Elvira Silla, or "Elvie," as her closest friends endearingly call her, just took a huge step in her culinary journey by publishing her very first cookbook with Bookshelf PH. The event took place at a Book Nook event at SM Aura Premier on March 26, 2025.
The atmosphere was intimate. The cozy ambiance of Book Nook presents a distinct charm to the event. Elvie herself was a sunshine— sashaying into the event with colorful stone crystals in her headband and a stylish pink outfit that matched the huge smile on her face. I could feel her excitement as she greeted everyone, especially her high school friends, who came despite their busy schedules and endured the heavy traffic and blazing heat of Metro Manila to show their support.
I had the opportunity to chat with her for a bit, and one thing that was on my mind while observing her is that she is a person who is loved. This trait of hers resonates throughout the event; each of them is a witness to her kindness, and it just shows how important she is to the people around her.
“Ma Rasah" and Its Inspirations
What sparked Elvie to write a cookbook? Well, you wouldn’t believe how simple the reason is— a love for food. Yes, Elvie has always had a passion for exploring various cuisines, experimenting with strong flavors, and sharing her cooking tips with others. She enjoys posting on social media, particularly Facebook, about her cooking journey and her own takes on various recipes. The positive response from her followers sparked her desire to create something bigger.
"Ma Rasah" (a Visayan term for masarap, meaning "delicious") is the byproduct of this passion. The recipes in the book were made to reflect her exquisite taste in food while still being adaptable to others' palates. It contains recipes of Filipino food along with international dishes, drawing influences from Asian and European cultures, including French, Lebanese, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. What makes "Ma Rasah" particularly special is Elvie’s approach to cooking. She believes that experimenting with a dish can transform it into something entirely unique and innovative.
"Food brings people together. It should make you think of home," Elvie says. This philosophy is the heart of the book—creating dishes that are both unique and comforting, evoking the feeling of being surrounded by loved ones.
Cookbook for All Ages
"Ma Rasah" is a collection designed for both beginners and experienced cooks. If Elvie had to recommend a dish from the book, it would be Adobo. "As a Filipino, one should master how to cook Adobo," she said. After all, the world has witnessed how amazing Adobo can be, with everyone praising its bursting flavors. Another dish she recommends is Pancit Bihon, and I totally agree with her! I haven’t heard of anyone who dislikes Pancit and its variations. Because, let’s face it, we know that the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach.
The Journey to Publishing
When asked about publishing, Elvie had difficulties in finding a publisher. After some time looking for publishers, she found Bookshelf PH. When she returned to the Philippines from overseas, she knew Bookshelf PH was the perfect partner to bring her vision to life. She was very satisfied with the creative freedom they gave her and for making her feel secure about the book’s success. "I couldn’t thank the people behind Bookshelf PH enough," she says, knowing her book was in good hands.
As for the writing process, Elvie said it took her a year to write the book, but that’s because she didn’t work on it full-time. She knew the recipes by heart—cooking them for years- so the process of writing them was fairly easy. But writing a book isn’t the only thing Elvie loves to do. In her leisure time, her routine includes singing, dancing, and writing songs. It’s clear she’s someone who thrives on creativity.
What’s Next?
"Ma Rasah" isn’t just a cookbook— it’s a collection of helpful tips for organizing party food, with a handful of useful tips for anyone looking to start their cooking journey. Plus, there’s a little cooking dictionary to help beginners.
When asked which recipes in the book are best for business, Elvie suggested desserts and drinks. With the summer season just around the corner, the refreshing flavors of her sweet treats and beverages are sure to be a hit. There’s no better way to beat the heat than with a delicious, cool drink or dessert—and Elvie’s got the perfect recipes for both.
Elvie said that aside from friends and family, she draws inspiration from other renowned chefs, including the famous Jamie Oliver. But what’s next for Elvie? As of the moment, she is currently unsure whether her next project will be another cookbook or a novel. Despite this, she hopes to publish a romance novel one day that is good enough for a movie adaptation.
Elvie’s future in writing is surely as promising as her cooking journey. Whatever she chooses to do next, we’re sure that it will be just as deliciously captivating as "Ma Rasah."
If you haven’t got a copy of "Ma Rasah," then what are you waiting for?
By Loela Joy G. Cabilao