Yesterday, I was with my (small) business partners trying to figure out how to improve sales of our lechon manok and after scouting for several good locations, we settled and just talked about it somewhere along the Aguinaldo highway. During the discussion, one said that he had an ingenious idea of having our lechon manok sold by mounting it behind a modified tricycle (similar to Thailand’s toktok). Personally, I find it smart yet at the same time ridiculous, as I’m amused at the thought a stall with a chimney running along the highway. But as we half-heartedly muse at the possibility of it being done, our doubts about it soon burst like bubbles after we saw what stopped right in front of us – a mobile lechon manok!
This owner-type jeepney stopped as if on cue. Without ado, the person behind approached the jeepney while its passenger alight in an instant to entertain the customer who came out of nowhere.
Manong here expertly chopped away the merchandise…
…and was gone…well, just barely, in 90 seconds so to speak.
***
Here’s another example of a mobile market.
Also the same type of vehicle – owner-type jeepney.
This time however, the rear part of it is full of goods normally seen and sold in the wet market.
I’m now truly amazed at how enterprising Filipino people can get. I think I now have to brace myself for what might come around being sold using an owner-type jeepney. What about mobile videoke? Hmmm. Hint hint. But then again, what if it already does exist. Can’t wait to see one.
Mood: 3/10 Honks! (kiddo is now fast asleep and I wonder if he’ll wake up early once again to ride his bike)
Our Bacolod vacation is now complete. After days of wondering when this day will ever materialize or if it’s going to happen during our next visit, we finally made it to the city’s famous Manokan Country. What I find more interesting is despite doubt that we can successfully visit the place of the original (sorry Mang Inasal, but you’re not) Bacolod inasal, before we head back to Manila this Thursday, wifey and I gladly made it with our 1.5-year old boy tagging along. We can’t believe it, but he was fairly behaved this time.
A fluffy muffin did the trick and he’s with us throughout the meal.
I understand the feeling – it’s been 2 years since she had one.
***
Disappointingly, the excitement to be back in the place proudly synonymous to Bacolod City wasn’t matched by the taste that I’ve known for years. What we had tasted dry, bland and looks unappealing. The pecho size is now smaller than before and my ever favorite isol now comes in 3 per stick instead of 4 – its size shrunk as well. To confirm if it’s not just me, we brought home the same chicken parts for my parents and my mother commented just as I did, “indi na namit…las-ay“. Ti abi. What I don’t know now is if Nena Beth III’s chicken serving is what sucks because based on my wife’s observation, it is where most people flocked to eat tonight. Sigh. Where have all the good chicken inasal and cooks gone? I’d be damned if I learn that they’re now in the Mang Inasal restaurant chain. Boooo.
Mood: 4/10 Honks! (Need to bring back the tasty inasal in Manokan Country)
It’s been about 3-4 years since I’ve been fascinated every time I arrive at home and see this fireplace greet us right after we enter our front door.
My father had it built in memory of my late aunt and as a remembrance of his first visit in the cold Canada. And if you wonder if it does work, well it doesn’t. It has logs though and maybe if built with a working chimney it may be fired up anytime – as soon as snow falls in Bacolod. Hahahaha. Now I wonder who else among the average family here has it? My best bet, none.
Mood: 3/10 Honks! (we’re recovering and Marcus now sleeps better every night)
The irony of it all is that as we celebrate Christmas, someone has to die as part of it – the pigs (and the chickens, and the cows…)
“Dad, what do you mean when you said that Lola grows pig for food? Aren’t they pets?”
“Mom, why is it brown and not moving anymore? Isn’t it the one being dragged while crying last night?”
It’s harsh to think that we’re never that far from those barbaric tribes’ sacrifices which involves killing during festivities. And although this time it may only involve the livestock meant to be eaten anyhow, for me I find it still a disturbing thing to do even until now (especially if you’ve seen it alive prior). It helps a lot, of course, to be reminded that they belong to the food chain for me to have guilt-less Christmas meals. Sorry Babe…
Mood: 3/10 Honks! (Had a better sleep last night. Gladly, no nightmares about revenge of the pigs. I’m cold, huh?)
Christmas season is probably the only season in the whole year where one’s true test of character is tested. During this time, our appreciation of it and how we prepare and celebrate it shows how how we really understand and how willing we are to share the true essence brought about by this festive holiday. So 10 days before Christmas, I was thankful and happy that we experienced several aspects of it most especially its spiritual part.
***
Family portrait. Last year, my wife and I decided it’s best if we shoot our own. This year we opted to have it taken in the studio after realizing that we are running out of time before those Christmas cards for abroad gets super delayed.
