The weather has turned cold and rainy and times like these makes me want to curl up in a comfortable sofa with a big mug of hot chocolate and an interesting book for company. When I was younger, I could indulge in lazy comfort but since we cannot stay young forever, here I am now hot chocolate on the table as I try to keep awake and do some semblance of work.
One of the things I missed the most were the times when I can go to Cafe Adriatico with a close friend or two, order a cup of coffee, and just sit back to relax and talk. Manila - like any other city - has its own unique charm to a beholden resident. Certain streets brings back memories and favorite spots offer comfort after a day's work. I suppose I will always miss Manila and remember my favorite haunts when I'm feeling cold and a bit blue in an island a plane away.
A peek at Christmas in Manila
Christmas is just around the corner. In our part of the world, no Christmas decor is complete without the Belen - the Nativity scene. This would range from miniatures to life size, from the simple and humble to priceless heirlooms from several generations of Christmas past. We also have our Parol - Christmas lanterns shaped like four and six-pointed stars - to remember the bright star that the Three Wise Men from the East followed in search of the infant King of Kings. Made from indigenous materials and elaborate light circuits, some Christmas lanterns are made from a variety of materials - paper, plastic, seashells, recycled materials you name it. My personal favorite are the ones that are made of Capiz - seashells from the outside and elaborate and multicolored tiny bulbs from the inside. You plug it and watch the dazzle of lights.
In the early morning of December 16, churches and the faithful celebrate the start of Misa de Gallo - early morning masses that culminate in a grand midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It is a test of piety and determination to rise early on cold December mornings to attend 4 am mass for nine consecutive days. It is considered a blessing to be able to attend and complete the masses.
After the mass, we have bibingka and puto bungbong - native delicacies – for breakfast. These are prepared by vendors outside the churches only for the season. Perfect with hot chocolate.
There is no better proof of the Filipinos love of music than from the children and adults alike who serenade houses with Christmas carols starting on the night of December 16. These would include my six year-old neighbors in search for additional pocket money to the angelic voices of local church choirs who go out each night until Christmas Eve for the benefit of their communities. All children do their rounds of caroling and I do have my fair share of memories. I stopped doing the rounds when I realized that my singing did nothing to encourage the Christmas spirit. (To my utter disappointment, joining the choir is beyond my musical abilities)
On midnight of Christmas Eve, whole families attend Midnight Mass and go home to the grand Noche Buena - the Christmas Eve Feast. The traditional Hamon - ham and Queso de Bola are the main entries so are our favorite dishes such as Pinaupong Manok, Afritada, Relyenong Bangus, and Carbonara. Sweet desserts such as Leche Flan and Fruit salad plus Mercedez D' Brazo, my Mother's favorite cake flavor. Noche Buena is always a treat to our family's sweet tooth. Christmas day is for visiting godparents, exchanging gifts and partying.
The days after Christmas are mostly for the family. We get to attend family reunions, visit with the whole clan and get to catch up on quality family time. Christmas and New Year Holidays end at January 6th which is the Feast of the Three Kings.
Here’s wishing you all a very merry and peaceful Christmas!
Christmas is just around the corner. In our part of the world, no Christmas decor is complete without the Belen - the Nativity scene. This would range from miniatures to life size, from the simple and humble to priceless heirlooms from several generations of Christmas past. We also have our Parol - Christmas lanterns shaped like four and six-pointed stars - to remember the bright star that the Three Wise Men from the East followed in search of the infant King of Kings. Made from indigenous materials and elaborate light circuits, some Christmas lanterns are made from a variety of materials - paper, plastic, seashells, recycled materials you name it. My personal favorite are the ones that are made of Capiz - seashells from the outside and elaborate and multicolored tiny bulbs from the inside. You plug it and watch the dazzle of lights.
In the early morning of December 16, churches and the faithful celebrate the start of Misa de Gallo - early morning masses that culminate in a grand midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It is a test of piety and determination to rise early on cold December mornings to attend 4 am mass for nine consecutive days. It is considered a blessing to be able to attend and complete the masses.
After the mass, we have bibingka and puto bungbong - native delicacies – for breakfast. These are prepared by vendors outside the churches only for the season. Perfect with hot chocolate.
