While the most popular tapa is made with beef, there are many variations in Filipino cooking, including:   Tapang Usa: Venison  Tapang Baboy Ramo: Wild Boar  Tapang Kabayo: Horse  You can also try pork shoulder or pork belly, or use different cuts of beef, like a roast. Usually you need to add some sugar too to cut the sourness a bit, but this recipe gives your tapa a nice sweet & sour flavor. Feel free to mix and match too, using half vinegar and half lemon juice. Sugar can also help the outside of the beef caramelize, but you will need to turn it more frequently to prevent burning. An extra tablespoon of black pepper, cayenne, or even a tablespoon of Sriracha will all make deliciously spicy tapa. For some people, cooking the meat with the liquid leads to a dish that is too tough for their preferences. You can always drain the liquid before cooking if you want crispier meat. Use 1-2 tablespoons of high heat oil (vegetable, sesame, canola) to fry the meat instead of cooking it with the liquid.

Summary: Try different types of meat for new tapa recipes. Substitute lemon juice for vinegar for a tart Tapa. Add brown sugar for a sweet, molasses-like flavor. Add spices like cayenne to give your tapa a kick. Cook the meat without liquid for a crispier dish.


To prevent mistakes while painting your plate, sketch your design out or practice your technique on paper first. Basic, simple designs will be easier to paint, while more intricate designs may take more time. Choose a design you're comfortable with. Lightly trace the stencil with a pencil to guide you when you paint. You can find stencils with words or messages on them at craft stores or art supply stores. Or, create your own words or phrases using single letter stencils. If your stencil letters are narrow, you'll need a paintbrush with a fine tip or a ceramic paint pen to fill them in. Create stripes using painter's tape. You can also try a polka dot or square pattern. If you'd rather not paint your design freehand, use a stencil to create a pattern of shapes. Shape stencils can be used to create patterns of stars, arrows, hearts, flowers, or diamonds. On a palette or plate, briefly stir a few dabs of paint in different colors together using the other end of your paintbrush. See what the colors look like when mixed and choose a combination for your plates. Pairing bold colors like blue, yellow and red will create a pop art design. Dip a wet paintbrush in paint and flick the bristles gently at a large piece of paper to see the effects. This design can get messy, but your plates will look artsy and fun. Start with one color first, then choose another to splatter on top. Different splatter colors add even more texture and interest.

Summary: Sketch or practice your design on paper first. Use stencil letters to trace a message onto your plates. Create a geometric pattern of dots or shapes. Experiment with different colors for an interesting layered design. Splatter paint with a wet brush for an abstract, textured look.


Because the back of the postcard is exposed, anyone who picks up your postcard will be able to see what you have written. Avoid writing things that you wouldn’t tell a stranger, like personal bank information, intimate secrets, or anything that could be used to steal your identity. Keeping your writing on the left side of the postcard is very important in ensuring that the postcard makes it to its destination. Creeping into the address part of the postcard (the right side) could make the address difficult to read and could throw off the post office. If you have too much to write about, consider sending a letter in addition to the postcard. Keep the message short and brief on the card, and write a longer message in a letter. Write the return address on the top left of the postcard. If you plan to be travelling within a month of sending the postcard, write the return address of your next destination. Return addresses are best if you know exactly where you will be over time. Sloppy or illegible handwriting may result in the post office sending your postcard to the wrong place, or discarding because of bad handwriting. If you are worried about your handwriting, practice writing the address in print on scrap paper before transcribing it to the postcard. Be sure to write legibly for both the recipient address and the return address. The note itself does not have to be too neat, as long as your recipient can read it.
Summary: Do not write about anything too personal. Do not let your writing cross over to the right side of the postcard. Add a return address if you will be in one place for a while. Write legibly, especially with addresses.