where Filipino visitors’ lists include readily sourced homegrown favorites such as malunggay and saluyot. But just as frequent are jaunts into authentic Filipino cafés in the Filipino-settled Waipahu neighborhood where FilCom is located. One standout is Golden Coin (www.goldencoinfood. com), which also has a location near the Ala Moana Shopping Center, within easy distance of Waikīkī. “When I have relatives from the US mainland visit, I bring them to Kambingan Filipino Express Restaurant in Waipahu (+1 808 676 8788),” says Cruz. She recommends the grilled and deep-fried fish with a tomato-onion side dish with drops of patis or bagoong. Rumor has it that it’s a favorite of PAL flight attendants and pilots when in Honolulu!
SEA ESCAPADES: (TOP) Wild Side offers marine tours off the usual reef-protected grid for more authentic interactions with the sea creatures; (ABOVE) Hawaii’s waters beckon both amateur and pro surfers. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority
NO SWEAT: The Hawaiian language, which is being taught again in many primary schools in Honolulu, has only 12 letters. www.philippineairlines.com I 43