Lechon: A Trademark of Filipino Culture and Identity
In a recent viral video from YouTube about one episode of the reality show of TLC named "90 days fiancee", the guy was called out as rude and insensitive by his female Filipino fiancee and by the female's family members and even some of the audience and viewers after the family of the female tediously prepared a Filipino dish that he did not seem to enjoy or appreciate. That dish is called "Lechon".
"Lechon" or otherwise also known as "Roasted Suckling Pig" is already defined as a national dish for the Filipinos. It features a whole roasted pig cooked over a pit of charcoal. After seasoning, the pig is cooked by skewering the entire animal, entrails removed, on a large bamboo stick and is placed over charcoal. The pig is roasted on all sides for several hours until done. Cooking the entire pig sometimes takes an entire 5-6 hours (which also tells something about a Filipino's extreme patience). It's a very slow process that's why the skin of the pig later on becomes crispy and the meat becomes so tasty.
All around the country, "Lechon" is being enjoyed and valued as it symbolizes the bond between communities when it comes to fiestas and also symbolizes the joyfulness of gatherings. A Filipino celebration is not complete without the presence of "Lechon". May it be birthdays, graduations, marriages, anniversaries, Christmas, New Year, festivals--- name it, "Lechon" is always a must. It also bring families together and makes a certain occasion extra special. Serving "Lechon" has already become a trademark Filipino culture and tradition and also represents the country's identity.
That's why, so many people, especially Filipino viewers who watched the said episode, was somehow offended and hurt by how the foreigner reacted to our most loved and enjoyed dish. But anyway, the focus of this post is not about the certain viral video but how "Lechon" has become very involved in the Filipino life and culture.
Amongst all the provinces and municipalities in the Philippines, the "Lechon" made in "Cebu" is said to be the most famous and was even recognized by American chef Anthony Bourdain as being the best pig. The "Lechon" that he was talking about was produced and made by the municipality of "Carcar" in Cebu.
(Image above shows the "Lechon center" in Carcar market)
Earlier this week, I was able to visit the food center and market in Carcar which serves so many "Lechons" in one place that your eyes can handle. It's so hard to choose even since all of them are definitely delicious and tasteful. In here, "Lechon" is the center of attraction.
The "Lechon" here are sold for 400 php per kilo. We managed to buy 3 kilos for the 8 of us and ate it all together with its perfect pair which is called "Puso" or "Hanging Rice". It is rice cooked inside weaved coconut leaves which makes it mote tasteful than the regular rice cooked in a casserole.
(Puso or Hanging Rice)
We had a mouthful. We enjoyed to much thr experience of eating "Lechon" and the happy stories we exchanged and talked about while eating the sumptuous meal. It is definitely hard to separate "Lechon" from the Filipinos since both had already become part of each other.
Whatever the opinions of the other tongues are, what matters most is the joy that the "Lechon" brings to the Filipino table and the pride and enjoyment of each celebration wherein the "Lechon" is present. It indeed brings happiness to those who have experienced its tastefulness.
