It's funny.
I've been daydreaming about writing this particular blog post and making this particular announcement since perhaps day one of this blog. Every now and then, for the past four years, I'd catch myself staring off into space, quietly wondering and hoping:
Wouldn't it be cool if I were to write a...
One of these days I'm going to write a...
Man, I really think I could write a...
And then before finishing my thought, I'd shake my head and continue banging on my keyboard, posting Filipino recipes and just sharing a part of my life and culture with anyone who happened across this blog.
Eventually though, after a couple years of wondering and hoping, I sat down and got to doing and writing. A proposal was written, and re-written, and massaged, and fine tuned, and...
And now, now that I actually am writing this blog post and actually do have something to announce, I'm at a loss for words.
Or maybe I'm just nervous.
Here goes:
I've got a cookbook deal!!! A cookbook deal!!! A mother-effing cookbook deal!!!
Wow, it felt insanely gratifying typing those words just now (especially the mother-effing part).
Yes friends, I am so very happy to share with you that over the next year or so I'll be busy writing a Filipino cookbook. I've signed a contract with Tuttle Publishing, and my manuscript is due in January 2012. My cookbook is tentatively titled The New Filipino-American Cookbook (ooh-lar-lar) and is scheduled to land in bookstores, Amazon, and my car trunk by Fall 2012.
I can already see some people out there who may be decrying the title and asking "Filipino-American? Does that mean this cookbook is geared toward Westerners?"
The answer, NO. The cookbook is intended for ANYONE interested in Filipino cuisine and culture. I'm envisioning this cookbook to be an extension of this blog in the sense that I'll continue exploring what Filipino food is, as well as what Filipino food can be. There will be new recipes featuring some traditional dishes, as well as some recipes with my own wacky take on things--you know, business as usual here at the Burnt Lumpia Worldwide Headquarters.
I would also like to take this time to thank Jaden Hair, Andrea Nguyen, and Pat Tanumihardja--three brilliant cookbook authors and all-around wonderful women who have each provided guidance and advice to me for the past couple of years. Thank you all for being mentors to me. And thank you for being inspiring cookbook authors. Thank You!
And lastly, thank you friends and readers. This is really, truly a wonderful/scary/exciting time in my life. I couldn't have gotten to this point without making the connections I've made with all of you. I've got a long road ahead of me still, and I hope you'll continue on this journey with me, as many of you have from the beginning.
I can only promise you that over the next year I will pour everything I've got into writing this cookbook, this FILIPINO COOKBOOK!!!, and hopefully you'll find the time to flip it open.
Cookbook Rules Everything Around Me
Congratulations!!! I'm so very excited for you and can not wait to read your book! I can just feel the joy oozing out of this post!!! Thank you for putting our food and our culture out there!
Posted by: Liren | February 28, 2011 at 08:34 PM
Wheeee!! Congratulations, Marvin! This is exciting and wonderful news indeed. I can think of no better person to lead the charge in making Filipino food more familiar, accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Wishing you all the best while you take on this fantastic opportunity!
Posted by: Tracey@Tangled Noodle | February 28, 2011 at 08:36 PM
That's so exciting!!! Congratulations! Here's to making more people aware of the awesomeness that is Filipino Food!
Posted by: Cecilia | February 28, 2011 at 08:39 PM
Marvin,
we are so beyond thrilled for you!!!!! Congrats on all your current success and whole helluva lot more success to come!
Could not have happened to a nicer person.
Cheers!
Posted by: Diane and Todd | February 28, 2011 at 08:41 PM
Congrats! I'll be sure to buy a copy :)
Posted by: Janice | February 28, 2011 at 08:41 PM
So excited for you, Marvin! Well-done!
Posted by: Jacqueline | February 28, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Congratulations! I look forward to reading! Lynn* and I will see you guys on Wednesday in Los Feliz on the MM truck!
*who, by the way, made her first batch of Kaldereta just last week!
