U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson recently hosted the launch of a new cookbook, “U.S. Poultry Adobo Collection,” authored by Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen, known as the "AdoboQueen." The event, held on May 15 in Manila, celebrated the iconic Filipino dish adobo and highlighted U.S. poultry products.
“The ‘U.S. Poultry Adobo Collection’ is a symbol of the close bond between the United States and the Philippines and our shared love for food as friends, partners, allies, and foodies,” stated Ambassador Carlson at the launch event attended by chefs and representatives from various sectors. She also expressed gratitude to Chef Reyes-Lumen for her contributions to making this collection authentic and creative.
The cookbook was developed with support from several organizations including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), and United Soybean Board. It features over 20 recipes crafted by Chef Reyes-Lumen that blend traditional Filipino cooking styles with modern twists using U.S.-sourced chicken, duck, and turkey available in the Philippines.
Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen emphasized that adobo is about personal taste: “Adobo isn’t about right or wrong – it’s about heart, patience, and flavor.” She encouraged cooks to make their own versions with high-quality U.S. poultry.
The Philippines stands as a significant market for U.S. poultry products globally and is currently Southeast Asia's largest market for these goods. Over ten years, exports have more than tripled to nearly Php10.6 billion ($190 million) due to growing demand driven by local retail growth and an expanding population.