Vanjo merano biography of rory

A feast for the senses, gastronomy and media join forces to innovate how we consume and appreciate our local cuisine

Words Mika Geronimo
February 27,

While the Philippines is making strides towards greater recognition on the world stage—be it in the fine dining scene, global travel guides, or prestigious year-end lists—social media presents a distinct narrative.

Like the cuisine itself, Filipino food is ever-changing and multi-faceted. It is only fitting that how we consume Filipino food, from our dinner tables to online platforms through our phones, has followed suit.

From new diets entering the mainstream to an emphasis on championing local produce, we are witnessing a shift in Filipino food.

It's evolving from simply existing as a site of nostalgia to a promising avenue that sheds light on our biodiversity and national identity.

No bad eggs here—here are six content creators providing diverse yet equally nuanced perspectives on Filipino food and culture as we know it.

Panlasang Pinoy for beginner-friendly Filipino recipes

Before discussing the upward trajectory of Filipino food content online, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Panlasang Pinoy.

The step-by-step guides of the man behind the camera, Vanjo Merano, have become some of the most sought-after tutorials for learning the basics of Filipino cooking.

The Chicago-based blogger has been making YouTube videos for 14 years and counting. Since then, he has instilled confidence in his viewers as one of the leading authorities followed by many aspiring home cooks in and out of the country.

FEATR for cultural deep-dives

Since its early days under The Fat Kid Inside banner, FEATR has maximized the digital space by promoting the best and perhaps the most underrated facets of Filipino culture and food.

The company has churned out quality short-form videos, travel documentaries, and feature videos on remarkable individuals from all over the Philippines. A force for good, FEATR has uplifted countless small businesses and the stories that make them.

Jeeca (TheFoodieTakesFlight) for vegan eats

Jeeca of The Foodie Takes Flight soared with her short-form video recipes on plant-based cooking.

The ‘Vegan Asian’ Cookbook author stands out by preparing food heavily inspired by her Filipino-Chinese upbringing and travels.

From staple vegetarian dishes to vegan alternatives fit for the Filipino palette, this foodie proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor and nostalgia to achieve the delectable tastes you know and love.

The Lost Filipino Cookbook/The Histolinarya Collective for ancestral cooking

At the heart of Roberto Villarcabral’s virtual cookbook of Filipino recipes is the notion that “Filipino food is as rich as its history.” While The Lost Filipino Cookbook has since migrated its content to and rebranded as The Histolinarya Collective, its eloquently worded accounts of the origins and traditions of regional cuisine and classic local dishes remain all the more fascinating.

Truly filling for both the mind and the stomach if you’d ask us.

Gayyem Ben for countryside life

The Nueva Vizcaya-based YouTube content creator captures the serenity and simplicity of countryside living.

Also serving as a well-deserved break from most overstimulating content online, his videos are accompanied solely by the peaceful sounds of harvesting and cooking, as well as the bright laughter shared by his family over a warm meal. Gayyem Ben’s content ultimately highlights the value of where food comes from.

As much as it is a manifestation of love, food is more so a product of hard work and labor—a notion that is more often than not overlooked.

Lokalpedia for food biodiversity

Food heritage all in the palm of one’s hand.

This is Lokalpedia, John Sherwin Felix’s brainchild that has archived the makings of numerous Filipino delicacies. What began as a digital scrapbook of scrumptious homecooked meals in his first account, n, has since progressed into an honorable quest of preserving rare local ingredients.

Felix is currently gearing up for his final expedition in Mindanao, where he is hoping to make one last trip to document even more interesting edible flora and fauna on the island.

All in the hopes of detailing these and more in a book spanning his noble advocacy over the past three years.