks to a specialized freezer akin to the Beer Below Zero we have in Manila. It was an unforgettable experience.

No Bangkok trip is complete without a visit to After You, a dessert bar that has become ubiquitous in the city. We savored our usual bingsu and shibuya toast. Then there's Somboon's signature crab curry, which we paired with vermicelli noodles and prawns. Jodd Fairs offered us a chance to sample various skewered meats, including moo ping (milk pork) and Isan sausages. In a moment of culinary daring, I even tried some insects—surprisingly, they had a nutty flavor!

We've officially crowned Som Tum Khao Pod as our new favorite Thai salad. It's essentially a standard som tum (with its lime and fish sauce dressing) elevated by the addition of corn, tomatoes, and salted egg. The combination created a symphony of flavors.

Seoul

We diligently watched videos and took everyone's recommendations to heart, and our trip to South Korea proved to be an incredible experience. Given the popularity of Korean cuisine in the Philippines, we were already familiar with their food. However, we wanted to taste it from the source. While it wasn't entirely different, enjoying beer with various dishes in Seoul was a unique experience.

Traveling with kids to a country renowned for its fried chicken was a brilliant idea—we indulged in it daily. We sampled fried chicken from various establishments, primarily in the Myeongdong area, conveniently close to our hotel. Our culinary journey included Two Two Fried Chicken (our first meal in the city), BHC Chicken (bustling with Filipino patrons), Oppadak (also located on "Fried Chicken Street"), and Kyochon near our hotel. All these joints were clustered within a 400-meter radius of our accommodation. Unsurprisingly, the chicken was excellent everywhere. If pressed to choose, I'd favor Kyochon with their signature red pepper sauce—coincidentally, our last meal in the city.

Our hotel's proximity to Myeongdong granted us nightly access to their famous street food market. We sampled nearly everything we'd seen on YouTube: 200 won egg bread, spiralized potato on a stick (which Oz adored for its novelty), a somewhat disappointing Oreo churro, white bread served with bacon and cabbage, fried battered shrimp, and various meats on sticks. We indulged in all these treats after dinner. The kids were thrilled to finally taste what they'd only seen in YouTube videos.

We also savored Korean BBQ in the area, finding the meat particularly flavorful. While my wife and kids shopped, I snacked on odeng (fish cakes) on a stick. My favorite meal was at Sinsajeon in the Gangnam neighborhood, where we sampled an array of savory Korean pancakes. We paired this with Makgeolli served with honeycomb—absolutely delicious. Our friend Hong's guidance with the menu was invaluable.

Although our dining experiences held no major surprises—we played it safe due to our children—it was still everything we hoped for. We look forward to trying more adventurous fare on our next visit.

Mainland China (actually just in Guangdong Province)

I've devoured a considerable amount of literature on Chinese cuisine, thanks to Fuchsia Dunlop's excellent writing. Despite not visiting China before 2023, I was astonished by how diverse and surprisingly different it was from the "Chinese" food we grew up with (including the American-Chinese fare I enjoyed in New York). Needless to say, I was thrilled to finally sample mainland food, even if it was just in one province—Guangdong, formerly known as Canton (yes, Canton of pancit fame, though not entirely related).

This trip, however, was for work, so my dining options were generally limited to what was available during the event and wherever our partners took us. We were apprehensive about using our payment methods, knowing there was a high chance our cards—and even cash—wouldn't be accepted.

Still, I was grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a proper banquet in Guangzhou. Our hosts graciously brought us to 陶源酒家, a restaurant known for its fine Cantonese cooking (though I had no basis for comparison).

The experience was quite good—a combination of dishes we'd already tried in Hong Kong (also part of the broader Southern Chinese geography). The Siu Mei was fantastic, and we sampled new delights like stir-fried crab, gently steamed fish, and fried pork ribs served with various dipping sauces and powders, alongside an array of vegetables. It was quite fancy and a lovely experience, complete with a lazy Susan.

Beyond that, it was just another business trip. Our hotel offered traditional continental fare, which meant "Western" three-egg omelettes and toasted bread for breakfast, and abundant carved meat for dinner. As a saving grace, we finally had some noodles at the airport. Might as well!

