This page is for you.
Was this site helpful to you in any way? What did you get out of your visit? Share your thoughts with me by clicking here.
Meanwhile, say hello to my guests and what they have to say.
Edgar Torres, via Facebook, January 10, 2010
Thank you, thank you so much. Because of your website, up to now there are people who are going to ‘Mang Nor’s Cuisine and Meriendahan. Just last week, a group of bikers from Manila tasted the halo halo and palabok. To my cousins surprise, they mentioned your website. Last December 23, my cousin who runs the store made more haleyang ube, kalameng ube and biko. They were a hit. They didn’t even last 2 days. By Christmas we didn’t have anything left for us!
Jenny, November 24, 2009
Your story touched my heart so and I feel that it will stay with me long after I’ve read the last word. Thank you for sharing it with us. God bless you.
Krissy, November 15, 2009
I read your story last night and thought that it wouldn’t be a big thing to visit your site… I myself love food, and it is always better to share it with people who are special to you. Thanks for the story. I really liked it. I’m glad everything has turned out better for you. God bless.
Divina Pe, RHN, Manila, October 1, 2009
Hello. Just want to let you know that I enjoyed reading your blog. Looking forward to more of your posts.
A. M. Fabian, Pampanga, Philippines, July 30, 2009
Just browsed through your website. This write-up is interesting and it surely made me jumpstart on my research, especially about Angeles and Kapampangan food 
Thanks very much for this site
Cabbie, Philippines, July 10, 2009
I read your article at Readers Digest and am very touched with your story. You sacrificed a lot and is very humble at heart. Thank you for inspiring all of us.
Chef Chris Locher, Angeles City, Philippines, July 7, 2009
Congratulations Christine. What honor for you as writer to be published in this magazine. I am at a loss for words and truly humbled that my food has left you with such a deep impression. It is friends like you that truly make me wake up each and every day and return to my kitchen and start each day anew full of hope and aspirations to create beautiful food… many thanks and all the very best for you.
Nina, Philippines, July 6, 2009
Hi, I’m a Reader’s Digest subscriber and just found your featured story in it … I am a foodie (bad in cooking but a great eater! hehe), so thought of looking up your site … great pics with simple recipes and very simple down to earth blogs … twas love at first sight!!… I am sure I will be checking out this site a lot from now on.
Mae S. Tiamzon, Magalang, Pampanga, February 21, 2009
I am Mrs. Tiamzon, principal of HILLCREST HEIGHTS INSTITUTE, Magalang, Pampanga. First I would like to thank 100 pound foodie for putting all info about this shelter for the abandoned old folks. I have been searching how to visit and how I can take our 4th year students there for their community service and outreach so we can be part of these old folks lives through very little service we can give. Actually I have been in the place when I was a teacher that is why my heart seeks to come back to visit again but I was not the one who coordinated the place so I don’t have any idea about getting in touch with the people in charge so I searched in the internet. Bahay Pag-Ibig is really a great project of the archdiocese of city of San Fernando. I salute the founder of this shelter and the the people who take care of lolos and lolas there. I had a very emotional experience the first time I have visited the place. The twin lolas made me cry because they have told me that when their family took them there, the lolas were told babalikan din sila the next day… so sad…but no one ever came… well I have called bahay pag-ibig already and ask for schedule… finally we will visit this March…hoping to see the twin lolas still there…
Gloria N., Manila, February 18, 2009
Nakakatuwa naman ang site mo, simple lang at claro (simple words, simple
sentences… hindi ma-drama!). Pati pictures very inviting at colorful! Ang
subjects ay varied at very informative. Sana mag expand pa! Natuwa talaga ako sa dami ng topics mo. (Yung ibang site kasi limited sa pasyalan at foods). Pati Weddings Victims, etc ay naging subject. I passed it to my niece who’s getting married in May sa Chicago. I informed her to be careful about her wedding program. Sana yung ibang readers mag-bigay ng update (ex. new rate ng Casa Rap, etc.) Thank you!
Arlene, Pampanga, January 28, 2009
I am from Pampanga and I just love reading your blog. You have greatly captured the scenes in an authentic Kapampangan handaan. Too bad you miss the pabalot scenes of mostly the relatives and kapitbahay.
C.M. Fernandez, Manila, December 02, 2008
i enjoy reading your articles and find them very informative… i am an instructor in a public college here in the south. i am very much interested too in taking up classes in food writing and well, hopefully to start a career like you????!!!!!heheheh. i am just new to this profession (teaching) and i used to be in the food service industry but calling for this is so strong and i am enjoying myself tremendously. hopefully i would get to meet you one of these days. god bless.
