The Road to a New Era

Asians, Europeans, and Americans all made their home in the Philippines, leading to the creation of a new society. These groups were all part of the globalization of trade, resulting in the fusion of tastes and flavors from East and West.

In the mid-nineteenth century, the Philippines, along with Cuba, was one of Spain's overseas strongholds, with the port of Manila the hinge on which Spanish trade with Asia turned.

Wine was an indispensable accompaniment and an essential part of their diet. If in the 16th century wine was provided for survival, in the 18th century its enjoyment by the colonial elites began to take root.

European traders sent the finest wines to Manila, as evidenced by this ship's record showing that the ship set sail from Mauritius loaded with wine from Champagne and Bordeaux. Certain wines, such as sherry, aged on the journey, improving their quality.

Meanwhile, traditional Filipino cuisine became increasingly multicultural. Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian influences fused with flavors brought by the Spanish, with additions from the Americas, and became part of native customs and practices.

Steam ships replaced sailing ships and, following the opening of the Suez Canal, the journey was shortened to 30 days, as seen on this poster announcing the departure of the "Isla de Luzón" from Cadiz to Barcelona.

Filipino and Spanish cuisines evolved and were influenced by French "nouvelle cuisine" and other passing fashions, greater availability of products, and technical innovations. It was in this context that La Cocina Filipina (Filipino Cuisine) was published.

This book is a collection of traditional recipes from the past. Many of them are Spanish, with the addition of international dishes that were popular at the time. However, it is also notable for its inclusion of traditional Filipino recipes.