The Best Food in Kalinga Philippines (with Erwan Heussaff)

Kalinga is a treasured mountainous province located in the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines. Erwan Heussaff is in Pasil, a quaint municipality that’s perched on a cliff-bound valley, to learn more about the slow food movement and to taste some of the best homemade meals of his life.
Special thanks to:
Slow Food Pasil Community
Rowena Gonnay
Lam-En Gonnay
Ramon Uy Jr.
1:02:09 Obviously Kevin is a Production Assistant. Here is a joke for you about our typo: Why did the fortune teller start working on film sets? Because everyone kept asking for a "prodiction" instead of a "production" 😁
Jump to:
(0:00) Intro
(3:14) Foraging in the Mountains
(5:58) Pasil Slow Food Community
(39:40) A Feast in the Mountains
(56:35) A Hidden Paradise; Outro
-------------------------------
We are looking for collaborators, content producers, brands, and anyone who has a story to tell. Email us at [e-mail]
The Fat Kid Inside Studios
Erwan Heussaff - Founder
Kashka Gaddi - Content Producer
Eamonn Quizon - Cinematographer
Edel Cayetano - Story Producer
Harold Singzon - Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod - Story Producer
Kleo Balares - Supervising Producer
Hans Rivera - Multimedia Producer
Julius Rivera - Camera Operator
Steven Sune - Editor
Lorraine Santos - Editor
Dana Blaze - Editor
MK Tayona - Editor
Klyde Arce - Editor
Martin Narisma - Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos - Content Manager
Chester Velasco - Production Assistant
Kevin Amponin - Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac - Colorist
Sofia Paderes - Graphic Designer
Kim Manuel - Graphic Designer
Roanne Salvacion - Accountant
Donalyn Aranda - Accounting Assistant
Precious Vargas - Accounts Manager
Social Media:
/ featrmedia
/ featrmedia
/ featrmedia
/ erwan
/ erwanheussaff

[@israelcruz6934]

If there's a Nobel Prize for Nationalistic Videography, Erwan should win hands down.

[@analeemalabanan6280]

I agree!!!

[@mcdellao]

Indeed 💪🏾👏🏾

[@lmdeboom]

What does a nationalistic video mean? Have you seen other documentaries from other countries? Why do you think this deserves a Nobel Prize?

[@patricktan480]

Dami dami dyan na mas magaling kay Erwan, di napapansin. Masyado kayong excited para kay Erwan 😂

[@mommyingBetchay]

First minute pa lang panalo na!!

[@heidi_g]

I really love that you continue to showcase Filipino cuisine and culture. Thank you.

[@featrmedia]

More to come!

[@yaaaraves8951]

I agree!

[@kathleeenlindo2792]

Ang Ganda! Erwin and your team, good job!

[@yoongiswhiskers4378]

I am Cordilleran. Born and raised. I am but one person, but I don't think you realize how much your work mean so much to me, especially the ones from my region l, now that I live abroad. The way you produce each of your stories bring me so much nostalgia and longing for my hometown in the mountains. Not to mention the top notch production (esp writing), is a comfort food for my homesick soul. The way you ate that tinola was gold. I am excited to see what your next story would be about. Oh and yes, I watched it til the end, you are right. There is no need to drag others down, let's appreciate what we have and celebrate our cultural differences. Stay gold Erwan and Featr team!

[@featrmedia]

Maraming salamat!

[@makicow]

I didn't know that Erwan was born in the Philippines. I noticed how he keeps choosing to go to the Cordilleras for Featr. His storytelling is almost always respectful and careful. It's as if he is originally from the place and presenting Cordillera to the world. Thanks for truly being a Filipino in every way you can.

[@lyvegalla4122]

Came here to comment this but I know that I'm not the only one who noticed how especially fond he is of the Cordilleras and our people. It clearly shows on all his videos. Matagu-tago kayo FEATR!!!

