OMG, it’s just a few days to the No Reservations Philippines episode on Monday, Feb 16, 2009 at 10pm Eastern, in the U.S., and the episode is now featured on the No Reservations Website, with a new short video teaser for the show, here. The photo on the NR website, of Anthony Bourdain with Augusto, the U.S. based Filipino contest winner who played host to Tony’s Philippine visit, with lechon, was at the Cebu lechon lunch with Marketman & Crew… And, well, I think I know what “…tastes like candy…” Heehee. Can you tell we are giddy with anticipation around these parts? :) And I won’t even get to see it when it shows… :(
P.S. If you want a chance to win an Anthony Bourdain autograph, jump over to Marvin’s site, Burnt Lumpia.
56 Responses
Thanks for the link. I hope AB’s not saying the lechon tasted like candy — that’s just not right.
eej, I don’t think it was meant in the literal sense. :)
Gee hope we get to see it soon…..any news when it will air here….dying to see it…
Alright, I get it. He said those words figuratively to describe MM’s lechon — the sweet taste of a WINNER!
This is all too exciting! Will wait for it in Youtube. I’ll have more luck seeing it there than locally.
Hi MM! That is so exciting.. Im planning to text all my relatives in the US to watch it! Im confused though — in the website it says Feb18 (though it says MOnday) – just a typo?
Dee, yes, I think it is a typo. In the past few weeks, the new shows air on Mondays, at 10pm eastern… :)
i wrote it on our crew message board and everyone asking whats on Monday at 10 yes so excited
sooo good looking—lechon and tony! can’t wait to view it!!
I’m SOOOOOOOO EXCITED to watch this!
they showed the teaser for the Phil episode last Monday and you are in it MM the 2 lechons on your pit and while you are all eating with AB, he eating some kind of bulalo? and he walking with the sign on a wall “BAWAL UMIHI DITO”
I hope your accuchon adventures will be the longest segment…
So excited although like you, am bummed out that locally we have to wait (hopefully just a few short months) before it airs on local cable.
Can a good samaritan post it clearly on youtube?
:) Mabuhay for No Reservations : Philippines
I’m not sure if I was dreaming, but does Discovery Channel air “No Reservation” in the Philippines?
I’ll be checking the torrent sites on or after the 16th to look for a copy of that episode!
I already emailed all my friends and relatives (we’re all NR fans) and they are excited to see it.
Hmm … interesting. Tony’s host is that guy who made that video encouraging Tony to visit the Philippines. The preview was kind of odd to me because there was an “outsider’s vibe” because Tony’s host implies that there are times when he feels like he’s an outsider and that he’s not entirely Filipino. I might get crucified for this but that irks me a bit. I’m really happy that he’s proud of his roots but there’s something that really bothers me about those statements when it’s said on the first Philippine visit of Tony. I’ve got nothing against my Filipino brethren who grew up outside of the Philippines because I myself have spent half my life away from my land of birth but for this episode, I would have rather he left those details out. Oh well, maybe I’m just overreacting. When I watch this episode, I might tear up … I reallyI miss the Philippines.
Man, you can hear the crackle when Tony bites into the skin on that preview. Considering that Tony himself says he doesn’t have a sweet tooth, that probably IS his candy.
Artisan Chocolatier:
Yes. No reservations airs on Discovery Travel and Living channel of Discovery under Destiny Cable. Although I am not sure if the episodes being shown are current or if those being shown here now are at least a season behind (Season 4, i think) The NR Phils. I think is under season 5.
Artisan, yes, it shows on discovery, but a season late or so. So it will be several months before it shows in the Philippines…
At least he didn’t say it taste like chicken, but that would have made more sense,no?
you tube you tube you tube!!!!!=)
yeah!
Can’t wait to see it on You Tube…The No reservation in singapore is also way behind :(
Beth~
I don’t believe anyone will crucify you. But does being a U.S. born Filipino make them less Filipino. Of course not. I know that isn’t what you were saying but I’m sure that some people will take it that way. The fact that this guy isn’t entirely Filipino is not the fact that bothers me…from what it sounds like, the guy just isn’t versed enough in the CULTURE of the Philippines. Now, take for instance, me…I’m a U.S. born Filipino but unlike this host, I am fully versed in my culture and I’ve been to the Philippines many times (which I believe, this guy has never been) I just realized when I started this post, I was trying to defend this guy but now I see why you would be irked. Lol! I guess we’ll see how he is when the episode finally airs. I’m so excited.
