PAGLALAKBAY ni JUAN KALAYAAN

Tie A Yellow Ribbon

2009-08-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

"I am burning the candle of my life in the dark, with no one to benefit from the light. The candle slowly melts away. Soon its wick will burn out, and the light is gone. If only someone will gather the melted wax, reshape it, give it a new wick. For another fleeting moment, my candle can once again light the dark, be of service one more time, and then, goodbye."

After years of living a peasant life in a promise land, the widower returned to her motherland. Full of grief not excitement, full of sorrow not refuge. Cory Aquino came back to bury her beloved husband without knowing that someday she will become a hero and will light the fire that will lead the nation towards a new beginning.

This day marks the 40th death day of former President and Mother of Democracy Corazon "Cory" Aquino. She ended her fight against Colon cancer last August 1, 2009 with a peaceful heave of breath. Even until her death, Tita Cory's undying love for the country and faith in God transcended into the hearts of every Filipino.

Children who were born decades after she assumed the role entrusted to her by the masses, came out in the streets to see her lifeless remains transported by a lorry from La Salle Greehills to the Manila Cathedral. Symbolic it may but the two places where she laid for public viewing were witnesses to her ascend from being a plain loving wife and mother to being the bearer of the torch of freedom.

Streets were filled with sentiments to bid their farewell and pay last respect to the first Filipina president and only Filipino to appear on Times Magazine three times. Gracing the cover of the magazine when she won the Presidency in 1986, then when she was named Woman of the Year, and when she passed away last August.

In her own modest way, she united the country under one color. The color of freedom restored and promise of democracy rekindled. Known political figures from her regime and present, business icons and economists that pledged undying support for her when she declare her candidacy in 1986, and the common people, who showed allegiance to her walked side by side, mourning and weeping for they do not only lost a president, but an epitome of a true leader that offered her life to liberate the people from a tyrant leader.

Amidst the raging heat of the sun and piercing downpour of rain, the Filipino people showed their utmost gratitude and respect to Tita Cory. Gratifying her for a leadership that is by the people and for the people. She may not be as perfect as many want her to be, she still proved that faith in God and faith in her values will create a lasting effect to a nation dragged and decayed by dictatorship.
Dear God, thank you for giving us our beloved President Corazon Aquino. A leader, a mother, a president, a servant.

The Ganduyan Chronicles

2009-07-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

It was a long awaited travel. For months, I've been contemplating of travelling back to Sagada for the fourth time and I want it to be the best that I will have. If I will be following my traveldater, Sagada is scheduled on July 2009 but due to urgency and excitement, it must be conquered right away. So I tagged along my lovely wife Chiela, who has not been to somewhere as far as Sagada and was excited as well. It will her first time to witness God's gift of nature, culture, and tradition to our Igorot brothers and sisters hidden 16 mountains away from urban living. And to make our travel more lively, I tagged along a cousin of mine Cris.

Since I'm the only one who is used to long road trips, it was a comfortable ride for me. Full of chit chats and jokes while on the road and I can really feel the energy rushing into their veins. Reaching Baguio City, I encourage them to walk from the terminal to the old Dangwa station where the bus to Sagada are stationed. We walked thru Session Road and as we reached the back of the old Coyeesan Mall (it was the first shopping mall built in Baguio before SM rised in 2004) I quickly checked on the bus skeds going to Sagada. Lizardo has the earliest trip at 6:15am, so we boarded the bus and waited. There were young Koreans, yuppies and students from Manila and nearby provinces, and numerous Igorot old folks who were very hard to understand and very stiff to be with.

Our first stop over along the highway in Benguet and had cups of freshly brewed mountain coffee, a good match to the Krispy Kreme donuts that Chiela brought along the travel. Cool climate, hot coffee, and a good sun shine greeting us, it cleanse my mind and soul preparing me for a more exhillirating reunion with nature. Tall pine trees, chilling wind, and a scenery of laidback way of life, welcome to Sagada. I decided to check first on St.Joseph House since we're backpackers, no itinerary nor reservations to hotels is present. Prices in St.Joseph were bit costly so we decided look for other place to stay. I noticed an old but decent inn to stay so I asked right away for the caretaker of the Ganduyan Inn and luckily, they gave us a room for 600.00 per day with private bathroom for the three of us.

We had our first taste of Sagada food at the renowned Masferre Cafe. Masferre Cafe was built in honor of Eduardo Masferre, the father of Philippine photography. He was the first one who published the images of the Igorot tribes people and decided to live amongst them. He became a farmer and started his own farmland to raise funds for his photography, making the Igorots famous around the world. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures of his works so I decided to capture the interiors of the cafe. After the hearty meal, we went around the church to take pictures and it started to drizzle. We passed by a barren grassland at the back of the cemetery and take a short cut to an open field reaching the Municipal road where all the restaurants, cafes, and shops were located.

Having Chiela as a companion, one must have plenty of foodie ideas. She explores too much on food and gets hungry more often. After two hours of walking to grasslands and in the town, we decided to try Bana's Cafe. We had a heavy snack of pancakes with honey and butter, Chiela had her quick favorite ham and cheese omelette, and Cris had coffee and Bana's clubhouse. Their coffee at Bana's was superb and the food was equally excellent.

