Can you tell us a bit about Hoom?
We handpick and stock quality goods sourced from talented artists and makers around the globe, for everyday living. We believe in well-crafted pieces that will stand the test of time and will take scuffs and knocks in its stride.

What do your customers love most about Hoom?
The products that we carry have proven themselves through design, craftsmanship and longevity. In an age when sustainability is on everyone’s lips, people are slowly becoming intentional in choosing objects that elevate their daily routines and put them in the right frame of mind—this practice ultimately turns their houses into homes. Hoom has also turned into a community as we collaborate with local makers that do delightful work and break ground.

What's your favourite Falcon product and why?
We couldn’t get enough of our Falcon Enamelware and if we had to choose a favorite, it would definitely be the deep plates. It’s the best vessel for just about anything. A bowl-plate mash-up that is wide and shallow, it is ideal for holding everything from Pho to Kare Raisu to open-faced sandwiches. We just use it all the time.

Is there a specific dish that you might make at Hoom using any of our Falcon products?
We’ve been hosting and gathering people at Hoom for as long as we can remember. We love using the bake set to cook and serve all sorts of dishes like whole baked sea bass with mango salsa, blistered squash with labneh and dukkah (we followed Ottolenghi’s lead and discovered a flavor bomb!) and zesty Mediterranean quinoa salad. One time we also randomly threw an “elevated” boodle fight, a Filipino culinary experience where a copious variety of viands, fruits and vegetables are served with rice on banana leaves. We piled up the grilled dishes on serving trays, dug with our hands and drank frosty pale ale—it was a really good night.

What do you love most about the Philippines this time of year?
The weather is cooler and not too hot and humid. Days are sunny and nights are slightly chilly. As you may know, the Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands with a variety of beaches (some with calm waters and some with massive swells). We love visiting different coasts to catch on some rays, squeeze in some dives or hit the waves and enjoy tons of seafood. One of my recent best bites was a simple yet vibrant ceviche in Siargao. It was made with a splash of coconut milk and topped off with charred corn kernels, fried sweet potatoes, red onions, spring onions and chili garlic oil.

Are there any local companies you'd like to shout about? Where do you and the team usually eat, drink, and source ingredients in your local area?
Our go-to local spots can be found off the beaten track as well as in the heart of Manila. To start our day, we head to Yardstick for their coffee beans and Manila Latte, a freshly pulled espresso on top of a refreshing pineapple slushie—an unexpected combination but it works. Situated a few hours from the city, our friend runs a small batch bakery called Scratch. We can devour their sourdough with a bit of butter and flaky salt in just a few minutes. A deli we frequent is Dough & Grocer. They offer a wide and well-curated selection of artisanal treats, pantry staples and gourmet ingredients well worth checking out. A week isn’t complete with freshly churned gelato. We count on Cafe Dolci to help kick start our next week on a delicious and satisfying note. Some favorites include the velvety smooth pistachio and rich salted caramel. For a nightcap, we usually head to dimly lit bars with nicely crafted tipples like The Back Room, OTO, The Spirits Library and Run Rabbit Run.

https://hoom.store

https://www.instagram.com/hoom.ph/

You can make a difference this time of year by managing leftover food sustainably and reducing your waste. It’s all about making space in your freezer, checking cupboards before going out...