2017, December 22. Teresita "Mama Sita" Reyes, Birth
Centenary
Litho Offset, Amstar Printing Company, Inc.,
Perf 14
Singles (Jumbo Size), Sheets of 30
12p Teresita "Mama Sita" Reyes - Singles (80,000)
Designer: Victoria Avi Roselle Brucelas
Lay-out Artist: Victorino Z. Serevo
First Day Covers: Manila
Limited Edition
Teresita "Mama Sita" Reyes Birth Centennial
Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes was born on May 11, 1917 in Manila to a
family known for good cooking. Her mother established the first and
perhaps one of the most famous Filipino restaurants that still
stands today. Having grown up in a family that loves to cook and
eat, Sita learned the rudiments of marketing and cooking as a young
girl. She raised her 11 children through various food
ventures—reviving her mother’s old canteen, peddling turon and
kakanin in schools, selling fruits in her mini-store-on wheels —
experiences that enriched her culinary journey.
In her travels, she realized how difficult it was to prepare
Filipino food away from home, without the ingredients one has become
used to like sampaloc (tamarind) and bayabas (guavas) for sinigang.
Since then she had made it her mission to make Filipino food more
accessible anywhere in the world. That was how Mama Sita’s products
came into being and her vision became reality.
In 2013, a commemorative stamp was launched by the Philippine Postal
Corporation in honor of Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes. Dr. Maria Serena
Diokno, former chairperson of the National Historical Commission of
the Philippines remarked, “Philippine food history is not complete
without taking into account the role of Teresita Reyes in
popularizing Philippine cuisine….”.
For the next four years, Mama Sita was honored with stamp
issues culminating in 2017 for her birth centenary.
In celebration of Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes’ 100th birth
anniversary, the Mama Sita Foundation has collaborated with Adarna
House in publishing the Special Mama Sita’s Centennial Edition
of What Kids Should Know About Filipino Food.
This new book by culinary historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria is an
informative food guide not just for kids, but for adults, too, and
anyone who wants to know the littlest details with greatest
importance on Philippine food and culture.
The Mama Sita’s Centennial Edition features highlights in the life
of Teresita Reyes, and her contribution to Philippine food history.
In the book introduction, Clara Reyes, daughter of Mama Sita, wrote,
“This edition celebrates Mama Sita’s love for children, her family,
and Philippine food culture as her story, recipes, and food tips are
featured for kids and their parents to enjoy….”.
http://msita.com/who-is-mama-sita/