Posted by: Arvin | February 28, 2011 at 08:46 PM
Oh wow! That is awesome news! Well done! I'm so looking forward to ordering my copy :)
PS: don't forget your Australian-Filipino cousins out here - all the cookbooks that mention OS forget us Aussie-Filos!
Posted by: Melissa | February 28, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Woo-hoo! Major props, man! Congrats on the book deal... I'm totally gonna buy a copy as soon as it comes out! :D
Posted by: Row | February 28, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Congratulations! I can't wait to order it :)
Posted by: Sharlene | February 28, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Ohmygosh congratulations! That's so exciting! I'm definitely going to buy a copy once it's out. Woohoo! I'm so proud of you! ^_^
Posted by: Allison Day | February 28, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Haha! You said "flip it open" :)
Congratulations, pare! Can't wait to order it!
Posted by: arnold | inuyaki | February 28, 2011 at 09:04 PM
I'm not surprised about this news, what took so long I say? :) I'm so very happy for you, I cannot wait for my copy. This is so awesome!
Posted by: CarolineAdobo | February 28, 2011 at 09:04 PM
Congratulations!!! So so happy for you and happy in general! :) You really deserve this and our cuisine really deserves this as well :) I am ecstatic that you will be putting out a Filipino cookbook which I know will be awesome! I for one cannot wait!!!
YAAAY!
Posted by: joey | February 28, 2011 at 09:07 PM
OMG! I can't wait! I'll definitely buy one! I need a book so that I can cook the foods I grew up with and not have to constantly call my mom! My friends aren't tired of lumpia, pancit, and adobo but I want something different!
Posted by: Michelle Rhodes | February 28, 2011 at 09:10 PM
Congratulations!!! Wow things are looking great for you.. first your food truck then this... can't wait to have your book in my shelf!
GO MARVIN!
Posted by: skip to malou | February 28, 2011 at 09:14 PM
HEY MARVIN!!!!! Congrats sir!!!! you are one of the reasons I opened myself to the culture of my parents. Through you I experienced what you set out to do, to learn about our heritage through our cultural cuisine. Thanks so much for that! Hopefully many others will discover your book and do the same. SALAMAT PO!!!!!
signed another confused fil/am
Posted by: KF Alma | February 28, 2011 at 09:17 PM
Congratulations!!! Can't wait to order this!!!
Posted by: food librarian | February 28, 2011 at 09:24 PM
Mother-effin yeah indeed!! Congratulations on the cookbook deal! Burnt Lumpia has been an inspirations to so many Fil-Ams, including myself. Best of luck -- can't wait to get this on my bookshelf!
Posted by: Michelle | February 28, 2011 at 09:29 PM
Wow, that is awesome!!! That is so cool!!!! I will totally buy a copy!
Posted by: Alicia | March 01, 2011 at 05:24 AM
Congratulations!!! I'll have to buy a copy to cook good food for my Filipino boyfriend :D
Posted by: Chocolatesa | March 01, 2011 at 06:38 AM
w00t! congrats, I'll be pre-ordering that bad boy when it pops up on Amazon!
Posted by: Chris C | March 01, 2011 at 06:59 AM
Congrats! Can't wait to pre-order it.
Posted by: sg | March 01, 2011 at 07:05 AM
Congratulations! I'm very excited for you and for me!! Can't wait to buy it!! Come out to Chicago for a book signing!!
Posted by: Vicky | March 01, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Congratulations, Marvin! I know you have plenty of Filipino recipes, but if you need more, let me know. I contributed the lechon and embutido recipes in Pat's book. I don't mind sharing again, especially if it's a book on Filipino cuisine.
Posted by: Leah | March 01, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Congratulations, Marvin! Can't wait to see/read/eat your new cookbook -- I'm always on the lookout for worthy Filipino cookbooks to add to my collection, especially since I want to share my Filipino-American culture with my son once he's born (only three more months!). Anyway, you've really been an inspiration to me in terms of rediscovering my Pinay-ness. Congrats again -- couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!
