Noy can’t resist ‘chili con carne’ during Davao visit

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  â€“ “What? Chili con carne?” This was the eager reply of President Aquino to Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino when she told him she had prepared something for him for lunch before his return to Manila last Thursday.

The President apparently could not resist chili con carne, a favorite dish, that Antonino got from the Aling Foping’s food stall at the Matina Town Square.

So when Antonino whispered “I prepared something for you,” Aquino immediately agreed to take his lunch first at the basement of the SM Lanang Prestige Lounge before flying back to Manila after addressing the participants to the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference at the SMX Convention Center here Thursday noon.

Antonino got 10 orders of chili con carne from Aling Foping’s served in paper cups and paired with soft rolls.

The President reportedly relished the dish and shared it with Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and other Cabinet members who joined him in his short visit here.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also served the President Aling Foping’s chili con carne last March during a campaign sortie here of the Team PNoy’s senatorial candidates.

Duterte served the President then 10 orders of chili con carne even if he had partaken of a seafood dinner at the Ahfat Chinese Restaurant.

The President and the rest of the Aquino family have had a long history with Aling Foping’s chili con carne.

The dish used to be prepared by Fe Ayala, wife of Jesus Ayala; both are now deceased. The Ayalas were close family friends of the President’s parents, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and the late former President Corazon Aquino.

Mrs. Ayala used to serve chili con carne to the Aquino family even when they were in the United States. Ayala later became Mrs. Aquino’s liaison with Congress during her term.

The Ayala family owns the Matina Town Square where Aling Foping’s is located.

Aside from its chili con carne, Aling Foping’s is also known for its halo-halo and bibingka. Special salad dressings and green vegetables can also be bought at the stall found at the entertainment plaza.

Presidential sister Kris Aquino also swears by Aling Foping’s halo-halo which she even recently featured in her “KrisTV” television show.