‘Salu-salo’: Celebrating Pinoy recipes
MANILA, Philippines - The Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI), led by its president and chairperson Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, will launch their latest project Salu-salo: A Celebration of Philippine Culinary Treasures, a 300-page cookbook showcasing 132 recipes contributed by CSFI members that best represent their districts and Filipino hospitality.
Salu-salo editor Mons Romulo says everyone was positive and enthusiastic about the book. “Regardless of different affiliations and divergent opinions, sharing a meal always sets the tone for that great warm feeling of love and friendship in every gathering.”
Joy was very happy with her team lead by CSFI executive director Paula Camille Bondoc, board treasurer Kristine Meehan, and Mons as they came up on a project that involves more than 100 spouses, parents, siblings and children of House representatives, as well as some members of Congress themselves.
Joy, who represents her father House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., says in the book’s foreword that the foundation has given scholarships to talented children from poor families in the country. “Through our Lakbay Aral program, CSFI members also travel to different districts to learn about best practices in different localities…In response to the pressing issue of climate change, CSFI has also been active in calamity assistance. After Typhoon Yolanda hit in November 2013, all proceeds from our fund-raising activities were devoted to families in devastated areas.
“One of our most recent projects is overseeing the construction of a world-class museum to be located in a new building at the Batasang Pambansa complex. In addition to artifacts, the facility will also housea comprehensive archive of all the materials in Congress — from the various laws to the minutes of different committee hearings — for students and researchers to easily access. As an archaeologist by profession, the project is dear to me, as I strongly believe in the promotion of our culture and heritage.
“In the same manner, I am also proud to present to you this cookbook — a collection of unique recipes from numerous districts in the Philippines.”
The book is a diverse collection of special recipes generously shared by CSFI members, from cherished heirloom recipes passed down through generations to new dishes recently created in their districts. In addition, there are procedures rich with ancient ritual and religious meaning, and original products from innovative local entrepreneurs who parlayed their specialties into successful businesses.
The pages of Salu-salo also feature unique ingredients found in the participants’ home districts, and preserve the use of traditionally intensive methods, such as milking a coconut or making suman wrappers from coconut leaves. These are the sublime elements that add character to the cookbook and make it more than just a compilation of recipes, but also a primer for Filipino culinary history and culture.
For inquiries about the book, call Vina Pastor, CSFI officer in charge, at 931-5417, 931-5670; or email csfi_congress@yahoo.com.
