As a Filipino influencer, Abi Marquez presents herself as a role model in bringing the richness of Filipino dishes to global audiences through her social media channels. With this as her primary objective, she recently focused on highlighting a beloved dish that’s a staple at Filipino gatherings, especially during the holidays– sweet spaghetti.
Filipinos have a fondness for a variety of sweets and treats, but how did this love for sugar extend to savory dishes like spaghetti? It's simple: sugar is inherently addictive. While sweet-style spaghetti may seem tailored for kids, it holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, evoking nostalgic childhood memories for many.
Despite recognizing the variations in spaghetti across different cultures, Abi seized the chance to showcase the Filipino approach, viewing it as a means to celebrate Filipino values, culture, and heritage inherent in this beloved dish and tradition.
Additionally, Abi infused her content with a sense of nostalgia by incorporating comments such as "it hits the spot" and "It's nostalgia on a plate." These nostalgic elements resonate with viewers, tapping into their own memories and experiences associated with the dish. By weaving these sentiments into her content, Abi creates a connection with her audience, making her videos not just about cooking, but also about shared experiences and emotions.
In the case of her Filipino spaghetti video, Abi highlighted the technique of browning the meat to unlock a deeper, more complex umami flavor. This process, she explained, isn't just about changing the color of the meat but about enhancing its taste and aroma, contributing to the overall richness of the dish.
This sweet red sauce, unique to Filipino spaghetti, has sparked discussions and debates not only among foodies but also among regular spaghetti consumers. It has elicited numerous comments from people and food content creators worldwide, with many showing a desire to try the spaghetti itself or simply expressing curiosity about specific unique ingredients used such as red hotdogs, banana ketchup, and condensed milk.
Other quantitative metrics showing the video’s success:
Despite differences in food preferences, one thing is clear– TikTok has become a platform for building communities, something Abi passionately supports. She believes in providing people with a better cooking experience at home by sharing her expertise in a very accessible way, through TikTok.
