The Ilokana In Me

Papang and Me 

My heritage is a mixture of different races and colors which makes me almost the same as everybody.  I am not sure if there is such thing as pure blood anymore. 

 

The genetic make-up of the  Ilocanos, Ilonggos and Indians has made me an "FBI"  hyper breed which is probably why my skin color is quite different from the usual shade of brown.  

I had no plans of cooking this weekend yet I found myself buying local vegetables as I loiter around the public market.  It started with the tiny amargozo which I think is a native variety; then, tiny green eggplants and I added okra to complete the combo.  

The universe wants me to start on the resolution I have made last May and I can still vividly remember myself saying "I want to explore the Ilocandia cuisine since it is a part of my  heritage" to a friend who enjoys gastronomical experimentations as much as I do. 

 

"Pinakbet"  from the term "pinakibit" is one of the famous dishes of Ilocos.  As I was chopping the vegetables, I can recall my best friend scolding me for not eating such dish where in fact it is almost as the same as Laswa (an ilonggo fare), only without the soup.  

My resentment over the ampalaya was due to the time when I was forced to bite through the bitterness.  Bitter memories, indeed!  It was only in Palawan that I was able to appreciate this shriveled fruit  served ensalada style.  In Bacolod, Mamang made a twist in the usual recipe by using balsamic vinegar, rosemary and pineapples.  I still have to ask her the step by step procedures because I can't copy the taste.  

I know I am missing some ingredients and finding a good ginamos is another thing that I have to learn.  I only have fresh hibe for the flavor, three native vegetables and the usual garoto (garlic, onions, tomatoes). My only wish is for Papang to guide me as I do justice to his Ilocano legacy.   

So my first Pinakbet dish did not look like the typical pakbet that I grew up with.  I committed "the perils of too much"  on the hibe and "the perils of too little" on the veggies.  Overall, it is still palatable but not to my standards.  Good thing, it goes well with bangus lamayo.  
 

My frustration has motivated me to go deeper into my heritage and serve a mouth-watering dish worthy enough for me to say "I am Italiana - Itang Ilokana". 

The Quest for the Golden Sisig

I had my first taste of sizzling sisig back when I was fifteen or so.  Wash it down with Super Dry and you will have a long ahhhhh afterwards.  Since then, my palate has been discriminating when it comes to this Kapampangan dish.  I have traveled to different provinces and usually, food is my way of experiencing culture.  The ingredients of the dish would account for the history of the people, economy and environment.

A couple of months ago, I had a little adventure in Central Luzon due to an interview.  I had a great time that day and I decided to venture around for a bit of cultural experience. Probably because of my unfamiliarity and lack of sense of direction, I found myself at a mall scouting for some good eats.

A famous Kapampangan restaurant was offering an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet at a fair price.  I jumped on the opportunity to explore the gastronomical servings laid out. The menu was familiar and just seeing the steamed local veggies made me smile as I carefully spoon the viands on my plate. Mixing and matching, catching the twist and finding the perfect bite.

I have reserved a bit part of my appetite for the sisig that said to have originated from that place (the province not the restaurant). The dish was reheated and served on a hot cast-iron plate but it was more of a bowl really. First taste and my excitement was doused in cold water.  Am I tasting mayonnaise?  Should it be this creamy?  The history of sisig gave me an idea on how the taste would be and this is not what my taste buds had in mind (yes, my tongue has its own).

 The only way to uplift my spirit was a distraction of some sort.  The dessert corner was waving and the idea of  assembling my own sweet course just  might lift my mood. The Saba con Hya had done its best to summon a timid smile on my face.

Disappointed and a bit guilty for not finishing the fancy sisig,  I still thank the people for their good service and clean restrooms. My quest for the "Golden Sisig" is still on my bucket list and so my gastronomical adventure continues.

Here's to you, Woman!

There are times when tears won't stop falling and the mirror is not your bestfriend.  There are times when you don't fit in because you are simply different. There are times when you feel it is hopeless just because no one is there to warm the nights or to send flowers.  So typical yet so true.  

Being a woman is such an ironic feat, you have to be strong and gentle at the same time, freaky and lady-like, empowered and submissive.  No wonder some of us are going crazy. 

The society's concept of beauty has devastated a number of self-esteem that we find ourselves along the aisle of beauty products.  Kudos to those women who have found their inner beauty and are comfortable in their own skin.  For the others, we are still a work in progress.  

