Yo Readers!
After returning from the picnic, I was tired; I wanted to take a nap. I went to rest upstairs in my aunts' old room. Strange things started to happen.
I was listening to my fully charged mp3 player then all of the sudden the music stopped and the application closed automatically. I started reading a book.
My eyes were getting droopy, and then the lights was turned on. I looked and I saw my little nephew scurrying away.
The music started playing again, and it got windy. Of course, the wind was a good relief from the heat. It started lolling me to sleep, but it got so strong slamming the door shut and disrupting my attempt to nap once again.
Next thing I know, it was time for dinner. I told my aunts what happened. One of them replied: "The spirits are early this year ... Maybe that's the spirit of your aunt looking for her pasalubong ( roughly translated as "souvenir from a trip or treat from a trip" )?"
It's been a year since my father's eldest sister died, and the room I stayed in was her favorite room.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Picnic up to the mountains
Hello Readers,
I'm in the Batangas region visiting my cousins from my father's side. Meeting familiar faces, and being reminded of others no longer here, I'm told of stories that never get old ( even if told like a broken record in a good way ).
Near this region is Tagaytay, famous for its panoramic view of the Taal volcano in the middle of Taal lake, and a popular destination getaway from the busy, noisy, and crowded capital city, Manila. My cousin heard that every year, an unlucky bystander traveling through Taal lake dies. People speculated that this death has become a sort of offering ( as if Taal volcano takes a sacrifice ) to keep Taal volcano dormant ( kept silent from erupting ).
We didn't see any smoke rising; however up in the mountains, the wind made the temperature cold ( good cold like spring, cold like Baguio City ). We ate the spaghetti with shell pasta, rice with sweet pork, and the fried chicken that we prepared early that morning as clouds briskly walk by us.
I'm in the Batangas region visiting my cousins from my father's side. Meeting familiar faces, and being reminded of others no longer here, I'm told of stories that never get old ( even if told like a broken record in a good way ).
Near this region is Tagaytay, famous for its panoramic view of the Taal volcano in the middle of Taal lake, and a popular destination getaway from the busy, noisy, and crowded capital city, Manila. My cousin heard that every year, an unlucky bystander traveling through Taal lake dies. People speculated that this death has become a sort of offering ( as if Taal volcano takes a sacrifice ) to keep Taal volcano dormant ( kept silent from erupting ).
We didn't see any smoke rising; however up in the mountains, the wind made the temperature cold ( good cold like spring, cold like Baguio City ). We ate the spaghetti with shell pasta, rice with sweet pork, and the fried chicken that we prepared early that morning as clouds briskly walk by us.
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| Taal Volcano inside Taal Lake |
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Street food and the local election
What's the dealio Readers!
Barangay ( roughly translated to as "towns" ), across the Philippines Archipelago, recently held local elections. I'm amazed at the participation of the people, and where there's a large crowd, there's bound to be some traveling food vendors.
Voting day is declared a National Holiday emphasizing the importance to participate. Even youths are encouraged. My cousin in high school was accompanied by her friends to vote for their youth representative ( who is part of the 8 representatives advising the Barangay vice/chairman/leader ).
My aunt and uncle didn't pressure their kids to vote for a certain candidate; nonetheless, they were there to give advice ( if asked ). Since public campaigning was limited to 2 weeks prior election day, most people chose their candidate based on gossip, and candidate's education, whether fiscally responsible or adept at handling crisis.
As my cousin's friend answered my questions and told me about local issues, such as reviving the old market place, I munched on fish balls and kikiam ( fish and squid ) on a stick, and sipped on Scramble ( shaved ice, evaporated milk, condense milk, food coloring, and other surprises ).
Sometimes I wish I have their fervor; regardless I'm fanatic about those fish balls and Scramble. Even though I couldn't vote, I know it's never good to make such an important decision on an empty stomach; so remember to eat like there's no tomorrow next time you vote!
Barangay ( roughly translated to as "towns" ), across the Philippines Archipelago, recently held local elections. I'm amazed at the participation of the people, and where there's a large crowd, there's bound to be some traveling food vendors.
