Destination: RIBCHON
RIBCHON (short for Ribs of the Lechon) opened its doors in April 2017, with the shared vision of its founders, husband and wife team Hamm and Lucy Katipunan, along with partner and executive chef Tristan Bayani.
Inspired by Texas-style barbecue smokehouses known for melt-in-your-mouth briskets and fall-of-the-bone ribs, the team localized the concept with Filipino lechon in mind. RIBCHON also zeroed in on what I would consider to be the most coveted part of the lechon — the ribs, which became the restaurant’s signature offering.
I went all the way to Tagaytay to try RIBCHON originals, classics, and new menu items that reflect the brand’s playful approach to Filipino food. Standouts included their Baby Back Baboy Ribs, marinated in their house-crafted tanglad oil, Beer-BQ Ribs glazed with Red Horse Beer infused barbecue sauce, and Ribchon Baka, their smoked beef belly rubbed with local kapeng barako. Comfort food such as Ribsinigang, Crispy Tadyang with Gotong Batangas (without the innards), Monggo sa Bulalo, and Lechon Mami completed the whole experience.
I also sampled RIBCHON’s classics including Okoy Bites, Batangas Bulalo, Bacolod’s famous Kansi, Crispy Dinakdakan, the Ilokano classic vegetable dish Poqui Poqui, and desserts like Bibingka Cheesecake and Ube Ganache.
They also offer Bulalo Steak Pie in a flaky pastry, Bulalo Steak, Sisig, Poqui Poqui, Lechon Belly, and Chicharon Bulaklak Brittle Basket. Their new items include the Ribchon Tower with a choice of surf ‘n’ turf or turf ‘n’ turf (no seafood). The meal was definitely worth the trip, especially with their home made sauces such as their own spiced vinegar, kapeng barako sauce (I never knew coffee and BBQ sauce would go well tighter), and my ultimate favorite — tanglad oil! This sauce, when put on rice, can make anyone eat twice what they eat!
Known for its tagline “Lamon Moderately,” RIBCHON balances indulgence with affability. This resonated with diners who see food as both comfort and celebration and explains why this restaurant is often full!
As RIBCHON approaches its ninth year, the brand remains grateful for its loyal following of Tagaytay locals and food-loving travelers. With an indoor capacity of 70 guests, a pet-friendly al fresco area, and spacious parking, the restaurant continues to be a destination for relaxed yet memorable dining.
RIBCHON is a perfect reason for anyone to travel to Tagaytay for a meal. *
(RIBCHON is open daily from Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm and is located on Mahogany Ave, Tagaytay City. Call (0916) 6871568 or email [email protected] for reservations or inquiries.)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes to Manila
Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” makes its Manila premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila from July 8 to July 26, 2026. Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, in association with HY Culture Fund, Doug Meyer, AMA Group, GMG Productions, UnionBank of the Philippines, Bergamot Front Row Fund, and Willette Klausner invite audiences of all ages to step inside an immersive theatrical world of pure imagination.
Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” follows young Charlie Bucket’s golden-ticket adventure into the mysterious and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. From chocolate rivers to nut-sorting squirrels and mischievous Oompa-Loompas, the musical dazzles with eye-popping visuals and toe-tapping music. The musical features iconic songs from the classic 1971 film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” along with original music by Grammy and Tony Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns).
This new production features miraculous special effects and cutting edge hologauze 3D technology based on advanced magic principles.
“We are so excited to share the breathtaking world of this beloved Broadway musical about the power of imagination, and the art of invention with audiences in this spectacular new immersive production from an all-Broadway creative team!” said Simone Genatt and Marc Routh, Producers and Co-Owners of Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia.
The Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory premiered in 2017 running for over 300 performances, followed by a four year North American tour through 2022. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also ran on London’s West End where the production received two Olivier Awards. This Global Tour is scheduled to tour for two to three years in Asia, the Middle East and India in leading cities around the world.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, book by David Greig. Songs from the motion picture are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. With original direction by Tony award- winning director Jack O’Brien, and original choreography by Joshua Bergasse, the global tour features direction by Matt Lenz, choreography by Alison Solomon, and musical supervision by Nate Patten. GMG serves as Manila general manager. *
(Tickets are available at TicketWorld. Follow gmg.productions on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and @charlieglobaltour on Instagram for show and international tour updates.)
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