From Food to Heritage: A Journey Fueled by Chabacano Caviteño and Dreams

This blog began as a humble food blog. My personal attempt to archive the forgotten flavors of Cavite City and the plan to transcend it to the entire Cavite province. But I got stuck with Cavite City content and as I dug deeper into my city’s culinary roots, I found myself drawn to something far greater: our heritage. Thanks to Sir Ige Ramos. And nestled within that heritage was a language so familiar - Chabacano Caviteño - the very language I grew up speaking at home since I was a baby.

Only a few years ago, while going through old family photos, I discovered that my grandfather a well-known shop teacher at San Roque Elementary School was once part of an elite group of Caviteños advocating for the preservation of Chabacano called Círculo Chabacano Caviteño. Knowing him, it made sense. He was articulate, intelligent, and deeply community-minded. But oddly, he never once talked about this part of his life at home.

When I began posting in Chabacano facts on the blog’s Facebook page out of frustration of the closure of the city library, parents occasionally reach out for translation help. One message stuck with me: a mother said her child's lolo a native Chabacano speaker couldn't understand the Chabacano poem the child had to study and recite, when I check it was in Chavacano de Zamboanga! It is what is being taught in one of the city school. That moment echoed the same frustration I felt more than a decade ago when I couldn’t find a single online resource about Cavite City’s Chabacano cuisine. That very frustration was what gave birth to this blog in the first place. So it also planted a dream which is to create even just one Chabacano children’s book. Just something basic for our kids because upon my research there is none. A single book for the young students to help them learn even just a few words in the language that defines our identity.

In 2022, I met for the first time Ms. Che Enriquez during an event at the Pangilinan ancestral house. Since heritage was of course one of our topic, and in passing, I mentioned my dream of a Chabacano book. When I got home, I messaged her and offered her the idea. I even said she could put her name on it. I didn’t care about credit; I just wanted the book to happen. Before the elections that year, I looked into the fb pages of every candidate who ran for councilor and among them, she was the only one I saw who had a genuine, albeit scattered, passion for heritage. I posted in one of her campaign post, people should vote her which was the first time I did for any city candidate. I didn’t attend any campaign events. I wasn’t into politics and don't know her personally. I only knew she studied at St. Joseph, like me.

So why her despite she did not win the elections? There was something in her aura - sincerity, goodness, and a heart that I trusted that very first time I saw and observe her. Add I know she had the machinery and the mind for it.  Her response then was lukewarm, so I let the idea go and totally had forgotten it and her. 

Almost two years later Lutong Cavite started some Chabacano documentation and out of the blue, she messaged me. She wanted to do the book. I was surprised, but I said yes. I wrote “Lutong Cavite” as the author, thinking this was a one-time collaboration then we part ways. But that single book turned out to be the key to opening so many doors. 

I still vividly remember when she handed me the very first printed copy of El Chabacano Caviteño Diccionario Visual in the parking lot of Lago. The second time we met, stepping out of a Ford Fortuner, handing the book like a boss then instructing me to check it for corrections, and driving off just as quickly. I told myself, “Hala, parang mayora lang...”

Little did I know, she was carrying a much bigger dream and that quick exchange would be the start of something bigger. What I thought would be a one-time collaboration turned into a movement. From that moment, she never stopped. And because of that, neither have we.

Now, just over a year later, here we are with Circle of Chabacano Dreams, an NGO with heart, vision, and purpose. We just signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement with DepEd and the Cavite City LGU last June 5, 2025. 

LGU x CCD x DepEd

Our dream is no longer just a book. We now are into polishing the pipeline of programs and projects aimed at revitalizing our city's beloved heritage language.

Ms. Che Enriquez and her CCD Team with Mayor Denver Chua and SDS Juan Araojo, Jr.

And to date, we are proud to share that we’ve gathered and produced multiple dozens of Chabacano Caviteño learning and cultural materials. These materials are the result of months of research, collaboration with various individuals, and genuine passion for our language and heritage. In the coming weeks, they will be made available for sale as part of our fundraising efforts to support our ongoing and future projects.

