THE TASTE THAT FITS FOR A KING

IN no other country is Christmas more special than in the Philippines. Here, it’s more than tradition—it’s so ingrained in every Filipino’s hearts that, as soon as September arrives, well-loved Christmas songs start to be played, and some even begin to put up small decorations that reflect the yuletide season.

Visitors from other countries could only wonder in awe how locals are able to allot time for in celebrating Christmas.

An important part of that, of course, are the gatherings with family and friends. And for this particular season, the highlight will always be the Christmas ham, a tradition King Sue Ham & Sausage Co. Inc. understands very well.

Cu Un Kay came to Manila from China as a 12-year-old on board a vessel in the early 1900s. Even at a young age, he knew the importance of hard work and was employed as a cook by his uncle who owned a cold storage facility in Echague. There, he met a German who later taught him to manufacture hams and cold cuts.

Using this knowledge, Cu started his own business and sought to perfect the meat production process using only aluminum cauldron over three adobe stones. He concentrated on producing hams, especially the bone-in-Chinese ham, which his business has become known for.

At the end of World War II, the brand King Sue was born. King, the family surname, implies royalty and enormity, while sue means “small” in Fookien. The two names, while seemingly contradicting, actually tells the story of how

Cu may have had modest beginnings, but his dreams and ambition are big.

The same could be said of Christmas gatherings in the Philippines. No matter how big or small, Filipino gatherings have a way of making one feel like royalty, and King Sue exists to provide premium quality processed meats that deliver a taste fit for a king.

King Sue has a wide variety of premium Christmas hams that are sure to suit every palate, budget and preference, from the popular Chinese bone-in, pina, sweet and Hawaiian to its pear-shaped hams. “There’s a ham for everyone regardless of age, gender, and lifestlye. It can also be enjoyed not just during the Christmas season but all year round as well,” says Romana Go, marketing manager of King Sue.

It is no surprise then that Filipinos who wish to make a lasting impression to special people in their lives choose to either serve these at breakfast, lunch or Noche Buena, and most often give these as gifts during the season.

Indeed, King Sue is as part of Filipino Christmas tradition, as the quezo de bola and various lucky round fruits and its quest to satisfy the Filipino taste and their ever-changing lifestyle will always be at its core values.