People (omnivores specifically) seem to think that eating 100% plant-based is challenging, that we (vegans) are often asked, "What if you're stuck on an island?" I think this question is meant to test the depth of our commitment. It is synonymous to "What if you're really really starving? Won't you eat meat/dairy/eggs?"
It is true that it is easier to find vegan options in some places (like New York where you can devour all the vegan donuts you want) and less so in others (like Cagayan de Oro where I have just been). Since the Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands, every time I travel locally, the question of being on an island becomes quite real, though it is a choice and I am far from stuck on it. In Cagayan de Oro, there is one vegetarian restaurant called Green Haven. These are what I had to eat: vegan versions of liempo and mongolian lamb. It's so-so, and a bit expensive for the portion and quality, but one cannot say there is NOTHING to eat. Just check out the menu. Often, resorts would also have a vegetable section in their restaurant menu where dishes like vegetable curry, chopsuey, pansit bihon etc. can be easily veganized. Of course, there are always generous selections of fruit shakes you can drink without cow's milk. I got vegetable curry and watermelon shake from Paras Resort in Camiguin.
There are local specialties you can try. Kiping is completely vegan. It is made of cassava and the syrup is latik which is made of coconut. One kiping costs P10. The picture shows Ali having her fifth kiping. (Ok, that is not true. How many she had will remain a secret).
On the road, at bus or ferry stations, you can get mongo hopia or pilipit. Just read the ingredients lists. It takes only a few minutes of your life. I got this coconut biscuit which I think is vegan based on the ingredients list and 0 cholesterol label. Although the name of the biscuit is butter coconut, there does not seem to have any cow-made butter in it. Dairy is usually clearly labelled for allergy purposes or for those who are lactose-intolerant. I'm not 100% sure though. If it isn't, let me know and I won't ever have it again.
Lastly, there will always be good, old, reliable fruits.
If you have internet access and you can read this blog, then I can guarantee that you will not starve if you turn vegan.
And if you still want to ask me what I would do if I were truly stuck on a desert island, just check out this podcast episode by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. Please go vegan and spare 100 lives a year from senseless slaughter. Peace and love to you!
1 Comment
3/16/2013 10:55:05 pm
[ Smiles ] If I were stranded on an island, I would such for fruits and vegetables. There is no way that I am going to eat animals and fish!
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