This is just the beginning. More materials are already in development each one to spark curiosity, encourage learning, and preserve the beauty of Chabacano for city generations to come.

Chabacano Caviteño is part of Cavite City's intangible cultural heritage - a treasure worth preserving. Our NGO believes that with what's left, we can still revitalize and preserve portions of it. We dream of giving future generations something they can carry not just in classrooms, but under their skins - in their hearts - because this language is part of who we are.

And of course, a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Camille Icasiano-Sastrillo. This journey would not have taken shape without her enormous strength, pivotal role and support. Simply put, Enriquez and Ballesteros/Herrera could not have made this work without the behind-the-scenes guidance and belief in the cause of an Icasiano.

We don’t know exactly where this journey will lead. But one thing is certain with love for our heritage and the right people by our side, we’re looking ahead with hope, purpose, and hearts full of Chabacano dreams. ✨

 

A Mother's Day to Remember: Cooking, Culture, and Chabacano with the Cavite Bulilit and Teen Health Workers

Spending Mother’s Day at St. Joseph College with the Cavite Bulilit and Teen Health Workers and their equally amazing mommies was truly heartwarming. 

The morning was filled with laughter, learning, and love for both food and heritage. We kicked things off with a short heritage lecture where we explored Chabacano heirloom cuisines and the deep roots of two beloved Chabacano heirloom dishes: Pipian, a rich peanut-based chicken dish reminiscent of Kare-Kare, and Calandracas, a hearty sopas-like soup loaded with comfort and memories.

What made this gathering even more special was that it wasn’t just about cooking it was about connection. We wove language into every step. We introduced basic Chabacano phrases for cooking and meal-time conversations, aiming to help the next generation embrace our beautiful, but endangered, local language in a setting as familiar and beloved as the family dining table.

St. Joseph College Mock Hotel - the cooking venue.

A glimpse of the Chabacano cooking activity proper

Cavite Bulilit and Teen Health Workers proudly presented their cooked dishes afterwards and two were recognized - one for Best in Taste and another for Best in Presentation.

Big thanks to Doc Carol and Doc Vanie of Cavite Medical Society for partnering in this advocacy with Circle of Chabacano Dreams. 

And of course, a big shoutout to our ever-enthusiastic CCD President, Che Enriquez, who happily rolled up her sleeves to join the cooking and, as always, left with yet another brilliant idea brewing in her head! 

Pipian

Pipian is like the chill cousin of kare-kare. It originally came from Mexico during the Galleon Trade era. Over time, Caviteños swapped roasted almonds for toasted rice. It’s creamy, savory, and totally underrated.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces

1 head of garlic, crushed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon annatto (achuete basa), extract the color in ½ cup water

2 1/2 cups water (or more)

1 chicken bouillon (for extra flavor)

2 tbsp rice flour (or more)

1 small bottle peanut butter (or more, to taste)

cooking oil

fish sauce (patis)

pepper to taste

chopped green onions 

pechay and sitaw (optional)

Procedures:

Toast the rice flour in a pan over low heat until lightly browned. Remove and set aside in a bowl.

In another pan, sauté the garlic and onion.  Add chicken pieces and fry until light brown.

 Add 2 ½ cups water and boullion. Bring to a boil and let simmer for at least 10 minutes.

Add peanut butter and annatto extract. Stir well to combine.

Season with patis and pepper to taste.

Add toasted rice flour slowly while stirring to prevent lumps. 

Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sauce has thickened while stirring ocassionally to prevent the bottom from burning. 

Stir the chopped spring onions, reserving some for garnish.

Calandracas

Calandracas, one of the earliest recipes featured on this blog, deserves a revisit after 15 years. 

It's worth noting that since fully dedicating myself to Chabacano advocacy last year, this blog has seen a shift away from regular recipe features – a conscious choice that even led me to step back from my sideline food business. I've always believed in the power of focused effort, understanding that prioritizing what's most important in the present moment is key. This time, I'm revisiting Calandracas with a twist, using ground beef instead of the chicken that was traditional in our home's version and the one I initially shared. 

