Cheryl Tiu - Travel, Food and Lifestyle Media

I was in the subway in New York City just last November feeling sorry for myself over several wishes that did not materialize. I was several stops to my destination, and as there’s no signal underground, decided to de-clutter my phone by deleting some of the 10,000++ photos that I no longer needed. Somehow, I ended up scrolling to way early up this year and was given photogenic flashbacks of places I’d traveled to, people I’d met, things I’d done this year and experiences I’d had this year– and it shook me back to reality and reminded me how lucky and blessed I am. I had forgotten about all of this because I had gotten caught up in my sorrows.

The truth is, life will always have its ups and downs but self-pity is the most useless emotion. Life is also happening so fast that it’s important to look back (photos help us do that alot), reflect and give thanks to all the blessings in our lives. As they say, you need to look back sometimes in order to move forward. So for my annual end of the year post, I look back to one of my most favorite things in life that fuels me, inspires me and has helped shape me to become the person that I am today– TRAVEL.

I feel so lucky that this 2016 has brought me to: Spain (Madrid), Thailand (Bangkok), Hong Kong (5x!!), Singapore (4x!!), Australia (Melbourne), Germany (Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt), Denmark (Copenhagen), USA (New York, 2x!! The second one being 1.5 months, Dallas), Mexico (Mexico City), Japan (Tokyo), Turkey (Istanbul). Wow. And it had to take a subway ride for me to reflect and remember all of that and how lucky and truly blessed I am, and I am so so grateful.

What are you grateful for? XX

SPAIN (Madrid)|January 2016

Being part of the Philippine delegation at Madrid Fusion in Spain... representing our country is always an honor. — Being part of the Philippine delegation at Madrid Fusion in Spain… representing our country is always an honor.

From Andoni Aduriz (Mugaritz) to Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park) to Joan Roca (El Celler de Can Roca) to Josean Alija.. Madrid Fusion 2016 was a congregation of some of the best chefs in the world

DStage was my most memorable meal in Madrid. One of my favorite dishes at Diego Guerrero's Dstage is this Nigiri of smoked winter eel sitting on white garlic puree, held together with shisho leaves. So beautiful and delicate. — DStage was my most memorable meal in Madrid. One of my favorite dishes at Diego Guerrero’s Dstage is this Nigiri of smoked winter eel sitting on white garlic puree, held together with shisho leaves. So beautiful and delicate.

Bar-hopped around the hipster Malasana neighborhood (thats basically, wine, beer and a spicy Panama liquer I just met called Thunder Bitch, and some pica-pica) with my dear friend Isabel, a fellow journalist, for El Mundo newspaper-- and her really cool girlfriends! — Bar-hopped around the hipster Malasana neighborhood (thats basically, wine, beer and a spicy Panama liquer I just met called Thunder Bitch, and some pica-pica) with my dear friend Isabel, a fellow journalist, for El Mundo newspaper– and her really cool girlfriends!

THAILAND (Bangkok) | February 2016

asias-50-best-restaurants-2016-gaggan-anand-number-1 — Congratulations Gaggan Anand, whose eponymous Gaggan is the no. 1 restaurant in Asia for the second year in a row!! Also a massive honor for us at Cross Cultures to have collaborated in Manila in October 2015 🙂 At Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony 2016 at W Bangkok

Whoohoo, Philippines represent at the Asia'50 Best Restaurants awards 2016!! Margarita Fores as Asia's Best Female Chef and Gallery Vask by chef Chele Gonzalez on the no. 39 spot on the list! — Whoohoo, Philippines represent at the Asia’50 Best Restaurants awards 2016!! Margarita Fores as Asia’s Best Female Chef and Gallery Vask by chef Chele Gonzalez on the no. 39 spot on the list!

Tonight's dinner date situation with myself.. So freaking beautiful.😍😍😍 Suhring by German twin chefs Thomas and Mathias Suhring, serves progressive German cuisine and opens officially in about 2 weeks. I've just finished the round of "finger food" and everything has been amazing so far.👌👌👌 — One of my favorite restaurant openings for 2016 is Suhring in Bangkok. It is by German twin chefs Thomas and Mathias Suhring, who serve progressive German cuisine. It’s so stunning, too, and I highly recommend it to anyone who comes and visits Bangkok.