[@eveandi8138]

what i really love Erwan vlog is the narration & story telling. Relaxing and yet informative that will make u fall in love in Filipino culture and heritage.

[@TheIntrovertKitchen]

Agree ❤

[@featrmedia]

Thank you so much 😀

[@andrewwibel819]

As a Fil-Am man I can't tell you how important your work is to me personally. I feel blessed that you can create these stories and share these places and foods with people like me who are sadly so physically far away from our heritage. Thank you.

[@angellajoybusque3339]

I am a Cordilleran. I lived in Abra my whole life until I studied in Manila for my university way back in 2011. I neglected my simple life and moved to the city, looking for a greener pasture. But watching your Cordilleran videos showcasing the simple life, culture, and tradition we have hits home. Thank you, Featr team! God bless you all!

[@featrmedia]

Thanks for sharing!

[@wooin4274]

I'm still watching his vlog... before its featrs .. it was his own personal vlog especially with anne then he upgrade into an amazing platform to advocate and showcase the Philippines cusine ♥️♥️♥️

[@gdywn]

Im from Kalinga and applaud what you portrait here Sir Erwann! Agree with how people before are shy to prepare their food, i remember they would say “pasensya wala kaming pambili ng Sardinas so we just prepare native manok..” in the upper kalingas, the food was really great and nutritious! Also our Market here at Tabuk sell different variety of Kalinga Rice, it’s a must visit too! Thank you! ❤

[@DomingaPua]

One of my dream is to bring my feet to kalinga,one day i will go there .

[@gdywn]

@@DomingaPuaKalinga is waiting for ü

[@ramond6056]

❤ Cordillera traditions and culture preserve for the next-generation. I love how Erwin do his vlog. More power. Not just the food but also the culture and traditions involved

[@marvinmayor]

Your vlogs have become a valuable resource for many, including myself, and I look forward to each new upload with great anticipation. Keep up the good work, as your contributions to your field are significant and appreciated. ❤

[@featrmedia]

Wow, thank you!

[@princejowerthuerta]

Your Northern Luzon vlogs always make me nostalgic about my inang(lola) who recently passed away last September due to colon cancer. I remember I always getting excited when we have to visit her on our bario in Isabela as she always welcomes us with a feast. She will tell my uncles to butcher her native pigs and chickens then we will all eat tinola on her hardwood floor. I haven't visited her for a decade as I moved to Metro Manila to work. Before her last days, she was looking for me even though I thought that she no longer remembers me due to her old age. I miss my people up north.

[@ErvinSamonte]

Thank you for showcasing our province, Erwan ❤ Kalinga does have a rich culture and living traditions, and this content makes me happy because you are helping our province to be known worldwide❤

[@alicedelizo1040]

Classy, honest, informative , educational and interesting , all rolled into one . . . That’s how I describe this episode . Erwin and his crew deserves an award . 👏👏👏

[@iammerliza]

Years later, I'm still in awe with the narration and storytelling of Erwan and Featr media team. Padayon mo.

[@Withjoyfulsenescence]

I now have a habit of watching these mini-documentaries about Philippine food. It’s soothing.😌

[@jojopalabino6952]

Food, culture, place, and people = Featr✨

[@eylvhirrah5361]

This is not just a mere vlog, a content,or a youtube channel .....this deserve a Nobel Prize❤❤❤❤

[@nandogroa]

Hi Erwan. Your show FEATR is valuable and enjoyable because: 1) It allows Filipinos who don't have the means or the time, to see part of the country that they probably will never visit in their entire lifetime. 2) It allows the townfolk people (in the places you feature) to showcase whatever micro-culture they are part of and share their culinary and work practices inherent to their ethnicity. 3) It promotes the joy of discovery, the excitement to try the new, and the appreciation of what is diffierent; all done with so much kindness, respect, and humility. Keep it up and be conscious that FEATR and Ewan Heusaff are now brands whose images are intertwined.

