I'm from Manila and I've been saying this for some time now that the Philippines should do something about Ube like what Thailand did to its cuisine and recipes when it hit international level.
I believe this is one of the major reasons why Filipino cuisine is not as popular as other Asian cuisines. Counties like Korea, Thailand, Vietnam etc make their dishes in restaurants fancy and high class, with very good quality ingredients. However you will never see most of these dishes eaten at home, because thats simply not the original dish. The opposite is true with Filipino cuisine, what you see in restaurants is literally how it will look and taste when eaten at home, its practically identical, they dont even bother putting garnishes in the dishes to make it look good, they'll put a bbq stick on a plate and thats it, very simple and basic looking.
Thai government spent like $15m to make Thai food to become well known worldwide (the "Global Thai") in the early 2000s , Philippine government dont have vision like that.
Well even Thailand shamelessly profited from our nata de coco, true food thief! Even now Vietnam is profiting from our calamansi. It's a shame no one legally protects our cultural cuisine and delicacies like in Italy
But that's the catch. I disagree in that we need to put garnishes in our foods to look colorful and more appetizing. Look st chinese cuisine. Their food is colorful and vibrant and thats something filipinos should do if they want to sell and expose filipino cuisine more. Without any green garnish, for example, most filipino foods will look bland and unappetizing. Just my opinion. Take care. @stuka80
This was a powerful reminder that ube is not just a flavor... it’s a story of Filipino resilience and culture. I had no idea that ube farming was declining in the Philippines. It’s a sad reality that we’ve seen with other cultural products that get commercialized. If we’re going to make ube the flavor of the year, let’s also make it a year of support for the farmers who’ve been growing it for generations! Thanks for sharing such an important perspective, One Down!
I planted Ube. Stranely the fruits grew from the vine and not only in the roots. Ube is a luxury. 98.74% of Filipinos only are Ube flavored icecream and not the jam popular in Bohol and Dumaguete.
stop this woke nonesense. ube farming is declining because of Colonialism. Filipinos tend to idolize anything America that includes fastfood, processed food, viral foods. 😂😂 it's not like we are eating ube everyday. just talking real. 😂😂
Don't be ignorant. It has nothing to do with capitalism destroying anything. The main staple of the Filipino diet is rice and they also happen to be the biggest importers of it, not exporters. Filipinos have an internal issue with their food production that is uniquely their own making. They need to be exporting more ube if anything, so that they can commoditize it and make that money.
@@hmmfat I agree to this since I can't see the reason why it's wrong for businesses to use artificial flavoring (although I'm not a big fan of that either) since back here at home the farmers are even mostly ignored by our own government.
Ube is an ingredient, and it should be used. Experimented upon to evolve a cuisine. Funny enough, ube, while ironically connected to The Philippines is not just unique to The Philippines. Our southeast asian neighbors also use such. Even Filipino bakeries and locals here experiment with ube. Filipinos literally add them to doughnuts, lattes, flans, maja blanca, pan de sal. Food that isn't known to use ube before. This is the problem with politicizing a humble natural produce such as ube. Us Filipinos happen to have such amazing product from nature, WE DON'T OWN IT as we can never own nature. The least we can do is use it in every manner we can. And by we, that includes every human. We can say the US got it from us and they're using it differently than we do, but to gate keep something from nature is such a narcissistic thing to do.
Yeah it's like putting macha glaze on a doughnut and calling it a tribute to Japanese culture. Use the ingredient but spare us the bullshit that you're honoring the culture or whatever.
@@TaLeng2023 because it works for the people. Average iq is going down, it’s good marketing tbh. It works on stupid people :) see how many people are rage baited and triggered because it sells in the US, if it’s easy to sell, why not do it yourself, start a company, sell ube? Oh wait, people won’t because? Yea.
Ube, or purple yam, is a vibrant root vegetable native to the Philippines, deeply woven into the country’s culinary heritage. Its striking purple hue and distinct sweet flavor make it a favorite in various traditional desserts, such as ube halaya (a sweet jam) and ube cake. The cultural significance of ube extends beyond its taste; it represents Filipino celebrations and gatherings, often featured in festive dishes. The recent global popularity of ube has led to its incorporation into diverse foods, from ice cream to donuts, yet authentic ube from the Philippines remains unparalleled in flavor and tradition. In essence, ube is more than just a trend; it embodies the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, making it a culinary treasure worth experiencing in its true form. Furthermore, ube plays a crucial role in Filipino festivals and family gatherings, symbolizing joy and celebration. Its preparation often involves time-honored methods, such as boiling, mashing, and mixing with coconut milk or condensed milk to enhance its natural sweetness. Beyond its culinary uses, ube also carries cultural significance, representing resilience and resourcefulness in Filipino communities. The yam is not only a beloved ingredient but also a source of pride, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the Philippines. As global interest in Filipino cuisine continues to grow, it's essential to appreciate ube in its authentic context, understanding the traditions and stories that accompany it. For anyone looking to explore Filipino culture, trying real ube is an enriching experience that goes beyond just flavor-it's about connecting with a vibrant culinary tradition. Lastly, the rise of ube on the international stage highlights the broader movement to celebrate and preserve indigenous ingredients and culinary practices. As more people discover ube, there's an opportunity to educate others about its origins, cultivation, and cultural importance. Moreover, this trend can encourage sustainable farming practices and support local farmers in the Philippines, fostering a deeper appreciation for the roots of this beloved ingredient. In a world increasingly driven by trends, savoring authentic ube allows for a meaningful connection to Filipino heritage and a richer understanding of global food cultures. Embracing ube is not just about enjoying its unique taste-it's about celebrating a vibrant tradition that deserves recognition and respect.
@@eduardochavacano Sadly that's true, though it used to be more accessible, but even locally there are alot of fake Ube as well. I think the issue is more complicated. The reduction of agricultural production of ube probably one of the root of this, means less supply while demand is high, thus more expensive. This is where fake ube will try to fill in the market, which only satisfies short term but will hurt the agriculture of ube even worse and even to our Filipino culture. This is where government really needs to step in to really improve the agriculture in general and save us from these issues. Since ube is trendy, it is rather unwise for the government not actually invest on this as at the end of the day, the money from this will come back to the country. Even corrupt politicians will benefit since they will have more money somehow. Yet for some reason, we are not taking care of this and actually improving the agriculture. Its like we ask for more money but not actually working for to get more money.
The decrease production of rice, ube and calamansi is the direct result of Filipinos looking down😔 on agriculture. Filipinos see people who do agriculture as being poor or when you pursue agriculture related courses you'll be looked down and you'll receive insults too. Long story short, there's a discrimination among the agriculture sectors in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries sees it the other way.
Worked for a social entrepreneurship company! It's actually so many factors why farmers aren't earning a buck! Mostly it's the LGU, middle men, and capital lenders all using and abusing them.
Take it from my friend who graduated Agriculture; despite we living in a food basket province, he still not finding a job related to his course. It's not the lack of interest, but a web of politicians and businessmen shaking hands a lot to make prices artificially high. I saw it with my own eyes truck loads of fresh produce thrown to a ditch since if they sell it, it becomes more cheap. Don't mistake Philippines to be lacking in agriculture; we're pretty good at it. It's just the powers that be with schemes and conspiracies REALLY holding us down.
It's quite a paradox when there is a high demand of ube in the US and the Filipino farmers decrease its production and their profitability. The problem does not only lie with the American culture treating ube, but the problem also lies with the agricultural politics in the Philippines exploiting underpaid farmers.
Exactly. It is also important to have a government that supports and acts as a backbone and the primary nurturer of its own culture and heritage. Not only is this happening with Ube, but in a lot of our country's natural gifts, its resources, and its people. Despite the country's potential, it remains just that if not properly developed and promoted.
So, we’re just gonna keep letting Americans ‘discover’ ube like it’s some new invention, while the farmers in the Philippines are struggling to grow it? Cool.
So they are successful, why not copy what works? Apply the same shit? Why do things that are bound to fail? No wonder why philippines have an average iq of 82. Or we just professional victims? Sad
@@NoelJohnCarlo No you need to be because other people are lying about its origins now. If other countries can be proud of what their people have grown and cultivate why can't filipinos?
@@NoelJohnCarlo no we need to be serious, look our agriculture was neglected by our government. I have watch many documentary and history, my recently watched was this "Slovenia: How to Get Rich Without Capitalism. - History Scope" search it, and I though, I wish Philippines was like this, and no: have nothing to do with Capitalism, Socialism, or Communism, it just how our government prioritize and manage. Can't can't developed our culture as sushi in Japan, ube in Philippines, then forgot tourism, forget identity, they are as important as good public transport and education and health, foreign will visit other ASEAN instead, when comes to architectural cultural design, lack to public green parks, Filipinos are deprived, Philippines will be much of a loser and will become more uninterested to visitors.
I've been seeing ube everywhere lately-from lattes to cakes-and it’s wild how far this trend has strayed from its roots. It’s kind of surprising that so many folks in the U.S. are enjoying fake ube without even trying the real deal. Feels like we’re missing out on a richer understanding of Filipino culture and it's genuine taste! Let's go for the real thing!
Tinutukoy nya Yung sa America Tanga kc satin most ube roots tlga gngmt sa America kc food coloring na purple at dhil trend yun cnsabi nila na ube daw yun kht food coloring lang🥴🙄 😂🤣@@scorpioninpink
@@scorpioninpink maybe next time try to understand the content of what the OP is saying. Instead of attacking right away. As @AKOSIRANMA-23 stated, the OP was referring to the United States as to how far from it's origin the flavor of ube has strayed from. Ibig niyang sabihin na dito sa America, halos peke ang mga binebenta nilang ube flavor. Hindi talaga galing sa Pinas. Puros asukal at artificial coloring lang.
@@Gitiffan Ohh tapos? Halos din naman ng flavoring ng ube sa Pinas at artificial din. Mahal ang TUNAY na ube dahil hindi pa sikat sa America ay mababa talaga ang supply.
Philippine government won't support national industrialization of ube and calamansi because of its neocolonial relationship with the US or in the West, in general. It would rather prioritize cash crops that would sell more in the fastest way.
You’re correct and it makes sense. Why invest/support something that won’t make money? We’re not a rich country, we need money. How stupid is that, right? 😂
It's all because of my own current seating president who is a lapdog of the USA and a drug addict. He and his alipores always maligns the people they don't like because they don't want progress but want my nation Philippines to be a narcostate and a communist country because he and his alipores have alliance with one of the world's biggest criminal syndicates which is a terrorist organization that already declared as terrorists by the USA, Canada, ANZ, the entire Europe, and the Philippines that killed more than 50,000 Filipinos (whether civilians, men and women in uniform, indigeneous peoples, and even their fellow members of the said terrorist organization) for more than 5 decades and also the ones that radicalized the minds of the Filipino children and young people in form of recruiting inside schools, colleges, and universities thru the so-called "progressive" but actually regressive groups that it's connect to the said terrorist organization. Communist insurgency is one of the factors that the Philippines have a huge decline in terms of agriculture and doesn't want national industrialization at all.
@@rockerstar_ That's what is saddening though. Philippine culture is forgotten and ousted by foreign cultures Filipinos in general wouldn't care what happens to ube and calamansi outside the country since they'd think this isn't their problem.
I as a farmer would not plant ube. It takes months to grow tubers. I would rather farm kamote, its more in demand and more expensive. If I plant vegetables, I can harvest 6 to 10 times a year in a single plot of land. If I plant ube, I can only harvest after more than 1 year. Im trying to feed my family, not trying to satisfy a delulu culture. Ube is only popularized when Sisters of Dominican Chapel here in Baguio made jams out of Cordilleran "togi" (ube). If the market will adjust its prices for ube to be a reliable source of income then I would change my mind. To date, there is no variety of ube that can produce bigger tubers or with faster growing time. More so, the suitable climate for ube is the Cordilleras and the mountains of Bukidnon.
I really don't mind Americans going crazy over ube. The main problem is not "Americanization" but that the Philippine government continues to fail miserably at supporting local agriculture. This is most strikingy seen with rice. We used to be a top producer but now we import a lot of what we eat. No amount of cultural appropriation can outdo the damage of malicious and wickedly corrupt and inept government officials.
'Malicious and wickedly corrupt and inept government officials.' Who elected them in the first place? They shouldn't be there if no one caused them to be there.
How can you consider one invasive if you can't plant them? Na better check what invasive really means. Invasive if it was introduced to the ecosystem, it populates rapidly than the native and endemic species.
@@CG-fn2cj as far as I know, the USDA listed ube as crops that can't be planted commercially and listed as an invasive species... As you know the US has some history of planting something that they can't control (ex. Kudzu) the spread and they became cautious of other plants since then... Edit: upon looking further as you have suggested, in Florida Ube is considered as a weed/invasive plant... So yeah there you go
I’ve always loved ube and thought it was great to see it becoming so popular, but this video made me think twice. We can’t let ube follow the same path as other cultural products that get commodified and lose their true essence. One Down’s point about the decline in ube farming in the Philippines is concerning-if we don’t act now, we might just be celebrating an imitation. Let’s make this trend about more than just desserts and actually support Filipino farmers.
you're supporting a loss cause. because American Colonialism is being shoved to our Filipino faces in social media, and in everyday life. Who cares about UBE? when what we really want are starbucks and mcdonalds 😂
This is why whenever things trend always a bad thing. It will bring in people who doesn't care the origins. Why care origin when money on the line? This is why Fandom needs gate keep to keep things quality control
I dont see the problem of the trend but taking advantage of it. We need to shift our focus to agriculture and empower our farmers to produce more so we can be a major player in exporting products especially ube, rice, calamansi and more. The problem is that we can't even capitalize this and this where other countries sees the advantage and produce their own like calamansi and rice. Now is the time to wake up and think what we are good at.
I made a comment elsewhere on this. You are right. But corruption unfortunately and lack of vision play a big role in Filipino economics 😢 I pray one day Philippines (where my parents are from) can turn it around like South Korea one day.
@@saludares99and also the fact that it isn't really worth the risk considering the fact that we are constantly getting hit by typhoons and agriculture is one of the most affected sector in times like this.
