Feauring: Filipino Cuisine

By: Maj. Yoko Ramos-Vingno

The Women’s International Club of Athens (WIC) selected the Philippines to make a presentation of the different varieties of Philippine dishes -- the Filipino cuisine which was held at the embassy residence last November 27, 2008. This is the second time this year that the WIC has requested the Philippines to make a cultural presentation the first one of which, “Meet my Country” was held last April at the Philippine embassy.

The Women’s International Club of Athens (WIC) is a prestigious international club which has chapters all over the world and its members are from the elite Greek society, wives of ambassadors and lady members of the diplomatic corps.

The Ethnic cooking session, as the event was called is one of the many activities of the WIC which idea is to learn the different cuisines, style of cooking and the type of food of each foreign member.

Like the “Meet my Country”, playing host to the event is the indefatigable, chic and lovely wife of Ambassador Rigoberto D. Tiglao, Mme Getsy S. Tiglao. She has been a member of the WIC and of the Ethnic cooking circle since two years ago.

Mme Getsy Tiglao presented the event with highlights of Filipino hospitality and atmosphere of Philippine fiesta for the ladies to feel the typical ambiance of Philippine setting that exemplifies and portrays our country’s tradition. Philippine paintings depicting harvest and other local scenes by Filipino painters mounted on the walls of the residence accentuated the Filipino flavor of the occasion.

In the cooking demonstration, Mme Tiglao made a short introduction about Philippine cuisine: “Many people have asked me what Philippine food is. I say that Philippine food is the original fusion cuisine as it blends the best of the East and West. The overriding elements are the indigenous or Malay base, the Chinese and Spanish. The influences of all these foreign cultures, combined with our own indigenous cooking style and traditions have resulted in a uniquely our own, and one of the world’s best cuisines.” The roster of Pinoy fiesta dishes that was presented for cooking demonstration were Sinigang na Salmon, Chicken Adobo, Lumpia and Pancit Canton.

At lunch proper, the ladies started off with the hot comforting soup Sinigang na Salmon followed by the main entrée Chicken Adobo, Pancit Bihon, Lumpiang Shanghai, Crab Relleno, Tsipoura Escabache and culminating in the dessert: Maja Blanca and Leche Flan. Mango and Pineapple juices were served for drinks.

The WIC ladies had a wonderful time and enjoyed themselves. In her toast remarks, Ms Bridget Coscoros, current president of the WIC, said, “Thank you very much for your charming hospitality today, clearly enjoyed by everyone. Congratulations to you.”

In response, Mme Tiglao thanked everyone who attended saying, “This is truly a memorable and meaningful gathering which you and the Club allowed us to give you a glimpse of what Filipino Cuisine is – and in the process give you an experience of what Filipino hospitality is all about.”

For this event, the Philippines once again through the untiring efforts of Mme Getsy Tiglao, was able to host and launch a successful cultural event that would no doubt contribute to the further enhancement of our image in Greece.