Hi, I’m Cy!
I was born in Naga City, Camarines Sur, grew up in Laguna, and have called the U.S. home since 2017. But no matter where I am, Filipino food will always taste like home to me.
A Little About Me
I grew up in Laguna, Philippines, where Filipino food was just part of everyday life. It was the food we ate at home, the dishes we shared with family, merienda in the afternoon, and all those familiar flavors I honestly didn’t think much about back then because they were simply… home.
I was actually born in Naga City, Camarines Sur, but Laguna is where I grew up and where so many of my memories are. Then in 2017, I moved to the U.S., and I think being away from the Philippines made me appreciate our food—and our culture—even more.
It’s funny how food can do that.
You can be thousands of miles away, but the smell of garlic cooking, a pot of adobo simmering on the stove, or a plate of something familiar with hot rice can suddenly make home feel a little closer.
And Filipino food is so much more than just adobo and lumpia! There are so many dishes, regional specialties, snacks, desserts, and stories behind the food we grew up eating.
But for me, it’s also about everything around the food.
It’s the family gatherings where there’s somehow always enough food for everyone. It’s telling someone “Kain tayo!”even when there’s barely enough on your plate. It’s merienda, fiestas, Christmas celebrations, bringing food when you visit someone, and making sure nobody leaves your house hungry.
Food is such a big part of how we celebrate, welcome people, take care of each other, and stay connected to family.
And that’s the part of Filipino culture I want to share too.
Why I Created The Filipina Cy
I created The Filipina Cy as a place to share the Filipino food I love, the recipes I make at home, and the culture and traditions that make the Philippines feel like home.
You’ll find plenty of Filipino recipes here—from everyday comfort food to dishes you might remember from childhood—but I don’t want this to be just another recipe website.
I also want to share the stories behind our food, Filipino traditions, celebrations, little things that might only make sense if you grew up Filipino, places and experiences from the Philippines, and pieces of our culture that I think are worth sharing.
Because there is so much more to the Philippines than the few dishes or destinations people may already know.
And if you’ve never tried Filipino food before? You’re welcome here too.
I hope The Filipina Cy can be a place where you discover something new, find a recipe you want to cook, learn a little more about the Philippines, or maybe even stumble across something that brings back a memory of home.
From the Philippines to My Kitchen in the U.S.
Living in the U.S. since 2017 has given me a different appreciation for the things I grew up with.
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make you miss home—the food, the sounds, the expressions we use, the way Filipinos celebrate, or simply sitting around a table sharing a meal with family.
Cooking Filipino food is one of the ways I keep that connection alive.
And now I get to share some of it with you.
Whether you grew up in the Philippines, are part of the Filipino community abroad, have Filipino family and friends, or you’re simply curious about our food and culture, I’m so glad you’re here.
Kain tayo! (Let’s eat!) 🇵🇭