You mentioning the decline of ube just reminds me of the criminal lack of support from the government for our farmers. There's an abundance of crops that aren't selling because the government prefers to import them instead. It's insane. My parents were OFW workers, and used to have my grandmother cook ube for them to take abroad. It's a very laborious process (I'd get roped in to either grate the ube root, or stir the big wok constantly as the very thick and heavy ube cooks). It was kinda labor-intensive, but my lola's ube was sooooooooo good. Fun times...
I do remember hearing that ube is extremely difficult to export and cultivate outside the Philippines which is why people outside the country are forced to find alternatives. The real reason why ube is in decline is agriculture in the Philippines in general is in decline for years now. From global warming to the yearly decrease of people working in agriculture due to low wages and high cost. I mean, sure, ube may be at risk of being, what you say, Americanized, but I'm sure the demand it generates will help the agriculture sector here. If anything, it will at least ignite some innovation in the local food business, which might help sustain the ube demand the agriculture sector needs.
Good that climate change has been mentioned cause I believe that it had become a big factor especially now that some parts of the PH are already reaching 40° temperature.
Different kinds of ube are also planted in different Austronesian-speaking regions (pacific islands, southeast asia, madagascar). But it's only us that made it into a dessert and made it part of our food industry
@@randomly_random_0 I'm pretty sure the species for Ube is very different outside of the Philippines. Yes, other regions cook ube or more commonly known as purple yam outside the Philippines but they don't have the same taste. It's something similar to that cheese where the bacteria is only found in that certain part of the world. (Was it Parmesan cheese?) FEATR made a video about it if you want to know more about ube. It's called "Is Ube Being Stolen from the Philippines?"
What if most of us haven’t ACTUALLY even tasted real ube yet? Totally made me question whether we’re just consuming a ‘concept’ and forgetting the culture.
felt the same way - i feel like imitation flavors or just the extracts of the ube flavoring is what's commonly used in the US.. even for trader joes ube products, not all of them even mention the origin of the PH - it used to at one point but not anymore :/
as a filipino we encourage americans to enjoy real ube crop instead of ube artificial flavoring, thourgh that you'll help farmers & economy, & develop awareness about the food, aswell as having a genuine experiece & its more healthier too💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
hindi nman tlga USA problema, konti satin/dito sa Pilipinas din lng nman. Sarili nga nating bigas di masupportahan eh, isa tayo sa pinakamalaks magconsume ng bigas, pero asa nman tayo sa imported rice despite na kaya nman natin magporduce susuportahan lng local farmers. Ube, anong choice ng USA kung tayo mismo pumapatay sa agriculture natin? pwede sila makatulong pero di tayo pwede umasa lng sa kanila lalo't tayo namn tlga mismo ang sumisira dito, kailangan magsimula satin ang pagbabago
@@alice_agogo condensed milk is different from ube didn't you know that? don't get smart on me telling it is also an ingredient for ube products. commenter said UBe not condensed milk.
@@alice_agogo coming from a ⚰🧠herself noting condensed milk as unhealthy whereas the commenter's subject is Ube and yes we eat ube as it is as vegetable, snack or as food to pass hunger. of course you won't understand this if you are not truly a Filipino.
Honestly this whole thing is such a complex issue 1. I find it hypocritical to call USA a "culture vulture" when we ourselves in The Philippines are just as guilty with other foods/flavors, italians would be horrified with what we've done to spaghetti and carbonara, same thing with chocolate, originally grown in Mexico and was used as medicine yet we mix it with other ingredients and now consume it as a treat rather than medicine, we can be thankful to the culture that originally discovered/grew it but we're not obliged to use/prepare it the same way they did, same logic with ube, same logic with matcha and other flavors, at the end of the day it's all food, it doesn't need to be prepared the same way or used in the same food as where it originated from, that's how many different dishes were invented, people take what they know is edible and combine it with other foods and/or cook it differently than whoever used it first 2. I agree that it's problematic that fake ube is going around and people are eating it without knowing about the real deal but at the same time we do it ourselves, the ube in our halo-halo, pandesal and other foods are also sometimes not made from real ube/barely made from it! We should pressure our government to support our agricultural sector more than they currently are so real ube will be easier to come by 3. I'm thankful that people are learning the history of ube but the way this video was worded made it sound like they HAVE to learn the history of it when all we truly want as Filipinos in The Philippines is to be acknowledged and credited as the original cultivators of it, it's not immoral or offensive to us if people don't know the history of it, most people just wanna shut up and eat their food, we do the same thing, we understand, we just want acknowledgedment.
I mean Philippines isn’t any better when it comes to boba….most Filipinos who drink boba or sell it don’t even think of where it came from or the significant impact it has to its culture because to them its just a tasty trendy drink
right. let's also stop local burger joints, pizza places, and taco stalls from selling. because Filipinos are profiting from other's cultures (US, Italy, Mexico) too.😂😂
@@alfonsomartinez7919 alot of filipinos want their culture, food to be recognized and gain popularity in the west and when its finally happening we get mad and worried that they might appropriate, profited?
I don't buy the cultural appropriation argument. But if Filipinos could somehow break the terrible corruption of that country (and lack of political will), there could be a movement like the French or Italians in the way they safeguard the quality of their homegrown products. The real tragedy is that poor filipinos don't have the business acumen, thereby allowing aggressive neighboring economies to take over.
There is definitely cultural appropriation at play here. Most Americans consume products without knowledge (cultural background). When it’s marketed as trendy, people will bite the bait. Americans love anything exotic, and with Ube having a purple hue, this alone is enough for people to purchase and share their experience on social media. This country loves to take other country’s culture, food, and practices, and totally make it their own. This is not the first time they’ve done it. Hope this helps
Filipino cuisine is under represented in general. If Ube is the main gateway to recognition that may open the floodgates. Who are we to be gatekeepers. Not everyone wants a history lesson. Just let them eat and appreciate.
Ps. We are our worst enemies. Ive gone to Kasama and Kuya Lord. And instead of uplifting our few restaurants elevating our cuisine and culture, we have Filipinos criticizing and questioning and disecting (like this video) every single thing about authenticity. Its not that deep. Philippines is at the other side of the world. Supplies are not easily accessible.
I mean there’s no problem in making Ube famous around the world, especially in the West. We Filipinos are actually glad it made mainstream in the US. The thing is that we need to make everyone aware that Ube originated from the Philippines and it’s not a root crop originally harvested in the US.
@@gabrieldominic2381 nah. Not really. Speaking for myself. I wouldnt want anyone giving me a history lesson regarding pasta vs noodles, or where a hamburger originated. Let me eat. Not everything needs a deep dive into origins or label as cultural appropriation. Lets just start somewhere first, rather than being pedantic tanking our chance of being seen. Lets just eat. And enjoy.
@@GabrielIsrael-d6kIt has to be authentic ube though. It's not a good representation if it's not the real thing. That's why we should invest more in agriculture and support our farmers as it is difficult to cultivate ube. However, I agree that we should let them enjoy it too and not gatekeep it for ourselves. Goodness in one culture must be shared and ofcourse, other countries will have their own version of it. Like how we Filipinos love our version of spaghetti, hamburger, pizza etc.
I'm a Filipino living in the Philippines and I expected a lot from this video. The history of ube was mentioned and even the Aetas but just that. What really is ube? People confuse it with purple potatoes. How is it cultivated. You said production was down but how? Why? You mentioned cultural significance but it ended with the mention of birthdays and fiestas, no more. How should we share ube world? Is the Dear Flor ube boba gummies made with real ube? I got so many questions after the video rather than getting answers. When did the ube trend in North America start? How is it now? 🤔
Salamat sa dyos hindi lang ako naka pansin sa mga problema sa video na ito. Medyo baluktot ang informacion kagaya ng tagalog ko! (sorry...lumaki ko sa States) Parang sinsasabi "eto ang problema...pero meron itong business na may alam sa lahat ng bagay tunkol sa ube, bumili na kayo ng product nila!"
You might be interested in watching FEATR's video about this. The title is, "Is ube being stolen from the Philippines?" Their channel features Filipino food, heritage, and customs more comprehensively, detailed, and creative.
What? Before someone eats ube, they are expected to learn and share a part of its history? Can't we just enjoy food as it is without making cultural appropriation the central issue? I mean, as a Filipino, I don't want to learn the history of kimchi in Korea, boba from Taiwan, or sushi from Japan. Food is food, and regardless of its origin, we are all entitled to enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, I want Americans to taste the real ube, but they don't have to learn its history. They can if they want to, but it shouldn't be compulsory. This is so cringe, really.
@@boogermaiden but we are also using the flavor one in Philippines. The ube flavor you buy in the stores and supermarkets ara all flavored ube and contains only little to none. check the label and the ingredients list. Even the ube in your halo-halo is probably not real ube because they used sweet potato the blue variety and just add ube extracts in it. probably, you can't even find ube in your local market because no one really plants it nowadays. You can only taste real unadulterated ube in the province where your grandma and grandpa lives but even there this ingredient is really hard to come by. And what's worse is that, vietnam and thailand are already propagating ube to dominate the supply because as you know demand is getting high globally.
@@boogermaiden we are dong exactly the same thing within our own country even to our own products. We are one of the largest consumers of rice, yet we rely on export cause we can support our own? same thing with Ube, we can even support it locally and in fact killing it, , even Ube flavored products sold localy are not all made of real Ube. Again, in our own country with our products/produce, what do you expect other countries to do?
Just enjoy the thing. We Filipinos don't mind. We love it when others enjoy our food. Trust me, our government is doing more harm than you guys can ever do by cultural appropriation.
As a filipino, enjoying something from another culture and even profiting from it isn't stealing. Stop gate keeping culture. America is a melting pot of cultures to share and appreciate. If I see a white guy wearing a barong, I'd be so proud. Same with ube. Look at what happened to wasabi. Most korean sushi doesn't even use real wasabi. STOP GATE KEEPING CULTURE. Culture is to be shared. Look at Korean pop culture, they took alot from black hip hop culture. They're not black. So by your logic, they can't use it? Wrong. They appreciate the culture so they copy aspects of it.
The video does not say that they should not use ube. On the contrary, the video actually says that they should use ube. The real kind. It wouldn't be gatekeeping culture if we want others to experience the real deal other than just an imitation far removed from its roots.
@@medxed2827the problem is, our government (Philippine government) fucked up our agricultural sectors. Kahit nga sa pilipinas mas common pa ung fake na ube, what? you think the ube they used on halo Halo are real? Mahal kaya nga ube halaya
@@medxed2827 It's gatekeeping coz the video is saying because they're not Filipino, they have no right to use it because they don't understand and respect the culture so they use ube substitutes instead of the real thing which is hurting Filipinos who farm it. By that logic, GAP can't make a barong coz they're not Filipino and they'll use substitute material ... or Koreans can't make wasabi using horseradish and food dye coz they're not Japanese ... or Filipinos can't use Toyo coz it's soy sauce and it's Chinese.
Here in the philippines we use a lot of ube powder, flavoring and coloring. All of those contribute to the growth of ube farmers. Real ube tastes better but to propose that america is ruining ube is stupid
Stolen? No. The problem with all these crops is our own doing. And by that I mean the lack of support in terms of proper rural infrastructure and mechanization that enables mass production. Because infrastructure is bad, the cost to the middleman increases. That cost is then shouldered by the farmers who are forced to sell it cheap. If it sells cheap, then no one will cultivate it. Instead, farmers just moves on to cash crops like cacao, coconuts and coffee which all have a strong supply chain. Long story short, no one’s really working to improve the supply chain so it’s prohibitively expensive once exported. If it’s too expensive then you can’t blame the market for resorting to cheap, artificial alternatives. Btw, a similar thing is happening to a lot of indigenous crops that aren’t “stolen” by the west. Including coconuts, btw. And I have personally experienced this because I own a farm and recently, we have decided to move on from coconuts to cacao due to diminishing prices. At the end of the day, farm owners have no choice but to respond to market movements. And no amount of being sentimental over our heritage will change the reality of the supply chain situation.
It's ok to have ube flavors even if you're not filipino. If the philippines doesn't produce enough quality ube products, it's mainly our fault. As what you've pointed out with calamansi, we filipinos have been gatekeeping so much that others have taken advantage of the market void.
excatly, this video seems to shift the blame. Like, we are dong exactly the same thing within our own country even to our own products. We are one of the largest consumers of rice, yet we rely on export cause we can support our own? Cause we killed are own rice agriculture. Same thing with Ube, we can't even support it locally and in fact killing it, even Ube flavored products sold localy are not all made of real Ube. Again, in our own country with our products/produce, what do you expect other countries to do?
This is sad but this is the reality of Philippines right now, declining production of agriculture that our country mainly grows for years and years. That is why it is very important to elect government officials who have the knowledge and ability to make our agriculture sector thrive. And this also applies to every sector of our government. We must not elect those who disappears after the election period and show ups only to propose mediocre bills. Do we have to wait a few years time when other countries have seize the opportunity to produce and export all the crops which are significant to our country until we realize how badly we have chosen for the Philippines?
So what's the problem if Americans like it? You claim Filipino culture but you're a Fil-Am, you're not the same as me. You're american so shut up about it because we Filipinos don't give a crap if people like Ube and make their own variations of it. Bro, get over it. We don't care and we don't cry about it.
@jeremiahtejada3059 yup. Let other cultures cultivate the wonderful blessing that is Ube and may those cultures make their own variations of the flavor. We don't cry about it if Americans are having their own twist on ube. We don't care if ube is used as a cash grab because we do that too, we put labels on things such as "from the USA" to attract customers to buy your stuff even though they originally came from China. I can't help but cringe when fil-ams keep talking about the Philippines when they don't belong to it in the first place.
said farmers in the Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya regions just had their crops damaged because of the recent typhoons. not only is there a lack of institutional support for ube farming and indigenous communities in general, but the country sees yearly mass destruction of property and livelihood from natural calamities.
Ube boba is an awesome flavor combination and we acknowledge the Taiwanese origin of boba. How many boba shops that sell ube boba acknowledge that ube is from the Philippines? 🤔
Can I just eat it because it tastes good without people saying it has to do with a particular culture? It tastes good. Period. I like durian ice cream or mochi because it tastes good. No it is not "stealing" from SEA. It's tasty.
