The Alternative Classroom Learning Experience or ACLE is an event held at the University of the Philippines, Diliman once every semester. During ACLE classes are suspended for the day in order for students to participate in fora, symposia, workshops, and other non-traditional types of learning activities. These alternative learning activities are organized and sponsored by the many different student organizations in the University.
I moderate a very large community of U.P. students on a popular social networking site and one particular ACLE ad posted in the groupcaught my attention. The ACLE was called "A Taste of Ilocos" on the 4th of Feb. and was organized by a University Student Organization who called themselves UP NAMNAMA.
NAMNAMA is a socio-cultural and academic Ilocano organization and according to their webpage, "UP Namnama is the first and only true-blooded Ilocano organization in the country's premier university. It exists with the purpose of providing academic and social growth among the Ilocano youth, as well as encouraging a widening awareness and appreciation of our region's unique heritage and culture among our fellow Filipinos."
Since the event seemed to be not just about food but also about Filipino culture, it got me curious. Fortunately the organizers were kind enough to let me, a non-student, attend the event and I wasn't disappointed. In fact the lecture / food tasting event was great.
The ACLE began with a background on Ilocos, the Iloco people and their philosophy on food and how it is appreciated. Food plays such an important role in the life and culture of the people that the concept of planting and harvest of rice is a major part of their language. Food is also a significant part of celebrations and festivals and even plays a mojor role in peace and ending tribal conflicts. Peace talks can only begin after a ceremonial gift of food.
Of course the most fun part of the ACLE was the food tasting and food demo. The foods chosen by the organizers were both tasty and reflective of the simple and non-complicated life away from the commercialization we have started to become accustomed to.
It was a great event and its great to know that the next generation has not lost touch with tradition and appreciation of our traditional cuisine.
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