Pinoy Promdi Welcomes 2009!

Maligayang Bagong Taon!!... a Filipino greeting which means Happy New Year!

In French: Bonne année!

In Spanish: Feliz Año Nuevo

In Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo

(Just leave a comment to greet in other tongues!)

We are busy preparing for 2009. Filipinos prepare a lot of things to welcome the new year!

Food.

Different dishes.

Fruits.

Coins.

Horns.

Fireworks..

The market is so busy. People bump into each other. Vendors pop here and there like mushrooms!


I'll get back and provide more details about Filipino traditions after our busy New Year preparation and celebration!

As we get busier, let me greet all of you dear readers of various countries:

Happy New Year!!

Have a Blessed 2009!!

Enjoy viewing the photos of the busy markets in the province!! I myself had fun while doing our marketing and taking these shots!

National Transport Vehicle - The Tricycle

If there will be a plebiscite wherein the Filipino people will vote what will be the Philippine's national motorized transport vehicle, my best bet will be none other than the "Vehicle for the Masses" or Ang Pang-Masang Sasakayan - the Tricycle.

Cabanatuan City has one of the most, if not the most number of tricycles in the country. The city and the province of Nueva Ecija can be voted the Tricycle Capital of the Philippines. Seeing it all around the country, it has been a major part of Filipino life.

Tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle (duh, tri is the prefix meaning three! ewww!) created out of the need o transport more people using the motorcycle. Motorcycle is cheaper and travels more distance with less gasoline compared to car taxis. Fact is, I observed a couple of motorcycles on the road so commuters can save money on gas.

A motorcycle will be fitted with a side car in order to accommodate a greater number of passengers more conveniently and transport them a little safer.

The best and cheapest ride for a person to travel from one place to another in the province is the good old reliable tricycle. There are various designs of the tricycle in the Philippines. As observed, the design is dependent on the type of the regular route's terrain. Part and parcel is the trend of the designs and the required color scheme of their organization or as required by their localized laws as well.

TODA usually refers to Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association. When riding a tricycle try to check the local TODa where the vehicle belongs. We have the abbreviated or full name of a place or barangay followed by TODA. Like LATODA (for Laur), PATODA (for Papaya), RUTODA (for Rufina), BBTODA, CATODA, BATODA, GATODA and whatever TODA's that they can imagine named after their place. Often we see them queueing, waiting for passengers on designated areas near the marketplace, schools and other public places.

I can recall that the first family vehicle way back in the early eighties was a tricycle with Suzuki brand motorcycle. This was driven by e neighbor "Kuya Boy" (elder brother whose name is Boy, a name that will never grow old!).

As it was in yesteryears, drivers who do not own the vehicle are required to pay a certain amount to the owners. The payment, known as "boundary", is an amount agreed upon between the owner and the driver and serves as the rent income gained by the owner. The driver will keep whatever is left from passenger's fare and the gasoline usage. Although this vehicle is one of the cheapest, only a few numbers can afford to buy. Hence, the on-going driver-owner relationships.

Despite the reality that these vehicles help commuters in a great way, they are also the reasons of major traffic jams in cities and town proper areas. Driving a small vehicle, they ease their way even in the smallest possible areas unimaginable. Once inside the town proper, maintaining an arms' length distance between your car and another vehicle is not applicable in my province. A tricycle (or two) will eke its way between the vehicles causing more traffic jams and delays.

In our province, do not expect the drivers to follow the tricycle lane. On the main highways, there are designated rightmost side of the highway assigned to them. No, very seldom that you see tricycles following their lanes. So you have to slow down and follow their phase for a while, some of them running at 20mph. You have to take the risk of overtaking, on the other lane and get your speed back to 70 or 80mph ... until another tricycle comes in your way. And if they will turn left or right (or suddenly stop to ask a passenger - on the other side of the road!), do not expect them to use light signals! Just be wary when following a tricycle.

I still enjoy riding the tricycle from time to time. For one, it is readily available. Most drivers will ask your destination even if you do not wave at them. See? No need to wave and they will stop by your side on a sidewalk, causing traffic jams.

The air. The wind. The space. Riding a tricycle is highly recommend for claustrophopics. If tricycles go around 40 mph and in the main highways, make sure to hold your head. Your brains might be blown out by the wind. And try doing this on a night with a cool breeze of the holiday season, you will definitely curl into a ball just to keep the heat in your body.

The views. In an open air vehicle, you can see most of the views. Plus the slower the vehicle moves, the more time to appreciate the beauty of the province and the sceneries.

Versatile. Aside from passengers, the national vehicle is also used to transport produce from the farm to market. Passengers also use it to transport and deliver grocery items, lumber and anything imaginable.

Transformer. No, not the movie. Not Optimus Prime. Tricycle can also transform. Don't wanna ride the three-wheeled car? Just remove the attachment and ride the motorcycle on its own! Easy!

A visit to the Philippines won't be complete without a tricycle ride. Being a Filipino, a tricycle ride will let you understand and feel what the most people feels. In a sense, it makes us more Filipino.

Riding a tricycle is fun. Cheap. A little noisy but I really appreciate the air and the space. Incomparable.

Try riding a tricycle... It's worth the experience!

Forest... At the Back of My Mind

Hmmm... I should have made the title: "Forest... At the Back of Our House."

It is so soothing and refreshing to be in the middle of a forest. The verdant scenery sends peaceful sensation to my entire being.

Whenever I try to imagine a peaceful scene.. I sometimes end up in the middle of the forest.... that our backyard offers.

In the province, I am grateful we still have a lot of trees.

With these photos, some experts and Filipinos who grew up familiar with these plants will be able to identify the names of these trees. (Try the game of 'Name the Trees!')

