There’s a reason you’re reading this page right now. Maybe you’re thinking of moving to Macau, maybe you’ve just arrived or maybe you want to know what life is like in this Special Administrative Region of China. Whatever your reasons are, here are some helpful tips for every Pinoy as you make your way around this Macau.
Spicy Suzuki Sisig
-WHERE TO EAT-
Filipinos are fond of food which is why fiestas have always been a part of their elaborate cuisine and culture. Dining is always the highlight of any occasion in the life of Pinoys. Here are pocket-friendly places for a quick bite or leisure dining.
The Roadhouse Macau
Making a mark in the Macau dining scene originating from Manila, The Roadhouse’s Crispy Pata and a bottle of San Miguel beer is a winning combination for a Filipino meal. The Crispy Pata is priced at MOP $200 while the Suzuki Sisig is priced at MOP $60. There’s even a live band performance in the evenings that make it a great hang-out spot.
The Roadhouse Macau E-G016-G019 Broadway Food Street, Broadway Macau, Av. Marginal Flor De Lotus, Cotai, +853 2875 2945, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo
Also read: Filipino Favorites at The Roadhouse Macau
Jollibee
The largest fast-food chain in the Philippines opened its door in Macau last year. While many might consider Jollibee to be on par with McDonald’s, to every Filipino it represents so much more–it is a name synonymous with family, home, and heartwarming food. Have a bite of the juicy Chickenjoy or the amazing Aloha Yumburger and you’ll definitely remember the good times back home.
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00am–12:00am
Jollibee 2nd Floor Circle Square, No. 61 Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau, www.facebook.com/jollibeemacau
Also read: Unmissable Items on the Menu at Jollibee Macau
LILY’S KITCHEN
Take a stroll around Rua da Alfândega or more known as São Lourenço to tourists. It’s also often referred to as the “Pinoy Street” because you’ll find carinderias or food stalls lined up offering authentic Filipino cuisine. Lily’s Kitchen is a well-known food stall for most Filipinos. Many customers love the sisig, igado, and lechon paksiw at this dining location. You’ll find pocket-friendly meal packages for MOP $25. This usually includes two choice of dishes with rice. They also offer special orders for birthdays, parties, and even fiestas are available, although five-day advance notice is required.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–9:30pm
Lily’s Kitchen 16A Calçada Do Gamboa, G/F, Chun Ieng Kuck Building, Macau, +853 28933864, +853 28939714, www.facebook.com/lilys
SARIMANOK
Sarimanok is owned and operated by a local Filipino family. This food stall is known for takeaways and dining. They started in 2008 and are known for their Ilocano (one of many ethnicities of the Philippines) style of home-cooked dishes. Boasting a best-selling papaitan soup, you’ll find a large casserole displayed constantly right in front of the cashier. The pork BBQ and dinuguan dishes are also among the crowd favorites. Most of the meal packages are available for only MOP $25 for two dishes with rice.
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00am–12:00am
Sarimanok 78A Rua da Alfândega, Edifício Luen Mei Rc., Macau, +853 6228 6989
Also read: Five Filipino Eateries To Try in Macau
SWEET DREAMS
Fresh lumpia or ube cheese pandesal, you just need to check out their Facebook page to see how sumptuous the food offerings are at Sweet Dreams. This coffee shop also has a menu that includes special pasta, Italian food, vegetarian food, healthy drinks, coffee, and tea. If you’re craving chocolate crinkles, yema cake, or even coconut macaroons, this place should be on top of your list. They have a variety of assorted Filipino sweet treats that will definitely remind you of your childhood in the pearl of the orient. The dining space is teeming with vibrant colors where you can catch-up with friends over a hearty meal.