London and the Surrounding Burbs

After years away from New York City, visiting London—another world-class metropolis—rekindled memories of living in a great restaurant city. As a first-timer in London, I made an effort to understand its food culture beforehand. A relatively obscure YouTube channel featuring a Malaysian couple with a flexible budget heightened our excitement for the culinary adventures awaiting us in London.

Preparation is crucial, especially in a city like London. We were advised to make reservations well in advance to secure the right table on the right night. This strategy ensured we tried all the restaurants on our list, while also giving us a preview of the city's steep dining costs. London's culinary scene isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny.

Our gastronomic journey began with a rainy walk through London's streets to Ottolenghi in Spitalfields, named after its celebrity chef owner. The meal introduced us to Yotam Ottolenghi's signature flavors—a whole new world of taste. We savored smoky aubergines, pickled peppers and seeds on labneh, mastelo cheese, fish nestled in puréed root vegetables, and lamb kofta. Each dish was memorable and a fitting start to our culinary adventure.

At Borough Market, we explored Bao—ironically not for their bao. Instead, we sampled their Taiwanese Fried Chicken, delicious Pork Jowl, and a special 40-day aged beef on rice. Their prawn "bao" was more of a roll, but still tasty. The sausage rolls from Ginger Pig were excellent too.

We indulged in traditional English fare as well. The enormous fish and chips at Poppies in Soho left us in awe. I relished a proper full English breakfast at our hotel and enjoyed a medium-rare pork chop at Marksman in Hackney. For good luck before the marathon, I insisted on dinner at Nando's—a pre-race tradition from Chicago.

Post-marathon, our culinary experiences became even more exciting. Despite my limp, we savored an Indian lunch at Gymkhana, boasting the best broccoli and wild muntjac biryani I've ever had, complemented by superb service. We celebrated in style at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where the tasting menu justified its price. Highlights included the steak, thrice-cooked fries, and culinary marvels like their orange-looking pâté, intriguing salads, and desserts. Native in Mayfair left a lasting impression—I'm still dreaming about their scallops. To round off the experience, I had breakfast at the Holborn Dining Room.

Our stay in Surrey offered a taste of British home cooking, with our hosts treating us to scotch eggs, beef Wellington, and clotted cream.

In summary, London proved to be an incredible, unforgettable dining destination. We're grateful for the opportunity to truly experience this city's culinary scene. While it wasn't easy on the wallet, it was our first visit, and I had just completed a marathon—a perfect excuse to indulge!

Taipei

Before our visit to Taipei, our knowledge of Taiwanese cuisine was limited to our love for New York City's Taiwan Pork Chop House (formerly known as "Excellent Pork Chop House" before they opted for modesty) and their signature dish—pork chop or chicken atop minced pork and rice. We were also aware of Taiwan's famous bubble tea and pineapple cakes. These alone were compelling reasons to visit and explore the city's culinary scene.

Taipei didn't disappoint. We were astounded by the quality of food, from noodle stalls in alleyways to upscale restaurants, night markets, and food courts. The city boasted an abundance of great, affordable, and excellent cuisine. It felt like we'd barely scratched the surface.

You know a city's culinary scene is exceptional when you can rely on Google Maps to find your next meal. Our first dining experience—a memorable Taiwanese noodle dish with dumplings and century egg in a light soy broth from Cha Kee Noodle House—was superb. We simply used Google Translate on the menu and indulged. Other discoveries included a delightful fermented tofu dish served as gastropub fare. We also relished the food at Longtail in the Da'an District, where their quinoa-crusted salmon Gua Bao was outstanding.

Learning about an exceptional sushi place in Taipei wasn't surprising. Given Taiwan's shared history and proximity to Japan, Taipei could easily be mistaken for a Japanese city. The establishment, aptly named Addiction Aquatic Development, doubles as a seafood market with fish tanks and a fresh seafood counter offering various sushi and sashimi sets. The seafood was fresh, delicious, and rivaled any decent place in Japan, with prices that were quite reasonable for the quality.

