Food is central to Filipino culture and community.
“Filipinos won’t be the same without our food … When we leave the country, we think, oh, when I want to feel more Filipino, I will cook, I will prepare, or I will eat Filipino food. It helps me get in touch with my Filipino identity,” said Ms. America.A person first learns about the concept of belongingness through being fed by their parents, according to Ms. America.
In cases where the family is not too expressive, food can take the place of words, especially when it comes to expressing difficult emotions, like saying sorry. She noted that eating together is a sign of friendliness and community. “You show the intention to get to know somebody if you want to eat with them.”The pandemic “shook the fabric of society” because it took away the community aspect of Filipino life. “A lot of the things we did, we did together,” said Ms. America.