Manila, Philippines – Tenderloin inasal  (grilled beef tenderloin marinated in lemongrass and turmeric) and pili-crusted lapu-lapu (grouper) were on the menu at the state dinner for US President Barack Obama who is visiting the Philippines as part of his Asia tour. Completing the menu were salad of pako (edible fern), pochero-style seafood soup, and dessert of refreshing coconut sorbet.

Asked by The Adobo Chronicles what he thought of the dinner menu, Obama said he was extremely disappointed. He said he was expecting to be served balut, the famous boiled duck egg (embryo) and halo-halo, a more elaborate version of his favorite Hawaiian shaved ice.

Obama said he might sneak out of the Malacañang (Philippine Peesidential Palace) guest house later tonight to get some balut and halo-halo from street vendors stationed nearby.