I woke up at 4:00am and it was a good warm morning. The rain stopped and we push with our plan of trekking Bokong Falls. Its saturday and Sagada town is very busy because it is their market day. Old Igorot folks greeted us with smile and good mornings and even asked us where we are going. They instructed me the fastest route going to Bokong Falls. We reached the end of the road and its a downhill trek down the slope to where the falls is located. We took extra care since its a bit slippery but midway there were concrete steps leading down the falls. Rice terraces were neatly formed wayside the falls. We stayed there for almost half an hour. Dipping on the cool water, climbing the rocks beside the falls, taking pictures along the way, we noticed a large chocolate plastic pack flowing in the stream. I asked Chiela and Cris if they are willing to be Earth soldiers at least for a while and they agreed. What we did is, we swept all the plastic trash we saw on our way up not to mind the slippery slopes. When we reached the roadside again, we were able to collect three large plastic bags of trash and some tourists stared at us.

Returning to the town with bags full of trash, we decided to look into Sagada Weaving, its owner greeted us and we asked if the store is already open. He welcomed us gladly and I told him if we could leave the trash in his trash bin and he thanked us so much for our concern to Sagada and said that it is what the tourists have not learned until now leaving trash in a helpless but beautiful forest. He allowed us to take pictures but I begged off in due respect to their craft. We ended our trek in the town looking at the fresh vegetables, cooked foods, ukay-ukay clothes, goods that can be stocked for a week if you're living in Sagada.

After a short rest, we hit the greens again and trekked Echo Valley and the Calavary Cemetery. On our way, we stopped at the church and noticed a white furry dog following us. What Cris did was, he played with the dog and asked if he could guide us to Echo Valley as he mentioned that it must be a guide in the area. We allowed the dog to go ahead of us as we passed by the cemetery. We even tried stopping and the good dog stopped as well staring at us. We go on and as we reached the end of the pathway, we discovered Echo Valley. From our vantage point, I was able to take shots of one of the hanging coffins cave. I want to go near the cave but the two did not allow me (darn weaklings!). As we go around the cliff and into the cemetery again, we noticed that the dog is already gone (spooky?) If you will visit Sagada, look for the dog I named Puti.

All pumped up after a good lunch courtesy of Bana's (Chiela has been enchanted by it), we're all set to conquer the ultimate test to a Sagada traveller, experiencing Sumaguing. We went straight to the Municipal Hall for the environmental pass and to meet our tour guide, Ricky. On our way to Sumaguing, we took a side trip to another hanging coffin but we were not able to get closer since we really want to reach Sumaguing as early as we can. Cris and Chiela were so amazed when we enter the Burial Cave. Face to face with old coffins of the Igorots is one hell of an experience. We were able to peek into skulls and bones inside the coffins. Though the trek back and forth the burial cave was pretty tiring, we managed to continue or trek towards the cave.

Enough has been said. It was truly a worthy experience not only for me but also to Chiela and Cris who were first timers in this place. Forget about looks, forget about poise. The whole spelunking thing tested and measured our level of enjoyment. As for me, its my fourth time and it served as a reunion of sort between me and the cave. The dark corridors and wet slopes of naturally-formed rocks proved that we must take part in preserving these priceless gift to us Filipinos (More photos of Sumaguing Cave in other blog entry). Its raining hard when we went out of the cave and thou we were drenched in mud and water, our spirits remained at its peak.

It was our last night in Sagada. Still, my stay will not be complete without accomplishing something for myself. Its the last piece of the puzzle. Pinikpikan! After the Sumaguing experience,I felt that I exhumed all the energy of my body and a bowl of Pinikpikan will capped off my stay in Sagada. But, most of the resots and cafes offer pricey Pinikpikan dish around 650-900 per order good for 8-10 persons. It contains whole chicken (butchered the Igorot way) and etag (traditional smoked ham). While we're trekking to Sumaguing, I noticed this old house with walls made up of galvanized sheets and its says Salt and Pepper Restaurant. The place was hard to notice but what catches my sight is this sign, "Buffet Pinikpikan Tonight". That night we went back and right away ordered for it. Chiela had her favorite Chicken adobo, Cris had lechon kawali, and I got the Pinikpikan for 200.00 buffet with unlimited plate of rice. I managed to finish off 5 bowls of Pinikpikan with 2 parts of chicken, slice of etag, and soothing and relieving bowl of soup. It really made my Sagada stay complete. Until I noticed that, I didn't have my camera and Chiela did not bring her camera phone as well. But the experience preserved its entirety to my heart and mind.

As we board the 10:30am bus trip back to Baguio. All we have in us are good memories and unforgetable experience. We don't know when will this happen again. But one thing is for sure, I will go back to where Pinikpikan made me fell in love to it. By the way, do you know what Ganduyan is and where the word Sagada originated? Ganduyan is the former name of Sagada until the Americans came and asked a tribes man for the name of the place. The man is carrying a water vessel made of bamboo which was called Sag-a, he thought the American is asking for the name what he is carrying, he replied, Sag-a da! means water carrier.

Special thanks to:
Ganduyan Inn
Sir Michael and Ganduyan Museum
Ricky of the Sagada Tour Guides Association
Bana's Resto and Cafe
Handukka Cafe
Salt and Pepper Cafe
Sagada Weaving
and the little white dog that serves as our guide...
Masferre Restaurant

Ego Vobis Valedico Harp!

2009-05-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

001

May 29, 2009. This is the date that me and my colleagues have been anticipating. Our project that served as our "silent sanctuary" for 19 months will finally fold up, and my team...our team...will bid farewell to each other, as teammates that we learned to live with and faced every challenges in our day to day work life. Different emotions, different reactions but at the end of the day, we will remain friends...not only inside our company but brothers and sisters in our own daily struggles.

