Lani Misalucha

What do you get when you combine the flavors of the Philippines with the enthralling company of international singer Lani Misalucha? The ultimate Filipino fiesta, of course! Misalucha and I took our cravings for our favorite Filipino foods and headed to Max’s of Manila on Dillingham Boulevard for this week’s Dining with the Stars.

“Here at Max’s it’s like I’m brought back to my childhood because what they serve at the restaurant is like a home-cooked meal,” says Misalucha, a Philippines native. “What’s so amazing about the food here is that it’s so simple, but very tasty!”

Max’s attentive staff prepared an impressive spread for us complete with Mahi Mahi sa Miso soup ($9.95 regular, $16.95 large), Max’s Whole Chicken ($13.50), Kare-Kare ($12.50 regular, $18.95 large), Crispy Pata ($12.95 regular, $16.95 large), Pancit Bihon ($8.50) and more.

“I especially love the Kare-Kare because my mom makes this dish, and Max’s Kare-Kare is so similar to how she makes it,” Misalucha says. “Max’s Fried Chicken also is so good — it’s crispy on the outside, but the inside is still so moist and seasoned perfectly. The same goes for Crispy Pata.”

As the first mega-star from the Philippines to headline a show on the Las Vegas Strip, Misalucha has made her way to the Islands, taking Waikiki by storm with her glitzy, Vegas-style show, The Lani Misalucha Show, soon to be titled Return to Paradise Starring Lani Misalucha, presented by Roberts Hawaii. Witness an enchanting evening Tuesday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in the Magic of Polynesia Showroom at Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort as Asia’s Nightingale shows off her incredible five-octave range and charismatic charm.

“We’re slowly incorporating new numbers into the show, and there’s going to be a lot of new dimensions that people can look forward to,” Misalucha says.

In the new show format, Misalucha will trace Hawaii’s musical eras from the 1920s to today. She’ll also entertain audiences with a romantic movie medley as well as a Broadway medley. However, the show will still incorporate a fast-paced and inviting selection of her signature covers and interpretations of musical icons such as Britney Spears, Tina Turner and Celine Dion.

So, just how does this darling diva stay in tip-top shape when she’s a self-proclaimed food fanatic? “My work helps a lot — jumping up and down on stage five times a week burns calories,” Misalucha says with a laugh.

The Lani Misalucha Show has been extended through the end of the year. For reservations and more information about pricing and show packages, call 971.4321 or visit LaniInWaikiki.com. A 20 percent kamaaina discount also is available.

Max’s of Manila