BUHAY ERMITANYO: FINDING INSPIRATION AROUND A SHARED TABLE

 

There are dinners you enjoy because the food is good, and then there are evenings that stay with you because of how they make you feel.

Our recent visit to Buhay Ermitanyo, a hidden vegan dining experience tucked quietly within Iloilo City, was one of those evenings.

Recommended by a colleague purely for the experience, fourteen of us, fellow doctors and workmates, decided to try something different. None of us quite knew what to expect. All we knew was that reservations were required, there was no signboard outside, and finding the place felt almost like being let in on a well-kept secret.

And perhaps that's part of its charm.

Nestled inside an unassuming home, Buhay Ermitanyo reveals itself through a serene al fresco patio that immediately invites you to slow down. There are no flashy entrances or grand declarations—just an intentional space that encourages presence. It feels less like dining at a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone's home.

The evening unfolded through a thoughtfully curated five-course chef's tasting menu, reminding us that plant-based dining can be both creative and indulgent.

We began with a Pesto Spanakopita, followed by what quickly became the crowd favorite: the Shanghai Roll with Atchara. Crisp, flavorful, and familiar yet elevated, it had everyone reaching for another bite and declaring it the highlight of the night.

The courses continued with a comforting bowl of Chasiu Paitan Ramen, followed by a satisfying Korean BBQ Sliderthat challenged every stereotype about vegan food being bland or restrictive. Dessert arrived in the form of a delicate Matcha Parfait, its subtle sweetness providing the perfect ending to the meal.

Adding to the uniqueness of the experience, we were served by a local Ilongga vlogger who volunteers there occasionally. It made the evening feel even more personal and community-centered, as though everyone involved genuinely wanted to create something meaningful.

But beyond the food, what I treasured most was the company.

Between courses, conversations flowed effortlessly. We laughed over shared experiences, exchanged stories unrelated to work, and discovered new things about one another. In the middle of busy schedules and demanding responsibilities, it was refreshing to simply be ourselves—friends enjoying a meal and embracing a new experience together.

Before the evening ended, each guest was invited to pick a handwritten message from the universe.

Mine read:

"Your thoughts and words have immense power. Use them to uplift and inspire both yourself and those around you." — The Universe

I couldn't help but smile when I read it.

For as long as I can remember, my personal motto in life has been simple: to inspire and be inspired. It is the lens through which I try to move through the world—finding encouragement in the stories of others while hoping that, in my own small ways, I can uplift those around me too.

So perhaps it wasn't merely chance that I picked that particular note. Maybe it was simply a gentle reminder to continue doing what matters most: to speak kindly, to share generously, and to never underestimate the power our words and actions have on another person's day, or even their life.

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences aren't defined by extravagant settings or elaborate plans. They're found in hidden spaces without signboards, around tables shared with people who make us laugh, and in unexpected moments that affirm who we are becoming.

We came to Buhay Ermitanyo curious about vegan food and eager for a new experience.

We left nourished in more ways than one—with full stomachs, grateful hearts, and the quiet reassurance that inspiration is everywhere if we remain open to receiving it.

Because, after all, life is about both: to inspire and be inspired.