Rice: A life source for Filipino People
Today’s Guest Blog is from Jeff John. Jeff has a blog called Davao Blog, give him a visit!
Rice at first might seem like a extremely bland subject to write about and normally it would be. But the reason I focus on this subject is because rice is a huge part of the Filipino culture. I believe the majority of you would know that rice is a normal part of a meal in most Asian cultures, just as I knew prior to my stay in the Philippines. Basically I wouldn’t feel it to be misleading to call rice a life source for the Filipino people. This is by no means a complaint from me, since I absolutely 
love rice. I must admit its odd that I don’t generally eat rice here in the states but always craved it in the Philippines. The conclusion I came up with is that the rice is better there. Or good rice is easier to find. That or I just plain cant cook rice. I don’t know, but unless I’m delusional the rice tastes different and better in the Philippines. I haven’t shopped for the high end rice here in the states instead I’ve stuck to the generic boil in a bag type. One of the things about rice is that it goes so well with so many different foods. Before I tried it I never would have thought that rice and corned beef and tuna would be one of my favorite foods. Speaking of corned beef and tuna it seems those are the two most popular toppings for rice. I recommend the hot and spicy tuna.
Something I was surprised to observe is that just about every fast food establishment has rice on the menu, even McDonald’s. I’m surprised that Dunkin Donuts doesn’t have a rice donut as it seems that’s the only place that doesn’t have rice on the menu. Speaking of Dunkin Donuts, I highly recommend the place for it’s 10 cent donuts. Thats a dozen donuts for only one dollar. The thing I noticed about the Dunkin Donuts in Davao is that they seem a tiny bit smaller, but surely it can be my imagination. However I have tasted a delicious rice dessert which I forget the name of. Its basically a clump of rice melted together with sugar served in a leaf, they are excellent.
So in closing rice is a normal part meals in the Philippines as its quite cheap and in great abundance.
Hi Jeff, very interesting article. Putting well. Thanks a lot. Will visit your blog now.
Hi Jeff - That rice dessert that you mention is called suman or bud-bud. Indeed, it’s delicious. I especially enjoy the Durian Suman at Hanoi Restaurant here in Davao.
Hi Jeff Iwill vist your blog now. Bob pray tell where is the Hanoi restaurant . new one on me.
Hi Frank Fealey - Hanoi Restaurant is located in Davao City, it is connected to Casa Leticia Hotel, just across from Apo View.
Yes it is Suman..sweet rice(pilit) wrap in banana leaves. I miss suman, haven’t seen one since I arrive here..One thing rice taste good is the way it’s cook, the timing. They said that it smell good and taste better when steamed in wood, much better when steamed in coal. It’s also the right amount of water in it. I think most Filipino could use their hand to measure the right amount of water to put in with the rice. They are good on estimating the water. Opss sorry I think not all Filipino but the one who is usually assigned to cook. Oh by the way, some people put pandan in their rice to make it smell good. I don’t think this has been practice a lot lately though. This is one of those diminishing culture and it is also hard to find a pandan now a days.
Post #5 Mady - Can you tell me what pandan is. I was the main cook in our family before until early 80’s. What is known to me as pandan in our barrio is a kind of grass and i knew nobody who were using it. Is that what you mean? I’m curious.
Good article Jeff. Rice is indeed important for filipino, I went there for Christmas and New Year and we gave away saks of rice (40 paid by our company here) to the poor family around Sinayawan (Valencia) and I was so touch to see them cry of joy while getting the rice and just to see the whole family helping to bring it i there house (did I write house..more a shack if there’s a name for it really).
Rice with dog meat (hummmm….masarap!) Have u tried that? 60% of filipinos eat dogs if you don’t believe me go to baguio where they even have restaurants where you can enjoy eating “man’s best friend” on a stick. Disgusting.
I am sorry, Mike, but you are absolutely incorrect on that. There was a day when more dog was eaten in the Philippines, but no longer. Some Filipinos still eat dog, but I would say it is a maximum of 10% or so. Eating dog is not even legal in the Philippines.
mike,you are very wrong that 60%of filipinos eat dogs because it is ellegal here,in baguio i dont think so because in davao we are not allowed to kill dogs here..next time make sure that you are right by posting any comments…