Philippines, Stop & Smell the Coconut Pie

Jeepney, a colorful & popular mode of local transportation.

Sugar cane being loaded onto trucks along the roadside. 

I hate "coconut".  By that I refer only to the fake-snow looking stuff which comes in a plastic bag, and all types of coconut flavoring.  Usually anything coconut "flavored" makes me gag.  Fresh coconuts however,  are another story.   During our drive to Punta Fuego,  we passed by endless stands selling fresh coconut juice and homemade coconut pie.  

We picked out some young coconuts at a roadside stall.   This little lady took out a machete and swiftly cut straw openings in them so we can sip their juices.   She surprised us by taking back the coconuts after we were done,  then proceeded to chop off pieces of the shell to carve into rustic spoons so we could scoop out the soft, delicately flavored coconut flesh for our consumption.  Man, is there anything she can't do?   If I were stranded on an island I would want her on my team.

We also had to stop at a Colette's to buy their famous coconut pie.  You can find Colettes all over this area.  The pie was still warm when the shop keeper put it in our hands.  It was not too sweet, fresh, and delicious.  Tasted nothing like the fake coconut flavor that we usually encounter in New York.  Fiance and I love the Philippines!