Posted by: Lorena | March 01, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Yay! Congratulations! I've learned so much about Filipino food from you. Just think of how many other people will now learn too.
Posted by: Wandering Chopsticks | March 01, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Congratulations! How exciting!
Posted by: Darlene | March 01, 2011 at 12:17 PM
*Applause*
Congrats Marvin! Hope to get a copy when it gets printed!
Posted by: Beth | March 01, 2011 at 12:35 PM
SO HAPPY FOR YOU, MARVIN!!! Congrats all around! From blog to food truck to book deal, it's awesome to see another fellow Filipino-American's dreams come true!
Posted by: April | March 01, 2011 at 02:00 PM
STOKED!
Lookin' forward to it!
Posted by: Gin | March 01, 2011 at 02:46 PM
A BIG CONGRATS MARVIN!!!! That's truly awesome! Save a signed copy for me okay!!!
I definitely want your cookbook on my bookshelf [I noticed that many of your Filipinocookbooks I also have! :)}
Glad you put "American" in the title too.
I am thrilled about this news and can't wait for your book to come out!
Posted by: caninecologne | March 01, 2011 at 03:27 PM
awesome. you've already sold one to me.
-Frank
Austin TX
Posted by: frankspastic | March 01, 2011 at 04:53 PM
That's AWESOME! I'd love to buy a copy when it comes out!
Posted by: elaine | March 01, 2011 at 06:28 PM
hi, exchange link here www.manilainfo.blogspot.com and buzz me if you done so that we can link your site too. thanks!
Manila Philippines: www.manilainfo.blogspot.com
Regards,
Rex
Posted by: rex | March 01, 2011 at 11:21 PM
DUDE! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! i would love a copy.
perhaps i shall send you my lola's morcon recipe.
Posted by: John | March 02, 2011 at 06:05 AM
Gongratulations! First baby lumpia then the lumpia wagon (sorry, can't recall the name right now), now the book! You're in the zone :)
I look forward to reading the book and having a copy in my library one day.
Posted by: Mila | March 02, 2011 at 07:40 AM
How awesome! Congratulations and it's well-deserved. Hmmm...what's next? A cooking show?? :-D
Posted by: pleasurepalate | March 02, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Congratulations, Marvin--I can't wait!! Also, have you caught wind of Phoenix's own Filipino food truck? It's called Hey Joe (http://heyjoetruck.com/Home.php). I gave it a try this past weekend, and it's not bad.
Posted by: Julie | March 02, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Couldn't be more proud of you bud! You're mah hero!
Posted by: elmomonster | March 03, 2011 at 08:36 AM
I just read about this in the news and am really excited for you, and glad to have found your blog. Hope you'll come to Boston on your book tour!
Posted by: Tania | March 03, 2011 at 09:02 AM
That's fantastic! Can't wait to read it in 2012!
Posted by: Aileen@KitchenKwento | March 03, 2011 at 09:43 AM
That is so freakin cool. many congrats! I can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Joy | March 03, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Finally! This is the cookbook I have been wanting to see made. Congratulations, I know you and it will be a wild success.
Posted by: Erin | March 04, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Congrats Marvin! Doing it big!
Posted by: liveLAO'd | March 04, 2011 at 07:14 PM
this year is really kicking off right for you, and i couldn't be more happier for you and your fam. celebrating your 4th blog year anniv; then this... a mother-effing cookbook deal! :D how awesome is that? wishing you nothing but the best!
Posted by: rita | March 05, 2011 at 02:52 AM
and while your at it, please promote coconut oil for cooking. the best oil against cholesterol build up.
Posted by: oilman | March 05, 2011 at 06:51 AM
A huge Congratulations on ur book deal!! I'm glad u feel happy n proud ~ enjoy enjoy. I know I enjoy reading ur blog n look forward to ur cookbook ~
Posted by: junemoon | March 05, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Mother-effing awesome! (haha, just wanted to write that, too) Congrats, Marvin! I'm sure you'll do us proud. Way to go!
