Aside from rice, pandesal is one of Filipinos’ most beloved breakfast staples.
Especially when paired with a warm cup of coffee or even hot chocolate.
Pandesal is not just an ordinary bread; it is also known as the bread of the masses because it is affordable, uses simple ingredients, and is available in bakeries nationwide.
But did you know that yesterday, October 16, we celebrated World Pandesal Day?
The word “pandesal” comes from the Spanish phrase “pan de sal,” which means “bread with salt.”
During the Spanish era, the culture of bread-making was introduced to us, including pandesal.
But before pandesal, people first enjoyed “pan de suelo,” a type of hard but crispy bread baked in a furnace.
However, due to a shortage of quality flour, some bakeries started using lower-grade flour, resulting in softer bread but still crispy, which appealed to the public’s taste.
Wilson Lee Flores, the owner of Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City, initiated World Pandesal Day on October 16, 2015.
Now, in 2024, this marks the ninth year of celebrating this event.
Wilson has greatly contributed to the promotion of pandesal, not only as a food but also as a symbol of hope and cooperation among Filipinos.
Every October 16, he distributes 100,000 pandesal, especially to those in need.
Aside from being affordable, it is also nutritious because it can be made with vegetables like squash, malunggay, ube, and more.
Through this program, small bakeries in the country are also being helped to continue their business.
Bakeries play a significant role in the local economy as they provide jobs to millions of Filipinos.
**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
