Puto and Me

Steam and the warmth of a kitchen filled with morning light,

My story begins.

Not of quests or battles

but of something far more.

Found in the simplicity of rice,

water,

and a sugar,

transformed by heat and patience.

Into something magical:

Puto.

This is not just a story about a snack.

But a sense of heritage,

wrapped in the scent of banana leaves,

to the hands of those who came before.

It's the warmth of my mother's kitchen.

The laughter,

the stories told and retold,

as the steamer hisses its ancient song.

Puto—more than just rice cake,

It was the thread connecting generations.

A simple pleasure at every celebration,

a comfort in moments of despair.

White, fluffy,

with a piece of cheese on top for a salty contrast,

or a slice of salted egg,

bursting with color and flavor.

Each bite is a step back in time.

From childhood mornings,

where the air was filled with promise and the sweet smell of steaming cake.

Afternoons under the mango tree,

where ancestors and spirits were as accurate as the food on our plates.

To evenings of festivities,

where puto was the star among the spread of dishes,

binding us in joy and tradition.

But puto is more than a memory.

It allows for reinvention and creativity,

adapting to the times while holding its essence dear.

From the traditional to the innovative

infused with ube, pandan, or even a hint of cocoa,

It challenges the palate and delights the senses.

beloved snack's versatility and enduring appeal.

As I grew, so did my relationship with Puto.

From a child who watched wide-eyed as each cake was unveiled,

to an adult standing in my kitchen,

steamer in hand,

attempting to bridge the past and future

with every batch I made.

The process, both meditative and exhilarating,

a great of flavors, textures, and memories,

each step, a nod to those who taught me,

Each failure is a lesson.

Each success is a celebration.

Puto and me—it's a love story written in rice cake,

a sense of discovery, identity, and connection.

Through it, I've explored the depths of my heritage.

embraced the nuances of my culture,

and shared the joy of my discoveries with the

It's a bond that transcends time.

a flavor that lingers on the tongue and in the heart,

that is the simple,

We often find the extraordinary.