Delicious Banana Cake
Yum!
Pasalubong from the UK (hopefully with Love hehe!)
I simply love this melting chocolate image on the packaging.
I had an unexpected guest yesterday around mid-morning and she brought me some really tasty banana cake as her pasalubong. Then on the evening, someone who came from the UK brought us chocolates too.
Pasalubong is a local term which means a small gift, especially of food, that you give to friends or relatives when coming from a trip or when visiting them.
I don't know when this culture (if I can call it as such) amongst us Filipinos has started but it has been so, for as long as I can remember. It used to be a beautiful practice and gesture but most times overshadowed by the attitude of others who expect so much to the point that they get disappointed especially when a family member or a friend comes from abroad and do not bring any pasalubong.
There were instances when I hear people say "wala man lang pasalubong" or "he/she didn't even bring any gifts" and oh boy, it irks me so. At one time, I commented rather badly to one to let her understand that it is wrong to expect such from someone just because he/she came from abroad.
When I met fellow Pinoys back when I was working overseas, one of their common predicaments when planning for a vacation is the pasalubong. In as much as they want to give one to every relative or friend, they usually couldn't because they will have to spend months of their salaries to do so. Yet some simply close their eyes and do it which to me is kinda absurd.
Sometimes our love for our families and friends clouds our reasoning that even when we know it is not the best thing to do, we had to do it because we want to please them.
Giving (or receiving) pasalubong is supposed to be joyful but the meaning has somehow changed these days to the point that it can become burdensome or overwhelming especially to those who just wanted to come home.
Personally, I would rather welcome empty-handed guests. For some reason, it feels lighter that way. At times I wish to refuse a gift especially when I know that the one bringing it is struggling. That said, I appreciate the thought of course!
Anyway, it's a beautiful Sunday here in my side of the world. I hope things are well with you too where you are :)
Cheers!
All photos are my own. 061122/09:35ph