Everytime that I will see this picture, it was pure good memories. Nineteen individuals from various work background and personalities, different dyanamics and orientation. This brady bunch formed the HARP team, my team...our team...From here arised the cornerstones of the project. Taking various classroom and computer-based training, simulations and scenarios, these team contributed largely to the success of the project and literally, this is the last team that will step out of project's production area.

Among the group, only one failed to join our journey (Fatima). Five stayed with us for a while and left for the proverbial "greener pastures" (Fatz, Russell, Star, Whesly, and Benj)and Bles and Mervin were transferred to other team.

The team also witnessed its changing of leaders. Rhea Acuna started out as the team's lead but when she assumed the role of Group Lead after it was vacated, Eyah Acbo took the cudgels for the team. Another movement happened and this time, Rhea taking the role of the project's commander-in-chief and Eyah became the Group Lead for three other teams. We saw our fellow, Candy de Guzman rising from the ranks and became the team's Team Lead in a hotly contested race to the top. Her assumption to the post marks the start of the team's independence. From taking its baby steps to leaping into greater and bigger challenges which the team achieved and passed with flying colors. And early this year, Candy also left the team to a new project.

Reinforcements also joined the team during the course of 2008. Bobet came in January and Rochelle in March. Marvin and Shem jumped to our ship in April and towards the end of the year, Chester, Lovely, Mommy Jessie, and Camille followed.

Before the year ended, the team and the project were strucked with a sad news. The project will close down due to business reasons and as an effect, employees will be deployed one-by-one to different projects within the company.

But as another chapter about to end, a new beginning will unfold. As a token to my comrades, my friends, who fought side by side with me, I would like to give you an ode to salute you for the friendship that was built and will become the pendant in our hearts everywhere we will go.

For you Sandra, the grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

For you Joric, you must have long term goals to keep you from being frustrated by short term failures

For you Marvin, it was the man's dream, and his inspiring attempt to make them come true that remain important

For you Connie, the difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination

For you Shabir, when your image improves, your performance improves

For you Kuya Bong, great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together

For you Cyrus, in seeking happiness for others, you find it for yourself

For you Camille, we must risk going too far to discover just how far we can go

For you Weva, you already have every characteristic necessary for success if you recognize, claim, develop and use them

For you Bobet, Your reputation is in the hands of others. That's what a reputation is. You can't control that. The only thing you can control is your character

For you Julie, the first and the best victory is to conquer selfAnd to Chester, Lovely, Mommy Jessie, Shem, and Rochelle, the achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.

As I continue my journey, I will always treasure the memories I shared with you. The laughters, the tears, the arguments, and the sweet-nothings. God has been very grateful to me by showering my life with people like you.

MAY 29, 2009: AETERNUM VALE HARP TEAM!

Visita Iglesia 2009

2009-05-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

Being born and raised from Catholic roots involves a lot of tradition. From attending mass regularly and making sure that all the feast day of saints and churches were remembered. My parents also decided to enter a catholic school to ensure that my catholic values is intact and my formation as a human being will be according to the teachings of the Lord. Well, I thanked my parents for being responsible and allowing me to be exposed on the works of the church.

One tradition that my parents taught me when I was growing up is remembering the sacrifices of Jesus Christ every Holy Week. During the Lenten season, I make sure that I do something in a form of penance that will at least in a bit absolve the sins that I made for the past year. Since 1990, I was in grade five then, I started doing the "Visita Iglesia" or the Way of the Cross. It is by replicating the passion of Jesus Christ from the time that He carried the cross up to time of His death in the mountain of Golgotha. Accompanied by my relatives and cousins, we will visit 14 churches and say the Prayer for the Stations of the Cross. One church represents a station of the cross and to do penance seriously, we walk all throughout.

When I reached college, that is the time that I decided to do it by myself. It is more solemn and I can reflect peacefully on the things that I did for the past year and this year marks the 19th year that I have been doing the Visita Iglesia consecutively.

Doing the Visita Iglesia is not your typical walk in the park thing. It needs willingness and clear motive in doing it. I always have this route plan. I cluster the churches according to their location. I start with the Station One or the first five churches that I will pass through my visit. These churches are the: Our Lady of the Assumption in Leveriza and the Our Lady of Remedies in Malate, the Nuestra Senora de Guia in Ermita, San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral both in inside the walled city of Intramuros, Manila.

Visita Iglesia is being done during Holy Thursday and it is the same day when all the priests, seminarians, and lay persons under the Archdiocese of Manila attends the Chrism Mass held at the Manila Cathedral. It is difficult to squeeze inside the Cathedral because it is indeed jampacked.

After the Station One, I passed by the old buildings of Intramuros along the fabled and historical Pasig River and cross the Jones Bridge. Seeing the archway or the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch signifies only one place...Binondo.

Binondo is not only known for its delicious food place such as Eng Bee Tin for hopia and tikoy, Savory for its age-old roasted chicken, and Ang Tunay beef house, the genuine beef house in Manila. It is also the home of the one and only Filipino saint San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila.

Commonly called Binondo Church it is formally named as Minor Basillica of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila and it is the first church to my Station Two.

Station Two consists of Minor Basillica of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the Immaculate Concepcion Chapel runned by the Franciscan Monks beside the Binondo Church, the Sta.Cruz Church in Carriedo, and the Basillica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church.

It was surprising to see when I passed by Quiapo church, there were flagellants that entered the church to the amazement of those who were still praying. This is the moment that I took my first pit stop. Traditionally, I start the Visita Iglesia without eating or drinking any. I will only drink my first after finishing the Station One and will have a light snack to provide me the energy at the middle of the Station Two.

