When exploring Filipino markets, you will never fail to find vendors selling suman—a traditional rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. Traditional food, such as suman, reflects the culture and customs of the Filipinos and has long been a hallmark of our pride. We take joy in showcasing cuisine unique to our country, a reflection of our rich heritage.

Although suman may be overlooked by some for its simple taste and modest appearance, for others, it is a symbol of resilience. Unlike those that are commercially produced, the suman commonly sold in wet markets is made by vendors barely making ends meet. They cannot afford to sell products that align with ever-changing food trends. Instead of machines, they rigorously cook glutinous rice in woks, stirred by hand with ladles marked with scratches from decades of use. Instead of modern packaging, they use banana leaves, just as our ancestors did.

One rainy afternoon, I heard a woman shouting, “Suman! Suman kayo d’yan!” while pulling a cart containing all her products. Her voice—driven by the will to live and unbothered by the cold and heavy raindrops—overpowered the rumble of the sky. However, her face fell, saddened by the closed doors despite her echoing voice. Vendors like her, who continue to sell their craft even as they slip further into the margins, keep our heritage and culture alive. Despite the struggle to walk over wet and muddy ground, she persevered, afraid to go home empty-handed.

Suman is not merely a delicacy; it is a livelihood—a lifeline. Some are forced, with limited options, to sell these traditional products just to sustain their lives, feed their families, or simply keep a beating heart.

To many of us, it is the modern food we crave—trending cuisines infused with spices and ingredients unfamiliar to some. But this growing obsession risks burying our traditional treasures. As we move forward into a contemporary world, the hands of a few remain chained to selling crafts and goods. These vendors build their products not on capital, but on their courage to strive.

While we sit in the comfort of our homes, let us remind ourselves that giving food to the less privileged or buying suman from a vendor is a small win for them. In some way, may we respond to their quiet cries for help and recognition.