2019 JB LIFE! Magazine Winter Edition

Imsil, Iksan
of explorations, which led many historians
to believe that they brought it to the
Philippines (Spain colonized the country
for over 300 years). However, several
other historical records revealed that
the ingredients and exact same ways of
preparation already existed in some parts
of the Philippines before the Spaniards
arrived. Whatever its origin is, Adobo has
become a staple on Filipino tables and its
undeniable popularity in the country can
be likened to Kimchi in Korea.
This, aside from many different features
of Filipino culture, is what the Community
of Filipino English Teachers in Iksan
(CFETI), which is composed mostly of
multicultural Filipino-Korean families,
wants to teach their children through
a series of events namely: cultural
camp, educational sessions, Filipino
interactive storytelling, traditional
games, and a Filipino culinary class.
“It was a pleasure to be a part of the
activities and sharing memories with
Filipino friends and kids,” Liza Kim, one
of the participants said. “It was my first
time to visit the Imsil Cheese Park, and it
was meaningful because I got to spend
time with my daughter and friends,”
Charish Cinco, a Filipina mom, said. “The
weather and scenery were perfect. I felt
at peace being surrounded by nature.”
One of the highlights of the event is a
day-long trip to Imsil, where Filipina
mothers and children learned how to
make Adobo pizza with the famous
Imsil cheese, as a symbol of embracing
the pride of both countries.
“This event has strengthened the social
and cultural connections of community
members and Filipino multicultural
families in Iksan in recognizing and
understanding the creative facets of the
Filipino culture,” Teri An Joy Magpale-
Jang, the event’s main organizer, said.
“It’s a very rewarding and empowering
feeling to see children prepare Adobo
pizza and build a deeper connection
with their mother’s native culture. We
would like to thank JBCIA for helping us
make this event happen!”
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