As first-time visitors, we made sure to explore the night markets, savoring beef buns and streetside lu rou fan. We also sampled the best of Ximending—I still dream of the misua soup from Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle. The chicken popcorn from Xing Fu Tang was another highlight. Nearby, we finally satisfied our craving for Taiwanese pork chop. It was immensely gratifying to enjoy this dish in its place of origin.

Though our trip was brief, we made the most of it. Naturally, we brought home an abundance of pineapple cakes from Chia Te. We're already looking forward to our next visit.

Work

Work has been wonderful, and my decision to leave the media world in 2021 proved to be an excellent one. I've always said it's good to be a product leader in this part of the world—a sentiment that's held true since I assumed the role of (digital) product head for CignalTV in 2019. It's especially true now that I'm in Fintech.

Without disclosing too much, our electronic wallet, PalawanPay, has been growing steadily since its public launch in 2022. We ended 2023 with over 14.6 million registered users and continue to add more daily. Once again, Asia's scale is in a league of its own compared to North America.

My team has also expanded. I now lead a group of designers, analytics experts, and a core team of four product leads who handle our expanding portfolio. I'm fortunate to receive support from my fellow heads and the board of directors, who allow me to realize our product roadmap. It truly takes a village to deliver a service like this. I should add that these things are never binary—we have a great product because of all the brave decisions we make daily.

There's really such a thing as a "maker's high" in product work—that feeling of shipping something your team conceptualized, designed, and introduced to the public. I always tell my team that the first million in GTV (gross transaction value) is the hardest because that's when you try to make adjustments on the fly. I remain grateful to have a job like this. I just hope to accomplish even more in the coming years, especially now that I'm getting older!

Family

Kids are fascinating creatures. You witness their physical transformation, often rendering them almost unrecognizable from photos taken just a year prior. Max and Oscar have experienced growth spurts, not just in height but also in emotions and interests. Max, once a devoted Minecraft and Lego enthusiast, has now fully immersed himself in the world of Roblox and the peculiar Skibidi Toilet phenomenon (which has inspired numerous tower defense game knock-offs). Oz continues his artistic pursuits, now favoring higher-quality markers (he prefers POSCAs, a brand by Japanese company Uni). His subject matter has evolved from planets and rainbows to an amusing Miles Morales phase—for a while, every drawing featured Spider-Man. Oh, and he's also discovered Justin Bieber, even wanting to style his hair like the pop star's (thankfully, not during the "Baby" era—that would have been quite the sight).

It's a joy to watch them explore the world. They've been enthusiastically participating in extracurricular activities beyond their Montessori schooling. Their football practice continues, with Max even competing in his first tournament (securing second place!). They've also discovered the excitement of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It's heartwarming to see them excel in their sports. I'm particularly pleased that they've become such proficient swimmers.

Rica and I strive to provide our children with a well-rounded upbringing. We aim to expose them to a diverse range of experiences (acknowledging our privilege in being able to do so). I was thrilled to see them explore Seoul, experiencing a new city and culture. They've also deepened their relationships with other children and cousins, fully embracing their social lives as the last vestiges of the pandemic fade away.

It all starts at home, and Rica and I have cultivated an environment designed to help our kids thrive. I'm incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing partner in Rica, who, despite her busy schedule, always ensures our children receive quality family time. With BTS on hiatus, she's channeled her energy into more K-dramas and travel. I have immense respect for those in advertising; I've seen firsthand how demanding the industry can be.

We're not getting any younger—a refrain I'll likely repeat year after year. Our bodies are changing, and things aren't quite the same as they were in our 20s and 30s. This is life in our 40s. It requires more effort to stay fit and maintain our sanity, sometimes at the cost of life's simpler pleasures. But that's just how it goes. We're grateful for our comfortable life and good health. There's truly nothing more we could ask for.

Sport

If there's one thing I excelled at during the pandemic, it's cardio. My journey began with a loss of fitness and weight gain in 2020, followed by a gradual return to a solid foundation through a combination of running and cycling (mostly indoors). What was lost was regained, and I found myself ready for new challenges. By the end of 2022, I was already conditioning myself for my marathon comeback—a long-overdue return to form.