Posted by: bagito | March 06, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Congrats, Marvin. Vinegar is such a big part of our lives right now, and we owe it all to you.
Posted by: Daniel | March 06, 2011 at 07:51 PM
!!! congrats !!! i love what you are doing with filipino food, and your passion for introducing it to the masses for what it truly is: damn good. keep it up! :)
Posted by: Jacqui | March 06, 2011 at 09:06 PM
That is bloody hokey pokey FANTASTIC!!! I'll be purchasing it the moment it's released; cannot wait. Interestingly, I've been browsing the net on and off for a reliable, substantial Filipino cookbook (expanding my cookbook collection of a multitude of cuisines) and now, I don't need to look any further. Although, sadly, patient I must be.
But for you, hooraayyy!
Posted by: Jenny @ Musings & Morsels | March 10, 2011 at 01:03 AM
can't wait to read it!
Posted by: M | March 10, 2011 at 04:39 PM
Congratulations! I've been visiting your blog a lot the past year and am glad that you've reached this stage. I'll sure be one of the first buyers of your cookbook! ;)
Posted by: Lannie | March 15, 2011 at 01:20 PM
Wow this is a wonderful Post,Good to get a chance... www.vivamagonline.com I will like to follow you in facebook,I've always loved your work.... Have a wonderful year!!!Waiting to c more interesting post from u...Amazing!!!
Posted by: Yummy Food | March 15, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: CT | March 16, 2011 at 05:12 PM
My girl & I love your blog. We'll be back!
Posted by: Mr. Rush | March 20, 2011 at 05:21 AM
Congratulations on the book deal! I'm the type who has to follow a recipe and since my Dad and cousin are awesome cooks a la 'just add a little of this and a little of that' -- you tend to be my starting point for Filipino recipes. Am hoping that you will include regional specialties that are found only at family parties. There's so much I want to learn (and eat) from other regions.
Posted by: Theda | March 21, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Hello Marvin,
My name is Mouse Munoz. I'm a writer/producer for The Filipino Channel (TFC). We're based in Redwood Shores, CA. Congratulations on your book deal! I know it's a bit early but I would like to extend an invitation for you to guest on our shows BALITANG AMERICA (our daily news program) and ADOBO NATION (a lifestyle show about Fil-Am life) so you can promote your cookbook. Actually, even this early, I would love to have you on Adobo Nation so you can talk about Burnt Lumpia...and the book deal, of course. Please email me if you're interested. Thanks!
Posted by: Carlos "Mouse" Munoz | March 25, 2011 at 08:32 AM
Congrats!!
Hopefully you Will Still Post from time to Time as I enjoy your blog way too much!!
*first time poster*
Do your Best! :D
Posted by: AshJack | March 27, 2011 at 05:38 PM
I am so happy for you! I cannot wait to get the cookbook. I am going to get a copy for my friends. I always send them excerpts from your blogs and recipes. You are an amazing cook and writer and you have come so far! First the food truck and now your own book. Congratulations! Can't wait for it to come out! You are the epitome of what happens with hard work and when you take your passion and run with it. May more good things come to you in the future. :)
Posted by: Heather | March 28, 2011 at 06:43 AM
Congratulations! I hope to get a copy of that book! To publish a book is also one of my dreams and to hear such stories just like yours of getting to write a book, makes me inspired to make one as well. Maybe not now, but maybe, someday. Wish you all the best! Again, congratulations!
Posted by: Lead Generation Philippines | March 29, 2011 at 02:45 AM
Wow! Congratulations, Marv! Will be looking for that one to add to the collection. Will be nice to have your recipes and humor portable and on the shelf when the interwebs aren't available...
; )
Posted by: manju | March 30, 2011 at 04:50 AM
I'm so excited for you! I can NOT wait for it to come out!
