Food is something we all need every day, but it is more than just a way to satisfy our hunger. It brings people together, creates memories, and reflects the culture and traditions of different communities. Whether it's a simple home-cooked meal or a favorite street food, every dish has a story behind it and someone who prepared it with time, effort, and care.
My love for food began when I was a child. My mom owned a small carinderia, and I was only in kindergarten at the time. I still remember going to the public market with her to buy fresh ingredients. Back home, I would watch her wash the vegetables, prepare the seasonings, chop the ingredients, and cook every dish with patience and care.
One lesson she taught me has stayed with me ever since. She would always say, "If you're going to cook, do it properly because you'll be eating it too." At the time, I didn't fully understand what she meant, but as I grew older, I realized she wasn't just talking about food. She was teaching me to take pride in whatever I do and to always give my best.
I also spent time helping at our carinderia. Whenever a customer arrived, I would call my mom, but most of the time I was the one washing plates. Even though I was still young, I enjoyed being part of our small family business. One thing I will never forget was the smell of our home whenever my mom started cooking. Even something as simple as sautéing garlic and onions would fill the whole house with such a delicious aroma that made everyone excited for the meal she was preparing.
What I loved most was hearing customers say, "Aling Baby, your cooking is always so delicious." Every time I heard those words, I felt proud of my mom. It always made me smile because I knew how hard she worked every single day—not just to earn a living, but to serve food that people genuinely enjoyed. Seeing customers come back again and again because of her cooking made me realize that good food is more than just great taste. It carries love, hard work, and care, and people can truly feel that in every meal.
As I grew older and started cooking on my own, I realized that not everyone would like every dish I prepared—and that's perfectly okay. We all have different taste preferences. Just because someone doesn't enjoy your cooking doesn't mean it tastes bad. In many ways, food is like life. We all have different opinions, perspectives, and experiences. We won't always agree with one another, but that doesn't mean one person is right and the other is wrong. Learning to respect those differences is just as important as learning to cook.
Looking back, I realize that my mom's carinderia taught me more than just recipes. It taught me patience, hard work, humility, and the importance of doing things with love and care. Food is more than just a meal—it tells stories, brings people together, and leaves memories that can stay with us for a lifetime.