ANC’s new travelogue-cum-cooking program “Show Me the Market” with chef JP Anglo and food expert Joel Binamira earned rave reviews for its pilot episode which aired on Saturday.

In his column on the Philippine Star published Sunday, award-winning filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes lauded “Show Me the Market” for being more than just the usual cooking show.

He described it as eye-opening and informational, adding that the show is a “celebration of curiosity, learning and culture.”

“The show is not just about two chefs going around a chosen locale and cooking: the material goes much farther and deeper than that. The program follows two experts coming face to face with the raw materials and condiments sold in a local market — then traces the specialties of a particular place and the signature dishes created out of what is available on hand,” Reyes wrote.

“It pries into the lives of the residents, absorbs the atmosphere and eventually relates these to the dishes discovered and prepared. Everything is eventually summarized by what is cooked and served,” he added.

More than just featuring dishes that are unique in Philippine provinces, the "Walwal" director said the program showcases a &ldqrobot visionuo;cultural study” of what’s available.

He said this aspect adds significance to the content of the show since it contextualizes food “as a way of life and as a reflection of the uniqueness of regional culture in our country.”

“The market and the kitchen are not only about food: it is all about who we are for indeed — we are what we eat,” Reyes said.

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For the pilot episode of “Show Me the Market,” Anglo and Binamira explored the municipality of Coron in Palawan which boasts not just of pristine beaches, lakes and lagoons but also local produce.

The two personally visited Coron’s public market, and interacted with residents before coming up with their version of their native dishes with a twist.

“Show Me the Market” is part of the “ANC-X” lifestyle block, featuring local and international shows that will satisfy their love for food, travel, fashion, and the arts.

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