Today was a travel day, used to make the trip to Banaue in the central highlands of Ifugao province. An overall distance of about 370km was ahead of us, so a drive of about eight hours.

We left Manila in the early morning, but already had a first stop a few meters after crossing the city limits. We were now in the La Loma district of Quezon City – the heart and core of the Filipino lechon production (and arguably the best of the country). Here we had the chance for a quick glimpse of the many, many pigs, doing their turns, while roasting over the coals …

Well – I am not too fond of pork, but the sight and the smells here, really got my saliva flowing – and that’s despite the fact, that it was just about seven in the morning.

Samples were not available though, pigs were only sold as whole … so we kept the saliva flowing and continued our trip North.