I don't know why it feels like I am promoting a dish, haha, but seriously, it is a simple appreciation of how a particular dish made a significant impact on me and on everyone else having the same experience as me during my SHS and college life in the university I am studying at.
To those who have not yet heard of the dish called Bagnet sisig, it is a satisfying dish that combines two all-time Filipino favorites, which are bagnet and sisig.
The former is a deep-fried pork belly dish that is commonly prevalent in the Ilocos region of the Philippines, where I was living. It is known for its crispy texture and remarkable taste. Just remember to don't eat too much, opo, because it is very high in cholesterol! You may don't want your blood pressure to rise up, my friend. So if you plan to have a taste of it, just eat it in moderation.
On the other hand, sisig is a sizzling dish. Here's a trivia! It is made from parts of a pig's head. Let's have the ears, for example! What makes it more delicious and tasty is the seasonings with various spices and a bit of mayonnaise, giving a bit of a sweet and sour taste. The egg, of course, added more proteins and made it more delicious.
By the way, it was yesterday when I had this dish. Probably, it was the last time I ate this as a college student because tomorrow, I'll be officially graduating. I'll still come here some time in the future, but just thinking of it makes me emotional because somehow, sisig dish added extra flavor to my college life.
I remember those times when we ate there, and after returning to our classroom, the smell of it did not fade, as if it was a long-lasting perfume that you can still smell even after school.
We would just find ourselves smiling if we see our other classmates there eating also, or those students passing by with a smell of sisig aroma. It did not mean to offend, but this has become a signature of the sisig house inside the university - something that makes the said dish even more popular in the school.
Indeed, things like these make college life a bit lighter. Something that would constantly remind us to also smile and feel like nothing heavy going on. Just set aside the academic things for a while and just enjoy the moment, and after which, continue again but with a much more energetic vibe and better mood.
All photos are mine. Edited via Canva.