'Astig Vegan': Meet the Filipina Who's Veganizing Our Fave Filipino Dishes

Inspired by compassion and a deep commitment to ethical eating, veganism started as a revolutionary movement that transcends mere food choices into a lifestyle driven by an unwavering dedication to ethical, environmental, and health considerations, resonating with millions across the globe.

At its core, veganism is a conscious choice to abstain from consuming animal products, but it extends well beyond the dinner plate, encompassing everything from fashion to personal care products. It represents a journey towards aligning our actions with our deeply held values.

Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a curious omnivore, or simply intrigued by the idea of a kinder and greener world, let’s delve into the world of Richgail “RG” Enriquez-Diez, who has embraced veganism for the past 15 years (and counting!).

Switching to a Vegan Diet

RG’s leap to a vegan diet started when she took a nutrition class in college, which significantly expanded her awareness of the importance of mindful food choices. As a result of this newfound knowledge, she initially transitioned to a diet comprising healthier options such as turkey, white meat, and various types of fish. This shift marked the start of her journey towards embracing a vegan lifestyle.

“[B]ecause I was practicing more mindful eating, it became all of the above reasons na: naging for [the] environment, [and] for the animals. I feel like I connected to those kasi I was eating slowly and thinking about what I’m eating. [Ako ay] two years vegetarian, I believe, and prior to that may mga araw na on and off lang na may fish. After 15 years of being a vegan, I never want to go back. Sabi ko, 'This is it!' kasi enjoy ko naman tapos the benefits outweigh the rest. Then [nag-focus ako sa] Filipino [dishes] kasi nakaka-homesick ‘pag du’n ka tumira sa ibang bansa. [Naisip ko] kung vegan ka how can you practice [veganism] and remain like a proud Pinoy [kung] hindi ka naman kumakain ng Pinoy food? So naisip ko gumawa ng vegan versions, and then I ended up sharing with everybody ‘yung recipes.”

([B]ecause I was practicing more mindful eating, it became all the above reasons: it became for the environment, [and] for the animals. I feel like I connected to those because I was eating slowly and thinking about what I'm eating. I was vegetarian for two years, I believe, and prior to that, there were days when I only had fish on and off. After 15 years of being a vegan, I never want to go back. I said, "This is it!" because I enjoyed it, and the benefits outweighed the rest. Then [I focused on] Filipino [dishes] because you’ll feel homesick when you live in another country. If you're vegan, [I thought] how can you practice [veganism] and remain like a proud Pinoy [if] you don't eat Pinoy food? So, I thought, I will make vegan versions of it and then I ended up sharing the recipes with everybody.)

When asked about her transitioning period to becoming a vegan, RG humorously reflects on her past, describing herself as "the least likely candidate to embrace veganism.” She playfully recalls her childhood aversion to vegetables, sharing that her mom had resorted to clever tricks to coax her into eating them.

“Mahilig ako sa taba ng baboy [noon]. Kukutsarahin ko pa ‘yung mantika ng tocino, yung taba ng steak, mga ganun, so it’s really the opposite of vegan.”

(I loved pork fat before. I'll even spoon in the tocino oil, the steak fat, and things like that, so it's really the opposite of vegan.)

Originally from Bacoor, Cavite, RG currently resides in Quezon City after her return from the United States, where she lived with her husband. Their decision to return to the Philippines was driven by RG's unwavering passion project, “Astig Vegan,” dedicated to raising awareness and educating a broader Filipino audience about veganism.

“My husband, who’s the other part of ‘Astig Vegan,’ he’s doing the business side and came up with the realization na it’s easier for us to have [a] Filipino vegan business in the U.S. kasi mas maraming vegans [doon] and alam nila ano ibig sabihin ng vegan. But as far as the advocacy itself, mas kailangan kami dito sa Pilipinas… to get the respect and appreciation of Filipinos in the Philippines [for] vegan food is such a great stamp of approval.”

(My husband, who's the other part of "Astig Vegan," he's doing the business side and came up with the realization that it's easier for us to have [a] Filipino vegan business in the U.S. because there are more vegans [there], and they know what vegan means. But as far as the advocacy itself, we are needed more here in the Philippines... to get the respect and appreciation of Filipinos in the Philippines [for] vegan food is such a great stamp of approval.)

The Journey of ‘Astig Vegan’

Astig Vegan started as the name of a blog where RG and her friend TJ Basa (also known as Chinay Vegan) collaborated to share their collection of vegan-friendly recipes. The genesis of the name "Astig Vegan" draws inspiration from a renowned vegan cooking show called "Post Punk Kitchen," which resonated with them due to its rock star vibe.

In their pursuit of a name that truly embodied their ethos, RG decided that her alias should have a Tagalog world that would reflect her Filipino heritage while also adding an element of fun and cultural introduction. Hence, "astig," a Tagalog slang term signifying something cool or awesome, was a perfect fit, as it represented their commitment to showcasing veganism in a fun and culturally meaningful way.

“[Pero yung iba sinasabi na] dapat sa’yo, [yung alias mo] sweet vegan kasi girl ka, ganon. [Bakit] astig? ‘Di ka naman maton or siga sa kalye, but I didn’t really think of it that way. Sabi ko, I think it still makes sense kasi astig is like showing na astig ang pagiging Filipino vegan kasi you’re going against the grain; it’s kind of unconventional, parang you’re one of a kind.”