When I was a child, the saresa or aratiles is one of the favorites when it comes to climbing. Fruit so small like a cherry yet so sweet when ripe and bright red, almost maroon.

The santol and mango sometimes offers a very sour taste. When picked ripe usually of yellowish to golden brown color, these fruits from a santol tree in our backyard is so sweet.

My favorite is the young coconut or buco. The fruit is hard to harvest and very difficult to crack open in order to get the juice and meat. I practiced a lot of times just to be able to open one and has been doing it since then.


Guava or the bayabas has strong branches so ideal for climbing. Fruit is used in cooking native dishes and the ripe fruit can be eaten raw. The 'Y' shaped branch we use to make slings.

In the small Forest of our backyard is the good old kamias. With small leaves and is currently flowering. The fruit is Used in a lot of dishes usually for fish in sour kamyas juice. If it's in season, the tree can support the demands of the entire neighborhood.


The bignay, a tree that has nice umbrella-like shaped branches also has small sour fruits. But the fruit is also sweet when ripe and is black in colored.

The palm bunga tsina is so tall it towers over the other trees.. The fruits, when ripe is eaten by old folks before as nganga.


The sampalok or tamarind tree is a bit dark that looks like it has been there for a couple of decades. I have picked some young leaves from this tree for our sinigang and sinampalukan dishes.

Mabolo is also right in the middle of the mini-forest with nice thin branches and dark green leaves.




The star apple or caimito is really the star of the yard when it is in season. Fruit is so juicy and tastes almost like a sweetened milk.


Sometimes so sour.. sometimes a hint of sweetness.. that is the fruit from the guyabano tree or soursop.

There are still a lot of trees and some other plants in our backyard. Like the calamansi or Philippine lemon that bears fruit the whole year round. Plus bananas and suha or pomelo. In the thicker part of the forest, we have bamboo, pakiling (tree with rough leaves used to clean the pots), banana and other trees unknown to me.

A visit or a simple glance at the backyard is enough to give a fresh start, any time of the day. Even if I am away, our backyard forest is at the back of my mind whenever felt the need to relax.

Oh! it is really refreshing to be in the middle of our backyard forest as I took this photos.

One of the best things here in the Philippines...

Particularly in the province.

A Forest.

Not only in my dreams or in my mind.

But right here...

in our backyard.

Noche Buena - Pinoy Family Christmas Dinner

NOCHE BUENA - is a Filipino tradition of having the whole family eat dinner together, usually at 12 midnight, after the Christmas Eve mass. It is also the title of one famous Filipino Christmas song that really depicts what happens the day before Christmas in the Philippines. I felt the true sense of the song as we prepare for the the birth of Jesus Christ. The song goes...

Kay sigla ng gabi Ang lahat ay kay saya

- The night is so alive, everybody is so happy. Yes, it was really felt in the air. Everyone getting ready for the Holy Mass that usually ends an hour or sometimes right before midnight. The Bisperas ng Pasko or Christmas eve mass is very much anticipated particularly in the province. This year I have witnessed the Panunuluyan - a reenactment of the journey of Joseph and Virgin Mary. The panunuluyan in Filipino means the search for a place to stay or a lodge. After the mass means Christmas dinner!! Food, food and food with the family!


Nagluto ang Ate ng manok na tinola. Sa bahay ng Kuya ay mayro’ng litsunan pa
- Elder sister cooked chicken soup (in papaya and ginger). In elder brother's house they are roasting pig (slowly on charcoal). The usual traditional food prepared for feasts. However, We did not have those food. For our Noche Buena we had Pinoy style spaghetti, fried chicken, ube halaya(a lot of which we gave away), pancit, my mother in-law's menudo, leche flan and Crema de fruta (my pride!).

Ang bawat tahanan may handang iba’t iba

- Each home has prepared variety of food! Very true. Lot's of food! Forget about diets! And the tradition of giving away food to your neighbor still lives on. So, whenever we prepare food, we make sure there is extra for the neighbors. As we gave away food, we received fruits and buco salad and some rice cakes. A neighbor aunt gave us a very yummy ..one whole crunchy crispy pata (cripy fried pork leg)! Whew! (I can hear my heart say 'Be cautious... the blood pressure')

Tayo na giliw Magsalo na tayo. Mayro’n na tayong tinapay at keso

- Come my Dear and let's dine together. We have bread and cheese. The celebration in its truest sense is sharing the noche buena with the people you love. We do have bread and cheese. But I think no one minded them because of the other food prepared for the Yuletide feast. Well, I think the bread and cheese here symbolizes that no matter how simple the food is, what matters most is the family that dines together.

Di ba Noche Buena Sa gabing ito At bukas ay araw ng Pasko

- It is Noche Buena tonight, isn't it?

And tomorrow is Christmas Day! The Noche Buena marks the eve of Christmas Day for Pinoys.

That night I have my complete family plus the extended family of in-laws. Filipinos are known to have a close-knit family that we usually have noche buena with the rest of my wife's siblings. The following day means dinner with my side of the family - my wacky siblings. With my side of the family, Christmas Day dinner was held at the cemetery. See? Even from the grave, my father was a part of our Christmas celebration!!

This, I believe is still one of the best traditions of Filipinos. Together, the complete family, celebrating Christmas.

...As the birth of Christ also completes the Holy Family!

A Peaceful Earth on Christmas

Christmas Eve.

The whole family heard the mass at Saint Joseph Cathedral.

There was a Panunuluyan - a Tagalog term which means looking for a house to stay. Panunuluyuan is a reenactment of the night surrounding Joseph and the Virgin Mary looking for a place to stay for the night in Bethlehem. They were turned down a couple of times despite the fact that Mary was about to give birth to Jesus Christ.