Running

I last ran a marathon in December 2019, four months before the world shut down. I had big dreams of running one every year, but my planned Berlin Marathon in 2020 was canceled due to obvious reasons. By late 2022, I was convinced that 2023 would be the year to resume my quest for five stars (not six—Boston is just a bonus). It was one of those arbitrary, silly goals I felt compelled to pursue, especially as I'm getting older. So, London in April it was!

Marathon preparations kicked off in the last week of January, following the same 12-week McMillan Running plan I'd used for Chicago (2018) and Osaka (2019). It had worked wonders before, so why change? I knew what to expect: loads of speed work, two key 32K runs, and my favorite—the Yasso 800 workout. I mixed indoor and outdoor running, reactivating my gym membership to take advantage of those industrial-grade treadmills during off-peak hours.

My training plan suggested a warm-up race, and as luck would have it, a major event in Manila was scheduled a month before the marathon—perfect timing. I signed up for the Milo Marathon's 21K category to gauge my fitness. It had been over a decade since I'd raced in the Philippines, and finishing in 2 hours and 17 minutes was a great experience. Not my best, but it boosted my confidence and gave me those familiar race-day jitters.

Let's be honest—I'm not the same runner I was before the pandemic. Getting back into 2019 (or 2018) shape was a tall order. I'd shifted some focus to cycling and, well, gained a bit of weight. Training saw me negotiating a slower pace and convincing myself that just finishing was enough. It was a comeback race, after all. I had to trust the process and hope for a race day surprise.

By April, I felt reasonably confident about finishing. My goal? Faster than my slowest (New York) but not as quick as my last (Osaka). What mattered most was experiencing this beautiful race again after so long. I'd really missed that feeling.

Clocking in at 4:31:04, I exceeded my expectations. But the real story was the race itself—the most wonderful I've run to date (even topping New York City!). The whole of London turned out, with King Charles' impending coronation adding an extra dash of excitement. Royal opinions aside, it lent an air of prestige to the event. Aid stations were plentiful, the music was fantastic (who knew Billy Ocean's "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" could revive tired legs?), and the atmosphere was electric.

If I'm nitpicking, I wish some roads weren't so narrow and—this is a big one—it hadn't rained so much. My first wet marathon left me with nasty blisters. I'll never forget the guy who splashed through a puddle, dousing us all in dirty water. But man, what an experience! The last few miles were perfect—this was the comeback I needed.

April was just the beginning of my running year. After a brief recovery, I found myself pounding pavements around the world: braving Dongguan's punishing humidity (great running paths, though!), navigating Singapore, autumn runs along Seoul's Cheonggyecheon stream, and getting gloriously lost in Taipei. Sixteen years in, and my love for running endures. I just need to keep showing up on race day.

Wrapping up my running season so early felt odd, so I scratched that lingering itch with the Manila leg of the Rock 'N' Roll series. A half-marathon through the streets of Manila, including historic Intramuros, reminded me how brutal 2:00 AM start times can be. But it was a blast, and it's heartening to see more people embracing the sport. What's not to love?

While it was a banner year for running, I knew I needed to reconnect with my other cardio love—cycling.

Cycling

The band has broken up. After such a great run (pun intended) starting in late 2020, the past year saw me riding less and less following a sustained build-up in previous years. From clocking 5,471 kilometers over 156 rides in 2022, I only managed 606.8 kilometers across seventeen rides in 2023. While my pivot back to marathon training was the obvious culprit, I found it increasingly difficult to suit up and ride in 2023.

The year also saw me unsubscribe from Zwift and practically retire my indoor cycling setup. I haven't introduced any new upgrades to my bikes, nor have I taken them for maintenance as I should have. Our little cycling group has disbanded, with most members reverting to their pre-pandemic activities. However, one person's passion for cycling pulled me out of this cycling rut.

I met Nic through our cycling group, and he never tires of inviting me for rides in BGC and/or Alabang, despite all my excuses. The invitations to ride from Makati/BGC to Rizal have become a thing of the past, and with the increase in traffic (even on Sundays), this great activity has become less safe—though not dangerous. Still, riding with Nic was fantastic, always reminding me why we rode in the first place. It's still a lot of fun on two wheels. Yet, the call of running has taken over as I now pursue new goals. It was clearly something I didn't develop with cycling; I didn't even know what I should be aiming for. It was just a joy to do.

