Last Sunday, I had the biggest surprise from my sorority sisters!

They showed up, one by one...

to visit me (because I have been sick for two weeks now, going on three).

After hanging out with me in the living room, they put me upstairs in my bedroom. They took turns entertaining me while others prepared the food. A few of the cooked food was brought by them.

Unbeknownst to me, they were putting together a complicated Kamayan Feast, orchestrated by my almost Filipina sorority sister (she is married to a Filipino). 👇 She's the one putting the barbecue on skewers over the rice.

According to CoPilot:
"A kamayan feast is a Filipino communal meal where food is served on banana leaves, and diners eat with their hands. This tradition, which means "by hand" in Tagalog, fosters a sense of community and intimacy among guests. Kamayan feasts are often enjoyed during family gatherings, festivals, and celebrations, and they can include a variety of dishes such as rice, meats, fish, and vegetables. The practice has ancient roots, originally serving as a quick meal for soldiers in the military, and has evolved into a cherished cultural experience that emphasizes sharing and togetherness."

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When they finally brought me down, I was totally blown away by the impressive table. There was so much food, but we totally ate it all. Just right for 10 hungry women, and "eating with the hands"!

Kamayan, or hand-to-mouth dining, has always been a part of Filipino culture, symbolizing the intimate and personal connection to food and the act of sharing it with loved ones. Source