After showing off the idyllic beauty of Peleliu islands to hundreds of thousands Filipino TV viewers last year through Survivor Philippines: Palau, another Philippine TV show is set to feature Palau, this time heritage, fruit bat soup and all.
Tablescapes is a travel slash cooking show in the Philippines hosted by versatile actress and TV host Angel Aquino and Chef Bruce Lim. The duo travels to different places in the Philippines and other countries not only to discover the pristine touristy spots, but also to indulge in the gastronomic delights of their featured destinations.
“Palau is not really far from how we are in the Philippines,” said Angel, fresh from a nap on Saturday night after a whole day of city tour. “But it’s definitely more lush and green here.”
She said Palau was the first ones to respond to the letters they sent out to different countries introducing their show, Tablescapes. “After one year, we finally pushed through with the project.”
She said she admires and respects how Palauans live by their culture. “It’s nice that they are very much in touch with their heritage. They use their resources very well. Marine life is still abundant. Everywhere we went to, they have reverence for the environment, for marine life and their ancestry.”
Aside from visiting different museums in the city and marveling at the local heritage, Angel’s itinerary includes exploring, what else, but the Rock Islands.
“We will swim with the jelly fish, and we’ll probably have a helicopter ride,” she beamed excitedly. Top on the list of her must-visit destinations in the islands are Turtle Cove, Jellyfish Lake, Long Beach, Clam City, Shark City and Milky Lake.
As for the gastronomic part of the show, she said it will be Chef Bruce’s call. “I’m sure there will be fruit bat somewhere in the menu,” she laughed. “I dread tasting it, but it’s gonna be part of the show.”
Towards the end of the show, Chef Bruce cooks up something appetizing, using local ingredients and introducing local cuisines. They try to relate and connect the local customs and heritage with the local fare.
Other Palauan delicacies such as fish, mangrove crabs and tapioca will be on the shows menu. “I know Chef Bruce will make the most out of the local cuisines here,” quipped Angel.
