How Ilocanos Turned Scarcity into Flavor

How Ilocanos Turned Scarcity into Flavor

During the Philippines’ National Food Month, Carmina and Patch decide to do a deep dive on Ilocano cuisine. They discover the origins of Ilocano frugality, how its history influenced the way they cook, and the terrain that contributed to its food culture. Join in as they discuss how Ilocano food serves as tribute to their history and way of life.  Learn more: Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food and Culture [https://www.kitchenartsandletters.com/products/tikim-p#:~:text=This%20particular%20printing%2C%20a%202020,that%20from%20other%20US%20sellers.], The Basi Revolt by Esteban Villanueva [https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/2022/01/15/the-basi-revolt-by-esteban-villanueva-national-cultural-treasures-in-know-your-north/], Culture Ingested: Notes on the Indigenization of Food [https://archium.ateneo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1269&context=phstudies], Podcast: Exploring Filipino Kitchens Ep 40: On Food and Storytelling Today with Bettina Makalintal [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-40-on-food-and-storytelling-today-with/id1200334587?i=1000748783972], The road to activism is filled with good food [https://thefilam.net/archives/41922], 25 Delectable Ilocano Dishes That Define Northern Philippine Cuisine [https://www.angsarap.net/2023/12/24/25-delectable-ilocano-dishes-that-define-northern-philippine-cuisine/], Traditional Foods of Ilokanos Talbo Vector UNP 2022, and A Taste of Ilocos Norte [https://museoilocosnorte.com/ilocos-norte/information/a-taste-of-ilocos-norte/].  Visit https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com [https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com].  Drop a note at thefiltrip@gmail.com [thefiltrip@gmail.com].   Thanks to FilTrip's sponsor SOLEPACK [https://thesolepack.com/]. Visit thesolepack.com [https://thesolepack.com/] for more details. See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy] for Privacy Policy.

Wokou, Nihonjin, Nikkeijin—Japan’s legacy in the Philippines

The Philippines’ history with Japan is well-documented in the context of World War II. But how about before then, and even further back, before Spanish colonization? In this episode, Carmina and Patch unearth the lesser-known presence of Japanese in the Philippines throughout its history. Listen in as they discover how deep the connection goes and how the two nations’ paths converged then ruptured in history’s unraveling.  Learn more: In Our Image: America’s Empire in the Philippines [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/89863/in-our-image-by-stanley-karnow/], Capsule History of Dilao – First Japanese ‘Nihon-machi’ in the Philippines [https://takayamaukon.com/2019/01/04/capsule-history-of-dilao-first-japanese-nihon-machi-in-the-philippines/], Early Japanese Imperialism and the Philippines [https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1949/november/early-japanese-imperialism-and-philippines], Letter from Cebu (No.5) “Relations between Japan and Cebu – Before World War II” [https://www.cebu.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00430.html], The Father of Davao Development, Archaeological and historical insights into the ecological impacts of pre-colonial and colonial introductions into the Philippine Archipelago [https://penoftheorient.wordpress.com/2025/09/19/ota-kyozaburo/], UP Diliman Asian Studies archives-The Holocene Journal: "NEVER IMAGINE YOURSELF TO BE OTHERWISE …": FILIPINO IMAGE OF JAPAN OVER THE CENTURIES” [https://www.asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-29-1991/staromanajose.pdf], and Instagram: IMIN Philippine–Japan Historical Museum [https://www.instagram.com/p/DJIsCXkzKNa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link].  Visit https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com [https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com]. Drop a note at thefiltrip@gmail.com [thefiltrip@gmail.com]. Thanks to FilTrip's sponsor SOLEPACK [https://thesolepack.com/]. Visit thesolepack.com [https://thesolepack.com/] for more details. See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy] for Privacy Policy.

Stars Galore for Filipino Cuisine!

