Dining In/Out: Independence Day Weekend

No Independence Day plans? Independence Day (June 12) marks the start of a long weekend, so celebrate being Filipino this weekend with some fun promos.

Diamond Hotel presents Paleta Filipino

FILIPINO cuisine takes center stage at the Diamond Hotel Philippines as Corniche presents “Paleta Filipino,” a culinary showcase celebrating the country’s rich gastronomic heritage from June 9 to 14. The festival brings together a colorful collection of flavors reflecting the diversity, creativity, and vibrancy of Filipino cooking. The festival features a selection of dishes prepared by Diamond Hotel’s award-winning culinary team who drew inspiration from regional recipes and local ingredients, to present a menu that blends tradition with contemporary flair. Among the highlights are Purple Yam Soup, Pako Salad na may Crispy Dilis, Adobong Tahong in Fried Rice Paper, Nilagang Baka sa Dahon ng Libas, Smoked Tinapa Pizza, Pinya at Lechon Paksiw Pizza, Camsur Pansit Bato Guisado, Pansit Sotanghon na may Taba ng Talangka sa Gata, Tagalog Oxtail Adobo sa Gata, Apahap sa Luyang Dilaw, Pampanga Sisig Fried Rice, and Sinigang na Salmon Belly sa Pakwan. Guests can likewise indulge in an array of desserts, including Pandan Chiffon Macapuno, Ube Yema Cake, Choco Tablea Cake, Mango Cashew Sansrival, Tsokolate Langka Roll Cake, Ginataang Halo-Halo sa Bayabas, and other sweet creations inspired by Filipino flavors. Available for both lunch and dinner, the buffet is priced at P3,988 net per person. For reservations, call 8528-3000 or e-mail restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com. Dining vouchers may also be purchased through the hotel’s online store at onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. Prior reservations are encouraged. For more information visit www.diamondhotel.com.

Celebrate freedom with P199 donuts at Krispy Kreme

THIS Independence Day, Krispy Kreme invites Filipinos to celebrate freedom, togetherness, and sharing with a special offer that’s made for the occasion. Only available on June 12, customers can enjoy a pre-assorted half dozen, that includes three Original Glazed Doughnuts, one Original Glazed with Nuts, one Nutella with Almonds, and one Pistachio Crunch doughnut. All the favorite flavors come together for P199, making every gathering sweeter with P96 off from every box. Visit participating Krispy Kreme stores nationwide.

National Ube Day at Newport World Resorts

NEWPORT World Resorts celebrates two things on June 12: the Independence Day weekend, and National Ube Day. At The Whisky Library, the pairing of ube — purple yam — and coconut becomes the foundation of El Bimbo, one of the featured cocktails from “Cocktail Menu Volume 3,” a music-inspired collection that interprets iconic artists and songs through flavor and storytelling. Named after the beloved Eraserheads anthem, ube cream and coconut form the heart of the cocktail, complemented by lemon and full cream milk, then finished with red dragon fruit powder and toasted coconut chips. Guests may also choose between Amarula South African Cream at P530 or Flor de Caña Nicaragua Coffee at P550. At the Marriott Café Bakery of Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, National Ube Day carries a particular resonance. The Michelin Guide-listed hotel marks the occasion with the Kasen Burnt Basque Ube Cheesecake, newly added to its premium cake selection. Named after 14-year-old content creator Kasen Abelgas, whose “Kasen Eats” platform promotes Filipino cuisine, the cake was developed in collaboration with Executive Pastry Chef Felinio Afable. Throughout June, Marriott Café extends the celebration with ube-inspired desserts across its breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet offerings.