After taking the stride in Quiapo, I crossed thru the Lacson underpass and to Hidalgo Street. It seems that it is not Holy Week, not only that most of the people in that area are our Muslim brothers. They too pay respect to Catholic festivities but what is really eye-catching is there were still people selling pirated dvds (but they were playing movies such as the Ten Commandments and Passion of Christ), street foods that will quench and fill of people doing the Visita Iglesia, and other electronic gadgets that you can find in Quiapo. Add to the mix are those vendors that still play loud music.

Quiapo is such a haven for people who really wants to know the culture of Filipinos in a quick glance. Jeepneys flying everywhere, people racing against time, and its history remains while everything around it changes.

The last batch of churches that I visited, I called them the Mendiola Swing. Along Hidalgo Street is a small chapel in honor of Jesus Christ's Holy Face, the Shrine of the Holy Face of Jesus and the Basillica of San Sebastian which I considered my favorite church after Malate Church. In the past, it will be followed by the Church of Benedictine Abbey or San Beda Church but this time, I decided to take the twin church in Bustillos Street, the Our Lady of Loreto Church and the St. Francis of Assisi.

Crossing the memorable statue of Don Chino Roces means that I am already in Mendiola and taking the last run of my journey. The Benedictine Abbey Church or San Beda, the Church of St. Jude, and the Church of San Miguel Archangel rounded up my Visita Iglesia for 2009.

It was an exhausting but meaningful journey. I had that very rare moment on reflecting about the things that I did for the past year whether good or bad. Having that moment of solitude with my Creator and talking thru my heart, it was a relief, like a fresh water that cleansed and bathe all the burdens in my heart. Reflecting on my belief that Jesus Christ died on the to redeem all the sins of mankind and in my own little way, pay respect thru penance, I can also redeem my own sins. Next year, I will take another journey and hopefully, till the last days of my life.

Isnaks: Noypi Style

2009-05-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

Isa sa mga katangian na kilala ang mga Pinoy ay ang pagkakaroon natin ng kakayahang makagawa ng isang bagay na bago at talagang kakaiba. At hindi nalalayo dito ang pagkain. Habang ang mga kapitbahay natin sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo ay patuloy sa nakagawian nilang "fine dining" at "buffet treats", tayong mga Pinoy ay hindi na kailangang maging magarbo upang pahupain ang himagsik ng sikmura. Dahil sabi nga nila, makikita ang solusyon sa iyong sariling bakuran. Subukan nating alamin at sulyapan ang kakaiba at natatanging Isnaks: Noypi style!

Kahit saan ka magpunta o tumingin, laging pinipilahan at dinudumog ang mga street foods na Noypi ang dating. Kadalasan sa mga tambayan at paradahan, maririnig mo ang ganitong mga hirit. "Kapag may usok, may nagiihaw" o kaya naman "Isang stick lang, ayos na ang araw mo". Maraming pagpipilian ang simpleng Juan na kagaya natin kapag kumalam na ang sikmura at kalansing lamang ng barya ang nasa bulsa. Minsan kesa magyosi, stick nalang ang dadamputin at isa-isang dadagitin ang mga bilog na palutang-lutang sa kawaling puno ng kumukulong mantika. Meryenda na iyon kung tutuusin. Masasabi din natin na "Food is the window to the culture".

Hindi mauubusan ang Noypi sa mga ganitong "pantawid-gutom", ito na marahil yung bersyon natin ng "fastfood". Libutin natin ang mga kalye at eskinita at ating tikman, langhapin, at pagmasdan...ang pagkaing SARILING ATIN.

Abnoy. Bugok na itlog ng pato, hinaluan ng harina at tubig at niluto na parang pancake. Adidas. Paa ng manok, binabad at pwedeng inihaw o kaya adobo. Arroz caldo. Lugaw na may manok. Atay. Inihaw na atay ng manok.

Baga. Inihaw na baga(lungs) ng baboy o baka, pwede rin prito with barbecue sauce. Balat ng manok. Piniritong balat ng manok. Balun-balunan. Inihaw na balun-balunan ng manok. Balut. Pinakasikat na itlog ng pato. Banana cue. Piniritong saging na saba na binalutan ng tunaw na asukal na pula. Barbeque. Pinakamabilis maubos sa lahat ng okasyon. Betamax. Inihaw na buong dugo ng manok o baboy. Batchoy. Mami soup na hinaluan ng atay at puso ng baboy, chicharon, manok, at sariwang itlog ng manok. Nagmula ito sa aking mahal na pinagmulan, Iloilo.

Bibingka. Bigas na malagkit na niluto sa palayok sa ibabaw ng uling. Karaniwang mabibili tuwing Pasko. Biko. Bigas na malagkit na may niyog sa ibabaw. Binatog. Mais na puti na may asukal, niyog, at gatas. Bopis. Puso at baga ng baboy na ginisa sa suka. Kilala it sa Bicol region na "Kandingga". Butse. Inihaw na lalamunan ng manok, pwede rin prito.

Calamares. Pritong pusit. Calamay. Malagkit na bigas na may niyog at asukal, nagmula ito sa Mindoro. Maraming klase nito sa bawat sulok ng Pinas. Camote cue. Pritong kamote na tinabunan ng tunaw na asukal. Carioca. Binilog na malagkit na bigas, pinirito at tinuhog sa stick. Cheese sticks. Hiwa ng keso na binalot ng lumpia wrapper at pinirito. Chicharon baboy. Balat ng baboy na tinimplahan at pinirito. Chicharon bituka. Isaw ng manok o baboy na pinirito. Chicharon bulaklak. Piniritong ewan ng isaw...basta masarap to. Chicken balls. Laman ng manok na binilog at pinirito. Astig kapag may sweet and sour sauce. Cutchinta. Malagkit na bigas at asukal na pula.

