Philippino neighbors

It sounds like they prefer to share their own food? Perhaps you ought to have a pot luck party where they are invited to contribute. They might feel more comfortable joining in.

I agree with GormetM, do a potluck where people can bring their favorite dishes be clear that you want them to bring what they like and share in different cuisines.   We did this and had eastern european, fillipino, mongolian, latin and scandanavian in addition to american all in one party it was quite interesting tasting all the different foods. 

As far as your neighbors the eggroll things were probably lumpia usually a thinner wrap and made about finger diameter vs the larger thicker skinned egg roll.  one of my favorite party foods since they are easy to handle and if cooked correctly stay crispy and delicious for some time after frying. 

Potluck is a good way for everyone to leave their mark on the neighbourhood, a good way to make the community knit together.  Where we lived for the last few years we would do a  similar thing, and all sorts of surpises were to be had.

It does sound as if they would like to be involved.  On the times where you do see them, try and glean from them what sort of food they enjoy best.  Taking that a bit further, tell them the date of your block party, maybe do a mail box drop and invite the families in the street formally rather than just going on word of mouth (if that's what you do) to let people know when it is to be.  Complete with an RSVP :)  I think they are itching to be dragged into it but may be unsure of being accepted.  THat may be totally off the mark, but I think the invitation could help.

Let them know to bring their favourite food/s.  And about how many to cater for.  I would stick with the pig - I'm pretty sure that is popular with most people. As for the other foods, some will obviously still be expected by the regulars.  But, do have a  look  on google and see what relatively simple dishes could be arranged in the Phillipine way.

Hmm, another thought, maybe print a basic menu on the invites so people can know what they are dealing with and can be worked in with the basics for what they will be bringing so it will  fit in with what you will be supplying.

It's quite possible they are only comfortable with their own ethnic food.

I used to work for a couple; she was Philipino/Chinese, he was Indian. They'd been married close to 30 years, and still didn't know what basic American food was all about. All she cooked was food from her homeland, or variations on that theme. And he would make Indian food.

At the office Christmas party she had me design the menu and prepare the food, because she didn't know what was appropriate or how to prepare it.

Maybe it's the same sort of thing with your neighbors?

I would ask them about the food they serve during the block party. Tell them the food looks and smells wonderful and you like to learn more about it. And maybe ask them if they would come over to show you how to make some Filipino food, maybe invite them to bbq with you. I have a lot of Filipino friends and they all love BBQ. They just tend to bbq meat kabobs, chicken wings, mussels and oysters.

Have them teach you to make pancit. You'll be happy you did.

Pancit, chicken or pork adobo, lumpia, bibingka, lots of good Filipino food.  An educational activity waiting to happen!  You might want to pass on the balut and the durian though.

redvan - I haven't bbq oysters and mussels myself, so I can't tell you. Someone else at those parties does. I imagine they are just thrown on the grill in their shells and cooked in their natural juices. Tabasco is popular as a sauce.

Dang I miss my Filipino friends.  I miss them even more at Christmas time. :(

KYHeirloomer; you could be right, maybe they are only comforatble with their own cuisine.

As a corallery to that, Red, it's been my experience that Asians, in particular, are always astounded that the rest of us would enjoy their foodstuffs. It certainly was that way with my bosses. Once they found out I liked their food, though, I ate pretty good.

Could be something similar with your neighbors. So I'd check into that, as well, and if it is the case, assure them that many people would like to try their dishes.

Lumpia is amazing. Balut once you get past the 'shock' of it, is actually very tasty. I still haven't tried barbaque goat or dog, a because they smell horrible when they first cook them, and b because I will never eat a dog.

BBQ goat is great.  Cabrito makes wonderful tacos!  Bow wow luau, not so much.