Filipina Soul

I know that this year, as with the previous years, our Christmas table will be laden with a mix of Filipino and western food. My mother-in-law will serve embutido as part of our Christmas dinner. I will cook some ribs and maja blanca. There will be a pot of rice, of course, jostling elbows with a platter of dinner rolls.
What will be on your Christmas table this year? Will roast turkey make an appearance? Maybe ham? Queso de bola?
Don’t forget to take photos of  your Christmas feast and then share your celebrations with us, as we host the …read more

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The decision to come home to the Philippines when a family member dies has got to be one of the most difficult to make. The expense of airfares often stop someone from really wanting to be there for the family, and yet we so want to see our departed loved ones.
I didn’t think this would fly, but St. Peter Memorial Chapels hit on an innovative way for families to view their beloved’s wake – via the internet, using IP (internet protocol) cameras.
It’s part of the chapel’s package when you use their services. the IP phone is online 24 …read more

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The Philippines is a dumping ground of many China-made food products. So following the ban of melamine contamination found in milk products, the Philippine government is now looking into other food products that are made in China.
Among the first batch of products that passed the malamine test are processed meat products, you know, like the famous MaLing Pork Luncheon Meat.
So, Pinoys, we can eat luncheon meat again! Go here for a list of the products that tested melamine-free.
Oh, I got the image above from the Hongkong government website, and a note attached to the image said …read more

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If you love Filipino cuisine but don’t know how to cook it, then I have the cookbook for you! I recently found this when I was looking for a cookbook on everyday Filipino cuisine.
But have I told you I don’t know how to cook Filipino foods? Yeah it’s a shame but I never really made it in the kitchen. My knowledge and lists of Filipino dishes are so limited that I occasionally have to check out the Filipino cookbooks for the simplest of recipes, So if you’re anything like me, or you want want to try Filipino food, …read more

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Wall Street Journal Food and Drink columnist Robyn Eckhardt is giving due to the ‘magical, misunderstood cuisine’ of the Philippines.
Robyn debunks stereotypes of Philippine food that have been unjustly based on the (in)famous balut and the food chain Jollibee. She offers a weekend of world-class dining, which include classic Filipino fare like sinigang, pancit luglug, and halo-halo.
Among the places that she recommends are Abe at the Serendra Complex, where the deep-fried tilapia is a must try dish; Claire dela Fuente Grill and Seafood in Pasay, for your choice of the seafood catch of the day; Milky Way Cafe, …read more

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Carla Martel featured a story about savoring Pinoy comfort food at The Coffee Beanery in Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong. That led me to reminisce what my own comfort foods are.
What do I cook/eat when I’m nostalgic for Filipino cuisine?
It is definitely pork adobo, with hot steamed rice of course. Another favorite is the Visayan stewed fish. I don’t even know the recipe name but it’s a simple dish made with very fresh fish boiled in water, tomatoes and onions. It reminds me of very early childhood memories spent near the waters of Negros Occidental. Another home-cooked …read more

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Many expats, balikbayans and foreigners have considered moving to, or back to the Philippines for good. I salute you and congratulate you!
However, before you even start selling your house or buying a ticket to the Philippines, make sure you’re doing it correctly, and for the right reasons. The adjustment period alone can make you regret your decision. This is not to discourage you, but reality is that many retract on their decision and go back to their native country within five years. We wish this won’t happen to you, coz of course we love for you to stay …read more

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(click for a larger image)
image used with permission by Don Sevilla

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Right now, I would love to have a bite of of crispy fried chicken dipped in a distinctive gravy, eaten with steaming white rice. And not just any fried chicken. I’m talking about Jollibee’s Chicknjoy.
Don’t you want a piece of this:

Just the gravy alone is good enough to dream about. I’ve been looking for a recipe for Jollibee’s gravy, but have yet to find one. It must one of the most closely guarded secrets of the fastfood giant.

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It’s summer and it’s hot! What better way to cool down than with a generous serving of ice-cold Halo-halo?
Summers are never complete without these delectable all-Filipino treats. So a few weeks ago, I purchased an ice shaver specifically to be able to make halo-halo. A quick visit to the oriental store and presto, I have a halo-halo stand right in my fridge.
Halo-halo can be found just about everywhere in the Philippines. We almost take it for granted, and will eat it out of a bowl, a tall glass or even a plastic cup if need be. But serve it …read more

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