Originally written June 2016
“If she is from Pampanga, she must be a good cook,” Filipinos often say about the women from this area because of its internationally-renowned cuisine. Before the closing of Clark Air force base in 1991, US servicemen indulged in the food and natural beauty of this province, situated between metro Manila and the coastal province of Zambales. Clark’s closing put the local economy under pressure, make diversification essential. Presently, Clark serves as an international airport and designated economic zone and the provincial economy is driven by tourism and the manufacturing of furniture and other goods and services.
Sisters Mia and Rosa are Pampanga natives. They are two of seven siblings from a tight-knit and hard-working family…