Potluck Dinners

Words & Photography
by AJ Fernando



Sinigang na baboy is my favourite comfort food during rainy days in Manila. It's pork and vegetables boiled in a sour broth. The most common version uses tamarind but I learned last night from @dmartian that in the province of Ilonggo, they actually use a different souring ingredient called "batuan". Also, being closer to the ocean, their version of the dish is usually made with seafood.

The dining area becomes a storytelling platform and each dish on the table can actually showcase various food memories.

It's amazing how rich our food culture is, and I love how all the food history lessons come out during potluck dinners. The dining area becomes a storytelling platform and each dish on the table can actually showcase various food memories.

This new year my goal is to listen more and to help highlight the little things. From cultural histories to one's talent, passion and everyday milestones, there is so much out there that I think should be recognized. If you have any story, memory, or work that you'd be willing to share, please let me know! Especially if you're from the Philippines or it's of the Philippines, I'd love to hear from you/about it. You can send me an email at lexa.fernando@icloud.com. Thank you!