【講師コラム】マリア講師No.12～A Taste of Home～

Food has a magical way of bringing people together, and in the Philippines, it’s no different. In the heart of the Philippines, there’s a world of flavors that fill our plates and warm our hearts. These are the tastes of home. Imagine taking a bite of food that instantly makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket. That’s how Filipino cuisines and delicacies taste to me– like a big, comforting hug from home. As I savor my favorite Filipino cuisines, I can’t help but think that my students in Japan might enjoy them too. As I said, food has a magical way of bringing people together, and also of bridging cultures and creating connections. So, to my students here in Englishbuds, I hope you could try these delightful Filipino flavors. They might just taste like home, no matter where you’re from.

One of my absolute favorites is Champorado, my comfort food. It’s a sweet chocolate rice porridge drizzled with milk on top. Some people use evaporated milk, but I prefer powdered milk. Champorado is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. My mom usually makes this for us when the weather is cold. Each spoonful is like a ticket to relive my childhood. It would remind me of those times when I would wake up on a rainy morning to prepare for school and smell the comforting scent of champorado. It was a signal that something warm and delicious was waiting to greet me at the breakfast table.

Then there’s the famous Sinigang. It’s a soup that’s like a sour surprise. This soup is a burst of sourness that makes me pucker up like a funny face. It’s like a secret ingredient, tamarind, added to a broth of veggies and meat. Sinigang is my favorite dish and my mom always makes it for me.

When special occasions roll around, it’s time for Lechon. This is probably one of the most famous foods in the Philippines. You should definitely try it. It’s literally a whole roasted pig, famous for its crispy skin and tender and flavorful meat. It’s the centerpiece of celebrations and special occasions like birthdays, Christmas and New Year. It’s a reminder of holiday celebrations and the joy of being surrounded by family.

Filipino cuisines and delicacies are more than just food; they’re a piece of my heart. They’re a way for me to hold onto the memories of family, friends, laughter, and love. No matter where I am in the world, a bite of Lechon or a sip of Sinigang instantly transports me back to the warmth of home. It’s like a little piece of my family’s embrace on my plate, a reminder that no matter how far I go, home is always just a bite away.