7107 ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC

Ever since two South Africans were abducted during their diving holiday in Sipatan, Malaysia, and kept hostage by Al Qaeda Rebels, in Jolo, Philippines, I have had a keen interest in this nation of islands. The Strydoms' 4-month ordeal in the year 2000, captured the hearts of all South Africans.  Their daily struggle to survive under death-threatening circumstances were followed by, not only all South Africans, but people across the world.  Today, Kallie and Monique, the founders of the Strydom Trust, are both national and international motivational speakers and bring messages of hope, miracles and survival.

Prior to this incident, my knowledge of the Philippines was restricted to Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos and Imelda's 3000 pairs of shoes.  Marcos, a dictator, was President of the Philippines from 1965 till 1986.  He was a genius with a photographic memory and passed his bar examination with an average of 98.1%.

F. Barcos Bar Topnotcher
Photo courtesy flipiknow.net

The Republic of the Philippines is a sovereign island in South East Asia situated in the Pacific Ocean.  It consists of more than 7000 islands, which are divided in three main regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Photo courtesy worldmaps

Gloria and I have been friends for many years and although we stay thousands of miles apart, we share the same interests, ambitions and ideologies.  We are from different cultures and backgrounds, but in essence we are really the same.  We are both passionate about our family and friends and cherish the joys of being a mother, a friend and nurturer for them.  During our working days we shared the challenges of being successful in a competitive corporate world,  a full time mom and housewife and a lover and friend to our significant others.

Gloria stays in the City of Bacolod, the capital of the province Negros Occidental, the “City of Smiles” or the “Sugar Capital” as it is referred to.  It is considered the most popular city in Western Visayas.  One of the highlights of the City of Bacolod is the Masskara Festival held during the 3rd week of October.  The City of Bacolod was ranked the “Best Place to Live in the Philippines” by Money Sense Magazine.

The colorful Masskara Festival is celebrated at the start of the winter season.  Masskara (“mass” and “kara”), which means mask and face, is a time for costumes, masks, float parades, beautiful gowns, drums and music, food, street parties and fireworks.  All in all, it’s a time to laugh, sing, celebrate and do what the Philippines do best, smile!  Their hospitality knows no end.

The Philippine cuisine is a fusion of many influences.  The Chinese, Europeans, Americans, Arabians and Asians were all early traders, immigrants or settlers and contributed to the food eaten in the Philippines today.  Their food is rich in color and flavor and mostly consists of seafood, fresh vegetables, meat and dairy.  Prior to the arrival of the Spanish their food consisted of root crops, game, vegetables and seafood.

Adobo, (the Spanish word for seasoning or marinade) is widely recognized as the “National Dish of the Philippines”.  When the Spaniards came to the Philippines in the 16th century they established a very unique cooking process with vinegar and referred to this method of cooking as “adobo”.  Traditionally, the adobo is cooked in a palayok, a small clay pot.

According to Yan Susanto an online writer “The flavour of this exquisite cuisine will certainly be liked by anyone who has tasted it the first time”.  Adobo is traditionally served with rice. Just like traditional dishes all over the world, many variations of this popular dish can be found. 

This is my version of this popular dish.

Adobong Baboy - Pork adobo

Pork or chicken can be used or a combination of both.

1 kilo pork cut into pieces - pork belly works well

1 large potato cut into pieces

1 onion chopped

2 heads of garlic crushed

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

6 tablespoons soy sauce

6 tablespoons vinegar 

1 cup water or rice water 

Cooking oil

Marinate the pork, garlic, bay leaves and soy sauce for half an hour

Sauté onion and marinated pork.  Add potatoes.

Add marinated sauce and water and simmer till the meat is soft.

Add vinegar and simmer for another 15 minutes.

Serve on a bed of rice or keep in fridge till the next day when the taste is even better

"Gusto kong bisitahin ang Pilipinas isang araw."

                                                                                        

Photo courtesy Panlasang Pinoy Cookbook

Masskara Festival

Gloria receiving her employee of the year award.
Photo courtesy Gloria

Delivering her retirement speech
Photo courtesy Gloria

Employee of the Year award ceremony
Photo courtesy Gloria