World Class Chefs
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Ramilo (Ram) Villaluna
Ram is a budding chef from Iloilo City (Molo). He gained his training in Culinary Arts at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies under food guru Gene Gonzalez, Institute of Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kumpps) in New York. He took up bread making, and he studied food styling under Delores Custer of the Culinary Institute of America. It all started in Antique where his father owned a restaurant many Antiquenos learned to love. He continued the culinary legacy of his father and now, Ram owns a catering business, Cindy\'s Catering. Food is Ram\'s life, seriously speaking. I am short in saying that he is married to the food industry that, he spends most of his time teaching and mentoring at the Department of Culinary Arts at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo. If one cannot find him in the classroom, Ram will be on the road crisscrossing Iloilo and Antique having first hand in the management of his thriving businesses from both provinces. He also has a once-a-week TV show in GMA 7 \"Food Trip\". I met with Ram once before and he exudes perfectionism, the character that will beam him up to the limelight of culinary arts. At present time, Ram is extremely busy in Manila. I believe he is one of the finalists in The National Food Showdown 2010 sponsored by ABS-CBN. We wish you all the luck, Ram! Maybe, after this showdown, Ram will have the opportunity share favorite recipe here at ILONGGO LIVING.
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Native Delicacies Surprise!
July 11, 2010
Indulging on native delicacies is always in my itinerary every time I go home to the Philippines. Somehow, I got this longing for them that needs to be satisfied constantly. And, now a days, one can have them not just during market days or, from ladies (manuglibod) calling out every afternoon but, ANYTIME at the grocery stores! My “radar” for native delicacies is quite accurate and sensitive that, I can spot them within the vicinity (no matter what). Check it out!
Ibos, puto of different kinds & suman latik from the afternoon manuglibod.
Of all the three, suman latik is my favourite. It is so, as I cannot get them here in Canada. Whereas, puto and suman or ibos are quite abundant here. The sweet and moist latik (coconut jam) seats on top of the bland suman like a jewel on a crown!
An array of native delicacies at the Jaro Public Market during Thursday tienda day. One can fill their eyes (and their stomach, as well) of different varieties of kakanins or native delicacies. Here, one can find different kinds of puto, alupi and suman or ibos in Ilonggo.
Baye-baye, pichi-pichi, cassava cakes and puto kochinta occupies the next bila-o.
This shot I was able to get it from the inside of a grocery store in Makati (with permission). A bit more formal, with different kinds of suman one can choose from.
A bonus of nilagang (boiled) kamote or sweet potato, saba (banana) and sweet corn are also available.
Piping hot boiled peanuts is within easy reach.
baw, namit!!!!
Natie…YES! Thanks for dropping by…