In an attempt to efficiently enforce taxation, on 21 November 1849, the Spanish Governor General Narciso Clavería ordered a systematic distribution of surnames for the native population. Names from the Catalogo Alfabetico de Apellidos were assigned to families in all towns. The distribution was in alphabetical order and caused some small towns with only a few families to end up with all names starting with the same letter.

To the outside world, Filipinos may seem to be almost Hispanic, with surnames, food and other legacies of the 333 years of Spanish rule. But there is more than meets the eye, something more complex. A cursory glance at something as plebeian as our streetfood is already an indication. Take for example our tamales. It has a deceptively Mexican name but its essence can only be Filipino.
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Nth edition, constantly edited

When some of us thought of launching a Filipino food blogging event in the tradition of Is My Blog Burning? ¹, all I was concerned about was the theme should be something that coincided with Philippine holidays or festivals. Since our Independence Day in June had passed, I thought the next holiday was Ninoy Aquino Day of 21 August. Clearly, I wasn’t using my mind.

When one introduces a stranger to a certain cuisine, it has to be something enjoyable. It has to be something remembered. Usually, we Filipinos introduce our visitors to our food during feasts and these are always joyous events. When I thought of the theme for this event, I didn’t realise how much angst and tension was about to be dredged up from the sands of time.

However, when we introduce food to our visitors, it is implicitly an introduction to a way of life. To eat with someone is an intimate activity shared by friends and loved ones. When we share our food with strangers we forge bonds, forming a certain kinship which eases the acceptance of the one who used to be a stranger.

Thus we share with the world our food, our lifeblood, albeit virtually. Just like when we eat face-to-face, we share our thoughts on a very significant event for the Filipino nation. By articulating our feelings about a tumultuous period in our history, when our will as a nation was tested, we open ourselves up and hope that we are better understood. If it is said that the theme for the launching is too heavy and not fit for a food event, we can only smile and ask if something like that isn’t part of life. And we do share life stories when eating. We can neither hide nor run from it. At the end of the day, all our pain and suffering, our small triumphs, dreams, pure laughter and much love is shared around the dinner table. After all, these are what make up the story of the Filipino nation.
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Filipinos are known for being hospitable and food is always part of any event. Tonight was no exception. The show was free then right after, guests were served lelut manuc (arroz caldo/chicken congee), suman (sweet rice sticks) and tsokolateng binatirul (frothy hot chocolate), gratis as well! This entry is not about food although I’ll try to be nice and post the recipe of lelut manuc when it starts raining hard in the next few weeks.

For now, let me say share with you tonight’s event as I just about got back from the launching of ArtiSta.Rita’s second album at the half-buried San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, Pampanga. That’s the Artistang Santa Rita Foundation for you, dear friends - a pioneer group committed to the revival and enrichment of Kapampangan arts and culture. You may remember the Duman Festival they organised and which we featured last December.
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