The tagalog term for baking soda could either be 'pampaalsa' or 'pagluluto sa hurno soda'. This should help you if you are shopping for baking soda in the Philippines. Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken by around a third of citizens in the Philippines. The majority of other citizens in the country can speak it as a second language. Its standardized form - Filipino - is the official national language of the Philippines.
• Baking soda
Baking soda - or sodium bicarbonate, to give the substance its full scientific name - is a chemical compound used in cooking as a leavening agent. In the cooking process, it reacts with batter acids to release carbon dioxide, which gives foods such as cakes and breads a unique soft texture. Baking soda can sometimes be used in place of baking powder, although the results produced may not be so effective. It was once used to soften vegetables, but this practice has more or less died out as taste preferences have changed.
• Other popular uses of baking soda
Baking soda is often used in the laboratory, as it can readily react with acids and bases, turning them to a more neutral state. It is popular in science classes as it is highly unlikely to pose a significant chemical risk; excess use of baking soda would not endanger students in the lab.
Due to the texture of baking soda, it is often used as a cheap home alternative to exfoliation solution. The small granules can rub against the skin without causing damage, effectively removing dead skin cells and dirt.