Mixed Cultures- Colompinai

Growing up, I've always loved being mixed. However, it was hard fitting into a group because I wasn't completely Latina to fit in with the Hispanic kids. Then, if I wanted to hang out with the Asian kids (mostly Filipino), I wasn't Filipina enough. It wasn't until high school, where I didn't have to fit in a particular group. I can just be myself; the right people will come. My friend groups are so diverse; I love that! I get to learn about other different cultures; besides my own or sticking to one particular race.

I'll be talking about one of my favorite things about both of my ethnicities, the FOOD!

I have a mix of two different cultures. I am half Colombiana and half Filipina. I have the opportunity of learning two different types of cultures, cuisines, customs, traditions, and languages from both of my parents.

I only got the chance to travel to Colombia, but I am making my way to the Philippines soon. In the meantime, I get to try delicious Filipino food here in the U.S.

Food has a way of bringing the culture closer to you, all on a plate.

First, I'll be talking about my mom's side of the family; they're from Colombia.

The food in Colombia is like no other. There's a variety of different foods; from every part of the region. The first and last time I visited Colombia was seven years ago. One of my favorite dishes from Colombia is the Bandeja Paisa (Paisa Platter). It's a Bistec a La Plancha (Grilled Steak), con arroz blanco y frijoles (white rice and red beans), maduros (sweet plantains), or patacones (plantains), chicharron (pork rind), huevo (egg), and an aguacate (avocado). The word Paisa is a region in Colombia that is part of Antioquia, Medellín.

My mother was born and grew up in Bogota, Colombia. The capital of the country. In Bogota, some of the popular dishes include tamal con chocolate y queso (tamal and hot chocolate with cheese). Papa Chorriadas con Sobrebarriga al horno y aguacate. (Potatoes with cream cheese sauce and flank steak and avocado). Arepas are cornmeal cakes filled with cheese. Arepas are one of my favorite Colombian foods. My Abuelita taught me how to make arepas from scratch; they're scrumptious.

Next, I'll be talking about my dad's side of the family; they're from the Philippines.

My dad showed me some of the dishes he learned growing and cooked for my Lola.

Some of my favorite Filipino foods are the following: chicken-pork adobo, halo-halo, lumpia, and pancit bihon.

Lumpia is similar to the Chinese spring rolls. It consists of chopped vegetables or sometimes also minced meat. It is a savory snack that I have enjoyed since I was little.

Chicken-pork adobo is a stew dish that consists of both chicken and pork. This dish is my dad's specialty.

Halo-Halo is a cold desert. It consists of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as sweetened beans, coconut juliennes, sago, gulaman (bars of dried agar), pinipig rice (glutinous rice), boiled root crops in cubes, fruit slices, flan, and topped with a scoop of ice cream. Ube (Purple Yam) or Cheese ice cream are added to the top of halo-halo.

Lumpia is similar to the Chinese spring rolls. It consists of chopped vegetables or sometimes also minced meat. It is a savory snack that I have enjoyed since I was little.

Pancit bihon is rice thin noodles made from rice and flour. You can either have this with chicken or shrimp. I like both of them; they're both delicious! I would always grab some pancit; whenever I visit my best friends' house or any Filipino party.

I've also tried this refreshing beverage called calamansi. It's known as the "Philippine Lime" the taste is very similar to lemonade, but it's much lighter. This beverage is great for any time of the year, both hot or cold.

Once COVID-19 is all gone, I'll be planning my first trip to the Philippines.

As you may have seen in the news already, the Philippines got hit with a horrible typhoon. Please take the time to read about what happened (if you don't know the full story) and donate whatever money you can to help the families/ communities affected by this horrible natural disaster.