Author and food advocate Guillermo “Ige” Ramos has launched a new book. The book is titled “Bukambibig,” which means “Word of Mouth.” The launch event took place at the Ortigas Foundation Library.
“Bukambibig” is a collection of 14 essays. The essays detail Ramos’s personal culinary discoveries. They combine research with cultural exploration. This book is the second in his “Lasa at Republika” series. It follows his previous work, “Dila at Bandila.”
Ramos directly challenges the idea of “authenticity” in Filipino cuisine. He argues that food traditions are always changing. He gave a bold statement during the launch. He said, “Eat Filipino food not for the history, because we’re not sure what is authentic. Eat Filipino food not for the culture, because we are not exotic enough. Eat Filipino food because everything you know about it is wrong.”
He encouraged everyone to rethink their assumptions. He asked people to support local food and local produce.
The project receives support from Mama Sita’s. This aligns with Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes’s mission. The mission is to preserve and promote Philippine culinary heritage. This support connects to their storytelling initiative, “Mga Kuwentong Pagkain.”
“Bukambibig” is published by Anvil Publishing. The book is now available in select branches of National Bookstore.