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, 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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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? 😂
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.
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’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 😂
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💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
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.
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 :/
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
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.
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.
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 😢
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! 😤😤
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.
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.
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...
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
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? 🤔
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 have had both real ube and the artificial ube flavouring, it just doesn't taste the same. My mom has cooked ube halaya(ube jam in english) for me during many occasions and the nutty and the savoury taste that real ube has just doesn't come through with the artificial flavourings, it just tastes muted and not as nutty or savoury as the real thing. If you ever want to taste the real thing only way is to go to the philippines and buy some from the wet market(palengke), and have someone cook it for you.
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.
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!
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
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.
I am so glad you have mentioned rice, because that is exactly what I am thinking the rise and popularity of Ube is becoming. We were once the best and leading exporter of rice and we have shared the knowledge to other ethnicities in good spirit, yet, that same reason is why it is now a declining industry of our country. Once the best is now behind. You can tell there's a lot of things about our Filipino Culture that is always exploited in a way--our culturally innate kindness and hospitality to name a few that I believe is one of the reasons why we are always left behind. Through these kind of videos and other eyeopeners, I hope all Filipinos, like me, will wake up and take charge of cultivating what is truly OURS.
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.
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 😅
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.
This video makes me think that the government should also put some focus on concerns like these. Even though the country is already problematic, letting these things slide might disrupt the economy or the history.
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.
The worst part is that it does not celebrate Filipino culture if no one knows it comes from out culture. Everyone knows matcha comes from Japan. Only the Asians know the origin of ube
Is not stealing but we introduce to them and they accept it. We influence them and we should proud of it. Even our ancestors from 1500 was influence by foreigners until now.
Like coffee beans 🫘.... Ube is a tonic.... Once a foreigner "learns" how to make ube "eats" and does it with traditional foods or sweets that's where Ube BECOMES the ...next best thing. Filipinos in the Philippines MUST cultivate it or grow it.... even in corporate farms in Indonesia for example. It'll be a global demand in the future...just like coffee beans, sugar cane, pineapples and bananas...
I wish people would start treating this like "i hate artificial banana but I love real bananas" As in: If you hate what youre eating maybe check your ingredients to see if its even real! It sucks that this is all happening. You'd think that popularity would promote business here (I live in the PH), but I think what people don't understand, and why sometimes locals all over the world hate some forms of exposure or fame, is that corporations will ALWAYS be greedy and go for the cheaper options. Maybe the idea of "authentic" can make corporations see this as a good advertising opportunity, but I don't know if that will matter to them as much as "cheaper options" in order to take everything over.
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.
Featr has a great 45 min video on the ube crop issue in the Philippines. "Is Ube Being Stolen from the Phlippines?" is the name of the video for those who want to check it out on youtube.
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?
There should be a protection for culturally recognised ingredients before allowing these countries to even import from our country. The ube farmers need to be protected.
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.
Kinda agree, Fil-ams also are guilty of taking things that are Filipino and turning it American and marketing it as Filipino in America and then frowning when Filipinos back home get annoyed.
Remember that colonisers have been doing this for centuries. Chocolate cacao was a part of Aztec religious ritual in the form of a bitter drink. Then europeans got ahold of it and made it into the desert flavoring completely divorced from its historic significance. Now most people can’t even identify where chocolate originates from.This is nothing new.
Ube or purple yam is one of the rootcrops propagated culturally or in the wild. This is one of the most delicioso staple foodies in the country. I love ube ice cream, ube halaya, and a lot more. Salamat po for this.
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. 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. Tayong mga pilipino na nasa ibang bansa dapat tulungan natin yung bansa natin na mas umangat. Mahirap kasi maraming socio-economic att political issues ang Pilipinas. Pero tayo ang may kakayahang tumulong financially at possibleng mag introduce ng mga new agricultural technology sa bansa.
The cultural appropriation is getting out of hand. It is crazy how America is really cashing out big time selling and branding anything purple as “Ube”. I am dumbfounded!
I order Filipino products online from US Filipino stores that ship. I was very dismayed to find out that some of the Filipino goods I received were actually not made in the Philippines. Additionally, these stores also sell calamansi juice from Vietnam and Ube powder from Malaysia or Thailand!!!!!!!!!??? Why do US Filipino stores do this?
