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Rethinking Filipino Food in Mindanao

“MINDANAO FOOD IS FILIPINO FOOD”
“MINDANAO IS THE FOOD BASKET OF THE PHILIPPINES”
These are just some of the phrases that caught my attention in the entire video. As a
citizen that lives in Mindanao, it is true that our palate here is not that famous and not known as
Filipino food. Mostly all international shows that I’ve been watching that showcase Filipino
foods only features the well-known Chicken Adobo, Torta (which is fried eggplant coated with
egg), Kare-Kare and others of Luzon and Visayas. Here in Mindanao, we have a variety of
dishes that we Bisaya only know. For example, the Maranao’s infamous “palapa” and my
favorite dish, which is also mentioned in the video, “Piaparan a Manok” or “Chicken Coconut
Stew” that I’ve only tasted in Mindanao State University campus.
As what I have known, almost every region or places here in Mindanao has their own
food that represents their place. It could be a viand, a snack, or a dessert.
One of the reasons why Mindanao food is foreign even to Filipinos is the conflict here in
Mindanao. Just like for example, the Marawi Siege. Everyone is very familiar with that event.
That issue covered everything that is good in Mindanao. We can’t talk about local events and
foods without other people mentioning the siege. They’d go “ Masarap nga pagkain, magulo
naman sa inyo” because of the war and that is just why the people of Mindanao don’t talk much
about their food and everything in their culture.
A lot has happened even before the siege and I can say that Mindanao is better than any
other places. We have variety of places that is worth to go to for vacations, adventures and even
just chilling out.
It is a pleasure for us here if some of the places here in Mindanao gets featured on
national television for its amazing tourist spots which includes beach resorts, adventure park,
sightseeing and many more and it is worth it. Mindanao has its own beauty any places can’t
compare with.
Mindanao is a land of bounties. Historically known as the “Land of Promise”. The island
is enriched with appreciation and attention. A land full of vigorous and goal-oriented people.
Mindanao is not always war like what comes up to other peoples minds when talking about our
island. In fact, it is better to stay here with fresh air rather than in rural places filled with polluted
air and water.
I personally invite everyone to learn about our culture and tradition. Come to our land
without fear but with an open mind and a generous heart because learning one’s culture and
tradition requires those. And of course, it is best to start doing that with some of Mindanao’s
traditional foods.
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