Champoy
Photo by Toyang Noresa of CBP Homemade Spicy Tamarind Champoy from Lobo, Batangas.
Champoy (tsampoy) are Chinese sweets traditionally made from yangmei fruits, which have also been called Chinese bayberries. They have been enjoyed for decades in the Philippines.
In recent years, champoy are also being made from the local tamarind fruit (sampalok), or more accurately it can be said that a certain preparation of tamarind candy has been labeled champoy due to the influence of the Chinese original.
For those who grew up in 1980s Philippines, the word “Champoy” will also call to mind a popular television show featuring the Filipino duo Subas Herrero and Noel Trinidad. The theme song is embedded below with full Tagalog lyrics for your enjoyment. 🙂
CHAMPOY THEME SONG LYRICS
champoy, champoy,
subukan n’yo ang champoy
aba, ‘di ba, ibang-iba ang lasa?
sa unang tikim, ‘kala ‘nyo’y matamis,
biglang aalat, parang nang-iinis
champoy, champoy,
ibang-iba ang champoy…
champoy, champoy,
ang tao’y parang champoy…
mayro’ng payat, mayro’n ding parang bondat
matangkad ang ama, anak ay maliit
magandang babae, boyfriend ay pangit
champoy, champoy,
ang tao’y parang champoy
– – –
champoy, champoy,
buhay ay parang champoy…
pinagsama tawanan at problema
minsa’y tahimik, minsan ay magulo,
ganyan talaga ang takbo ng mundo…
champoy, champoy,
buhay ay parang champoy…
– – –
sari-saring ugali
iba’t-ibang talino
ang makikita natin
sa bawat sulok ng mundo
kaya’t mayroong tampuhan
kahit nagmamahalan
pagkat ang bawat tao
ay may sariling isipan
ito ang tandaan ninyo
ang buhay sadya ngang ganito
– – –
champoy, champoy,
buhay ay parang champoy…
pinagsama tawanan at problema
minsa’y tahimik, minsan ay magulo,
ganyan talaga ang takbo ng mundo…
champoy, champoy,
buhay ay parang champoy…
ang tao’y parang champoy
ibang-iba ang champoy
subukan n’yo ang champoy…