Rebecca, Miami, Florida, November 19, 2008
Hello and congratulations on your website, it kept me eager to see more for over an hour now and has been very user friendly. I’m a dietitian here and back in school. One of my classes is on expanding our knowledge of other cultures and their foodways. I have a passion for food so I want to go beyond homework assignments and actually learn and taste. Right now I’m doing some research of Filipino foodways and I’ve read some great material from Doreen Fernandez. I’m also going to try some of the recipes on your site. From the nutrition perspective I find there are so many great uses of herbs and plants in the diet they’d be great to learn from. Can you offer me any resources that are reliable? Can you recommend any recipes that are commonly consumed in young generations that have grown up far from home (like those in the US) … because I don’t want to assume everyone is still eating and cooking like our families (grandparents etc) were … it’s easy for me because I love to cook but I find with clients that too many people want to stay out of the kitchen. Please share with me what you can … I am very eager to learn about your culture and experience its flavor.
Faye de Jesus, via sms, September 25, 2008
I read your blog. Amazing writing 
Idol na kita… Seriously.
Jose Fil Benitez, via email, September 21, 2008
More power to you and your site, loved reading your blog til somehow lost track when you re-did your name. You have the best blog in town and as some of your readers say, you are today’s Doreen Fernandez, a classmate of my Mom. Best regards, “art and food afficionado”
Marion Garcia Pardo, via SMS, August 13, 2008
I may not be actively participating in your blog but I just want to tell you that I am so proud of you and your work! I had free time today and read some of it. You’re gonna go places, girl! You’re a Doreen Fernandez in the making. I still remember when I cut out your winning piece from the newspaper. That was just the beginning of a career in writing and I knew it — you’ll make it really big. It’s happening now. I’m so happy for you. Well done, 100poundfoodie!
Felice Sta. Maria, August 10, 2008
Thank you so much for sharing the good news about our first-time Philippine wins at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. Hope your readers become those of the winning books, too. More power to your e-publication.
Ruwenn BB Strong, Australia, March 24, 2008
As an immigrant downunder I always get asked “What is Filipino food like?” … My answer to this is that it is rather difficult to place within the Malay-Thai-Indo-Chinese group because of the Spanish influence … but where I come from it is closer to Thai-Malay-Indo ie., spicey,with coconut cream, kaffir lime,…lots of leaves..etc, etc. Now all I have to do is give out your website. Thanks for making us proud.
Pam, Manila, Philippines, via email, February 4, 2008I really like your blog because it’s so from the heart. For some reason, I find some blogs to be more of a way to show off, but everyone has their reasons, I guess
Cons Sazon, Angeles City, Philippines, via email, January 21, 2008
I opened your archives and they were all interesting. Your website updated me of restaurants I didn’t even know existed in Angeles.
Mary Rose Peña, Manila, Philippines, January 14, 2008
Hello, Christine! I like reading your website. Your articles are interesting
and engaging. Parang kausap lang kita. (Like you’re just talking to me). Not too technical; just right for a foodie. Keep on writing and sharing food stories!
Dr. Virginia Samson, via Beyond Borders: The Lei Si Chronicles, December 16, 2007
I definitely love eating and it somehow follows that I enjoy reading about food, how it is processed, how it differs from place to place, how it evokes a plethora of unexpected emotions, and how it turns me into a sentimental little girl over and over.
Many times I find myself going against popular opinion. I need not mention the eateries that a lot of people rave about and yet I find to be far from enjoyable, it’s not a popular thing to do. I always find myself feeling let down by a good number of proliferating so-called “food blogs” that sometimes I find myself saying, I should have known to trust my own palate more than anybody else’s. Sounds elitista, I know. To many, I sound like a snob; deep inside though, I feel alone in my food journey (Thank God I have a housemate who knows his food, but hey, that’s another story.)
Which is why when I stumbled upon Christine’s blog, it felt a lot like going back home. There are a few things we share in common, but this does not take away the fact that the blog is well-written and yet spontaneous, and not at all trendy. A lot of thought goes into her writing making each of her posts a worthwhile read. Just drop by her site and find out for yourself.
Francis Co, Pampanga, Philippines, December 5, 2007
I am the manager of the Nathaniel’s branch. We would like to thank you for the nice compliment about our store … hope to hear more of your food trips ^_^ your article was a good read! very informative!
