Surprising!  This perfectly describes this small bite-size treat from the town of Piat in Cagayan Province.  When we had our lunch at the house of Bless Diwa, Dept. of Tourism Region 2 Director in Alimanao Hills, in Tuguegarao City, she said that we must try ‘pawa ‘  - a sweet native treat made from glutinous rice filled with peanuts and sugar.

That’s why when we went to Piat, I made a beeline to the nearest food stall (just outside the Piat Cathedral) and got a plate of pawa (PHP25, roughly 50 US cents) I initially bought three plates with the thought of taking them home as pasalubong to my family and friends, but when I got to taste the pawa... let's just say I immediately changed my mind! I have fallen in love with this smooth, sweet and tasty rice delicacy. I finished a whole plate and only through firm resolve saved the remainder for my nephews and siblings who enjoyed eating every last piece.

Pawa is made of ground glutinous rice, cooked with a bit of coconut and water (gata).  It is filled with crushed peanuts with brown sugar, making it a perfect surprise to the ordinary-looking foodie.  What probably makes pawa a good eat is that the glutinous rice itself is very smooth and soft to the palate, as if giving your tongue a relaxing massage while pampering your taste buds with its just-right sweetness!

I am now a certified Pawa Fan!