Sweet Dreams 40C Rua do Almirante Costa Cabral, +853 2852 9491, www.facebook.com/sweetdreamsbyrocha
ANAK PHILIPPINE BREAD
If you’re craving Pandesal or Spanish bread then this is the place to go for a taste of Philippine pastry. They also sell Siopao, homemade peanut butter priced, Eden Cheese, Reno’s liver spread, and more treats. Choose from a wide variety of wonderful desserts and mouth-watering pastries. This family-owned business has a new branch a bit further up the street specializing in homemade Filipino desserts and it’s usually busy with people ordering take away.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00am–2:00am
Anak Philippine Bread R/C, Edificio Pou Fat, Rua da Alfandega, No. 115, +853 2893 9988, www.facebook.com/AnakPhilippineBread
Also read: Top To-Try Filipino Desserts In Macau
Umami Philippine Flavors
If you get homesick and yearn for a taste of halo-halo or buko pandan, head to Umami Philippine Flavors for a fix of authentic Philippine cuisine. With affordable prices and taste that feels like just like home, you’ll find classic Filipino dishes at this destination. Savor the delicious flavor of halo-halo with shredded young coconut, leche flan, nata de coc,o and all the best ingredients that make it an unforgettable dessert. Quite a staple in Filipino gatherings and during the summer, prepare to devour this delicious treat in just minutes.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–10:00pm
Umami Philippine Flavors 56 Rua de Coelho do Amaral, Macau, +853 2893 9988, www.facebook.com/umamimacau
-WHERE TO SHOP-
RED MARKET
It’s in the Filipino culture to haggle and bargain for whatever they want to buy. For true blue Pinoys, the Red Market has everything under the sun. It’s a three-story building in bold red that’s easy to find. The structure houses a rich variety of seafood products that are available twice daily from mainland China or locally. Each floor features different products. The third floor is for meat, the second floor for fish and the ground floor for poultry and vegetables. The entire area is surrounded by stalls that offer fresh fruits, flowers, biscuits, and other goods like clothes and house items. Macau Red Market is definitely a Filipino spot for a bargain and economical purchases.
Red Market Avenida do Almirante Lacerda, Macau, +853 2857 2329
Sari-ma-noy Supermarket
Head to the small street near Leal Senado dubbed “Filipino food street” where you’ll find small grocery stores that line the road. Head to the Sarimanoy shop to find your Filipino food fix. From salted eggs, Purefoods hotdog, Ludy’s peanut butter, Datu Puti vinegar, or soy sauce, this place is a treasure trove for the certified Filipino foodie’s kitchen.
Sari-ma-noy Supermarket Rua Alfandega 110, RC Edificio Seng Hei, +853 2893 8950, www.facebook.com/sarimanoytrading1218
SAN MIU SUPERMARKET
San Miu is one of the largest supermarket chains in Macau. With several locations all around the city, you’ll find everything you need here. From dairy products, rice, fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables to toiletries and other house essentials, this place is your one-stop-shop to get you settled in your new home in Macau. The prices are affordable and you can even enjoy fantastic discounts and deals especially during special holidays. It’s very likely that you’ll bump into kabayans doing their grocery routine at this spot.
San Miu Supermarket Estrada Governador Albano De Oliveira, No.84-88, Wui Keng Garden, Taipa, Macau, +853 2884 4766, www.sanmiu.com
-RELIGION-
Many centuries ago, the Philippines was invaded by the Spanish and was colonized for more than three centuries. Thus, the main religion in the archipelago is Roman Catholicism. Macau is also home to many church structures having been a Portuguese territory from the mid-16th century until late 1999. Filipinos are very devout when it comes to their faith. There are plenty of beautiful churches frequented by Filipinos in Macau that definitely deserves a visit. Our Lady of Carmel parish in Taipa is quite popular with many Filipinos as well as the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady. If you want to practice your Catholic faith, you’ll find it easy to find a church in Macau.
Also read: Explore these 7 Unique Parishes in Macau
-FINANCES-
As an expat or what is commonly called an OFW or Overseas Filipino Worker, you will probably need to send money to your family members whether immediate or extended for remittance. Don’t worry because there are Banco De Oro remittance centers located in Macau. It doesn’t matter if you’re sending money to a different bank such as BPI or Metrobank, you can send money to different accounts for a minimal fee. It’s easy to make a transaction and payments to the Philippines however, do make sure you always have a proper and legitimate identification card.
