Puto Kalabasa with Eden Cheese | Photo by Flowell Galindez
BACOLOR, Pampanga — Christmas is the time of the year for giving, sharing and togetherness. As part of the tradition we Filipinos do during Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the Redeemer by observing nine mornings…nine days of waking up early and hearing mass we know as misa de gallo or simbang gabi. Christmas isn’t complete without a sumptuous meal served, may it be simple or extravagant. This is how Filipinos celebrate life. Yet 2009 was a tough year for most of us Pinoys. A lot of us have felt the brunt of tragedies and catastrophes. But no matter how tough it is Filipinos find hope in Christmas.
Kraft Foods, together with media company ABS-CBN, NGOs and local government units, launched Eden Cheese Keso de Gallo. Coinciding the 9 mornings of Simbang Gabi in 9 different locations around the country (Bacolod City, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, Naga, Butuan City, Laoag and Pampanga), it is one way that Kraft can bring out the best of Filipino ingenuity through a cook-fest presenting innovative dishes using Eden Cheese and traditional ingredients and fun-filled activities. The winning recipe would in turn be served to the church-goers after the mass.
We had a chance to attend the last of the Keso de Gallo leg at Iglesia de San Guillermo, the famous half-buried-by-lahar church in the town of Bacolor in Pampanga. They’ve served puto (rice cake) with kalabasa (squash) and Eden Cheese on it. Hmm, for a moment, I thought there was no kalabasa at all! Innovative, it is one way for feeding kids who dislike the taste of healthy food.
Exploring the rich culinary culture of the Philippines has been fulfilling. Keso de Gallo brought Christmas culinaria to the Filipinos, sharing joy and happiness this Holiday season.
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