While the temples and stupas may be the architectural icons of much of Asia, the church is arguably the Philippines' most distinctive building. Tellingly, despite three hundred years of the Hispanic rule, the Filipinos opted to retain their indigenous names for places of worship, instead of the Spanish iglesia. Thus, simbahan - "church" in much of central and southern Philippines - was chosen as the title of this book. From the Manila way of naming things, simbahan accented in the middle syllable, it moves away towards the far and the unheard of simbahan accented on the last syllable. Simbahan introduces fifty sites chosen among the country's most culturally or esthetically significant churches. Their descriptions are among the tidbits culled from anthropology, linguistics, geography, popular devotions, a bit of history (art history) and local culture. Some churches in this book are brimming with devotees, such as Manaoag, Quiapo or Cebu; some are historic, such as the Manila Cathedral of Barasoain. A few have been awarded international status, such as Paoay and Miag-ao, while others have been given the country's highest artistic honors, such as Malaueg, Guiuan or Jimenez. Some are easy to reach, like San Sebastian or Baclaran, but others challenge even the hardened traveler, such as Mahatao, Capul or Caraga. A few are really ancient, like San Agustin, some are audaciously modern, like Victorias. Each one effuses some facet of that cultural fusion of art, life and nature that could only blossom in the Philippines. As the unabashedly Roman Catholic country celebrates 500 years of Christianity, Simbahan hopes to provoke a "wander lust" among pilgrims and tourists - beyond the beaches and "fun" - to visit 50 remarkable monuments to the piety and artistry of the Filipinos.

SIMBAHAN: An Illustrated Guide to 50 of the Philippines' Must-Visit Catholic Churches

History

Jose, Regalado Trota

World

RPD Publications

E. Aguilar Cruz: The Writer as Painter

Ocampo, AMbeth R.

Biographies & Memoirs

The first Illustrated book containing essential information on Philippine food and eating habits, Kain Na! (which means "let's eat!") is a warm invitation to the country's communal dining table and its regional kitchens. Filipino food is the summary of Filipino history - from the indigenous food to the prehistoric era, to the influences of Asian cooking generated by trade, and the Colonial influences brought on by conquest. Yet for all its richness and diversity, little is known beyond dishes like adobo, sinigang, lechon. Kain Na! aims to change that. The first Illustrated tome of its kind contains essential information on Philippine food and eating habits. It is divided into 12 chapters. Almusal (breakfast), Lutong Bahay (home cooking), Meryenda (afternoon delights), Lutong Kalsada (street food), Paghimagas (desserts), Pulutan (bar chow), Pang-Pista (festival food), Inumin (beverages), Sa Panaderya (bakery finds), Kakanin (rice treats), Sawsawan (dipping sauces), and a section on ingredients key to the Filipino larder.

Kain Na!: An Illustrated Guide to Philippine Food

Cookbooks, Food & Wine

Koh, Bryan

Sta. Maria, Felice Prudente

Regional & International

Much has been written and reported about what celebrity chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern called the next big thing in America-Filipino food. CNN's culinary Journeys has featured different kinds of kinilaw, Bon Appetit magazine has done an ode to our humble halo-halo, and the late great Anthony Bourdain proclaimed our roast pig aka lechon to be the best he has ever had. The world has finally come to know our Adobo, Sinigang, and Sisig, but they have barley scratched the surface. "Also Filipino" will introduce people-foreigners and locals alike-to other Filipino dishes. Like Cavite's Calandracas, which was started in wakes where mourners would bring ingredients to include in a noodle soup they would all partake in. Or Pampanga's Pulutok, named after the sound the chopped pig's lungs would make when it cooks in the pan. The author has traveled to different provinces and knocked on people's doors for traditional recipes the general public may not be familiar with. Many cookbooks have already featured Bulalo, Kare-Kare, and Kaldereta, but never these dishes that are mostly rooted in the culture and lifestyle of the regions they come from. It's an impressive compilation that will clearly show the country's diversity, complexity and wide variety in food.

Also Filipino: 75 Regional Dishes I Never Had Growing Up

Comsti, Angelo

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Books by RPD Publications