Kikiam ranks 3rd on Twitter Philippines' trending list. Screengrab
MANILA - Street food kikiam trended nationwide on Monday as Southeast Asian women's football teams complained about the quality of the food served to the athletes at the 30th SEA Games.
"Kikiam" ranked third on Twitter Philippines' trending list with 3,033 tweets, as of posting.
Let Dimzon, the coach of the Philippine women's football team on Monday bared the poor quality of their accommodations ahead of the competitions, and request for a more decent meal.
"I'm not sure kung paano ang arrangement ng PHISGOC, but the quality and quantity of food is not enough," said Dimzon. "Sa variety din, like for this morning, hindi enough 'yung rice and kikiam and egg. Walang nutrients."
The coach of Malaysia, Joceph Jacob, backed up Dimzon's concerns.
"Today, my breakfast, most of the players eat only bread and some egg. We have a big tournament, I hope they will improve the food," he said.
Spoken-word artist Juan Miguel Severo was among those who expressed shock and disdain.
Another user said kikiam is "a beloved street food" but is not "supposed to be served formally for breakfast," pointing out it does not have any nutrients.
Mickey Ingles, a lawyer and a 3-time UAAP football champion, wondered if SEA Games organizers provide halal or vegetarian alternatives.
Southeast Asian Games, SEA Games, 2019 SEA Games, Kikiam, women's football, breakfast