30/05/2020
At a very tender age of seven my Tata introduced me to the fascinating world of cooking. This is all about me, my family's favorite food.
I am an island girl by heart, I love the salty smell of wind that always ruffles my unruly hair, I always and never forget the nightly "bugtungan" with my two other siblings then while my Lola Iyay or Lola Pepang browsed through my hair and lulled me to sleep.
When I reached grade 5, my Lola Pepang always tags me along with her to Botong gamay to collect rental fees from those people who are living in the islet. Sometimes, I wonder why of all her apo's it is only me she asked me to go with her. It is only when she died that I come to realise that she's giving me a heartfull of beautiful memories of the islet. From Momoy Takla, to Nong Cadio, and to the time when Bantayan was eaten out by fire and Botong became the safety place for us.
Lola Pepang and Lola Iyay's influences run through my veins of how it moulded my philosophy in life but still I am the only daughter of Cesar Sr that's why there is a trace of my father's personality in me of which most of the times misunderstood by others.
I speak from the heart, but my love language to the people I cherish and love is cooking.
My Tata always tells me me, to never be afraid to share your recipe, for it is a gift that you need to share.