"Is this a toy, Dad?" (Yes, a costly toy)
***
Meeting a long lost friend. While my kid and I were about to claim our pictures from the photo store, I saw a very familiar face. She’s a long lost family friend who for some unfortunate turn of events we got disconnected from her. After years which seemed like an eternity, which I learned was just barely 3 years, I’m very glad that we finally met and had quite a long fulfilling chat no matter how sad the topic was. After we parted ways, hopefully not long enough this time, it struck me that after all the advent masses and recollection where I tried to imbibe myself to the values of forgiving and sharing, it was during yesterday’s encounter that I unconsciously applied those; and yes, it does feel good doing so. That’s Christmas without a hefty price tag – simple in form, overly gratifying in effect.
***
Food. It cannot be denied that this season is very well related to the palate. The holiday feeling isn’t complete without the thought of food and that the word diet is the most unpopular. And so yesterday, my calorie counter I’m sure lost track again and had gone bonkers. Lunch was pizza, dinner was a lot of chicken and a couple of beers.
No, the chicken isn’t a teaser for our Bacolod vacation, but rather was part of the process my wife and her two other ex-colleagues are doing in preparation for a small business that we all hope will rival the now famous Chooks to Go. Well, not yet, but that’s the goal…or dream. Whatever. Anyway, the first time I tasted their chicken, without bias, I’d say it is a promising venture. Next time though, I promise I’ll just have a teeny-weeny bit of the taste test. Promise. So, with all fingers crossed, we all hope that the yuletide season will prove to be a good way to start this business.
It's been a while since our little kitchen got pretty occupied.
Watch out for these chickens...and letters.
***
Still about food, my wife and I agreed that the Christmas package we got from our cooperative will be shared to two of our neighbors. One goes to our enduring baby sitter who at a very short notice willingly looks after our active baby. The other one will be given to our neighbor who recently lost their home during a fire. Yes, I’d say the noche buena package was tempting, but sharing it to those who need and deserve it most is what Christmas is all about. Bye cheese, bye macaroni…
**
Lastly, however we avoid it, as we all feel the Christmas rush, it will bring out one way or another, the grinches in all of us. Yesterday, mine manifested itself. We were in a photo studio and excitedly waiting for our turn to have our pictures taken when the photographer showed us the background options and none of those presented were “christmassy” despite making it clear what we want. I tried negotiating if we can have a white background instead and that if he can edit it thru the computer to add the background we’re looking for. He agreed. Then he didn’t. Moments after I listened to and tolerated lame excuses, the bad grinch smiled and laughed. We were out of that store in no time with our payment refunded. My bad. He’s “badder”. Okay, that’s my Grinch speaking.
Mood: 2/10 Honks! (a couple more classes this week and we’ll be on our way to Bacolod)
Finally, finally. I’ve picked the right pairs of shoes after months of window shopping for the perfect pair. Yes, you read it right: pair with an “s.” I got two. This I blame to both Nike’s current product line and pricing.
Being a self-proclaimed gym buff, as if something significant happened because of it, I used to make it a habit to buy cross-trainer shoes which during those times, Nike had a lot of variety to choose from because If there’s one thing I’d say I’m obsessed or at least picky about, it’s about my shoes; not necessarily that it should be either the best pair out there or the most expensive I can afford (it’s of course my wish that I have the leisure to acquire both). But since I don’t have such privilege to say that money is not an issue, I’m therefore one of those who scrutinizes each shoe like my life depends on its outcome.
This morning we headed once again to the mall with one of the agenda of buying me a pair of shoes. After hating Nike and Adidas stores for its lame choices, I find myself staring at the Royal Sporting House’s shoe rack. There, I picked and tried several pairs, one of which was the Lunar Glide – Nike’s newest. This one is Nike’s running shoe sans the air-filled heels. Its design is actually Nike’s response to the criticism that their previous running shoes had designs contributing to more injury rather than prevent it. Frankly, I almost believed it. But thanks to the stiff price tag, I avoided it.
It was a good thing that my earnest search for the right fit got me to visit nikerunning.com where I learned of more options depending on several factors like my gender, type of surface where it will be used, stride, foot arch etc. Yet although I didn’t pick one those recommended models, at least this time I was able to base what is likely a good shoe according to my feet’s structure and movement. I got Dart 7 which is very similar to the Air Span or Air Zoom Elite models except for price. Dart 7 is cheap but who cares? I don’t.
It's not Converse. It's Keen.
