The House of Representatives (HR) is now on a debate over what should be our national dish, along with other Philippine figures and trademarks in the proposed House Bill 3926 or the Philippine National Symbols bill -- which chose Adobo over other Filipino delicacies.
Yes, that sweet, salty and vinegary (and fantastic) dish which has captured the imaginations and taste buds of the many, including most foreigners as well.
The move was initiated by Bohol Representative Rene Relampagos, who authored the proposed measure, claiming that it was an excellent choice because the Philippine adobo stands out among the country's multitude of delicacies.
But some Filipinos question the choice as there are many more native dishes in our kitchen vocabulary that is equally fantastic as the adobo.
They say the beef Bulalo is more exquisite and popular than the Adobo. Proof of which are the many restaurants, both the classy and the simple carinderia-style, which offer these soup-and-kneebone recipe.
And what about the classic tapa in the 3-in-one Tapsilog? Filipinos have been chewing and grinding on these combo meals since time immemorial, as evidenced by a lot of tapsi counters all over the land.
Also, before we can even forget, there's the tasty Pares-Pares. If you travel a lot along the streets of old Avenida and Espana in Manila, I'm sure you have already noticed the pares-pares food joints in almost every nooks, crannies and corners of the roads.
Rep. Relampagos, however, said the choice of the national dish is still up for revisions, and a nationwide vote may as well be in the offing to determine what Filipino delicacy shall be selected to represent the Philippine palate.
In a news article from the Inquirer, it said House bill No. 3926, or “An Act Declaring the National Symbols of the Philippines” sought to make commonly-perceived Filipino icons of pride as official national symbols.
“(T)here are around 20 national symbols being taught in school. However, of these symbols, only 10 are official, that is with basis either in the Constitution, Republic Acts and Proclamations,” Relampagos said.
According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), at least 10 were declared in paper as national symbols – the Philippine flag, “Lupang Hinirang” anthem, the sports “arnis,” the “sampaguita” flower, the “Narra” tree, the Philippine eagle, to name a few.
But some icons like the Philippine carabao, which was taught in schools as the national animal, is actually not official. Jose Rizal, though popularly known as the country’s national hero, is also not in paper.
The bill aims to “officially” declare these “colorums” as national symbols.
Along with Adobo, the bill also includes Anahaw (national leaf), Bangus (national fish), Mango (national fruit), Barong tagalog and saya (national costume), Bakya (national slippers), Nipa hut (national house) and the Dyip or Jeepney (national vehicle).