Wazzup Pilipinas!
Even as early as September, Filipinos would already setup their Christmas decorations. The so called Ber month namely September, October, November and December has been a very glorious 4 months as almost everyone starts getting the Christmas spirit.
I for one would already send out a Christmas shout-out greeting on Facebook and other social media networks when September 1 strikes. Malls and TV stations will start playing Christmas songs especially those made famous by the iconic Jose Mari Chan.
Visitors from other countries could only wonder in amazement how locals are able to allot the entire latter third part of the calendar year to celebrating Christmas. Foreigners would say the Philippines is where the best Christmas happens because it is in no other country is Christmas more special than in the Philippines. Here, it’s more than tradition—it’s so ingrained in every Filipino’s hearts that our every action suddenly reflects the spirit of the yuletide season. we suddenly become more generous and forgiving. Wouldn't it be more fun in the Philippines if the same spirit is ongoing for the entire year? or better yet, not just in the country but worldwide?
Now, just as the Christmas Tree is the star of all the decorations next to the lantern and Santa Claus images, the star of our Noche Buena, and even Media Noche, feasts is the ham. The gatherings with family and friends is made extra special if a ham is at the centerpiece.
But hams are not only made as centerpices but also as an ingredient in many dishes as well. That is why even spaghetti. lasagnas, sandwiches, etc. could also have hams to make them so much more special.
Its founder, Mr. Cu Un Kay, came to Manila from China as a 12-year-old on board a vessel. Even at a young age, he knew the importance of hard work and was employed as a cook by his uncle who owned a cold storage facility in Echague. There, he met a German who later taught him to manufacture hams and cold cuts.
Using this knowledge, Mr. Cu Un Kay started his own business and sought to perfect the meat production process using only aluminum cauldron over three adobe stones. He concentrated on producing hams, especially the Bone-in-Chinese Ham, which his business became known for.
At the end of World War II, the brand “King Sue” was born. “KING”, the family surname, implies royalty and enormity while “SUE”, means small in Fookien. The two names, while seemingly contradicting, actually tells the story of how Mr. Cu Un Kay may have had modest beginnings, but his dreams and ambition are big.
King Sue has a wide variety of Premium Christmas Hams that are sure to suit every palate, budget, and preference from the popular Chinese Ham Bone-In, Pina Ham, Sweet Ham, Hawaiian Ham, to its Pear-Shaped Ham. “There’s a ham for everyone regardless of age, gender, and lifestyle. It can also be enjoyed not just during the Christmas season but all year round as well,” says Romana Go, Marketing Manager for King Sue.
Served these during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the ham is always a favorite for our family, and most often we also give these away as gifts during the season. It is no surprise then that Filipinos who wish to make a lasting impression to special people in their lives choose to celebrate it with hams as their highlighting dish.
Indeed, King Sue is as part of Filipino Christmas tradition as the various lucky round fruits we complete at least a few days before Christmas eve. and its quest to satisfy the Filipino taste and their ever-changing lifestyle will always be at its core values.
