Eat less... and other table manners

In the vernacular it's called "tikim" or to taste. I find that this method is a good way to try many different foods but avoid the calories and avoid too much sugar, too.

- CHIT U. JUAN

I tried a fruit cookie, found it a little too sweet for my taste, so I left half. I tried a fruit cake slice, loved it and got another slice. What I am saying is for us not to endure tastes that will just be extra calories. But to enjoy what we like and get seconds, if you wish to have more. But never endure something just because it may get wasted. Like they say, "what you think is waste, may stay on your waist!" Or "a moment on your lips, forever on your hips!" So learn to be picky and choose only what tastes good.

I like to share portions because I find that tasting should be limited to what you can savor and enjoy, and leave the rest for others to try. I have a friend, though, who is "takaw mata" and wants to taste everything that is on the table. I think it is more a feeling of "not missing out" on anything served and that may be good. FOMO - Fear of Missing Out - in today's parlance and it is quite irritating when she picks on everyone's plate, just because she's FOMO. If you think you are it, please be conscious next time. I do not mind sharing, but let me first offer it to you.

Then, there is the diner who rushes to clean up every plate. "Get this already!" as he wipes off the last morsel of food and stacks up the plates ready to be put away. Or he gobbles up the "shy piece" because he is uncomfortable seeing a lonely piece on the plate, which we Filipinos like to leave on shared servings. Do you notice the shy piece each time? How do you settle who gets the shy piece?