Until finally they were given a place to spend the night... on a barn. And Jesus was born on a sabsaban or manger where animals were fed.

The message for the nights' Christmas Eve Holy Mass is clear, it reverberates in the air: Are we ready to accept Jesus Christ into our lives?


The reenactment was so solemn and sent more goosebumps to churchgoers by the song Payapang Daigdig. The song which means Peaceful Earth (or World) made me reminisce... A lot of memories behind the song. I was a church choir member for about a decade and the song became a favorite during the holidays.

I remember my sister singing Payapang Daigdig on falsetto every Christmas Season, especially during the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi. One time she got sick and I have to sing the song solo.... on falsetto. Good thing I have the entire choir behind me doing back up voices to make the song sound better. During that time, seldom we hear a young man singing on falsetto.

So I want to share the song... as it etched certain memories in my life:

Payapang Daigdig

Ang gabi’y payapa

Lahat ay tahimik

Pati mga tala sa bughaw na langit

Kay hinhin ng hangin,

wari’y umiibig

Sa kapayapaan ng buong daigdig

Payapang panahon

Ay diwa ng buhay

Biyaya ng Diyos

Sa sangkatauhan

Ang gabi’y payapa, lahat ay tahimik

Pati mga tala

Sa bughaw ng langit

Pinoy Christmas

"Maligayang Pasko Po!" That is what we hear in the Philippines from greetings to songs which means Merry Christmas.

Christmas in the Philippines, particularly in the province, is really something to look forward to. Sorely missed since this is my first time to spend the holidays again in this country after three Christmases spent abroad. This season is one that made me miss me family so bad that it hurts. (Reality check - my family's bread and butter is not in the Philippines so what can I do? )

Pasko in my country is one of the longest celebrations composed of a lot of traditions which revolves fundamentally on the spirit of giving, making other people happy and merry making. Everyone looks forward to Christmas as it denotes family gatherings, get togethers, reunions. Family members abroad usually schedule their homecomings during this season.

We start hearing Christmas carollers in front of our houses by the month of December. Karoling in Filipino is a group of people serenading a household with Christmas songs. Some are just group of children or elderly folks. Others are organized groups that provides a letter and advance notice of the date when they will serenade.

I can say, Philippines is one country that celebrates Christmas the longest since it starts from the 'ber' month! Christmas songs are already being played and some people are already getting ready for the Holiday Season from the month of September.... Countdowns of how many days left are being announced on radio, newpaper and is a part of the television news!

Parol or Christmas lanterns hanged in front of the house is another Filipino tradition. Aside from the Christmas tree, decorations of evergreens, belen (nativity scene) and Christmas balls - a home decoration will not be complete without the parol. The traditional parol is made from bamboo sticks and japanese papers, sometimes fitted with bulb. We have the now famous Parol festival in Pampanga province where we can find lanterns with ingenious lighting systems that produce an awesome kaledioscope of colors. I observe that the designs are influenced by the star and the Christmas flower 0r poinsettia. There is an annual competition in this place of the country, now known to have produced the most elaborate and biggest lantern. And the province have the Paskuhan Village, a place celebrating Christmas the whole year round!

Some, if not most of our traditions are influenced by the Spanish colonial era. One is the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo. This year is kinda cold - with Baguio City recording its coldest at 9 degrees Celsius, it is really hard getting ready for the 4 AM Holy Mass. Imagine taking a bath at about past three am in the chilling December breeze! The misa de gallo is a mass usually celebrated before sunrise, nine days before the birthday of Jesus Christ. On the eve of Christmas or Bisperas, a mass is celebrated usually attended by the whole family - one that I look forward to this year!

Right outside the church are the vendors of traditional ricecakes. After the mass, it is normal to find people lining up to buy bibingka and puto bumbong. Ginger tea or salabat is often served free of charge.

The thanksgiving dinner, at the birthdate of Jesus Christ , is called Noche Buena. For people in the province, we have the tinolang manok (chicken soup with papaya and ginger), or bulalo (beef stew - hind shank with bone). Rice cakes and sweets will always be there - pulvoron, fruit salad, halayang ube, dried sweet fruits, etc.. Some other Filipino household have ham or hamon, queso de bola (cheese). Rice! Of course a Filipino dinner will not be complete without the rice!

Children are always excited to wake up in the morning of Christmas to wear their new clothes. I grew up with this tradition that a new set of wardrobe or 'pamasko' will be bought before Christmas and will be worn the first time on that special day. Plus, after waking up - we also check the socks! (I liked hanging socks when I was a kid that there were times I hanged two or three - confusing Santa.)

Christmas mornings in the province is a scene to reckon. Younger generations will go around their elder relatives - parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties - to kiss their hands. We call it 'mano' which is a tradition of asking for blessing by placing the right hand of an elder to the forehead. The elders in return provide the blessing by saying "May God bless you!" or "The Mercy of God be with you!" or "May God be with you!". I remember when I was a kid, going to the provinces of Pampanga and Zambales where my ancestors are and joking that my forehead already has callous from too much mano!

On the streets, we see children looking at their best, at times accompanied by elder siblings or parents going around the neighborhood - paying respect by kissing the hands of the elders. Aguinaldo or gifts are often prepared in advance for children. Recent practice involves crisp bills to be given away to kids who are not on the regular list (or unfortunately and unintentionally omitted from the list). Crisp bills are given away sometimes in lieu of wrapped gifts.

We also have kris-kringle or monito-monita. An exchange of gifts among group of people. Monito-monita is one secret friend that you pick on the early part of the season and will only be revealed on a Chirstmas party or gift giving (or exchange gift celebration). One person can have a lot of monitos or kringles in one Christmas - in every social group that a person belongs. I remember having more than five in just one season - my side of the family, my wife's family, my friends, the department I belong to, officers of the company, the whole company and the church choir. The more social group you have in the Philippines - the more monitos you have and the more Christmas parties to attend to!