I second that. The problem is that our government doesn't support our agricultural sector for a long time now. It's a shame when we can cultivate many crops with advance techniques, facilities, and technologies. Most of their projects doesn't help our farmers for a long term. They just want our funds to corrupt and not to support us. The problem is in our country, not outside.
Can't blame US for going artificial. There's a demand but supply on natural resource is low. Ube farming isn't profitable compared to other agri products. Can only plant during 2-3 month summer period and takes 6+ months to grow, also sensitive to weather and climate changes. Even the Aetas of Pampanga no longer sell them like they used to.
I live in the Philippines. Americans aren't ruining ube. Just like Filipino style spaghetti isn't ruining Italian style spaghetti in America. It's pretty grandiose to think the average American knows any Filipino dishes.
Yo this is exactly what I was thinking too. Every culture/place has their own spin on something and who is to decide was is “authentic” and what isn’t? If it’s good food, that’s what should matter right? Haha Love from Canada 🇨🇦☺️
Similarly, nata de coco, which originates in the Philippines, has been widely adopted and commercialized by countries like South Korea and Thailand. Despite its Filipino origins, the Philippines has not fully capitalized on this opportunity. Even a small amount of recognition or credit for its contribution to this global product seems to be lacking.
The current administration of the Philippine government appears to be lacking in its support for the cultivation of the UBE, RICE, and Calamansi farm industry. This lack of support is hindering the growth and development of these important agricultural sectors. 👩🌾 #SupportLocalFarmers #AgriculturelsLife
Ganyan naman talaga epekto ng globalisation. Hindi yan maiiwasan na ma-white wash ang mga bagay na may cultural value kapalit ng paggiging popular ng isang produkto at marketing. Sa aking opinyon ang dapat natin gawin ay palaguin at itaas ang antas ng produkto ng agrikultura sa sarili natin bansa. E anu ngayon kung di pa natitikman ng mga banyaga ang tunay na ube! Pabayaan lang natin silang kumain ng artificial flavoring at food coloring! Kumbaga sa wasabi ng mga hapon. Wala naman ako nadidinig na mga japanese na nagrereklamo. Bagkus mas itinataas nila yung quality ng mga tunay na wasabi plant, to the point isa sa mga pang mayaman na ingredient ang tunay na wasabi. Halos lahat ng bagay na may "cultural issues" ang bilis natin ma-trigger. E wala naman tayo magagawa dahil yan ang capitalism at globalisation. Kaya nga din nasa western country din tayo. Tayong mga pilipino na nasa ibang bansa, dapat tulungan nalang natin yung bansa natin na mas umangat. Mahirap oo, kasi maraming socio-economic at political issues ang Pilipinas. Sandamakmak na redtape at corruption. Pero tayo may kakayahang tumulong financially at tumulong sa mga may capability na mag introduce ng mga new agricultural technology sa bansa. Lalo na sa mga grassroots non-profit organisations.
This was so extra, and I'm Filipino. As if Filipinos credit the origins of kikiam, siomai, and chicharon. What is up with this trend of gatekeeping in the first place.
Don't be an ube snob. If you're proud of pure ube in the Philippines, by all means keep it pure. Don't mind the Americans. You don't hear Italians complain about Domino's pizza, Chinese complain about Panda Express, or Taiwanese complain about Americanized boba tea in America.
As a Filipino, we don't care what you do with ube as long as it will come out a delicious food. Food is evolving and ever changing. It will become boring and plain if it doesn't. We love to share our culture. So let's be happy that people enjoy the food we created and further developed it.
I think the trend of ube products in the US is actually good for filipinos as it shows that our country was able to export our culture through food. We should not gatekeep ube and keep it flourished.
nobody is gatekeeping it. Americans call the Philippine their trading partner but in reality they do not buy anything from them, they are just a Consumer to them. ube is trending? and yet ube farmer are still struggling? how come? coz they don't buy it from them. they rather make an Artificial Ube.
They can’t even identify a real ube from taro and purple sweet potatoes…unless it’s a flavoring with a label ube flavor and it’s purple liquid in a bottle
My 5th grader shared this with me. Glad you pointed out other examples of cultural migration.,i.e., hip hop and matcha. I remember when Jamaicans reacted to musicianrs from other parts of the world producing reggae music. I think the key word is appreciation, and not just appropriation. Your title is a little sensationalist, though. Adopting is probably a better word, but I guess "stealing" will get netizens ' attention more. More facts and figures would be nice, too. Like how does hemp ube gummies relieve jet lag?
Look, I agree with you but also, we have been asking to go mainstream so the lesson here is that there is always an exchange for fame - sure finally, something Filipino is becoming mainstream but its not as authentic as we hoped it to be. So what do we do?
Am I the only one who appreciates when other people or countries love our culture? Like Ube halaya and other foods that use Ube-it’s great to see others enjoying it. But at the same time, we don’t “own” Ube; it’s just a part of our culture. A plant or a component of something isn’t “your” culture. I wouldn’t be upset if, in the future, people don’t immediately associate Ube with Filipino culture because everyone should be able to use what the earth provides and incorporate it into their own traditions. We don’t truly own anything in that sense, so let’s not gatekeep things that don’t need gatekeeping.
No matter how much they appropriate Ube, it will still be innately Filipino...now hoping Pili Nut and Calamansi to also take center stage and represent Filipino cuisine as well
Not only that, in ancient times, Purple dye was the rarest color to obtain in the whole world, it can only be obtained by a species of snails that are rare, meaning purple or violet represents "royalty" which makes it super expensive. Here in the Philippines, ube is used to make purple dye, it's a crucial part of our culture that it has been valued as a treasure to us Filipinos.
I'm Filipino and I hate videos like this. Starting with an 'accusation' that presents itself as a 'verdict' under the lens that this root vegetable is theirs. One simple rule, they buy it, they own it. No other caveats on learning about a culture just because you need to sip some purple or worry about indignation of farmers not earning from their crop. Why do I need to honor people when I'm eating purple? That's some bullshit. Go ahead and spend your borrowed money to 'support' products all you want; the invisible hand of the market is still at play.
as a native filipino this subject matter piqued my interest and was expecting some kind of logical explanation on the matter but what I got was some kind of imposing a moral obligation to those that benefits from it. This video immediately falls short when you realize your average consumer is dumb and does not care on how the product they are consuming came to be and an entrepeneur or business would make sure to maximize the profit they get from it. And as a filipino I don't think another foreign market should be responsible that our local industry should thrive, that's the philippine government's job and to make sure our local industry does not die. But too bad our government officials are way too busy slinging mud to each other at the present
Those comments made for the fake ube is the reason why i dont watch those "taste reaction" bs in yt especially for ube. They aren't really tasting the real one but they will comment those things. It kinda hurts when you have tasted the real one since you're just a little child
Don't care about gripes about cultural recognition, or economic redistribution around a crop. Those are self-indulgent vain appeals to emotion. But authenticity of flavor in food matters. I hope people aren't scammed by fake food, or the fake ones improve well enough to duplicate the real thing.
Y'all need to stop. American songs and culture is main stream Filipino culture. America doesn't say don't sing our music or don't dance our way so y'all really need to chill.
@albertlim2252 You mean to tell me that the 20,000 Filipinos that move to America each year to find work and a better life are not profiting from American culture? They buy lands, find work, and start businesses, and you say they're not profiting? When Americans go to the Philippines it's not to buy land or start businesses. Americans bring money and spend, boosting the economy. Filipinos send American money to the Philippines to boost the Filipino economy. If Filipino businessmen want to sell ube to Americans then so be it. It's not your place or anyone else's to drag America through the dirt because America is buying what the Philippines is selling. This whole conversation is ridiculous!
We have been pushing Filipino delicacies, flavor and stuff for years. Now, when one's a mainstream we are pulling it out? or are just being protective because we wanted it to be associated with us?
If you want to try real ube and happen to be in the Philippines, I recommend Good Shepherd's ube in Baguio and locally made ube halaya from different provinces. There are many local businesses too, even in Metro Manila that use real ube in Halo Halo, cakes, and other desserts. Anyways, thank you for liking ube (if you do). It deserves to be known worldwide for people who will like it, and not to be gatekeeped.
This is a great video as I didn't realize that ube has also been declining in production globally (along with cacao, vanilla and honey). However, the title is misleading (in my opinion) as my first thought when I first came across the video was kind of the negative side. But after watching, it occurred to me that this is more of a wake up call about how Filipinos should be more loud with educating and associating ube with our rich culture. Ube, to me, brings back childhood memories of when my lola would make halaya in a huge talyasi during the town fiesta; and my uncles took turns to stir the rich purple ube goodness so the bottom didn't burn. Thank you for making/sharing this video!
Exactly, his video seems to shift the blame from the real problem . Like, we are dong exactly the same thing within our own country even to our own products. We are one of the largest consumers of rice, yet we rely on export cause we can support our own? Cause we killed are own rice agriculture. Same thing with Ube, we can't even support it locally and in fact killing it, even Ube flavored products sold localy are not all made of real Ube. Again, in our own country with our products/produce, what do you expect other countries to do?
The question should not be "why are we using artificial flavors?" but "Why can't Philippines increase production?". It's always the Philippines losing opportunities and justifying it with "whatever reasons". P.S. I agree with this video's conclusion. The Philippines should do it's best to increase it's production which will in turn increase badly needed jobs.
The trend doesn't really correlate to why ube production is in a decline. There are a lot of factors that come into play on why demand isn't being met by production. One reason is that the Philippine agricultural system isn't the best. Farmers aren't given many benefits in working the fields, and research done in the agricultural sector isn't common. Most of the articles I've been reading regarding the Philippine's agricultural sector mostly focus on trade and mercantile, not agricultural progress or research. It just seems like the video focuses more on how America aren't giving credit to the Philippines and its culture. Even the title leans more negative to Americans when the Philippine government is also to blame.
This is BS so what would you say about Finos stealing most of Chinese foods and claiming it as their own? Culinary needs do be shared and not get gatekeep if Fino ube production is going down its because of the local market Ube is rarely imported ever since.
Government must implement and invest to grow the Calamansi and Ube industry in world market It's our national food look Vietnam tinatalo na Tayo sa calamansi marketing Ninakaw lng nmn. Nila satin yun ngayun cla na nangunguna at5 malaki Factory nila sa calamansi satin waley sana sa ube mas mkilalapa Tayo na a'tin to gaya ng macha ng Japan 😢
FEATR also made a great video about this issue last year. Please let’s continue to spread awareness until the PH gov do something about this, if they haven’t already!
bro im a filipino myself, use it however tf u want cant we just re-grow them? and i aint being ignorant, deadass just make them pricy if they are that valuable and rare. culture this culture that, should we even mention culture just because something came from us, be ashamed because diversity is intoxicating your minds. DO not be like this thinking about the "reality" when it exists everywhere. "Oh we suffer more so you should respect that" thats the vibe im getting here and its so empty-minded thinking. Honestly what the farmers need is money not validation from some random dude thousands of kilometers away, and that validation wouldn't even feed them nor benefit them.
Same I'm filipino and they are making this such a big deal. Americans are NOT stealing there culture. They just love the taste of ube. They always have to use the "CULTURE" Notion to get media attention.
Also, you can't unglobalize food once demand for it starts. Even Korean production of chili flakes gochugaru is being "globalized" through growing contracts in Vietnam. The question is, why aren't Filipino companies able to do the same. Maybe the issue why Filipinos are being outdone by other countries in this business is because the country is just too laggard and SMEs cannot innovate fast enough or export aggressively because of repressive local business/tax policies in the Philippines. It's Fil-Ams who successfully marketed ube in the West, not the Filipinos from the Philippines. Unfortunately Fil-Ams are now finding out the ube supply chain (or any supply chain at all!) in the Philippines is poor and we need to import more resources to it just to meet local demand rather than export. Even Malaysian bakery goods/raw materials suppliers export ube paste to the Philippines.
I really miss eating that real fresh steamed ube 😢 ube kalamay is my favorite, i moved here to the states from the Philippines and all of a sudden ube has become so popular!
This video brought up very good points, making me question a few things. I do find it cool albeit ironic how Ube is blowing up as a novelty flavor in America while it’s actually declining in popularity in the Philippines. If anyone’s actually robbing Ube of its potential, I think it’s the very people in power who are supposed to safeguard these local treasures… but they seem to have their noses elsewhere. I think this holds true for many native staples - matcha, like you mentioned, for example.. or maple, vanilla, etc. Overall, it’s hard to retain authenticity once something is commodified. I guess it’s the price of going mainstream as commercial demand breeds simplification.. pushing ‘cultural nuance’ aside. Ube to us is very much like Singapore’s Kaya, or Australia’s Marmite - it’s every day. It’s growing up. It’s culture deep. Food evolves and transforms itself so many times but the goal of bringing people together has always been the same, so I hope you guys are right about how this should just be a gateway to curiosity for Filipino cuisine.. that would be awesome. Anyway. Here’s a simple Ube Halaya recipe for the curious few! Ingredients - 1 lb (450g) fresh or frozen grated ube (purple YAM) - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk - 1/2 cup coconut milk - 1/2 cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste) - 1/4 cup butter (plus extra for greasing and topping) Instructions 1. Prep the Ube: If using fresh ube, peel and grate it. If frozen, let it thaw. 2. Cook the Mixture: In a large non-stick pan or pot, combine the grated ube, condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and sugar. 3. Simmer and Stir: Turn the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The mixture will start to thicken after about 30-40 minutes. 4. Add Butter: Once it’s thick and sticky, add the butter and continue stirring until fully incorporated and the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan. 5. Cool and Serve: Grease a mold or container with a little butter, then pour in the ube halaya, spreading it evenly. Let it cool, then top with more butter if desired before serving. PS: This takes HOURS and ancestral arm strength to make. For god tier results: needs a Lola constantly stirring and looking over the pot with one arm on her hip and a bimpo over her shoulder. They mean business! 😤😤
I'm sorry, but corporate Filipinos started artificially substituting ube even before demand from the United States became a thing. We can't overlook the fact that Filipino capitalists also have a role in this, especially when there is decades-old undermining of Filipino agrarian interests. Before that got sold in the US, the Philippine market was first flooded by artificial ube.
