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CEBU, Philippines - "Do you want some wine?" Aneth inquired.

I refused. Perhaps, on some other days but not at high noon on a Monday. You would not be in the mood for luxurious breaks if everyone seemed to be so focused on their computers, discussing strategies, meeting new business acquaintances, handshaking with new mergers.

Don Merto's, the built-in restaurant of Casa Escano, is a chameleon, like a woman who changes attire according to function. Clients begin to converge for breakfast and usually, they take The Heart Burger: the superstar of the dishes. "Most of them say it's the best burger in town," shares Aneth Galoy, the general manager.

At lunch, the restaurant turns into a Spanish fiesta flare. So understandably, as a traditional requirement, one plate should hold everything you need. Let's say, like what I had, the Cocido: beef shank, chicken, chorizo bilbao, pork slices, fideos (home-cooked noodles), all mixed with tomato sauce. Or you may want to know the taste of foreign guests' most-loved sausage, the Butifarras, preferred with black pepper.

Yet again, something a little exotic is also delightful—Don Merto's Lengua Estofada, made of braised ox tongue with roasted red peppers, mushroom and olives in a light brown sauce. For long life? Well, Pancit Ni Maxi, for some, is auspicious: a home-made, hand-rolled egg noodles with chicken, shrimp, and pork.

Then, I was tempted to grab a glass of wine until the Tocino del Cielo was offered. "This Spanish dessert came from Andalusia, located in southern Spain. It looks like a leche flan, but they differ in taste: this is thicker and more flavorful."

"All the recipes are inherited from the Escano family's grand matriarch, Lola Mena, so everything is authentic," Galoy said. Casa Escano and Don Merto's are located on Juana Osmena St (0922-885-5670). (FREEMAN)