The Philippines

(excerpted from http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/default.aspx)

BRIEF HISTORY

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.

In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They then waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The Philippines regained its independence in 1946.

Facts on Food & Beverage in the Philippines

Courtesy of  USA TODAY

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/food-beverage-philippines-16185.html

Laura Dixon, Demand Media

Food and culture are virtually indistinguishable in the Philippines, where the average person eats five meals daily. Eating is an important time for Filipinos to come together over a table full of food, whether home-cooked or at one of the country’s many eateries. Visitors to the Philippines will rarely be at a loss for an eclectic mix of food and beverages, including local dishes that can only be found on the islands.

Cultural Influences

The Philippines’multi-ethnic past makes Filipino cuisine a unique blend of Eastern and Western food, drawing from Spanish, Chinese and Malay recipes. Filipino chefs adopted Spanish ways of cooking during three centuries of Spanish colonization. Perhaps the most important method garnered from traditional Spanish cuisine was making savory marinades to flavor dishes. According to the New York Times, some food experts estimate that about 80 percent of Filipino dishes are derived from Spanish cooking.

Food in the Philippines also relies heavily on ingredients used by the islands’ original inhabitants, the Malays, including coconut, hot chilies and mango. Early Chinese colonists introduced pansit noodles and bean curds to the islands, which are still widely served across the Philippines today.

Dietary Staples

Much like their mainland Asian counterparts, Filipinos use rice as a foundation for most dishes. Several different varieties of rice are used in Filipino cooking and often molded into fried cakes and rice noodles, which are widely served in restaurants and roadside stands. Fresh seafood is another staple of Filipino cooking, and both fish and shellfish have long been a mainstay on tables across the nation. Likewise, vegetables are a major part of many recipes, and are generally used more often than meat, which is more expensive. Coconut milk is a natural Filipino ingredient used to cook meat and veggie dishes called guinatan.

Desserts

 

Meals in the Philippines are capped off with desserts either using fresh, local produce or modeled after Western treats. There’s a large repertoire of coconut desserts, including a thick jam called macapuno, and bibingka, a baked coconut rice pudding topped with duck eggs. Drawing inspiration from their Spanish heritage, Filipinos also frequently serve leche flan for dessert. American-style desserts, such as pies and cake, can also be found at restaurants throughout the Phillipines.

Beverages

Drinks in the Phillipines are not only a necessary complement to meals, but also help beat the tropical heat. As with their food, Filipinos often incorporate local produce into beverages to create tasty and refreshing concoctions. A few examples include blended mango shakes, coconut juice and pandan leaf iced tea. Filipinos also enjoy the coconut-infused hard liquor known as lambing and gin cocktails mixed with pineapple juice or citrus fruit juice.

Food Custom

The Philippines are teeming with restaurants and food vendors, and it’s little wonder since most residents eat five meals each day. Generally, these are small meals by Western standards, including breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. Filipinos prefer to eat communally, with many meals served buffet-style. Regardless of socioeconomic status, Filipino families place a high premium on meals, considering them an important time to socialize with friends and family and as a gesture to welcome guests.