a purple power rising

Since coming to the UK, feelings of homesickness came in many flavors: longing for friends, family, pets, and even activities. But one thing that’s left me badly wanting is actual physical flavors, specifically, ube.

pangkaraniwan na hindi sabihin na galing sa Pilipinas ang ube

Lately, ube has become popular as a concept — It’s purple, earthy, and sweet. Various coffee shops have started selling ube-infused drinks, promising the exotic unfamiliar taste. And yet, the taste is exotic even to me! I’m claiming the title of the Ube Gatekeeper. It is my birthright.

matabang, mapait, matcha. hindi ko naranasan ang ube dito.

I think the problem lies in the fact that ube is still just that: a purple, earthy and sweet concept. It’s more than a flavored liquid. It’s a yam. A purple, earthy and sweet yam. Perhaps soon we’ll see ube-filled cookies, pastries, and other desserts. I am waiting for the ube-cheese revolution to start.

kulay ng lila’y hindi na makita

Overall, I’m happy to see a piece of home being recognized here. Soon, ube will take over the world. Ube will be the next supercrop. It will power your homes. It will be your nurses, doctors, and software engineers. But I guess for now the ube lattes will do.

kulay rosas. pero nagustuhan ko ito.