Voting day is declared a National Holiday emphasizing the importance to participate. Even youths are encouraged. My cousin in high school was accompanied by her friends to vote for their youth representative ( who is part of the 8 representatives advising the Barangay vice/chairman/leader ).
My aunt and uncle didn't pressure their kids to vote for a certain candidate; nonetheless, they were there to give advice ( if asked ). Since public campaigning was limited to 2 weeks prior election day, most people chose their candidate based on gossip, and candidate's education, whether fiscally responsible or adept at handling crisis.
As my cousin's friend answered my questions and told me about local issues, such as reviving the old market place, I munched on fish balls and kikiam ( fish and squid ) on a stick, and sipped on Scramble ( shaved ice, evaporated milk, condense milk, food coloring, and other surprises ).
Sometimes I wish I have their fervor; regardless I'm fanatic about those fish balls and Scramble. Even though I couldn't vote, I know it's never good to make such an important decision on an empty stomach; so remember to eat like there's no tomorrow next time you vote!
Superstitions and praying before a meal
Dear Readers,
My cousin was getting her child ready for a trip. She pinned an amulet-esque imagery of Jesus and Mary on the inside of her baby's shirt. Her baby continues to wear a black and orange bead bracelet ( also worn by her first born when he was a baby ); it's a protection from usog ( roughly translated to "bad feeling" ).
Certain days are either good or bad. This day was one of the days when her child could take a bath ( certain days are avoided in order to prevent sickness; days chosen by our grandmother ). There were also good days to move into a new home ( during a full moon or a new moon ).
In spite of the paradox ( to Catholicism? ), my aunt reminds us: "Don't forget to pray before you eat."
My cousin was getting her child ready for a trip. She pinned an amulet-esque imagery of Jesus and Mary on the inside of her baby's shirt. Her baby continues to wear a black and orange bead bracelet ( also worn by her first born when he was a baby ); it's a protection from usog ( roughly translated to "bad feeling" ).
Certain days are either good or bad. This day was one of the days when her child could take a bath ( certain days are avoided in order to prevent sickness; days chosen by our grandmother ). There were also good days to move into a new home ( during a full moon or a new moon ).
In spite of the paradox ( to Catholicism? ), my aunt reminds us: "Don't forget to pray before you eat."
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Taho and G6PD
Guess What Readers?!
While in Mindanao, Phil., I didn't get a chance to eat my favorite breakfast item, Taho. Not because, they didn't have it, but because the Taho vendor's route was only limited to the main road ( I'd rather amble through the Port rather than hunt this elusive Taho seller ).
So guess what I did on the morning I heard his call? I sprinted to the window and hollered: "Taho, wait ... how much?" I grabbed 20 pesos ( overpriced according to my aunt ), and ran downstairs. I watched as he scooped the sweet soy in layers and then added the jelly pearls and syrup ( liquid caramelized sugar ). I got two cups, one for me, and another for my godchild ( one of the few avid taho aficionados ).
I was about to give my godchild his Taho, when his mother stopped me. My godchild couldn't have Taho or any soy-based product because, he has G6PD, aka Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase ( a revelation for me ). According to a web article I read ( not sure whether it's credible or not ) G6PD is a deficiency that is inherited through the X chromosome, and it causes red blood cells not to function normally ( which can cause hemolytic anemia ).
There are certain medicines and foods, such as fava beans
Aside from Taho, I'm trying to think of other foods common to the Filipino diet that uses the ingredients above. The only things I can think of are imported food, and franchise fast food, such as Jollybee, Greenwich, Shakey's, and others. It's horrible that my godchild wouldn't be able to enjoy Taho fully; he'll learn to adjust. In the meantime, it looks like I'll have to double my Taho intake and eat on his behalf.
While in Mindanao, Phil., I didn't get a chance to eat my favorite breakfast item, Taho. Not because, they didn't have it, but because the Taho vendor's route was only limited to the main road ( I'd rather amble through the Port rather than hunt this elusive Taho seller ).
So guess what I did on the morning I heard his call? I sprinted to the window and hollered: "Taho, wait ... how much?" I grabbed 20 pesos ( overpriced according to my aunt ), and ran downstairs. I watched as he scooped the sweet soy in layers and then added the jelly pearls and syrup ( liquid caramelized sugar ). I got two cups, one for me, and another for my godchild ( one of the few avid taho aficionados ).