The fastest way to get around Bangkok is through a 'bike taxi!' (They are a queue of motorbikes & you just tell them where you're going as in a taxi.) Weaved in and out of the crazy bumper-to-bumper traffic from Sukhumvit Soi 11 to Sathorn in 15 minutes instead of 40. High heels, bag on my lap, sunnies.. All good! — The fastest way to get around Bangkok is through a ‘bike taxi!’ (They are a queue of motorbikes & you just tell them where you’re going as in a taxi.) Weaved in and out of the crazy bumper-to-bumper traffic from Sukhumvit Soi 11 to Sathorn in 15 minutes instead of 40. High heels, bag on my lap, sunnies.. All good!

HONG KONG | February, May, June, July, September 2016

When I'm in Hong Kong, I usually stay in Causeway Bay, and being able to inhale this view of Victoria Harbour of the Hong Kong neighborhood I spent a lot time in was precious. — When I’m in Hong Kong, I usually stay in Causeway Bay, and being able to inhale this view of Victoria Harbour of the Hong Kong neighborhood I spent a lot time in (this was at Seafood Room) was precious.

cheryl-tiu-carlo-calma-filipino-balikbayans-ofws-hong-kong-central-february-14-2016 — On Valentines Day (February 14, 2016), Carlo Calma and I went to see our Filipino kababayans in Hong Kong, who were having a dance off on their Sunday usual, Chater Road in Central. They so kindly shared their pancit and chocolate cake with us. These guys are doing so much for country while sacrificing being away from their families and loved ones. Thank you so much for the hospitality. <3

One of my biggest advocacy is promoting Filipino food to the world. And first stop with my events platform Cross Cultures... was Hong Kong!!! — One of my biggest advocacy is promoting Filipino food to the world. And first stop with my events platform Cross Cultures… was Hong Kong!!!

We brought Filipino food to Hong Kong with my events platform, Cross Cultures!!! My first overseas event for Cross Cultures was at 42nd Davis at Kennedy Town. Dedet de la Fuente (Pepita’s Kitchen, Philippines), Jerome Santos (Rocco’s Pizzeria, Hong Kong), Roy Ocampo and Roy San Antonio (both 42nd Davis, Hong Kong) and Jimlie Catapang (Linguini Fini, Hong Kong), with Pepita’s Kitchen’s Pinoy paella: tanglad (lemon grass) rice, pork tocino, crispy adobo flakes, longganisang Macao, salted egg, crispy beef kansi, smoked milk fish, crispy dilis, tapa, garlic and quail eggs — We brought Filipino food to Hong Kong with my events platform, Cross Cultures!!! My first overseas event was at 42nd Davis at Kennedy Town. Dedet de la Fuente (Pepita’s Kitchen, Philippines), Jerome Santos (Rocco’s Pizzeria, Hong Kong), Roy Ocampo and Roy San Antonio (both 42nd Davis, Hong Kong) and Jimlie Catapang (Linguini Fini, Hong Kong), with Pepita’s Kitchen’s Pinoy paella

Integral to Cross Cultures' core is also SERVICE. We are an events platform and it's very important to us to deliver a special dining experience to all our guests. — Integral to Cross Cultures’ core is also SERVICE. We are an events platform and it’s very important to us to deliver a special dining experience to all our guests.

I always wondered who were those lucky ducks that had someone waiting for them right by the plane upon landing.. And one day, I became one of them!😃😃😃 Thank you so much Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong for this wonderful surprise welcome back to Asia (after a long flight from New York)!

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is one of my all-time favorite hotels ever. Waking up to this view is absolutely precious. In this particular case, Actually thanks to jetlag, I have been up since 4AM so it was so nice to watch the progression from darkness to light. As with all things we go through in life. — Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is one of my all-time favorite hotels ever. Waking up to this view is absolutely precious. In this particular case, I was jetlagging and had been up since 4AM so it was so nice to watch the progression from darkness to light. As with all things we go through in life.

Spoiled for truffles! These gorgeous black winter truffles from Perth, Australia served with Fassona (a breed of cattle from Piedmont) beef tartare at 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana.

I first tried VEA when it opened in December 2015, and loved chef Vicky Cheng's Chinese (influences) x French (techniques) philosophy. Almost a year later in Sept. 2016, I'm happy to revisit this place.. and see that Vicky and VEA have come a long way-- earning their first Michelin star, and likewise on the World's 50 Best Discovery Series radar. — I first tried VEA when it opened in December 2015, and loved chef Vicky Cheng’s Chinese (influences) x French (techniques) philosophy. Almost a year later in Sept. 2016, I’m happy to revisit to interview Vicky.. and see that both he and VEA have come a long way– earning their first Michelin star, and likewise on the World’s 50 Best Discovery Series radar.