I think it’s best to wait for the episode before we make any further guesses about anyone. I can say, after spending an hour or so with Augusto, that he was passionate enough to WANT to bring Tony to the Philippines and he won the contest based on his work and enthusiasm. Augusto has only been to the Philippines once before the Bourdain visit, I think, so he had not spent much time here before… but I wouldn’t conclude anything else without giving him the benefit of the doubt…
Correct ka dyan MM.
Augusto, at least, claimed to be Filipino and have roots in the Philippines.
Lots of kids I grew up with here, claimed they’re either Hawaiian, Guamanian or some other Pacific Islands but if you looked at them and knew their last names (if your asian and looking and you have a Spanish last name, more than likely your Filipino or have some connections to the Philippines)you’d see them as Filipino looking, big time.
Mexicans do the same thing, If you’re not born in Mexico, Mexicans who were born and raised in Mexico would considered the ones born in the US as less Mexican than they are (worse if you don’t speak Spanish).
So a Filipino can claim he is Filipino regardless of his birthplace, I don’t believe we have a say on that.
My boy is very Filipino, he speaks fluent tagalog, has studied in the homeland, and has beautiful hazel eyes (watch our girls hehehehe 2 more years he’ll be in college there hehehehe) When he say back home, he means back in the Philippines (even though he was born in the San Francisco Bay Area)
A friend of mine who had just arrived in the US for the first time was visiting Disneyland. Excited to see fellow Filipinos, she approached this family and asked “Are you Pilipino?”. And they haughtily answered “No, we’re Ilowcanow”. LOL
Anyways, I already have No Reservations programmed on DVR. There is no way I am missing it!
Has anyone noticed that Bourdain is gaining weight? Looks good actually. Better than his heroin-chic body before.
FYI, No Reservations is part of the Travel Channel in my neck of the woods (Portland, OR). Regarding that Augusto guy, he joined a contest last year sponsored by No Reservations wherein you need to convince AB why he should go to your country next. He lost to this lady from Saudi Arabia coz although very convincing, at that point, he had not been to the Philippines.
This episode is kind of a continuation of Augusto’s dream, which came true, by the way. In my opinion, the angle of a Fil-Am feeling out of place, etc, etc, is to add interest and maybe a little drama to this episode.
Nonetheless, I think it would be good to add that angle coz it is relevant to Fil-Ams. At least it’s not just a run of the mill NR episode.
NR-Philippines is scheduled for showing 2/16, 10pm East coast time, and 7pm West Coast time. If you live in the west coast, make sure you are recording at 7pm not 10pm.
Ditto LavaBien, my kids too were US Born, and although they can’t fluently speak tagalog (they try), they understand it fully well. I guess it’s the parents job to educate and instill to their kids Filipino traditions and lifestyle; they call their grandparents (lolo and lola), and they still do the “mano” with their aunts/uncles/lolo’s instead of hi-fives. They eat and love Filipino food, most importantly they value education.
I can’t wait to see it! My hubby already programmed it on the DVR!!!
Lechon here we come!
Considering that Bourdain in previous episodes have “searched” for his own family roots with his brother, and on how he waxed melancholy on this very notion, it seems to me that Augusto’s entry was picked significantly on the basis of “I am a stranger amongst my own people” element. I guess it makes for an interesting enough theme to explore.
I think many of us who are from immigrant families including Bourdain himself, are more conscious of our desire to find just where we really do belong. Who can we really call our own people? If we are Filipinos then why are we viewed and treated in the Philippines as if we are visitors? If we are Americans, then why do other Americans eventually ask us what is our “nationality”?
I hope folks would not opine too harshly on Augusto and others of similar predicament. In this new era, shouldn’t we think “inclusion” rather than “us or them”? I myself don’t feel “irked” by Augusto’s comments, if anything I only feel sad for him and those alleged Fil-Am kids who claim otherwise. They’re lifelong search has only just begun.
