4 Ways to Celebrate Filipino food month EVery Year
Did you know this week marks the 5 year anniversary of Filipino Food Month being officially signed as a declaration on April 13, 2018. It all began when the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (P.C.H.M.) lobbied the Department of Agriculture (D.A.) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (N.C.C.A.) in 2016, requesting that April be declared Filipino Food Month or 'Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino Since the official signing of the Presidential Proclamation No. 469, mainland Philippines has been finding countless ways to celebrate our cherished cuisine and I think it’s time we step up our game and eat as many meals as possible with a purpose.
At least that’s what I’ll tell myself as I feast through these top 4 ideas to honor the soul of our culture:
1. Treat Your Non-Filipino Friends to Dinner
This might be the most effective way to celebrate Filipino Food Month by sharing our unique flavors to new palettes. Why is it so important to show other cultures what Filipino food has to offer? The obvious fact is that we are filling their plates with some of the best food in the world and more importantly, we are opening the door into what makes us who we are as a people. However, a byproduct of showcasing our cuisine, is sparking their interest and having them possibly return to the same restaurant to support local Filipino owned businesses. Or equally just as important, them finding a Filipino restaurant of their own choosing to support. How awesome would it be to see more Filipino restaurants open up because you were the spark that caused the wildfire of hungry patrons in your area.
2. Learn From Those That Have Come Before You
Maybe a night out doesn’t fit the bill? Well if you ask me, sharing a home cooked meal around the dinner table might arguably be the most authentic way to experience Filipino cuisine. And if you have never cooked Filipino food before, in the words of our very own Romeo Marquez, “it’s time”. With the beauty of things like Google and Youtube, it’s easy to find a detailed recipe for all levels of cooking, beginning to advanced. However, for those fortunate enough to be related to or have a connection to a talented home chef, reach out to them and ask to learn firsthand what goes into their recipes. I wasn’t kidding earlier when I said food is “opening the door into what makes us who we are”. Through learning firsthand from home chefs, you are tapping into their childhood, their memories made around the table, and the lessons passed down from those who came before them. How sweet it is to believe that the adobo dish you just experienced was the same exact experience their great grandparents were enjoying in the homeland a hundred years ago, a true snapshot in history?
3. The Camera Eats First
In the modern era of social media, how many times have you salivated over your Instagram feed being flooded with perfectly photographed dishes. Maybe a night out or cooking for your friends isn’t in the budget but sharing and posting your favorite meals is definitely wallet friendly. Now that you have googled some new recipes and possibly even deep dived into Lola’s secret sinigang recipe, share it with the world and celebrate the new skill you’ve unlocked and furthermore celebrate a dish that has been passed down for generations. Maybe you still haven’t mustered the courage to cook it yourself? Then I challenge you to find some Filipino chefs or Filipino eateries on social media and share them on your page as much as possible over the course of April. Extra credit if you can share one every day.
4. Share This Post (And Your Love for Filipino Food!)
You might be in the rare category of Filipinos that already practices points 1-3 frequently. I want to sincerely thank you because our cuisine is too special to keep secret. There is still another way to help, by sharing this post with your fellow kaibigan who may have not realized it is Filipino Food Month. Don’t let the knowledge and experience end with you, tag your followers and challenge your friend group, your church, your workplace, or wherever, to partake in the beauty and history of Filipino Food Month. Please I’m not asking you to walk, I’m asking you “turon” and show those around you why Filipino food is the best kept secret of Asia.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing an ICC investigation for crimes against humanity—but what does this mean for democracy, sovereignty, and the Philippines' global standing? For Filipino Americans, this case is more than just politics—it’s about justice, accountability, and the future of the motherland. Here’s why it matters.