Pasalubong
La Trinidad, BenguetThe closest literal translation of pasalubong in English would be “souvenir”. However, “souvenir” does not even approximate its contextual meaning. The root of the word is the word “salubong” which means “(to) welcome” or “reception”, and “pa-” would assume the function of the word. Thus, the word “pasalubong” may be translated as “something meant for you when you welcome me back.”
The term can describe any gift one gives upon a return from any journey, no matter how short or how long, and it is usually indigenous foods or things from the region or country where the traveler came from. The gesture of handing out pasalubong conveys that loved ones are being remembered while away. But sometimes, forgetting or not giving out pasalubong can be perceived as a sign of ill will or stinginess! :P
(picture taken from scaryourcerebellum)
Arroz Caldo
Arroz Caldo is a favorite comfort food among many Filipinos. Despite its Spanish name, this dish is actually an adaptation of the Chinese congee or porridge. It is flavored with chicken, garlic, ginger, and safflower (kasubha). The latter is our local saffron which gives arroz caldo an appealing aroma, not to mention the bright yellow tinge. Arroz Caldo, which best represents the mixture of Filipino heritage by combining Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino flavors, is perfect for someone having a bad cold. It’s also great during rainy weather. It is one dish that you can eat any time of the day.
Thanks to a great gallery by Twisted Sifter, I now know that the aptly named Glasswinged butterfly exists.
I love how creative my Elohim is!! (that’s creator God)
Champorado
Chocolate PorridgeTsampurado/Champorado is a sweet chocolate rice porridge made by boiling sticky, glutinous rice with cocoa powder, giving it a distinctly brown color, and adding milk or sugar or condensed milk to make it sweeter. It is sometimes eaten together with salty dried fish locally known as tuyo. It is commonly served during breakfast, but it’s also perfect for cold, rainy weather - just like today.
Stay safe and stay warm!
Halo-Halo
Mix-MixTaken from the word ‘halo’ which means ‘mix’, this favorite dessert is made of shaved ice with a variety of ingredients such as sweetened beans and fruits, leche flan, ube halaya, and ice cream.
Perfect for lazy afternoon snacks/merienda.
La Paz Batchoy
The Philippines has a variety of soups, among which is the La Paz Batchoy, a noodle soup with origins that trace back to the district of La Paz, Iloilo, thus the name. It’s a warm soup made of mami noodles, garnished with pork innards, crushed pork cracklings, spring onions, and topped with a raw egg. It’s perfect for cold, rainy weather like today.
Stay warm and stay safe everyone!
Pancit Palabok
Pancit palabok is a Philippine noodle dish of Chinese origin. Thin rice noodles are covered with a thick, shrimp-flavored sauce and topped with prawns, chicharon (pork scratchings), hard-boiled eggs, tinapa (smoked fish) flakes and slices of green onion, with a generous squeeze of calamansi all over.
(from manyamanblog)
