Nelson Canlas promotes Tausug Cuisine in first children's book

Nelson Canlas's first-ever book "Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug" is all about promoting the rich heritage of Tausug people from Mindanao.

In an interview with GMA News Online, the GMA Integrated News showbiz reporter and anchor said that the character Migoy was inspired by the personality and childhood experience of Canlas's partner, Chef Miguel Cabel Moreno, the co-founder and chef of Palm Grill, and a Jolo, Sulu Native.

"Kasi si Chef Miggy, isa siya doon sa mga nagsusulong ng mga Tausug cuisine. So parang naisip ko, bakit 'di ko na lang salihan 'yung personal campaign niya? Paran makatulong naman ako in a way," Canlas said.

According to Canlas, he wanted to raise cultural awareness about Tausugs, more specifically, in their cuisine such as Tiyula Itum and Piyanggang Manok, among others.

"Our hearts were very full, not because we were able to launch the book, but because we were able to strike awareness doon sa isang parte ng kultura ng mga Tausug sa mga batang hindi nakakaalam kung ano 'yun in the past," he said.

"Hindi lang lechon, hindi lang balot, hindi lang sinigang ang dapat ipatikim natin sa mga banyaga na bumibisita sa atin. Kasi mas marami pang cuisine, mas marami pang pagkain sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa na pwedeng pwede nating ipagmalaki," Canlas added.

Co-written by Chef Miggy's sister, Dr. Ma. Isabel Cabel Moreno-Go, the book follows the story of Migoy's daily life in Jolo, Sulu and his love for Tausug dishes.

The book is written in three languages: Tagalog, English, and Tausug. It is available at selected Fully Booked branches nationwide and in Lazada for P425.