JC Palanca
1. Tokneneng got its name from a 1978 Filipino comic book series, Batute.
Tokneneng, a Filipino street food made of hard boiled eggs covered by deep fried orange batter, got its name from a 1978 comic book series. Batute, by Vic Geronimo, was a popular comic book series published through Pilipino FUNNY Komiks. In the language of the eponymous protagonist, Tokneneng means egg and it is also from the character’s language that the terms sugigi for sigarilyo, and apekoy for ice cream come from.
2. Balut is known to be a potent aphrodisiac and a cure for hangover.
One reason why Balut is usually sold at night or early in the morning is because it is believed to be an aphrodisiac and a cure for when one has had one too many drinks. It is also said to be a heat conductor and a good source of energy.
3. Taho’s origins is said to be connected to the Han Dynasty.
Legend has it that the tofu base of the taho was a failed attempt of Prince Liu An to create immortality pills during China’s Han Dynasty. His attempt was not completely in vain however, as the resulting tofu made of bamboo piths and soybeans had strong anti-carcinogenic properties against breast and uterine cancer.
4. Mangoes are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat.
Not only are mangoes among the most delicious fruits around, they’re also incredibly healthy to eat. Just a single cup of this national fruit provides the daily vitamin C requirement. It also packs protein, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and potassium. Potassium is great for heart health and in lowering your blood pressure – all of that while being irresistibly delicious.
Bonus trivia: The Executive Chef of the White House is a Filipina woman who was born and raised in Sampaloc, Manila.
Cristeta Pasia-Comerford made culinary history when she became the first minority to be appointed as the White House Executive Chef on August 14, 2005. Before she immigrated to the United States, she majored in Food Technology in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Ever since her appointment in 2005, she has been cooking for US presidents. Even former US President Barrack Obama once said he and his wife enjoy the occasional lumpia and adobo.
