VALENCIANA FESTIVAL

Growing up as an Asian, we tend to have an immense obsession with anything or everything made out of rice. Not just as staple food, from appetizer to dessert to main course, rice definitely holds the throne among all the other foods in Asian cuisine. However, it is not the Asians who produced this flavorful, delectable and luscious rice dish which stole the heart of most Filipinos. Paella, a rice dish cooked with variety of meats and vegetables was first introduced by the Spaniards during the colonization era. It is a rice dish originally from Valencia, Spain. This dish immediately hit the taste buds of Filipinos as Asians who loves rice. As a former colony of Spain, Filipinos eventually personalized Paella and incorporated it with the flavors of the Filipino people.

          The City of General Trias located in the historical province of Cavite celebrates Valenciana festival in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also to promote Valenciana which is the local version of Paella originating from the city. This hearty dish was heavily influenced by the early Spanish settlement in the town wherein locals integrated local flavors to form the rich taste of Valenciana. The cooking might not be as easy as 1-2-3 or ABC but the two hours wait will be surely worth it. On a large pan sauté onion, garlic and tomatoes with butter, add chorizo and pork, then add in the tomato sauce and paste which give this dish bright orange color, the chicken is added next, after that coconut milk is added to add a dash of creaminess, laurel leaf is blended in to give nice aroma, potatoes and carrots are mingled in, the star of the dish is added next, jasmine and glutinous rice and when the rice is half cooked, mix in raisins, hotdogs,  bell peppers and cover in banana leaf. After two hours, a bright orange rice with variety of colors will come out, it is an instagram worthy dish with an appealing visuals. The different flavors and texture will explode in your mouth once you taste it.

During the Valenciana Festival the 33 barangays of General Trias competes in a Valenciana cook-off wherein they cook their own version of Valenciana with a twist. Seafood, Adobo or even Pinakbet are fused with this dish to prove how versatile Valenciana is. On the other hand, authentic Valenciana can be also tasted everywhere as it is the staple dish of the city. It is present in any occasions and it embodies the rich culture and history of the city, If you wanted to taste this delicacy, visit the city during Valenciana Festival which is celebrated every December. Tasting this dish will not only make you full and satisfied but will also retell you the stories and culture of the city and the people.