Islas Pinas: The First Indoor Filipino Food & Heritage Village in PH

Islas Pinas is the first indoor "Filipino Food & Heritage Village" in the country that showcase the Philippines' beautiful sites and diverse regional cuisines. It is now open at the DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA Extension, Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Recently, we're invited by Islas Pinas on their opening together with members of the press and other Filipino bloggers. The event was hosted by Issa Litton. Before the main program, Filipino dancers entertained us with the beautiful and vibrant folk dance. The performance of one of the dancers was heart-stopping as she danced gracefully with a set of 10 real clay pots (Palayok) on her head.

At the helm of this project is none other than Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016, Margarita A. Forés whose mission is to bring Filipino cuisine to global prominence. Thus, Islas Pinas is a vision coming to life for her, where Filipino food is not just on the sidelines but at the centerstage.

“This is an absolute dream project for me that has come at such a perfect time,” said Forés. “I give my thanks to then Undersecretary of Agriculture, now Secretary of Tourism Berna R. Puyat, for putting me together with the DoubleDragon group, who was looking for someone to operate this amazing Islas Pinas project about half a year ago. This fast-tracked such a blessed opportunity to continue pushing my biggest advocacy – that of helping to promote the best our country – our cuisine, ingredients, farers, artisan producers and home cooks from Batanes to Jolo – in the best way I can!”

Inside the food and heritage village, we found replicas of some of the popular tourist spots in the Philippines like Rice Terraces of Banaue, Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and Calle Crisologo of Ilocos Sur. You can definitely take photos on each area which are perfect background for your selfie and groupie. Every area is instagrammable. 

One of my favorite spots is the Tusok-Tusok area. I got some of the my favorite urban street food like pork barbeque on stick, isaw ( grilled chicken intestine) and grilled fish. I also ordered my all time favorite Halo-Halo paired with fresh buko juice. For other beverages, you can go to the Panulak section where they offer cold drinks with different flavors (Palamig). 

Inside the Calle Crisologo, you can order some of well-known traditional dishes from different regions of the country like Rendang, Laeng, Ginataang Tambo, Batil Patung, Laeng, Singlaw, Lucban Longanisa, Batchoy, Pancit Malabon and many more!

This food hall has seating capacity over 700 seats in an expansive 2,500 square meter space. It's available daily and the whole space is fully airconditioned.

Aside from the culinary delights and a picturesque interior design worthy of Instagram posts, the venue will also feature modern and traditional cultural performances and games to ensure a fun and truly Pinoy ambiance.

Islas Pinas is truly a one-stop food hall for those craving for traditional dishes from the different regions of the country. It's also a perfect place to give visitors a taste of the best that the Philippines has to offer. The food was tasty and flavorful. I recommend the Laeng, Fried Shrimp, Batchoy and Rendang. Waiters were accommodating and friendly. 

Islas Pinas is located at the bustling DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area along EDSA Extension and Macapagal Avenue, Islas Pinas can be easily accessed using both private and public transportation. It's close proximity to the airport terminals and being only about 5 minutes away from NAIA X. Other famous establishment near Islas Pinas include SM Mall of Asia, Hotel 101 and The Heritage Hotel.