Culinary and performing arts experts-practitioners have collaborated to showcase the rich tradition and heritage of Filipino cuisine and its role in the Filipino cultural identity in an original 30-minute film entitled "Estamos Llenos," slated to be aired from Monday, Oct. 25 to Friday, Oct. 30, 2021.
A chronicle of the evolution of local gastronomy, the short is inspired by the pre-colonial discoveries of Italian scholar and explorer Antonio Pigafetta, as told through "Pigafetta’s Philippine Picnic: Culinary Encounters during the First Circumnavigation, 1519-1522" (2021), the just-published book by renowned food historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria.
"Estamos Llenos" was written by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer and multi-awarded playwright Layeta Bucoy. It was directed by Gawad Buhay! Philstage Awardee and Benilde Theater Arts chairperson Tuxqs Rutaquio.
The story follows the lessons learned by sisters Metida and Destraza, who amid the pandemic, ventured into the booming homecooked food business after closing down several family-owned bars.
The movie demonstrates how to concoct some of the most delectable Filipino delicacies such as pancit habhab, lumpiang shanghai, ginataang bilo-bilo, sugba na isda with Filipino sawsawan, and arroz valenciana.
This project was produced by the School of Design and Arts-Arts and Culture Cluster and School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management-Culinary Arts of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
"Estamos Llenos" is free and open to the public. It will run from Monday, Oct. 25 to Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 every 6 p.m. on the official Facebook page of Benilde Arts and Culture Cluster and Chefs in Progress.