[@guythatlovespotato]

I feel at peace while watching this vid, napakapayak na pamumuhay. This vid, their culture is like a time machine that bring us all back to more peaceful and simpler days.

[@jannmarksinang3742]

Very decent and informative docu-vlog. Unique format. I love Erwan's narration. I adore the script. Kudos.

[@featrmedia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@friedricey]

Spent 4 months in this region before the internet kicked after my NGO work back in 2010. The place is absolutely magical, away from the rat race and tourism.

[@Meng-kt2gw]

This needs to be shared multiple times! Hope Erwan gets the recognition he deserves. Kase our Government doesn’t recognize influencers showcasing the uniqueness, diversity, culture etc. of every domain here in the Phil.

[@jennibulan]

Thank you, guys!!! My heart is so full. Don’t stop doing what you do… you make me cherish my culture so much. I even took down notes and will try to cook those dishes Erwan described. The kalabasa with beans, the roasted monggo in cooked down unsweetened coconut milk, the tomato, spring onions and ginger salad…. It’s time for that road trip up north again.

[@bryankelly9797]

Growing up as a child we always thought "we're eating only these" now Im living half way around the world and oh these traditional foods are way better,missing them so much.thank you Featr, all the best to your team

[@lazelrivera5738]

Nostalgic. I remembered my childhood at 41. My late uncle has a small lot in Tabuk but I didn't get a chance to visit his place. Mostly he stays here in Manila. I had a glimpse on what life is in Kalinga. Even my late Aunt who was married to a Kalinga Prince. Whenever they go in Kalinga they will gave us a sack of red rice and yes it has a distinct taste and organic. That's one of the best pasalubong we got.

[@grace_0313]

Every part of this video and every word Erwan said- are worth watching and hearing for. Thank you for doing this, Erwan & team FEATR. We appreciate you guys! ❤️‍🔥🇵🇭

[@th3_memories]

This kind of production should be recognized world wide. The way the video was made was so different to other content creators, it's so natural. To the team congratulations, continue this kind of story.

[@martinhare6085]

I appreciate Erwan eating the local foods without camera cuts. It's very genuine. He just discovered Philippines first vegan soup 😂. Round of applause as well to the researcher who pursues for this story, and the crew behind the camera that went to this isolated village.

[@jbn03canada]

One of the best food documentary. Learning more about regional food culture of my country, Philippines, this video is very educational and spiritual. I have enjoyed watching and have found myself looking back the previous life of the farmers that have enriched the culinary food of this island bringing their language and way of life. I cannot recommend this video enough to all Filipino wether you are from the north or south. The film depicts the story behind the food and the people who make it. It well puts together showing the land where they get the food and how it is being prepared. I can only imagine what the taste like. Thanks to the narrator for describing the experience.

[@ramaicaona]

Our food culture tells a story, of our ancestors, not known to many, but not entirely forgotten. Kudos to those who keep the tradition, and speak of it! Salamat, FEATR! 💜

[@bernadetteruales1414]

Thank you Erwan for showcasing the culture, the food and the traditions we have in the Philippines. We Filipinos should learn how to appreciate and love the values and cultures that we have. ❤

[@isangmanang]

From The Fat Kid Inside to Featr, kudos Erwan and team for always always bringing stupendous documentary of our rich culture. Mabuhay!

[@regiejoylayugan2531]

Finally, it's released tagal kung hinintay😊 , thank you so much erwan team for showcasing our unique culture☺

[@vinielcalimlim7829]

What do you call po dun sa vegan soup how is it made? Curious lang hehe

[@angellejaem]

I am from Kalinga and now lives in LA for greener pasture too. I’m happy that I get to watch my hometown thru this vlog & it made me really miss the simple life back home. ❤

[@wilmacayabyab7727]

I watched it till the end 😊 brought me back when I was small.. my mom used to tell us about her life in the province of Cagayan Valley, she used to do what those women do.. and that part they sang while harvesting rice😢😢😢 was my Mom's most treasured memory. Thank you😢😊❤

