Grace Lee continues boycott of Chinese products

TV host and former radio DJ Grace Lee continues her self-imposed boycott of Chinese products.

Last May 24 during the launch of her new show "Cooking With the Stars," Grace said she was on her seventh day of not using Chinese products.

It will be recalled that Grace enjoined Filipinos to boycott Chinese products at the height of the Scarborough Shoal conflict. The move got mixed reactions.

Personal trial

"Marami mga masamang tweets about this, na ibo-boycott din daw ako ng Chinese community, but I said naman the Chinese products that we have we should appreciate them. I have high respect for the Chinese government and the Chinese community. I have a lot of friends na Chinese. Ang sa akin lang, it's a personal trial, kung hanggang kailan ako makakatagal not using Chinese products."

Grace’s show, "Cooking With the Stars" premieres on Monday (May 28) and will be shown on GMA 7 at 9:55 to 10:05 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with replays on GMA News TV every Tuesday and Thursday, 7-7:10 p.m. and on Saturday at 6:45 to 6:55p.m.

Grace will be working with SMPFC's Culinary Center's top chefs led by Maricel Manalo, Martin del Prado, Rene Ruz and Kai Verdadero.

A better cook

After acquiring a diploma in Culinary Arts, Grace is prepared for the culinary challenges of her show.

"With my first show, "Etherea" which was about food, cooking and travel, I had no formal training. But now I am more equipped. Hilig ko talaga magluto at gusto ko making knowledgeable tungkol dito."

Dream guest

Grace’s dream guest is Sen. Miriam Santiago.

"Yong ipagluluto ko? Si Senator Miriam Santiago!" Why? "I want to calm her with good food. Pag nakikita ko kasi siya sa TV na galit na galit, natatakot ako na baka may lalabas na lang na dugo sa ulo niya. That's why I want to cook for her food that will calm her nerves. Baka Beef Stew."

As to what food she would liken the senator to, Grace said, "Pinakbet, with the many interesting flavors coming together in that dish."

She added: "I really love Senator Miriam. I love yung pagka-candid niya and her honesty. And her ability to make people laugh. She's so intelligent."

Grace never had the chance to meet the feisty lady senator. "But I know that with her honesty, she would tell me to my face kung gusto niya o hindi ang luto ko."

How about P-Noy? Grace Lee only had this to say,"Mahilig din siya sa Korean food so maybe I will cook for him a beef dish the Korean way."

By Walden Martinez Belen | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom