There is no doubt that Filipino food continues to attract international attention from food experts and chefs out to discover cuisine from new geographical territories.
This is why in celebration of Filipino Food Month, which started April 2018, the appreciation and preservation of Filipino culinary heritage domestically and around the globe will again be promoted, with this year’s theme Iba’t Ibang Luto, Pinoy ang Puso (Different Dishes, Pinoy at Heart).
Fun and varied, Filipino cuisine includes a wide plethora of cooking styles, flavors and ingredients across different provinces and regions. That’s why Airbnb Online Experience Hosts Ai Magno, and Michelle Africa and Sebastien Chamaret, decided to open their kitchens to the world – virtually – to share their culinary passion and skills with a unique twist on Pinoy cooking. Whether you are an avid foodie or chef wannabe, based in the Philippines or overseas, you can now join in the fun with Airbnb Online Cooking Experiences that can help every Juan and Juana cook up a storm and nail Filipino cuisine from the comfort of their very own kitchen.
A Pan of Good Food and a Pinch of History
Growing up in a household where cooking Lumpiang Shanghai and Adobong Manok was child’s play inspired Ai Magno to seek a career in the kitchen. Now a 30-year-old home cook and Airbnb Host, Ai shares her passion for Filipino food with guests around the world through her interactive Philippines, Food, Drinks, History Online Experience.
Ai specializes in Filipino feast staples such as Kare-kare, Sisig and Sinigang, as well as traditional sweet treats of Halo-halo and Leche flan. After a guest makes an Experience booking, she shares a list of ingredients to prepare and tips on where they can procure them. During the Experience, she supplements her guests’ appreciation of the different Filipino dishes they prepare by sharing the history and cultural roots of each dish.
“Filipino food is the ultimate fusion food. Thousands of years in the making, it was prepared by our Malay ancestors, sautéed by the Chinese, stewed by the Spanish, grilled by the Americans and enjoyed by the modern Filipinos. It should be shared around the world for others to enjoy,” shared Ai.
Filipino Cuisine with a French Twist
Michelle Africa, a Filipina sous chef, lawyer and educator, and Sébastien Chamaret, a seasoned chef who worked in top French restaurants in Paris and New York for more than 20 years, found their home and settled down in Puerto Galera. Their one-of-a-kind Filipino Cooking with a French Flair Online Cooking Experience brings guests on a cultural journey unlike any other – combining traditional Pinoy recipes of Adobo, Lumpia and Pancit with delightful Filipino hospitality and a unique French twist.
Michelle and Sebastien’s popular Experience holds a rating of 4.88 out of 5, with over 40 positive reviews from guests globally. “Thanks for a great evening learning to cook something brand new to me. You were very patient! It was a great way to celebrate a friend’s birthday during this pandemic. I wish we could have met you in person,” shared Sherri, one of their guests from San Diego.
Digital Kitchens Open to The World
Airbnb Online Experiences connect the global community to handcrafted activities in cities around the world, providing a new way for people to connect, travel virtually and earn income during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Airbnb Online Experiences is for everyone who wants to share their passion and interact with people from all over the world, allowing them to build meaningful connections, pursue similar interests, and travel virtually from the comfort and safety of home,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, in reply to Frontpageph.com.
Filipinos Hosts like Ai, Michelle and Sebastien are sharing their kitchens and love for Filipino food with the world, one Experience at a time. To explore more exciting Online Experiences, just visit http://www.airbnb.com/experiences. To find out more about hosting with Airbnb, get started at http://www.airbnb.com/host.