SAN ANTONIO — How do you feel about eating with your hands?

We're not talking about eating a burger or a sandwich; rather, we're talking about a big spread of food that once fed a whole army.

Our Victoria Maranan visited Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant in Leon Valley for a “Boodle Fight.”

"We can form it however you want," said owner Camille De los Reyes. "This is where your creativity sets in. This feeds six to 10 people."

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On top of two tables, De los Reyes set down banana leaves, then piled on steamed rice, fried rice noodle, seafood, egg rolls, vegetables, pork belly and their corresponding dip.

"We really encourage everyone to dig in with their hands," she said. "Growing up Filipino has been so much fun. I feel blessed to be born with the palate I have, because I can feel like I can enjoy food in different flavors, different textures."

"Filipino food to me is something from my heart," De los Reyes added.

As everyone dug in, De los Reyes gave a history lesson on a feast that has been reserved for special occasions, like fiestas.

"In the Philippine military, it started out putting out loads of food on banana leaves and everyone--officers, soldiers, everybody regardless of rank--would come together and chow down as a form of equality and brotherhood," she explained. "More so now, it's all about camaraderie and eating together, sharing that culture and that spirit, over some good food and conversation."