Anthony Bourdain goes beyond food in the Manila episode of ‘Parts Unknown’

What's on the menu for Anthony Bourdain? We all know that he was back in Manila for a second helping of the favorites—sizzling pork sisig, adobo, Jollibee—but Bourdain admits that the premiere episode of "Parts Unknown" is not just about the Manila or the Philippines.

The renowned chef and TV personality confessed in an essay he penned for CNN that his trip was a little personal. 

Bourdain wrote about Vangie, his daughter's nanny or yaya, and the pair the two formed. 

"Vangie was with her from the very beginning of her life, and in time, my daughter came to know her son, her daughter-in law, their kid—and in time, an extended family and friends—in New Jersey, Southern California and the Bay Area.

"And of course, most importantly, Jacques, Vangie's grandson, her best friend, from whom she has been inseparable since infancy—her older brother in every way but biological. Partners in crime," he shared. 

Vangie introduced Bourdain and his family to the life of an Overseas Filipino Worker and the concept of the Balikbayan Box, where pasalubong is lovingly packed. 

"Doctors, nurses, housekeepers, babysitters, in so many cases, people who you'd call ‘caregivers’ but who, in every case I've ever heard of, actually care. Where does this kindness, this instinct for ... charity come from?" he mused. 

In search of the answer, Bourdain will be sharing the story of a woman ("only one" he disclaimed, as there are many like her) who after spending years as a nanny to other kids finds that her own children have grown up without her. 

He's also going to get to the bottom of the Filipinos' love for singing...and why so many are so good at it. 

The Manila episode of Parts Unknown will air on April 24. The rest of the eight-episode season will feature Greek Islands, Chicago, Montana, Georgia, Cologne, Buenos Aires and Senegal. — AT, GMA News