[@jhomin2691]

Hahaha ang saya ng last part may EXPOSURE ang mga gwapong bumubuo ng show. Thank you again FEATR for featuring again and again the cordilleran people, culture and their healthy authentic food.. Super ganda ng kalinga, while watching feeling ko amoy na amoy ko rin ang fresh air. Amazing nature..Ang food talaga nila from scratch. Yung mga tao talaga nila masisipag. Kahit yung mga may edad na talagang nagpa farm pa rin, kaya kahit may edad na sila malakas pa rin talaga pangangatawan nila. And true napaka dami pa talagang magaganda dito satin sa pinas na hindi pa napapakita kaya yung iba gusto mag travel abroad. 😁 More more more episodes pa ulit sa cordillera. ❤️😍 Nakakagutom...😜

[@user-wh9iw3vu4z]

This is one fascinating documentary video that discover the inner culture of the Kalinga regions. I’m so amazed on how Erwan presented this beautiful gastronomic culture… This is another of your exceptional presentation, so proud of your work of arts…you brought us closer to these regions that maybe very few of us will have the chance of visiting them. Congratulations to you our dearest Erwan and to your Team. Mabuhay and God Bless.

[@sherynmadrano1246]

The love, gratitude, and appreciation I felt poured throughout this video. The connection and respect to earth got me so overwhelmed with tears.

[@MaxinnePatriceAmbion]

Watched 'til the end! Amazing work talaga, Featr!!! Please keep producing these documentaries! When we become financially able to go around the Philippines, we' ll revisit these videos one by one!

[@maricarvensuelo5437]

I always appreciate the work quality of FEATR. Erwan brings out the best of Filipino native food and culture. Salute to the team!

[@kathleeenlindo2792]

Ang Ganda! Congratulations,Erwan and Team!

[@kristina4031]

I did watch until the outro, Erwan’s food for a thought and keeping an open mind in exploring different Filipino dishes across the country!! All the best featr team!!

[@zamvorga]

Another winner 🏆 from your channel. I'm glued until the end. Great production value.

[@clairemarie1249]

Yes!! Watching it till the end. Your intentions are pure and is shown on every videos you and your team create..

[@MF-ul8dd]

Glad you made this trip, Erwan. What a touching showcase of a different side of the Philippines.

[@marmalade258]

First of all, thank you FEATR for making these QUALITY contents! It's been hella week for me in corporate. I watch/listen to them while I work at home. Every content is soooo relaxing. Seeing how our folks work hard with passion inspires me to focus on my work as well. Yun lang. Sana marami pa kayo macontent around the Philippines. More power to all of you. Thanks again! 🙌🏼🥰

[@user-jp9nv8sx1h]

Thank you for Erwan's crew. As always, good job guys!

[@edgemarkwan]

Thanks Erwan and FEATR for making this video as this will remind us to love the Philippines even more. This video deserves more attention.

[@mylsadanglao2401]

I am trully thankful whenever you make a documentary about Cordillera.

[@vertisol8655]

The place is truly amazing. Their agri-CULTURE is a heritage that must be protected and preserved. Writing my name in the logbook 3 days after the team left was unreal. I’ve been waiting for this episode since then.

[@jmartinez0720]

It is essential that these kind of videos be documented. Content creators who have reached an epiphany are the only ones who can come up and invest in this kind of project. Thank you Erwan.

[@franizmtechnology2737]

This will be another classic documentary. So much heart in this video. Kudos FEATR TEAM! Erwan, as always THANK YOU SO MUCH! A Masterpiece. 😎

[@user-ds8hd6iw4o]

This is beautiful! I really appreciate Erwan and Featr's Mastercraft

[@jonathanapit5711]

This is what excellence looks like! Kudos, sir Erwan and team!

[@elizabethholburt9403]

Wonderful! Keep it up with the terrific work! Thank you Featr and Erwan for opening our eyes and minds about our country!

