When I was just four years old, I took my first trip to the Philippines, and since then, I've made a point to go back almost every year. While my memories of the earlier trips are not especially clear, one thing I do remember was visiting my mom's province, where we'd have these huge family gatherings and eat so much food—I'm talking 15-plus dishes on the table at all times. Everyone in the family had a favorite dish, and my Auntie Mitchi, the host, made sure that they were all there.

The parties were all all-day affair, and for four to five women in my family (aunts and cousins), the day started before anyone else was awake. They would rise early to pick up the ingredients from the market, gathering fresh produce, fish that had been caught that morning, and meat that came from an animal slaughtered just hours before. And once back from the market, they spent their day in the kitchen, preparing—and then replenishing—the food.

The men would start drinking around noon, games of cards were played, and as I got older, karaoke definitely played an integral role in the parties, as well. Needless to say, things would get a little rowdy by early evening—but it was all in the name of family, fun, and good food.

The dishes below are common to what one would find at a Filipino party, and I've included some dishes from my Auntie Mitchi, as well. So grab your pork belly—you're throwing a Filipino feast.