This is for all the women of the world and a reminder to myself... 

You.Are.Amazing.

As. you. are.

Stronger than you know.

More beautiful than you think.

Worthier than you believe.

More loved than you can ever imagine.

Passionate about making a difference.

Fiery when protecting those you love.

Learning. Growing. Not alone.

Warm. Giving. Generous.

Quirky. Sexy. Funny. Smart.

Flawed. Whole. Scared. Brave.

And so, so, so.much.more.

Be Strong. Be Confident. Be You.

Thank you:  Tia Sparkles Singh, 2011

Old Skool

The evolution of industries and technology has brought a brand new way of living, culture and society.  The term "convenience" usually influences people to acquire various forms of technology for "comfort" and "efficiency".  Personally, I am grateful for the invention of computers, the Internet, cellphones and other means of communication.  Access to information is now easier and learning resources are extensive.  Had this evolution started early, I would have saved a lot of time and money during my frequent trips to the Public Library to do my research.  Still, I am grateful.

The tendency to neglect such conveniences might be human nature or might be culture -- for this I believe it  is somewhere in between.  I have noticed that some people would rather look at their phones than communicate face-to-face. The new generation is more acquainted to various applications and gadgets yet has little awareness about their surroundings.  To catapult a raving red bird towards a group of green, greedy pigs is addicting, to use a slingshot and stealthily aim at big, bad bullies is exhilarating.  Such an irony to see that as technology expanded, the more boxed in we are.

We have taken for granted the existential experience that makes us unique.  We missed out on being "in the moment" and has settled for virtual reality.  Sitting in front of my laptop has proven me guilty. The virtual reality that is turning into a reality? Sometimes, I wish I can just butt-in to a conversation and give my piece of mind.  All I can do is bite my tongue until I arrive home and post my sarcasm or witty remarks on a social network.

My grandmother calls me old-fashioned and it is actually a compliment -- good intention, wrong terminology;     "Old School" would be a better term to use.  My era has given me the opportunity to create something from scratch -- paper dolls, beaded necklaces, friendship bands.  My legs still bear the marks of my adventures in tree climbing, the over-the-wall escapades and getting into trouble. Permanent badges of a daredevil childhood.

The limited technology has developed my curiosity for new things, resourcefulness, creativity and imagination.    While people enjoys ransacking the green, greedy pigs' territory, I wonder if they have seen one up close or even fed them. Office jerk is a game that allows you to simulate throwing a piece of paper to a nerdy dude and I must confess, as I enjoy the virtual jerkiness, I actually been one.

These gadgets are awesome, the technology has been helpful yet let us remember what makes us human.  Relationships, communication, touch, feel, smell, sight, taste! We are organic beings so let's get out of this virtual reality and be in the moment.  Bask under the sun, dance in the rain, tickle your kids, throw mud at each other.  No one can take away these memories and the experience is free.  So shut down your computers, turn off the TV sets, hide the tablets, get out and have a date with the world...

Which is actually what I am going to do.... just... about... NOW.  

Cooking For Three

Some people see cooking as an art and others see it as science.  Yes, it is an art because flavours can elicit varied feelings, memories and insights.  It is a science because it involves measurement, gadgets, logic and other things quantifiable. 

My passion is cooking and it is magic to me -- reason why until now, my quest for gastronomical experiences never stopped.  My herbs and spices are the ingredients to my potions, brews and witchy delights.  Some people encouraged me to enroll in a culinary school to enhance my skills and knowledge.  I'm glad that I did not, else, I will be boxed in to the confines of culinary rules and regulations.  I am a witch in the kitchen, I don't follow recipes to the T.  Hmmm... now that would make me a Mad Scientist actually.. Oh well... 

My curiosity is drives me to create new tastes -- which is probably why I have a weird taste buds (or maybe I was born with it).  And I never cooked for one, just the idea of it makes me rather lonely.  Which leads me to my title "Cooking For Three".  It might have been the influence of my subconscious since we usually eat three meals a day and of course, food is always meant to be shared.

The secret to palatable dishes?  Cook it with love!  No matter how expensive the ingredients are or how scarce they may be, season it with love and you will see the difference... taste it too!

A good example would be the metamorphosis of this instant noodles....

A cheap and convenient way to satisfy a grumbling stomach.  Add a bit of greens and some veggies... Season with LOVE....

Served for three :)