Growing Up Filipino: Rice and Karaoke

Growing Up Filipino: Rice and Karaoke

Hi TeeEasePh Fam!

Growing up Filipino there is just something special about it. Family gatherings are never complete without lots of food and steaming pot of rice (lots of it!). When we do handaan, pang-barangay ang handa natin, hindi pwedeng mabitin sa food ang ating mga guests and of course, a karaoke machine ready to belt out the latest hits.

These two cultural staples have brought us joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to countless Filipino homes. 

Extra rice please!

Many traditional Filipino dishes are designed to be paired with rice, which complements a variety of flavors from adobo, bistek tagalog, sinigang, munggo, menudo etc. Rice is versatile and can be used in various forms such as plain steamed rice, fried rice, java rice, rice cakes and rice-based desserts.. hello biko! yum-yum

How much do we love rice? We have so many terms used to describe rice:

  • Palay - unmilled rice
  • Bigas - milled, uncooked rice
  • Kanin - cooked rice, steamed and plain
  • Bahaw - left over rice
  • Sinangag - garlic fried rice
  • Malagkit - sticky or glutinous rice for suman and biko
  • Tutong - kapag nakalimot na may sinaing ka pala :)

 

For many Filipinos, rice is more than just a staple food - it's a symbol of sustenance and togetherness. Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, rice is always there, comforting and familiar. Hindi pwedeng maubusan ng rice, maubos na lahat 'wag lang ang rice!

Karaoke Culture

Music has always been an integral part of our culture (remember singing Lupang Hinirang every day?). It has been used in rituals, celebrations and even to kill time. Singing provides an outlet for expressing our feelings, whether it's joy, love, sadness or nostalgia.

Karaoke, or 'videoke', as it is fondly called in the Philippines, is a national pastime. But why do we love karaoke?

It is a way for family and friends to come together, showcase their vocal talents (or lack thereof), and share laughs and applause. From birthday parties to Christmas gatherings, karaoke has become synonymous with Filipino celebrations. You don't have to be good at it, you can sing a children's song and everybody will be okay with it. Nobody will judge your singing, but the pressure is on who gets the perfect score. 

Singing, especially in a group setting, helps strengthen bonds and create a sense of community. It is a way to break the ice, share experiences and enjoy each other's company. My tip if you're in a family gathering, be the first to sing while waiting for others to arrive. Mauna ka na, walang pressure and konti pa lang tao :)

Karaoke is an affordable form of entertainment that allows people from all walks of like to participate, making it a popular choice for social gatherings. Pair this with delicious food and a steaming hot rice, and you've got a perfect recipe for family bonding and fun.

"Grew Up in Rice and Karaoke"

Our new shirt design "Grew Up in Rice and Karaoke" is a tribute to these cherished memories and tradition. For all the Pinoy hearts our there who know the magic of rice and joy of karaoke, this is for you!

Whether you're at a family reunion, a night out with friends, or simply running errands, this shirt is a fun and stylish way to showcase your cultural pride.

 

 

Join the TeeEasePh Fam!

We invite you to share your karaoke and rice-filled memories with us! Wear your shirt with pride and snap a photo to share on social media. Use the hashtag #riceandkaraoke and tag us for a chance to be featured on our page.

Celebrate the traditions that have shaped our lives and bring joy to our hearts. Our 'Grew Up in Rice and Karaoke' shirt is more than just a piece of clothing - it is a tribute to the Filipino spirit and a reminder of the simple joys that connect us all.

Much love, sa uulitin!

TeeEasePh 

 

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