Ballsy Aquino-Cruz enjoys the taste of Kapampangan delicacies with Manila Hotel general manager Leon Keekstra. (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

From a culinary aspect, the province of Pampanga is known for its affinity towards sweetness, a fact that Filipinos are proud of with dining as part of the Philippines’ heritage and culture. The Manila Hotel recently hosted an afternoon tea session with presidential sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz to launch its selection of Kapampangan delicacies for July, as the hotel further embraces nationalistic identity by featuring different kinds of delicacies all over the country every month.

“We believe that the food of a nation greatly defines its culture and heritage. And we trust that the uniqueness of our offerings mirror the distinctiveness of the Filipino people—their spirit and their resilience,” shares Leon Keekstra, Manila Hotel general manager.

Taking its cue from the Kapampangan mirindal (also known as Pampanga’s version of the afternoon snack routine), diners are up for a taste of some of Pampanga’s delightful treats.

There is the ensaymada (a sweet, round, and yellow pastry usually topped with sugar and grated cheese). Those who want it with a twist may go for the ube ensaymada, wherein the flavors of taro, butter, sugar, and cheese play well on the palate.

Patriotism takes on a tasty light with the traditional bibingka (a yellow rice cake mostly garnished with butter and coconut shavings) and puto bumbong (a violet, sticky delicacy that is often topped with butter, some brown sugar, and coconut shavings too).

A certified Kapampangan treat, there is also the tibok-tibok, a coconut milk pudding eaten as a dessert or a healthy snack. Manila Hotel’s version comes in small circular servings that have hints of lime.

There are also cream puffs with chocolate and nougat bars wrapped in white paper available for those with a sweet tooth. All of these and more are best accompanied with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a cup of rich hot chocolate., or a cup of tea.

Aquino-Cruz says that Kapampangan cuisine is “very close” to her and her siblings. “We like sweet stuff… I have such a sweet tooth, like for dessert, given a choice between fruits and pastries, I’d go for the pastries. But of all of us, it’s Viel (Aquino-Dee) who really likes Filipino delicacies, any kakanin, suman, among others. This is one invitation that I really liked. I like trying different things, when it’s eating, send me there. I think in my family I’m really the most adventurous when it comes to food,” she says.