TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

Just before the door closes to the public, the images of chicken, whether live, subject of paintings and installations greeted us at the main dining area.  There were a number of diners on a mood for a feast.  And there we were about to partake a mini-banquet after hours of being in the road enroute to Tacloban City.

Finally I am at Jo’s Milagrina, after a number of failed attempts of dining due to conflicts of schedule whenever I go home to Tacloban City.


TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

Passing by the open-air dining area with artistic and colorful interiors, we know what to expect then.  It’s going to be a lively and enjoyable dining experience.

Jo’s Milagrina is a franchise of the Jo’s Chicken Inato. As an innovative franchisee, they serve special cuisine that’s only available at Tacloban and Ormoc City, Leyte.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

We were seated at the air-conditioned area of the restaurant to feast on these specialties.  The dining area has quite an interesting interior design with an installation at one corner worthy of appreciation not only because of its artistry and ingenuity but the patience on installing the same.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

The fried kangkong had me at its crispiness and no-trace-of-vegetable cooking since I am not a fan of vegetables after all.  Even without any condiments or sauce, the fried kangkong will surely satisfy each diners’ palates, and that includes the non-vegetarian like myself.  It was a good choice for a starter.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
FRIED KANGKONG (PHP110.00)
We were served pinaputok na bangus, crispy dinuguan, sinuglaw, and super inato combo as main course choices. 

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
SINUGLAW (PHP180.00)
TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
CHICKEN INATO COMBO (PAA) - (PHP125.00)
 The crispy dinuguan tasted like that of Kanin Club’s version, which I had tasted when I once dined at Ayala Triangle in Makati City.  It could rival actually with the famed restaurants in Metro Manila serving a similar dish, and even surpass it.  I loved the crispiness of Jo’s Milagrina version and how the pork meat very well complemented with the pig’s blood, vinegar and spices.  It has the perfect taste for me.  In no time, you would lose count of the cups of rice consumed with this favorite Filipino pork stew poured in it.     

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
CRISPY DINUGUAN (PHP180.00)
Pinaputok na bangus is only served in Eastern Visayas franchise of Jo’s Chicken Inato.  So if you are looking for one in Dumaguete or other parts of the country, you’ll be disappointed as it is only served in Tacloban and Ormoc City.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
PINAPUTOK NA BANGUS (PHP210.00)
Buko halo, leche flan, mango pandan and turon with ice cream were for desserts.  Even before the desserts were served, we were already full.  But how can I resist a gastronomically appealing dessert served on the table.  And so the gluttony continues.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
LECHE FLAN (PHP68.00)
TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
BUKO OR MANGO PANDAN (PHP80.00)
 Buko halo is served uniquely in a young coconut (buko) as the name implies.  It is delicious and truly a must try when at Jo’s Milagrina.  

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
BUKO HALO (PHP130.00)
Turon reminds me of my childhood in Tacloban City.  Peddled on streets and vendors near our school, we would frequently order this favorite Filipino snack.  Jo’s Milagrina’s version is equally delectable that it makes a good ender for the dining experience.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA
TURON WITH ICE CREAM (PHP80.00)
We were joined by the owners of the restaurant as we dine.  Apart from sharing their culinary masterpiece to the people of Tacloban and its visitors, they have shared the family’s lineage and properties.  The branch in Tacloban City is actually built in a lot area the owners inherited from their grandparents and father.  The restaurant is a collaboration of spouses Arnold and Apple, in partnership with the latter's brothers, Derrick and Jessuel.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

There is an almost 90-year old fountain as well positioned in the dining area that was built by the owners’ great grandparents, Don Federico V. Larraga Sr. and Dona Tinay F. Larraga.  For those born and raised in Tacloban City and has lived in the city for quite a long time, this architectural piece reminds them of the good old memories of the city. 

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

More than the delectable cuisine, the restaurant serves as a rendezvous for catching up with friends, a reunion with the family and even just an ordinary gathering.  The cozy ambiance would make you want to stay much longer.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

Jo’s Milagrina is definitely not your ordinary chicken-specialty restaurant.

TACLOBAN CITY | JO’S MILAGRINA

Jo’s Milagrina
241 P. Burgos Street, Downtown, Tacloban City, 6500 Leyte
(053) 832-2042
Operating hours:  11AM to 9PM

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1 comments

  1. Thanks Mark for this beautiful blog about our restaurant :) It's our first business venture with my brothers and it's working pretty well for everyone. Yes, JO's Milagrina as a whole serve other viands that are unique to our resto. Kaya Im happy you pointed that out. Tho of course we still have the house specialty Chicken Inato and Pork Inato which is available in all JO's Chicken Inato Restaurants.

    Anyway, thanks again for coming. Even if pa closing na kami, you still came. It was such a pleasure joining you guys.

    ReplyDelete