MANILA, Philippines ? In the mid-?80s, I had the great opportunity to live in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. I was then connected with a Del Monte-led group that was cross-pollinating tomato seeds with a Japanese company.

We learned that the time between September and early March is most ideal for planting tomato in the province because of the climate. From this discovery was born Northern Foods, the only tomato paste plant in the country, which continues to operate to this day.

Back then, people would sometimes call Sarrat ?Ketshap,? because as soon as you drove into town, you could smell what seemed like spaghetti sauce. That was the scent that brought smiles to our faces when the machines were operated for the first time.

Appreciation

Having worked with the Ilokanos, I learned that they were also the most hardworking and kindest people. To show their appreciation for my work, they would sometimes send me vegetables from their backyard.

The Ilokanos also have one of the most interesting cuisines. Among the dishes that stood out: The late Aling Mining Ablan?s dried dinuguan. Mayor Rudy Farinas had a superb sarabasab, which was broiled pork with slices of fresh onions.

Other notables: Dawang?s dinuguan was made of morsels of crispy bagnet, Batac and Laoag?s empanada, the papaitan of San Nicolas, the freshly baked rolls and Pasuquin Bakery?s biscocho. (It?s also interesting to note that Laoag has one of the cleanest markets.)

Next week, on Dec. 4, the province of Ilocos Norte will be having an event at the Rockwell Tent, ?Museo Ilocos Norte.? The museo will also be the beneficiary of the one-day event, ?Ray-aw,? which means celebration. It will bring Ilokano-style Christmas to the metropolis.

Creative cooking

There will be dancers, bands, the smell of tinupig roasting over charcoal pits, freshly prepared authentic empanada, etc. Chefs Glenda Barreto and Claude Tayag will demonstrate creative Ilokano cooking. The bazaar will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but Rockwell Tent opens its doors at 6 p.m. See you there!

Happy eating!