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| A scene from HBO Asia's Food Lore: Island of Dreams (Image Source: Inquirer Entertainment) |
HBO Asia's original drama anthology Food Lore showcased a reflection of
Filipino culture through its cuisine on its premiere episode which aired last
November 3, 2019 on HBO and HBO HD and is now available for online and offline streaming
on HBO GO. Directed by Erik Matti of "Buy Bust" and "Honor Thy Father",
the episode dubbed Island of Dreams interspersed the preparation of the food to
be served on the dining table with the emotional narratives that most Filipinos
could relate to.
The story revolves around Nieves (Angeli Bayani) who leaves her family
to go to the Big City and work as a domestic helper. As such, she takes care of
her employer's children while her own fend for themselves back home. This is so
she could earn money for her family to be able to eat three square meals a day
and so the children could finish school as well. Economic gain for most of the
time would end in the estrangement between the husband and his wife and
children. But for Nieves, her leaving home is worth the sacrifice which is
something in exchange for economic progress but not her husband (John Nieto)
and her children are in favor of. Regardless, her decision to leave again prevails
this time in Hong Kong.
Food Lore: Island of Dreams is highly reflective of Filipino culture
that borders on sacrifices. Almost every Filipino family experiences it whether
one leaves the country to work for a better life. Their return home, even if it
is a a short while, always calls for a celebration especially if it is timed with
special occasions such as the traditional fiesta which usually means a food
galore to be indulged by the community. This is what Food Lore is all about - a
story of passion, treasured memories and a little spice of Asia possessed with
a distinct voice, tone and narrative.
Helmed by award-winning Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo, Food Lore will
have eight episodes to be aired every Sunday nights on HBO and HBO GO and set in different countries across Asia - Philippines, Vietnam,
Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Japan and Malaysia - and directed by
some of the region's most talented and renouned storytellers - Erik Matti, Phan
Dang Di, Billy Christian, Don Aravind, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, Takumi Saitoh and Ho
Yuhang. Prior to its television premiere, Food Lore: Island of Dreams debuted
at the Tokyo International Film Festival last October 22nd followed by Food
Lore: He Serves Fish, She Ears Flower last October 24th. The India episode
dubbed Food Lore: A Plate of Moon will premiere at the Singapore International
Film Festival on November 24th.
