Beautiful Biñan

By: Sharelle Vicuña

Biñan has been popularly recognized as the trading center area immediately south of Metro Manila. It boasts the biggest public market in both Laguna province and the Calabarzon Region. Retailers from neighboring towns frequently come to the city to buy goods and products that they'll sell in other places. it is also a major commerce hub in the region due to many banks, lots of stores, and new shopping centers. A common sight is the preparations and setting up of the wholesalers and the arrival of jeepneys and trucks carrying various items such as fruits, vegetables, dry goods, dairy products, meat, fish, etc. The market activity would be 24 hours with peak reaching the early hours (3:00–7:00 am) as Filipinos are known to work in the early hours of the day trying to prevent exposure to the heating sun.

• Historically, Biñan is nationally recognized in the books related to the biography of José Rizal, the country’s national hero. It was in June 1869 when José Rizal as a young boy went to Biñan with his brother Paciano. They proceeded to his aunt’s house near the town proper where they were to be lodged. Here, his first formal education was entrusted to Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz who after a year and a half of tutelage advised young Rizal to continue higher education in Manila. In honor of José Rizal, a plaque of recognition was bestowed on the house where he stayed at. A monument now stands at the center of Biñan’s town plaza in recognition of Biñan’s affiliation to Rizal.

FOOD - PUTO BINAN

• Puto Biñan is what some may call the best puto to be had.  It’s spread with melted butter and then drizzled with condensed milk and finished with grated cheese and salted egg.

• What Ingredients Do You Need For Puto Biñan? This recipe is loosely based on my previous Easy Puto Recipe.  It’s small batch so good for those watching portions or who don’t have many to cook for. Plain Rice Flour – Use regular rice flour that is made with ground rice and nothing else. Sugar – For a little sweetness. Baking Powder – This gives the Puto it’s lift and makes it nice and fluffy. The key is to mix it more than you need and to let the batter sit for about 30 minutes. Pinch Of Salt – To balance out all the flavors. Coconut Milk – For a little flavor.  I do notice that makes the cake a little bit more dense.  If you prefer a much lighter puto cut the coconut milk in half with water. For the toppings this is what you will need: Melted Butter CondensedMilk Cheddar or Gouda Cheese Itlog Na Maalat (Salted Egg)