O F

The typical day of the Filipino starts with Almusal - a hearty breakfast of fried rice with tapa (air dried beef), adobo (marinated pork or chicken), or fried danggit fish complemented by a cup of steaming barako coffee or thick chocolate. It is the most important meal of the day - a delicious meal that provides sturdy nutrition for a day of honest work. In the old northern town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Almusal can become an elaborate affair of seven viands and a choice of fresh succulent fruits: mangoes, papaya or pineapple - with chocolate and caraboa's milk on the side. The cook goes to town as early five a.m. to buy the freshest ingredients. By the time the senora has arrived from church and the children have wakened, a veritable feast has been laid out to start the day.

Suggestions:

Theme Party:
A Filipino breakfast setting can be highlighted by:
* The Mango Fruit ("Mango Bango" Theme)
* Different Ways of Cooking and Preparing Eggs ("Iba't Ibang Itlog" Theme)
* A special butler services breakfast can be arranged with selected hotels. ("Sunny Side Up" Theme)

Venues:
* A typical Filipino house is ideal for an Almusal breakfast setting
* Coconut Palace Poolside
* Villa Escudero (by the falls)
* Fort San Pedro, Cebu
* Selected hotels and resorts can recreate an Almusal setting in their function rooms, gardens or poolside area.

Entertainment:
* Rondalla Music
* Cultural Dance Troupe

Gifts:
* Pastillas de leche in native bag
* Anahaw fans
* Native fruit preserves