They say that you could easily identify if the person is an Ilonggo by just simply talking to him. Ilonggos are famous for their very distinctive melodious intonation. Being soft-spoken, it has become their oral trademark that could not easily be concealed or denied.
Not in my case. I may be a pure-blooded Ilonggo but I don’t sound like one because I have mastered other local dialects despite usage of Ilonggo as our basic household language. I can speak fluently in bisaya/cebuano or tagalog without any hint or indication of an Ilonggo accent. Therefore I could not easily be identified as Ilonggo during initial conversations. This is partly because I grew up in a community with mixed orientation of languages mainly bisaya, Ilonggo and tagalog.
Despite that I have remained a true blue Ilonggo. I am wholeheartedly proud of it. It may not be obvious in words but it will manifest more in my actions.
Batchoy remains one of my most desired merienda.
Laswa (law-uy) tops among the daily menu entree.
I also eat kadyos (or sometimes we call it “KBL” kadyos, baboy, langka). Tambo kag tagabang (bamboo shoots) is also a favorite.
I still prefer bandi instead of calling pinyato or peanut brittle.
My meal wouldn’t be complete without Sinamak on the side. (but lately I have shifted to Pinakurat, the same concoction but the solid ingredients were grind instead)
Ti Ilonggo gid ko ya!
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