There are “crazy” stereotypes of being a Filipino. Having a fair-skinned complexion (puti, mestiza…) is considered BEAUTIFUL no matter what… as long as you are “maputi” (fair-skinned) period.

Growing up, all my cousins and even my sister has a lighter skin tone than me and I have always been the “baluga” (dark skinned) in the family. When we go to swimming in the beach, my aunts always tell me to stop swimming before everyone does because I will turn black and they will not be able to see when night time comes!

It was one of the unpleasant memories when I was growing up. I have been labeled as the Black Swan or when people compares me to everyone else – I was beautiful however, Black Beauty! There is always something about my color and someway, somehow it affected me emotionally and chiseled away some of my self-confidence when I was growing up.

On the contrary, when I came to Toronto, everyone seems to like my color. I’m am the “forever tan” among my friends. Obviously, I am liking this and somehow made peace within myself that black is beautiful… which is always have been anyways 🙂

Chicken and Shrimp – Spaghetti al nero di seppia

Ingredients

• 1 pack Black Spaghetti
• 2 pcs. chicken breast
• 10-15 pcs Medium sized shrimps
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 bottle passata
• fresh basil
• mozarella cheese and parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta as per package direction.
2. Saute garlic in olive oil. Add chicken breasts until lightly browned. Add shrimps. Remove when done and set aside.
3. Using the same pan, add passata. Seasoned with salt and pepper and add fresh basil.
4. Boil in medium heat for 10 minutes. Add chicken breasts.
5. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
6. Add to pasta. Top with parmesan and mozarella cheese.