Plus : do not forget the Christmas bonus for employees! Companies operating in the Philippines are required to provide thirteenth month pay to employees before Christmas. Another reason to celebrate the season for most employees!

The Philippines takes Christmas very seriously. As it starts with the ber month, it does not end on Christmas Day. We also celebrate the feast of the Three Kings which falls on the first week of January.

The Philippines is really one for the books as the country with the longest and most colorful Christmas celebration and traditions. With all of these...

We can claim that...

Philippines is

A Christmas Country!

Native and Organic Chicken of the Province

Yesterday was my youngest sister's birthday. Along with the pancit (noodle in soy sauce), I grew up with the family tradition of having at least one live native chicken slaughtered... some sort of offering.. for birthdays.

As the tradition in our province lives on, a native chicken was sacrificed yesterday. I took photos of our free-range chicken and the sacrificial chicken! (Warning: For people who find it gross to see chicken being slaughtered, you can stop viewing right now... Hehehe!)

Our province still boasts of native chicken that are usually organically fed. It is still common to find these types of chicken in the backyards of rural residences in the Philippines. Fed with rice, corn these chicken are also free to roam the backyard and look for their food - insects, earthworms, etc.

These type of chicken are called various names. I remember calling them 'Manok na Tagalog' (Do they speak or crow in tagalog dialect? Hmmm). The rooster is called "labuyo," the real native that has red wings and hackles with black feathers on its tail. The hen is"inahin" for those that already has layed eggs or has chicks. The "dumalaga" is a hen getting ready to be introduced to the roosters - almost similar to a debutante! Referring to colors, we call them bulik for the black-grayish colored with white dots and the talisain for the red and black combination. Now, it is common to hear tha taglish or tagalized version: Neytib na manok.

Native chicken is sought by some people because of its leaner meat and unique flavor most probably brought by the way it is raised. They are not called free range chicken, or backyard chicken for nothing! These chicken are free to roam around the backyard, scratching the soil looking for food and playing around with the rest of the animals. Its eggs, brown in color, is said to have less cholesterol. (When I was young, I remember having nests in our 'silong' or open basement along with gnats or hanip.)

Some folks in the province sells their native chicken and has become an alternative source of livelihood. These chicken are usually sold alive and more importantly priced more expensive than the broiler type. Consumers are willing to pay for the premium of having that distinct flavor and texture of a native chicken meat. Backyard-raised chicken also served as a buffer during lean season. Before harvesting season, farmers who lacks budget can count on their backyard poultry as a source of money and food for their table.

Being away from the Philippines for a couple of years, I really missed the distinct taste of native chicken which is better compared to the commercial broilers we buy in the market. Oh how I miss the mouth-watering sinampalukang manok (Chicken in tamarind broth) and Tinola (Chicken soup with ginger and papaya). I also like the famous adobo (stewed in soy sauce, vinegar and spices) and the lechon manok (roasted whole chicken, soaked or marinated with spices and stuffed with tanglad or lemon grass).


And today for breakfast, with garlic fried rice... I had Adobong Manok left-over from yesterday!

>>><<<

-----The Native Chicken Sacrifice -----

(pre-adobo stage)

Following photos may look gross .. But hey! this is life in the province!

(I have warned you!)

********

*****

***

@

Veggies on Wheels

On a traysikad, a manually operated tricycle (sikad means kick), Sita goes around town selling fresh produce, fish and meat products. She is one of the regular vegetable peddlers of our province at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. We still have women peddling items walking around just carrying baskets, but I believe this veggies on wheels is a more efficient way and sells more variety and quantity.

Usually, Sita (whose real name would probably be Teresita), sells during the "non-market days." Here in our small town, we have designated market days, three days a week, when most people go to the public market. The public market building and store stalls are always there, but most vendors are present only during 'market day' (araw ng palengke). This is one thing unique about our small, not so sleepy town. Most towns and cities do not have assigned market day. So, this means our friendly ambulant vendor and her group of veggie peddlers have their assigned or peak day as well.

"Gulay!" (vegetable)... "Gulayyyyyy!", Sita shouts in order to get the attention of her prospective buyers. Often, she already has a regular route on a routine hour for the day. Like in our street, I usually see her around 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

Her clients, mostly mothers, flock her mobile store...

"How much is this sitaw (long bean)? And this repolyo (cabbage) per kilogram?

"Don't you have red bell pepper and green bean? I need to prepare chop suey today and I forgot those ingredients in my trip to the market yesterday!"

"Oh, this is a nice smoked fish... how much is this?"

"That will go well with pakbet (boiled vegetables in fish paste)! Fresh okra and talong (eggplant) here!"

"This banana has a lot of freckles, give me a bargain price for this, okay?"

"Hey, honey" a woman shouts to her husband "Sita is selling ampalaya (bitter melon), do you want me to buy some?"

"Oh this is getting expensive, can you give me a discount?"

"Sita, you already have tocino and longanisa? You are getting better and richer, huh?"

"Not really Ate Linda, I just tried selling Mekeni Pampanga's products today. Please buy some of my tocino and longanisa!"

....

These are examples of conversations I usually hear as I enjoyed buying some vegetables myself. Mothers check the quality and pick the best, placing them on the weighing scale. Price haggling is a normal thing.

Sometimes, topics of would go beyond what is being sold. The women would talk about their lives, their viands, recipes and of course the latest news or gossips in town. Sita needs to know some of these in order to entertain her clients. And this, undoubtedly makes it more fun. Fact is, even after Sita has left, some women still stay to chitchat (Only in the Philippines! hehehe!)

