Rolinda Gilbaliga, a 21-year-old student at University of the Philippines Diliman, is in a formal garb when we meet her in between classes. She came from an event where just her school recognized her efforts as the Philippine representative at the 2013 ASEAN Youth Camp in Singapore.
She takes us to McDOKS, located within the campus, and orders a sizzling plate of beef and mushroom. It’s going to be a quick meal because Gilbaliga needs to attend a class and take a quiz.
Born and raised in the mountains of Panay island, Gilbaliga is a proud member of the Panay Bukidnon indigenous community and is a granddaughter of a binukot. She says that back in her hometown, she rarely eats meat; vegetables are usually served on the dining table.
This chanter says that she usually cooks her own food from home and brings it to school to save money. However, when she’s hungry, she goes to Area 2 because it is very accessible to her and there are many eateries to choose from.
The sizzling beef and mushroom plate is quite expensive for a student, but she says it’s worth for the taste and fast service.
WHAT SHE HAD: Sizzling beef with mushroom for PHP90.
WHAT SHE THINKS: Gilbaliga enjoyed the rich taste of the beef and was happy to see corn kernels, carrots and mashed potatoes included in the meal.
WORDS OF WISDOM: “Nakarinig ako isang beses na tinatawanan ako habang nagchachant, pero hindi ko na lang pinansin kasi kailangan ko magperform. Proud ako sa pinanggalingan ko, proud ako na isa akong katutubo.”
McDOKS Sizzling, 10 JP Laurel St Area 2, Bgy UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City; +63 916 1194944. Mon-Fri 11 am to 9pm.
This story first appeared on Coconuts Manila.
WATCH MORE CARINDERIA CRAWL VIDEOS:
– Episode 1: KC Tapsilogan at Lugawan on P. Noval Street, Manila
– Episode 2: Menes Eatery on E. Remigio Street, Manila
– Episode 3: Juan Spoon Eatery on Edison Street, Makati
– Episode 4: 15th Avenue Carinderia in Cubao, Quezon City
– Episode 5: Carinderia crawl: Sizzling beef and mushrooms at McDOKS Sizzling
– Episode 6: Tocino and tortang talong at Honey’s Canteen on West Avenue
– Episode 7: Dinengdeng and lapu-lapu at Carol’s Eatery on Retiro Avenue, QC
– Episode 8- Pork sisig at Ilar’s Tapsilog in Manila
– Episode 9: Red Gate Eatery in Caloocan
– Episode 10: Bangsilog at Erlin’s Tapsilog in Manila
– Episode 11: Pork BBQ and liempo at B-B-Q Zone in Teacher’s Village
– Episode 12: Pancit batil patung in Kamuning, Quezon City
– Episode 13: Beef and chicken pita at Hijo d’Pita in Teacher’s Village
– Episode 14: Special bulalo at Bulaluhan sa España in Manila
– Episode 15: Kanto Freestyle Breakfast in Bo Kapitolyo, Pasig
– Episode 16: Mang Tootz in Sampaloc, Manila
– Episode 17: Juana’s Budbod and Coffee in Sampaloc, Manila
– Episode 18: Manang’s Food House at Ateneo de Manila
– Episode 19: Sizzling pork sisig at Aysee
– Episode 20: Bagnet-themed dishes at Bagneto
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