The week's dinner menu in my hometown of Marikina is very predictable and limited. When asked about the dinner plans, a Mom would usually say, "something with do". Most of the dishes have the syllable do as in asado, mechado, adobo, menudo. Most Moms' randomly pick any of those dishes when planning what to cook for dinner.
I come from the town of Marikina in the Philippines and so did my forebears. In fact, I can not trace any root other than this place. It is well known as the shoe capital of the Philippines. A new addition to the list of things to see in my town is the Shoe Museum which houses Madam Imelda Marcos' famous collection of shoes, some of which were made there.
This recipe is one of the signature dishes of my home town, Marikina, in the Philippines Its origin is unknown and no one can tell why this dish is called "Everlasting". Perhaps it was named after the everlasting flower because the dish is embellished and provides a decorative focal point to the buffet table. It is always present at every festive table during fiestas and holidays. Cooking this has brought back so many happy childhood memories.
