If you’re wondering why Anthony Bourdain has been hanging out in Malate (of all places) instead of sparkling new BGC or Makati, there’s a reason for that. His upcoming episode, unlike the one he did in 2009 for No Reservations, won’t be exclusively about food. It will also feature Filipino talent and creativity.

“I have long noticed in my travels to virtually all the continents the Filipino bands, singers and entertainers on luxury liners, in theaters, at karaoke contests, on Broadway, in London, Australia, Germany; Filipinos are constantly winning at international talent searches,” he told Manila Bulletin’s Sol Vanzi in an exclusive interview.

So to get an idea how the Filipino psyche works, the trash-talking (but lovable) chef knocked back a few beers with artists, writers and photo journalists at Oarhouse, on Jorge Bocobo Street, last Tuesday. He also paid a visit to decades-old Hobbit House in nearby Ermita, a pit stop for any non-Filipinos in that dodgy part of town.

We started seeing Bourdain in Malate as early as Thursday last week, when he ate at a Korean restaurant. He was also spotted having merienda at Jollibee on Bluebay in Pasay City, and on a Sunday evening, dinner at a roadside eatery on Remedios. That same afternoon, he was also at a biker’s café in Poblacion, Makati.

We can’t wait to watch the episode and see Manila in the untainted eyes of Bourdain.

Another Coconaut spotted Anthony Bourdain on Friday afternoon. Alfredo Lupe saw Bourdain eating Jolli spaghetti in Jollibee Blue Bay Walk, in #pasay. If you see this rock star, tag us: #cocomnl photo courtesy of Alfredo Lupe. A photo posted by Coconuts Manila (@coconutsmanila) on Dec 11, 2015 at 2:27am PST

Anthony Bourdain is on Remedios Street in front of Cowboy Grill. I suspect he may be wathching Mocha Girls. Adriatico street. Just so you know… Posted by CARLOS CELDRAN on Sunday, 13 December 2015

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