If there is one kakanin or dessert that I like the most, it is Espasol. It is a cylindrical-shaped rice cake which originated from the province of Laguna. It is made of toasted glutinous rice flour, coconut milk and sweetened coconut strips, dusted with toasted rice flour.

I used to ask friends and colleagues to buy me some when they go to Laguna. Nowadays, I order from a local delicacy store here in our province when I feel like eating. The taste is similar with the ones bought from Laguna so it is much better if I have the craving attack.

I have no idea how to cook this favorite food of mine. Until I stumble upon a recipe of espasol on the net. I thought, why not try cooking it myself since the ingredients are easy to find and the process is simple as described in the recipe. I even watched different tutorials on YouTube to familiarize myself.

I took the challenge of cooking it today. Since I would like to rest from staring at the computer and do my assignments, I bought coconut milk from the market. I already have glutinous rice flour, sugar and other ingredients available in the pantry ‘cause I try to cook different delicacies and desserts when I have time. I’m not a seasoned cook but was able to achieve the taste of any dish I tried and this is the perfect time to test my skill.

First, I toasted 3 ½ cups of glutinous rice flour, set aside ½ cup of it for dusting the dough later. In a pan, I put 2 cups of coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes; put 1 cup of sugar while stirring constantly; after dissolving the sugar, I slowly put the toasted glutinous rice flour; added a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a squeeze of lime to add flavor. I also have the option in putting toasted shredded coconut but skipped this step as requested by my mother. I made sure that the fire is in low setting to avoid burning the mixture. Mixing the dough is a challenge because it is so sticky. I continued mixing for about 15 minutes and stopped when the natural oil of the coconut milk is evident and the dough is not loose anymore. While letting the dough cool down a bit, I prepared the banana leaves where I sprinkled the toasted flour. This is where I’m going to lay the dough flat and cut into strips. I rolled the strips to the flour one by one and the final product is arranged in a platter.

The taste test finally came. I’m not sure if I did the right thing. I’m worried about the result. It looked like the usual espasol I buy but the taste is still a mystery. My nieces, mother and son, took a bite. They looked at each other and said “SARAP”. It’s delicious in Filipino and that really made my day. I will never be afraid of trying a new recipe again because my family appreciates it and that makes me really happy.

In my quest for an investment and savings plan that can help me properly manage my finances now and in the future, I joined a local multi-purpose cooperative. This is not my first time to be involved in such a group. I totally removed the negative connotation of cooperatives in my system as “magulo” (riotous) and only involves “utang” (credit or loan). I treat it now as a way of saving money. My investment or share is what they call “untouchable money”. This is because, you cannot use your money anytime you want like deposits in bank where you just present a withdrawal slip or use an ATM card. If ever you have to, the only way to get your money is withdrawing completely including your membership and requires ample time to process. The share is designed to increase, not to decrease as time goes by.

Three years ago, I was persuaded by a former collector of a lending institution to try it. He quit his job from the lending company and was offered a job in a Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bulacan and happened to have two branches here in Bataan. At first, I was hesitant. But when I thought about the benefits that I may reap from joining, I attended the pre-membership seminar. It did not last for more than an hour but gave me a brief and good impression of how cooperatives work for itself and the members. Cooperatives manifests the true sense of Bayanihan which was described during elementary days as the collective help of neighbors in carrying a house from one place to another. Members pool their resources into a common fund that is used to create different services and products that members can avail and derive income from. I agreed in joining and invested a few thousands as share capital. Like most cooperatives, loan service is the primary income generating product of the group. It is up to the member if he or she wants to avail it. Members derive multiple benefits from getting credit. The income generated from such loan will be added to the total income of the cooperative and will be declared as dividends and will be distributed annually to each member depending upon their share or Capital Build-Up (CBU). Another income is what they call Patronage Refund. A portion of the income derived from availing the service or product is computed and returned to the member. The more services and products I avail, the more patronage refund I get. Aside from the two, the third benefit is what I like the most. I’m proud to say that in almost 3 years, I didn’t just doubled or tripled my investment but is already 5 times my initial share. I achieved it through the capital build-up system. Every time I availed of any service or product, part of the interest I pay is directly added to my share, thus increasing it. The only way that a ladder goes is up, there is no down.

There are other benefits such as Insurance, Health Cards/Medical Assistance, Livelihood Training/Seminars and Continuous Education that a member can enjoy. I am making the most out of it and I am trying to look for other cooperatives with the same standing and performance. Like any other business or investment, we need to assess the feasibility of earning or saving since it involves money and time.

Joining cooperatives made me realize one thing. There is no small investment, only small knowledge. People has to learn how to make money work for them.