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
In a weird way, Americans not knowing ube's origin kinda safeguards it. If they discover it, God forbid another American start-up businessman comes to the country and take the matter on their own hands. The things they did for bananas and avocados is a warning sign. They can keep using the artificial flavor.
I don’t care if Filipino cuisine not being well known globally because once a product being introduced to the west especially to Americans. It automatically loses its authenticity.
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.
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"
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. 🤭
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
THANK YOU!!! I''ve personally been so frustrated that even Filipino-Americans have been passing off purple kamote (sweet potatoes) as ube.
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.
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.
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.
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
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? 😂
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.
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’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 😂
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
They're doing what British did with Indian spices.
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 😢
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 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.
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.
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...
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 😂
Gosh. We should be proud & happy that this root crop is getting well known globally.
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
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? 😅
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 have had both real ube and the artificial ube flavouring, it just doesn't taste the same. My mom has cooked ube halaya(ube jam in english) for me during many occasions and the nutty and the savoury taste that real ube has just doesn't come through with the artificial flavourings, it just tastes muted and not as nutty or savoury as the real thing. If you ever want to taste the real thing only way is to go to the philippines and buy some from the wet market(palengke), and have someone cook it for you.
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.
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!
Protect Ube! Especially from southeast asian neighbors! Look what happened to nata de coco!!! Our calamansi!!! All our foods will soon be stolen!
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
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.
I heard awhile back the Ube farming was declining in the Philippines. No matter where it goes… it will always belong to the Philippines
Purple yam Is NOT Ube !!! They are totally different!!!😈👿
Like you cannot call a chicken a duck and vice versa . 🦆🐓
I am so glad you have mentioned rice, because that is exactly what I am thinking the rise and popularity of Ube is becoming. We were once the best and leading exporter of rice and we have shared the knowledge to other ethnicities in good spirit, yet, that same reason is why it is now a declining industry of our country. Once the best is now behind. You can tell there's a lot of things about our Filipino Culture that is always exploited in a way--our culturally innate kindness and hospitality to name a few that I believe is one of the reasons why we are always left behind. Through these kind of videos and other eyeopeners, I hope all Filipinos, like me, will wake up and take charge of cultivating what is truly OURS.
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.
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 😅
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
tried the ube witch shake from jack in the box and it doesnt even taste like it at all
So, an actual American redefining Filipino?
This video makes me think that the government should also put some focus on concerns like these. Even though the country is already problematic, letting these things slide might disrupt the economy or the history.
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 😂
They could do what winemakers do, create a certification system wherein it can only be designated as ube if its grown in the Philippines.
The worst part is that it does not celebrate Filipino culture if no one knows it comes from out culture. Everyone knows matcha comes from Japan. Only the Asians know the origin of ube
Is not stealing but we introduce to them and they accept it. We influence them and we should proud of it. Even our ancestors from 1500 was influence by foreigners until now.
Pinoy should utilize this kind of UBE CRAZE!
For example, more exporting and producing to help our local farmers
Like coffee beans 🫘.... Ube is a tonic.... Once a foreigner "learns" how to make ube "eats" and does it with traditional foods or sweets that's where Ube BECOMES the ...next best thing. Filipinos in the Philippines MUST cultivate it or grow it.... even in corporate farms in Indonesia for example. It'll be a global demand in the future...just like coffee beans, sugar cane, pineapples and bananas...
I’m glad ube is gaining attention in the US. This has always been my favourite flavor in Selecta Ice Cream and Goldilocks cakes.
I wish people would start treating this like "i hate artificial banana but I love real bananas"
As in: If you hate what youre eating maybe check your ingredients to see if its even real! It sucks that this is all happening. You'd think that popularity would promote business here (I live in the PH), but I think what people don't understand, and why sometimes locals all over the world hate some forms of exposure or fame, is that corporations will ALWAYS be greedy and go for the cheaper options. Maybe the idea of "authentic" can make corporations see this as a good advertising opportunity, but I don't know if that will matter to them as much as "cheaper options" in order to take everything over.
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.
Featr has a great 45 min video on the ube crop issue in the Philippines. "Is Ube Being Stolen from the Phlippines?" is the name of the video for those who want to check it out on youtube.
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?
