Passionate about: cooking, baking, photography, beauty, travel

Hi, I’m Raquel, the author, cook and photographer behind Bicolana’s Kitchen, a place where I share with you, my passion for all things food, and a little bit of travel. I’ve had my own channel on YouTube for some time now, where I share lots of cooking videos with my lovely subscribers, so you’re going to want to subscribe to my YouTube channel too! I’ve started this blog as a place to share recipes and to keep an archive of all the delicious dishes I’ve had the pleasure to cook.

I was born and raised in Pioduran Albay, Philippines, and I’m now living in Melbourne, Australia.

I spend my working days as Owner and Principal Therapist, Perfect Skin and Beauty.

As a kid, growing up, I would spend my days chopping garlic and shallots at my grand mum’s carenderia, Conching Eatery, the soul of our family. I have always been a curious girl and would ask all sort of questions about a particular dish especially the ones I like.

Cooking and baking have always has been my hobby but I never really got time to hone this passion as I was busy travelling and working until I started to study diploma in culinary arts. Despite not having time to cook I still collect recipes from my grandmother, mother, cooking shows, recipe books and anyone willing to share. Whenever I cannot find a recipe, I would be thinking about it day and night and would try to replicate or reinvent the dish in my mind, then spend time perfecting the dish, before adding it to my recipe collection.

I am always fascinated with the different taste and texture of food. I like to experiment with recipes on my own and self-teach. I am happiest when I see friends and relatives enjoying my cooking. So I started cooking, baking and blogging to inspire the younger generations to eat healthily and live well.

My passion for cooking revived when I was cleaning my house one day; I came across the little recipe book with all my collection of the recipe from many years. My heart skipped as if I have just bumped into my first love after many years.

My followers are my best teachers; I love to hear from my followers, be it positive or negative comments. This way, I can be better.

Besides, baking and cooking, photography and travelling are my other love.

Whenever I travel to a new place, I always check out the specialties of that area with my family,  or friends. As there are a few of us, we can taste more varieties of food.

I hope that by my sharing all my simple tried and tested recipes, which anyone can cook, that you too will be experiencing my passion for food.