This month is Filipino American Heritage month! One of the best ways to explore Filipino American culture is by delving into their wonderful cuisine. This week I interviewed three AU students on campus about their own experiences with Filipino food and culture: Holly Sharp (senior, nursing), Anjela To-Ong (senior, physical therapy), and Alex Noble (senior, engineering). Here are some of their thoughts:
What is your history with Filipino food?
Holly: I am half Filipino, so Filipino food is what I grew up eating, especially when I was sick. So it was a big part of my childhood, being fed this food from my mom and Lola.
Anjela: I was born in the Philippines and was raised there for the first six years of my life. My family has always cooked Filipino food at home, so I grew up with it.
Alex: *laughs* Basically none before I met Anjela. We’ve been dating for three years, and over that time she has exposed me to a good bit.
What is your favorite Filipino dish?
Holly: For a comfort food it would have to be Arroz Caldo; it's a soup you eat when you're sick. I like it because it is sour, especially the way my mom would make it.
Anjela: It has to have rice in it for sure, but if I have to pick it would be Chicken Inasal.
Alex: Anjela, I need your help to remember what I’ve had.
Anjela: You’ve had the fish jerky, that was called bilad.
Alex: Bilad? Oh yeah, that was good.
Do you have any specific memories around Filipino food?
Holly: Family parties with pancit and chicken adobo. Filipinos like to eat and share food—for us, food means family.
Anjela: I don't have many specific memories other than going out to different restaurants and trying different dishes, and then making them at home.
Alex: Eating that bilad was a fun memory because Anjela’s whole family thought I would hate it, but it was actually pretty good!
Do you have any specific places or events that you go to in order to enjoy Filipino food around AU?
Holly: Fil-Am potluck and friends houses.
Anjela: Whenever I return to my home church in Chicago, they always have a potluck.
Alex: That’s the same for me (referring to Anjela’s answer), that's when I get the opportunity to have Filipino food.
Are there any dishes you haven't tried yet but would like to?
Holly: Blood porridge sounds interesting. I want to try it because it represents how you need to be resourceful.
Anjela: What haven’t I had? I’m not sure.
Alex: I don’t know what I’ve had and what I haven’t had.
Rachel: Is there anything that you want him (Alex) to try?
Alex: Yeah, what should I try?
Anjela: Remember when my mom suggested you try Balut? That’s a fertilized duck egg that's cooked. Alex: Alright, I’m down.
Anjela: I haven’t tried it yet either, and I don’t want to, but if you try it I’ll try it with you.
Anything else?
Holly: The Filipino culture is about family, resourcefulness, and working hard all to be able to create a better future for your descendants. Our ancestors came to America for a better life for their children. Each generation continues this legacy.
Anjela: Filipinos are very friendly, and when they offer you food don’t decline it!
Alex: I would say that I have enjoyed the times I’ve gone to Anjela’s church. They are very welcoming and have a nice community. So I would encourage others with the opportunity to visit a Filipino church.
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