Good thing, our location in the North Eastern Central Luzon, known for speaking Ilocano in a Tagalog province, is also known for consuming a lot of vegetables. We, Filipinos eat grass! Naahhh, that just means we eat a lot of vegetables, the variety of which might mean exotic to others.

No wonder Sita sells a lot of vegetables!

I am grateful we have this lot of vegetable peddlers in our area. I know it takes a lot of physical effort from hauling to peddling. Plus, it requires a lot of customer service and public relation skills as well! Imagine that? Ooops, don't forget the vocal prowess to shout "Vegetables!"

.

And once again, with her ready smile, Sita yelled...

"Gulayyyy! Gulay kayo dyannnn!"

---

'Gulay kayo dyan' which would probably mean, 'vegetables for you!'... has a funny literal translation: 'You are vegetables there!'. Hehehe!

Little Christmas Party for Parents

Philippine schools normaly provide a couple of weeks vacation so students could enjoy the Christmas Season and celebrate the New Year. Yesterday marked the start of the school holiday break for my four-year-old son and his classmates. They had a simple Christmas Party organized by their teacher and parents.

With what I saw, it also became a gathering and party for the parents. I wonder who really enjoyed, the kids or the parents?

It was a worthwhile activity, a step in enhancing children's social skills. Being in charge of the parlor games, I tried to inculcate the value of sportsmanship. There were different reactions as some of them lost. Most of them cried and others got mad. It was how parents reacted and guided their kids that caught my attention. Other parents reacted by explaining 'games are like that, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.' Some further pampered their youngsters by providing or promising gifts if they stop crying and behaved. I saw one parent getting mad at the child and yelling that the kid is 'weak' or 'dunce' (kahina naman, tanga!). I find it funny during that time but I am not in favor of that treatment. I hope this will be changed and that the kid will grow with normal behavior.

One of the traditional children party games is the Pabitin (Hanged gift items). We hang hassorted gifts, candies and toys in a trellis. The trellis made of bamboo is tied high on a ceiling and lowered slowly to waiting kids. We tried to organize the kids where the group of smaller kids will have priority spots and a few tries to grab a gift. Ideally, the taller kids will have their turn afterwards. Yes, I was able to control the children...they obeyed. But not the guardians and parents. (And some guests?) No matter how I tried to control and stop them, some of the adults grabbed gifts. And the nerve of some, even grabbed the trellis so it cannot be raised again! These are my sportsmanship example for my kids. I ignored them and we just continued partying -enjoying the foods and games.

For lunch, We had Filipino spaghetti (the sweet version), barbeque, fresh lumpia (burrito-like dish, with vegetable filling and sweet peanut based sauce), ricecakes. laing (taro in coconut milk) and other dishes courtesy of the parents.

A group of boys danced as an intermission number. Backed up by a fast beat Christmas song, parents are of course present coaching their kids to dance! These are the stage parents who moved, grooved and danced along with the children.

Instead of just children, I opted to give the parents the opportunity to play the game of treasure hunt. The parents ran as fast as they could, trying to beat one another in finding the stars of treasure. I gave candy necklace as rewards, which of course will be given to their kids anyway.

I made sure that every child went home with a gift, through a raffle draw that everybody will win anyway. I just asked the children to draw the number and read them aloud on the microphone. Expecting a gift in return as their motivation, most of them behaved as they waited for their respective turn. Another parent prepared a gift for each student which made the children even happier!

The party was capped by an unlimited ice cream treat. Of course, I cannot help but notice the queue of parents to be served by the sorbetero (ice cream vendor).

I believe, the party was successful based on how the kids and.. parents or guardians smiled and laughed. It was a collective effort of a group of parents as well. It was also fun preparing for it.. we did it as a group, from shopping of materials to execution. Other parents were in charge of food preration, the decorations, physical arrangements and the sound system.

Some parents and even the teacher expressed their appreciation of our group's efforts. And I was thankful for their cooperation as well.

Indeed, this little Filipino children's Christmas Party turned out to be the party of their parents and guardians as well.

Now, based on these photos, who really enjoyed the party.. Our Children or we the Parents?

Filipinos Have Red Eggs

Yes. Aside from the usual white and brown eggs we usually see in grocery stores, we also have the salted egg - usually from duck and colored red. In Filipino, it is called itlog na pula (red egg) or itlog na maalat (salted egg).

The traditional way of making salted duck egg is tedious. It needs clay, a lot of salt, water and of course the egg. The egg will be coated with the salted clay or soaked in clay and kept for a few weeks. Through osmosis, salt will be absorbed by the egg adding a different texture, a distinct taste. This is then boiled and colored red.

My family and relatives love the way I prepare salted egg with tomato in somewhat salad form, usually for dinner. It can go as a viand on its own, but usually best served with fried smoked fish as well as fried or grilled fish. I also prefer having it served along with canned tuna in vegetable oil. Oops, of course a Filipino meal will not be complete without the steamed rice.


For Promdi version of Salted Duck Egg in Tomato Salad, just mix the following ingredients:

• 4 to 6 salted duck egg, removed from shell and diced

• 6 medium sized tomato, sliced

• 1 medium onion or 4 pcs small onion (preferably sibuyas Tagalog, include the onion leaf); cut into small pieces

• 2 tablespoons of calamansi juice or lemon juice (calamansi is local lime)

• salt and pepper to taste


• Optional ingredients I usually include are green onion and cilantro. 5 or 6 stalks of green onion and a bunch (about a cup) of cilantro leaves, both cut into tiny pieces.

This can be served immediately. Others prefer that this salted duck egg-based tomato salad served cold. So place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.

