CEBU, Philippines – Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving with family, friends and food. It awakens in their hearts the love of home and country, of thankfulness to God and peace among brethren.
While growing up, my family did not celebrate this most American of holidays until I met my husband Glenn from Upstate New York who introduced me to the wonderful world of turkey and stuffing 37 years ago.
Perhaps some people may not be aware how the tradition started beyond the story of the first Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621 by the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians.
History notes that the harsh winter prevented the pilgrims from building their homes and many died during the harsh months. The neighboring Indians taught them how to plant crops and vegetables and trained them in survival methods. When the warm season arrived, the harvest was plentiful. There was much to celebrate. They established their settlement and raised enough food for the winter.
The governor of the Pilgrims, William Bradford, declared a thanksgiving to celebrate the bountiful harvest and the feasting lasted for three days. It became a national holiday in 1841 when Congress declared it, shortly before the start of World War II.
As tradition dictates, we celebrated this holiday meal at our home in Cebu's Bauhinia Drive. In addition to our mainstay guests such as Monsignor Jonie Tupas, who delivered a most meaningful thanksgiving prayer, Rosebud Sala, the Rotaeches, Lisette Garcia, Mayen Tan, John and Maria Domingo and Bo Hauri, we were delighted to have Ace and Carmi Durano and Vivina Chiu join us for the occasion.
Freddie Alquiros, a long time resident of Baguio and a genuine friend flew in and graciously prepared and cooked the delightful dishes which consisted of salad, pumpkin soup with smoked bangus, truffle pasta and turkey. On the side we had cranberry sauce, farmers ham and not to forget the desserts of freshly baked apple pie and sinfully delightful food for the gods.
We ended the celebration on a very high note with each one mindful of the many blessings we are thankful for… family, friends and food.