Day-old chicks. Kilala sa tawag na "ODOKS", day-old na sisiw, pinirito at hinaluan ng suka. Empanada. Pinagmamalaki ng Batac, Ilocos Norte. May palamang longganiza, itlog, at ginayat na papaya. Pinirito at pinasarap pa ng Sukang Iloko. Fishballs. Binilog na laman ng isda, pinirito at pinasarap ng suka. Goto. Lugaw na hinaluan ng laman-loob ng baka, tinatawag din na "Congee" ng mga Tsekwa. Halo-halo. Pinagsama-samang matamis na saing, camote, macapuno, kaong, nata de coco, pinipig, gulaman, sago, beans, garbanzos, ube, at leche flan. Tinabunan ng yelo at binuhusan ng gatas. Sikat dito ang Razon's ng Pampanga. Helmet. Inihaw na ulo ng manok. Isaw. Inihaw na bituka ng baboy o manok. Kilala din na IUD ang isaw ng manok. Iskrambol. Kinayod na yelo na hinaluan ng gulaman, sago, at gatas. Kikiam. Giniling na karne na binalot sa balat ng tokwa. Pinirito at hinaluan ng suka. Kadalasan kasama ng squid balls at fishballs. Lomi. Noodle soup na gawa sa itlog. Longganiza. Lokal sausage ng Pinas. Maraming klase nito mula sa Vigan, Lukban, Ilokos, Batangas, at Iloilo.

Lumpia. Maraming klase nito tulad ng lumpiang basa, lumpiang hubad, lumpiang prito, lumpiang sariwa, lumpiang shanghai, at lumpiang ubod. Mais. Nilagang sweet corn na pinahiran ng butter at binudbudan ng asin. Mais con yelo. Ginayat na sweet corn na nilagyan ng yelo, asukal, at gatas. Mami. Simpleng noodle soup, kadalasang makikita sa mga kalye. Manggang hilaw. Masarap kung may bagoong alamang. Mani. Puwedeng nilaga, adobo, at binusa. Maruya. Saging na binalot ng harina ar asukal. Nilupak. Kamote o saging na nilagyan ng margarine at asukal. Palitaw. Malagkit na bigas na hinaluan ng niyog, asukal, at tinustang linga. Panara. Ginayat na papaya at laman ng alimasag, binalot tulad ng empanada. Madami sa Pampanga nito tuwing Pasko. Pandesal. Tunay na Pinoy almusal. Penoy. Itlog ng pato na nilagang Pinoy.

Pinagmamalaki ng Pinoy ang iba't ibang klase ng Pancit na nagpapakilala sa bawat probinsya sa bansa. Narito ang ilan: Batchoy ng La Paz, Iloilo, Batil Patung ng Tuguegarao, Pancit Bihon ng Bulacan, Pancit Canton ng Tarlac, Pancit Habhab ng Lucban, Pancit Luglog ng Pampanga, Pancit Malabon, Pancit Molo ng Iloilo, Pancit Palabok, Pancit Puti, Pancit Sotanghon, at Pancit Miki.

Pares. Terno ng kanin, beef stew, at mainit na sabaw. Kadalasang makikita sa mga kalye ng Makati, Pasay, at Manila. Pusit. Inihaw na may palaman na kamatis at sibuyas. Puto. Giniling na bigas na nilagyan ng asukal at gatas at niluto ng steam-style. Puto bumbong. Giniling na malagkit na hinaluan ng ube flavoring at niluto sa steamer. Masarap ng may asukal, niyog, at margarine. Kwek-kwek. Nilagang itlog ng pato o manok na binalutan ng harinang kulay orange. Puwede din na gamitin ang balut. Sapin-sapin. Malagkit na bigas at gata ng niyog na niluto sa steamer. Iba-iba ang flavor nito depende sa kulay, may ube, macapuno, langka, at kutsinta. Binubudburan din ng niyog at latik. Siopao. Steamed pork buns, pwedeng asado o bola-bola. Siomai. Steamed pork dumplings. Sisig. Inihaw na mukha o batok ng baboy na hinaluan ng tinadtad na atay ng manok, sibuyas at sili at binuhos sa mainit na sizzling plate. Pinagmamalaki ng Pampanga at Tarlac. Sorbetes aka Dirty ice cream. Street ice cream na gawa sa prutas at iba pang flavors tulad ng ube, mangga, avocado, keso, chocolate, langka, buko, at strawberry. Squid balls. Binilog na laman ng pusit, pinirito at isinawsaw sa sweet and sour sauce. Suman. Ito ang isa pa sa may pinakamaraming klaseng kakanin sa Pinas. Gawa sa malagkit at binalot ng dahong ng saging o ng niyog. Iba-iba ito gaya ng Binagol ng Leyte at Budbod sa Kabog ng Tanjay, Negros Oriental.

Taho. Gawa sa giniling na soy beans o tofu na hinaluan ng arnibal at sago. Sa Baguio City, strawberry jam ang hinahalo. Tenga ng baboy. Inihaw na tenga ng baboy na tinatawag ding "Walkman". Tokneneng. Nilagang itlong ng pugo na binalot ng orange na harina mix at pinirito. Tupig aka Itemtem. Giniling na malagkit na bigas, kinudkud na niyog, gata, at molasses na binalot sa dahon ng saging at inihaw hanggang sa masunog ang balot na dahon. Kilala ang kakaning ito sa mga bayan ng Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, at Isabela. Turon. Saging na saba na may asukal at langka. Binalot sa lumpia wrapper at pinirito. Tokwa. Pinakapaborito kong pamatid gutom. Pwedeng iterno sa goto o arroz caldo, pwede ring prito lang o kaya naman ay inihaw, masarap din kung may halong baboy. Ang aking "Feel Good Food".

