Lasang Pinoy 2: Cooking Up A Storm

It never dawned on me when we decided 2 weeks ago on this month's theme of Lasang Pinoy that not only food bloggers would participate but even mother nature would seemingly display her power to set the scene. As you may know by now, several southern states in America - most especially the city of New Orleans - have been devastated by hurricane Katrina. As horrifying the news images can be, we'd like to take this opportunity to appeal for your generosity to please donate cash, blood, or otherwise to the victims of this disaster. No need to play the blame game and finger pointing right now. Let's try to help the victims of this disaster as much as we can. The Guardian has a newsblog that lists a number of charities that accepts donations. Other trusted agencies where you can make a donation are as follows:

American Red Cross or via Yahoo
British Red Cross
Catholic Relief Services

Or better yet donate in your local charities.

Now, let's get on with blogging ... this month's Lasang Pinoy theme is food you associate with typhoons, hurricanes, or storms.

The Philippines' wet season (June-October) is synonymous with typhoons. Average of 19 of these severe storms hit the country usually originating in the vicinity of Caroline Islands in the Pacific Ocean. So many typhoons in fact, that it has been an indelible part of most Filipino's way of life. I say 'most' because not all of the whole archipelago experience the same weather at the same time. The southern region of Mindanao, for example, do not have as much typhoons as compared to the Eastern Visayas and Luzon region. A good backgrounder on the Philippines' climate and seasons can be found in Pagasa and Food and Agriculture Organization websites.

Because of the yearly deluge, Filipinos are used to adversity brought on by it so coping with natural disasters is nothing new as it gets exercised every year. The general mood after one too many in this disaster prone country is that - yes it's a tragedy, yes it's a shame on what we have lost, but life must go on and Pinoys pick up the pieces right after and try to rebuild each and everytime. No wonder one of the Pinoy's characteristics is the ability to cope with pain and hardship. And be pliant like a bamboo swaying and bending with the whatever the winds of fate brings.

Typhoons and storms may mean high winds, deluge of rain, floods, and consequently devastation. However, it can also conjure up memories of feeling of closeness and warmth from the being cooped up inside the house, of silly games played to pass the time, of boys and girls sharing an umbrella, even of kids playing in the rain or worse(?) in the floods. And what food we had during those times! Body warming soups, hot boiled root crops, canned food, etc.

So you homework ;) now is to blog about Filipino food that you associate with typhoons, hurricanes, or storms. Try to remember what you served or have been served during a wind and rain-lashed night. Is it hot and soupy? Is it coming straight out of the can? Is it cold because there was no electricity/gas for the stove? Or maybe blog about food you have to eat to survive. Do indulge us with your 'typhoon specialties' and regale us with your stories.

Please send an email to lasang.pinoy@gmail.com with your:

Name
Blog Name & URL
Location
Blog post Permalink

on or before the 29th of September. I will be doing a round-up a few days later. If by chance you do not have a blog but wishes to participate, please email me you piece and photo (if you have one) and I will post it here. 'Hope you all will join us. :)