So maybe I missed the whole point of cycling in the first place. It gave me a reason to enjoy exercise in a different way. It also made me more consistent with exercise at one point (there was a time when I was doing 25 kilometers of running and at least 100 kilometers of cycling a week), and this discipline is something I carry with me to this day. There was obviously something gained.

It pains me to report that I still haven't gotten around to the Colnago build. But I did follow through with my bike fitting session with Freddie Ilagan a few weeks before the London Marathon (I had reserved this slot a year in advance). However, this sport is currently in stasis. I hope it doesn't take another pandemic to rekindle it!

Media

Reads

What does eleven years of Goodreads' reading challenges get you? Over 300 books, that's what (though I had more modest ambitions in the first two years). Setting an annual reading quota of 30 (since 2015) is one thing, but maintaining this streak can be tough—especially in years when "good" reads are hard to come by. Unlike some, once I've bought a book, I feel compelled to finish it.

2023 was a landmark year for reading, making it easy to fulfill my self-imposed quota. I also kept my promise to read at least one fiction book annually, delighting in Gabrielle Zevin's "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow"—an epic tale of love and friendship set against the backdrop of game development. While some characters were admittedly grating, the story remained a rollercoaster ride spanning decades of tragedy and triumph.

Other notable books this year included Charles Wheelan's "Write for Your Life," which I consider one of the better non-fiction writing guides out there (not that I plan to write one anytime soon!). Morgan Housel, of "The Psychology of Money" fame, reminded us again to trust humanity and avoid panic-selling our index funds during market crashes in "Same as Ever." It was a great year indeed when Fuchsia Dunlop released "Invitation to a Banquet," a food writing book (as opposed to a recipe collection) exploring the nuances of Chinese cuisine. I also enjoyed my first Jean Twenge book, the highly quotable "Generations." Melissa Perri proved to be one of this generation's best product thinkers, focusing on the missing link in product management with "Product Operations." Tony Fadell, of Apple fame, explained "product" quite well in "Build," while Nick Duerden's "Exit Stage Left" offered an intimate portrait of the laos (has-been) phenomenon among pop stars.

Oh, I could go on and on. Robb Penn, whom I first encountered with "It's All About the Bike," weaves great, nerdy stories. In "Slow Rise," he made breadmaking (and the grains that go into it) sound incredibly appealing and cool. Bent Flyvbjerg, on the other hand, likely wrote an instant classic with his book on project management, "How Big Things Get Done." This book ignited my obsession with megaprojects as a career ambition.

For the first time in my reading history, I found myself aligned with the New York Times, considering Patricia Evangelista's "Some People Need Killing" a masterpiece of contemporary non-fiction. This one hit close to home, addressing the atrocities of the Duterte regime and the thousands of Filipinos killed during his war on drugs—memories that remain fresh in our collective psyche.

The rest of my 2023 reading pile was just okay, sometimes even suspect. But it's all in good fun.

Music

I finally upgraded myLast.FMaccount to premium as a way to thank this hardworking website for tracking my music consumption (which is exclusively through Spotify at this point). The upgrade unlocks a treasure trove of cool features in the annual report—truly a music nerd's delight.

Overall, I logged over 7,175 "scrobbles" (listens) on myLast.FMpro account, a 35% jump from the previous year. While the report doesn't distinguish between devices, I primarily listen through my phone while driving, running, and cycling. There's likely a correlation with my exercise hours. The graph below reveals some stark differences in listening habits from July to October—probably due to travel and my newfound obsession with that period's music releases.

It was a stellar year for music. For the first time in three years, Twice was dethroned from the top artist spot (relegated to 6th position) by British DJ Jack Latham, also known as Jam City. It had been a while since I'd had such a great electronic music year, and his album "Jam City presents EFM" simply blew my mind.

Naturally, it became my most-listened album of the year, featuring standout tracks like "Touch Me," "Times Square" (my personal favorite), and "Reface." The album traverses multiple house subgenres, including disco and garage. It was my constant companion on road trips, countless runs, and regular mall drives. This album was a masterpiece, and a deeply personal one at that.