Voila! A duck egg salad that is fast and easy to prepare!

Try this and enjoy the unique taste of salted duck egg... the Filipino way!

Bon appetit! (Maganang Pagkain!)

----
(Dedicated to Nanay who loves this whenever she visits us in San Jose, CA.)

Gambling in Elementary Curriculum

"Bingo! No classes today. We will play BINGO!"

Can you Imagine children aged between 6 and 12 playing bingo? Yesterday, I witnessed these children being influenced by adults - parents and even teachers - on playing bingo in lieu of their regular afternoon classes.

In the public elementary school where one of my son studies, they played the bingo game to raise funds.

This may be for a good cause. But hey! Remember, the end does not justify the means! Showing kids that it is perfectly alright to gamble is another issue. I cannot fathom for the life of me, why the Parent-Teacher's Association (as far as I know) resorted into this kind of activity.

From the information I gathered, the teachers required each pupil to sell or buy ten (10) pieces of bingo cards sold at ten pesos each. A total of 100 pesos each child (US$2.50). Equivalent to about five kilograms of rice. This public school has a lot of poor students. Every cent has its worth and some parents had a hard time even just sending their children in this tuition-free school.

Some people said this has been done for a while, annually for fund raising. The children and the community are already used to it. I think they are taking advantage of the juvenile's vulnerability just to be able to raise money.


I tried to accompany my son, in order to check it myself and in the hope of explaining to him that this is fun and something worthwhile. But also, trying to inculcate that this is unhealthy for children - playing for something to win. Playing is different from gambling. I know he knows what I have in mind as I took photos and videos. He left, got bored. I got bored as well.

With all my might, I tried to observe and enjoy the event. However, what I saw are people of from different walks of life - from different social standing. I believe most of them were on the poverty line, gambling, trying to win something that day. I even saw a mother, seating on the pavement of the covered court breastfeeding her baby! So unbelievable but true!

I almost talked to the principal or the supervisor that day. I was just taken aback by the usual fear that my son, studying in that school might take the hit and the heat. I know some of my fellowmen who does not take criticisms positively. There are some questions that bug me until now.

• Does the Philippines' Department of Education (DepEd) know this activity of influencing juveniles to gamble?

• Do the proponents know that, whether they admit it or not, this bingo is a precursor to adolescent gambling?

• Did they even think how it will affect children, seeing adults including their teachers and parents (plus other people they look up to), socializing in a gambling function?

And come to think of it... This is just a small part of my town in Nueva Ecija. At the foot of Sierra Madre.

Where the youngest gamblers are nurtured. The youth.....

The future of my country.

******

****

**

*

Promdi Birth at the Bamboo Bed

"Hey Andoy, your wife Trining is in labor!!!" the nosy neighbor Laleng shouted at the forty-something year old man at the backyard…

Andoy is already a father of five daughters. Still excited to finally see his next child, this time hoping for the nth time that it will be a boy . His youngest daughter is now turning eight.

Not really surprised, Andoy immediately dropped the basket where he keeps the backyard produce of sitaw (long bean) to follow Laleng towards the house.

They both felt the chilly, foggy air that usually occurs before break of dawn everytime Christmas approaches.

From afar, he can barely see his house... the roof is neatly made of nipa, the walls are sawali (bamboo walls). It’s back door ajar, waiting for him. He walked fast, almost ran towards the door.


That’s where he saw his wife, Trining, in labor and still trying to walk around. Holding his wife’s hands, Andoy said "Come on run Laleng and call Chayong!" Chayong is the elderly barrio hilot or midwife.

They continued walking inside the house as they waited for Chayong.

When Chayong arrived, she saw Trining limping from labor pains… "Andoy, your wife is about to give birth, boil some water. Then get yourself away from this house.. go to the kanto (street crossing) and don’t come back until she already gave birth!" (It was believed at that time that it is harder for women to give birth if husbands are around.)

As Andoy left to follow the orders of Chayong, he heard the midwife yell "Hey Trining, your water just broke! You’re about to give birth!" Andoy got confused and returned to the backyard vegetable farm. He continued picking up whatever produce there is and placed it on the native basket.

"Stop walking!" Chayong ordered Trining.

"Come here and lay on the Papag!" (Papag is a bed made of bamboo.)

Trining followed. She layed on the papag. Spread her legs, readying herself for the labor pains… Holding the headboard of the very strong, bamboo papag…

And they heard the baby cried right after sunrise.

Later that day, the family gathered around the newest mamber of the family, sleeping beside his mother on the good old papag.

------
The Philippines. North Central Luzon. Early 70's.
-----

Inspired by an original story. Names changed for privacy purposes.

Philippine National Fist's Mother

Behind every man's triumph is a Woman...

By this time, Filipinos are rejoicing the recent victory of Manny over the Golden Boy Oscar Dela Hoya. I missed the fun of betting against my Mexican friends - well, sorry guys for losing the nth time.

Now, who is the woman behind the success of so-called Mexicutioner?

Is it Jinky, the 8-month pregnant wife of Manny?

Or

The now, very well-known mother... Dionisia Pacquiao!!

Jinky has her share. But I would dare say, Dionisia Pacquiao prepares for Manny's fights almost as hard as her son does.

There are people who sometimes find it Over Acting and funny. Seeing Dionisia how she gets ready for a boxing bout in most of the television stations and even newspapers.

Sometimes, she tells people that she asked her son not to fight anymore. There was an article quoting her advising Manny 'not to bet his life for money.' Then, the sudden shift... expressing confidence that her son would win.

Tired of talking about how Manny won. how he prepared.. how he moved on the ring.. . which, come to think of it, we all watched anyways... Some folks shift on talking about the mother. I am no boxing aficionado, but I watch every Pacman's fight. With an added flavor, color and texture by no other than his mother.

