FOOD transcends distance and breaks speech barriers.
Hispanic cuisine has the boldest effect on traditional Philippine gastronomy. When the Spaniards arrived in the archipelago in the 16th century, they introduced to the early Filipinos the flavors of Spain and Mexico. Thus, ingredients such as olive oil, saffron, garlic, and tomatoes have become cooking essentials in Philippine cuisine.
Reminiscent of the profuse food festivals in Spain is the second “Feria de la Tapa,” which literally means “food fair.” Spearheaded by Cirkulo Hispano Tomasino (CHT), the official Spanish organization of UST, the three-day event was held at the Quadricentennial Square from Jan. 24 to 26 as part of the University’s Neo-centennial celebration.
“We thought of offering Spanish food so that Thomasians could appreciate and be familiar with Spanish cuisine,” CHT president Eissel Pangan said.
From main courses like Paella Valenciana, Callos a la Madrileña, and Lengua Sevillana to pastries and desserts such as the crispy, deep-fried Churros con Tsokolate, a wide array of sumptuous delicacies from well-known Spanish food establishments like Alba owned by Thomasian Miguel Angel de Alba and Dulcinea were sold at affordable, student prices.
“We wanted to promote the Spanish culture which is also part of our own,” Pangan said.
Spanish Embassy Education Adviser Francisco Javier Menendez said the food fair serves and promotes the knowledge of the Spanish cuisine among the UST population.
“We can immediately feel the cultural connection between our countries without the need of historical lectures or the perusal of history books—just by enjoying the food,” he said.
Filipino and Chinese dishes were also sold at the food fair by College of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Nutrition and Dietetics students, respectively.
Philippine Association of Nutrition-Omega Chapter public relations officer Faye Co said: “It is a remarkable event because the organizers were able to throw in together this food fair; from the outfits to the food and atmosphere.”
Flamenco night
On the second night of the “Feria de la Tapa” came the Flamenco Night. The flamenco is a traditional dance that originated from the Spanish region of Andalusia.
Flamenco performers clad in hued floor-length dresses and black flamenco shoes danced to the lively and sweet rhythms of the classical guitar as students and guests ate their Spanish entrées at the brightly-lit park.
The second of its kind, the Flamenco Night is also another way of promoting the Hispanic culture through several dance numbers. The dancers were from a local flamenco school called “El Cañi.”
“Ang selebrasyon na ito ay hindi lamang pag-eespanyol, pag-iingles, kundi pag-tatagalog. Ipinapakita ng pagdiriwang na ito na ang kultura ay hindi maaaring tawaging kultura kung siya ay mag-isa lamang,” CHT secretary Rodney Feliciano said.