Actually I was happy to see Augusto with Mr. Bourdain. That only proves that the show cares about the fulfilment of Augusto’s dream to learn more about the Philippines. I think it was because of that sincerity that he was noticed (among thousands of entries) based on his dream that he and Mr. Bourdain discover the Philippines together. The show saw that passion in him. Although many Filipinos fans have been clamoring for AB to go to the Philippines, we partly owe Augusto for convincing Mr. Bourdain & crew to finally visit. Very excited to see the Philippines & you MM at the show! Thanks for all the info.
Your the Man Market Man !! We are all so excited to see you with AB!! PINOY PRIDE !! !!
I just noticed that Augusto is smiling like the 2 lechons.
Agusto convinced Bourdain to come to The Philippines….Marketman convinced Bourdain where to find the BEST PIG….EVER!!!
Hmm, it seems like my statement has created some discussion. Actually, the main thing I was getting at was that I would have liked for Augusto to simply express his happiness and pride of being in the Philippines and being Filipino while taking AB around town, without including this theme of being an “outsider”. As a viewer and assuming I know nothing of the Philippines, my impression of the country may take a hit when at the outset, I learn that the host doesn’t consider himself “entirely Filipino”. It’s like, if I’m going to promote something or some place for the first time whith such enthusiasm to someone I know, I wouldn’t say something that would disassociate me from that thing or place …. in a sense, hindi maganda ang dating. I do everything to show the awesomeness of my roots then I say “But you know, feeling ko pag nandito ako outsider ako, atsaka hindi ako entirely Filipino”. Diba parang hindi maganda ang dating? I don’t know if I’m explaining it properly. I have nothing against Augusto. I love the fact that he is promoting his roots. Personally, I don’t care where you were born. You are a Filipino if you have been instilled with the values of a Filipino, and Augusto I believe has them. To me he is 100% Filipino no question. I think I just wanted him to not doubt his Filipino-ness but instead beam with pride to AB and the world how great the Philippines and his being Filipino are, especially since this was AB’s first trip to the Philippines. I don’t know if any of you saw the Korea episode where the host was practically more Western than Augusto (I’ve actually read a lot of comments from Koreans ripping her apart because they felt that she wasn’t Korean enough in the way she presented herself) and yet while showing Tony around, she displayed all the happiness and pride of being a Korean without any self-doubt. That’s the way to promote your country, whether it be your adopted country or the country of your ancestry. I can understand why Augusto may feel that way, but to me it would have been nice if those things were left out in AB’s first trip to the Philippines in a program that has an international reach.
Okay that’s it for me. I’m ready for the stoning, haha. /End rant.
Whoops, gotta get ahead while I can. I should acknowledge though that Augusto’s “story” does make things a little more interesting from a TV show perspective, and it does open avenues to explore what makes the Philippines the Philippines.
MM, I’ve massed emailed, using blank cc, of course, family & friends to watch Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations feature on the Phils., noting you as one of the hosts. 9 p.m. Central time, the Travel Channel, Mon. 02-16-09.
guia, thanks. :) I can just see the 3-4 million strong Filipino/American community wondering what the heck this episode is about…heehee.
I’m proud of our cuisine and the exposure that it has on No reservation will come along way… thanks to MM and Augusto.
Even if the show is shown worldwide, I think it still is geared basically to a US audience. The contest was open to US residents only (although some people from other countries including the Philippines submitted videos). In that light, I think the theme of Augusto’s “search for identity” becomes relevant to America’s 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants who are the ones most likely to question who they are, and where they belong. But I suspect, this is a theme only for the Cebu segment and not for the whole show — the reason why Tony went to Cebu. We shall see in a few days…these discussions are getting me even more excited for Monday ! :)
Please don’t misinterpret Augusto’s lament. This feeling of disconnect and cultural alienation is common among ABPs (American Born Pinoys) and any other nationality born outside their native country. No need to ruffle any feathers, but I assure you this topic is pretty rampant in any Asian American studies at any university.