Posted by: Wendy | March 31, 2011 at 12:17 AM
Congrats!!!
You didn't even mention this:
http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/2011/03/filipino_food_cookbook_burnt_l.php
Way to go!!!
Posted by: Janice | April 04, 2011 at 01:23 PM
I've been trying to finish an outline for a novel for two years, so congrats to you, you should do great, you have a warm author's voice! :)
Posted by: panasonic-sd-yd250 | April 04, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Congratulations!
That's so exciting!
Posted by: Year Old Birthday Party Ideas | April 04, 2011 at 11:58 PM
Congrats. I am glad I found your blog.
Posted by: Loremil | April 08, 2011 at 09:18 AM
I'm certain it will be a super-success. Congratulations Marvin! Looking forward to ordering my copy, please keep us posted.
LL
Posted by: Lori Lynn | April 10, 2011 at 04:45 AM
The trailblazing continues . . .
Stoked for you; stoked for us. Don't hesitate to hit me up for any assistance, namely, of the tasting variety. Congrats, MG!
Posted by: Winston | April 10, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Great stuff man!! I'm excited for ya! Can't wait to see what's next!
Posted by: Steve | April 11, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Better late than never... Congratulations Marvin! I'm looking forward to getting a hold of your book...dreaming one day I can have a Pinoy Aussie version...
Posted by: The Beancounter | May 02, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Well...Congrats...! I hope that I get a copy of that book...! To publish a book is also one of my favorite and heard such a beautiful stories just like yours of getting to write a book, makes me inspired to make one as great...! of course not now but maybe,some other day..!!!! I give you all the best and congrats..!
Posted by: corporate catering los angeles | May 05, 2011 at 06:28 AM
It would be nice if your cookbook had step by step pictures on how to make each recipe. I am just learning how to cook and find these type of cookbooks the best for me....just like Pioneer Woman. Anyway congratulations!
Posted by: Haidee | May 11, 2011 at 01:48 PM
So excited! I am so going to own that one and give as gifts!
Posted by: Melissa@ | May 16, 2011 at 03:50 PM
Congratulations! Must be an exciting time for you. Looking forward to THE book:)
just found your blog today through LA Times and been reading your posts for the past hour or so. HOw engaging esp for one like me who is starting to develop the love for cooking.
Posted by: Dina L. | May 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Congratulations Marvin! I would love to be a recipe tester if you need one.
Posted by: Charlotte | June 02, 2011 at 10:23 PM
I just discovered your website and this is awesome news! I have a LOT of relatives who will be getting that cookbook!
Posted by: Cecilia Tan | June 21, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Effing A! Two things:
1. I'm wondering if it will be available in the Philippines too, or do we have to send for it on Amazon?
2. I dare you to cook and eat lapongga.
Posted by: neckromancer | July 21, 2011 at 03:39 AM
HOW did I not see this until now?! Congrats, congrats, CONGRATS! I am going to be so happy when I don't have to scour the Internet or call my grandmother for her recipes. Instead, I can just go to my bookshelf and check out your book for reliable recipes. Yours will sit among my small but great collection: Julia Child, The Pioneer Woman Cooks, and Pasta by Food & Wine. I'm really looking forward to this. Transcript due Jan. 2012, and available by Fall. I CAN'T WAIT! This totes inspires me :)
Posted by: Krizia | September 27, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Talk about huli sa balita! I just see this now. CONGRATULATIONS! Can't wait. =)
Posted by: TS of eatingclub vancouver | January 10, 2012 at 09:42 PM
Heya, Marvin.
Congratulations on your book deal. I am a fellow Flip and blogger. I came across your blog from another seattle blogger Wrightfood. Once you start touring, you should check out the Book Larder in Fremont. It's a special culinary book store, where authors demo their food. If you make it this way, let me know and I will direct you to the best Filipino restaurants. Take care.
Jan Z. Parker
Posted by: Jan Z. Parker | January 16, 2012 at 11:44 PM
See you on new blog.
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