One of my question is that.. We see that Ube has the potential to be one of the best flavors in the word but some filipino Businesses do not really boost this potential to compete in the global market that that's where there foreigners goes in. Americs has the capacity to use Ube, growing it in the US. This makes the Philippines loose its advantages haha. how funny 😅
As if filipinos celebrate italian and american culture each time sweet spaghetti and cried chicken is eaten at jollibee or tropical hut. And ube is not exclusively filipino, it’s called by the same name in mainland se asian indo-malay culture. Even in japan it’s called by the same name where it’s used by okinawans. I was even surprised that honshu people knew about it.
I'm a Filipino from Maui & I'd have to strongly, but respectfully disagree with you. America is not stealing Filipino culture, they're commorating it by showcasing it in their mainstream fast food places. Every non - Filipino that I know from Maui, Las Vegas, Houston Texas and Macon Georgia knows Ube is a Filipino dish. Everyone believes that Adobo as a Filipino dish, but it actually originated from Spain. Same goes with Pizza. Everyone thinks Pizza came for Italy, when it actually originated from China. Food was meant to be spread/shared across the world, not isolated from it/be territorialized.
The original adobo in the the Philippines has no Soy sauce, only Salt, Vinegar, Garlic, pepper because of Chinese Influence they add Soysauce @trixie_pixie
@@allynsworld8317 Filipinos use Vinegar, Salt, pepper to marinade the meat and fish to prolonged its shelf life. Some ingenious method is burying the meat underground through use of giant Palayok.
I am happy that your team is addressing this kind of issue, I hope our government and those big corporations will help our local farmers not only in the ube industry but also in other areas.
No. It's not racist. Imagine being so sensitive and privilaged that seeing an American eat a flavor is somehow racist. They like the flavor, it's purple, and exotic. Who gives a damn. Sad to see this online over sensitivity infect Filipinos as well. Americans love Ube. Let them love Ube. We're no better in appropriating other cultures either. Chowking anyone? Mga balat sibuyas lahat kayo hay nako...
This is a reach... A lot of food in the Philippines comes from other places. Chocolate, Sweet Potatoes, Vanilla etc. are not natively from the Philippines, yet we have it here. I'm pretty sure Hotdog, Bubble Tea, Pizza, Hamburgers, Shawarma and french fries didn't originate here but still it's here in the Philippines, being made and consumed by Filipinos. You said it yourself, matcha is everywhere, but are you hearing the Japanese complain about cultural appropriation? Are they gate keeping? No, right? The message I get from this video is, Ube is ours, you can't have it or can I have a medal or something for it. Pathetic.
Ube, or purple yam, is a vibrant root vegetable native to the Philippines, deeply woven into the country’s culinary heritage. Its striking purple hue and distinct sweet flavor make it a favorite in various traditional desserts, such as ube halaya (a sweet jam) and ube cake. The cultural significance of ube extends beyond its taste; it represents Filipino celebrations and gatherings, often featured in festive dishes. The recent global popularity of ube has led to its incorporation into diverse foods, from ice cream to donuts, yet authentic ube from the Philippines remains unparalleled in flavor and tradition. In essence, ube is more than just a trend; it embodies the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, making it a culinary treasure worth experiencing in its true form. Furthermore, ube plays a crucial role in Filipino festivals and family gatherings, symbolizing joy and celebration. Its preparation often involves time-honored methods, such as boiling, mashing, and mixing with coconut milk or condensed milk to enhance its natural sweetness. Beyond its culinary uses, ube also carries cultural significance, representing resilience and resourcefulness in Filipino communities. The yam is not only a beloved ingredient but also a source of pride, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the Philippines. As global interest in Filipino cuisine continues to grow, it's essential to appreciate ube in its authentic context, understanding the traditions and stories that accompany it. For anyone looking to explore Filipino culture, trying real ube is an enriching experience that goes beyond just flavor-it's about connecting with a vibrant culinary tradition. Lastly, the rise of ube on the international stage highlights the broader movement to celebrate and preserve indigenous ingredients and culinary practices. As more people discover ube, there's an opportunity to educate others about its origins, cultivation, and cultural importance. Moreover, this trend can encourage sustainable farming practices and support local farmers in the Philippines, fostering a deeper appreciation for the roots of this beloved ingredient. In a world increasingly driven by trends, savoring authentic ube allows for a meaningful connection to Filipino heritage and a richer understanding of global food cultures. Embracing ube is not just about enjoying its unique taste-it's about celebrating a vibrant tradition that deserves recognition and respect. 5:40
It all boils down to corruption. Corruption takes advantage of farmers. Corruption kills the country's economy. Vote wisely in the upcoming elections kababayans. Please, don't be a Diwata fan. Don't be a Duterte fan. In fact, don't be a fan at all of any. Be a Filipino, sa puso, sa salita at sa gawa.
Philippines is under the spell of idiocracy. We don’t vote based on sound policies but on popularity. And the quality of our education is very telling here. I have asked around online who they voted for and why they’re convinced of the candidates, and they all just have no proper reason other than “he/she is better than__”. In other words, no sense of political or economic literacy.
We celebrate incompetence so much, we are entitled to call out risk takers and revenue generating business people. 😢 sad. Instead of competing, we beg acknowledgment.
@@boogermaiden hmm. Yes if you put money into it. Hold on, so you’re telling me THERE IS NO RISK? So all the more reason to do it right? Hmm. But no we aren’t doing it, we don’t want money, we want CULTURE! CULTURE >>>>> NO RISK, BIG MONEY, SOLUTION TO MANY PROBLEMS But yea, it’s both backwards thinking. with or without risk. People will just find the next reason not to do it rather than find a way to do it. This is a sad reality today where victims are gloried rather than problem solvers.
@@boogermaiden are you stupid or retarded? Putting money anywhere has risks. If it has no risks at all, how come filipinos haven’t copied the business model yet? Oh we hate money right?
Butter, Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel. They all came from somewhere. No one owns those flavors. As a Filipino, I find this stupid. All kinds of flavors get synthesized, so why not Ube? When ube is used to make non-Filipino recipes, it’s no longer a Filipino dish, it’s just Ube-flavored, and I dont have a problem with that.
Can they make use of the real thing? OR label it as synthesized UBE if they insist. They can eat all the UBE they want but please give filipino farmers a livelihood by getting the real UBE. ELSE they should not be angry when asians put up SYNTHESIZED LEVIS JEANS. That would be fair.
True, Mexicans had no problems with American and European chocolates are more popular and Chocolate rivalry is between Switzerland and Belgium not Belgium and Mexico.
@@AviationAddict69 this is true, They should also blame it to ourselves because we Filipinos have a lack of creativity issues, so when other nationalities use our flavor and make success out of it Filipinos tend to feel a little regret on why they didn't come up with those ideas first. Our Government is also to blame due to their lack of support and initiative to create various products out of those crops. Now all we can do is be proud that at least we can still claim that "Ube" originated in the Philippines and feel cringe about it.
Ube is not just from the Philippines but other Southeast asian countries use them as well. What I see in this issue, is Filipinos wanting to be always recognized. We promote our culture and then when someone started liking it then some us think it is stealing. Heck, if we don’t want other countries to steal stuff from us, why don’t we even start amongst ourselves in our own country? Did we hear someone saying oh Philippines is ruining our New York style pizza, fried chicken, spaghetti. Etc. Sa Pinas, kung saan ka masaya, suportahan taka! Itong cultural appropriation, ay isang Western ideology. Hindi siya from Pinas, to begin with.
If you choose to use ube and market it to both Filipinos and non-Filipinos, there shouldn't be some expectation that you have to learn and share Filipino history. Come on, that's ridiculous. As an American Filipino, I find that stance laughable. Also, that 'median household' stat only holds up because Filipino households often have more family members living under one roof. Let’s be real.
A lot of these issues could be addressed if more 'rich' Filipinos gave back to the country and the communities where they were born and raised. If you want to build a better culture, it starts with making better decisions about how your country operates-how it handles exports, treats its people, and supports progress.
It's hard to even keep watching this video after you claimed that America took rap and hip-hop from other cultures. Just so you know, the creators of those genres were Americans. What you're basically saying is that white people have no right to rhyme on rhythm, which is absurd. Honestly, you're coming off as intolerant. I bet you'll delete my comment, though. Lmao
Domestic agriculture policies is 99 percent responsible for the farming crisis in the Philippines. The unwillingness to reform and improve techniques and poor land usage is the reason why vietnam and Thailand is growing their exports.
It's the cultural diaspora, I'm afraid. They want to be part of the culture so badly that they believe they should gatekeep rather than share. It's always the half Americans that do this. Lbr the only reason ube is getting harder to grow here is because our government is doing jack shit for the agricultural community. Exporting isn't being handled well enough.
This is woke BS. You don't need to understand what ube means to Filipinos to enjoy it. If you ask a random Filipino in the Philippines enjoying his ube ice cream what ube means to him, he wouldn't know how to answer you. He would just say he likes it. Food is just food. Ube is not sacred. Ube doesn't bring Filipinos together as if it has some magical property, as if we won't gather together if there isn't anything ube on the table. That's just stupid.
Wait isn't Ube somewhat difficult to properly cultivate in other countries? I clearly remember that if the farm isn't properly managed it can easily become an invasive species.
Same thing they've done with Matcha. A few years ago, before ube got popular, everything should be flavored with matcha but the matcha they know and love is a milky and sickly sweet instead of the bitter, grassy tasting traditional matcha. What's the sense of flavoring something with one thing but you kill the original flavor with cream/milk and tons of sugar.
There's plenty of matcha flavored things in Japan...not all is bitter and grassy tasting. For example...Matcha Pockey....or Matcha Kit Kats. Maybe some ppl like a hint of matcha.
I'm from Manila and I've been saying this for some time now that the Philippines should do something about Ube like what Thailand did to its cuisine and recipes when it hit international level.
I believe this is one of the major reasons why Filipino cuisine is not as popular as other Asian cuisines. Counties like Korea, Thailand, Vietnam etc make their dishes in restaurants fancy and high class, with very good quality ingredients. However you will never see most of these dishes eaten at home, because thats simply not the original dish. The opposite is true with Filipino cuisine, what you see in restaurants is literally how it will look and taste when eaten at home, its practically identical, they dont even bother putting garnishes in the dishes to make it look good, they'll put a bbq stick on a plate and thats it, very simple and basic looking.
95% of Filipinos 🇵🇭 are bad cooks
Thai government spent like $15m to make Thai food to become well known worldwide (the "Global Thai") in the early 2000s , Philippine government dont have vision like that.
Well even Thailand shamelessly profited from our nata de coco, true food thief! Even now Vietnam is profiting from our calamansi. It's a shame no one legally protects our cultural cuisine and delicacies like in Italy
But that's the catch. I disagree in that we need to put garnishes in our foods to look colorful and more appetizing. Look st chinese cuisine. Their food is colorful and vibrant and thats something filipinos should do if they want to sell and expose filipino cuisine more. Without any green garnish, for example, most filipino foods will look bland and unappetizing. Just my opinion. Take care. @stuka80
This was a powerful reminder that ube is not just a flavor... it’s a story of Filipino resilience and culture. I had no idea that ube farming was declining in the Philippines. It’s a sad reality that we’ve seen with other cultural products that get commercialized. If we’re going to make ube the flavor of the year, let’s also make it a year of support for the farmers who’ve been growing it for generations! Thanks for sharing such an important perspective, One Down!
I planted Ube. Stranely the fruits grew from the vine and not only in the roots. Ube is a luxury. 98.74% of Filipinos only are Ube flavored icecream and not the jam popular in Bohol and Dumaguete.
If its really declining its because demand isnt that high. 😅
@@eduardochavacano Ube has two color Purple and white..
Ube is not mass production, it is not declining it doesn't meet the demand.
stop this woke nonesense. ube farming is declining because of Colonialism. Filipinos tend to idolize anything America that includes fastfood, processed food, viral foods. 😂😂 it's not like we are eating ube everyday. just talking real. 😂😂
So we’re out here paying $6 for ube lattes and the actual crop is disappearing back home? Something’s not adding up!
well, if those companies buy the real ube, many might go back to farming real ube. This is really sad.
The classic extractionivism, capitalist story.
Don't be ignorant. It has nothing to do with capitalism destroying anything. The main staple of the Filipino diet is rice and they also happen to be the biggest importers of it, not exporters. Filipinos have an internal issue with their food production that is uniquely their own making. They need to be exporting more ube if anything, so that they can commoditize it and make that money.
in addition urbanisation of former farm land and cash crop abuse reduce the ube plantation
@@hmmfat I agree to this since I can't see the reason why it's wrong for businesses to use artificial flavoring (although I'm not a big fan of that either) since back here at home the farmers are even mostly ignored by our own government.
Can we stop pretending that putting ube in donuts and lattes is celebrating Filipino culture? It’s just another cash grab.
Ube is an ingredient, and it should be used. Experimented upon to evolve a cuisine. Funny enough, ube, while ironically connected to The Philippines is not just unique to The Philippines. Our southeast asian neighbors also use such.
Even Filipino bakeries and locals here experiment with ube. Filipinos literally add them to doughnuts, lattes, flans, maja blanca, pan de sal. Food that isn't known to use ube before.
This is the problem with politicizing a humble natural produce such as ube. Us Filipinos happen to have such amazing product from nature, WE DON'T OWN IT as we can never own nature. The least we can do is use it in every manner we can. And by we, that includes every human. We can say the US got it from us and they're using it differently than we do, but to gate keep something from nature is such a narcissistic thing to do.
less 5% of Filipinos can afford real Ube
Cringe.
Yeah it's like putting macha glaze on a doughnut and calling it a tribute to Japanese culture. Use the ingredient but spare us the bullshit that you're honoring the culture or whatever.
@@TaLeng2023 because it works for the people. Average iq is going down, it’s good marketing tbh. It works on stupid people :) see how many people are rage baited and triggered because it sells in the US, if it’s easy to sell, why not do it yourself, start a company, sell ube? Oh wait, people won’t because? Yea.
THANK YOU!!! I''ve personally been so frustrated that even Filipino-Americans have been passing off purple kamote (sweet potatoes) as ube.
yah if they wanna pass anything off as ube just go get some ube artificial flavoring and sweet bean paste. huehue. hack.
NOT KAMOTE 😭😭😭
EXACTLY.
