How news personality Nelson Canlas promotes Tausug cuisine with a children’s book
Growing up, I embraced Mindanao as if it were my own backyard. Mama, who was raised in the region, filled my formative years with unforgettable summers and Christmas vacations in the southern part of the Philippines.
I spent countless days with relatives on my mother’s side and cherished every moment with my grandparents, who nurtured my sense of belonging and deepened my appreciation for the culture and heritage of the area. During these early years, I also discovered my love for children’s books—a passion that has since grown into a lifelong dream of writing and illustrating one of my own.
That dream found meaningful inspiration when I came across a Facebook post by a dear friend, GMA Integrated News entertainment correspondent and anchor Nelson Canlas. His first-ever children’s book, Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug, is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Tausug people of Mindanao, told through the eyes of a young boy. The character of Migoy was inspired by the personality and childhood experiences of his partner, Chef Miguel Cabel Moreno, a purveyor of Tausug cuisine and one of the founders of the Mindanaoan restaurant Palm Grill.
Nelson explained his motivation behind creating the book after randomly meeting publisher Kath Eustaquio-Derla at the 2024 Philippine Book Festival almost a year ago. He was covering actress Marian Rivera, who was a guest reader of a children’s book, when he realized that his dream of writing a book for his partner could become a reality.
“For months before that, I had been working on a story—a children’s book that touched on childhood friendships, faith, family, and, of course, the rich and soulful cuisine of the Tausug people,” Nelson shared on Facebook. This sentiment reflects the heart of the project—a heartfelt contribution to the cultural narrative of the Tausug people, a community known for its unique traditions and culinary heritage.
Culinary heritage on every page
The book narrates the adventures of a spirited young boy and highlights the distinctive cuisine of the Tausug. Nelson wanted to showcase dishes like Tiyula Itum and Piyanggang Manok, aiming to educate children and adults alike about the rich flavors and history behind these culinary treasures. He emphasized that the creation of the book was as much about inspiring a love for local food as it was about preserving the cultural identity of a people.
Initially, the book was meant to be a personal gift, a keepsake for a select few. Canlas shared that he planned to have just four copies printed: one for Chef Miggy, one for the chef’s mother in Zamboanga, one for Nelson’s mother in Chicago, and one to keep as a personal memento. What began as a private project soon evolved into something much larger. “That was it. A simple, quiet tribute. But fate had other plans,” Nelson narrated.
The creative process involved countless calls, editing sessions, and a collaborative spirit that brought together Nelson, his co-writer and Chef Miguel’s sister, Dr. Isabel Go, editor Odette de Guzman, and illustrator Danielle Florendo from Baguio City. Their collective efforts transformed the manuscript into a work that not only tells a story but also educates and inspires.
As Nelson would say, “What started as a labor of love slowly grew into something greater than I had ever imagined.”
Every element of the book, from its illustrations to the carefully chosen words, was infused with a deep respect for Tausug culture. The project even led the team to experience firsthand the soul of Tausug cuisine, ensuring that every depiction on the page was authentic and heartfelt.
“When they finally tasted the dishes at Palm Grill, their faces lit up with wonder,” Nelson happily shared.
Crossing borders
This early, the impact of Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug has extended beyond the local community. The book’s inclusion in the curated collection at La Fiera del Libro per Ragazzi—the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy—is a milestone for Filipino storytelling. This international platform, known for celebrating stories that showcase diverse cultures, now offers a space for the tales of a Tausug child and his adventures to be shared with the world.
Rooted in the precious memories of my time in Mindanao and fueled by a love for children’s literature, I find in Nelson’s work a heavy dose of inspiration. His first children’s book serves as a reminder that our heritage, in all its forms, deserves to be told and celebrated. It reinforces the idea that stories can bridge generations and cultures.
“I am not a Tausug. That’s for sure. I may not have been born into this culture. I may never fully understand its depth, its struggles, and its triumphs,” Nelson admitted. “But I have poured my heart into this book project. And I know now that it is not about who you are by blood—but who you choose to embrace, who you choose to fight for, who you choose to uplift.”
Nelson’s right. The best place and time to promote the richness of Mindanao are right here and right now.
Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug will soon be available on Lazada and select Fully Booked branches.
For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.
