TAGALOG LANG
Did you know that Tagalog Lang translates as "Tagalog Only" in Tagalog?

TABLEA o TABLEYA

Etymology: Derived from Spanish.

Related Spanish words: tabla (plank), tablilla (small plank)



Tablea is manufactured in rolls which are cut crosswise to make thick coin-like shapes. The pieces are used to make hot chocolate drinks and the Filipino rice porridge tsamporado.


A popular brand of tableya in the Philippines is Sikwate, from the town of San Isidro in the province of Davao del Norte. Notice the similarity to the Tagalog word tsokolate. In fact, sikwate is the generic word that Visayan speakers use for a local hot-chocolate drink.

The company Sikwate markets its product as "Chokolate de San Isidro. Pure Dark Cocoa Tablets. All Natural. No Preservatives." Their tagline is: Darker is better. Sikwate's chocolate tablets are processed from 100% premium cacao beans, roasted and then packed in traditionally crafted banana paper.


Another popular maker of tableya in the Philippines is Lola Andrea.