So I joined myfilipinokitchen.com. Last week I was a featured blogger. I wrote about a Filipino condiment called bagoong — a  fermented shrimp paste. (Well, let’s just say it’s an acquired taste.) You can read the interview with me and the bagoong article to learn more.

I really love meeting new people on the web, especially from other countries.  I came across @kitchenero (a.k.a. Ziggy) on Twitter. His blog site covers the history of Filipino cuisine, traditions, recipes, and is just intended to get people around the world talking and spreading the word about Filipino food. He’s a riot. He reminds me of my Uncle Delfin, (RIP), who was one of the the kindest and funniest people I’ve known–and also a wonderful chef! So, in a way, Uncle Del, I’m doing this in your honor.

Ok, so maybe I’m not a master chef. But, I do love to cook. I’ve watched and learned from my mom, who is a great cook. I can only hope to be as good some day.

I’ve always wondered why in every big city, there’s always a Chinatown or Little Italy neighborhood filled with restaurants and stores. In San Jose, where I live, there’s also a huge Vietnamese community with a Little Saigon. There are tons of Filipinos in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in big cities all over the world. Why then don’t we ever see  a Little Manila? And when people are thinking about where to go for dinner, why isn’t it common for someone to say, “I feel like eating Filipino food tonight?”

My non-Filipino friends do know and love Filipino food like pancit, lumpia, and chicken and pork adobo. They love coming to our parties. They ask for the recipes. But, will Filipino food ever be as mainstream as Chinese, Italian, Thai, or Indian? I certainly hope so. Maybe with the help of people like Ziggy it will.

Take a look at myfilipinokitchen.com and read up on Filipino food and culture. Try some recipes. And, if you’re Filipino like me, or  just simply love the food, please join in the conversation!

Next, I’m going to post a Filipino-Hawaiian potato salad recipe from my dad’s family. Aloha!