From My Readings on Filipino Obsession for Food
The above photo is a typical food preparation of Filipino Food from a typical Middle Class Family in the Philippines. Rich Filipinos would have Lechon and other Exotic Dishes ( Non-Filipino Comfort Food Dishes) Prepared for Special Occasions. Rich Filipinos would have European dishes added to the native delicacies featured above.
Some of my THD friends informed me that I may have obsession with foods, since it is one of my favorite and frequent topics in my blogs. They also wondered why I am not overweight. My blog readers informed my my writings on Food assumed that I consumed a lot of it, but I am not overweight. My response is Moderation! But variety, yes, indeed. I love all ethnic foods of the world. Yes, I have an adventurous palate because of my childhood years.
https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2025/01/gordon-ramsay-on-filipino-food.html
Here are some information why food is important to Filipinos in general.
Cultural Significance: Food is a central part of Filipino culture. Many traditional dishes are tied to festivals, celebrations, and religious events, making meals an essential aspect of cultural identity. Social Connection: Meals are often communal, reflecting the Filipino value of ``bayanihan,'' or community spirit.
Why is food so important to Filipino culture?
What are the Filipino eating habits?
A typical Filipino diet in a day consists of about three and a half (3 ½) cups of cooked rice, one (1) matchbox of fried fish, and half (1/2) cup of boiled vegetables per day and these are usually consumed during the three (3) major meals of the day: breakfast, lunch and supper
What food do Filipinos eat the most?
Staples. As in most Asian countries, the staple food in the Philippines is rice. It is most often steamed and always served with meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Leftover rice is often fried with garlic to make sinangag, which is usually served at breakfast together with a fried egg and cured meat or sausages.
In Addition do you know that ‘Kumain Ka Na?’ is the traditional greeting in the Philippines.
In the Philippines, asking "Kumain ka na?" (Have you eaten?) is more than just a question about food—it is a warm and caring way to greet someone. Unlike in Western cultures where greetings are typically "Hello" or "How are you?", Filipinos use this phrase to show concern and hospitality. This reflects the deeply ingrained cultural value of pakikisama (smooth social relationships) and malasakit (genuine care for others).
The habit stems from the Filipino emphasis on communal eating, where sharing meals is a way to bond and strengthen relationships. It also highlights the value placed on food as a symbol of love and generosity. Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or even a casual acquaintance, asking "Kumain ka na?" is a way of ensuring someone’s well-being rather than just making small talk. In many cases, if the person responds with "Not yet," the one asking might even offer them food, reinforcing the Filipino trait of hospitality and generosity.
Moreover, Did you Know -The Filipino Habit of Leaving the Last Piece of Food on a Plate
In the Philippines, there is an unspoken rule known as "hiya" (shame or modesty) that influences dining etiquette. One peculiar habit rooted in this cultural value is leaving the last piece of food on a shared plate. Many Filipinos hesitate to take the final bite, fearing it may be perceived as selfish or greedy. This behavior is often accompanied by playful teasing, with people encouraging others to take it, yet no one wanting to be the one to do so.
To resolve this dilemma, some Filipinos jokingly assign the last piece to the youngest or to someone willing to take it after much persuasion. In more casual settings, it is sometimes cut in half or divided among diners to avoid awkwardness. Despite this habit, Filipinos are known for their generosity and hospitality, always ensuring that there is enough food for everyone.
Yesterday, Saturday, March 1, Dinah and I had lunch at Isla Grand Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. https://www.yelp.com/biz/isla-grand-pleasant-hill
Here the photos I took of our meal, enough left over for to-GO for my Freezer.
Meanwhile, Here's a train ride you may be interested!
The longest train journey in the world, lasts about 21 days, I would like to do it one day, weather permitting. It's a trip that starts from Portugal in Europe to Singapore in Southeast Asia, with several places to visit. This journey starts from the city from Portugal to the capital Singapore. The train crosses practically 13 countries with stops for visits, starting from Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia Mongolia, China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore.
Lastly, Have You Heard of Tinian Island?
Tinian is a small island in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific Ocean. Covering an area of just 101 square kilometers (39 square miles), Tinian lies about 5 kilometers (3 miles) southwest of Saipan, the largest island in the archipelago, and is home to approximately 3,000 residents, primarily concentrated in the village of San Jose.
Tinian is best known for its historical significance during World War II. The island was a major base for U.S. military operations in the Pacific theater and served as the launching point for the Enola Gay and Bockscar, the aircraft that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively. Visitors can still see the preserved airfields and bomb-loading pits used during this pivotal period in history.
The island boasts a tropical climate and is characterized by lush vegetation, limestone cliffs, and beautiful beaches. Tinian is less developed than its neighbor Saipan, offering a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Points of interest include the House of Taga, an archaeological site featuring ancient latte stones, and several pristine beaches such as Taga Beach and Tachogna Beach, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Tinian’s economy is centered around tourism, agriculture, and a small casino industry. Accessible by ferry or a short flight from Saipan, Tinian provides a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination in the Pacific.
I was unaware of Tinian: thanks for yet another window into your worlds. . . Dean
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