Ruth Endorses a Search

The Mama Sita Foundation recently launched its "Search for a Cooking Family", and Ruth de Lara, wife of VP Teofisto Guingona, Jr., and president of the dfa Ladies Foundation, heartily endorsed the uniquely nationalistic contest.

Speaking as guest of honor at the launching, Mrs. Guingona observed in part: "Family bonding and family togetherness are a source of strength and life in any situation an individual finds himself. There is an endless variety of activities to build family ties BUT none as strong and as lasting as family meals prepared and taken together in the warmth of a home. And if food prepared by the family becomes an enterprise in its own small way, it contributes to the economy and to nation-building.

"This is how cuisine becomes important in nation-building.

"‘Filipino cuisine’, as a term by itself, conjures images of chefs and restaurants. But Filipino cuisine is simply Filipino food cooked the Filipino way. Food that possesses the essential Filipino identity.

"Like the Filipino nation, Filipino cuisine has its share of historical influences. To this day, as our nation continues to evolve, so does our cuisine. As food writer Raymond Sokolov puts it, ‘Filipinos can embrace anything from abroad and make it their own...ultimately, sooner or later, the whole world cuisine can fit and end up Filipino.’

"With our migrants considered the greatest number in the world, that ultimate is NOT impossible. This observation is testimony to Filipino creativity and to the essence of being Filipino. Regardless of origins and influences, we have the creativity and flexibility to transform food recipes into truly Filipino cuisine.

"May I congratulate Mama Sita for making possible the preparation of foods OUTSIDE the Philippines with the development of export quality sauces and mixes."

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To qualify for the contest–nominations must be sent before Nov. 30, 2001. The whole family must be involved in the food preparation that is the source of livelihood for all its members. The family enterprise must be in Metro Manila and should have a maximum capitalization of P200,000. It must have been in active operation for a minimum of one year, and should have the required health permits and certificates, and its premises must be consistently clean and sanitary.

The nominated family must cook with native and natural ingredients; it must be concerned with the health of its customers; it must practise ecological waste management in the kitchen; its preparation and presentation of foods must be innovative, presentable, affordable and appetizing.

The search will culminate on Awards Night on May 11, 2001, the birthday of Mama Sita. Nomination forms are available at the Mama Sita Award Secretariat, 131 F. Manalo St., San Juan, MM, telephones 724-9435 or 724-9451.

Foundation trustees are Clarita Reyes Lapus, president; Jesusa M. Ortigoza, V-P; Maria Elena C. Ramiro, secretary; Leonarda R. Tulao, treasurer. The Foundation sustains itself by making customized cashew wine (a perfect wedding give-away) and naturally fermented premium and young coconut nectar vinegars (perfect items for gift baskets).