The global economic crises has largely affected the way we celebrate our traditional fiesta but I know a family in Jaro who can’t just pass February 2 without preparing something for visitors. It may not be as grand and lavish compared to last year’s but they have managed to entertain their guests just the same. To some it’s not the food that they came for but it’s the chance of meeting old friends and long lost relatives. The food may be secondary, so they say, but I doubt they just don’t want to admit it. Lol. Unexpectedly, this year’s devotees of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria has noticeably increased which means more people must have knocked at their doors.
Nang Lilian for so many years now has been cooking her favorite dishes for her guests. Her regular entrees are usually pancit molo, valenciana, carbonara, steamed fish and baked chicken with the addition of a few new dishes. Her appetizer are usually lumpia shanghai, potato salad and macaroni salad. She always bake chocolate cake and ube cake for dessert plus any sweets that she can think of.
This year, the dishes that she loves to serve were still there but the quantity has been reduced. Few visitors came but I wasn’t really sure. It was very early to tell since we left around 2pm. She said she only invited very few people but since everyone is welcome during fiestas, somebody might bring a friend or two. Previously, she has been using chafing dishes and skirting to give the food extra touch but this year everything was placed on a round table covered with a printed cloth.
I think nobody would complain. In times like this we need to be simple and frugal. People are happy with whatever the host can offer and we always thank for whatever is being shared to us. Like I said, to some it’s not the food that really matters but the meeting of friends and relatives is what really counts. And to the host, it’s a gesture of thanksgiving to their patron for whatever blessings they have received during the year.
chicken cordon bleu
callos
beef mechado
hawaiian chicken
siomai
lasagna
chopsuey
fruit salad
ube cake
fruit gelatin
chocolate cake
