Title:
Taste of Heritage: Unraveling Kapampangan Cooking Evolution and Tradition
in Pampanga
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the development and traditions of
Kapampangan cooking in Pampanga, Philippines, with a focus on understanding
Kapampangan culinary heritage and how it has changed over time. The study will
reveal the traditional cooking techniques, ingredients, and cultural significance of
Kapampangan cuisine through in-depth interviews with Kapampangan cooks, chefs,
and community elders knowledgeable about traditional Pampanga cooking practices.
These data collection methods provide a wealth of information about participants'
experiences, knowledge and perspectives on Kapampangan cooking. The collected
data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, patterns
and categories in the data that will allow for a deeper understanding of Kapampangan
culinary traditions.
Brief Background
Pampanga, a region renowned for its exceptional cuisine, is located in the
center of the Philippines. Each dish in the province reflects a blend of creativity,
tradition, and cultural resiliency. The rich tapestry of flavors, methods, and customs
that have developed over ages, reflecting the various influences and dynamic history
of the region, is exemplified by the cuisine of the Philippines within this dynamic
culinary landscape.
Heritage encompasses a variety of passed down customs, cultures, foods,
artifacts, and recollections that individuals can cherish, lament, or use as lessons from
the past to better the current situation. As noted by UNESCO (2019), it can be
integrated into the community's social and cultural features, which is important and
valuable. Examining the many culinary customs, ingredients, and recipes that have
been passed down through the years can help to understand the rich traditions of the
Kapampangan people and strengthen their sense of culinary identity and collective
memory.
Understanding the intricacies of Kapampangan cooking will help to illuminate
the social, cultural, and historical significance of food in Kapampangan society in
addition to preserving and celebrating this rich culinary legacy. In the end, "Taste of
Heritage" offers insightful perspectives into the culinary development and customs of
the Kapampangan people, facilitating a more profound comprehension of their
cultural heritage and culinary heritage. Furthermore, the study serves as a catalyst for
culinary tourism, economic development, and cultural revitalization initiatives in
Pampanga and beyond.
Research Questions
This study will be guided by the following research questions:
1. How have historical events, such as colonization and trade, influenced the
evolution of Kapampangan cuisine in Pampanga?
2. What are the key ingredients and cooking techniques that define traditional
Kapampangan dishes, and how have they evolved over time?
3. How do Kapampangan cooking practices reflect broader cultural values,
social dynamics, and identity within Pampanga?
4. What role do family traditions, oral histories, and intergenerational
knowledge transfer play in preserving Kapampangan culinary heritage?
5. How do contemporary factors, such as globalization, urbanization, and
changing dietary preferences, impact the continuity and adaptation of
Kapampangan cooking traditions?
6. How do Kapampangan chefs and home cooks innovate and reinterpret
traditional recipes while maintaining cultural authenticity and respect for
culinary heritage?
7. What are the challenges and opportunities for promoting Kapampangan
cuisine as a form of cultural tourism and economic development in
Pampanga?
8. What are the aspirations, concerns, and visions of Kapampangan
stakeholders regarding the preservation and promotion of their culinary
heritage, and how can these insights inform future initiatives and policies?
Framework
Input Process Output
chefs, cooks, and
community elders
on food in
Kapampangan preserving and
society In-depth celebrating
interview Kapampangan
Social Thematic rich culinary
significance, analysis legacy
Cultural
significance,
and
Historical
significance
Fig.1 Conceptual framework of the study
This study explores the interconnections between Kapampangan cuisine and
its social, cultural, and historical significance. It does so through in-depth interviews
and thematic analysis, highlighting how the cuisine serves as a dynamic and resilient
expression of identity and heritage.
Methodology
Research Design
One possible qualitative research design for this study could be a
phenomenological approach. Phenomenology seeks to explore and understand the
lived experiences of individuals within a particular cultural context. The study will
employ this approach, as it seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural and
historical context of Kapampangan cooking.
Context and Participants
The study will use purposive sampling to select participants who have
extensive knowledge and experience in Kapampangan cooking and culinary
traditions. Key informants will include Kapampangan chefs, cooks, and community
elders to explore their personal experiences, memories, and beliefs related to
Kapampangan cooking.
Instrument
Semi-structured in-depth interviews will be conducted with key informants to
gather their personal experiences, knowledge, and perspectives on Kapampangan
cooking. Through these interviews, researchers can uncover the underlying meanings
and values that shape Kapampangan cuisine, as well as how these traditions have been
passed down through generations.
Data Gathering Procedure
To gather data, the researchers will conduct in-depth interviews with
participants to explore their experiences, memories, and perceptions related to
Kapampangan cuisine. The interview guide with open-ended questions will be
developed to cover topics such as family cooking traditions, favorite dishes, changes
in cooking practices over time, and views on the preservation of culinary heritage.
This interviews will be conducted in a comfortable and private setting, allowing
participants to share their stories openly. Finally, the interviews with participant
consent, either through audio recording or detailed note-taking, will be recorded.
Data Analysis
Thematic analysis will be employed to analyze the data collected from
interviews. This approach involves identifying, coding, and categorizing themes that
emerge from the data. The themes that emerge will be used to develop a
comprehensive narrative of Kapampangan cooking evolution and tradition,
highlighting the cultural, historical, and social contexts that have shaped this culinary
heritage.
