Blog 1- Culture and Cuisine

by Celyn Albino

Culture is a means of identity and a way of living for groups of people. Their very location in itself constitutes their cultural experiences. It provides significance and meaning to a group in defining their being. Culture can be seen through the way the people live in art, entertainment, clothing, tradition, religion, customs, and even their food.

Being a Filipino- American allows me to dive into not only the American cuisine (which in itself is a mixing of cultures) but also the Filipino cuisine. Luckily, my parents did not disregard their Filipino roots after coming to America. In addition, they did not feel the need to shun the Filipino culture from my sister and me. In comparison to other Filipino- Americans, I am particularly familiar with a number of traditions as well as the language, which helps me stay connected to what is currently going on. I grew up with home cooked meals that were mainly Filipino- dishes or inspired. My mom every once in a while will opt for the processed or ready to eat meals, but not without some rice on the side. Rice is always a part of the meal like a plate or utensil. However, oddly enough, Filipinos are known to eat with their hands which I am not ashamed to use every now and then.

The Philippines is a tropical cluster of many islands. There is a large reliance on fresh foods- fruits, vegetables, seafood, and even livestock. The stylings of Filipino cuisine is a mixture of Asian, Islander, and even Spanish influences. Yet, the all- American hot dog is found cut up in banana ketchup sauce over long noodles- the Filipino spaghetti. Growing up, i remember plates of spaghetti without hotdogs and it just didn't seem complete. But sometimes, the food got in the way of my childhood.

At school, my mom would pack me a lunch. this lunch was nothing like the pb&j, apple, and juice box. It was a tupperware of rice and chicken adobo or pancit (chow mein) or lumpia (egg roll). I remember feeling ashamed of the smell and just the looks of disgust but soon that faded away as I grew up. By middle school, people thought I was lucky to have search a hearty meal, instead of the usual hotdog and fries that they'd probably have for dinner sometime that week.

Being cultural aware but also in its cuisine, helps me personally to be more open to foods and cultures. I have shared in a way of life that others can only experience through tid-bits like cuisine but that doesn't mean I know everything about it. Surely, just because I am a Filipino doesn't mean I like to pack boiled duck eggs (balut) for lunch or that I even like them- definitely not my cup of tea.

Recommended books found at WWU:

Rodell, Paul A. Culture and Customs on the Philippines. Westport: Greenwood Press, 2002.
Location: Haggard 2- Reference Call # DS664 .R63 2001

Zabilka, Gladys. Customs and Culture of the Philippines. Tokyo: C. E. Tuttle Co, 1963.
Location: Haggard 3- Books Call # DS663 .Z3 1963