I hate to say this, and I’m generalizing and will get flak, but the only folks that are offended are Filipinos who were born in the Philippines and migrated when they were very young. Why? After many years of assimilation into their new culture, an article like this makes them feel different and inferior all over again. Yes, it boils down to insecurity.

Those that enjoyed “Matter of Taste” are not superior in any way, but we are able to laugh at ourselves and have embraced filipino culture for what it is and what it has become. Every culture is unique and has its own exotic traits. Filipinos have migrated to many parts of the world, probably more than any other ethnic group. In every part of the world where you find Pinoys, you’ll find a sub-culture that’s unique from the others and from the original. Given how dispersed the filipino diaspora is, it bodes well for our culture that each new country we “conquer” and assimilate with, that “pancit” and “balut” are universally recognized by locals of the host country. Pinoy culture is very strong and will continue to thrive throughout the world, even if there are a few that would rather “turn their backs” to our uniqueness.

So I shall say to Mr. Sutherland, good job sir, and to the people who find this article offensive, please find it in your heart to understand and “read between the lines” the message this article is trying to assert. Keep on writing about “us” sir.

http://www.kevzmoney.blogspot.com

And Mr. Robles’ sense of humor is downright…well..down there.

Kim, I agree with you completely. I didn’t find Matthew Sutherland’s observations offensive because they were very much true. ;p

Keep on writing, sir!

Same high-nosed culture also told me that fork and knife is the “civilized way” to eat. In fact, one elementary student here got in trouble in a US school because he was seen eating rice with a spoon. hehe what a scandal! well, I was watching these same people use their fork (sans spoon) and shove the remaining bits and pieces of food to it with their thumb. hmmm that didn’t look that civilized to me! I teach my kids now to eat steak with a fork and knife , sushi with chopsticks and rice with a spoon and fork. The right ammo for the right battle…

Lastly, you’re absolutely right about the Pinoys’ hospitality being expressed primarily with sharing their food – even if that was their last supper. Not unlike the grateful father who prepared a lavish feast for his now-returned prodigal son. I’m very proud of that Filipino trait. I never understood why my American in-laws felt so insulted (and snickered about it long after) when we visited my aunt and she prepared a lavish feast for me. I learned late in life that there are differences in traits that are culturally based and humankind does not naturally see kindness with the same eyes.

I just hope respect transcends all cultural differences. At least I understand better now.

Don’t get me wrong, I adored the Beatles music when I was growing up in Manila, still do and will always sing their songs while in the shower.

Would you have done the same food comments if you lived in other Southeast Asian countries?

You ever watched the cable TV show “Bizarre Foods of the World” with Andrew Zimmer?

Best to increase your cultural awareness and refrain from condescending remarks about your host country’s dishes or you could end up in a hot couldron of boiling water with herbs for the next fiesta feast somewhere in the islands!

Whatever happened to the brit sophisticated manners?

We’ll I suppose you’re just trying to be funny with your remarks right?

I can see you now trying to hide your brit bucked teeth with your tight upper lip while sipping your tea served by your underpaid Pilipino maid/servant.

And why the hell are you still there if you find the country’s cuisine unpalatable to you?

Remember what your ancestors ate back then?

And please tell your male Scottish neighbors to quit wearing those girlie skirts, or is that a Celtic or “Gay”lic…oh pardon me with your Grey Poupon, or is it Gaelic tradition?

I’d say, excellent observation! Good job on your 6 years in the Philippines.

By the way, I am Pinoy and I love BALUT!!

Also.. too bad you don’t get the chance to taste and see what contradiction would taste… the description may be gross.. but the taste…well, it’s really too bad you’ll never know. hahahaha!