One of them late night shoots in Hong Kong. The 1st person I saw every morning was makeup artist Lindsay Co-Alog who was by my side most of the day until we called it a night. Lindsay is amazing-- meticulous and easy to work with. She does airbrush and is great with chinita/ Chinese eyes, too! 👌👌👌 I highly recommend for shoots (TV, print), events, weddings, etc! Follow @lindsaycoalog on IG or visit www.lindsayco-alog.com. — One of them late night shoots in Hong Kong. The 1st person I saw every morning was makeup artist Lindsay Co-Alog who was by my side most of the day until we called it a night. Lindsay is amazing– meticulous and easy to work with. She does airbrush and is great with chinita/ Chinese eyes, too! I highly recommend for shoots (TV, print), events, weddings, etc! Follow @lindsaycoalog on IG or visit www.lindsayco-alog.com.

Getting behind the bar at the Bar High Five Pop-Up at the Landmark at Mandarin Oriental with Yuriko Naganuma, protege of legendary mixologist Ueno Hidetsugu (Ueno-san), who is now the headbartender of Bar de Luxe by Bar High Five (and Attire House) on 8 Wyndham Street in Central

SINGAPORE | March, April, May, July 2016

eat-list-star-2016 — Wow, such an HONOR for me to be part of Singapore’s largest broadcast network, MEDIACORP’s newest show, “Eat List Star” with a star-studded cast that I grew up watching on TV or reading about!! Actor-host Uttsada Panichkul (that’s VJ Utt for all of us part of the MTV generation!), Tippling Club chef Ryan Clift, radio DJ Simone Heng and hotelier-restaurateur Loh Lik Peng (Restaurant Andre, Burnt Ends, Esquina, etc.)– and me all the way from the Philippines!!!

eat-list-star-shooting-ryan-clift-cheryl-tiu-simone-heng-utt-loh-lik-peng-singapore — Was so amazing working with this incredible bunch!!

Bonding with my Eat List Star co-judge Utt. I mean I grew up watching this guy on MTV (who didn't have a crush on him?!) and to finally be working with this guy is amazing. PS How do you not age?! — Bonding with my Eat List Star co-judge Utt. I mean I grew up watching this guy on MTV (who didn’t have a crush on him?!) and to finally be working with this guy is surreal. PS How do you not age?!

eat-list-star-2016-shooting — With my amazing co-judges and all 20 contestants at Eat List Star for the bootcamp part of the show 🙂

cheryl-tiu-and-rachel-carrasco-krug-dinner-at-st-regis-singapore-april-2016 — I *LOVE* Krug and this was my first Krug dinner.. held at St. Regis Singapore! All vintages (paired with caviar, too) were amazing, most especially 1989! Thanks so much Rachel Tan Carrasco for inviting me as your date <3

I guess when you manifest, it does turn into reality. On another trip to Singapore, I had another KRUG moment with my friend chef Kirk Westaway of JAAN (a KRUG ambassade) at the restaurant overlooking Singapore.

Being to eat at almost all my favorite restaurants in Singapore, which I recommend to all of you (L-R): JAAN (Kirk Westaway), Odette (Julien Royer), Cure (Andrew Walsh), Labyrinth (Han Liguang), Corner House (Jason Tan) and Candlenut (Malcolm Lee).

At the first Michelin Gala ever in Singapore, at Resorts World Sentosa. With my gorgeous friend Rachel Tan Carrasco, brand manager of Ruinart, Dom Perignon and Krug in Singapore. Of course, did you expect anything less from us Pinays?! Haha. My train is by Puey Quinones and Rachel’s is by Andrea Tetangco, both Pinoy designers as well.

AUSTRALIA (Melbourne) | May 2016

My first time ever in Australia, hence I have 1 more continent left (Antartica)! This is Flinders Street Station-- apparently one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. — My first time ever in Australia– Melbourne–hence I have 1 more continent left (Antartica) to complete all 7, heh! This is Flinders Street Station– apparently one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Girls' trip to Melbourne with Victoria Cheng and Xindi Siau. Here we are at the stunning Montalto Winery by the Mornington Peninsula, the only winery with an art/ sculpture tour. They make excellent pinot gris, too, my fave wine this trip! — Girls’ trip to Melbourne with Victoria Cheng and Xindi Siau. Here we are at the stunning Montalto Winery by the Mornington Peninsula, the only winery with an art/ sculpture tour. They make excellent pinot gris, too, my fave wine this trip! Had a blast with these ladies. <3

GERMANY (Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt) | July 2016

Honored to represent the Philippines on Singapore Airlines' inaugural flight from Singapore to Dusseldorf-- on their newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-900! — I was honored to represent the Philippines on Singapore Airlines’ inaugural flight from Singapore to Dusseldorf– on their newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-900!

