The Scent of Dangkalan Leaves

INTRODUCTION DANGKALAN is the beautiful tree hanging in the azotea of my parent’s house from the other side of the river. As a child, l often marvel of its beautiful thick shiny green leaves and big brown trunk. One day it disappeared to make way for a small street. I missed the tree as it symbolized fond memories. The Azotea became the place where l entertained my friends and suitors. In the evening my mother used to pass the time in her butaka, with myself lying between her legs to watch the sky and the stars. This is after been asked to massage her feet (ragtok the feet fingers) which my sisters also were asked to do. This memoir is dedicated to my children if only for them to know more about their mother from childhood to Senior years. Most children learn of their parent’s lives from other people only after they have passed away in this world. I myself learned many things about my parents from aunties, friends and other people after they died. I decided to start writing this memoir today, a very significant day crossing the Suez Canal, April 2017 in the cruise ship Vision of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean International in our 18 days Mediterranean Cruise and 7 days European travel to our Lady of Lourdes in France. Part 2 of this book are RECIPES that have been requested by the readers of my Column, ‘COOKING with NERIA’ in the Philippine Community Herald Newspaper. Year 2020 is my 30th anniversary as a columnist and journalist. I wish this book to be printed on this special year. RECIPES These recipes are my own concoctions and measurement. You are free to alter measures and procedure based on your own taste buds. Recipes are merely guide in cooking. The Recipes within are the most popular dishes clamoured by the readers of my column “Cooking with Neria” in the Philippine Community Herald Newspaper. These are dishes which you can prepare for fiestas and special occasions. Enjoy your own EXPERIMENTAL COOKERY.