Word of Mouth: Ige Ramos Unveils His New Book “Bukambibig”

Word of Mouth: Ige Ramos Unveils His New Book “Bukambibig” | Filipino food writer, designer, and culinary advocate Guillermo “Ige” Ramos recently introduced his latest work, Bukambibig (“Word of Mouth”), at a launch event held in the Ortigas Foundation Library. The volume gathers fourteen essays that trace Ramos’s gastronomic journeys—blending scholarly research, personal anecdotes, and cultural investigations—to map the ever‑shifting landscape of Filipino cuisine.

Bukambibig is the second entry in Ramos’s “Lasa at Republika” series, following the earlier title Dila at Bandila. In both the book and his presentation, he questions the conventional fixation on “authenticity,” arguing that Filipino food traditions are not static relics but living, evolving practices.

“Eat Filipino food not for its history—because we can’t definitively label anything authentic.
Eat it not for its culture—because we’re not exotic enough.
Eat it because everything you think you know about it is wrong.” – Ige Ramos

Ramos urged listeners to set aside preconceived ideas, to champion local ingredients, and to support homegrown producers. His mission aligns with the legacy of Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes, whose brand, Mama Sita’s, backs initiatives such as Mga Kuwentong Pagkain that use storytelling to preserve and promote the Philippines’ culinary heritage.

Published by Anvil Publishing, Bukambibig is currently stocked at select National Bookstore location.