Ligaya & Cooking for Others
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Jovert
One way Mama showed her love was through food: cooking for people, buying food that people enjoy, and making sure they're well-fed.
Even when there was no special occasion, Mama would cook chicken feet, pig ears, and many other dishes for Tita Rosie.
As for me: I once tried to make poutine with Ehrin and it didn't turn out well. Around that time, Mama started bringing home McDonald's poutine on a regular basis. As recently as June 2024, even though she wasn't feeling well, Mama continued to cook sinangag and/or an egg omelette for me early in the morning as food for the office.
When there was a special occasion like a birthday, Christmas, or the grandkids are visiting, Mama often started preparing the food the day before. Then she would wake up early in the morning to start cooking. By the end of some of those days, once the guests have gone home, Mama would be really tired and she would go to bed early.
These are some of the dishes Mama would make:
Kiampeng
As I got older, I grew to love this rice dish, which is full of umami thanks to the chopped bits of hebi, shallots, barbecued pork, and re-hydrated shiitake mushrooms. Mama said it was a lot of work to mix the ingredients. Papa tried to help her, but she said he doesn't know how to mix properly and took over 😅
Pancit
Sometimes Mama would use noodles that were firm and dry; sometimes, she'd use noodles that were soft and chewy. I preferred the latter, but always liked the halved fish balls, shrimp, chicken, and shiitake mushrooms mixed in with the noodles. I could take or leave the carrots and green beans.
Kare Kare
I didn't eat this dish because I'm not a fan of oxtails, but I think Uncle Eduard and Alma were among its fans. I'm pretty sure oxtails are expensive, but Mama didn't care; she made sure to include lots of it as well as lots of peanut butter. I think those were the keys to making this dish so good.
Maja Blanca
This was one of Mama's signature dishes. She often gifted it at Christmastime. I didn't eat this very much, but now that I'll never get to have it again, I wish I could have some.
Ginataan
In recent years, I have come to enjoy this dessert, which can be eaten warm or cold, but I I prefer when it's been chilled in the fridge. My favourites are the banana and ube pieces.
Fruit Salad
This is another dish I didn't eat very much, mostly because I don't often eat fruits. I'm not sure which fruits are in this particular salad—it varied—but there is pineapple in this one.
Mama always made sure to cook or buy plenty of food to ensure there was enough for everyone and the guests would have lots to pack up and bring home.
I remember she would call a vendor named Sally—usually at the last minute—to order 100pieces of lumpiang shanghai and over 100 pieces of empanada. She would also order frozen ones for us and to give to Jen and Tita Rosie. Before Mama would end the call, she would always remind Sally: "Please don't burn them, ok?" Then, when Sally delivered the food, Mama would always give her a hefty tip.
Rosie
As long as Gay made or cooked the food, it would be delicious for sure. If you are with her, you will never go hungry. Plus, she would always buy lots of food and would always ask you what you want.
Richard
I remember whenever I went to her house for sleepovers, there were always snacks.
Jayson
Mama often brought McDonald's food when she came home from work. Sometimes it was free; sometimes she just bought us some because it was half-price. The pic on the right is from my phone cam gallery dated August 25, 2022. Mama came home with McDonald's food. This was for me. I was just delighted, so I thought to take a pic that time.
Jovert
I remember how Mama would announce whenever the oil that the fries and chicken nuggets were fried in was fresh. And when there was a new product, you can bet she'd bring some home so that we could try it.
Aside from food, Mama ensured there were plenty of coupons to give out. One year, my friend at work was really into McDonald's Monopoly. Mama brought home so many tokens for my friend; she and I claimed so many free cheeseburgers from those tokens.
Other times, my friend from high school would ask for happy meal toys or Halloween trick or treat buckets. Mama always delivered.
Susan
She loved to cook. She loved to try new things. And the thing is, she was never greedy. If she tried something delicious, she would get extra.
Rosie
Whenever she ate something delicious, she would make sure we also got to try it.
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