While taking up my Master’s in Family Psychology, I encountered this book called, “The Five Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman.  It was such a revelation to know that people, even those living under the same roof, may have different ways of expressing love. This new concept has helped me to understand my parents, my husband and my children, better. 

I realized that one of my love languages is  “performing acts of service.” Doing acts of kindness for others is one way to express how I feel and this involves, more often than not, feeding others.  I enjoy cooking for other people and giving gifts of food to my friends and sometimes, even strangers!

When street children knock on our car window, we know better than to give money so we give them biscuits, which we always keep in the car for that purpose.  A simple “thank you po” or an appreciative smile from them is enough.

One time, a lola took the pack of crackers I gave her with a sad face, and at first I thought she was ungrateful, then I realized that she had no teeth!

Among Filipinos, this loving act translates to our habit of bringing pasalubong. Whether one comes from abroad or the province, we always think of giving pasalubong to our family and friends, and it is usually local delicacies from that place.  We want to give them a taste of the food that we enjoyed, and share in our experience, even vicariously. 

Giving gifts of food is always appreciated, most specially if the recipient knows the intention and the spirit behind the gift.  How is this best communicated?  One way is to give your time and effort in preparing a homemade gift - this is what we had in mind when planning this issue.  We wanted our recipes and ideas here to be all about enabling you to give of yourself, through food. 

There is nothing more empowering and rewarding than being able to transform raw ingredients into an edible finished product. It is a gift in itself to be able to express yourself through creative activities, and we at Appetite are happy to be partnering with you in this process.  Thank you for inviting me into your kitchen!