[@yourweirdbanana]

This is surely one of the best one-hour documentary vlogs I have ever watched on KZbin. ❤

[@Meng-kt2gw]

Thank you so much Erwan for showcasing Kalinga!!!

[@shorebot]

Beautiful video. Love how the team really embedded themselves into the culture of Kalinga, even if only for a short time. Life led me to know (and ultimately appreciate) this place as well, so this video is extra special. You put words into what I've grown to love over the past decade or so, and for that I thank you guys.

[@itsmenadah964]

Thank you for always coming back to our mountains. The earth really brings out the emotions the buzzling city has kept us down. Kudos! More of Cordilleras ❤

[@ArjieCalica]

I love watching your videos, showcasing each part of the country and how each of them differs from one another.

[@SuperFauxhawk]

Thank you, Erwan for taking us with you on your journey discovering the beauty of our country. You are an excellent story teller. Magnificent work indeed!! My hat's off to you and your team!!❤️🇵🇭

[@nina.gorge148]

Thank you Erwan! You never fail to promote the Philippines. I’ve been a subscriber since it was still the Fat Kid Inside (you weren’t married yet). Please continue to bring Philippine culture and cuisine to the world. This in particular is so heartwarming - it makes me want to go home to visit the place and immerse myself with the people of Kalinga. I hope you recreate the chicken tinola and the squash with the beans.

[@LilianOrdono]

I love it! Thank you! Your vlogs showcase how beautiful our country and culture is! God bless you in all that you do.

[@SilvanoKhimverlyJeanE]

Kudos to the featr team for creating such a fantastic documentary; it's truly heartwarming 💚💚.

[@AtingTalakayin]

These food and culture documentaries on this channel are on par with, or even better than, those from mainstream media. We have to appreciate Erwan and his team's effort in showcasing Filipino food and culture. These are gold!

[@Hope82000]

Hats off FEATR! ❤ Salamat sa mga nakakabusog na information, tagos lagi sa puso. ❤ Tuwing nanonood ako sa Inyo, lalo Kong minamahal ang Pilipinas at ang mga kapwa ko Pilipino. 🇵🇭

[@ethelcrescini]

Why did I find myself crying watching this? So education, informative and satisfying to watch your channel. ❤️

[@rventura101699rv]

Beautiful production. Such an emotional, beautiful food story. More of the Philippines to explore! Kudos to FEATR!

[@robescalante9435]

Beautiful. More of this please.

[@lizabugarin-veecock9096]

Thank you Erwan and your group for a beautiful video. Proud to be a Filipino.

[@rubilynkitamura5034]

One of the best in our culture presentation. thank you Erwan with your team❣️

[@kiaspotty3400]

Thank You so much Erwan for sharing this vlog to us..,❤ God bless your good heart my dear son,..and your family as well.💞 Thank you so much too to everyone who contributed their time / talent for this storyvlog especially to Harold, Chester, Monn & Kevin. God bless ❤️

[@Peaceful903]

❤❤❤👍👍👍❤️👍🇨🇦🇵🇭OMG! So organic, especially those foods, miss it a lot! thanks Erwan & your Crews, bravo sa pagfeature ninyo sa lugar namin🙏❤️👍

[@Janin...]

Yea we do watch till the end.. Kudos featr team. Keep exploring our region ❤❤❤

[@haydeedugenia3613]

I'm so touched with this video, I love Philippines more, thank Erwan and your team, congrats

[@tinjimenez4569]

I have many realization everytime watching your docu. Your team is amazing . Kudos to everyone. Even the whole ads i watched. Hands down.

[@rubyellaine5417]

Thank you for showing us beautiful places,,go more up north ,, mountain province,,,❤❤

[@angeleebonilla4688]

Love this video coz it really features hidden treasures of some parts of our country and for me it should be recognized and appreciated..the hard work of the people in the farm is so amazing and you can see and feel that they love what their doing..so proud of them all..and I’m so proud to be a Filipino..🙏😊

[@silversurfer1781]

Finally with Erwan. Miss seeing him. The best talaga si Erwan!