The weak.. worried... extremely nervous.. prayerful... strong... and media exposed Dionisia makes Filipino life more colorful with Manny's victories. It will never be the same without her.

I cannot help but smile whenever she gives interviews. Sometimes, caught in action as she prepares the fiesta atmosphere before a fight. She does not watch the fights - she gathers her friends and relatives and pray in front of the altar. Now, I again cannot help but grin when she was recently shown praying the rosary, (almost) crying and enlessly touching, seemingly scratching the image of a saint. (I think it is the image of Virgin Mary.) Almost in a trance and out of control when praying. Of course, with full media coverage.

And when her son wins, she then again, gets media attention as she gives back the glory to the Lord and thank the supporters of her son.

I expect her to be on the caravan when her son returns.

Oh how she played the media with her flair! Whether she likes it or not, she's now a well-known personality all over the country.

On Manny's next fight, I hope to see more of Dionisia. Why not a media coverage of Manny's weeks of preparation, alongside Dionisia's daily preparation for a boxing bout?

Well, whether I smile, grin, laugh or otherwise on some of Dionisia's way of getting media mileage.. . I still respect her being a mother…and believe the true and honest feelings - the tidal wave of emotions she had in every Manny's fights.

I wonder who her wardrobe consultants and make-up artists are? Hehehe!

Don't be surprised. Next thing you'll know... Dionisia will be a politician!

Dionisia Pacquiao for President!

------

photos credits:

gensantos.com
philboxing.com
www.marcobarrera.com

Her Majesty Queen Tabo

... of the Banyo Kingdom!!!

No idea what A TABO is? Welcome to the site of the Filipino promdi. It means that you are our guest or just learning our culture. A Pinoy who does not know what tabo is? Oh it means you're being Filipino is about to be completed now... just read on.

Tabo is a water dipper, a long handled container for water or liquids, usually found in the comfort rooms (banyo) of the Filipino. It is one of the basic necessities in a Filipino household. Partnered by a pail and more often used by the female specie of the clan. A very versatile everyday tool - used to scoop water for whatever purpose - from showering to washing specific areas of the body.

Tabo helps us clean. And helps us save trees by using water instead of toilet papers. And we feel better cleaned if we use water down there instead of just plain tp's. In a Filipino restroom, it is very typical to find a pale of water (called timba or balde) along with the tabo. In the Philippines, especially in the province, we still have toilets that are flushed with water manually. Hence, the need for the pair of balde and tabo.

I believe it has been a part of Filipino culture and has earned its place in history, beacause it has also evolved with time.

• Even if I have not seen one used before, I think the first tabo used is made from coconut shell (bao). I could imagine Filipino of old times, using the coconut shell tabo scooping water out of an earthen jar or tapayan. (Now, it took a great effort for me to find one and shoot this photo)
• Empty cans. With the introduction of cans, canned goods such as juices, some households then uses cans. This one, I have used when I was young.
• Then, as time progressed, we have empty plastic containers of oil (motor oil) the same size as the can of milk powder. Circa 70's or 80's, this is the common tabo found in most Filipino restrooms. This does not have any handle.
• The plastic revolution also influenced the tabo evolution. The sophisticated look and version of a tabo nowadays is made of plastic and has a long handle. It comes in various sizes and colors usually in coordination with the water pale. now in modern times, we can now find toilet papers in restrooms.
• A fearless forecast of what's next: Battery operated or rechargeable tabo. Why not a remote controlled tabo? Or a tabo that is directly connected to a water hose, no need to dip it in a timba?

I'm quite sure, tabo will still evolve just like Filipinos cope up with the changing time. Everytime we move to a foreign land to relocate, visit or check in on the best hotels, we do miss the tabo. So do not be surprised if you will find the good ol' tabo in the luggage of a Filipino jetsetter!

I have never seen any other race that gives utmost worship to the tabo - but the Filipino. Well, as far as I know, we are known to be one of the frequent bathers and best smelling people of the society! hehehe

All rise.....

Salute and bow ...

to the Queen Tabo for its rightful place in our household!

Dusk and Dawn

Our life... it's like sunrise and sunset...

The sun. Never tiring, relentlessly rising and setting - most people are entranced by the drama of the sun. It has already been a part of poems, songs, paintings and other works of man.

The sky ... unfathomable space for mankind. With the sun and clouds giving it various colors that will never be the the same.

I have tried my hands in photography since college days. Taking still shots of events and views thinking it will not happen the same way the next day. Fascinated by the different hues that sunrise and sunsets could offer, enriched wih other elements of the sky and the sea or the ground, I have captured various photos I hope worth sharing.

Take a deep Breath....

Feel the warmth and the crawling darkness and cold

that every sunset offers

The peace that comes along with dusk

as it lures us to sleep

And breathe again...

Embody the advent of hope that every dawn brings

The vigor, the energy

the new blessing and the gift of life

that shines upon us at sunrise

Zambales, Philippines

Maui, Hawaii

Dubai, UAE

Nueva Ecija Philippines

Baguio City, Philippines

Art. We also need to share.

Like our life...

Philippines... A New Beginning (Bagong Simula)

Or am I dreaming?

In the midst of all the problems of my country, I can't help but sometimes think that the situation is hopeless. With further disappointments from politicians of our land who seem cannot pass laws and economic measures anymore. Most of them are busy attending to their personal need and greed.


But a song moved me. A song gave me hope. Provided me another shot to have a positive outlook for my country.

Todo na to!