Probably the same Filipino-American folks that use the term, FilipinX, to describe themselves....
It’s the same as people calling normal sweet potatoes Yams,it’s an American problem
Ube is super popular, but how many have tried the REAL UBE from the Philippines? It’s more than a trend-it’s part of the culture!
Since 96% of the population cant afford ube. It is no longer cultural. 😢😢😢
Right right, now it’s cultural because it trends in the US. It’s just a root crop, who cares about that shit.
Ube, or purple yam, is a vibrant root vegetable native to the Philippines, deeply woven into the country’s culinary heritage. Its striking purple hue and distinct sweet flavor make it a favorite in various traditional desserts, such as ube halaya (a sweet jam) and ube cake.
The cultural significance of ube extends beyond its taste; it represents Filipino celebrations and gatherings, often featured in festive dishes. The recent global popularity of ube has led to its incorporation into diverse foods, from ice cream to donuts, yet authentic ube from the Philippines remains unparalleled in flavor and tradition.
In essence, ube is more than just a trend; it embodies the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, making it a culinary treasure worth experiencing in its true form.
Furthermore, ube plays a crucial role in Filipino festivals and family gatherings, symbolizing joy and celebration. Its preparation often involves time-honored methods, such as boiling, mashing, and mixing with coconut milk or condensed milk to enhance its natural sweetness.
Beyond its culinary uses, ube also carries cultural significance, representing resilience and resourcefulness in Filipino communities. The yam is not only a beloved ingredient but also a source of pride, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the Philippines.
As global interest in Filipino cuisine continues to grow, it's essential to appreciate ube in its authentic context, understanding the traditions and stories that accompany it. For anyone looking to explore Filipino culture, trying real ube is an enriching experience that goes beyond just flavor-it's about connecting with a vibrant culinary tradition.
Lastly, the rise of ube on the international stage highlights the broader movement to celebrate and preserve indigenous ingredients and culinary practices. As more people discover ube, there's an opportunity to educate others about its origins, cultivation, and cultural importance.
Moreover, this trend can encourage sustainable farming practices and support local farmers in the Philippines, fostering a deeper appreciation for the roots of this beloved ingredient. In a world increasingly driven by trends, savoring authentic ube allows for a meaningful connection to Filipino heritage and a richer understanding of global food cultures. Embracing ube is not just about enjoying its unique taste-it's about celebrating a vibrant tradition that deserves recognition and respect.
@@eduardochavacano Sadly that's true, though it used to be more accessible, but even locally there are alot of fake Ube as well. I think the issue is more complicated. The reduction of agricultural production of ube probably one of the root of this, means less supply while demand is high, thus more expensive. This is where fake ube will try to fill in the market, which only satisfies short term but will hurt the agriculture of ube even worse and even to our Filipino culture.
This is where government really needs to step in to really improve the agriculture in general and save us from these issues. Since ube is trendy, it is rather unwise for the government not actually invest on this as at the end of the day, the money from this will come back to the country. Even corrupt politicians will benefit since they will have more money somehow. Yet for some reason, we are not taking care of this and actually improving the agriculture. Its like we ask for more money but not actually working for to get more money.
Eh. 🤭
The decrease production of rice, ube and calamansi is the direct result of Filipinos looking down😔 on agriculture.
Filipinos see people who do agriculture as being poor or when you pursue agriculture related courses you'll be looked down and you'll receive insults too.
Long story short, there's a discrimination among the agriculture sectors in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries sees it the other way.
Cocònut and also nata de coco i read some articles that other country claiming theyre the original who discover nata de coco
Blame the mfking college conyos
Who would want to go into farming when the gov't just takes your land ayaw to give to useless marginalized folks?
Worked for a social entrepreneurship company! It's actually so many factors why farmers aren't earning a buck! Mostly it's the LGU, middle men, and capital lenders all using and abusing them.
Take it from my friend who graduated Agriculture; despite we living in a food basket province, he still not finding a job related to his course. It's not the lack of interest, but a web of politicians and businessmen shaking hands a lot to make prices artificially high. I saw it with my own eyes truck loads of fresh produce thrown to a ditch since if they sell it, it becomes more cheap. Don't mistake Philippines to be lacking in agriculture; we're pretty good at it. It's just the powers that be with schemes and conspiracies REALLY holding us down.
It's quite a paradox when there is a high demand of ube in the US and the Filipino farmers decrease its production and their profitability. The problem does not only lie with the American culture treating ube, but the problem also lies with the agricultural politics in the Philippines exploiting underpaid farmers.
This tho. This is true
As a Filipino myself i blame bloody politics and corruption!
Exactly. It is also important to have a government that supports and acts as a backbone and the primary nurturer of its own culture and heritage. Not only is this happening with Ube, but in a lot of our country's natural gifts, its resources, and its people. Despite the country's potential, it remains just that if not properly developed and promoted.
Its not high demand though, thats the funny part
Are they destroying the topsoil by using synthetic fertilizer instead of manure?
So, we’re just gonna keep letting Americans ‘discover’ ube like it’s some new invention, while the farmers in the Philippines are struggling to grow it? Cool.
So they are successful, why not copy what works? Apply the same shit? Why do things that are bound to fail?
No wonder why philippines have an average iq of 82.
Or we just professional victims? Sad
Nah, we all know it's a Filipino thing and there's soooo many Filipinos on their neck with foods.
There's no need for me to be THAT dramatic.
@@NoelJohnCarlo No you need to be because other people are lying about its origins now. If other countries can be proud of what their people have grown and cultivate why can't filipinos?
@@NoelJohnCarlo no we need to be serious, look our agriculture was neglected by our government. I have watch many documentary and history, my recently watched was this "Slovenia: How to Get Rich Without Capitalism. - History Scope" search it, and I though, I wish Philippines was like this, and no: have nothing to do with Capitalism, Socialism, or Communism, it just how our government prioritize and manage. Can't can't developed our culture as sushi in Japan, ube in Philippines, then forgot tourism, forget identity, they are as important as good public transport and education and health, foreign will visit other ASEAN instead, when comes to architectural cultural design, lack to public green parks, Filipinos are deprived, Philippines will be much of a loser and will become more uninterested to visitors.
I've been seeing ube everywhere lately-from lattes to cakes-and it’s wild how far this trend has strayed from its roots. It’s kind of surprising that so many folks in the U.S. are enjoying fake ube without even trying the real deal. Feels like we’re missing out on a richer understanding of Filipino culture and it's genuine taste! Let's go for the real thing!
Gaga ka? Ube cake has been a flavor since time immemorial dito sa Pinas. Anong strayed from its root sinasabi mo dyan?
Tinutukoy nya Yung sa America Tanga kc satin most ube roots tlga gngmt sa America kc food coloring na purple at dhil trend yun cnsabi nila na ube daw yun kht food coloring lang🥴🙄 😂🤣@@scorpioninpink
@@scorpioninpink maybe next time try to understand the content of what the OP is saying. Instead of attacking right away. As @AKOSIRANMA-23 stated, the OP was referring to the United States as to how far from it's origin the flavor of ube has strayed from.
Ibig niyang sabihin na dito sa America, halos peke ang mga binebenta nilang ube flavor. Hindi talaga galing sa Pinas. Puros asukal at artificial coloring lang.
@@Gitiffan MEMAsabi lang kasi yan, no reading comprehension
@@Gitiffan Ohh tapos? Halos din naman ng flavoring ng ube sa Pinas at artificial din. Mahal ang TUNAY na ube dahil hindi pa sikat sa America ay mababa talaga ang supply.
Philippine government won't support national industrialization of ube and calamansi because of its neocolonial relationship with the US or in the West, in general. It would rather prioritize cash crops that would sell more in the fastest way.
You’re correct and it makes sense. Why invest/support something that won’t make money? We’re not a rich country, we need money. How stupid is that, right? 😂
It's all because of my own current seating president who is a lapdog of the USA and a drug addict. He and his alipores always maligns the people they don't like because they don't want progress but want my nation Philippines to be a narcostate and a communist country because he and his alipores have alliance with one of the world's biggest criminal syndicates which is a terrorist organization that already declared as terrorists by the USA, Canada, ANZ, the entire Europe, and the Philippines that killed more than 50,000 Filipinos (whether civilians, men and women in uniform, indigeneous peoples, and even their fellow members of the said terrorist organization) for more than 5 decades and also the ones that radicalized the minds of the Filipino children and young people in form of recruiting inside schools, colleges, and universities thru the so-called "progressive" but actually regressive groups that it's connect to the said terrorist organization. Communist insurgency is one of the factors that the Philippines have a huge decline in terms of agriculture and doesn't want national industrialization at all.
@@rockerstar_ That's what is saddening though. Philippine culture is forgotten and ousted by foreign cultures Filipinos in general wouldn't care what happens to ube and calamansi outside the country since they'd think this isn't their problem.
I as a farmer would not plant ube. It takes months to grow tubers. I would rather farm kamote, its more in demand and more expensive.
If I plant vegetables, I can harvest 6 to 10 times a year in a single plot of land. If I plant ube, I can only harvest after more than 1 year. Im trying to feed my family, not trying to satisfy a delulu culture. Ube is only popularized when Sisters of Dominican Chapel here in Baguio made jams out of Cordilleran "togi" (ube).
If the market will adjust its prices for ube to be a reliable source of income then I would change my mind. To date, there is no variety of ube that can produce bigger tubers or with faster growing time.
More so, the suitable climate for ube is the Cordilleras and the mountains of Bukidnon.
They better NOT trademark the word 'ube'.
too late. that's white overlords do.
I can promise you we won't. 💜💜💜
@@DearFlornah. Mexico 🇲🇽 stole Manila mangoes. Thailand 🇹🇭 stole Milagrosa rice 😂
@@alice_agogoThai actually was trained in Laguna though in 80s to 90s then they made it profitable.
@@codelessunlimited7701 and irri was run and founded by white people. It ain't from so called Pinoy 🇵🇭 "ingenuity"
I really don't mind Americans going crazy over ube. The main problem is not "Americanization" but that the Philippine government continues to fail miserably at supporting local agriculture. This is most strikingy seen with rice. We used to be a top producer but now we import a lot of what we eat. No amount of cultural appropriation can outdo the damage of malicious and wickedly corrupt and inept government officials.
'Malicious and wickedly corrupt and inept government officials.' Who elected them in the first place? They shouldn't be there if no one caused them to be there.
Philippine government is just too selfish and too corrupt to support local farmers. A very sad reality
Best comment ever!
The fact that Ube can't be planted in US soil as it was considered as an invasive species is ironic..🤣🤣🤣
How can you consider one invasive if you can't plant them? Na better check what invasive really means. Invasive if it was introduced to the ecosystem, it populates rapidly than the native and endemic species.
It may grow in tropical areas maybe
@@CG-fn2cj as far as I know, the USDA listed ube as crops that can't be planted commercially and listed as an invasive species... As you know the US has some history of planting something that they can't control (ex. Kudzu) the spread and they became cautious of other plants since then...
Edit: upon looking further as you have suggested, in Florida Ube is considered as a weed/invasive plant... So yeah there you go
@@ranniemanangan5371nowadays Florida is suffering from cogon grass infestation, the ones that were used in huts in the Philippines as roof thatching.
@@happysolitudetv Florida and Hawaii
I’ve always loved ube and thought it was great to see it becoming so popular, but this video made me think twice. We can’t let ube follow the same path as other cultural products that get commodified and lose their true essence. One Down’s point about the decline in ube farming in the Philippines is concerning-if we don’t act now, we might just be celebrating an imitation. Let’s make this trend about more than just desserts and actually support Filipino farmers.
you're supporting a loss cause. because American Colonialism is being shoved to our Filipino faces in social media, and in everyday life. Who cares about UBE? when what we really want are starbucks and mcdonalds 😂
This is why whenever things trend always a bad thing. It will bring in people who doesn't care the origins. Why care origin when money on the line?
This is why Fandom needs gate keep to keep things quality control
I dont see the problem of the trend but taking advantage of it. We need to shift our focus to agriculture and empower our farmers to produce more so we can be a major player in exporting products especially ube, rice, calamansi and more. The problem is that we can't even capitalize this and this where other countries sees the advantage and produce their own like calamansi and rice. Now is the time to wake up and think what we are good at.
I made a comment elsewhere on this. You are right. But corruption unfortunately and lack of vision play a big role in Filipino economics 😢
I pray one day Philippines (where my parents are from) can turn it around like South Korea one day.
Yes we need to take this as an opportunity that we could capitalize on
Well said
The problem is it isn't even worth it now. WITH disasters like typhoons (actually getting stronger bc of climate change)
@@saludares99and also the fact that it isn't really worth the risk considering the fact that we are constantly getting hit by typhoons and agriculture is one of the most affected sector in times like this.
You mentioning the decline of ube just reminds me of the criminal lack of support from the government for our farmers. There's an abundance of crops that aren't selling because the government prefers to import them instead. It's insane.
My parents were OFW workers, and used to have my grandmother cook ube for them to take abroad. It's a very laborious process (I'd get roped in to either grate the ube root, or stir the big wok constantly as the very thick and heavy ube cooks). It was kinda labor-intensive, but my lola's ube was sooooooooo good. Fun times...
I do remember hearing that ube is extremely difficult to export and cultivate outside the Philippines which is why people outside the country are forced to find alternatives.
The real reason why ube is in decline is agriculture in the Philippines in general is in decline for years now. From global warming to the yearly decrease of people working in agriculture due to low wages and high cost.
I mean, sure, ube may be at risk of being, what you say, Americanized, but I'm sure the demand it generates will help the agriculture sector here. If anything, it will at least ignite some innovation in the local food business, which might help sustain the ube demand the agriculture sector needs.
Good that climate change has been mentioned cause I believe that it had become a big factor especially now that some parts of the PH are already reaching 40° temperature.
Different kinds of ube are also planted in different Austronesian-speaking regions (pacific islands, southeast asia, madagascar). But it's only us that made it into a dessert and made it part of our food industry
@@randomly_random_0 I'm pretty sure the species for Ube is very different outside of the Philippines. Yes, other regions cook ube or more commonly known as purple yam outside the Philippines but they don't have the same taste. It's something similar to that cheese where the bacteria is only found in that certain part of the world. (Was it Parmesan cheese?)