I was about to give my godchild his Taho, when his mother stopped me. My godchild couldn't have Taho or any soy-based product because, he has G6PD, aka Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase ( a revelation for me ). According to a web article I read ( not sure whether it's credible or not ) G6PD is a deficiency that is inherited through the X chromosome, and it causes red blood cells not to function normally ( which can cause hemolytic anemia ).
There are certain medicines and foods, such as fava beans
Aside from Taho, I'm trying to think of other foods common to the Filipino diet that uses the ingredients above. The only things I can think of are imported food, and franchise fast food, such as Jollybee, Greenwich, Shakey's, and others. It's horrible that my godchild wouldn't be able to enjoy Taho fully; he'll learn to adjust. In the meantime, it looks like I'll have to double my Taho intake and eat on his behalf.
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| Taho for 3 |
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Fruit folklore
Hey Readers!
Throughout my trip I've had the privilege to eat fruit local to this part of the world, such as rambutan, lonzones, and durian. Not only are these naturally sweet, but also loaded with lore.
Lonzones have the texture of gelatin; just don't bite the seed or else taste its bitterness. According to my cousin's husband, a planter's happy mood contributed to lonzones' sweet taste. Thus a mean-spirited planter would harvest only sour-tasting lonzones.
They are not only nice MERIENDA to eat while watching TV, CAMPING, or waiting in line, lonzones can be used to ward off mosquitoes. My aunt saved the lonzones' skin, dried them, and burned them to smoke out those bloodsuckers.
Another fruit, which is reputed to "smell like hell and tastes like heaven" is durian. According to most, a well-ripe durian has the consistency of a jack fruit. The one we ate was over-ripe; it was mushy like pudding. It definitely smelled like hell, if hell smelled like old onions and mustard emanating from one's unwashed underarms. Our mush was paradise lost, but its candy version at least gave us a hint of heaven ( milk and honey ).
Throughout my trip I've had the privilege to eat fruit local to this part of the world, such as rambutan, lonzones, and durian. Not only are these naturally sweet, but also loaded with lore.
Lonzones have the texture of gelatin; just don't bite the seed or else taste its bitterness. According to my cousin's husband, a planter's happy mood contributed to lonzones' sweet taste. Thus a mean-spirited planter would harvest only sour-tasting lonzones.
They are not only nice MERIENDA to eat while watching TV, CAMPING, or waiting in line, lonzones can be used to ward off mosquitoes. My aunt saved the lonzones' skin, dried them, and burned them to smoke out those bloodsuckers.
Another fruit, which is reputed to "smell like hell and tastes like heaven" is durian. According to most, a well-ripe durian has the consistency of a jack fruit. The one we ate was over-ripe; it was mushy like pudding. It definitely smelled like hell, if hell smelled like old onions and mustard emanating from one's unwashed underarms. Our mush was paradise lost, but its candy version at least gave us a hint of heaven ( milk and honey ).
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| Left: Durian, Papaya, Plum, Rambutan, and Mango. |
Monday, October 25, 2010
The birds and the bees
Hello Readers,
How do you explain ( or evade ) the birds and the bees to a curious child? By using food analogy of course!
My aunt asked if I remember living in the old house ( one of many old houses ). I said maybe if I see a picture. My godchild interrupted: "I was there too when godfather and I were little."
"You weren't here yet ... you were still leaves of a sweet potatoe/yam ( talbos nang kamote )," she said. Before he could ask the next question concerning pregnancy, my aunt added, "Men and women eat these leaves, and that's how people of all ages are born."
How do you explain ( or evade ) the birds and the bees to a curious child? By using food analogy of course!
My aunt asked if I remember living in the old house ( one of many old houses ). I said maybe if I see a picture. My godchild interrupted: "I was there too when godfather and I were little."
"You weren't here yet ... you were still leaves of a sweet potatoe/yam ( talbos nang kamote )," she said. Before he could ask the next question concerning pregnancy, my aunt added, "Men and women eat these leaves, and that's how people of all ages are born."
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