RECIPES for Keeps

Fostering cross-cultural understanding through culinary diplomacy

by Sonia Zerrudo-Gostencnik, Austria

The European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria) virtually launched the first edition of its cookbook “RECIPES for Keeps” in December 2020, after enduring an almost year-long lockdown due to the pandemic. Conceived from the shelter of our homes, it was born out of longing—for warmth, for connection, for the flavours that carried our stories. What began as a passion project has now become a cherished tradition: a collection of dishes that are more than recipes. They are vessels of memory, culture, and love—truly, for keeps.

The amazing contributors of “RECIPES for Keeps” come from all walks of life—some are trained chefs, food bloggers and restaurateurs, but the majority are ordinary home cooks who find extraordinary joy in sharing. Each dish carries the spirit of the Filipino table, where—as the saying goes—“Sa hapag-kainan, pantay-pantay ang lahat.” At the table, everyone is equal.

In the summer of 2025, the idea of presenting this humble cookbook at the Frankfurt Book Fair sparked the interest of its publishers—Marizel Rojas, Chairperson and Ana Maria Langer, Cultural Director & Auditor of ENFiD-Austria—to publish a second edition. The Philippines, “an island nation whose culture focuses on diversity,” is this year's guest of honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair. 

Within less than four weeks, the publishers burnt the midnight oil to produce the second edition of the cookbook. Fresh off the press, “RECIPES for Keeps” hit the shelves on August 28, 2025 at the Vienna International Centre, enhanced with 16 new recipes from ENFiD Directors and friends, bringing the total to 93 recipes from 61 contributors across five continents!

The launch of “RECIPES for Keeps” was made all the more special by the presence of Ambassador Maria Cleofe Natividad—who was the Philippine Ambassador to Austria when the first edition was published and is now a Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the current Philippine Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Evangelina A. Bernas, for her warm congratulatory message included in this new edition. Her words of encouragement inspire us to continue nurturing cross-cultural understanding through food and community.

We were further honoured by the presence of officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, our generous donors, as well as ENFiD Directors visiting from Paris, Prague, London, Milan, Zurich, and Brno. The former Chairman of ENFiD-EU, Christian Estrada, and our major sponsor, Serge Bensa-Cruz of Bros. Pizza, offered heartfelt messages of solidarity and support to the Filipino community. Truly, the gathering was a testament to the Filipino gift for turning milestones into moments of togetherness.

The evening was enriched by music that touched our hearts—the Climaco Angels’ voices echoing the warmth of home, Ricky Chiu’s stirring piano pieces lifting spirits, and the Sea Major Project Band led by Ody Patron filling the hall with joyful energy. It was a reminder that, like food, music nourishes the soul and brings people together.

The absolute highlight of the evening was the Parade of Cooks, led by a 12-year old boy proudly presenting his spicy garlic noodles. He was followed by 24 other cooks marching in line, all clad in black personalized ENFiD aprons. Each one beamed as they carried a sample of their signature dish to the delight of nearly 70 guests.

Eyes lit up with excitement as the colorful array of flavours, aromas, and creativity thrilled the senses—canapés, mini pizza crackers, chicken macaroni, Asian salad, spring rolls, sweet & sour fish, sushi bake, oyster mushroom tocino, pancit bam-i, fried shrimp; heavenly desserts such as mango cheesecake, burnt Basque cheesecake, coconut dome cakes, carrot cake with buttercream cheese frosting, Kaiserschmarrn, and kutsinta; and an assortment of refreshing pandan-infused drinks. 

Each dish was a reminder that recipes carry more than ingredients—they carry family stories, heritage, and the joy of giving. As the Filipino salawikain reminds us: “Sa bawat lutong-bahay, may kasamang pagmamahal ng pamilya.” In every home-cooked meal is the love of family.

At its core, “RECIPES for Keeps” remains a passion project with purpose. The joy of cooking and sharing goes beyond the table, as proceeds from the book support the vital work of PREDA Foundation Inc. and Good Samaritan Helping Hands in the Philippines—extending love, justice, and compassion to those who need it most.

As we celebrate this second edition, we remember a wisdom often told to us growing up: “Kung ano ang itinanim, siya rin ang aanihin.” What we planted in the time of isolation has blossomed now into a harvest of community. What began as an attempt to ease distance has become a lasting bond that brings us together—diasporic yet united, diverse yet one. And perhaps the deepest wisdom is this: “Walang gutom sa pamilyang nagmamahalan.” No one goes hungry in a loving family.

We ended this memorable evening with dancing, singing, exchanging Instagram handles, and a heroic Sharon-worthy effort to pack up the rest of the food. In this family of Filipinos abroad, we proved a beautiful truth—that through shared kitchens, music, stories, and flavours that evoke a sense of home, our bonds grow ever stronger. So, let the feast begin! 

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For queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at: enfid.austria@gmail.com

ISBN: 978-3-200-10685-7