FEATR made a video about it if you want to know more about ube. It's called "Is Ube Being Stolen from the Philippines?"
WRONG! It grows in Okinawa and other tropical areas very well
What if most of us haven’t ACTUALLY even tasted real ube yet? Totally made me question whether we’re just consuming a ‘concept’ and forgetting the culture.
felt the same way - i feel like imitation flavors or just the extracts of the ube flavoring is what's commonly used in the US.. even for trader joes ube products, not all of them even mention the origin of the PH - it used to at one point but not anymore :/
This made me question too if I ever tasted real ube lol I think being able to taste my mom's ube halaya is the closest thing
I've tried it. I grow one in my backyard :D
If you're in the Philippines then you're completely uncultured. I can't wrap my head around a Filipino who hasn't even touched a real ube.
What if we're really living in a simulated world. Your comment made me question our reality.
as a filipino we encourage americans to enjoy real ube crop instead of ube artificial flavoring, thourgh that you'll help farmers & economy, & develop awareness about the food, aswell as having a genuine experiece & its more healthier too💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Lolz nothing healthy about condensed milk
hindi nman tlga USA problema, konti satin/dito sa Pilipinas din lng nman. Sarili nga nating bigas di masupportahan eh, isa tayo sa pinakamalaks magconsume ng bigas, pero asa nman tayo sa imported rice despite na kaya nman natin magporduce susuportahan lng local farmers. Ube, anong choice ng USA kung tayo mismo pumapatay sa agriculture natin? pwede sila makatulong pero di tayo pwede umasa lng sa kanila lalo't tayo namn tlga mismo ang sumisira dito, kailangan magsimula satin ang pagbabago
@@alice_agogo condensed milk is different from ube didn't you know that? don't get smart on me telling it is also an ingredient for ube products. commenter said UBe not condensed milk.
@PrincePryce you're 🧠 ⚰️ no one eats ube as is like sweet potato
@@alice_agogo coming from a ⚰🧠herself noting condensed milk as unhealthy whereas the commenter's subject is Ube and yes we eat ube as it is as vegetable, snack or as food to pass hunger. of course you won't understand this if you are not truly a Filipino.
Honestly this whole thing is such a complex issue
1. I find it hypocritical to call USA a "culture vulture" when we ourselves in The Philippines are just as guilty with other foods/flavors, italians would be horrified with what we've done to spaghetti and carbonara, same thing with chocolate, originally grown in Mexico and was used as medicine yet we mix it with other ingredients and now consume it as a treat rather than medicine, we can be thankful to the culture that originally discovered/grew it but we're not obliged to use/prepare it the same way they did, same logic with ube, same logic with matcha and other flavors, at the end of the day it's all food, it doesn't need to be prepared the same way or used in the same food as where it originated from, that's how many different dishes were invented, people take what they know is edible and combine it with other foods and/or cook it differently than whoever used it first
2. I agree that it's problematic that fake ube is going around and people are eating it without knowing about the real deal but at the same time we do it ourselves, the ube in our halo-halo, pandesal and other foods are also sometimes not made from real ube/barely made from it! We should pressure our government to support our agricultural sector more than they currently are so real ube will be easier to come by
3. I'm thankful that people are learning the history of ube but the way this video was worded made it sound like they HAVE to learn the history of it when all we truly want as Filipinos in The Philippines is to be acknowledged and credited as the original cultivators of it, it's not immoral or offensive to us if people don't know the history of it, most people just wanna shut up and eat their food, we do the same thing, we understand, we just want acknowledgedment.
The boba issue and now THIS... We have to protect Asian flavors/cuisine where its celebrated with honor in the global scene.
RIGHT - boba, matcha, ube... what more 😩
I mean Philippines isn’t any better when it comes to boba….most Filipinos who drink boba or sell it don’t even think of where it came from or the significant impact it has to its culture because to them its just a tasty trendy drink
right. let's also stop local burger joints, pizza places, and taco stalls from selling. because Filipinos are profiting from other's cultures (US, Italy, Mexico) too.😂😂
@@alfonsomartinez7919 alot of filipinos want their culture, food to be recognized and gain popularity in the west and when its finally happening we get mad and worried that they might appropriate, profited?
@@PinoyAbnoythere's a correct way in doing so. American companies don't give a shit
I don't buy the cultural appropriation argument. But if Filipinos could somehow break the terrible corruption of that country (and lack of political will), there could be a movement like the French or Italians in the way they safeguard the quality of their homegrown products. The real tragedy is that poor filipinos don't have the business acumen, thereby allowing aggressive neighboring economies to take over.
It's more complicated than that. It's not just lack of business acumen. Yes to corruption, though.
There is definitely cultural appropriation at play here. Most Americans consume products without knowledge (cultural background). When it’s marketed as trendy, people will bite the bait. Americans love anything exotic, and with Ube having a purple hue, this alone is enough for people to purchase and share their experience on social media.
This country loves to take other country’s culture, food, and practices, and totally make it their own. This is not the first time they’ve done it.
Hope this helps
Filipino cuisine is under represented in general. If Ube is the main gateway to recognition that may open the floodgates. Who are we to be gatekeepers. Not everyone wants a history lesson. Just let them eat and appreciate.
Ps. We are our worst enemies. Ive gone to Kasama and Kuya Lord. And instead of uplifting our few restaurants elevating our cuisine and culture, we have Filipinos criticizing and questioning and disecting (like this video) every single thing about authenticity. Its not that deep. Philippines is at the other side of the world. Supplies are not easily accessible.
I mean there’s no problem in making Ube famous around the world, especially in the West. We Filipinos are actually glad it made mainstream in the US. The thing is that we need to make everyone aware that Ube originated from the Philippines and it’s not a root crop originally harvested in the US.
@@gabrieldominic2381 nah. Not really. Speaking for myself. I wouldnt want anyone giving me a history lesson regarding pasta vs noodles, or where a hamburger originated. Let me eat. Not everything needs a deep dive into origins or label as cultural appropriation. Lets just start somewhere first, rather than being pedantic tanking our chance of being seen. Lets just eat. And enjoy.
Mabuti nga nakikilala ang ube sa amerika dahil sa mga pilipino na na-adopt mga amerikano
@@GabrielIsrael-d6kIt has to be authentic ube though. It's not a good representation if it's not the real thing. That's why we should invest more in agriculture and support our farmers as it is difficult to cultivate ube. However, I agree that we should let them enjoy it too and not gatekeep it for ourselves. Goodness in one culture must be shared and ofcourse, other countries will have their own version of it. Like how we Filipinos love our version of spaghetti, hamburger, pizza etc.
I'm a Filipino living in the Philippines and I expected a lot from this video. The history of ube was mentioned and even the Aetas but just that. What really is ube? People confuse it with purple potatoes. How is it cultivated. You said production was down but how? Why? You mentioned cultural significance but it ended with the mention of birthdays and fiestas, no more. How should we share ube world? Is the Dear Flor ube boba gummies made with real ube? I got so many questions after the video rather than getting answers. When did the ube trend in North America start? How is it now? 🤔
Agreed a lot of the topics feels really glossed over
Salamat sa dyos hindi lang ako naka pansin sa mga problema sa video na ito. Medyo baluktot ang informacion kagaya ng tagalog ko! (sorry...lumaki ko sa States) Parang sinsasabi "eto ang problema...pero meron itong business na may alam sa lahat ng bagay tunkol sa ube, bumili na kayo ng product nila!"
You might be interested in watching FEATR's video about this. The title is, "Is ube being stolen from the Philippines?" Their channel features Filipino food, heritage, and customs more comprehensively, detailed, and creative.
@Richie-rs3wp thank you for the reccomendation! I will look into it :)
Pinoy commenters who are gatekeeping ube should stop.
It's cringe.
EXACTLY SOMEONE GETS ME
Indeed, pathetic actually
Hahahaha hindi nila alam sa Vietnam may ube dessert rin at bilo-bilo 😂🤣😂🤣🤣. Gusto maging well known ang food natin, tapos ngayon appropriation? 😅
Fr bruh
Girl galing sa pinas yung ube ng vietnam, sila na yung nagtanim at may farm.@@myg1985
What? Before someone eats ube, they are expected to learn and share a part of its history? Can't we just enjoy food as it is without making cultural appropriation the central issue? I mean, as a Filipino, I don't want to learn the history of kimchi in Korea, boba from Taiwan, or sushi from Japan. Food is food, and regardless of its origin, we are all entitled to enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, I want Americans to taste the real ube, but they don't have to learn its history. They can if they want to, but it shouldn't be compulsory. This is so cringe, really.
They're using the flavor Kasi and it's wrong.
@@boogermaiden but we are also using the flavor one in Philippines. The ube flavor you buy in the stores and supermarkets ara all flavored ube and contains only little to none. check the label and the ingredients list. Even the ube in your halo-halo is probably not real ube because they used sweet potato the blue variety and just add ube extracts in it. probably, you can't even find ube in your local market because no one really plants it nowadays. You can only taste real unadulterated ube in the province where your grandma and grandpa lives but even there this ingredient is really hard to come by. And what's worse is that, vietnam and thailand are already propagating ube to dominate the supply because as you know demand is getting high globally.
@@boogermaiden we are dong exactly the same thing within our own country even to our own products. We are one of the largest consumers of rice, yet we rely on export cause we can support our own? same thing with Ube, we can even support it locally and in fact killing it, , even Ube flavored products sold localy are not all made of real Ube. Again, in our own country with our products/produce, what do you expect other countries to do?
I always thought ube was just a cool flavor for desserts, but now I’m wondering if we’re doing more harm than good by making it trendy
Just enjoy the thing. We Filipinos don't mind. We love it when others enjoy our food. Trust me, our government is doing more harm than you guys can ever do by cultural appropriation.
buttt dont forget to try actual ube when you can, it's really good (we usually get from baguio atleast for me)
As a filipino, enjoying something from another culture and even profiting from it isn't stealing. Stop gate keeping culture. America is a melting pot of cultures to share and appreciate. If I see a white guy wearing a barong, I'd be so proud. Same with ube. Look at what happened to wasabi. Most korean sushi doesn't even use real wasabi. STOP GATE KEEPING CULTURE. Culture is to be shared. Look at Korean pop culture, they took alot from black hip hop culture. They're not black. So by your logic, they can't use it? Wrong. They appreciate the culture so they copy aspects of it.
The video does not say that they should not use ube. On the contrary, the video actually says that they should use ube. The real kind. It wouldn't be gatekeeping culture if we want others to experience the real deal other than just an imitation far removed from its roots.
@@medxed2827the problem is, our government (Philippine government) fucked up our agricultural sectors. Kahit nga sa pilipinas mas common pa ung fake na ube, what? you think the ube they used on halo Halo are real? Mahal kaya nga ube halaya
@@medxed2827 It's gatekeeping coz the video is saying because they're not Filipino, they have no right to use it because they don't understand and respect the culture so they use ube substitutes instead of the real thing which is hurting Filipinos who farm it. By that logic, GAP can't make a barong coz they're not Filipino and they'll use substitute material ... or Koreans can't make wasabi using horseradish and food dye coz they're not Japanese ... or Filipinos can't use Toyo coz it's soy sauce and it's Chinese.
Mga filipino-american lang gate keeper sa kultura akala naman nila nakatapak na sa pilipinas
Next video: how filipinos butchered spaghetti 😂😂
Here in the philippines we use a lot of ube powder, flavoring and coloring. All of those contribute to the growth of ube farmers. Real ube tastes better but to propose that america is ruining ube is stupid
Stolen? No. The problem with all these crops is our own doing. And by that I mean the lack of support in terms of proper rural infrastructure and mechanization that enables mass production. Because infrastructure is bad, the cost to the middleman increases. That cost is then shouldered by the farmers who are forced to sell it cheap. If it sells cheap, then no one will cultivate it. Instead, farmers just moves on to cash crops like cacao, coconuts and coffee which all have a strong supply chain. Long story short, no one’s really working to improve the supply chain so it’s prohibitively expensive once exported. If it’s too expensive then you can’t blame the market for resorting to cheap, artificial alternatives.
Btw, a similar thing is happening to a lot of indigenous crops that aren’t “stolen” by the west. Including coconuts, btw. And I have personally experienced this because I own a farm and recently, we have decided to move on from coconuts to cacao due to diminishing prices. At the end of the day, farm owners have no choice but to respond to market movements. And no amount of being sentimental over our heritage will change the reality of the supply chain situation.
It's ok to have ube flavors even if you're not filipino. If the philippines doesn't produce enough quality ube products, it's mainly our fault. As what you've pointed out with calamansi, we filipinos have been gatekeeping so much that others have taken advantage of the market void.
excatly, this video seems to shift the blame. Like, we are dong exactly the same thing within our own country even to our own products. We are one of the largest consumers of rice, yet we rely on export cause we can support our own? Cause we killed are own rice agriculture. Same thing with Ube, we can't even support it locally and in fact killing it, even Ube flavored products sold localy are not all made of real Ube. Again, in our own country with our products/produce, what do you expect other countries to do?
This is sad but this is the reality of Philippines right now, declining production of agriculture that our country mainly grows for years and years. That is why it is very important to elect government officials who have the knowledge and ability to make our agriculture sector thrive. And this also applies to every sector of our government. We must not elect those who disappears after the election period and show ups only to propose mediocre bills. Do we have to wait a few years time when other countries have seize the opportunity to produce and export all the crops which are significant to our country until we realize how badly we have chosen for the Philippines?
So what's the problem if Americans like it? You claim Filipino culture but you're a Fil-Am, you're not the same as me. You're american so shut up about it because we Filipinos don't give a crap if people like Ube and make their own variations of it. Bro, get over it. We don't care and we don't cry about it.
Another filo desperate for attention
agree
Meanwhile Filipinos making sweet style Sphagetti with Hotdogs lol
@jeremiahtejada3059 yup.
Let other cultures cultivate the wonderful blessing that is Ube and may those cultures make their own variations of the flavor. We don't cry about it if Americans are having their own twist on ube. We don't care if ube is used as a cash grab because we do that too, we put labels on things such as "from the USA" to attract customers to buy your stuff even though they originally came from China.
I can't help but cringe when fil-ams keep talking about the Philippines when they don't belong to it in the first place.
