An Ilonggo method of preparing fish by cooking it in vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and a host of other spices and seasoning - pinamalhan is just “paksiw made dry”. It is very simple to prepare, just place everything in a pan then cook until dry. At home we usually add oil when it is almost dried up and sometimes sour fruits like green mango and iba (balimbing) to give it a, well, fruity taste and aroma.But when it’s bangus that is made into one, usually it is not made dry since the concoction is makes eating more enjoyable. Yup it is still referred to as pinamalhan, – lol, even if it swimming in the concoction.
A stones throw away from the plaza of La Villa de Arevalo is an ancestral house where one can find not only good pasalubong items but also a look into the past of the district. Known as the Sinamay House , this well preserved ancestral house is an attraction not only in the outside but also what it houses inside. A collection of what the past like is housed in the two storey edifice which also acts like a museum of sorts. Sinamay is simply known as abaca by most and, here, a variety of products made from this fiber can be found. I remember watching a feature on tv wherein the owner proudly showed a framed letter signed by the late Princess of Wales, Diana, showing her appreciation of the handkerchief she was given as a gift coming from this very shop. But the attraction I am most familiar with are the chewies and crunchies made by Mama's Kitchen. Attractively packed in boxes showing their current flavours and variety, this is among the better...