I cannot begin to imagine that there is a need to create and implement a law just to keep us Filipinos value the importance of time. Time is gold so as the saying goes. Time is money. The more time you spend on something (like blogging), the more rewards you can reap in the long run. (more…)
Wikipedia.com describes Pinakbet or pakbet as a popular Ilocano dish, from the northern regions of the Philippines, although it has become popular throughout the archipelago. The word is the contracted form of the Ilocano word “pinakebbet”, meaning shrunk or shrivelled. The original Ilocano pinakbet uses bugguong, of fermented monamon or other fish, while further south, bagoong alamang is used. Usually, its most basic vegetables used in this dish include native bitter melon, eggplant, tomato, ginger, okra, string beans, lima beans, chili peppers and various Filipino vegetables like parda, winged beans, and such. A Tagalog version usually includes calabaza (squash). Most of these vegetables are easily accessible, and are grown in backyards and gardens of most Ilocano households. As its name suggests, it is usually cooked until almost dry and shrivelled, however, the flavors of the vegetables are emphasized and accentuated with the help of bugguong. In some cases, lechon, chicharon, or other meats (most commonly pork) is added. It is considered a very healthy dish, and convenient in relation to the harsh and rugged, yet fruitful Northern and Ilocos regions of the Philippines. The history of this dish is derived from such. (more…)
The game of Bingo is a favorite diversion in the Philippines, and is a reliable charity fund-raiser for many socio-civic and charitable organizations, including the Church. The game is widely accepted because people see it not as gambling, but as a social activity and a wholesome form of recreation.The popularity of bingo among Filipinos spawned the growth of the commercial bingo industry in the country. A number of commercial venues, particularly shopping malls, began offering bingo games. This impelled the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to assert its regulatory power over the commercial bingo venues, to ensure the integrity of the game and to protect the interest of the playing public. (more…)
Many bloggers like myself are addicted to coffee (oh come on, admit it, folks). However, most people do not know that two of the best-tasting (and expensive, if I may add) coffee in the world are produced in the Philippines. These are the “barako” coffee and the “cat pooh” (a.k.a. musang or alamid in the Philippines) coffee. For the latter, other countries like Vietnam and Indonesia also produce it but with different techniques. I still believe, the Philippine-made is the best (according to reviews coming from coffee connoisseurs). (more…)
I found this web article written by Claro Cortes, a Filipino photographer, about the “National Pastime” of Filipinos (as described by our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal). For foreigners, especially Americans and Europeans, this may seem weird or inhumane, a brute display of cruelty to animals. However, for Filipinos, “sabong” or cockfighting is just a recreation, no different from a walk in the park or a day at the movie house.
I am posting it here for the info of foreign nationals who have not been here in the Philippines or for those who intend to come here someday. Make sure when you come here, you know a bit of Filipino culture. You may find it harsh or you may find it fun. But when you go to cockpit arena and hear the crowd roar so loud, you’ll know why some Filipinos find cockfighting addictive.
“Tinali, Tinalo, Tinola”
Feathered warriors inside their cage.
A “sabungero” starts his day with a morning cord walk.
A gentle touch is considered an art form.
Watchful eyes during a sparring session.
“Tare” or knife is attached to a rooster’s leg before the fight.
Warming-up before the battle inside the arena.
“Kristos” communicate by hand signals complemented by a cacophony of betting.
A swift shuffling stroke.
Breathing stops.
A fluffy flurry.
“Sentensiyador” or arbiter gives the final verdict.
The “cock doctor” operates on the winning bird.
The “talunan” or loser is the winner’s trophy … or dinner.
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