(But others say that I should've used sweet vegan [as my alias] because I’m a girl. They ask, [why] gutsy? It’s not like you’re some tough or macho guy roaming around the street, but I didn't really think of it that way. I think it still makes sense because "astig" is like showing that being a Filipino vegan is cool because you're going against the grain; it's kind of unconventional, like you're one of a kind.)

Over time, RG has expanded her horizons beyond the realm of blogs and ventured onto dynamic platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Recognizing that cooking is a highly visual experience, RG shifted her focus towards creating videos, as they offer a captivating and comprehensive way to present her recipes. This transition allowed her to engage with her audiences more effectively and bring her culinary creations to life in a more immersive manner.

Driven by her desire to share more about her inventive recipes, RG authored a book titled “Filipino Vegan” in collaboration with Anvil Publishing, which was officially published in September 2022. Surprisingly, the book became incredibly popular and completely sold out by December of the same year.

“The inspiration is [that] we really wanted to pay homage to being Filipino [from] a vegan point of view. You don’t have to choose between [being a] Filipino or vegan, you can be both. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or traditional essence [just because you’re a vegan].”

Her book is a compilation of accessible Filipino traditional recipes and a guide to finding affordable vegan-friendly alternatives. She assures her readers that her recipes are not just original but also meticulously tested for taste and flavor.

In between these recipes, readers will discover RG's engaging essays and narratives, offering valuable insights on navigating situations when dining out with your non-omnivore friends and family. Additionally, she dispels the misconception that being a vegan is prohibitively expensive, debunking this notion with practical tips and experiences shared within the book.

During the interview, RG also shared some “must-try” recipes, which include crowd-pleasers like menudo, leche flan, and sisig.

If you’re up for a slightly challenging cooking experience, she recommends trying the vegan versions of kare-kare and palabok. Alternatively, RG suggests that ginumis and nilupak rank among the easiest recipes to prepare.

15 Years of Veganism

Throughout her 15 years of exploration, she unearthed various benefits that come with adopting a vegan lifestyle. She noticed a remarkable improvement in her mood, leading to increased positivity and reduced crankiness. People around her also noticed that her skin became more glowing. Most importantly, she developed a deeper appreciation for cooking and celebrated her heritage as a Caviteña through vegan versions of Filipino dishes.

The vegan lifestyle also opened a world of opportunities for RG, allowing her to connect with diverse people, forge new friendships, and acquire valuable life wisdom. It led RG to numerous positive avenues, such as participating in food festivals and conducting workshops. She considers these opportunities as “very fulfilling” endeavors since veganism can be a controversial topic, particularly in a culture where meat holds a special place in the hearts of many Filipinos.

“Not everyone is able to have that, [so] I feel very honored and also lucky… and to be given a chance to be in a room full of people who wanted to learn how I do it [seems like a] very surreal opportunity that they are open to it.”

As cliché as it may sound, being a vegan isn’t always a bed of roses. In a country like the Philippines, where meat-centric cuisine prevails, being at social gatherings with limited vegan options could be a challenge. RG admitted that this was one of her struggles, and she empathizes with those who face similar challenges.

For fellow vegans, RG’s piece of advice when it comes to these situations is to do thorough research. By taking the time to research ahead of time, you can ensure that you're well-prepared in case vegan-friendly options are limited or non-existent. This proactive approach helps you avoid feeling deprived when it comes to meal choices.

“You can also have snacks that you can bring, [but] there will be comments like 'kawawa ka naman, ang hirap pala' pero I mean, kung busog ka naman, it’s okay. Minsan baka iniisip nila demanding or maarte [lang], but you just really have to ask [properly] or even how you handle yourself with your relatives. You just pick your battles din. Be okay with people who are saying na ayaw maging vegan tulad mo.”

(You can also have snacks that you can bring with you, [but] there will be comments like "I pity you, it's hard to be a vegan," but I mean, if you're full, it's okay. Sometimes, they might think [that you’re] demanding or picky, but you just really have to ask [properly] or even how you handle yourself with your relatives. You just pick your battles, too. Be okay with people who are saying they don't want to be vegan like you.)

Moreover, she recommends diving into the "tips on how to be vegan and stay vegan" section of her book, where she has compiled a wealth of essential insights.

Whether you're in the early stages of considering veganism or have recently embarked on your vegan journey, RG's advice is to discover your own unique style. Are you passionate about cooking, love dining out with friends, or have a favorite dish that brings you joy? By understanding your preferences and aligning them with your vegan lifestyle, you can navigate this path with greater success.

“Kung ‘di ka nag-e-enjoy, talagang hindi ka magtatagal kasi you’re in a sacrifice mode. And willpower, okay yan pero hindi yan tatagal talaga. Kailangan you do things out of joy kasi nga gusto mo, hindi lang dahil kailangan mo. Even for those vegans na for animals, kaya ang dali sa kanila kasi ayaw nila kumain ng hayop, parang ganun. Explore that! Not just reflect, but also get to know like-minded people that you can get support from and follow influencers that you can relate to para masaya di’ba at maging inspiration mo siya.”

(If you're not enjoying it, you really won't last long because you're in sacrifice mode. And willpower, that's okay, but that won't last long. You really need to do things out of joy because you want to, not just because you must. Even for those vegans who are for animals, that's why it's easy for them because they don't want to eat animals. Explore that! Not just reflect, but also get to know like-minded people that you can get support from and follow influencers that you can relate to so that you can be happy and make them your inspiration.)

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To know more about RG Enriquez-Diez, follow Astig Vegan on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also meet her at the upcoming VegFest Pilipinas 2023 on Nov. 18-19 at The Spine, Blue Bay Walk, Pasay City.