Thanksgiving

In many parts of the world, a special day is set aside for thanksgiving. The customs and traditions may vary from country to country, but the desire to find and take time to reflect on life’s many blessings remains the same.

 It is a time for family, joyous reunions, and food, and unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season. Let us explore some of the little known facts of Thanksgiving.

The first Thanksgiving was in November, 1621, as the Plymouth, Massachusetts Pilgrims colony was decimated by famine and disease. Their food supply was low and the outlook of their survival was dismal.

Native American Indians came to their rescue offering them food and taught them how to plant and store food that would help them survive the harsh weather conditions. Then new hope grew in the summer with the corn harvest. Governor William Bradford decreed that a three day feast be held.

In 1789, President George Washington issued a general proclamation naming the fourth Thursday of November a day of national thanksgiving. The rest as they say is history.

The very mention of Thanksgiving often calls to mind memories of kitchens crowded with good things to eat. It is likewise a time for serious religious thinking, church service and prayer.

Though thanksgiving is predominantly a United States tradition, the practice is celebrated in the Philippines, as well.

Long time residents of America, former California law enforcer Bingen  Mendezona and his bubbly wife Annette who are now comfortably settled back in Cebu, recently hosted an intimate thanksgiving dinner at their well-appointed home in the city’s posh residential village, Maria Luisa Park.

Party couples gladly shared their home cooked dishes. For starters, restaurateur Marilen Jarque put together an assortment of pica picas that paired well with the flowing wines and spirits. Philanthropist Charito Climaco and her daughter Ana baked the delicious bread and sausage stuffing while Marisol Michael prepared the creamy green beans casserole. Toots Torres whipped up a delightful combination of pasta and vegetables.

The highlight of the well orchestrated gathering were the turkeys cooked in different ways, deep fried done by the gracious hostess with mashed potato sidings and turkey roasted to perfection by wellness enthusiast Len Jarque.

Health buff Maricar Perdices took charge of the sinfully tasty dessert apple crumble while Annette Mendezona baked a delicious pecan pie that was devoured in no time.

It was a memorable celebration. A great way to remind ourselves about the important things in life and the many blessings we have to be thankful for.