B. Chew, Singapore, via email November 29, 2007
Greetings from Singapore. My name is Benjamin Chew. I’m the OIC of Philippines operation. Sincerely thank you for your professional & valid comments on our foods & services. It is our culture to take all comments positively as this is the way we can improve and make us better. I will be in Manila from December 12th and would be much appreciated if I could meet up with you and to learn more from you. Could you spare us some time? Sincerely looking forward your favorable reply. Thank you & best regards.
Manuela Molus, Scotland, UK, via email November 22, 2007
Thanks for the lovely photos and your good article. We both appreciate your column regarding our visit to Pampanga. You are a great writer. I love your site — full of recipes and good advice. I noticed you’ve got quite a lot of fans, you’re getting more and more popular. Cheers to you.
Arpee Lazaro, Manila Philippines, via email, November 14, 2007
Ms. Christine! You truly are an authority in the food blogging world. I just
wish I can attend another food writing workshop with you. After attending that
Serye event, I finally found what I wanted to do after I retire. But since, I’m
way too far from retirement, I will continue to learn more from gurus like you
who serve as my beacon of inspiration. More power to you!
Wyatt Belmonte, Pampanga, Philippines, via email, September 23, 2007
More than your sinigang post, I enjoyed reading your correspondence with your brother. Makes me proud of being Pinoy.
Nancy Reyes Lumen, Manila, Philippines September 12, 2007
Read through, viewed through your event and from the looks of the guests — they are into serious wanting-to-write-about-food. Ati… you struck the main key — to poke their senses and then let them write “blind”. First things, first words that come to mind other than: good, nice, masarap to the bone, to die for … are considered. Thanks for the kind words and for the serendipity: I finally got in touch with Sut Pascual via 2 degrees of separation. Just to let you know: Sut is a prolific writer, a phantom foodie-critic, an avid cook, a harsh-almost severe critic. If you pass his grade, you’re due for a raise. Regards again, and invite me to your next teach, ati. This is Ati Nancy saying Mabalos, Masarap, Malalasap, Ma-umami, Mala-mala … yebah!
Sut P (Wenceslao Pascual), Germany, August 22, 2007
Hi! Good to get to know a patriotic gourmet through her weighty site. Read through all the entries (Last of 2 Parts) and found the time well-spent, esp. the loving write-ins of your… siblings? Why do you freakin’ call each other Atis? Presumably a variant of Ate?
Congratulations for being a huge part of Phil. food blogging, a late bloomer in our parts.
Have learned to love the food writing styles of Doreen F., Sol Vanzi, and Nancy Reyes in the traditional media for they make reading their works an addiction, not such a tedious chore like reading history. But then again Felice Prudente is another creature altogether. Don’t you just love what she writes about, never mind the f__kin’ subject matter on food it really is?
Indeed nothing can be more subjective than food writing and how one describes the hodge podge of morsels of food he has experienced aided by his senses and puts this across through his individual style of writing and illustrating (via sketches/fotos). What holds the attention of the reader along the way makes a staggering achievement and gives likewise an exhilarating experience for the beholder.
Lovely to realize that the wonderful world of foodblogging as a literary art/science is here… finally. Thank you for empowering it, for soon I can be an anxious spectator/biphasic consumer of it.
Tschuss! (Auf wiedersehen!)
Marco Bacalla, USA via email July 23, 2007
I really like your website. You feature new foods I’ve never even heard of and would not even eat for that matter! But it’s all good! I bet you like your job. That was one of my dream jobs but I don’t think I’m as adventurous as you are.
Barbara Martin, Stockholm, Sweden July 19, 2007
I want you to know that reading your stories is as comforting to me as my mom’s arroz caldo on a rainy day. I know so few people who are living their dream and their passion. I wish you many many more years of good writin’ and good eatin’!
Dr. Perrico Nunag, Scotland, UK, via email July 1, 2007
I finally managed to go through your blog. You’re doing a great job. Dami ka na fans. People don’t say congratulations here, instead they say “well done”. In your case it’s very well done. You make us all proud. The next time someone asks me about Filipino food, I’d tell them to visit your blog instead.
Lyn Baldwin, Shanghai, China June 29, 2007
My first and very memorable food trip that I’ll cherish till my tastebuds are no longer functioning! I can’t wait to get home again to get the tortang pandesal, ati! Looking forward to more food adventures with you. You’re the female Anthony Bourdain *wink.
