Getting Hungry and Nostalgic Again....
From Fujian to Fiesta: The Epic Journey of Lumpia and Its Filipino Reinvention
Before it graced our fiestas, family tables, and birthday spreads, lumpia began its journey thousands of miles away — in the lush farmlands of Fujian province, China. There, it was known as “lun pia”, meaning soft pastry — a tender spring roll wrapped in rice paper, filled with vegetables and pork, eaten during the spring harvest to celebrate renewal and abundance.
Carried across seas by Hokkien immigrants, lun pia found its new home in the Philippine archipelago. In this land of endless flavors, it transformed — as all living traditions do. Filipino hands gave it new texture, new taste, new identity. From the soft Chinese popiah, it evolved into the crisp, golden lumpiang shanghai, the fresh and fragrant lumpiang sariwa, and the vegetable-packed lumpiang togue.
Each version bore the mark of adaptation — Chinese in spirit, Filipino in soul. What began as an immigrant’s comfort food became a national favorite, served at weddings, fiestas, and humble kitchen tables alike. Every roll tells the same story: of movement, memory, and reinvention — a culinary bridge between East Asia and the Pacific.
Fresh Lumpia Ubod (Heart of Palm) from Iloilo- My Childhood Favorite Dish
In every bite of lumpia, there’s a taste of history — of the journeys that shaped us, of how food carries the legacy of both homeland and homecoming.
Lumpia isn’t just a dish; it’s a story rolled in tradition — proof that culture, like flavor, is meant to be shared. This is a delicacy that reminds me of the Philippines, specifically, the province of Iloilo- the province of my birth. In Addition, The following video of fresh shrimps made so hungry....
Meanwhile,
Can music truly reshape our brains at the molecular level? A blend of evidence reveals that musical experiences go far beyond delight—they spark changes deep within our neural architecture.
This systematic review synthesizes research across music-based interventions and musical training. Active and receptive engagement with music boosts neuroplasticity, with molecular changes seen in gene expression, neurotrophins, and neuroendocrine activity. Listening to music upregulates genes tied to neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity, while active involvement, like singing or instrument play, consistently elevates peripheral neurotrophic factors in both healthy individuals and patients.
Musicians, through years of training, reveal striking neurogenetic adaptations—key genes like BDNF, SNCA, and GATA2 are altered, driving improved neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and even cognitive functions. These adaptive processes are linked to increased neural connectivity, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Importantly, the review highlights that both music therapy and practice can modulate stress and support brain health, opening doors for innovative therapies in neuropsychological disorders.
The field calls for a deeper understanding of how music orchestrates these molecular shifts, promising new applications for mental health and cognitive enhancement.
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