This adaptation will be used for an upcoming heritage food presentation and cooking activity for children and it's crucial to trial the recipe thoroughly beforehand.

Ingredients:

500 grams ground beef

10 cups water or more

2 beef bouillon cube (for extra flavor)

5 garlic cloves, crushed

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon cooking oil

200 grams macaroni (or more)

1 carrot, diced

2 medium potatoes, diced

1 cup squash (kalabasa), diced 

1 cup cabbage, chopped

1 cup pechay or Baguio pechay, chopped

1 can Alpine milk 

salt and pepper to taste

1 egg (optional)

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic briefly until fragrant, then add onions and cook until soft. 

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's fully browned and no longer pink.

Pour in the water and add the beef bouillon cube. Bring to a boil, then add the macaroni and cook for 10 minutes.

Add the carrots and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes. Then add the squash, cabbage and pechay.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 5 more minutes. 

Stir in the milk and heat through, but do not boil.

If using egg, slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring the soup.

Cover and rest for a few minutes before serving.

Witnessing the Magic: Circle of Chabacano Dreams Finds Its Voice at Dia del Libro

Finally stepping into the vibrant atmosphere of Dia del Libro not just as attendees, but as active participants with our very own booth, felt like a significant milestone. It was the culmination of countless hours of preparation, fueled by the hope of connecting with fellow book lovers and heritage enthusiasts. Little did we know the incredible wave of support and genuine curiosity that awaited us.

From the moment the event opened, our booth became a hub of activity. What started as a hopeful endeavor quickly transformed into a bustling center of conversation and discovery. People of all ages and backgrounds were drawn to the display of Chabacano literary works, their eyes widening with intrigue as they learned about the Spanish-based creole language that has shaped the cultural landscape of Cavite City for generations.

Fr. Virgilio Saenz Mendoza was an early bird who took the time from his busy schedule to support us. He is also one of those who contributed Chabacano writing contents for our two dozen zines.

Mr. Marcos Octavio Vara Jacobo, Second Secretary of Embamex Filipinas

The energy was palpable. Questions flew thick and fast – about the history of Chabacano, the nuances of its vocabulary, and the stories held within the pages we proudly presented. We shared anecdotes, recited familiar phrases, and witnessed firsthand the spark of connection ignite in those who encountered Chabacano literature for the first time. The crowd at our booth remained steady, a vibrant testament to the enduring appeal of heritage and the power of storytelling. Even as the day drew to a close, and other booths began to quiet down, our corner continued to buzz with enthusiastic visitors eager to learn more.

To say it was our biggest event yet would be an understatement. It was a powerful validation of our mission. The overwhelming interest in Chabacano literature at #DiaDelLibro2025 undeniably reinforces our belief in the profound ability of heritage to connect and inspire. Seeing so many individuals, from curious onlookers to those with roots in Cavite, engage with our literary treasures has filled our hearts with immense pride and renewed our commitment.

Mr. Edwin Guinto who brought along his Republica Filipina Reenactment Group to support us and our booth was an instant hit to the crowd.

Mr. Ige Ramos with National Book Development Board

This Dia del Libro wasn't just about showcasing books; it was about sharing a piece of our identity, fostering understanding, and igniting a passion for a heritage that deserves to be celebrated. The experience has left us energized and even more determined to continue our journey of preserving the past and empowering the future of Chabacano language and literature. 

The momentum from this incredible event will fuel our upcoming projects, including the exciting launch of Enriquez Publishing House, ensuring that the literary voice of Cavite City continues to resonate for generations to come. 

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and shared in this momentous occasion. The dream is alive, and we're thrilled to continue this journey with you! 

CCD President Che Enriquez with Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines H.E. Miguel Utray and Las Cuerdas Caviteños which she brought along to additionally showcase Chabacano culture. 

