As Filipino Independence Day draws near, I find myself reflecting on the rich tapestry of my country's history and culture. Earlier today, my date and I embarked on a museum adventure at Bohol's National Museum, immersing ourselves in the stories of our ancestors. Inspired by the depth and resilience of our heritage, we set out to follow the trail of Filipino culture to a place where it reached its peak— Crescencia Food and Coffee.
A Glimpse into the Past:
Located in the charming municipality of Baclayon, just a stone's throw away from Tagbilaran City, Crescencia stands as a testament to the enchanting allure of the 1800s. A short 20-minute ride from Tagbilaran port, this Filipino-inspired café beckons visitors with its old-world charm and captivating Boholano spirit.
A Culinary Haven:
As we stepped inside Crescencia, the nostalgic ambiance instantly embraced us. The warm wooden interiors, reminiscent of ancestral homes, exuded a sense of history and tradition. Traditional Filipino folk songs played softly in the background, creating a soothing melody that carried us back in time.
The menu at Crescencia showcased the flavors of Boholano cuisine, tantalizing our taste buds with authentic dishes passed down through generations. Delightful savory classics were available in their menu from silogs (rice meals with egg on the side) and shrimp sinigang made from the freshest seafood, reflecting the coastal bounty of the region.
Merienda options were also available for those who want to delight themselves for light snacks instad of heavy meals: kakanin (traditional Filipino rice-based cakes) and comfort drinks such as sikwate (native Filipino hot chocolate). Apa (traditional crepes), and a variety of coffee options were also available. The fusion of aromatic spices and local ingredients showcased the remarkable culinary prowess of the Boholanos.
My date and I ordered one pork silog, carbonara, and a serving of apa (It's not very low-carb friendly but I managed 😂)
Delightful Sweetness and Asin Tibuok:
Crescencia's delicacy store was a treasure trove of traditional Filipino sweets. It's available to those who want to delight in delicate meringues, decadent choco crinkles, and melt-in-your-mouth broas.
The highlight, however, was the asin tibuok—a sought-after traditional Filipino sea salt. This unique delicacy holds great significance in Boholano culture. Harvested from the island's salt farms, asin tibuok symbolizes the perseverance and resilience of the Boholano people. Its grainy texture and distinct briny flavor could transport anyone to the sun-kissed shores where it is meticulously crafted.
With each sprinkle of this precious salt, we pay homage to the generations that have toiled under the scorching sun, turning seawater into a condiment that carries the spirit of their strength and determination. Asin tibuok is more than just salt—it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Boholanos, a reminder of their deep connection to the land and sea that has sustained them for centuries.
A Journey Through Literature:
What truly sets Crescencia apart is its commitment to preserving and sharing the written word. Within its walls, is also the family's mini-library—a sanctuary for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts alike. We took a moment to delve into the pages of old books, written long ago by both Boholano and non-Boholano authors. The musty scent of aged paper transported us to different eras, allowing us to connect with the stories and experiences of those who came before us.
Final Thoughts
We sat in Crescencia, sipping our coffee and reflecting on the depth of our cultural heritage. We couldn't help but feel a profound sense of pride. Our journey to this haven of Filipino history and Boholano tradition, was fitting to the celebration of our nation's journey to independence. Crescencia's ability to transport us back to the 1800s, through its food, ambiance, and cultural artifacts, was a truly meaningful and adventurous experience.
As we left Crescencia that day, our hearts brimming with appreciation for the past and hope for the future, we realized that true freedom lies not only in political independence but also in the ability to embrace and honor our cultural roots. May we always remember the strength and resilience of our ancestors and continue to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Filipino culture.
Filipino Independence Day is approaching. If you're in Bohol, and you would like to pay homage to history, culture, with food and coffee on the side, take a moment to venture to Crescencia—a place where history, culture, and the spirit of adventure converge.
Immerse yourself in the captivating journey through time.
ABOUT THE PROTEAN CREATOR
Roxanne Marie is a twenty-year-old something who calls herself the Protean Creator.
She is a chemical engineer by profession, pole-dancer and blogger by passion and frustration, and lastly, a life enthusiast. She loves open discourse, witty musings, discussions about abstract and tangible ideas, and any opportunity where she can insert memes into the conversation.
She is on a mission to rediscover her truth through the messy iterative process of learning, relearning and unlearning, and openly discusses the ideas and thoughts that are born from her experiences here on Hive.
Currently, she works as a science and research instructor for senior high school students and as a freelancing content writer in her hometown, Tagbilaran City, all the while documenting her misadventures, misfortunes, pagka-hugotera, reflections and shenanigans as a working-class millennial.
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