The Australian Filipina is delighted to bring to its readers the Christmas Fun Facts cheers shared by the Philippine Tourism in Australia and New Zealand.
?We are glad to share the fourth set in the series. This features Bibingka at Puto Bumbong [special rice cakes] which are treats of the traditional celebration of Christmas.
Bibingka is a sweet rice batter that is cooked in clay dish covered by banana leaves, with embers on top while puto bumbong is sticky rice with ube colouring [purple] steamed in bamboo tubes. Both are served with freshly grated coconut are sold in stalls for the people who attend Simbang Gabi. They are eaten accompanied by a special herbal tea.
The Philippine Christmas spirit remains strong as Filipinos around the world cope with COVID 19 restrictions which preclude travelling to the Philippines presently.
Here in Sydney, there are kababayans who make bibingka and puto bumbong on orders to satisfy craving and missing the usual fares during Christmas period. One of them is NikMak Sweet Pack which has been getting good comments in social media. There could be others; do a search in Facebook to find them.
Here's the link to a video sharing the Cacao Story posted on the Philippine Tourism in Australia and New Zealand.
https://www.facebook.com/TourismPhilippines.anz/videos/205595847825619