Woman Vs Food: Part 1

I was going through the long, long list and all I could think of was this: I am going to make it to the Smoked Turkey. By hook or by crook, I am going to make it to the Smoked Turkey even if I have to die a little in the process. I am going to make like Adam Richman and conquer this bacchanalia of a feast.

I am in Puerto Princesa at the house of Tita C and Tito E to celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary. And you all know what that means! There are 33 dishes to be served, admired, and enjoyed! Yes, 33 dishes coming in at 30-minute intervals from nine thirty in the morning till ten at night, the piece de resistance being the Smoked Turkey.

Honestly, I do not know how I am going to get through this. But I did not fly all the way to Palawan to be defeated by this barrage of earthly delights. No! I am going to eat them all up, bite after glorious bite.





10 a.m. That's the menu. We started off with Beef Mami, whose soup is ever flavorful because the stock has been stewing all morning, then had some Crispy Cashew, which just got tastier as the hours passed by, then chowed down bowls of Cold Chicken, which I think Tito E cooked like adobo but then placed it in the fridge to freeze.





11 a.m. My favorite thus far: Tinapa Triangles made with tinapa and kesong puti. Heaven! I could eat this all day but then, I decided to just get two pieces. I figured there will be some left over at the end of the day (Note: The Tinapa Triangles ran out pretty quickly, sigh!!)





11:15 a.m. The lovely Tita C! She and her friends, whom I collectively call The Titas, kept the chatter happy and light throughout the morning. I love The Titas! I was just content to watch and hear them talk about anything. These women have gone through the trenches, have seen the world. They are my heroes :)





11:20 a.m. Tito E working that giant of a wok to give us delicious bowls of Fried Rice with all sorts of veggies, shrimps, and Crispy Cashews. With Bob Marley in the background, the vibe was relaxed with the adults chatting and the children running around.





12 p.m. The Steamed Spareribs Tito E served with the Fried Rice. People came, people left. From time to time, a pair would play a couple of rounds of ping pong to sweat all those calories and then return to the table for some more of Tito E's dishes and Tita C's kwento.





12:15 p.m. A platter of steamed crabs, which was not on the list, made a surprise appearance. And though we've already had plenty to eat all morning, everybody still got a piece - or two!

To be continued