Ave Justinian
Spot on my Imperator
rule 1: ignore fil-am's whining who have most likely never ever once step foot in the ph
said farmers in the Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya regions just had their crops damaged because of the recent typhoons. not only is there a lack of institutional support for ube farming and indigenous communities in general, but the country sees yearly mass destruction of property and livelihood from natural calamities.
PH Government does not support farmers
How come that they are promoting Filipino product but still using the word Boba that has roots in taiwan? 5:11
Ube boba is an awesome flavor combination and we acknowledge the Taiwanese origin of boba. How many boba shops that sell ube boba acknowledge that ube is from the Philippines? 🤔
are they not allowed to?
Can I just eat it because it tastes good without people saying it has to do with a particular culture? It tastes good. Period. I like durian ice cream or mochi because it tastes good. No it is not "stealing" from SEA. It's tasty.
I second that. The problem is that our government doesn't support our agricultural sector for a long time now. It's a shame when we can cultivate many crops with advance techniques, facilities, and technologies. Most of their projects doesn't help our farmers for a long term. They just want our funds to corrupt and not to support us. The problem is in our country, not outside.
Can't blame US for going artificial. There's a demand but supply on natural resource is low.
Ube farming isn't profitable compared to other agri products. Can only plant during 2-3 month summer period and takes 6+ months to grow, also sensitive to weather and climate changes. Even the Aetas of Pampanga no longer sell them like they used to.
I live in the Philippines. Americans aren't ruining ube. Just like Filipino style spaghetti isn't ruining Italian style spaghetti in America. It's pretty grandiose to think the average American knows any Filipino dishes.
Yo this is exactly what I was thinking too. Every culture/place has their own spin on something and who is to decide was is “authentic” and what isn’t? If it’s good food, that’s what should matter right? Haha Love from Canada 🇨🇦☺️
Similarly, nata de coco, which originates in the Philippines, has been widely adopted and commercialized by countries like South Korea and Thailand. Despite its Filipino origins, the Philippines has not fully capitalized on this opportunity. Even a small amount of recognition or credit for its contribution to this global product seems to be lacking.
The current administration of the Philippine government appears to be lacking in its support for the cultivation of the UBE, RICE, and Calamansi farm industry. This lack of support is hindering the growth and development of these important agricultural sectors. 👩🌾 #SupportLocalFarmers #AgriculturelsLife
Boy Ngiwi admin has a bigger budget for ayuda than agriculture 😂
Ganyan naman talaga epekto ng globalisation. Hindi yan maiiwasan na ma-white wash ang mga bagay na may cultural value kapalit ng paggiging popular ng isang produkto at marketing. Sa aking opinyon ang dapat natin gawin ay palaguin at itaas ang antas ng produkto ng agrikultura sa sarili natin bansa. E anu ngayon kung di pa natitikman ng mga banyaga ang tunay na ube! Pabayaan lang natin silang kumain ng artificial flavoring at food coloring! Kumbaga sa wasabi ng mga hapon. Wala naman ako nadidinig na mga japanese na nagrereklamo. Bagkus mas itinataas nila yung quality ng mga tunay na wasabi plant, to the point isa sa mga pang mayaman na ingredient ang tunay na wasabi.
Halos lahat ng bagay na may "cultural issues" ang bilis natin ma-trigger. E wala naman tayo magagawa dahil yan ang capitalism at globalisation. Kaya nga din nasa western country din tayo.
Tayong mga pilipino na nasa ibang bansa, dapat tulungan nalang natin yung bansa natin na mas umangat. Mahirap oo, kasi maraming socio-economic at political issues ang Pilipinas. Sandamakmak na redtape at corruption. Pero tayo may kakayahang tumulong financially at tumulong sa mga may capability na mag introduce ng mga new agricultural technology sa bansa. Lalo na sa mga grassroots non-profit organisations.
ou nga nman
tapos tayo ginawa nating matamis ung Sphagetti at nilagyan ng Hotdog, sarili Sisig from pampanga nilgayan na mayo
@jeremiahtejada3059 salamat kabayan sa pagcomment ng tagalog. Iniisip ko nga kung may makakaintindi ng comment ko.
This was so extra, and I'm Filipino. As if Filipinos credit the origins of kikiam, siomai, and chicharon. What is up with this trend of gatekeeping in the first place.
Don't be an ube snob. If you're proud of pure ube in the Philippines, by all means keep it pure. Don't mind the Americans. You don't hear Italians complain about Domino's pizza, Chinese complain about Panda Express, or Taiwanese complain about Americanized boba tea in America.
As a Filipino, we don't care what you do with ube as long as it will come out a delicious food. Food is evolving and ever changing. It will become boring and plain if it doesn't. We love to share our culture. So let's be happy that people enjoy the food we created and further developed it.
I think the trend of ube products in the US is actually good for filipinos as it shows that our country was able to export our culture through food. We should not gatekeep ube and keep it flourished.
nobody is gatekeeping it. Americans call the Philippine their trading partner but in reality they do not buy anything from them, they are just a Consumer to them. ube is trending? and yet ube farmer are still struggling? how come? coz they don't buy it from them. they rather make an Artificial Ube.
The problem is that the ideas of Ube is a Filipino thing disappeared and think it just a cultureless root vegetable.
the thing is, most of them are not true "ube", they are mostly Japanese Purple SWEET POTATOES, Ube is a Purple YAM........ literally different species
They can’t even identify a real ube from taro and purple sweet potatoes…unless it’s a flavoring with a label ube flavor and it’s purple liquid in a bottle
We're not gatekeeping, they are just using the wrong stuff without acknowledging culture and basic shit about said crop
Gosh. We should be proud & happy that this root crop is getting well known globally.
My 5th grader shared this with me. Glad you pointed out other examples of cultural migration.,i.e., hip hop and matcha. I remember when Jamaicans reacted to musicianrs from other parts of the world producing reggae music. I think the key word is appreciation, and not just appropriation. Your title is a little sensationalist, though. Adopting is probably a better word, but I guess "stealing" will get netizens ' attention more. More facts and figures would be nice, too. Like how does hemp ube gummies relieve jet lag?
Culture is to be shared. That’s why everyone eats hamburger, fries and pizza. I am Filipino. Go ahead, enjoy ube. It’s God’s gift to everyone.
Agree with you. Filipino here too.
Look, I agree with you but also, we have been asking to go mainstream so the lesson here is that there is always an exchange for fame - sure finally, something Filipino is becoming mainstream but its not as authentic as we hoped it to be. So what do we do?
You nailed it 0:24 "Culture Vulture" 😂
Am I the only one who appreciates when other people or countries love our culture? Like Ube halaya and other foods that use Ube-it’s great to see others enjoying it. But at the same time, we don’t “own” Ube; it’s just a part of our culture. A plant or a component of something isn’t “your” culture. I wouldn’t be upset if, in the future, people don’t immediately associate Ube with Filipino culture because everyone should be able to use what the earth provides and incorporate it into their own traditions. We don’t truly own anything in that sense, so let’s not gatekeep things that don’t need gatekeeping.
It's not stealing culture but rather misrepresenting what ube is. Because they use purple potato instead of real ube.
No matter how much they appropriate Ube, it will still be innately Filipino...now hoping Pili Nut and Calamansi to also take center stage and represent Filipino cuisine as well
Not only that, in ancient times, Purple dye was the rarest color to obtain in the whole world, it can only be obtained by a species of snails that are rare, meaning purple or violet represents "royalty" which makes it super expensive. Here in the Philippines, ube is used to make purple dye, it's a crucial part of our culture that it has been valued as a treasure to us Filipinos.
I'm Filipino and I hate videos like this. Starting with an 'accusation' that presents itself as a 'verdict' under the lens that this root vegetable is theirs. One simple rule, they buy it, they own it. No other caveats on learning about a culture just because you need to sip some purple or worry about indignation of farmers not earning from their crop. Why do I need to honor people when I'm eating purple? That's some bullshit. Go ahead and spend your borrowed money to 'support' products all you want; the invisible hand of the market is still at play.
Filipinos even made spaghetti sweet 😂 but Italians don't care. I don't understand this video
as a native filipino this subject matter piqued my interest and was expecting some kind of logical explanation on the matter but what I got was some kind of imposing a moral obligation to those that benefits from it. This video immediately falls short when you realize your average consumer is dumb and does not care on how the product they are consuming came to be and an entrepeneur or business would make sure to maximize the profit they get from it.
And as a filipino I don't think another foreign market should be responsible that our local industry should thrive, that's the philippine government's job and to make sure our local industry does not die.
But too bad our government officials are way too busy slinging mud to each other at the present
Those comments made for the fake ube is the reason why i dont watch those "taste reaction" bs in yt especially for ube. They aren't really tasting the real one but they will comment those things. It kinda hurts when you have tasted the real one since you're just a little child
I dont care! As a filipino you are totally safe and not stealing anything. Tangina who the hell is gatekeeping these?
the fil-am ofc there nothing but complainers
Fil-ams who wanna feel filipino so badly yet are out of touch lol
I heard awhile back the Ube farming was declining in the Philippines. No matter where it goes… it will always belong to the Philippines
Don't care about gripes about cultural recognition, or economic redistribution around a crop. Those are self-indulgent vain appeals to emotion. But authenticity of flavor in food matters. I hope people aren't scammed by fake food, or the fake ones improve well enough to duplicate the real thing.
Y'all need to stop. American songs and culture is main stream Filipino culture. America doesn't say don't sing our music or don't dance our way so y'all really need to chill.
The difference is Americans are profiting from Filipinos consuming American culture, it doesnt happen the other way around.
@albertlim2252
You mean to tell me that the 20,000 Filipinos that move to America each year to find work and a better life are not profiting from American culture? They buy lands, find work, and start businesses, and you say they're not profiting? When Americans go to the Philippines it's not to buy land or start businesses. Americans bring money and spend, boosting the economy. Filipinos send American money to the Philippines to boost the Filipino economy. If Filipino businessmen want to sell ube to Americans then so be it. It's not your place or anyone else's to drag America through the dirt because America is buying what the Philippines is selling. This whole conversation is ridiculous!
@@hmmfat LOL youre pivoting away from your original argument, which is it? cultural identity or socio economic? I can respond to both?
We have been pushing Filipino delicacies, flavor and stuff for years. Now, when one's a mainstream we are pulling it out? or are just being protective because we wanted it to be associated with us?
If it tasted good there would be no need to push it… it has to be pushed because it’s crap
If you want to try real ube and happen to be in the Philippines, I recommend Good Shepherd's ube in Baguio and locally made ube halaya from different provinces. There are many local businesses too, even in Metro Manila that use real ube in Halo Halo, cakes, and other desserts. Anyways, thank you for liking ube (if you do). It deserves to be known worldwide for people who will like it, and not to be gatekeeped.
This is a great video as I didn't realize that ube has also been declining in production globally (along with cacao, vanilla and honey). However, the title is misleading (in my opinion) as my first thought when I first came across the video was kind of the negative side. But after watching, it occurred to me that this is more of a wake up call about how Filipinos should be more loud with educating and associating ube with our rich culture. Ube, to me, brings back childhood memories of when my lola would make halaya in a huge talyasi during the town fiesta; and my uncles took turns to stir the rich purple ube goodness so the bottom didn't burn. Thank you for making/sharing this video!
Exactly, his video seems to shift the blame from the real problem . Like, we are dong exactly the same thing within our own country even to our own products. We are one of the largest consumers of rice, yet we rely on export cause we can support our own? Cause we killed are own rice agriculture. Same thing with Ube, we can't even support it locally and in fact killing it, even Ube flavored products sold localy are not all made of real Ube. Again, in our own country with our products/produce, what do you expect other countries to do?
The question should not be "why are we using artificial flavors?" but "Why can't Philippines increase production?". It's always the Philippines losing opportunities and justifying it with "whatever reasons".
P.S. I agree with this video's conclusion. The Philippines should do it's best to increase it's production which will in turn increase badly needed jobs.
The trend doesn't really correlate to why ube production is in a decline. There are a lot of factors that come into play on why demand isn't being met by production. One reason is that the Philippine agricultural system isn't the best. Farmers aren't given many benefits in working the fields, and research done in the agricultural sector isn't common. Most of the articles I've been reading regarding the Philippine's agricultural sector mostly focus on trade and mercantile, not agricultural progress or research.
It just seems like the video focuses more on how America aren't giving credit to the Philippines and its culture. Even the title leans more negative to Americans when the Philippine government is also to blame.
This was exactly my thoughts, the vid is antagonizing America for using artificial ube ang gatekeeping ube as a Filipino thing
This is BS so what would you say about Finos stealing most of Chinese foods and claiming it as their own? Culinary needs do be shared and not get gatekeep if Fino ube production is going down its because of the local market Ube is rarely imported ever since.
Government must implement and invest
to grow the
Calamansi and Ube industry in world market
It's our national food look Vietnam tinatalo na Tayo sa calamansi marketing
Ninakaw lng nmn. Nila satin yun ngayun cla na nangunguna at5 malaki
Factory nila sa calamansi satin waley sana sa ube mas mkilalapa Tayo na a'tin to gaya ng macha ng Japan 😢
FEATR also made a great video about this issue last year. Please let’s continue to spread awareness until the PH gov do something about this, if they haven’t already!
bro im a filipino myself, use it however tf u want cant we just re-grow them? and i aint being ignorant, deadass just make them pricy if they are that valuable and rare. culture this culture that, should we even mention culture just because something came from us, be ashamed because diversity is intoxicating your minds. DO not be like this thinking about the "reality" when it exists everywhere. "Oh we suffer more so you should respect that" thats the vibe im getting here and its so empty-minded thinking.
Honestly what the farmers need is money not validation from some random dude thousands of kilometers away, and that validation wouldn't even feed them nor benefit them.
You can't just " re-grow" them. Ube is hard to cultivate especially if you wanted them for export quality
Theres a reason why ube isnt widespread as a common product in ph itself
you didn't even watch the video and got the message, my god some of you are so fucking dumb i swear to god
Same I'm filipino and they are making this such a big deal. Americans are NOT stealing there culture. They just love the taste of ube. They always have to use the "CULTURE" Notion to get media attention.
