Gulaman Candles

Ok, so this isn't really a Kitchen Conjugation in the sense that it is not a recipe nor a restaurant review, nevertheless, it's still something I cooked up in my kitchen as well an idea you might like or find useful. This post appeared originally in my other blog, http://www.annethology.i.ph, in October 2005.
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I made Gulaman Candles for Mike's birthday party last month. Candles, because I wanted something 1) functional (we had the party at our equipment yard; I could use additional lighting) and 2) 'neutral' (it's a guy's party, there'd be drinking and singing, flower centerpieces are out of the question! ;)


I wanted unique and colorful candle centerpieces, and I initially thought of immersing votives in colored water. A stroke of inspiration came from the want to have as many colors in my jars and the need for something to make the candles spill-proof, easy to make and cheap.


Gulaman (Agar) was the answer! Six jars of gulaman candles cost me about P60.00 (P26.75 for 6 votives, P20.00 for 2 packs of Mr. Gulaman, the rest for water and gas)! The jars are technically cost-less, mostly from the growing stash of reusables in my kitchen, and some given by friends and neighbors who were curious to see how my latest project would turn out. :)





The candles turned out well, as you can see (at left and above), and I managed to make 15 jars for the party.