Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut)

From Wikipedia, "The nipa hut also known as bahay kubo, is an indigenous house used in the Philippines. The native house is constructed out of bamboo tied together, with a thatched roof using nipa/anahaw leaves.

Nipa huts were the native houses of the indigenous people of the Philippines before the Spaniards arrived. They are still used today, especially in rural areas. Different architectural designs are present among the different ethno-linguistic groups in the country, although all of them conform to being stilt houses, similar to those found in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia,and other countries of Southeast Asia. A nipa hut is an icon of Philippine culture as it represents the Filipino value of bayanihan, which refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective."

This is the cake theme I designed for another Filipino group in Fredericton. They had made a small Nipa Hut that they used in one of their dance and which they also carry in the Canada Day parade. The cake is combination of christmas and birthday.

All the figures were done a week ago using fondant with tylose powder.  If I had lots of time, I would have made more banana leaves and improve the banana fruit.  I  also intended to put more flowers and ducks. I was excited to make this cake. Unfortunately, I started feeling sick thursday night...so it was a bit of challenge finishing this cake.  But I still delivered on time and here it is.