At THD, being the only Filipino-American resident among 167 people has its amusing side. I have somehow become the resident expert on the Philippines, its history, its culture, its traditions, and, most happily, its food. The other day at bridge, one of my friends asked, “Hey David, I heard the Philippines has a black potato?” I laughed and said, “Not quite, you mean ube, the purple yam.” “Oh yes, yes, that’s it,” she said. And just like that, we were off on one of my favorite topics.
Ube is one of those ingredients that makes people stop and smile. Its color is striking, but its charm goes far beyond appearance. It is not a potato at all, but a purple yam with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is comforting, earthy, and just different enough to be memorable. In Filipino kitchens, ube has been loved for generations, not because it is trendy, but because it belongs to the heart of our cooking.
For many Filipinos, ube brings back memories of family gatherings, fiestas, and desserts that seem to vanish as soon as they are served. One of the best-known versions is ube halaya, the thick, creamy jam made from mashed purple yam, milk, and sugar. It is delicious by itself, but it also finds its way into ice cream, cakes, pastries, halo-halo, and all kinds of sweets that make people ask for seconds before they’ve finished their first serving.
I have always thought ube is a wonderful symbol of Filipino food. It is simple, beautiful, and a little surprising. It does not shout for attention, but once you taste it, you remember it. That is often true of Filipino cooking in general, it looks modest at first, then reveals layers of flavor, memory, and affection.
And maybe that is why I enjoy talking about it so much. Ube is more than a dessert ingredient. It is a little purple reminder of where we come from, what we value, and how food can carry culture across oceans and generations. So when someone asks me about the Philippines, I am always happy to start with ube. It is sweet, it is colorful, and it tells a good story.
Meanwhile,
Here's how to develop a positive attitude?
- Practice gratitude: Focus on the good things in your life. Keep a gratitude journal to write down three things you're thankful for each day.
- Reframe negative thoughts: Challenge negative self-talk by reframing negative thoughts into positive, realistic ones.
- Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and support you, and consume content that inspires and motivates you.
- Take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet to help regulate your mood and energy levels.
- Set achievable goals: Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks to build confidence and momentum.
- Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future.
- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.
- Develop self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience, just as you would a close friend.
Personal note: At Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, I have two Moringa ( Malunggay) in our backyard. We used the young leaves in our Tinola ( Chicken soup).
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