The cookbook is the first-ever Philippine cookbook published in China
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KUSINA NI KABAYAN
Beijing-based Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan (KnK) has launched Kain na, Kabayan, a cookbook for the benefit of an elementary school in the Philippines.
Kain na, Kabayan, which was officially launched last November 30 at the Krismas sa Pinas event in EAST Beijing, is the first-ever Philippine cookbook published in China.
KnK founder Perlita Pengson says, “Considering that there is no actual Filipino restaurant in Beijing as of yet, the team has found a way to make this project work. In my 30 years of living in Beijing, I believe Kain na, Kabayan is the first Filipino cookbook formulated in China. We feature six KnK food makers who have put their different take on popular dishes through linking them to Filipino traits or using stories in their hometowns as inspiration.”
The cookbook, which features 28 recipes inspired by different Filipino traits and stories from the hometowns of volunteer cooks, also delves deep into the jovial food sharing culture in the Philippines.
“Kain na, Kabayan is an invitation to everyone to eat with us. A big part of our culture is sharing food with family members, friends, or people we’ve just known. It is our way of welcoming them to our home. So, don’t be surprised if you go to the Philippines and someone asks you, “Kumain ka na ba?” (Have you eaten yet?),” Pengson explains.
Pengson also shares that she and her team put up the cookbook to help fund an infrastructure project of Daoidao Elementary School in the province of Abra.
“Daoidao public school is the beneficiary of the KnK Scholars Initiative this year. Some of the least-fortunate children in the region study at Daoidao public school, still eager to learn despite a lack of resources,” Pengson said.
“At present, the school has no spacious room to accommodate a large number of learners during gatherings like programs, meetings, and other outdoor activities,” head teacher Nathaniel Dickson says. “During graduations and other celebrations, we build a makeshift roof made from bamboo and coconut leaves to protect our children from the sun or rain. Learners patiently stay in an open area during monthly celebrations and cannot conduct any celebration during rainy months.”
Kain na, Kabayan costs RMB 80 (PHP 580) and can be bought at select holiday bazaars in Beijing. For inquiries, contact KnK on WeChat at Kusina-ni-Kabayan or email [email protected].