Dive into the exquisite culture and heritage of the Philippines. In this blog, we will peek at Filipino flavors of food, mixology, and arts and crafts!
Home to 7,641 islands, the Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia that takes pride in a tapestry of cultural marvels. The Philippines is a land where history, traditions, and creativity combine making it a diverse and intricate heritage. The country is not only famous for its pristine waters and stunning landscapes but what makes the Philippines truly unique is its ability to blend indigenous traditions with foreign influences. This results in culinary delights, innovative drinks, and artistic crafts. The Philippines is a vibrant country with diverse influences, from Spanish and American to indigenous cultures, all harmoniously intertwined. Learn more as we guide you through the Philippines, where we will let you explore its extraordinary flavors, innovative mixology, and intricate arts and crafts.
Philippines' Flavors Like No Other
In the heart of every Filipino dish lies a story of heritage and innovation. From the aromatic spices of traditional adobo, and golden lechon, to the sweetness of halo-halo, and street food, Filipino cuisine is a symphony of flavors. It is a fusion of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. The art of Filipino cooking lies not just in the ingredients but in the stories woven into every recipe, reflecting a history of trade, colonization, and creativity. 1. Adobo
A popular Filipino dish using pork or chicken meat, and stewed in vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns.
2. Lechon
Also referred to as the Philippines' national dish, lechon is a whole pig slowly roasted over a pit of charcoal usually stuffed with lemongrass, a handful of garlic, and onion.
3. Halo-Halo
When translated, the name “Halo-Halo” literally means mix. It is an interesting dessert that has different layers of texture with different sweet ingredients, shaved ice, and milk.
Cheers to The Pearl of The Orient
Filipino mixology is based on cultural expressions. It is an art, where tropical and local flavors are blended to create stunning elixirs that give anyone’s taste buds a true refreshing taste of paradise. From the mighty tangy calamansi to the smooth notes of fermented drinks, the Philippines takes pride in beverages that are innovative yet rooted in cultures.
1. Kalamansi Juice
The Filipino version of lemonade, Kalamansi Juice is a refreshing elixir made of the Philippines’ local citrus that is squeezed into water and served cold or hot.
2. Tuba
Photo Credit: medium.com Usually found in the different regions of the Philippines, mostly in the provinces/rural areas, Tuba is an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of various palm trees.
3. Weng-Weng
Photo Credit: facebook.com/fusion88
Named after an action star in the Philippines, and derived from the slang word that means, “totally wasted,” Weng-Weng is a Filipino cocktail similar to Long Island Iced Tea. Its concoction is a mixture of vodka, brandy, bourbon, tequila, and rum.
Filipino-made from Hands to Heart
Filipino arts and crafts are a testament to the nation's creativity and reverence for heritage. Indigenous weaves like the intricate patterns of the T'boli tribe or the delicate craftsmanship of Capiz shells showcase the rich cultural diversity. Handicrafts, whether it’s the meticulously woven baskets or the finely carved wooden furniture, are not just products but legacies passed down through generations. Each piece tells a story, celebrating the essence of Filipino creativity and artistry.
1. Banig
Commonly made in some provinces of the Philippines, Banig is a handwoven mat that is traditionally made as a mat for either sleeping or sitting. It is a unique product made by locals that is meticulously woven in different geometrical designs.
2. Palayok
Dating back to the Philippines’ pre-colonial era, the Palayok is a simple kitchenware that is a part of a Filipino household. It is used as a cooking tool or a food preparation container. Its simplicity isn’t mainly used for aesthetic purposes but for survival.
3. Parol
A symbol of Christmas in the Philippines, the Parol is an expression of faith, hope, goodwill, and resilience for many Filipinos. It is made from bamboo and decorated with colorful plastic wraps or paper, and added with more symbols in each one.
The Shared Filipino Experience
Did you know that our founder and creative director is Filipino-American?
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Aimee Moslares-Aguirre found herself captivated by the rich cultural tapestry of New York City. This fascination led her to establish a platform that unites culture and corporate teams through the medium of food. "For me, food has always been the universal language of connection. When I meet someone new, we both light up and our appetites awaken as we discuss our cherished dishes," Aimee shares.
Now with a multicultural team, Kits by Food Craft continues to share experiences of cultures and heritages with people from across the globe. And shipping DIY kits globally to foster creativity through crafting food, mixology, and arts and crafts experiences
As a part of our immersive experience, we are proud to take you to our home. As a Filipina-owned small business, we want to bring our flavors to people who have yet to marvel at the Philippines’ wonders.
We invite you to indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Philippines with our virtual Chocolate Truffles workshop. Delivered right to your door, our kits bring the essence of Filipino flavors to life, highlighting the sweetness of mango, the richness of ube, and the creaminess of coconut. Through this virtual experience, any group can come together to create delectable treats, fostering collaboration and creativity. While the kitchen might seem like a challenging terrain for some, our kits simplify the process, making it a delightful endeavor for all!
Join us in this culinary adventure and let the exquisite flavors of the Philippines unite your team in a truly delectable way!