Kapag nasa Pinas ka, hindi ka magugutom habang naglalakad ka sa kalye ng Maynila. Kahit saan ka tumingin may tindahan ni Aling Nena na pwedeng patirin ang uhaw mo at gutom. May mga tindahang permanente, may de-tulak, may mga tinayo sa tabi ng kalsada, may nilalako sa mga bahay-bahay, at meron din naman na nililigpit kapag naubos na ang tinda.

Napakaraming sikat na street foods sa Pinas. 68 lamang ang nabanggit ko at masasabing natikman na rin sa aking paglalakbay sa mga sulok ng bayan ni Juan.

Hindi lamang ito para sa mga taong walang oras na magluto o kaya naman ay tinatamad mamalengke, isa rin itong paraan upang itawid ang pang-araw araw na gastusin ng isang tipikal na pamilyang Pilipino na gustong kumita ng marangal. Parte din ito ng buhay na naipasa na mula sa iba't ibang henerasyon at pagpreserba na rin sa kulturang kinagisnan.

Para sa isang Juan Kalayaan, ang pagkaing Pinoy at simbolo ng iba't ibang kaugalian at katangian ng isang tao. Sari-sari man ang itsura at lasa ng pagkain, magkakaiba man sa kulay at ang mga rekadong hinahalo dito, kahit saan man dako ng mundo dalhin, sa timpla mo malalaman...ang sarap maging Noypi.

Salamat kina:
Sidney Snoeck ng My Sari-Sari Store (s.philippines@gmail.com)
Ivan Henares ng Ivan About Town (info@ivanhenares.com)

2009 - 2010 I Must-Travel Places in the PINAS!!!

2009-04-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Many blog entries has been made showing the various and must-see places in the Pinas. Frequently mentioned were Batanes, Boracay, Puerto Galera, Palawan, Camarines Norte, and the well revered Anawangin in Zambales.

I must say PILIPINAS is the most beautiful place in the world (Bias!). Not only that I'm a PROUD PINOY but I was blessed enough to have the chance to visit and travel some of the most treasured places of our country. I thought I already had enough but to my surprise, there still more and there will be more.

Let me share to you the I-Must-Travel places in Pinas for 2009-2010...Why not only 2009? If my schedule will allow me then who am I to say no to these beautiful and enchanting places. Since I'm working full-time and my chosen vocation does not permit me to do this occasionally then, I will extend my plan to visit these places until maybe March 2010. To see these places is not only my reason to travel, photography and food exploration comes in handy as well.

1. Baler Eco-Travel (Baler, Aurora Province)

Baler is a province blessed with an abundance of travel locations. It has its share of historical sights such as the home and resthouse of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. The province also has a beautiful Catholic church and several historical markers. Its natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and trekking are only some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora.

This month of May 2009, my travel Dabarkads will be conquering Baler as we dubbed it as "Project Jericho". We will visit Dicasalarin Bay in San Luis, Sabang Beach, the Borlongan Beach in Dipaculao, and the historical Baler Church and Ermita Hill.

Shutter Subjects: Shore lines, mountain ranges, historical markers, beach fronts
Best Eaten: Fresh catch seafoods from the beach
Travel Date: May 23-25, 2009
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2. Sagada Trek (Sagada, Mountain Province 1,500 MASL)

It was back in 2004 when I first visited Sagada. Well, all I know of Sagada then are mountains, rice terraces, Echo Valley, and the cave. But when I had that chance, it was something that I truly treasured up to this date.

Sagada is filled with eye-refreshing sights. At least, a breather from the usual sea and sand. You can find nature and culture ventured into a community with mutual respect to the two. On the way to Sagada is the breathtaking Mt. Data mountain range where I experienced travelling at dawn time and it was like I am on top of the world with massive cloud formations sitting atop the Ifugao mountain ranges.

Sagada boasts a handful of nature's treasure. The Sumaguing Cave, the Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, the Kiltepan Rice Terraces, Echo valley cliffs, and Lake Danum. Preservation of Igorot culture is also evident around the place with the Hanging Coffins and Burial Caves.

As fellow photographer and blogger Ferdz Decena said " Sagada is a place that is truly worth coming back". I will surely be back.

Shutter Subjects: caves, falls, rice terraces, hanging coffins, rock formations, landscaped valleys and mountains
Best Eaten: Yogurt, Fresh Veggies, Homemade sausages, Mountain-grown fruits, Pinikpikan, Eetag, Food toppings (Panalo to!)
Travel Date: July 2009
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3. Tondol Beach (Anda, Pangasinan)

Tondol Beach is definitely the best beach in Pangasinan and perfect when the tide is low. It's a five to six hour drive from Manila to Anda, Pangasinan. Go through Camiling and pass by Lingayen and through Alaminos (stopover at the Hundred Islands anyone?). It's on the way to Bolinao, right after the town of Bani.

Tondol possess powder ivory white sand in fact, there is an island one kilometer from the shore which you could walk or wade to. And it's powder white sand all the way. When the tide is low, you can pick a spot in the middle of the water and just sit down there the whole day. So if there is any beach that can claim to be the Boracay of the North, it's Tondol! But why even claim such a thing? Why are we always content with being a copy of the original when each beach is unique!

