Manila, April 16 -- In the coastal village of Ablan in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, a seasonal seaweed called "gamet" is making gastronomic experience in the province more exciting.

Remedios Baniaga, who runs a refreshment stall in Burgos public plaza, said one of her bestsellers is the so-called gamet empanada.

Priced at PHP150 each, the gamet empanada has been a favorite among tourists who have started flocking to Ilocos Norte after the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are grateful to the Department of Tourism for inviting more tourists and helping us promote our native cuisine, including our gamet empanada," Baniaga told the Philippine News Agency in a recent interview.

On a good day, Baniaga said they could earn an average ...