There should be a protection for culturally recognised ingredients before allowing these countries to even import from our country. The ube farmers need to be protected.
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.
It's the same as the Apple. It originates from Kazakhstan. Now, it can be found everywhere.
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.
Kinda agree, Fil-ams also are guilty of taking things that are Filipino and turning it American and marketing it as Filipino in America and then frowning when Filipinos back home get annoyed.
Remember that colonisers have been doing this for centuries. Chocolate cacao was a part of Aztec religious ritual in the form of a bitter drink. Then europeans got ahold of it and made it into the desert flavoring completely divorced from its historic significance. Now most people can’t even identify where chocolate originates from.This is nothing new.
Is America really ruining ube? Or appreciating it? Not everything can be a but hurt activism.. 😂
Ube or purple yam is one of the rootcrops propagated culturally or in the wild. This is one of the most delicioso staple foodies in the country.
I love ube ice cream, ube halaya, and a lot more.
Salamat po for this.
Filipinos dont own ube stop gate keeping and influencing filipinos too join your "VICTIM MENTALITY" and im so oppress mindset 😂
So nothing is being done to increase the farming of ube now?
The Philippine government needs to also the Filipino agricultural industry.
There’s also ube flavor cheesecake from Uncle Tetsu.
Americans didn't even tasted ube halaya and say ube tastes bland.😢😢😢😢
I noticed they are using the purple sweet potatoes similar to Japanese sweet yam instead of the real UBE.. what a scambug!! 🙄🤨😠
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. 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. Tayong mga pilipino na nasa ibang bansa dapat tulungan natin yung bansa natin na mas umangat. Mahirap kasi maraming socio-economic att political issues ang Pilipinas. Pero tayo ang may kakayahang tumulong financially at possibleng mag introduce ng mga new agricultural technology sa bansa.
The cultural appropriation is getting out of hand. It is crazy how America is really cashing out big time selling and branding anything purple as “Ube”. I am dumbfounded!
Well said Kabayan! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!!!
America should respect ube instead of it being the new pumpkin spice. The Pinoys respected Spam and combined it with etlog and sinungan.
I order Filipino products online from US Filipino stores that ship. I was very dismayed to find out that some of the Filipino goods I received were actually not made in the Philippines. Additionally, these stores also sell calamansi juice from Vietnam and Ube powder from Malaysia or Thailand!!!!!!!!!??? Why do US Filipino stores do this?
You know what's even more sadder than this? The Philippines own government not giving a fvck about helping the food production industry.🙌🤣
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
Ube donuts and latte's are somehow a problem yet ube gummies are not? There seems to be a lack of consistency here. Lol.
It's not oo-bey. It is oo-beh!
Again. Oo-beh. Oo-beh. Oo-beh. That is the correct way to read ube.
Love Dear Flor so much!!!
We love you so much!
I don't even think they know the difference between purple taro, purple yam (ube), and purple sweet potato! 😂
Americas feel the same way about corn and peanuts selling in the Philippines.
Imagine, Italians making a video about Filipinos ruining spaghetti, carbonara, and other pasta dishes.
IKR! This channel is such a woke BS
Filipinos cry racism 😂😂😂
What's actually the problem is the ph government lack of support. They done in rice and calamansi and now ube.
Culture is meant to be shared!! UBE TO THE WORLD!!
Make your own original dish or version of a dish incorporating ube!
In a weird way, Americans not knowing ube's origin kinda safeguards it. If they discover it, God forbid another American start-up businessman comes to the country and take the matter on their own hands. The things they did for bananas and avocados is a warning sign. They can keep using the artificial flavor.
Haha, if an ordinary person wants to know the origin or something like ube, how stupid is he/she if he can't find it in a minute or two.
I don’t care if Filipino cuisine not being well known globally because once a product being introduced to the west especially to Americans. It automatically loses its authenticity.
They even mistaken taro for ube, because they are both roots and purple 🤦🏻♀️
Filipinos love to share let them enjoy our ubes ❤❤❤
Personally I feel like we should just gatekeep ube from mass media lmao
as a filipino, I'd say ube flavor can be used in whatever dishes desserts they like, ube is not limited to filipino dishes only. Ang OA NYO!!!!!
@0.02 finally, an ube. Not a purple sweet potato.