From a young boy of eight helping my father in the kitchen to a seasoned home cook in my early fifties, my life has been a continuous adventure in the culinary world. And it all began with the simple act of preparing ingredients for my dad, a task that sparked a lifelong passion for cooking.
My culinary journey started in the heart of our home with my dad and extended to the vibrant festivities of our town fiestas and other celebrations. At just eight years old, I was already immersed in the communal joy of assisting and preparing food and ingredients.
It was at this tender age that my father taught me my very first recipe: a delicious stir-fried pork with basil leaves called “Igado” in Ilocano. That single dish was the seed from which my love for cooking grew.
When my mother passed when I was nine, I taught myself to butcher, dress, and cook a chicken all by myself.
Over the years, my passion has only deepened. While my roots are firmly planted in Filipino cuisine, and I take immense pride in cooking the dishes of my heritage, I am also a culinary explorer at heart. I am always on the lookout for new recipes and techniques to master.
I embrace both tradition and innovation in the kitchen. I have a particular fondness for the latest cooking gadgets, which not only make cooking more efficient but also healthier and safer.
For me, cooking is more than just a hobby; it is a way to connect with my past, celebrate my present, and continuously discover new and exciting flavors.
This blog is where I share all the cooking tips, hacks, techniques, and skills I’ve picked up over the years.