Page 316 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

7. TANONG : ___________________?
SAGOT : ___________________.

Mga Tala Sa Kultura

Filipino food is similar to the cuisines of other countries in Southeast Asia such as
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. However, its history of trade with China as well
as its experience of colonization (by Spain and the United States) have also

influenced its cuisine.
Several food scholars, including Doreen Fernandez, assert that sinigang is
perhaps the dish that best reflects Filipino cuisine. It has many variations,
depending on the region in the Philippines. In areas near the ocean, it is made with
fish or shrimp. It is soured depending on the availability of souring ingredients such
as tamarind or guavas.
Adobo, on the other hand, was a popular dish brought by the Spanish colonizers.
The meat is stewed in vinegar and spaces, and thus does not spoil easily.
Supposedly, it was one way of preserving food for the long journey of Spanish ships
to the Philippines. Today, there are several versions of adobo : adobo made with
soy sauce and vinegar, adobo with coconut milk, adobo with chicken liver sauce,
and adobo with patis instead of soy sauce.
During the Spanish colonial period, introduced Spanish foods became household

favorites in upper-class households and were served as delicacies during special
occasions such as the pista (or the feast of a town’s patron saint) in lower-income
households.
With American colonization came the introduction of fast food such as hot dogs
and hamburgers, as well as canned food. Even today, it is not uncommon for canned
goods such as sardines and Spam to be considered special food in the rural
household, and thus to be served to guests.

Pagbabasa

Read the legend below. Study the following words before reading. You have learned

some of the words in earlier lessons; they are listed here for you to review. You can
also refer to the glossary at the back of the book.
Noong unang panahon A long time ago (literally, in the “first”
times)

Tulong Help
Awa Pity
Diyosa Goddess