Crafted with Care: Brgy, Lupa, Compostela’s Traditional White Cheese

Image source: Zeta-Yap, E. A. (2022). Queseo: Traditonal Carabao Cheese of Compostela, Cebu. Retrieved March 5, 2024.

Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. I do not own some of the images that I used in this blog. No copyright infringement intended.

Compostela is a peaceful countryside that offers plenty of opportunities for exploring its natural beauty. It is packed with beautiful resorts, majestic landscapes, and prospering agriculture.

Beyond being a beautiful countryside location, Compostela is also a hub for farming activities, particularly dairy farming, which is also an international practice (Dorrel & Henderson, 2020).

Discovering the Agricultural Heritage

When my Prof tasked us to make a blog about agricultural systems that are practiced around the world, I immediately asked my Mother on what is the most popular agricultural practice here in Compostela. She said that it’s Dairy Farming.

Since my mother couldn’t remember where she had seen a dairy farm in Compostela, I asked the locals where I could go. As per to most locals, it’s in Brgy Lupa

Off the Beaten Path: My Journey to Brgy Lupa, Compostela, Cebu

Heading to Brgy Lupa was tough ’cause we had to drive up the mountains. The picture below is the start of driving up to the mountains, and you can observe how narrow the road was. I was not able to capture clearly how narrow the roads are when we were up in the mountains already since i was busy admiring the view and exploring the place through my eyes.

The roads were narrow and not cemented. The road would probably not be able to accomodate big cars, thankfully we had a safe travel there since our car is just sedan type.

Image source: Quiambao, M. (2024). Captured on February 25, 2024.

I was with my Aunt, she was the one who drove the car, we’re both not familiar with Brgy. Lupa, so we asked the locals for directions along the way.

There were lots of trees and other greenery all around, and even though the road was narrow and somewhat scary, the air was really fresh. Despite the fact it was a little dangerous, it felt good to be outside.

Finally! A Visit to the Carabao Dairy Farm in Brgy Lupa, Compostela, Cebu

Upon arrival at the dairy farm, I had the privilege of engaging in conversation with two farmers. Although I was permitted to capture images of the farm and the carabaos,

I was respectfully informed that photography of the cheese-making process was not allowed. Furthermore, my request for an interview was declined in adherence to their policy, which stipulates that interviews must be authorized by the Brgy. Captain. Regrettably, due to the narrow and precarious nature of the roads, I was unable to seek such permission as we were reluctant to proceed further.

Cheese, Please! The Art of Making Queseo

Although I was not able to interview them in general, especially on the making of Queseo.

Just like what my relatives and classmates said, who are born and raised in Compostela, Queseo or White Cheese is made out of Carabao’s milk. The process of making Queseo involves seven significant steps which are the “Limpyo” refers to cleaning the carabao’s breast portion; “Puga sa Gatas” to milking; “Sa-an” to screening the milk with a mesh; “Init kaldero” refers to heating the cauldron with burned wood; “Huwad suka” refers to adding vinegar to heated milk and stirring; “Hulma” refers to moulding the cheese; and “Putos” refers to wrapping the cheese with banana leaf strips (Freeman, 2013).

Image source: Sedurifa, M, L. ( 2021). Finished product look of Queseo. Retrieved March 8, 2024.

Queseo Festival

The annual hosting of the Queseo Festival has been embraced by the town of Compostela since 2013 (Sollano, J, P., 2016). This colourful festival provides an opportunity to highlight and advertise local queso product. The Queseo Festival unites locals and tourists to enjoy the rich flavours and culinary tradition of Compostela.

Grateful

Starting this journey has been eye-opening, revealing a whole new perspective on the culture of Compostela. Initially, I believed I knew the region well, only to realize how mistaken I was. The geographical size of Compostela seemed small in my mind, but upon immersing myself in the community, particularly in Brgy Lupa where Queseo production thrives, my ignorance became glaringly apparent. The breathtaking scenery captivated me – towering mountains, lush greenery, sprawling fields, and crisp fresh air.

References:

I spent a night in the mountains of Compostela, Cebu to learn how the town’s famed “queseo” is made. EAZY Traveler | Chronicles of a Filipino Travel Journalist. (2022, February 20). https://eazytraveler.net/2022/02/queseo-carabao-buffalo-cheese-compostela-cebu/

David Dorrel & Joseph P. HendersonGeorgia Gwinnett College via University of North Georgia Press, David Dorrel & Joseph P. Henderson, Georgia Gwinnett College via University of North Georgia Press, Via, & Author            David Dorrel & Joseph P. Henderson. (2020, May 16). Introduction to human geography (Dorrell and Henderson). Social Sci LibreTexts. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Geography_(Human)/Introduction_to_Human_Geography_(Dorrell_and_Henderson)

Infantado, A. (2017, October 26). Danasan Falls and peak: Exploring Danao’s Majestic Natural Wonders – the bisaya traveler. The Bisaya Traveler – Memento Mori. https://bisayatraveler.com/2017/10/26/danasan-falls-peak-exploring-danaos-majestic-natural-wonders/

Paradise Hills and Mountains Resort. (2022). Facebook.

1526426, & Palaubsanon, M. L. (n.d.). DA-7 assists coco-coffee farmers in Danao, Compostela. The Freeman. https://www-philstar-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2024/02/14/2333276/da-7-assists-coco-coffee-farmers-danao-compostela/amp/?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17098547368485&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.philstar.com%2Fthe-freeman%2Fcebu-news%2F2024%2F02%2F14%2F2333276%2Fda-7-assists-coco-coffee-farmers-danao-compostela

The Freeman. (2013). Queseo Festival de Compostela, Cebu. https://www-philstar-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-lifestyle/2013/06/15/954250/queseo-festival-de-compostela-cebu/amp/?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17098552349214&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.philstar.com%2Fthe-freeman%2Fcebu-lifestyle%2F2013%2F06%2F15%2F954250%2Fqueseo-festival-de-compostela-cebu

Sedurifa, M. L. (2021, July 24). July ukulele design: Viva La Fiesta! + get to know one special festival. Wagas Ukes. https://wagasukuleles.com/blogs/ukuleles/july-ukulele-design-viva-la-fiesta-get-to-know-one-special-festival

Vuelban, P. (2013). Street Dancing of Queseo Festival. Retrieved March 8, 2024 on Facebook.