So how did I end up with another pair of shoes? Well, there’s a catch to me buying a running shoe instead of the usual cross-trainers. Me thinks that running shoes aren’t good casual shoes however comfortable it may be – at least in my opinion. And so with this clouded reasoning I got myself a pair of canvass sneakers for me to switch every now and then whenever I feel like doing so. Yes, I know it isn’t practical to have two more pairs. Yes, I know I’ve got one pair of feet. Yes, I know…blah, blah, blah. Yes, but please, just indulge me. I’ve got happy feet.
***
Last week, I knew that time is running out when I saw my Nike shoe’s sole peeling off bit by bit at the edges that I eventually decided it’s best to try if mighty bond’s miracle still holds (pun intended). To test if it does as advertised, I wore the almost scuffed shoe as wifey and I headed to the mall this morning.
As we strolled inside the mall, I had to discreetly look down and check how it’s doing and stride after stride it held on tight…and mighty. It worked pefectly well that at some point, I actually thought against buying a new one not until we reached the Royal Sporting House…my bad.
Credits: all images are owned by its respective companies and are linked to the URL where it was originally posted.
There’s a classic saying in Filipino, “mabuti pang manakawan, wag lang masunugan,” and it remains true everytime. Last night’s incident proved it right once again. No one will likely contest the severity of the damage a fire can do to both lives and properties compared to just being robbed.
This morning, I went back to our neighbor’s house and saw them rummaging through to what was left – which I learned and saw that there isn’t that much actually. The sight of charred wood, furniture, books, etcetera was just depressing. So although I know that it must mean little to them, I still offered whatever help I can. I find it at least consoling to know that, others have done the same thing and that at least they seem not to be that grief-stricken as I’ve expected.
Just like I did last night, and after asking permission this time if it’s okay to do so, they approved me taking a video of the damages.
This video was also sent to ABS-CBN as an addition to what I’ve taken (and have already emailed earlier) during the actual fire. It did appear on their primetime news -TV Patrol, however short (after editing). Unfortunately I was out for my regular badminton match which made me miss seeing it being reported by Mr. Ted Failon himself – under the Boto Patroller segment. Anyway, other than the SMS message from my wife, I confirmed it got into national TV after I received similar SMS (and emails as well) from relatives and friends saying they heard my name mentioned on TV. Well, I actually don’t know what to make out of it, if I’d be happy or not for the reason that one family was not able to watch it mainly because they’re the one who was directly affected by what was reported. Anyway, I just hope that by doing so, I made everyone aware of the dangers posed by fire – e.g., originating from unattended candles, etc.
Stay safe everyone! Again, thank God. I owe you a lot.
***
Thanks by the way to Ina Reformina & Arlene Burgos of ABS-CBN. More power to you guys.
Tonight, I was just about to retire after a long online session (ended before midnight) with my classmates when I smelled something funny while cuddling my comfy pillow. Thinking it must be needing some good washing, I sniffed it again but confirmed it wasn’t the culprit. A few seconds later I heard some commotion outside the house and there it was – street is already filled with smoke and people are rushing to one of the nearby houses. It is starting to burn and the flames have gone uncontrollably huge.
Moving by instinct, and panic, I instructed my wife to take care of our then sleeping baby. She was also quick enough to pack our important documents in no time followed by several baby essentials. When everyone and everything important was out of the house, which actually happened in just a couple of minutes, it was when I find time to call our city’s fire department. Well I was actually thankful that the phone number still exist – despite being answered by an obviously sleepy fireman. The fire team arrived almost just in time to contain the fire that has already engulfed the house and was then appearing to be ready to inflict damage to the adjacent unit which after it is already ours.
The firemen declared fire out approximately after two hours of firefighting. Whew! what a night. Won’t forget it. Thanks be to God.
Mood: 1/10 Honks! (very happy. I just lost 1 pail in the process)
Believe it or not, today is one of the few most memorable birthdays I can recall. There’s something to being born during a holiday that I’ve gotten used to celebrating it with just a few people closest to me. During my elementary days, I’m one of those, if not totally alone, who haven’t had the chance to celebrate their birthday inside the classroom (with food and party stuffs brought along by my classmates’ parents) as classes were always suspended due Bonifacio Day. In my case, If ever I’d celebrate it with friends, it will just be at home and nowhere else. So as I ponder upon it, I see such experience of having simple celebrations over the last 30 plus years of my life as one of the primary influences to my attitude towards my birthday or anyone else’s. That is, I don’t make a big deal about it and in fact, I’m worse at remembering other people’s birthday even of my own family. You wonder how worse? If not remembering my mother’s exact birthdate, I don’t know what is. And the only birth date I can perfectly remember is just my father’s. Why? That’s because I was born on the exact date as he was and I was born during his 40th. More interestingly, my wife’s birthday is just as remarkable as mine. She was born on November 1 which incidentally also happens to be a Philippine holiday. Isn’t that just amazing? She’s the Alpha, I’m the Omega.
