Filipino Parties - A White Guy's Perspective

I've been to a few Filipino fetes and have some observations. Whatever the occasion (holiday, birthday party, memorial, boxing match), expect the following:

1) The dining room table isn't for dining - Typically the table is so loaded down with grub that guests have to retreat to an open seat, plate on lap.
2) Paper plates - I know Filipino families have real plates (brought out for formal occasions), but paper plates, plastic forks and knives and plastic cups are standard operating procedure.
3) TFC - It's on the TV, sound up or down, for the whole party. The only programming to supercede TFC is a Manny Pacquiao fight or item 4).
4) Magic Mic - Plug it into your TV and it's Karaoke in da house!
5) Thirsty for a soft drink? You don't have to make the long trek all the way to the fridge, because a two-liter bottle of your favorite tasty beverage is right there on the table! This is often the case with condiments as well.
6) Beer - The hosts are always handing me a can or bottle when I walk in the door. I guess they figure I'm just another binge-drinking white boy, or maybe they just feel sorry for me because I don't speak Tagalog and getting a buzz on must be the best way to pass the time. On more than one occasion, I've ended up drinking beer and watching TFC while my wife chats it up with her friends.
7) Food pushers - The same people plying me with beer are handing me a plate and telling me to "eat, eat." I suppose it'd be an insult to not partake, but I plan to NEVER make that mistake. Word to the wise, fast for a few hours before a Filipino party and bring Tupperware if you don't feel like leaving empty-handed.

There's more where that came from. Stay tuned for future updates.

Last Night's Hiatus and Food (Continued)

Did You Miss Me?
Sorry, fans and kababayan, for skipping last night's update. The wife and I went to a '60s-themed surprise party for her boss's 60th birthday, and the Patron was flowing at the open bar. Here I am looking fly in my hippie duds. Anyway, with 345 impressions to date, I'm beginning to buckle under the awesome weight of blogship.

My Wife's Cooking
We don't eat a lot of traditional Filipino cuisine at home. It's shameful, actually, we don't even have a bag of white rice in the kitchen right now. Don't get me wrong, we take the occasional trip to Seafood City or Island Pacific to stock up on essentials, but most of our recipes come courtesy of tastespotting.com, foodnetwork.com and our Food & Wine books. The real sacrifice is obviously the one made by my wife, she misses traditional Filipino cooking so we rarely pass up on the opportunity to attend a Pinoy party and the usual buffet bonanza.

Bittersweet Homecoming
On her recent trip back to the Philippines for her tita's funeral (may her Catholic soul rest in peace), she was able to enjoy the authentic flavors of home for the first time in six years. The circumstances of her visit certainly could have been better, but I took some comfort in knowing she was with her family and eating the cuisine she can't find in the States.

Eating My Way Through Luzon
When I get the chance to visit Manila, Baguio City and some of the provinces next year, I can't wait to try some authentic lechon, sisig and more. Until then we'll have to settle for Max's, DJ Bibingkahan and good 'ole Jolibee. And of course I'll try the seafood (Adobo style and/or with coconut milk) as well as the Pancit, upo and more.