2023 had several other musical highlights. Troye Sivan, whom I'd overlooked in recent years, released "Got Me Started," cleverly sampling a cheesy 2000s song and making it his own. I also delved into the Loud LDN movement, discovering Pink Pantheress and Piri and Tommy. Tensnake's collaboration with Jessy Lanza on "Keep It Secret" was another gem. Carla Monroe's "22 Love" became my go-to during grueling training sessions. NewJeans continued to churn out hit after hit. It was such a danceable year—perfect for marathon training.

Then there was the delightfully weird. Babymorocco's "Sun Sex Party" had me in stitches. I also found myself drawn to 100 gecs' "The Most Wanted Person in the United States." And let's not forget the intricate, layered compositions of DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ.

In total, I listened to 1,165 artists, 1,694 albums, and over 1,909 tracks. This amounted to approximately 17 days and 12 hours of music. Interestingly, I do most of my listening at 7 AM, which aligns perfectly with my running schedule. No surprises there!

Gaming

2023 will go down in history as one of my best gaming years, thanks to the sheer number and quality of games released. I'm grateful to my 2022 self for blindly building a gaming PC "for kicks," allowing me to enjoy all these titles as they came out. But who am I kidding? I got this rig primarily to play Diablo IV on a modern PC. Before that, I played Diablo III on a MacBook Pro—quite a disappointment (because, well, "Mac Gaming").

The game, which launched in May, faced some technical difficulties at the start. While Diablo IV quickly lost popularity due to microtransactions and questionable expansion mechanics, I still enjoyed it initially. They say it brought back the magic of Diablo II, and I somewhat agree. Despite some quirky game mechanics, the atmosphere was truly captivating. However, I soon found myself bored, reminded that this is still a hack-and-slash game rewarding those willing to invest time in the endgame. What ultimately broke me was the eventual subscription requirement and the fact that most of my online friends (who had also reactivated their dormant Battle.net accounts) started logging out.

It was good while it lasted. I've heard the game has improved significantly, but I've moved on. Overall, it took me about 21 days to finish on normal difficulty.

Again, best gaming year ever. I actually bought The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom a month before Diablo IV, but my playthrough was sidelined (only because I had friends to play Diablo with). Still, I returned to Hyrule as soon as I finished Diablo.

Sequels are often hit-or-miss in gaming. Usually, it's just a publisher trying to milk a franchise by introducing new gimmicks and updating it for the latest hardware. The result is often underwhelming, with the novelty quickly wearing off. I felt that way with Diablo IV. With Tears of the Kingdom, it seemed Nintendo might follow the same playbook, and I feared I'd end up disillusioned with the franchise.

But this is Nintendo. They're built different. Breath of the Wild (my first Zelda game) will go down in history as the best game I've ever played. Tears of the Kingdom had some pretty big shoes to fill.

After 300+ hours over 146 days, I'm humbled by experiencing something for the first time—again. All these moments of awe, wonder, exhilaration, and warmth felt brand new. I never thought a sequel could do this. Perhaps it was the new gameplay mechanics, the ambiguous "continuity," or its massive scale (technically three times bigger than its predecessor) that made my aging gamer heart so full. It was everything I never knew I wanted. I thought it would just be an excuse to relive my Breath of the Wild days. But it wasn't. I savored every moment, even grinding for materials to complete armor sets. Of course, my completionist spreadsheet made a comeback. I didn't want the magic to end. I loved this game so much, I might have shed a tear at the credits. Now I crave a third installment, but I can live with it ending here. This has become a moment, and I'm grateful for this second serving.

Best gaming year ever. While all this was happening, people were raving about a surprisingly great game that had been in "Early Access" on Steam (like a paid public beta with managed expectations) and finally got a full release. It was a Computer Role Playing Game (CRPG), different from Action Role Playing Games (ARPG) like Diablo IV. While there are key gameplay differences between subgenres, both involve leveling up a character on an epic adventure, typically in a medieval/fantasy setting. This game, developed by a respected Belgian company, was Baldur's Gate 3—a beloved franchise spanning over thirty years, set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe.

