If food really is a love language, then comparing yourself to a dish would speak volumes. The food we crave or identify with always says something about who we are, right? So when our favorite celebrities were asked the question, “If you were a dish, what would you be?” they served up answers as exciting and diverse as a buffet table.
Shabu-shabu, with its steaming broth and endless healthy add-ons, perfectly captures Gary Valenciano’s energy that's comforting yet invigorating, and something you can keep coming back to for hours on end.
For Joshua Garcia, adobo is “paborito ng lahat." It's just like his all-around charm that appeals to everyone, right? Meanwhile, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” lead actress Anne Curtis seemed in character as Mia Hernandez when she chose pancit with lots of cheese, which is an uncommon combo, perfect for a "crazy person" like her.
Adobo is the ultimate comfort for Shuvee Etrata, the kind of dish she’ll happily eat with endless cups of rice. Yeng Constantino describes it as “timeless," while Alexa Ilacad and Klarisse de Guzman agree that adobo is the viand you never get tired of. Dustine Mayores described adobo as "tumatagal" while Marielle Montellano likens herself to adobong sitaw, which is her favorite to cook.
Bianca de Vera relates to adobo that only gets better over time, while the other half of “DusBi," Dustin Yu picked inasal, which he described as flavorful yet healthy. Brent Manalo thought of an uncommon answer, and for him that's caldereta. Among the many stars asked, only he and Desiree Del Valle went for this choice.
Comfort is Edward Barber’s pick with baked ziti, while Bamboo would keep his choice simple with anything vegetarian. Kobie Brown leaned toward butter chicken that's sweet with a touch of spice. Jeremy Glinoga joked he might actually turn into fried chicken given how often he eats it.
For Lance Pimentel, kiam pung is his dish doppelgänger. Not only is it a Filipino-Chinese favorite, it's also tied to memories of his grandmother’s cooking.
RK Bagatsing and Lyka Estrella are bringing the heat with Bicol express, one calling it the perfect representation for his personality and the other jestingly saying it’s because she’s “hot.” Mutya Orquia also compared herself to the spicy dish because authentic bicol express is worth traveling for, just like her. For someone who wants to “spice things up," Bicol Express is the ideal dish alter-ego for Esnyr Ranollo, while his CharEs duo partner Charlie Fleming went for mashed potato.
Harvey Bautista likened himself to sisig, which is a mix of many parts that blend into one irresistible recipe. Jason Dy also likened himself to sisig because he’s just as delicious.
AC Bonifacio would be strawberries because, just like her, they’re endlessly versatile—you can turn them into smoothies, cakes, or even enjoy them fresh. And while that’s her first pick, sinigang will always be her comfort choice, especially when it’s her mom’s version on the table.
Because food is also about memories, some stars picked dishes that remind them of the people who made those meals special. Just like Jona, who chose menudo because it’s her dad’s specialty, so it reminds her of him.
The BGYO boys would serve up a spread as varied as their personalities. Nate went with steak for its protein-packed punch, Mikki likened himself to sweet tocino, Aki chose sukiyaki, JL saw himself as lumpiang shanghai because it’s a staple at every party, and Gelo would balance out the plate as fresh lumpia.
For Jarren Garcia, sinigang is “perfect for any occasion,” while Carmelle Collado swears it tastes best when the rain is pouring, much like her voice that feels even more soothing on a gloomy day.
Life will always have its bitter parts, said Anji Salvacion, who went for ginisang ampalaya with egg, but just as the egg softens the flavor, she knows how to balance life's toughest moments and stand strong no matter what.
Marko Rudio picked chopsuey for being kompletos rekados, joking that the fat represents his dad bod. JM De Guzman described chopseuy as a "halohalo na, magulo pero healthy." K Brosas kept it witty with pinakbet, calling it “pak na pak, bet na bet."
Closing the menu is the star of every Filipino table, the simple yet essential rice, which River Joseph likens himself to.
Just like the Pinoy menu that’s never short of variety, these celebrities bring their own flavors to the table. How about you, Kapamilya, if you were a dish, what would you be?