Ivan Mark C.
Colindong 05/03/24
Grade 11 – Europium Kailah Kristine C. Jaguimit
A Critique Paper in “Where's the Patis?” by Carmen Guerrero Nakfil
Carmen Guerrero Nakfil's essay, "Where's the Patis?", offers a heartfelt exploration of the
Filipino dispersed communities’ culinary experiences, particularly the longing for familiar tastes
in foreign lands. Nakfil vividly portrays the emotional journey of Filipino travelers grappling
with the absence of essential ingredients like patis (fish sauce) in foreign cuisines. While her
storytelling is engaging and relatable, there are opportunities to strengthen her argument by
incorporating more evidence and achieving a better balance between humor and serious
discussion.
Nakfil's use of humor and vivid imagery effectively draws readers into the emotional landscape
of Filipino culinary nostalgia. Through stories that highlight the challenges of finding familiar
flavors abroad, she captures the essence of the Filipino dispersed communities’ culinary
struggles. These stories resonate with readers who have experienced similar feelings of
displacement and longing while traveling.
However, while Nakfil's storytelling is compelling, her essay could benefit from a deeper
exploration of the socio-cultural implications of food in identity formation. By integrating
research or expert opinions on topics such as food anthropology and migration studies, Nakfil
could provide a more nuanced understanding of the Filipino experience abroad. This would add
depth to her analysis and enhance the persuasiveness of her argument.
Furthermore, achieving a better balance between humor and serious discussion would ensure that
the essay's central message resonates with readers on a deeper level. While humor adds an
element of lightness to the narrative, a more serious examination of the cultural significance of
food would enrich the essay's thematic exploration. Nakfil could delve into concepts such as
food memory, culinary nostalgia, and the role of food in dispersed communities to provide
readers with a deeper understanding of the Filipino culinary dispersed communities.
Additionally, Nakfil could enrich the educational value of her essay by providing suggestions for
further reading or resources on Filipino cuisine and identity. By directing readers to scholarly
articles, books, or documentaries, Nakfil could encourage continued exploration and dialogue on
this topic. This would not only enhance the essay's academic rigor but also foster a broader
appreciation of Filipino culture and cuisine.
In conclusion, "Where's the Patis?" offers a moving glimpse into the Filipino dispersed
communities culinary struggles and the enduring significance of food in shaping cultural
identity. While Nakfil effectively captures the emotional resonance of these experiences through
humor and vivid imagery, her essay could be strengthened with more empirical evidence and a
better balance between humor and serious discussion. By incorporating scholarly research and
providing suggestions for further reading, Nakfil's work could contribute to a deeper
understanding of the Filipino experience abroad and the profound connection between food and
identity. However, while Nakfil's storytelling is compelling, her essay could benefit from a
deeper exploration of the socio-cultural implications of food in identity formation. Integrating
research or expert opinions on topics such as food anthropology and migration studies would add
depth to her analysis and enhance the persuasiveness of her argument.
Furthermore, achieving a better balance between humor and serious discussion would ensure that
the essay's central message resonates with readers on a deeper level. While humor adds an
element of lightness to the narrative, a more serious examination of the cultural significance of
food would enrich the essay's thematic exploration, delving into concepts such as food memory,
culinary nostalgia, and the role of food in dispersed communities.
