He loves pancit, champorado, and other scrumptious Filipino meals. Turns out, Dr Jose Rizal is just like most of us
We have heard stories about Dr Jose Rizal's patriotism, the novels he has written, and even the women he dated; today we are taking a closer look at his dining table. Take your spoons and forks out, Tatler has listed the Filipino hero's favourite dishes.
See also: Dr Jose Rizal: Who were the Women in the National Hero's Life?
1. Tinola
The Filipino Tinola is a soup usually served as an appetiser. It is made of flavourful broth with ginger, garlic, fish sauce, and chicken meat. Many historians believe that the Tinola is one of Rizal's favourites; during his exile in Dapitan, the doctor would pen his mother Teodora Alonso, and ask her to bring him the dish.
Tinola was even used as a political and social symbol in his novel Noli Me Tangere. In the book, Kapitan Tiago hosted a welcome dinner for Crisostomo Ibarra at Calle Anloague. At dinner over Tinola, Padre Damaso was in a bad mood because he got the bony neck and hard wing.
According to food historian Rheeza Santiago, Padre Damaso's disappointment stemmed from his high regard for social status. The neck was considered an inferior part of the chicken and the friar was surprised he got it.
Tatler Trivia: On December 30, 1896, Rizal took his final meal. According to Narcisa (Rizal's sister), the doctor threw some of his eggs in the corner of the cell for the "poor rats". "Let them have their fiesta too," he said.