Carmina and Patch's digestive juices overflowed during their exploration of the Michelin Guide's inaugural visit to the Philippines. They chat about the Guide's surprising origin story, why its stars are considered by some as the culinary world's most coveted honor (although they will talk about why some chefs are resisting this notion!) and explore how a single distinction can transform a restaurant’s journey—both positively and negatively. Just as importantly, they talk about the controversies that shadow the Guide and discuss perspectives on how to celebrate this milestone with both pride and mindfulness. Learn more: Why Michelin Guide PH matters — and what it means for Filipino chefs, culture [https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/michelin-guide-philippines-chefs-tourism-culture/], The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu Bib Gourmand 2026 Selection [https://guide.michelin.com/ae-du/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/philippines-bib-gourmand-2026#:~:text=This%20long%2Danticipated%20debut%20celebrates,evolving%20with%20creativity%20and%20heart.], The inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines is the beginning—not the endpoint—of important food conversations [https://asianews.network/the-inaugural-michelin-guide-philippines-is-the-beginning-not-the-endpoint-of-important-food-conversations/], Michelin Guide Philippines, and first lap honors [https://mb.com.ph/2025/11/09/michelin-guide-philippines-and-first-lap-honors], and PODCASTS: Over Seasoned Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-18-bib-gourmand-boys-are-michelin-stars-even-worth-it/id1746435876?i=1000739143224&l=es-MX#:~:text=This%20week%2C%20the%20OverSeasoned%20Podcast,this%20is%20your%20episode.] and  The Halo-Halo Show. [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MgNxKypomCN68mt3GNBJM?si=T5PG80Q1T92Gy0sFMi5mnw] Visit https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com [https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com]. Drop a note at thefiltrip@gmail.com [thefiltrip@gmail.com]. Thanks to FilTrip's sponsor SOLEPACK [https://thesolepack.com/]. Visit thesolepack.com [https://thesolepack.com/] for more details. See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy] for Privacy Policy.

Season 4 Recap

Carmina and Patch recap Season 4 and marvel at the resilience of our ancestors and the collective perseverance of today’s Filipinos in keeping the culture alive. They look forward to future episodes and are excited about how much more there is to discover about their beloved Philippines. Many thanks to you, FilTrip listeners, for your continued support! See in you in 2026!   Visit https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com [https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com]. Drop a note at thefiltrip@gmail.com [thefiltrip@gmail.com].   Thanks to FilTrip's sponsor SOLEPACK [https://thesolepack.com/]. Visit thesolepack.com [https://thesolepack.com/] for more details. See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy] for Privacy Policy.

Niños Inocentes and Filipino Mischief

Just when Carmina and Patch thought they’ve discovered everything they could about Filipino Christmas traditions, they come across Niños Inocentes. And as is true for every other present-day tradition, they found its indigenous roots and the Filipino penchant for simultaneous resistance and humor. Happy Holidays to FilTrip listeners!    Learn more: Beware Ninos Inocentes Day [https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/12/28/145179/beware-it146s-nintildeos-inocentes-day?utm_source=chatgpt.com], What is the Feast of the Holy Innocents? [https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/what-is-the-feast-of-the-holy-innocents/#:~:text=Observed%20on%20December%2028%20this,manic%20fear%20of%20losing%20power.], Spooky Christmas Culture [https://explained.ph/spooky-christmas-culture/], Yawa Yawa Mask of Terror [https://matahum1.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/yawa-yawa-mask-the-mask-of-terror/#:~:text=Red%20and%20black%20paints%20are,fun%20and%20tradition%20every%20Christmas], Pisting Yawa: The Devil who was once a Bisayan Deity [https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/arts-congress-proceedings/2021/pkpp-03.pdf], Underneath the Yawa-Yawa Mask [https://matahum1.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/yawa-yawa-mask-the-mask-of-terror/], Feast of the Holy Innocents [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Feast-of-the-Holy-Innocents], Día de los Inocentes - Mexico’s Answer to April Fools [https://naatikmexico.org/blog/da-de-los-inocentes-mexicos-answer-to-april-fools], Why ‘devils’ take centerstage in Aklan villages during Christmas [https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/arts-culture/devil-costumes-yawa-festival-aklan-2021/], and Historia de las islas e indios de Bisayas.    Visit https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com [https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com]. Drop a note at thefiltrip@gmail.com [thefiltrip@gmail.com].   Thanks to FilTrip's sponsor SOLEPACK [https://thesolepack.com/]. Visit thesolepack.com [https://thesolepack.com/] for more details. See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy] for Privacy Policy.