Banco De Oro GF E, Wa Fong Building 432 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Taipa, +852 2885 5389, www.bdo.com.ph
Banco De Oro Main Branch GF China Plaza Building, 2 6B Avenida de D. Joao IV, Macau, +853 2837 3324
-TOP TIPS-
On visa processing
It takes some time to get a working visa and what is called a Blue Card or work permit issued by the Macau Government. It could range from two to three months. The government is very organized though and their requirements are well-identified so make sure that you have complied with all their requests. Find out what documents you might need on the Macau Government website and coordinate with the HR department of the company that hired you. Some helpful websites include the Public Security Police Force website and Macao SAR Identification Department.
On finding places
Walk around Macau and get lost! It’s a small city and very easy to walk from one place to another. Ask as many questions as you can from people you meet, and you’ll be surprised by how much you can save if you know the right places to go for seafood, baby clothes, coffee, or furniture. Wear good footwear because walking is probably the most basic form of transportation in Macau and that’s how you’ll learn your way around.
On speaking with locals
The expat community still comprises a small percentage of the whole population so it’s still challenging to converse with some locals at certain places. Make sure you have Google Translate on your smartphone just in case. You will find it very handy to find the local names of the building where you live, the landmark nearest the place where you intend to go and others.
On finding other Filipinos
There are wonderful Filipino organizations that make the living transition in Macau easy. Here are some of the associations that actively participate in the activities of the Philippine Consulate General Macau SAR. There are 38 Filipino organizations and 40 faith-based or religious groups registered with the consulate that consists of regional groups, occupation-based organizations such as engineers, architects, and pharmacists, while some are based on mutual interests and hobbies like dance groups, bands, sororities, and fraternities.
There is currently an ongoing (pre-registration) cookery class for OWWA (Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration) members, held every Sunday. The Consulate General and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office has launched the fourth batch of the Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program in Macau. This program is made possible through a partnership with the Ateneo School of Government and Caritas Macau. The six-month-long program hones the knowledge and skills of participants on leadership, financial literacy, and social entrepreneurship.
On family-friendly places
Having kids and keeping them occupied isn’t difficult, the Taipa Central Park is a favorite with two playgrounds located at each end of the park and features slides, swings, animal rides, and monkey bars. It has a huge swimming pool with a kiddie area, a gym, a pet area for dogs, a jogging path, a basketball court, vending machines, a yoga lawn also used for Zumba, a chess area, and our favorite of them all–the underground library.
Located across the street from the ParknShop supermarket is the Flower City Garden in Taipa. It is a modern interpretation of the classical Chinese garden featuring beautiful lotus ponds with aquatic creatures, winding bridges, and pavilions. There is a children’s playground, a skating and scooter area, and a small exhibition area featuring aquatic animals. Head to Coloane island and visit the Hac Sa Beach and park with the children. Play along the beach, go for a barbeque, brave the hiking trails, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Macau is a combination of rural and urban. It has the charm of European and Asian influences that make it a unique place to live. It has a high life expectancy and a low crime rate. Although coined as the “Las Vegas of Asia”, it is an ideal place to live and raise a family.
Also read: A Quick Guide for First Timers to Macau
Also read: 8 Ways to Act like a Local in Macau
Also read: Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once
Make sure you know where the Philippine Consulate General in Macau is located. This place is home to 27,498 non-resident Filipinos working in Macau in various industries as confirmed by the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and Public Security Police Force. The Philippine Consulate is headed by Lilybeth R. Deapera, Macau’s first female Consul General of the Philippines. It’s open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Remember that you will eventually need to either get an OEC if you already have a working visa or you might need to request authentication of your documents such as your diploma, marriage certificate, and more. Located at the AIA building in the heart of Macau just across the Grand Emperor Hotel, the PCG of Macau is tucked away on the 14th floor and beside it is the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices–Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO–OWWA).
Philippine Consulate General Macau SAR AIA Tower, 251-309 Av. Comercial de Macau, Macau, +853 2875 7111, www.facebook.com/PHinMacau, www.macaupcg.dfa.gov.ph
This article was originally written by Apple Salangsang in September 2019 and updated by Macau Lifestyle in October 2020.