Tondol is actually a public beach and entrance fee is only PHP5. You can rent large huts for PHP200. For now, there aren't any good resorts to stay in so the best option when visiting Tondol is to stay overnight in neighboring Bolinao which is about 45 minutes away.

Shutter Subject: White beach shore line, long stretch of white sand
Best Eaten: Bangus, Bangus, Bangus....
Travel Date: September 2009
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4. Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg, Kabayan, Benguet 2,922 MASL)

Majestic Mt. Pulag is highest peak in Luzon and the dream destination of every Filipino outdoorsman. Its fabled views, of winding slopes of dwarf bamboo, and distant peaks surging like islets in the ocean of lofty clouds, comprise perhaps the most beautiful photo-op in Philippine mountaineering. The native tribes say that Mt. Pulag is the "playground of the gods". In Luzon, it is literally the closest to heaven that mountaineers can get!

The enchantment of Pulag, however, is much greater than just the clouds and dwarf bamboo. The entire experience is a great treat that makes the long travel time (10 hours from Manila to Baguio then Baguio to the jump-off) worth it. Whichever trail you choose - the easy Ambangeg, the challenging Akiki, the arduous Vizcaya trail, or the various traverse climbs - Pulag is a great adventure. Of course, many would opt to do different trails in one climb, the most common of which is the Akiki-Ambangeg combination.

Shutter Subjects: Pulag Sunrise, lush forests, mountain ranges and trails
Best Eaten: Mountain fruits and vegetables
Travel Date: November 2009

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5. Mt. Pinatubo Crater Trekking (Mt. Pinatubo, Capas, Tarlac 960 MASL)

After trekking the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, everything will be in awe. No exaggeration to this but imagine a glacier-like brown peaks with white smoke rising up and in the background, a crater lake that was so enchanting. What a sight to behold!

It is safe to swim in the crater of Mt. Pinatubo , but not in the middle, guides warn that currents might pull you underneath. Kayaks may be rented at the crater lake. Climb Pinatubo at any time of the year, but pay attention to weather conditions especially during the wet season months of May to September. Heavy rains, especially those of typhoons, cause lahar floods that have stranded tourists in the past. Not recommended attempting climbs to Mt. Pinatubo if there is any storm within Luzon, even if there is no storm warning for Zambales and Tarlac.

Shutter Subjects: Mt. Pinatubo crater and summit, Crater lake, Surrounding mountains and rock formations
Best Eaten: Since the location of Mt. Pinatubo is near Pampanga, it is very common in the area to have dishes likely the same as in Pampanga specially the local favorite Sisig.
Travel Date: February - March 2010
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In Memoriam...The Master's Homecoming...

2009-04-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

" Let the sun shine let the rivers run away coz its a beautiful day now to play now as I close my eyes and pray, Lord have mercy on me, coz I'm feeling kinda lonely would you be, could you be my one and only..."

If this song sounds familiar to you, well most likely we were born and raised on the same genre. It's a cut from the song "Girl Be Mine" out of the album Happy Battle by the late great Sir Francis Magalona. Tomorrow, April 15, 2009 will be the 40th day since the Master Rapper passed away due to leaukemia complications on March 7, 2009. It has been a tradition for Filipino Catholics to observe the 40th day since a relative passed away because of the belief that it is the time that the spirit of the person will enter the heavens. As my ode to the icon of my generation, I come up with this blog entry.

Many has been said and told about the Master Rapper. He is the one responsible for putting the Pilipinas on the map of the Rap Game. In his concerts, he bolstered iconic fashion styles from the Aguinaldo hairstyle, the sarong and malong trousers, and sporting a blazer made by the Ifugao. Truly a proud Filipino artist.

After his demise, accolades came in left and right. On December, he will be given his eternal place on the Philippines' version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame, this time it will be in placed on the walkways of Eastwood City in Libis. GMA gave him the Presidential Medal of Merit for promoting Nationalism and Patriotism through music and arts. Another one is the proposition of elevating him to the ranks of Maestro Lucio San Pedro, Botong Francisco, Cecil Licad, and Fernando Poe Jr. as National Artist for Music and Arts by the National Commission for the Culture and Arts. But for him to be elevated he must pass the screenings and must observe the three-year rule.

I don't know Kiko personally but my younger days were influenced by his socially-relevant songs such as "Mga Kababayan Ko", "Mga Praning", "Nilamon ng Sistema", and "Three Stars and a Sun". His melodious rendition of "Cold Summer Nights", Girl Be Mine, and the ultrafamous "Kaleidoscope World". Most of the songs in my cellphone are Kiko's MP3 songs.

As a personal honor to his legacy, since September 2008, I have been acquiring Three Stars and a Sun Shirts, created and designed by the Master Rapper himself. I already have in my possession the famous Pride white, the rare Filipino Since Birth white and silver, the black Mic Gold Bling, the bold red I REP Pinas, the rare Black Defender, and his last designed, posthumously released Black One Love. I will continue to buy FMCC shirts in support to his cause of promoting patriotism.

Seeing him fighting for his borrowed time is as painful as with what I have experienced with the passing of my tatay and nanay in 2002. That's when I realized that death is insurmountable, immeasureable, and inevitable.And as the Master Rapper has returned to His master, we can only say that he has lived a short but very meaningful life. Life is really less ordinary, and in our hands lies the true meaning of our journey.

And to the Master Rapper, the Icon of my genre, the epitome of a Filipino...You have fought a Happy Battle and we will continue fighting for our Race.

