KARE-KARE ISN’T JUST FILIPINO—IT’S A GLOBAL MASHUP OF MORO, SPANISH, AND INDIAN FLAVORS
Its earliest form came from pre-colonial Moro curry-style dishes introduced by Islamic traders. Then came the Spanish, who brought peanuts and annatto seeds from Mexico—transforming it into the thick, golden stew we know today.
But that’s not all—Indian Sepoys who stayed after the British occupation (1762–1764) also shaped the dish, modifying their native curries using local Filipino ingredients.
Across the country, Kare-Kare takes many forms:
In Luzon, it’s oxtail and tripe with bagoong.
In the Visayas, pork replaces beef and flavors get sweeter.
In Mindanao, Muslims stick to beef, goat, or seafood for halal-friendly versions.
What used to be a slow-cooked, labor-intensive dish made from roasted peanuts and toasted rice has evolved—modern kitchens use peanut butter, rice flour, and pressure cookers. Even vegetarian and seafood versions are rising in popularity.
Today, Kare-Kare is more than just food. It’s a symbol of cultural fusion, adaptation, and Filipino pride—a dish that tells the story of centuries of history in every bite.
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NORFOLK, VIRGINIA – At least 18 Filipino seafarers were forcibly removed in handcuffs from the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship at the Port of Norfolk, Virginia, and deported back to the Philippines — triggering outrage from Filipino American communities and immigrant rights advocates.
According to a joint statement from the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the workers were all holders of valid 10-year U.S. work visas and had not been charged with any crime. Yet, they now face a 10-year ban from re-entering the United States.
“These crew members are dedicated parents and spouses with exemplary backgrounds, having passed rigorous background checks to obtain their work visas,” the groups said. “Their abrupt removal, accompanied by the cancellation of their visas and a shocking 10-year ban from re-entry, has inflicted deep humiliation and plunged their families into financial hardship.”
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has acknowledged an ongoing operation but declined to provide specific details, according to a report by USA Today. Other cruise lines allegedly affected by similar actions include Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises.
The deportations have sparked fear among remaining crew members aboard the Carnival Sunshine, which is scheduled to dock again in Norfolk this Sunday. “They are left in fear of being the next victims of these aggressive actions,” PWC and NaFFAA added.
The groups denounced the raid as part of a “disturbing national trend” of deportations under “false pretenses,” despite visa validity and no criminal charges filed. Advocates are now demanding accountability from CBP, Carnival Corporation, and the Philippine Embassy to protect the rights of Filipino seafarers and cruise ship workers.
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