His cookbook was very telling. Tortang giniling (ground beef omelets) stacked up like flapjacks, lumpia with the makings of a cheeseburger and bibingka (rice cake) lodged with a slice of cream cheese before its baked. These dishes are not quite traditional Filipino and not American, either, like the author himself.
“[Amboy] describes my cuisine, my lifestyle,” writes Cailan. “It’s how I cook. It’s how I talk…It’s about a Filipino-American kid trying to make it work in a world where everyone says no. About making it happen and being true to who I am. About just owning it.”
Strapped for cash, his parents moved from a Filipino town in California to a predominantly Mexican-American area in East LA, devoid of a community he could identify with and relate to. This brought a lot of personal struggles for Cailan. “I couldn’t relate to anything. I was like an alien,” he says.
Consequently, trips to the Philippines offered relief. Busy with their jobs as a bookkeeper (mother) and a locksmith (father) who were hellbent on saving to buy a house, young Cailan was flown to the Asian archipelago every summer so that someone could look after him.
“I was spoiled here, so I loved it,” he says. “In America, it was a struggle. Every day, I was on my own. I would come home at three o’clock, and my parents were still working. I was by myself. I made my food. And that’s how I learnt how to cook,” he says.
“But it’s different when I go to the Philippines because I was with my Lola [grandma], who had helpers and drivers. And so, I loved coming back because I could be as lazy as I wanted. I embraced coming home because I belonged here,” he remembers.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Tatler Philippines.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Tatler Philippines.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power-by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
YOUR EXCEL LENCY
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson gives a tour of her residence, personal life and why she loves her assignment in the Philippines
A GREAT HONOUR
For the first time, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library recognised the Philippines by awarding the Zobel de Ayala family the prestigious Sorolla Medal at its annual gala in New York
In the Long Run
Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes
LEADING LADIES
Tatler speaks to four beautiful, dynamic ladies who are more than just Senators' wives. Besides being a wife and a mother, they have their own careers and advocacies. Find out in this Tatler exclusive how they are forging their paths as well as how they are playing their part for the country
Driving Diversity
Steering towards an inclusive future, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz merges diversity with digital innovation
Empowering Spaces
Audrey Go champions a new era in the construction and home furnishing industry, transforming spaces into symbols of empowerment
Global Gem
Kenneth Cobonpue continually impresses through groundbreaking work and a sincere passion to nurture tomorrow's talent
A Cut Above
During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today
Chasing Glory
The E Zobel Foundation, Inc (EZF) successfully held the 19th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup this year to honour the sport and the founder himself, Enrique Zobel.