[@tactialloner]

Ang GANDA. A vlog worth watching. BEAUtiful place, people and culture. The world needs to see them. Thank you for this FEATR team. ❤️

[@istambiker786]

this is so nice to watch. not so exciting (in very nice way), calming, very informative. It's nice that this perspective is being shown to others. much love ❤

[@emilianzy]

Yan ang kultura na hindi dapat mawala sa ating mga filipino, mula sa ugali at pakikitungo hanggang sa pagluluto ng mga pagkain very authentic enjoyable watching

[@aranjuezdavao]

I would like to express my gratitude for sharing this insightful video/podcast. Erwan's perspective resonates with me completely. It is essential for us to approach Filipino cuisine with an open mind, ready to embrace the vast array of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that make up the rich tapestry of Filipino dishes. By exploring the depth and diversity of Filipino culinary traditions, we not only expand our palates but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage and history that each dish represents. Let's continue to celebrate and savor the unique and delicious offerings of Filipino food, fostering a greater understanding and respect for this vibrant culinary heritage.

[@BobBrooks1]

Great Video, thank you. I did watch to the end.

[@camillus.arcinas]

Ito dapat yung content creator na sobrang daming subscribers!

[@jannmarksinang3742]

FEATR is the only docu-vlog that shows the significance of food mainly- to people, location culture etc.of a particular place. Nice one! Brilliant content.

[@haleyvich1735]

Buti nlng nakasama si Erwan kase ganda ng pag narrate. I love it.

[@mysbhyv1707]

Together with the effort and prepared foods of the people of Pasil, I love the end message given by the FEATR team and Erwan. Thank you for another great documentary❣👍👍

[@aubre0re0]

You are my favorite to watch every time I am eating (your channel). It makes me appreciate the food in my table, everything has a story--- the raw ingredients, especially local produce. Feels like I am eating a food that has a lot of hard work and passion before being served. Its not just a food channel, it also raises awareness for all of us. Thank you for your hardwork.

[@christineorfanel259]

I love..love.. this episode... Great content.. galing!!!

[@malouoblea5931]

i love watching this show grabe nakaka amazed thank u so much for this team, more more good show may God bless u all

[@beatricejavier9914]

I see what you’re doing Erwan. I love how intentional your are with your craft. Thank you for showcasing Filipino food. I’ve been loving these recent episodes. I’m looking forward to whatever featr dives into next.

[@janreefsaplaco8129]

Thank you for featuring our beautiful homeland!

[@isteplegaria3458]

Beautiful again. It gives me goosebumps bravo 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@user-mz3il2ei7t]

I do always watch your documentary from beginning to end , ang dami daming matutunan at natutunan, thank you for showcasing our culture, especially nowadays that stress is taking over the world, your videos make me and my family breathe a little and reminisce the traditional way of living. Thank you FEATR fam, i will pass on your features to the young members of our circle para malaman nila kung gaano din kaswerte ang mga taong namumuhay ng payak at matutunan din ang mga tradisyon nating mga pinoy na sana di maglaho . Salamat sa panawagan mo Erwan, sana marinig ng me mga power para ibalik ang mga fading ma practices at culture natin.

[@emmaempleo5637]

Hats off to you, Erwan, and your Team! 👏 Thank you for sharing this story. God bless always!❤

[@user-jp9nv8sx1h]

Wow! That a new tinola recipe...always using fresh ingredients like newly harvested green papaya, monggo (balatong), pigeon peas (kardis), lasona, sili keaves,...and native chicken. And slow cooked on fire using the clay pot (tayab)! Wow, wow, wow...

[@MaMarniePalabrica]

This is one of the best content made by Erwan..

[@charlesbulatao2367]

husay talaga.the more that I support and watch the videos the more na na aaapreciate ko food and culture sa pinas. parang gusto ko lahat punatahan ng lahat ng features ni erwann