By Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer
Fiipino Masterchef Dave Baliling introduced two Philippine dishes with its roots from Spanish cuisines Saturday morning with a full attendance from embassies and invited guests. The month long event highlights cuisines from Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) countries in Kuwait.
Two favorite dishes were featured during the three hours hands on class namely “Puchero” and “Morcon” originally from Spain brought to the Philippine Islands by the early Spanish settlers in the country. Puchero is a type of stew that is common to Spanish influenced countries such as the South America and the Philippines, The word “puchero” itself is a Spanish term that means “stew pot.” Originally prepared in Yucatán, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Perú, south of Brazil, specifically the autonomous communities of Andalusia and the Canary Islands. While Morcon is a popular Filipino dish commonly served on holidays and special occasions. Like its European counterpart, this Filipino-style roulade consists of a thinly sliced beef rolled around choice fillings such as cheese, eggs, carrots, pickles, bacon, and sausages.
Philippine cuisine has numerous indigenous and foreign influences. Throughout the centuries, the islands have incorporated the cuisine of the early Malay settlers, Arab and Chinese traders, and Spanish and American colonizers, along with other Oriental and Occidental accents and flavors. The strongest culinary influence is from Spain which ruled the Philippines for almost 400 years. Food historians claim that 80 per cent of Philippine dishes are of Spanish origin. Because the Spaniards formed the elite, dishes adapted by upper-class Filipinos were also Spanish-inspired. Thus many of the party and fiesta dishes and those served for special occasions bear names like relleno, morcon, paella, callos, embutido, caldereta, etc.
Among those present during the full house class Saturday morning included the spouse of the Ambassadors of Brunei Darussalam and Charges D Affaires of Indonesia, Diplomats from other countries were also present including the Philippine Vice Consul Josel Mostajo. Other nationals from South Africa, Nigeria, India, France and Ukraine also participated in the event. In an interview with the participants stated that the Philippine dishes presented had some similarities with their own. “I definitely will cook this again in my home for my guests and kids, we do have similar dish like this but taste is somewhat close and ingredients are similar” stated diplomat from Indonesia.
Philippine Cultural Attaché Princess Conwi delivered an introduction about the dishes and followed by a brief message from Argie Ergina, a representative from one of the sponsors Al Muzaini Exchange. Popular vloggers: Pilipino sa Kuwait and OFW si Besh were present to cover the event. ASEAN cook fest would like to thank Ms. Paulita Lundang of Dadabhai Travels and Mr. Raeven D’ Souza Managing Editor of The Times for the sponsorship to the event.
The following Saturday event will highlight cuisine from Brunei Darussalam led by the spouse of the Ambassador, however this will only take place if the annual ASEAN Family Day will not take place on same day. Interested individuals may contact the International Culinary Arts, located at the mezzanine floor of Al Salam Mall in Salmiyah.