Jennifer Pabustan, USA via email June 21, 2007
Thanks for entertaining me with your writing. In fact, you’ve just inspired me to write.
Jonah Cruz, Manila, Philippines, June 1, 2007
I couldn’t open your home page kaagad so I went muna to the guests page and saw Mary Grace’s letter. Naintriga tuloy ako. Finally nung nabasa ko na yung sinulat mo, WOW! EH, T***-INA NAMAN PALA TALAGA EH PARANG KAY SARAP SARAP NG MARY GRACE CHEESEROLL NA YAN! IT MAKES ME WANNA RUN TO THE STORE AT BILHIN YANG CHEESEROLL NA YAN NA DI KO NAMAN TALAGA KINAKAEN! KASO GABI NA AT SARADO NA ANG MALL. HINDI KO MA-RESIST YUNG IDEA NA NATUTUNAW NA SUGAR CRYSTALS AT CHEESE. T***-INA PARANG ANG SARAP TALAGA! SALUDO AKO SA ‘YO IHA. ANG GALING!
Mary Grace Dimacali, Manila, Philippines via email 28 May 2007
Hello Christine! My son happened to open our e-mail this morning! He was quite filled to the brim with good feelings that he couldn’t help but excitedly call me out of a meeting and pull me to the computer. I settled into the chair and started to read. I was completely mesmerized! I must say Christine that you are quite a writer! I fell in love with your piece just as much as you fell in love with my cheese roll!
I hope that you pursue creative writing and use your talent to write for a newspaper or magazine. Who knows you might even become a “Doreen Fernandez?” You are much too young to know her so let me tell you that she is an acclaimed food writer who describes food just the way you do. She doesn’t use the usual delicious and banal terms to describe food. She describes by talking about the textures of food in the mouth and the experience that it brings. In this way she even becomes more graphic that you’d like to make a dash to the particular restaurant and sink your teeth into the much prized subject.
I recall getting hold of a book of the most beautiful essays written by young people like you as part of fulfilling requirements for acceptance to Harvard. For example you have one young writer talking about the experience of chocolate chip cookies dunked in a refreshing glass of creamy white milk and the great comfort that this brings to him. By the way, this young writer was definitely accepted into Harvard!
I have had several people congratulate me for my cheese roll but you put it most differently! My dear, I will always treasure your creative piece. In fact in the next chance I have, I would like to frame it and display it in my stalls and cafes!
Thank you Christine for being so talented! Thank you for making me see my cheese rolls with brand new eyes! I am so excited and enthused that I think I can last another lifetime of making the cheese roll that you have come to love!
God bless you! God bless the power and wonder of words! God bless yeast and flour, eggs and cheese that come wonderfully together with God’s magical whip and spoon!
Sincerely,
Mary Grace
P.S. Doreen Fernandez passed away years ago. Her works are a fine read that can serve as your inspiration! Here’s wishing you more creative pieces with the kind of Zing that comes from your heart, mind and pen!
Tetta Tirona, Manila, Philippines, May 28, 2007
MAY I CONGRATULATE MY DEAREST ” 100LB” friend for helping me with the NATIONAL COFFEE FORUM … without you and your expertise in writing, I shall say, no one will mind it. However, since you were able to put down in writing my thoughts about the event, a lot listened … maybe not the entire archipelago … atleast, we were able to cross north-south,east-west participation of the farmers.
Out of the farmers who came at the forum, there were 10 who we were able to convince to convert their lands to coffee producing by this year or by early next year. More over, they are very much interested with NESTLE PHILS offer in assisting them with the proper training for coffee production thru NESTLE PHILS’ farmer assistance programs!
The NATL COFFEE FORUM is now seen as an annual event with the full endorsement from the DEPT OF AGRICULTURE, the ICOCA and the PHIL COFFEE BOARD – thanks so much to all these agencies who believed in the objectives of the NCF.
Good reviews were heard from companies and supporters such as, UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORP, EQUILIBRIUM INTERTRADE CORP, CAFE AMADEO COFFEE COOPERATIVES, MAYOR AMBAGAN’S office, NESTLE PHILS, GOURMET FARMS INC and the SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSN OF THE PHILS.
Cheers to all our partners,friends and supporters of the NCF and hail to the revival of the LOCAL COFFEE BEANS!!!
Robri Roque Sazon, Pampanga, Philippines, May 23, 2007
I shared this with my husband’s relatives in the US. They love your writing and the pictures made them crave for pinoy food. Their favorite … CRABS! Indeed… it’s a summer to remember! Let’s go back to Tammy’s!
