I write this not just as a cook, but as a Filipino raised in diaspora, the child of an OFW. My work in food has always been about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about the stories we tell, the pride we reclaim, and the legacies we carry
It feels as though with the right joined up thinking & strategy across the relevant agencies/departments in Manila - tourism, government, business development and culture (the Bangkok template - if you will) the Philippines could massively increase it's culinary appeal to overseas foodie vistors (Keith Floyd called them 'Gastronauts') and, for want of a better comparison, become Thailand 2.0 It is so important that all the objectives are aligned and I believe you could become a major player in kickstarting this campaign. More power to you Budgie, you are doing outstanding work in highlighting this opportunity. Bravo!
“I know what it means to watch your mother leave. Not for adventure, but because she had little choice. Not for her dreams, but to carry the weight of everyone else’s. She worked not to be known, but to keep us afloat. She worked not for her name, but for the family name, pulling behind her an invisible but powerful ball and chain. Her legacy was not individual ambition but communal survival.” Thank you for your vulnerability here. Clear and powerful.
Brilliant essay Chef! You really have the art of expressing the Filipino sentiment with an analytical approach. Hope people really pay attention and take action upon hearing your wake-up calls.
Heartfelt and raw. I love reading this. Thanks for sharing your mum's and your story Budgie. Your observation is on point. There are so many groups, individuals and communities in the Philippines doing their bit for food culture and heritage and raising awareness for the artisans and agriculture and farms but it's not cohesive. The government sector is out of touch. Maybe not all, but definitely there is a lack of continuity and collaboration. We can only observe from afar. I hope this piece reaches the readers who have the connection and the autonomy to effect change. I will definitely share it.
Thank you so much, that means a lot. You’re absolutely right. So much passion on the ground, but without cohesion or support, it stays fragmented. I really hope this piece helps stir more conversation around that gap. Grateful you’re sharing it
It feels as though with the right joined up thinking & strategy across the relevant agencies/departments in Manila - tourism, government, business development and culture (the Bangkok template - if you will) the Philippines could massively increase it's culinary appeal to overseas foodie vistors (Keith Floyd called them 'Gastronauts') and, for want of a better comparison, become Thailand 2.0 It is so important that all the objectives are aligned and I believe you could become a major player in kickstarting this campaign. More power to you Budgie, you are doing outstanding work in highlighting this opportunity. Bravo!
Thank you for writing this, Budgie. There's so much of this that rips at the heart.
Thank you so much for reading it. Writing it was painful, but necessary. I’m honoured it moved you.
“I know what it means to watch your mother leave. Not for adventure, but because she had little choice. Not for her dreams, but to carry the weight of everyone else’s. She worked not to be known, but to keep us afloat. She worked not for her name, but for the family name, pulling behind her an invisible but powerful ball and chain. Her legacy was not individual ambition but communal survival.” Thank you for your vulnerability here. Clear and powerful.
Great read as always, budgie. So many of your thoughts echo my own which I often find difficult to put into words. Looking forward to so much more!
Brilliant essay Chef! You really have the art of expressing the Filipino sentiment with an analytical approach. Hope people really pay attention and take action upon hearing your wake-up calls.
Very well written, and well said Chef! Thank you for writing down exactly what others like me feel about Philippine cuisine.
Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to read the piece
Heartfelt and raw. I love reading this. Thanks for sharing your mum's and your story Budgie. Your observation is on point. There are so many groups, individuals and communities in the Philippines doing their bit for food culture and heritage and raising awareness for the artisans and agriculture and farms but it's not cohesive. The government sector is out of touch. Maybe not all, but definitely there is a lack of continuity and collaboration. We can only observe from afar. I hope this piece reaches the readers who have the connection and the autonomy to effect change. I will definitely share it.
Thank you so much, that means a lot. You’re absolutely right. So much passion on the ground, but without cohesion or support, it stays fragmented. I really hope this piece helps stir more conversation around that gap. Grateful you’re sharing it