Also, you can't unglobalize food once demand for it starts. Even Korean production of chili flakes gochugaru is being "globalized" through growing contracts in Vietnam. The question is, why aren't Filipino companies able to do the same. Maybe the issue why Filipinos are being outdone by other countries in this business is because the country is just too laggard and SMEs cannot innovate fast enough or export aggressively because of repressive local business/tax policies in the Philippines. It's Fil-Ams who successfully marketed ube in the West, not the Filipinos from the Philippines. Unfortunately Fil-Ams are now finding out the ube supply chain (or any supply chain at all!) in the Philippines is poor and we need to import more resources to it just to meet local demand rather than export. Even Malaysian bakery goods/raw materials suppliers export ube paste to the Philippines.
They even mistaken taro for ube, because they are both roots and purple 🤦🏻♀️
I really miss eating that real fresh steamed ube 😢 ube kalamay is my favorite, i moved here to the states from the Philippines and all of a sudden ube has become so popular!
This video brought up very good points, making me question a few things. I do find it cool albeit ironic how Ube is blowing up as a novelty flavor in America while it’s actually declining in popularity in the Philippines. If anyone’s actually robbing Ube of its potential, I think it’s the very people in power who are supposed to safeguard these local treasures… but they seem to have their noses elsewhere.
I think this holds true for many native staples - matcha, like you mentioned, for example.. or maple, vanilla, etc. Overall, it’s hard to retain authenticity once something is commodified. I guess it’s the price of going mainstream as commercial demand breeds simplification.. pushing ‘cultural nuance’ aside. Ube to us is very much like Singapore’s Kaya, or Australia’s Marmite - it’s every day. It’s growing up. It’s culture deep. Food evolves and transforms itself so many times but the goal of bringing people together has always been the same, so I hope you guys are right about how this should just be a gateway to curiosity for Filipino cuisine.. that would be awesome.
Anyway. Here’s a simple Ube Halaya recipe for the curious few!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh or frozen grated ube (purple YAM)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter (plus extra for greasing and topping)
Instructions
1. Prep the Ube: If using fresh ube, peel and grate it. If frozen, let it thaw.
2. Cook the Mixture: In a large non-stick pan or pot, combine the grated ube, condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and sugar.
3. Simmer and Stir: Turn the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The mixture will start to thicken after about 30-40 minutes.
4. Add Butter: Once it’s thick and sticky, add the butter and continue stirring until fully incorporated and the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan.
5. Cool and Serve: Grease a mold or container with a little butter, then pour in the ube halaya, spreading it evenly. Let it cool, then top with more butter if desired before serving.
PS: This takes HOURS and ancestral arm strength to make. For god tier results: needs a Lola constantly stirring and looking over the pot with one arm on her hip and a bimpo over her shoulder. They mean business! 😤😤
I'm sorry, but corporate Filipinos started artificially substituting ube even before demand from the United States became a thing. We can't overlook the fact that Filipino capitalists also have a role in this, especially when there is decades-old undermining of Filipino agrarian interests. Before that got sold in the US, the Philippine market was first flooded by artificial ube.
One of my question is that.. We see that Ube has the potential to be one of the best flavors in the word but some filipino Businesses do not really boost this potential to compete in the global market that that's where there foreigners goes in.
Americs has the capacity to use Ube, growing it in the US. This makes the Philippines loose its advantages haha. how funny 😅
As if filipinos celebrate italian and american culture each time sweet spaghetti and cried chicken is eaten at jollibee or tropical hut.
And ube is not exclusively filipino, it’s called by the same name in mainland se asian indo-malay culture. Even in japan it’s called by the same name where it’s used by okinawans. I was even surprised that honshu people knew about it.
I'm a Filipino from Maui & I'd have to strongly, but respectfully disagree with you. America is not stealing Filipino culture, they're commorating it by showcasing it in their mainstream fast food places. Every non - Filipino that I know from Maui, Las Vegas, Houston Texas and Macon Georgia knows Ube is a Filipino dish. Everyone believes that Adobo as a Filipino dish, but it actually originated from Spain. Same goes with Pizza. Everyone thinks Pizza came for Italy, when it actually originated from China. Food was meant to be spread/shared across the world, not isolated from it/be territorialized.
Adobo is indigenous to the Philippines and existed pre-colonial times. The name is just in Spanish.
The original adobo in the the Philippines has no Soy sauce, only Salt, Vinegar, Garlic, pepper because of Chinese Influence they add Soysauce @trixie_pixie
Original Adobo has no Soysauce@@trixie_pixieIt's called Adobong Matanda
wrong pinoy adobo is not originating in Spain .. the dish is a pre-colonial food cook by our ancestors only we adopted the term.
@@allynsworld8317 Filipinos use Vinegar, Salt, pepper to marinade the meat and fish to prolonged its shelf life. Some ingenious method is burying the meat underground through use of giant Palayok.
I am happy that your team is addressing this kind of issue, I hope our government and those big corporations will help our local farmers not only in the ube industry but also in other areas.
No. It's not racist. Imagine being so sensitive and privilaged that seeing an American eat a flavor is somehow racist.
They like the flavor, it's purple, and exotic. Who gives a damn. Sad to see this online over sensitivity infect Filipinos as well. Americans love Ube. Let them love Ube. We're no better in appropriating other cultures either. Chowking anyone?
Mga balat sibuyas lahat kayo hay nako...
The ube drink from Jack in the Box tastes more like ginataan with an overload of sugar.
This is a reach...
A lot of food in the Philippines comes from other places.
Chocolate, Sweet Potatoes, Vanilla etc. are not natively from the Philippines, yet we have it here. I'm pretty sure Hotdog, Bubble Tea, Pizza, Hamburgers, Shawarma and french fries didn't originate here but still it's here in the Philippines, being made and consumed by Filipinos.
You said it yourself, matcha is everywhere, but are you hearing the Japanese complain about cultural appropriation? Are they gate keeping? No, right?
The message I get from this video is, Ube is ours, you can't have it or can I have a medal or something for it.
Pathetic.
OR label it as synthetic ube. that would be fair.
@@srebaayao9616 I mean isn't most junk food labeled as " contains artificial and natural flavors"?
Exactly lmfao
japanese don't care at all.
Ube, or purple yam, is a vibrant root vegetable native to the Philippines, deeply woven into the country’s culinary heritage. Its striking purple hue and distinct sweet flavor make it a favorite in various traditional desserts, such as ube halaya (a sweet jam) and ube cake.
The cultural significance of ube extends beyond its taste; it represents Filipino celebrations and gatherings, often featured in festive dishes. The recent global popularity of ube has led to its incorporation into diverse foods, from ice cream to donuts, yet authentic ube from the Philippines remains unparalleled in flavor and tradition.
In essence, ube is more than just a trend; it embodies the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, making it a culinary treasure worth experiencing in its true form.
Furthermore, ube plays a crucial role in Filipino festivals and family gatherings, symbolizing joy and celebration. Its preparation often involves time-honored methods, such as boiling, mashing, and mixing with coconut milk or condensed milk to enhance its natural sweetness.
Beyond its culinary uses, ube also carries cultural significance, representing resilience and resourcefulness in Filipino communities. The yam is not only a beloved ingredient but also a source of pride, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the Philippines.
As global interest in Filipino cuisine continues to grow, it's essential to appreciate ube in its authentic context, understanding the traditions and stories that accompany it. For anyone looking to explore Filipino culture, trying real ube is an enriching experience that goes beyond just flavor-it's about connecting with a vibrant culinary tradition.
Lastly, the rise of ube on the international stage highlights the broader movement to celebrate and preserve indigenous ingredients and culinary practices. As more people discover ube, there's an opportunity to educate others about its origins, cultivation, and cultural importance.
Moreover, this trend can encourage sustainable farming practices and support local farmers in the Philippines, fostering a deeper appreciation for the roots of this beloved ingredient. In a world increasingly driven by trends, savoring authentic ube allows for a meaningful connection to Filipino heritage and a richer understanding of global food cultures. Embracing ube is not just about enjoying its unique taste-it's about celebrating a vibrant tradition that deserves recognition and respect.
5:40
It all boils down to corruption. Corruption takes advantage of farmers. Corruption kills the country's economy. Vote wisely in the upcoming elections kababayans. Please, don't be a Diwata fan. Don't be a Duterte fan. In fact, don't be a fan at all of any. Be a Filipino, sa puso, sa salita at sa gawa.
Philippines is under the spell of idiocracy. We don’t vote based on sound policies but on popularity. And the quality of our education is very telling here. I have asked around online who they voted for and why they’re convinced of the candidates, and they all just have no proper reason other than “he/she is better than__”. In other words, no sense of political or economic literacy.
Ube, tropical islands, inventions, friendship, hospitality are all great and are all meant to be shared. Peace be with everyone!♥
We celebrate incompetence so much, we are entitled to call out risk takers and revenue generating business people. 😢 sad. Instead of competing, we beg acknowledgment.
Is copying risk taking tho?
@@boogermaiden hmm. Yes if you put money into it.
Hold on, so you’re telling me THERE IS NO RISK? So all the more reason to do it right? Hmm. But no we aren’t doing it, we don’t want money, we want CULTURE!
CULTURE >>>>> NO RISK, BIG MONEY, SOLUTION TO MANY PROBLEMS
But yea, it’s both backwards thinking. with or without risk. People will just find the next reason not to do it rather than find a way to do it.
This is a sad reality today where victims are gloried rather than problem solvers.
@@boogermaiden are you stupid or retarded? Putting money anywhere has risks.
If it has no risks at all, how come filipinos haven’t copied the business model yet? Oh we hate money right?
@@boogermaiden copying - no. Putting money after copying - YES.
Can u copy a business without putting money and effort? Yea right.
Even in the Philippines, we don't have 100% ube here. We have to add purple sweet potatoes to mix with real ube because ube is so damn expensive.
Butter, Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel. They all came from somewhere. No one owns those flavors. As a Filipino, I find this stupid. All kinds of flavors get synthesized, so why not Ube? When ube is used to make non-Filipino recipes, it’s no longer a Filipino dish, it’s just Ube-flavored, and I dont have a problem with that.
True this feels like gate keeping.
Can they make use of the real thing? OR label it as synthesized UBE if they insist. They can eat all the UBE they want but please give filipino farmers a livelihood by getting the real UBE. ELSE they should not be angry when asians put up SYNTHESIZED LEVIS JEANS. That would be fair.
True, Mexicans had no problems with American and European chocolates are more popular and Chocolate rivalry is between Switzerland and Belgium not Belgium and Mexico.
As a local born and raised Filipino, I find it amusing that it’s always the insecure Filipino-Americans who always get offended by these things
@@AviationAddict69 this is true, They should also blame it to ourselves because we Filipinos have a lack of creativity issues, so when other nationalities use our flavor and make success out of it Filipinos tend to feel a little regret on why they didn't come up with those ideas first. Our Government is also to blame due to their lack of support and initiative to create various products out of those crops. Now all we can do is be proud that at least we can still claim that "Ube" originated in the Philippines and feel cringe about it.
Ube is not just from the Philippines but other Southeast asian countries use them as well. What I see in this issue, is Filipinos wanting to be always recognized. We promote our culture and then when someone started liking it then some us think it is stealing. Heck, if we don’t want other countries to steal stuff from us, why don’t we even start amongst ourselves in our own country? Did we hear someone saying oh Philippines is ruining our New York style pizza, fried chicken, spaghetti. Etc.
Sa Pinas, kung saan ka masaya, suportahan taka! Itong cultural appropriation, ay isang Western ideology. Hindi siya from Pinas, to begin with.
If you choose to use ube and market it to both Filipinos and non-Filipinos, there shouldn't be some expectation that you have to learn and share Filipino history. Come on, that's ridiculous. As an American Filipino, I find that stance laughable. Also, that 'median household' stat only holds up because Filipino households often have more family members living under one roof. Let’s be real.
A lot of these issues could be addressed if more 'rich' Filipinos gave back to the country and the communities where they were born and raised. If you want to build a better culture, it starts with making better decisions about how your country operates-how it handles exports, treats its people, and supports progress.
It's hard to even keep watching this video after you claimed that America took rap and hip-hop from other cultures. Just so you know, the creators of those genres were Americans. What you're basically saying is that white people have no right to rhyme on rhythm, which is absurd. Honestly, you're coming off as intolerant. I bet you'll delete my comment, though. Lmao
Bro thank you I’m so tired of people screaming over their culture getting stolen
Domestic agriculture policies is 99 percent responsible for the farming crisis in the Philippines. The unwillingness to reform and improve techniques and poor land usage is the reason why vietnam and Thailand is growing their exports.
Why do Filipino Americans love gatekeeping? Here in the Philippines, we don't care!
It's the cultural diaspora, I'm afraid. They want to be part of the culture so badly that they believe they should gatekeep rather than share. It's always the half Americans that do this.
Lbr the only reason ube is getting harder to grow here is because our government is doing jack shit for the agricultural community. Exporting isn't being handled well enough.
Do what the Italians have done & market certified ube as coming from specific areas in the Philippines!!!☺️
This is woke BS. You don't need to understand what ube means to Filipinos to enjoy it. If you ask a random Filipino in the Philippines enjoying his ube ice cream what ube means to him, he wouldn't know how to answer you. He would just say he likes it. Food is just food. Ube is not sacred. Ube doesn't bring Filipinos together as if it has some magical property, as if we won't gather together if there isn't anything ube on the table. That's just stupid.
triue
Pinoys 🇵🇭 and their pa victim node. Their fault they're mediocre at everything they do 😂
this video is very well written and edited. thank you for this.
As a Pinoy IN THE PHILIPPINES I find this entire video stupid and a perfect display of the american mindset
Wait isn't Ube somewhat difficult to properly cultivate in other countries? I clearly remember that if the farm isn't properly managed it can easily become an invasive species.
Same thing they've done with Matcha. A few years ago, before ube got popular, everything should be flavored with matcha but the matcha they know and love is a milky and sickly sweet instead of the bitter, grassy tasting traditional matcha. What's the sense of flavoring something with one thing but you kill the original flavor with cream/milk and tons of sugar.
There's plenty of matcha flavored things in Japan...not all is bitter and grassy tasting. For example...Matcha Pockey....or Matcha Kit Kats. Maybe some ppl like a hint of matcha.