Mabuhay ka Francis Durango Magalona (1964-2009)

Project Horshoe: The Anawangin Chronicles - 14-15 March 2009

2009-04-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

Doing the same thing almost everyday tires me more than lifting weights in the gym. Imagine, I have to sit in front of the computer for 35 hours every week to check if my team is doing the right thing on their stations every single moment. Well, that's is how we are getting the job done in our field, so to escape boredom and burnt out, I took photography as a hobby.

One cold January day, I searched Google for nice pictures of landscapes in the Pilipinas. I bumped into Ironwulf.com of Ferdz Decena, a travel photographer who was humble enough to share his knowledge to other aspiring travel photographers. Among his numerous entries to his blog, one photostory that captured my attention is his entry about the Anawangin Cove.

I've been to Zambales so many times and in fact, I own a small piece of beachfront property in the outskirts of Iba. But hearing Anawangin and it is located in Zambales, it was something new. What struck me most is the pictures. Yes, white sand, pine trees, mountains, and rivers all packed into an island...Am I dreaming?

So to end all the brouhaha about the place, I proposed the place to a selected few. Individuals who are daring and bold enough to go against the flow...Non-conformist indeed. Planning and coordination were made accordingly and date was scheduled, March 14-15, 2009. We will try conquering and realizing a dream.

After our Friday shift, the so-called "Project Horseshoe" members gathered in the Victory Liner, Cubao terminal to catch the 04:20am trip. Originally, we are fourteen that planned and pushed for this Project. But due to various circumstances, only seven managed to hit the road (Brian, Camz, Connie, Cyrus, Sandie, Pabu and me). By the way, if your curious what is Project Horseshoe, it is the secret term we used whiel we were planning our Anawangin adventure. The cove was described on a blog entry as a "horseshoe-shaped cove".

After the almost four-hour bus travel, we finally reached San Antonio, Zambales and we were welcomed by our escort tricycle man. We bought our supplies at the nearby market and hit the road again riding a tricycle en route to Barangay Pundaquit.

This is the first stop of Team Project Horseshoe. We supposed to meet Mang Randy, the ever-helpful skipper from Pundaquit. But he is not available when we arrive so his wife, Ate Liza welcomed us in their humble place.

We had our lunch in a nearby carinderia and feasted on native dishes such as pork adobo, dinuguan, igado (Ilocano version of stripped pork steak), and chopsuey. Since most us did not have enough rest and butt-numbed because of the long drive from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales and the tricycle trip from the Poblacion to Pundaquit, we consumed around 10 orders of rice.

The shores of Pundaquit greeted us with damp air coming from the South China Sea and upon seeing the boat and the waves, excitement filled our souls. I have been travelling since 2002 to various places in the country and I could say that I am not a newbie to small boats and big waves. To some like Pabu, Sandie, Connie, Brian, and Camz they have experienced riding outrigger boats like this but for Cyrus, this is his time to be devirginized, at least on riding a boat.

After a chilling ride boarded an outrigger boat while the rain drenching our face, a sharp curve passing by a small island, everything turned into a complete desolate moment. White sand, tall pine trees, mocha brown mountains, and we finally realized...We are now in Anawangin Cove.

The picturesque scenery made me teary-eyed as I finally realised my dream. To set foot and touch the water of Anawangin in which I only see in the web and reviews from different photography and travelogues. We took our first picture as a group and I could say, the only decent picture we had during our stay.

Pabu, Sandie, Cyrus helped each other in pitching their tent while Brian and myself pitched ours as well. Camz and Connie prepare the food supply atop the bamboo table reserved for us by Kuya Bernie, the caretaker of the island.

After taking our afternoon meal of wood cooked rice and grilled tilapia and talong courtesy of Brian and myself, Connie sauteed bagoong to match the fish and talong, we're off the sight seeing and light trek mode. We traversed the one kilometer east side of the dry river bed and do some photo ops. Pabu and myself fulfilled our passion for photography taking macro shots of insects, flowers, trees, and wild berries. In this picture, we are heading to the south part of the river where water is still flowing.

It is beginning to dark and most of the Team doze off in the tents, Pabu and myself decided to check on the rock formations on the leftmost part of the cove. We took some good pictures here including the dramatic sunset of Anawangin Cove.

We spend the night with our old reliable petromax provided by Kuya Bernie. We feed on grilled tilapia, liempo, hotdogs and cheesedogs, and Cyrus's ever favorite from home...Pork and Beans...Brian, Pabu, and myself had some GSM Blue to booze ourselves to sleep and take a late night shower courtesy of the island's old school posong de bomba!

Morning greeted us with hot cup of coffee from our reliable kaldero and a hearty breakfast of Nel's Palaboy onion and tomato omelette, Brian's Hand-mashed fried rice, Connie's Kinamay na hotdog, and Cyrus' homegrown sardines ala 555. It was the best breakfast I've had for years!

As we pack our things for our return bout to reality, we trekked the right side of the cove. Connie and Sandie dipped to the cold river water and Pabu, Cyrus, and myself tried rock climbing atop Mt. Anawangin. We took pictures while were on top and the river serving as backdrop.

We bid our farewell to the cove with joy and fulfillment in our hearts. Though we were deprived of modern technology for a day, I can say that going back to where we started is a very humbling experience. We are very thankful to the Lord for giving us Filipinos this gift of nature. As a covenant, the Team Project Horseshoe will continue to promote environmental conservation and advocate for the promotion of this gift's.

We thanked the good people of Pundaquit: JL Acosta, Kuya Randy, Ate Liza, and Kuya Bernie for their warm welcome and help to us. We will definitely see Anawangin again.