Sangkap serves Filipino food history experience in LA

Isa Fabro is a critically acclaimed, award-winning Los Angeles chef known for her work, IsaMADE. INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

LOS ANGELES – Some 400 foodies and friends attended “Sangkap: A Filipino Food History Experience” at the founding plaza of Los Angeles aka Olvera Street last leap year day.

Sangkap (“ingredient”) explores the fusion of Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and other influences in Filipino history and food. The event was sponsored by ABS-CBN Global/The Filipino Channel and El Pueblo Park Association and organized by community arts activist Jilly Canizares.

On hand were well known local chefs Andre Guerrero of The Oinkster, Johneric Concordia of The Park’s Finest, Gregory Berber of La Luz Del Dia, and Isa Fabro of Isamade, all offering ticketed tastings. The first 120 VIP pre-general admission tickets were sold out online.

An additional liquid refreshment bar, complete with San Miguel Beer as well as other libations was the finishing touch to this gastronomic celebration of Filipino ingenuity.

In attendance were also Miguel Sangalang, Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles, and Arturo Chavez, General Manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.

Riverside residents (from left) Joe Virata and wife, Celia Cudiamat, came a long way to sample the Filipino delicacies of chef Johneric Concordia of Park’s Finest restaurant. Chef Johneric prepares Bulalo and Mama Leah’s Lolipop Drumettes as well as his famous Ann’s Cornbread Bibingka. INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

Making the long journey from Riverside, California were Joe Virata, recently retired Assistant Dean of Students for U.C. Riverside and his wife, Celia Cudiamat, Senior Vice President of Programs and Community Impact for a grant giving community non-profit organization, who came “not only to taste but to reconnect to our Filipino community.” Both were themselves UCLA student activists before raising a family moving to their careers in Riverside.

The event’s highlight was the packed panel discussion and presentation on Filipino Food history led by historian Professor Susie Ling of Pasadena City College.

Entertainment was provided by Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Rondalla Club of Los Angeles, and others. A hands-on arts and crafts table was setup to keep children busy as well. Trace Gaynor and Nino Llanera, hosts for Tayo News provided free T-Shirts and encouraged attendees to follow them on social media. For more event details see: tinyurl.com/sangkap2020