During the Spanish colonial period in Manila, vendors known as "chanchauleros" were a common sight, peddling a variety of drinks and snacks to locals and travelers alike. Among their offerings were beverages made with chanchau, a jelly-like substance also known as "gulaman", mixed with chia tea, providing a refreshing treat on hot days. Additionally, they sold "miel de azúcar", a sweet syrup later called "arnibal", and "bijon", delicate rice flour noodles that could be enjoyed as a snack or meal.
In Cavite, one such legacy drink is Chin Chao, a traditional Caviteño drink made from a noodle-like material crafted from rice flour. It is often sold together with kalamay, an unsweetened kakanin that resembles kutsinta. These two ingredients are mixed with sago, gulaman, and crushed ice and sweetened with arnibal (syrup made from brown sugar or panocha). In Caridad area, they add gata (coconut milk) and pinipig. (Isa ito sa bagay na pinag-iba ng San Roque at Caridad bukod sa Chabacano).
Lutong Cavite is one of the early yearly advocates of chinchao since the blog started more than a decade ago. There are so many behind-the-scenes stories of chinchao, the traditional Lenten heritage drink of Ciudad de Cavite that span more than a decade. This blog has been a major part of this journey from the time when only legit Chabacanos knows it secretly the time this page started fifteen years ago, to the rollercoaster of events that followed. From its controversial family origin wherein, the story is still hanging up to now, for the page making the very first promotional poster to help the family promote using our blog feature photos, and for re-editing it every year as they requested when prices rose. We were there during the year it couldn't be sold and the year it failed and we are equally disappointed as the family. This page also became a reseller without profit 'pordalab' one time discretely for all those Chabacano family and friends who missed it dearly. And we were there for the latest twist weeks ago, when a business opportunity to take it outside was turned down.
Before one judge the spelling, food, or heritage, or toss out a “mamatay” or narcissist comment, pause - there’s so much more to this story you don’t know. Lutong Cavite already issued an apology on the same day of the issue, but our pride in this vibrant legacy stands firm. Maybe one day the full story will unfold, maybe not. For now, join us, taste our culture, learn a word, and see why Chabacano’s heart outshines any shade.💞
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