Kiefernstrasse- Graffiti Houses- Dusseldorf, Germany 1 — The graffiti houses-lined neighborhood of Kiefernstrasse is something you will never read about Dusseldorf in tourist or guide books. It was notorious in the 1980s for squatting and had connections to the Baader-Meinhof Gang (Red Army Faction). Today it is an isolated street of residential housing, home to 800 people from 40 nations… and has become one of the biggest graffiti “walls” in the world.

Himmel und Ad (Heaven and Earth), Peters Brauhaus, Cologne, Germany — At Peter’s Brauhaus in Cologne, I got to try Himmel und Ad (Heaven and Earth), a specialty both in Cologne and Dusseldorf. It was delicious and hey, black pudding is meant to be a super food.

Cheryl Tiu- Rheinstein Castle- Germany — How absolutely precious to have a glass of white wine– riesling to be exact– while on a castle (Rheinstein Castle, 1.5 hours from Frankfurt) overlooking the River Rhine? This is the stuff dreams are made of.

DENMARK (Copenhagen) | August 2016

My first time in Copenhagen!!! I love the colors of Nyhavn!

Geranium was PERFECT. There was no dish I didn't enjoy, and service was top form (friendly, engaging, informative & always three steps ahead). One of my most favorite dishes is this Salted Hake (marinated in parsley ash, which mirrored the design of this plate), and then doused with buttermilk speckled with parsley stems and Finnish caviar. Absolutely phenomenal. It is No. 28 on the World's 50 Best List, and it is the first and only restaurant in Denmark to receive 3 Michelin stars. — Geranium was PERFECT. There was no dish I didn’t enjoy, and service was top form (friendly, engaging, informative & always three steps ahead). One of my most favorite dishes is this Salted Hake (marinated in parsley ash, which mirrored the design of this plate), and then doused with buttermilk speckled with parsley stems and Finnish caviar. Absolutely phenomenal. It is No. 28 on the World’s 50 Best List, and it is the first and only restaurant in Denmark to receive 3 Michelin stars.

I had an AMAZING time in Copenhagen last week and a large part of it was bec of this amazing woman: @jinlovestoeat! 💗👯😍🤗 My daily lunch & dinner date-- we booked our restaurants a month before our trip so we couldn't meet up with anyone else only before or after our meals (that's how committed we were to our food!)😂😂😂-- confidante, wing woman (?!🤔), pillar, Snapchat tutor and GPS. From 1) Relae to 2) Taller to 3) Geranium to 4) Hija de Sanchez to 5) 108 by Noma to 6) Radio-- every meal with her was a blast. — A large part of my memorable time in Copenhagen was becauseof this amazing woman: Jin Perez (aka Jin Loves To Eat)! My daily lunch & dinner date– we booked our restaurants a month before our trip so we couldn’t meet up with anyone else only before or after our meals (that’s how committed we were to our food!) From 1) Relae to 2) Taller to 3) Geranium to 4) Hija de Sanchez to 5) 108 by Noma to 6) Radio– every meal with her was a blast.

Danish hotdogs are da BOMB! I was skeptical too at first but Denmark's first street food is longer than the bun, crunchy-crisp on the outside and tender inside, and topped with everything-- fried and sautéed onions, pickles, mustard, etc. etc. Steff Houlberg is one of the best and even when you're in transit at Copenhagen Airport, you can get at Terminal 2, near Gate C. Promise it's really good! — Danish hotdogs are da BOMB! I was skeptical too at first but Denmark’s first street food is longer than the bun, crunchy-crisp on the outside and tender inside, and topped with everything– fried and sautéed onions, pickles, mustard, etc. etc. Steff Houlberg is one of the best and even when you’re in transit at Copenhagen Airport, you can get at Terminal 2, near Gate C. Promise it’s really good!

USA (New York) | July and September-November 2016

Congratulations to the 2016 World's Best Restaurant-- Osteria Franscescana in Modena, Italy! Here I am with chef-patron Massimo Bottura, and Asia's best female chef, our very own Margarita Fores — Congratulations to the 2016 World’s Best Restaurant– Osteria Franscescana in Modena, Italy! Here I am with chef-patron Massimo Bottura, and Asia’s best female chef, our very own Margarita Fores at the 2016 World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street

And I bet you’ve never seen Eleven Madison Park like this!!! What a fantastic after-after-party with Questlove DJ-ing.. And some of the best chefs in the world Daniel Humm, Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, Zaiyu Hagesawa, and Massimo Botura. On. A. Ledge. This is history. Was so much fun!!! Watch: