Diligin Ng Suka Ang Uhaw Na Lumpia -1987- Today

By: R. Cruz, Archivist of Obscure Nostalgia

Lumpiang ubod (heart of palm spring roll) is naturally sweet and juicy. But a stale, day-old lumpia (the "uhaw" or thirsty lumpia) is dry, chewy, and sad. The traditional dipping sauce is a sweet, garlicky sarsa . However, in the economically desperate summer of 1987 (an El Niño year), sugar was expensive. diligin ng suka ang uhaw na lumpia -1987-

Vinegar ( suka ) is a preservative. It is sour, acidic, and sharp. Water ( tubig ) is neutral and life-giving. To "water" something with vinegar is an act of cruel irony. You are giving it liquid, but you are giving it the wrong liquid—one that burns. The traditional dipping sauce is a sweet, garlicky sarsa

The theme was: "Ang Pag-ibig sa Panahon ng Kahirapan" (Love in Times of Hardship). It is sour, acidic, and sharp

So, the next time you stare at a plate of cold, leftover lumpia, hear the whisper of 1987. Pick up the bottle.

Each refuses to give it water. Finally, a disillusioned revolutionary gives it a dipper of suka , saying: "Diligin mo ‘to. Ganito ang lasa ng rebolusyon—maasim at masakit sa tiyan."