Putli Mandi: A Sweet Taste of Mindanao and a Story of Strength
A princess born with a clubfoot but filled with courage and kindness, this is the story of Putli Mandi
Puto, bibingka, biko, suman — these are the sticky rice cakes many Filipino families know and love. But did you know the Tausugs have their own version? One Tausug delicacy gaining attention is Putli Mandi, a purple glutinous rice cake with coconut bits.
Putli Mandi is also the focus of a new children’s book, Ang Kuwento ni Putli Mandi, written by GMA-7 reporter Nelson Canlas and Chef Miguel “Miggy” Cabel Moreno. This is Canlas’s second book, following Si Migoy Ang Batang Tausug.
The kids along with the authors and guests during the launch of Ang Kuwento ni Putli Mandi. Photo from Araneta City
A Princess with Heart
Putli Mandi is not your typical princess. She was born with a clubfoot — but her condition doesn’t define her. What makes her stand out is her heart: she is full of love, bravery, and kindness.
The book gently teaches children that every child deserves to be accepted, listened to, and celebrated, regardless of ability. It’s a beautiful message for families raising kind, inclusive children.
GMA reporter and news anchor Pia Arcangel reads Ang Kuwento ni Putli Mandi. Photo from Araneta City
At the book’s launch last August 20, Nelson Canlas asked attendees who among them were familiar with Mindanao and the Tausugs. Seeing only a few raised hands, he said: “Nakita naman po natin na paunti nang paunti ang mga kamay. Iyan po ang dahilan kung bakit kami nagsulat ng libro — para mas makilala ang ating bansa at ma-rekindle ang ating ugnayan sa mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao.”
Celebrating Mindanao Through Food
If Migoy was an introduction to the Tausug people, Putli Mandi is an invitation to discover Mindanao’s diverse food culture.
Chef Miggy, who champions ZamBaSulta (Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi) cuisine through his restaurant Palm Grill, says that food is an important part of cultural learning — even for kids.
Cheffy Miggy Moreno hands out samples of Putli Mandi. Photo fromAraneta City
[Habang] Mga bata pa lang, magkaroon sila ng kaalaman tungkol sa mga regional cuisines ng Mindanao,” he told GMA News.
The launch coincided with Buwan ng Wika and featured a cooking demo of Putli Mandi and a live storytelling session by GMA anchor Pia Arcangel. For those curious about trying the dish at home, the book includes a simple recipe families can do together — a great way to turn story time into kitchen time.
The Diversity of the Filipino
At its core, Putli Mandi is more than a story or a dessert — it’s a celebration of identity. It introduces children to the indigenous tribes of the Philippines, their food, and the many faces of Filipino culture.
Whether one comes from the North, Central, or Southern parts of the country, every Filipino has a story worth hearing. And every child deserves to know that they belong to a nation that values its diversity.
Putli Mandi is just one of the many faces of Mindanao — each with its own story, flavor, and richness waiting to be discovered.
Putli Mandi will soon be available at Fully Booked, and Lazada.
More on books and the authors
Nina Daza-Puyat: Promoting Food Through Children’s Stories
Anya Legarda: Writing Safiya Speaks Up!
Moments Like This: Anna Gomez on Weaving Stories About Life Abroad
