The second spot in my Little Tokyo investigation: Ippondo. The name sounds charming, but let’s avoid the potential backlash from rumors. The tonkotsu ramen had a light taste but a rich, slightly gritty broth. Despite some shortcomings, like the chashu, a revamped soup might change the game. My stomach and expressions were on the brink after the second spot.

Investigating Japanese food in Little Tokyo, Makati! First, I visited Hana, a restaurant with over 10 years of history, and ordered the saba shioyaki set meal. The mackerel was oily and tasted just like in Japan! The miso soup broth was very Japanese! The rice was somewhat Japanese? The Japanese owner ensured the food was tailored to Japanese tastes. Despite the name "Little," the cooking skills were "Big."

Pizza + music + Philippines—if this phrase excites you, head to Cowboy Grill in Malate! I'm smitten with Filipino singing and dancing! The pizza was crispy, juicy, and heartwarming. Feeling blissfully tipsy, I returned home late, happy but imagining my wife scolding me... and felt genuinely sad.

Everything sounds delicious when you use the word "delicious." At sunset in Divisoria Mall, I was excited about the street food lumpia! Instead of meat, it was filled only with healthy mung beans. The strong vinegar kick made it irresistibly delicious. The generous oil left a special fullness that lasted for hours, making it a delicious challenge to finish.

Divisoria Mall in Manila, the best cost-performance spot! It’s more accessible than pre-COVID times. In the food court, I found Lugaw, a traditional Filipino porridge with chicken broth, ginger, and garlic—a perfect drinkable dish! It seems great for colds too! When you're sick, have porridge made by your girlfriend or wife! I’ll just suffer in silence.

A Filipino chocolate that brings happiness for just 30 yen: CLOUD9. One bite reveals a caramel delight. Wait, is this a Snickers? Oh, it must be an illusion. The milky sweetness of the nougat makes me feel like I'm in heaven. Such a sweet nougat would make even the legendary father shout in joy. Papas: “Nou-gat!!”

Investigating McDonald's in the Philippines: Is it better than Jollibee? Hamburger: Fluffy buns and juicy patty, McDonald's wins. Spaghetti: Salty, like Neapolitan. Sweet Jollibee spaghetti is also good, hard to decide. Chicken: Crispy but slightly dry. Jollibee wins. Conclusion: A hybrid "McJollibee" would be unbeatable.

When products crack, they become new. In the Philippines, pandesal with cracks turns into crack pandesal. Its crispy exterior and moist interior are rich with salt and butter flavor. Labeling cracked goods as a new product is clever. But if a crack pandesal has no cracks, is it a defect? (Philosophical thought)

Reaching for my dream, I tried Wagyu Manila! The marbled sirloin’s clear fat melted in my mouth, questioning the need to chew. The Wagyu sushi was like fatty tuna sashimi! The total cost was 3,124 pesos but no problem. As a man, I flashed my card to the server and said, "On installment."

Family gatherings call for BITES TIME! Vanilla and rich caramel ice cream wrapped in crunchy milk chocolate, with fragrant roasted nuts. The four-piece pack is perfect for families! Sharing it brings smiles. Even a loner like me can't stop smiling while eating it! Only my lineage ends.