A Slice of Life: My Pizza Journey 

Written by Emarson Comia

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Pizza is more than just food; it's an experience, a comfort, and a universal language of joy. While it may have originated in Italy, its influence has reached every corner of the world, including the Philippines. Here, pizza has taken on unique flavors, reflecting the country’s love for sweet, savory, and fusion dishes.

My First Pizza Memory

My earliest memory of pizza is from childhood, during birthday parties and family gatherings. In the Philippines, pizza often takes center stage alongside spaghetti and fried chicken. My first bite of pizza was from Greenwich, one of the country’s most well-loved pizza chains. Their Hawaiian Overload, topped with sweet pineapple and ham, was my introduction to the ongoing "pineapple on pizza" debate. For me, it was love at first bite.

Filipino-Style Pizza: A Unique Twist

As I grew older, I discovered that pizza in the Philippines had its own identity. Unlike traditional Italian pizzas with thin, chewy crusts, Filipino-style pizza is often soft, slightly sweet, and loaded with toppings. Local brands like Shakey’s and Yellow Cab have perfected this approach. Shakey’s Thin Crust Manager’s Choice, topped with ham, beef, sausage, and bell peppers, became a personal favorite. Meanwhile, Yellow Cab’s New York’s Finest gave me my first taste of a more Western-style pizza, loaded with meats and vegetables.

Beyond fast food, local pizzerias have been pushing the boundaries of Filipino pizza. I once visited a small artisanal pizza shop in Quezon City that served "Longganisa Pizza" a delightful mix of garlicky Vigan longganisa, onions, and kesong puti (native white cheese). The fusion of local and international flavors was incredible.

Pizza Nights at Home

The love for pizza in my family extends beyond restaurants. During the pandemic, we started making homemade pizzas. We experimented with different toppings, sometimes using ingredients like adobo flakes or salted egg, giving our pizzas a distinctly Filipino twist. I learned that using a cast-iron pan could mimic the high heat of pizza ovens, creating a crispy yet chewy crust.

One unforgettable night, we decided to make a “Lutong Bahay” pizza using whatever we had in the fridge. The result? A tinapa (smoked fish) and tomato pizza that was surprisingly delicious. It reminded me that pizza is all about creativity and sharing good food with loved ones.

Pizza in Philippine Pop Culture

Pizza has also cemented its place in Philippine pop culture. It’s the go-to food for late-night bonding sessions, group studies, and even office celebrations. The classic “Pizza and Beer” combo is a staple in many inuman (drinking) sessions. The rise of food delivery apps like Grab and Foodpanda has also made pizza even more accessible, whether it’s a quick midnight craving or a treat for the whole family.

My personal saying is that…. 

From childhood parties to artisanal discoveries, my journey with pizza in the Philippines continues to evolve. Whether it's a classic Hawaiian from Greenwich, a loaded slice from Yellow Cab, or a homemade longganisa pizza, each bite tells a story. Pizza has a way of bringing people together, and no matter how many variations exist, one thing is certain there’s always room for one more slice.

Photos grabbed from https://ph.pinterest.com/zainabjafri11025/