Filipino food connoisseur and writer Nina Daza Puyat is on a mission to advocate flavoursome food journeys from farm to table for kids to appreciate where their food comes from. Her palatable two children’s books — ‘Ang Alamat ng Lumpiang Shanghai’ (The Legend of Fried Spring Rolls) and ‘The Forlorn Rice Cooker’ —are wrapped in a delightful fusion of savoury culture and rich history in snack-sized bites served on a platter garnished with a heap of take-away lessons while encouraging young readers to cook.
“I believe that we would have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Filipino food if we could connect the dish to our land, people, traditions, and culture,” advocates Nina. "I hope to continue my mom’s mission in a slightly different path – still talking about our Filipino food culture but instead, presenting it in a way that sparks people’s imagination and feeds their soul,” declares Nina, whose mom is the legendary Nora Daza acclaimed for elevating and bringing Filipino cuisine to the world.
Susanne Kikki-Israelsson: Reframing Life in Post-pandemic Era
The Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees. Its global impact is enormous. Getting back on our feet called for a considerable recalibration in the way we think and act because, like it or not, life was never the same again.
Business development strategist Susanne-Kikki Israelsson had a flourishing consultancy career for years before the pandemic. She incurred business losses. Trying to make sense of what was happening, she had to quickly reflect and dig deeper than usual into what the future would look like, starting with the consequences to her.
“Covid put us all in a situation where we understood how vulnerable we all were, and that everything could change quickly and without warning. It pushed me to rethink and reframe everything, professionally and personally,” says the purpose-driven Swedish entrepreneur. “I believe in creating long-term value for society, the environment, or a certain group of people. There must always be a purpose and value in everything you do."
Bryan Koh: The Universal Language of Food
Food allows us to open the door and share otherwise lesser known cuisines. It tempts us to taste new flavours and moves us to engage with those with whom we dine. Cultures and history are expressed through food. Food speaks a universal language that rouses our senses to the environment and prompts an emotional and physical reaction. "Milkier Pigs & Violet Gold” is a food memoir penned by Singaporean Bryan Koh. The book retells heartwarming stories straight from the kitchen, where the magic of scent, flavours and conversations come alive. It weaves personal anecdotes through memorable homey meals, pulsating with much gusto that can only be pulled off with vivid prose and imageries.
“Food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable."
- Anthony Bourdain (25 June 1956 - 08 June 2018) -
Nothing touches the human heart more than a compelling story that sparks hope, encouragement and good vibes. Many resonate with us. Others nudge us to take action. Some urge us to pause and ponder. A few restore our faith in humanity.
Weekly Sparks’ pursuit of enriching stories connects us to diverse communities of awe-inspiring individuals who open their hearts (some reluctantly) hoping that in sharing their struggles, pain and, eventually, triumphs someone out there can find the courage to pursue his/her aspirations.
We find such kinship with Women of the World. They are dreamers and believers. Their collective narrative of pushing boundaries and overcoming limitations is proof that anything is possible if we walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous and the doers. May their daring spirit ignite a fire within you.
Our Story is really about their stories. They reflect who we are at a deeper level, beyond roles and goals.