Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has always had a soft spot for the Philippines.
For this reason, Filipinos were shocked upon hearing that the host of the food and travel show Parts Unknown passed away this Friday, June 8, 2018.
CNN confirmed Bourdain's death through a statement that indicated:
"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."
The late TV personality might have had plans of returning to the country after his 2017 visit to the Philippines.
Bourdain dropped hints about this when he wrote an essay for CNN in August 2017.
Bourdain wrote in his article titled "Why are Filipino workers so kind and giving?"
"This is certainly not the definitive show on the Philippines -- and it will not be our last show there. I imagine this time around there will be tears. At least I hope so. We tried to do right by people who've been very, very good to us."
Sadly enough, his Manila visit for the World Street Food Congress in June 2017 proved to be his last.
Here are 3 times that Anthony Bourdain, host of the award-winning CNN series Parts Unknown, professed his love for Pinoy food:
3. Bourdain described Filipino food as a "work in progress." He also believed that Filipino cuisine is "underrated."
In June 2017, he predicted in an interview with CNN that Filipino cuisine will be the next big food trend.
"I think Filipinos embraced America and were embraced by America in a way that other cultures might not have been. I think Filipinos in America maybe underrated their own food. They used to be mocked for balut [hard-boiled duck embryo]."
2. Bourdain praised lechon when he tried Pinoy cuisine for his previous show, No Reservations.
"I had really fond memories of the last time I had lechon in the Philippines. In fact, not to kiss your ass, but it is the finest pig I've ever had," said the American TV host in his show Parts Unknown. The Manila episode was aired in April 2016.
In a previous visit, Bourdain ate lechon with a Filipino family in Cebu.
1. Bourdain had high hopes for sisig.
His interview with CNN released in June 2017 was titled: "Sisig will 'win the hearts and minds of the world.'"
The CNN host even described sisig as "perfect food."
Bourdain was quoted as saying back then: "I think certain Filipino dishes are more likely to take root and take hold more quickly than others. I think sisig is perfectly positioned to win the hearts and minds of the world as a whole. I think that's the one that's going to hook 'em.
"It's hot, sizzling, crispy, sticky, delicious bits of pork with many textures. It's exactly what you need after a few beers and that's a perfect food."