‘Pastil’ has gained popularity in the Philippines because of its delectable and salty flavor, which is much sought after by individuals, particularly students, as it is particularly affordable. Typically, it costs between P25 and P50, depending on whether additional toppings, like eggs, veggies, etc., are added.
This popularity has not only contributed to the local economy but also to the preservation of Moro culture.
The dish originated in Mindanao, a place of great cultural and religious significance for the Moro people. It is a simple yet profoundly significant dinner often served with rice and shredded fish or chicken. The preparation of Pastil follows halal standards, which are Islamic dietary laws that dictate what is permissible to eat and how it should be prepared.
Through this, it is clear that food plays a significant role in defining our cultural identities since it frequently reflects the customs, values, and beliefs of the people who produce and consume it.
However, a Facebook post surfaced online, detailing how a Pastil business owner created their version of the dish using pork. This ingredient is entirely at odds with Islamic dietary laws.
The addition of pork to Pastil has been seen by a lot of Muslim internet users not as a culinary shift, but more of a direct insult to the Moro people’s culture and religion. Pastil has always been prepared with chicken or fish, adhering to the stringent halal customs of Islam, which strictly prohibit the consumption of pork.
As the post creator noted, “Ang attention at original na Pastil ay gawa sa kanin na may toppings na Kagikit o Kalikit na gawa sa hila ng karne ng manok, na dumaan sa halal na proseso nang pageantry [The meticulous preparation of the dish is not merely a cooking technique but a reflection of the Moro’s devotion to their faith],” the post said.
The Moro community is incensed over this flagrant disregard for the dish’s traditional and religious background.
The writer of the post further expressed anger and frustration saying: “Sa kasaysayan ng kultura at pagkaing Moro, kailanman ay hindi naging bahagi ng Pastil ang karne ng baboy— isang paglabag sa katuruan ng paniniwalang Islam [For the Moro people, pork Pastil is not just a misunderstanding of ingredients; it represents an erasure of their identity, a disrespectful appropriation of something sacred].”
Cultural appropriation is a sensitive and conscious subject beyond cuisine and religion. It is offensive to the community that cherishes a cuisine that has strong religious overtones to change it without appreciating or comprehending its meaning.
“Hindi masama ang panggagaya o paglikha ng bagong bersyon ng isang pagkain na identidad ng isang kultura. Subalit ang paglikha ng isang pagkain na taliwas sa orihinal at may bahid ng pagsasawalang galang sa kultura…ay isang gawaing hindi paggalang sa kultura ng iba. [It is not wrong to imitate or develop a new version of a dish that is integral to a culture’s identity. However, making a cuisine that deviates from the original and shows disrespect for that culture…is an act of disrespect for the cultures of others.]”
The callous rebranding of Pastil as a pork-based cuisine has grown in popularity, notably on social media platforms such as TikTok.
Some individuals and restaurants promote this pork-laden variant without realizing the impact. For many, this may appear to be a simple culinary experiment, but for the Moro community, it represents cultural disdain.
“Nakatatawa lang dahil nakita at bumungad sa akin ang mga larawan na ito habang gumagawa ako ng modyul sa FIL101 Wika at Kultura sa Mapayapang Lipunan. [It’s amusing because I came across these pictures while I was preparing a module for FIL101, a subject that is about Language and Culture in a Peaceful Society.”]
Cultural sensitivity is essential for promoting peace and understanding in a varied society in the Philippines. The existence of pork Pastil demonstrates the importance of raising cultural knowledge and respect for minority groups’ identities and traditions, such as the Moro people.
As one poignant remark noted by the post, “Mahalagang alam at tungkulin ng bawat isa sa atin na may kamalayan tayo sa kultura—cultural awareness at sensitivity. [Each of us needs to be aware of culture—cultural awareness and sensitivity is essential.]”
Ultimately, this matter serves as a reminder of the significance of cultural sensitivity, particularly when addressing customs that have immense meaning for a specific community.
Despite the dish’s simplicity, its importance is vast, and genuine understanding and cohabitation require that we accept that significance.
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