It’s actually from most countries, they treat any American born whatever-nationalities-they-may-have-been as somewhat different (I believe in a special way). It could be a disadvantage if you allow it to be.
In most cases I believe you are treated better in the Philippines if you were an “outsider” (born or not outside)
and maybe Augusto or most ABP (as eej say) don’t know that they could be genuinely treated better (not because of anything – they’re just genuinely nice).
We can’t speak for Augusto as we don’t know his experience of growing up a Filipino in his own country (USA) and th elonging for his roots and homeland(PI).
So let’s all just watch it, just wanted to see the Philippines with Anthony Bourdain in the picture.
Hopefully someone of his magnitude brave the greater Mindanao (no more kidnapping PLEASEEE!!) and show the rest of the world not all Filipinos are Lechon-eating Catholics.
We could be much like Singapore (or at least we should be) in celebrating and enjoying the foods for all religions and ethnic groups.
No hungry citizens, not much fighting hehehehehe
Gotta love Singapore for that. Halal food and killing me softly baboy on the same block, and no big deal about it.
PEACE all ya’ll!!!
Thanks for the update on the episode! I’ve already set the TiVo for Monday night!!
Ilowkanow?? I can’t stand FILIPINOS who try and escape their heritage. New Yorkers and Bostonians still say they’re Americans and Parisiens still say they’re French. Ilocano, Ilonggo, Pampangeno, Davaoeno, Zamboangeno, Manileno, Cebuano…we are ALL FILIPINO. And Antony Bourdain rules!
Wow, great site! I just found it today and have no idea how. But I really like it, especially the microwavable chicharon.
I was browsing around and found this post. I’m a little confused since it’s posted recently, but you’re talking about an episode of No Reservations that airs/aired Feb. 16, 2008? I’m guessing it’s a typo. :-)
Keep up the good work.
Filipina mom hailing from VA,USA.
Mrs. Izzy, good catch, it is 2009, not 2008! So the show is airing tomorrow in the U.S. Thanks!
I’ve been a big fan of Anthony Bourdain for so long (his shows, being judge in Top Chef), and often he’s been waxing poetic about asian cuisine, especially spicy food and curries. Also, I think it’s from him that i first heard about fat being flavor in food, and i look forward to his tasting Cebu lechon. I wonder though how he would compare it to all other roasted pigs he’s tasted. Would it be the taste or, really, the filipino hospitality that would make eating lechon in these parts different?
Jun, you may want to read this earlier post on Bourdain’s visit, and this other brief post on what he thought of the lechons he tasted… :)
WOLF,
Many filipinos are getting reluctant to be called filipino for reason that, they dont want to know their root,But whatever they do with themselves, they will still be a filipino, Im a british national myself and belongs to “ILOCANO”.And my ethnicity makes me proud! and really hates to be called “brits” because im not! its only on paper! Lechon is one of my favourite delicacy decades ago but deprived myself due to religious cause but this food is really one of the best and im dumb not to admit it.The crunchy reddish skin is the best part, you really dont need anything to add in it, just bite it and experience that different taste….
Great Job MM. Loved the show
Man i would have loved to show AB around the country. I will most definitley take him to BATAD and Sagada and all around the Mt Province. Then down south to Bohol. AB if you are reading this, come travel with me. So many things i wana talk to you about. I may not be as well travelled as you are but im quite an intresting fella.
And im straight!. No offense.
Marketman, I’ve really become a fan of yours. Almost as much as Bourdain! Been reading your site backwards the last few weeks. Found some interesting links as well, such as Chichajo’s.
After reading so much lately on lechon and sisig, I woke-up a few days ago to bust a mission, as my daughter would say. Drove to 2 cities, 3 roast pork vendors, begging to get the head. They were out, or wouldn’t sell it to me, as they said it’d been reserved for something else, so I settled for a big slab of roasted pork belly. Went home and cooked sisig. For this, I normally just wait for some Filipino party to get some bit parts, but because of you, I couldn’t wait for another party to make this. As always, it turned-out pork heaven! My family ate this for days. My husband who is so conscious of cholesterol and such, kept going back to the kitchen for more. For this artery-clogging bliss, I have you to thank for! :)