For photos of this recent book event and current NGO updates you can visit CCD's official FB Page: Click Here

#DiaDelLibro2025 #ChabacanoLiterature #CaviteCityHeritage #CulturalPreservation #CCD

Authenticity, Integrity and Truth

 

Aspiring to rise, to be recognized, or to gain value is a natural human inclination—but it should never come at the cost of honesty and integrity. Claiming someone else’s culinary creation as your own, stealing recipes, or misrepresenting the true origins of a dish for attention is not a triumph—it’s a self-deception and a hollow victory. Such acts betray the trust not only of the original creators but also of the communities that hold these traditions dear.

The same principle applies to those who take others’ photos and place their own watermarks, falsely implying ownership rather than crediting the original source. When confronted, reacting with defensiveness instead of humility and refusing to offer a sincere apology only erodes whatever credibility you think you've gained.

Pointing out the truth isn't harsh; without correction and critique, the falsehoods some exploit for popularity will only continue to spread. Sometimes we must speak up because we do not want the next generation sitting around believing that lies are facts and the new truth. 

Cavite City Heritage Cuisine is, in truth, Chabacano Culinary Heritage and that’s a FACT

Chin Chao was one of the very reasons Lutong Cavite blog came to life. I vividly remember how native Chabacano speakers or who grew up in a Chabacano speaking home would rush early morning to the palengke every Good Friday, excited to get their hands on that prized lenten drink. Their joy was contagious dahil unahan ang pagbili kaya dapat maaga ka  - yet, strangely, there was barely any information or even photos of it online as well as the other beloved Chabacano dishes.

It actually took me a few years to finally feature chin chao. Back then, I didn’t really enjoy going to the market - if it weren’t for Sir Ige, who helped me see the beauty in it, I probably never would’ve appreciated it the way I do now. Chin Chao is elusive - miss it on Good Friday, and you’ll have to wait another year. And yes, I did miss it few years, which made finally featuring it all the more special when the time came. Now this year suddenly it was Filipinized in spelling being pushed by an individual page that isn’t even rooted in the community to tsin-tsáo. Why Filipinize something that is inherently Chabacano? Our Chabacano alphabet uses C and Ch - that's why Chin Chao is spelled that way. But now, here comes 2025 - suddenly it’s tsin-tsáo, forced into a Filipinized spelling just to match a page’s theme? LOL, just like that, puwede na palitan ang spelling? As if heritage is a trend you can tweak at whim?

And again the case of the so-called “lost Chabacano heritage recipe” that supposedly uses 115 sili and dates back 70 years based solely on the account of someone who lived here, but isn’t even a native. No community validation. No credible documentation. Just a dramatic revival story. But let’s be real - in a very small city like ours, where everyone knows everyone and tsismis spreads faster than fire, and food is life (tragon y tragona niso!) and the phrase “nuong araw” refers to a time when there were far fewer people so how could a dish that was allegedly served during fiesta and major social gatherings just vanish into thin air without anyone remembering it? How?

Our elders used kawa for large batches - if that dish truly existed, someone, anyone, would remember it. Children in the past here are "ayudante" of the elderly in the cooking. And since when did Chabacanos even have a preference for super spicy and with coconut milk wherein pork is mixed with seafoods?

It’s giving Imus and the flag moment all over again. Remember when they claimed the flag waving as theirs and it took the efforts of Sir Willy and the group to reclaim what’s rightfully ours? What if no one fought back then? The history would’ve been lost. And even now, let’s be honest, it still doesn’t fully feel like it's ours… because Imus celebrates it louder, even if the legacy is of our city.

Cavite City is incredibly rich in heritage. The deeper you dig, the more treasures you uncover. We have the potential to be among the top 5 cities in the country in terms of cultural assets. We even have our own Spanish creole language that is recognize around the world. But the problem is, we’re not fully embracing it.

Too often, we limit the idea of cultural assets to just old structures and monuments, while other places have already documented even the smallest details of their culture. And because we haven’t, others swoop in, rewrite the narrative, and claim the credit that should have been ours. If we don’t protect our heritage, someone else will and they won’t always get it right.