These recipes are my ode to you, the master chefs of my life. I put everything into recreating the taste of home. I hope it can make many people smile and put a little sparkle in their eyes when they take that first bite to the last, just as it does to me and my family. Even though many of you are no longer here, you are always in my heart and in my home every time I cook and eat the foods we shared. I hope that the people who eat these foods will live life with wonderful memories around the table and leave this world better for all living creatures, big or small.

Both of you were a big part of the why of this. I want to leave you with beautiful memories around the table and I hope every time you cook and taste the food from these recipes, know that you can always summon your mama — as if I'm in the kitchen with you — when I'm no longer here. I hope these foods will nourish your life, your loved ones, and the world you live in. With you both on this earth, I already know I left it better than how I found it. I love you forever. Mahal na mahal ko kayo.