Eddie Quizada, Manila, Philippines, May 16, 2007
Congratssssssssss! I like your casarap food trip and zambales.. .its
totally piece of an art the way you write and took pictures, very detailed and natural. I am a photographer but im impressed with the way you execute subjects, very candid and creative. Your blog is a combination of food and travel and the way you explained the details very fantastic. For me your like a foreign writer, traveller and photographer….congrats again.. Ill forward it to my friends and clients..
G.F. Diza, USA, May 12, 2007
I love the way you write simple, informative and concise recipes. You give hope to novice (used to be dummy) cooks like me. What about writing a book “filipino cooking for dummies”? Thanks and keep those recipes churning.
Jocelyn Hicks, Denver, USA, May 7, 2007
I believe it’s important for people to be informed of how they should spend their money wisely especially when it comes to vacations. And people such as yourself should be given kudos for providing such valuable information for free and with light hearted passion. I’m sending you a big hug, I love you and wish you the very best in your endeavors.
Luan Paras, Tokyo, Japan, May 6, 2007
that’s a nice beach, i was in zambales last holy week, palmera resort, hmm, food was expensive, not even that great tasting and the serving for the price isn’t much… i’ll try out tammy’s next road trip… and you write better than juliana palermo of the philippine star, though your topics are not the same but you make it really sound exciting, hers is all about her, and it’s a waste of newspaper space… you make me proud.
Jenniffer Pabustan, California, USA, May 6, 2007
Yum! With all that delicious-sounding food, you’re making me itch to go back home! Thanks for taking me through a fantastic journey of the wonderful places and food in the Philippines. Love your blog! You’ve exceeded my expectations!
Jonah Cruz, Manila, Philippines, May 4, 2007
i do not have any appetite for reading, but with your blog… it makes me crave for more! just keep on writing, i don ‘t mind “growing” 
Alfredo Nunag, Chicago, USA, May 1, 2007
What is your next exciting agenda for your blog? Your Batangas trip is exhilarating and invigorating, as well! That eatery you called into, the CASA RAP really lives up to its name. With all that “kasarap” and mouth-watering foods amidst the serenity of the place, where you can unwind and relax! In other words, it’s a haven for retreat and at least to indulge oneself to be free or far away from the maddening crowd or civilization.
It reminds me and brings back memories that years ago when I was stationed for work at San Pablo City in Laguna, my bank colleagues and I went for an excursion one weekend to a place (I hope it is still exists) called the Hidden Valley which literally lives up to its name also because it is located down in the deep forest of Laguna where there are no well-paved roads but only dirt paths to reach it. It’s a nice place to picnic and to swim around its natural falls. If you are a nature-outdoor lover, this one is for you. Thousand years old big-rooted, towering trees teeming with wild and colorful birds, rich foliage, floral and fauna alike abounds the place. The place also boosts an eatery where you can order regular foods, cocktails and drinks. It is also a haven or refuge to relax and unwind just like the CASA RAP.
Why don’t I suggest San Pablo City in Laguna to be your next stint? It’s a nice place to conquer and visit for foods and fruits (especially the lanzones) as well as the vistas (especially its round lake bordered by coconut trees, where residents jog around it) trip. Also nearby in Laguna , you can visit Pagsanjan (noted for its falls), and Sta.Cruz (noted for its “jusi” embroidery-making and duck eggs “balot” & “pateros”). What do you think?
Nancy Reyes Lumen, Manila, Philippines via email April 11, 2007
I like your casual style of kwento flavored with ingredients and tastes and culinary feelings (I guess there’s such a thing, yah?). Your photos are so alive!
Barbara Martin, Sweden, March 22, 2007
Hej och Grattis to you, Hundred Pound Foodie!
Ah food, isn’t it just the best topic in the world? It transcends age, color, and creed.
There is no such thing as politically incorrect with food, that’s why I love it. It is one of those truly universal things that is common in the human experience.
Like you, I too regard food not only as physical nourishment, but also a spiritual one of sorts. I tell you there have been many times when I’ve turned to dark chocolate for comfort or crazily attacked a big bowl of carbonara (with real egg yolks , loads of parmesan and here it comes…real double cream) just to relieve stress or frustration.
Food and feelings, there is something inexplicably visceral about that, wouldn’t you agree?
I’m looking forward to your recipes, more of your musings on life and just reading your writing which I always enjoy.
Again, Congratulations! Big hug and a big burp from Stockholm!