Now you might still be waiting for the reason why I find this day one of the most memorable? Firstly, today is my first birthday being a dad for more than one year. I woke up this morning, with one little boy giggling beside me as if he’s just about ready to sing a good birthday song. Secondly, thanks to facebook. This morning, onwards, I was overwhelmed with greetings that I never had in the past – from a variety of contacts, like ex-colleagues, classmates, professor & even one from abroad who isn’t even a kin. It was more than I expected and it actually surpassed what I got thru my cellphone. The day could have been perfect had I topped it off with a drinking session at my in-laws place (where we stayed overnight), but then again I had to hurry back home sober as I need to meet my classmates online…bummer. Just can’t have it all, huh. Anyway, next year might be better. We’ll see.
Thanks again to everyone who remembered. Of course, big thanks to wifey. Big thanks to Marcus.
***
One thing that made this day great is that for the first time I got a birthday card from my father. Thanks, Tatay. I appreciate it a lot.
***
Mood: 1/10 Honks! (simple yet great day…except for having to do school work)
The word is out and the news is all over the internet especially the social networking sites where I first learned about it. Today, Efren Peñaflorida was chosen as this year’s CNN’s Hero of the Year among the top10 candidates coming from different parts of the globe. To the delight of Filipinos, CNN’s online article says, “Pushcart educator named CNN Hero of the Year.” This prestigious award has once again lifted, well, somehow, the tainted image of our country, the Philippines. At least we have proven, for the second time in a row this month, that there’s more to our nation than just being on top of the statistics as being one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Efren, receiving his award as CNN's Hero of the Year (Photo grabbed from CNN online)
In his acceptance speech (from CNN’s site), Efren said, “Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man ,woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry.” He also added, “Each person a has hidden hero within, you just have look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.” Well said. Couldn’t agree more.
More power to you Efren and may people, including politicians, will follow your humble ways that lead to a grand objective. Congratulations once again!
Of course, when Filipino heroes are mentioned nowadays, chances are that it isn’t Jose Rizal (no offense meant) but instead, the name Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao will come to mind especially from the younger generations who have seen him rise from rags to riches through his hardwork, perseverance, discipline and other skills and qualities he had shown to eventually become an exceptional boxer – the first ever boxer to achieve 7 championship belts in different weight divisions. This made him earn the respects of not only the Filipino people but likewise almost everyone in the whole world. Even foreign VIPs, celebrities and athletes hail him as boxing’s unquestionable pound-for-pound king (except maybe for the Mayweather father & son team, whom I’m quite sure will be converts when the next fight comes).
Despite all these proud victories of the two – Efren and Manny, I can’t help but reflect on the topic of heroism. What does it take to be a hero? What kind of life do heroes have? What does it take to maintain a hero status? Anyway, as I’m yet to answer those questions – and try being one (in my dreams), I realized in the process that being a hero is one thing, but being a responsible and consistent hero is another. Case in point? The current extra-marital affair issue hounding the Pacman.
Incidentally, amidst the celebrations after Manny Pacquiao overwhelmed the Puerto Rican figher, Miguel Cotto, on November 14, another trending topic immediately took over. Like in Twitter, #cotto & #pacman soon lose popularity as topics tagged as #teamjinkee #bangonjikee #teamkrista became an instant hit just barely a day after the historic match. Not to be left behind, I intently listened to the news (as a matter of fact, I guiltlessly watch The Buzz this afternoon) and read almost every Twitter feed related to this shocking topic. And although I acknowledge and respect the fact that the Pacman requested to give him space when it comes to this subject matter, I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief that he got himself into this trouble. As judgmental as it may seem, but I’m here to defend the Pacman.
For most of us, it is probably disappointing to learn that the person whom we looked up to and more importantly from one whom we expect to project a respectable family man image has committed something so unthinkable at this stage of his career and life. We begin to question his integrity. We begin to wonder if his prayers were sincere, and many other doubts of being a person that we cast upon him. But we should not forget however that until such time when they that we now consider as heroes become dead heroes, they remain human just like we are. Remember the short saying, “to err is human, to forgive is divine?” Yes? Then, it is therefore rational (and fair) to set aside our ideals of a perfect living hero and that we should get ready to accept the possibility that sooner or later these people we now look up to will falter just like anyone else; and as hard as it may seem to accept, they do need a second (or more) chance because for all we know, behind those strong characters and great achievements that our heroes have exemplified, they are still mere humans who strive to become perfect just like any of us.
Mood: 3/10 Honks! (not perfectly fine, including wifey.)