Liparin ang langit na bughaw

Pagningningin mga tala at araw

Mamumulang muli ang silangan sa

Bagong simula ng ating bayan

Give everything we have

Fly high to the blue sky

Let our stars and sun shine bright

East will turn red again with

Our country's New Beginning

The New Beginning for the Philippines... "Bagong Simula" is from a song that gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it and watch the music video.

It is the official themesong for a foundation called BayaniJuan. It was launched by ABS CBN, alocal TV station, during the 108th Independence Day Celebration of the Philippines. If I am right, I think BayaniJuan is a combined word of Bayani which means hero and the name Juan which denotes the common Filipino. BayaniJuan sounds almost similar to Filipino term Bayanihan which refers to a person's or community's urge to serve others selflessly, the internal motive or united effort to assist others achieve their goal.


"Bagong Simula" is composed by Robert Labayen and music by Jonathan Manalo. Sand by various artisits including Yael Yuzon of Spongecola, Kevin Roy of RazorbackMarc Abaya of Kjwan, Kitchie Nadal, Yeng Constantino, together with the groups Placid and Tugma. The music video was directed by Robert Labayen and Peewee Azarcon-Gonzales.


I would like to share the song in the hope that it will move, awaken and strenghthen our hope in the Philippines.

And once again, BE PROUD TO BE FILIPINO.

And I hope our politicians will listen as well.

Or am I just dreaming?

Bagong Simula

Parang isang gabing walang katapusan
Sa bawat mesa, asin lagi ang ulam
Umaalog sa alkansya pisong pinagpawisan
Batang nakahubad kumot ang lansangan

Lupaing kinalbo minsa’y nadidilig
Ng dugo sa away ng kapatid sa kapatid
Sa kalagayang ito tayo ay nakagapos
Parang awa sana ay dito magtapos

(CHORUS)

Todo na to!Liparin ang langit na bughaw
Pagningningin mga tala at araw
Mamumulang muli ang silangan
Sa bagong simula ng ating bayan

'Wag lang maulit kapalarang kay pait
'Wag magpabaya wag kang manahimik
'Wag kang manlalamang, wag kang manggigipit
'Wag magkanya-kanya, magkaisang bisig

Pag malasakit ito’y kabayanihan
Gawin mo ano mang makayanan
Kalagayan ng baya’y sumasama lamang
Kung walang gagawin tayong mamamayan

(Chorus)

Todo na to!Liparin ang langit na bughaw
Pagningningin mga tala at araw
Mamumulang muli ang silangan
Sa bagong simula ng ating bayan

[Narration]
Ipakita natin sa ating mga magulang
Mga kapatid kaya natin to
Isang subok pa, sabay sabay na walang kokontra, todo na to

(Repeat Chorus)

Dinner at Hilton in Cabanatuan City

The place is jampacked with people craving to be served by pretty waitresses. It is way past dinner time but clients, usually of the male specie prefers the place to satisfy their palates in this famous al fresco dining place ...'Hilton'

Hilton can be considered a part of history in some of Novo Ecijanos life. A visit to Cabanatuan City will not be complete without a taste of what Hilton could offer.

Exactly thirteen years ago, the bride and groom were on the way to a hotel where they were billeted. Annoying close friends, all secondary sponsors during that afternoons ceremony, do not want to leave the couple alone. They all ended up hungry late that night and looked for a place to dine. All made up and some still dressed, they satisfied their hunger in Hilton. Eventually, the friends left the newlyweds and gave them privacy after almost all of them spent the night together!

Spinning back the clock further, about two decades ago: The same set of friends, then teenagers, came from their University's acquaintance party. It was about 2 am and most establishments are already closed. Hungry, they went to the city proper looking for a place to eat. When suddenly, one of them mentioned 'Hilton'.

The guy in long sleeves, who performed (sang) that night asked "'What Hilton? We do not have that hotel here in the province?"

"Oh! You don't know Hilton? Hilton is... Hila-Hila ng Kariton!!" That is where we are going to eat!" another guy replied.

And that was the first time I had my taste of Hilton.

Hilton - in our province's parlance does not mean the name of a famous hotel. It is a small eatery 'Hila-hila ng Kariton' which means Pulled by a Cart. They number from about four for every street in the heart of the city. You will not see them in the morning though. A couple of hours after the sun sets, when the traffic slows down and streets are not busy, Hilton owners will pull their carts to the streets and sets up their plastic tables and chairs. Like magic, they set up their small eateries in instant and with decorative lights to boot!

They offer one of the best and tasty lugaw (rice porridge), goto (with beef tripe), arroz caldo (with chicken) , egg caldo, and guya (chicken liver, stomach and... how do I call it? eggs still inside the hen?) Imagine topping the porridge with browned garlic and green onion! Mouthwatering!!

Hilton eateries are the favorites... of our tricycle and jeepney drivers (ogling the waitresses?). Of teens hungry after partying. Of drinkers, to ease the effects of alcohol before driving home. Of people who loves to stroll at night and have a midnight snack. And of course, of newly weds! (Or maybe not, that story is unique for the couple and their friends)

Some of the hilton owners progressed and ventured into different kinds of businesses. Others of course are not that lucky.

One Hilton stand called Shiela's Hilton is now in a prominent area in the city- a busy corner. They have their own place now buzzing with customers twenty four hours a day. In their new and better location's facade, they still have the good old kariton, their prime investment...the root of their progress. One thing I did not appreciate is the children begging for money, visiting the tables while you eat. Maybe the Hilton operators could do something about it. They do not have it more than a decade ago.

Now, I have again dined at Hilton. Under a red umbrella, I ordered goto with egg. My wife ordered guya. It's still the same, smells and tastes really good!

Next time, I will bring along our three children to have their taste of Hilton.

That reminds me....It has been thirteen years.. and I thought it was just yesterday!!