Photo Journal/ A-Z Photo Challenge: O is for Oh-verjoyed!

It is that time of the week once more as we join Frizztext’s A-Z Photo Challenge once again. Letter this week is O and our Featured Photographer, Blanche Berzamin-Acabado has chosen the theme Overjoyed. Here are her photographs and stories.

“Food is our common ground; A universal experience.” – James Beard

I could have picked several other words in the dictionary that start with O, but I chose this topic simply because I love food and good food always make me feel, well, overjoyed! Also, I’m looking for an excuse to feature some of my favorite food photographs.

I think that food is more than just a universal experience – it is a universal language. Whatever it is, wherever it may come from, food speaks to us. I was born and raised in Pampanga, a province in the Philippines best-known for its culinary delights. Pampanga is so famous for good food that almost everyone assumes that all Pampanguenos are good cooks. In fact, whenever I meet someone new who learns I’m from Pampanga, the first question would almost always be, “What’s your cooking specialty?” Alas! I am no cook. I am, however, a big-eater. I love food. I love good food. So, as a tribute for my love for food, here are a few of my favorite food pictures and I hope that you, like myself, will be overjoyed by them!

Filipino Crispy Pata

One of the most popular Filipino dishes, the crispy pata is one of my absolute favorites. It is not for the weak of heart, and when I say that, I am definitely thinking about health. It is deep-fried pork legs (pata in Filipino) and while it’s nutritional value can be scary, once you sink your teeth into its crispy-goodness, you just forget about the health stuff.

Vietnamese Grilled Pork Chop

My family loves Vietnamese food. My husband and son love the pho, but I always go for the grilled pork chop. It’s tasty and I absolutely love the smell of it. Some can argue that you can easily get grilled pork chop anywhere, but I think the Vietnamese version is simply delicious.

Chantilly Cake

I am a cake person. One reason why I love parties is because there’s always cake around. I’ve tasted a lot of really good cakes and some not-so-good ones. The best one I’ve tasted so far is called the Chantilly cake. Just look at it. Doesn’t it look yummy? I can eat a whole cake all by myself.

Chicken Madeira

I love chicken. Who doesn’t, right? But, have you ever tried The Cheesecake Factory’s Chicken Madeira? It smells so good and tastes even better. It is awesome. Eat it and be overjoyed!