Silvia's Book

"Where did you get this cake?"

Our friend, Silvia, wanted to know during one of our lunches. Her innocent question inadvertently led to this guidebook we’ve named in her honor.

Our hostess had served an exquisite chocolate cake that came not from a restaurant but a private home accepting orders. Being expats or long-time Philippine residents ourselves, we realized that each of us has accumulated resources throughout our many years of living in the Philippines. We thought it was about time we shared them—initially with Silvia, and with you, to whom we are happy to pass on all the information here.

This app covers what you need to know during your first few years in this country. We’ve included all sorts of information: from where you can go out of town for leisure, hire musicians for a party, and even find negative blood should you need it. Everything we recommend has been tried and tested—by ourselves or our close friends.

While we tried to cover as much ground as possible, we certainly haven’t listed everything. So we hope this guidebook inspires you to discover the rest of what the Philippines has to offer. Who knows? You just might come up with a directory of your own.