Cultural Identity

Maluso, Basilan, Philippines — February 21, 2026. The Claret Samal Foundation Inc. (CSFI), in partnership with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (YBH), proudly and happily announces the opening of the Sama-Bajau Weaving and Cultural Center in Sitio Teheman, Maluso, Basilan…

by George Banez “We need to first know our own food so intimately before we can fully present its diversity internationally,” declared Filipino French digital content creator Erwan Heussaff. The James Beard Foundation Media Award recipient for promoting Filipino cuisine…

When a co-worker found out I grew up in the Philippines, he could not stop enthusing about the parties Filipino Americans throw here in the U.S.  He gushed over “lumpia” spring rolls and “pancit” stir-fried noodles.  As a frequent Latino…

Over lunch of rice, soup, fish, and vegetables at my sister’s house in Paranaque, Philippines, I found myself explaining to the family’s caregiver what a sandwich was like in the U.S. where I live. Needless to say, I had a…