Kamusta Readers!
Where halloween is a night the living masquerade in costumes and the supernatural, Fiesta of the Dead ( consisting of All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day ) is a time for the supranatural "to show themselves" ( roughly translated from "nagpaparamdam" ) and to enjoy earthly senses once again.
We went to the cemetery early to avoid the crowd because on Fiesta of the Dead ( undas ) people all over the Philippines would return to their hometown to pay respect to their dead relatives.
A breeze made it difficult to light the candles we placed near our relatives' gravestones. The overcast sky started sprinkling and refreshing the flowers we brought. Some of us put on our hoodies. From afar a boombox blasted music. My little cousins laughed as they shielded and relight candles.
According to my aunt, the light of the candles would help guide the souls of those in purgatory, and in some way, its warmth and smoky scent would feed the souls.
At home people would leave food on the dining room table or in front of altars. My aunt's mother told her to prepare food by 6 pm ( because by this time, the souls will start coming down from purgatory ). The souls also would get full by the smell of fragrant food ( such as bico ), and we know that the souls are eating when ants start munching on the food offerings ( Beers are also accepted ).
We started getting hungry, so we ate the snacks we brought from home: potato chips, the turon we made that afternoon, and hard boiled quail eggs. We sipped Cola and sat on marble benches. The sprinkling paused; wet grass after the rain smelled like freshly washed rice.
My aunt wondered: "Why is it that people will wait either until the Fiesta of the Dead or a wedding day to meet up with family and friends? Shouldn't we enjoy each others company while we're still alive?"
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Trick or treat before dinner
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.
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.
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!
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