From My Readings This Morning: I grow up in the Philippines. I would say I would not be writing this posting today, if rice was not available, when I was growing up. During the Japanese-American War, there was scarcity of rice. As a substitute in our daily life we had corn, cassava, sweet potato and yams for our carbohydrate needs. Occasionally we will have taro roots and mung beans.
In pre-colonial Philippines, rice was more than just a staple food, it was a status symbol. Only the wealthy datus, nobles, and high-ranking individuals had the privilege of eating white rice, which required extra labor to refine. Meanwhile, common folk primarily consumed brown rice, which retained its husk, or resorted to root crops like sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro. The scarcity of white rice made it a luxury, often reserved for feasts and special occasions.
Rice was so valuable that it was commonly used as a form of currency in trade and bartering. Local markets were bustling with transactions where farmers exchanged rice for gold, textiles, and other essentials. The significance of rice in society was so profound that possessing large quantities of it signified power and influence. This early economic system highlights how deeply ingrained rice was in the culture and livelihood of Filipinos even before the arrival of foreign colonizers.
For current statistics of rice production and consumption in the Philippines, read:
Rice is an essential part of Filipino cuisine and daily life, forming the foundation of almost every meal. The Filipino obsession with rice is deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions. This staple food is consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often paired with meat, fish, vegetables, and even fruits. Filipinos believe rice is not just a food item but a symbol of nourishment, unity, and family togetherness.
Rice, specifically white rice, is seen as a key source of energy to fuel the active and hardworking lifestyle of Filipinos. For breakfast, many Filipinos enjoy it with fried dishes like longganisa (Filipino sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or danggit (dried fish), often accompanied by fried egg and pickled vegetables. During lunch and dinner, rice is usually paired with stews like adobo or sinigang, stir-fries, and grilled items, with the rice serving as the perfect base to absorb flavorful sauces.
The love for rice is so ingrained in Filipino life that meals without it are considered incomplete, and it's almost impossible to imagine a Filipino household without a rice cooker ready to prepare the next batch. In fact, there is a specific Filipino word, “kanin,” which refers solely to cooked rice, further emphasizing its importance in daily dining.
Even during special occasions or holidays, rice-based dishes like paella, biko (sweet rice cake), and pancit (noodle dishes) feature prominently. It’s not just a side dish – it’s a centerpiece of Filipino culture.
Meanwhile, here are some Photos that Ditas sent me during her recent vacation to France.
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