The un-heralded sardines

It is something we have all apparently taken for granted – “mag-sardinas ka na lang” whenever we are at a loss as to what to serve.  It is also one of the cheapest foods in the market, and quite versatile – as an ingredient in a pasta sauce, sauted in onions and tomatoes with a slightly beaten egg, part of a salad, a dip or even an omelet.

Mindanao has always been the source of good sardines with Dipolog city as a prominent source of the herring (malangsi) in a small tin or bottle. Today, they come not only in the traditional Spanish-style (in tomato sauce). In Dipolog there is this family who has been engaged in the production of sardines, under their family brand name, Montano, for three generations,  starting with their matriarch Concepcion Macias Montano.   

As with other culinary aficionados, the good lady found inspiration in the small fish from their waters and started concocting a sardine recipe. The finished product was given away to relatives and friends. Needless to say there was great demand and she was encouraged to put up a home-based production unit. Word got around that fishermen started supplying Mrs. Montano with their catch. In 1970, her son Nick started marketing the sardines, following the secret recipe. Today, after their father also passed away, his sons Taz and Stephen, already the 3rd generation, expanded the business. The expansion included other prepared food – bottled bangus, Spanish chorizo, beef tapa, pork tocino, ginisang bagoong, fruit preserves, chicharon and peanuts. Not bad for a family which started with te Lola’s sardines recipe.

Montano products are found in all Robinsons Supermarkets, with the sardines retailing at P56 a bottle of 240 gms. The Metro Manila distributor is Lourdes Montano Madlangbayan at 34 Don Ramon in Don Enrique Heights, Quezon City, tel 951-7387. In Cebu it can be found at Woodmont Processed Food Products at 32 D Ranudo, tel. 032-2536466. The main office is at Turno, Dipolog City, 065 212 4376.  It should be noted that the company has been a recipient of both regional and national awards in the First Business Excellence Awards for SMEs given by the Philippine Small and Medium Business Development Foundation. The Montano story should inspire others who can start small and end up big.

Now, the economic crisis. How does a homemaker beat the ever- escalating cost of food, power and other necessities? This needs a lot of study (of budget, daily habits, food consumption, use of electricity, shopping). We offer a few tips that might help.

Slash, substitute, subtract. Avoid being very generous with food supplies. Anything left in abundance in the cupboard or refrigerator is a temptation to over indulge, like eating when not really hungry but only for the joy of gorging. Buy the quantity that the family can consume. Don’t be premium-quality driven. You’ll be surprised that with the proper seasoning, a less expensive beef cut will come out as delicious. Take that imported mentality away, unless what is on offer is much cheaper. Local products, cheese, mixes etc., have been proven to meet international standards.

You can grill/roast without using an electric oven. What you should do is marinate the meat (chicken, pork or beef) well. When ready to serve, lay the pieces on a griller pan and cook on stove top. Monitor the use of oil, careful not to throw it away after one use. Used for second frying, food will be tasting just as good. Needless to say, re-cycle left overs. There are many ways.

Detergents. Liquid may not be the best as some helpers tend to pour this endlessly. Buy powdered soap in small packets. This would avoid wastage. Pay attention to the contents. A cheaper brand may offer lower price, but the packet might contain less. Don’t pay much attention to advertisements. You are the better judge with regard  to what suits your need.

Subtract all junk food from your food list. They eat up a big percentage of your budget. Water – do not open the faucet full blast. A drop saved today may mean one’s life tomorrow. Electricity – avoid using air conditioning, put out lights where there is sunlight.

Rising costs will be with us for a long time. Nobody can predict if the situation will improve. Meantime, be prepared. Check expenses regularly.

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