I had no idea what to expect, except that everyone was talking about how great it was. A few days after finishing Tears of the Kingdom, I decided to give it a shot. Might as well join the bandwagon.

The game, which I would finish in 2024 (this is future me talking), proved to be the best game ever. But I'll save that story for next year's post. Let's stop here. I spent the rest of the year playing this game and also checking out "Dave the Diver" on the Switch, which provided a few hours of entertainment. Other than that, I wrapped up my gaming year.

Best gaming year ever.

Tech & Productivity

I'm in the late stages of my upgrade cycle, so there wasn't much movement on the new tech front. Apart from replacing (and upgrading) my running watch, I didn't invest much in electronics. All those cables and odd gadgets from Temu and Lazada don't really count here. I was happily accumulating depreciation on existing stuff. I did, however, upgrade my iPad to the latest generation, but only because I had to rescue Oz from his cheap Android tablet we got during the pandemic (it just wasn't cutting it). But then again, I take great pride in fully depreciating my hardware. Five years is the gold standard, though I'm willing to accept two years if I must (but only for phones and tablets!).

It was all about software and using it well. Curiously enough, I logged only 2,022 hours and 25 minutes of screen time compared to 2,202 the year before (what's up with these weird numbers?). This roughly translates to an 8% reduction in screen time. This metric, however, doesn't account for time spent on my mobile phone. Who knows? It might actually be the same. This would mark yet another decline for the third straight year. Maybe something is really up here. Is this a sign of the great digital detox?

I can't believe I spent 245 hours journaling with Day One in 2023, a sign that this has turned into an intense habit of mine (which also explains why I've taken so long to complete this year's entry—much writing energy has been spent elsewhere). This was a huge jump from 2022's 194 hours. I don't know, maybe I just had more to say (to the tune of 1,200 words on average a day). This was followed by the usual suspects. MS Teams logged 233 hours, mainly because hybrid work arrangements became the norm. It's not really that far from 2022's 248 hours. You'll spend more time talking to real people for work. I'm just shocked at how much time I've invested in journaling.

2023 also saw a huge decline in social media usage. Twitter (now called X—ugh) dropped from 177 hours in the previous year to 122 hours. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm not really a fan of the new owner. And it wasn't quite the same place I've loved anymore. It was different. This actually resulted in a weird Facebook bump, going from 78 hours spent in 2022 to 86 hours in 2023.

The rest were pretty standard. I spent 77 hours on my to-do list (Teuxdeux, forever) and almost the same time reading and writing emails on the same app I've used for a decade (Airmail, forever). Notion usage remained generally flat, although I find this tool to be more indispensable than ever. In 2023, I also recorded around 56 hours on Baldur's Gate 3.

From a media consumption standpoint, I also spent 30 hours on the New York Times, which comes out to around $7.00 per reading hour—which actually sounds like a lot (and it was mostly Wordle!). I should also note that I spent 26 hours doing personal accounting, which sounds about right, and 7 hours doing my online groceries.

I love tracking all of these. The numbers have been quite encouraging. I'm really keen to further reduce my screen time, primarily because I'd rather spend this time with my children. Sure, I'm not really tracking phone and tablet time due to limitations with the Apple ecosystem, but this is still a good proxy for where things are really headed. I think we're on the right track here.

Looking Ahead

It's a bit strange to discuss this when we're already well into 2024. However, let's indulge in a bit of pretense. I've developed an enjoyable ritual towards the year's end where I draft a general statement about what to "be" in the coming year. This statement doesn't focus on the "hows" and "whats" but rather on the "whys" and the context surrounding them (a double "why," if you will). This process provides me with clarity on the type of year I'm aiming for.

2024 is shaping up to be an exercise in quality and competency. This annual report alone demonstrates how I've built my life around certain "virtuous" numbers that lead to even more positive outcomes. With this new framework, I aim to focus on excelling in the right areas, whether it's becoming a better husband, father, son, colleague, or any other role that contributes to a well-rounded definition of competence. This approach will place less emphasis on rigid goals and maintaining certain habits (even eliminating some).

Perhaps there's something new to discover about myself in this process.