In this week’s employee spotlight, Lee Valerio educates us on the authentic method of preparing the beloved dish Sinigang, which originated in the Philippines long before colonization.

“Sinigang is a traditional Filipino dish known for its sour and savory taste. It’s a hearty soup made by cooking meat or seafood in a tamarind-based broth with vegetables such as tomatoes, water-crests, taro, okra, and eggplant.”

Meet Lee Valerio, Catering Supervisor at the Virginia Theological Seminary. Lee fondly recalls a childhood filled with potluck-style family dinners where her favorite dish, Sinigang, would often be served. She shared that this traditional Filipino dish, celebrated for its fusion of sour and savory flavors, mirrors contemporary Filipino culture’s diverse influences—ranging from vibrant indigenous roots to the legacies of Chinese traders, Spanish colonizers, American rulers, and other Western inspirations. Sinigang was frequently featured at her family’s gatherings growing up, as it was a typical dish to serve when hosting guests. 

“Since family-oriented life is one of the most prominent aspects of Filipino culture, it’s no surprise that what I enjoy most about working for MG is teamwork.”