There is no better proof of the Filipinos love of music than from the children and adults alike who serenade houses with Christmas carols starting on the night of December 16. These would include my six year-old neighbors in search for additional pocket money to the angelic voices of local church choirs who go out each night until Christmas Eve for the benefit of their communities. All children do their rounds of caroling and I do have my fair share of memories. I stopped doing the rounds when I realized that my singing did nothing to encourage the Christmas spirit. (To my utter disappointment, joining the choir is beyond my musical abilities)
On midnight of Christmas Eve, whole families attend Midnight Mass and go home to the grand Noche Buena - the Christmas Eve Feast. The traditional Hamon - ham and Queso de Bola are the main entries so are our favorite dishes such as Pinaupong Manok, Afritada, Relyenong Bangus, and Carbonara. Sweet desserts such as Leche Flan and Fruit salad plus Mercedez D' Brazo, my Mother's favorite cake flavor. Noche Buena is always a treat to our family's sweet tooth. Christmas day is for visiting godparents, exchanging gifts and partying.
The days after Christmas are mostly for the family. We get to attend family reunions, visit with the whole clan and get to catch up on quality family time. Christmas and New Year Holidays end at January 6th which is the Feast of the Three Kings.
Here’s wishing you all a very merry and peaceful Christmas!
Randy David is a sociologist, a University of the Philippines professor and a well respected public commentator. He writes a weekly column at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Public Lives. Read his scholarly take on the Philippines current political and social climate here.
His article comparing Ferdinand Marcos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is too accurate for comfort as his systematic detailing of how Arroyo manipulates the law to deal with principled critics. These are dangerous times for courageous men who oppose tyranny.
His article comparing Ferdinand Marcos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is too accurate for comfort as his systematic detailing of how Arroyo manipulates the law to deal with principled critics. These are dangerous times for courageous men who oppose tyranny.
So much time in my hands nowadays what with the employment round around not going where I want it. Here's an interesting article on proxemics - personal space. I think we all have had that experience of feeling annoyed when someone stands too close, or stares too intensely. Very interesting how individuals are wired psychologically. And much of it unconscious.
Hope you find it as interesting as I did.
Hope you find it as interesting as I did.
A creative take on an old problem courtesy of technology and the world wide web. Read it here.
An article at New York Times (November 2) by David Pogue talked about Microsoft offering free domain, web hosting plus some more neat perks for small businesses via Office Live.
Article here. I went to microsoft.com to check it out but unfortunately, the service is available only in the US, Germany and Japan. Darn! Was having visions of my name.com back there. I guess I'll have to make do with blogspot for now.
An article at New York Times (November 2) by David Pogue talked about Microsoft offering free domain, web hosting plus some more neat perks for small businesses via Office Live.
Article here. I went to microsoft.com to check it out but unfortunately, the service is available only in the US, Germany and Japan. Darn! Was having visions of my name.com back there. I guess I'll have to make do with blogspot for now.
I read Conrado de Quiros' take at how the result of US election, specifically the Democrats' victory, affects Philippine politics. Click to read article here.
It goes to show that in this time and age, if we can't make our politicians at home act nobly or even at the very least appropriately, we can always count on American politicians to tell them to do so. Not the Americans fault but what can I say?
I doubt it very much if even God coming down from heaven will make Arroyo behave. With all the things she has done, what will ever stop her from upping the ante? How much more are we willing to take from someone who cheated in the elections by using taxpayers money, rules without mandate nor support from the people, systematically murders critics and at the same time bribes supporters with money (guess whose) and poses with every decent, popular figure at the moment (the latest was Ronato Alcano, the 2006 World Pool Champion) hoping perhaps that their triumph can rub on to her?
If we Filipinos can't fight our own battle, how can we expect others to fight with us?
A glimmer of hope.
It goes to show that in this time and age, if we can't make our politicians at home act nobly or even at the very least appropriately, we can always count on American politicians to tell them to do so. Not the Americans fault but what can I say?
I doubt it very much if even God coming down from heaven will make Arroyo behave. With all the things she has done, what will ever stop her from upping the ante? How much more are we willing to take from someone who cheated in the elections by using taxpayers money, rules without mandate nor support from the people, systematically murders critics and at the same time bribes supporters with money (guess whose) and poses with every decent, popular figure at the moment (the latest was Ronato Alcano, the 2006 World Pool Champion) hoping perhaps that their triumph can rub on to her?
If we Filipinos can't fight our own battle, how can we expect others to fight with us?
A glimmer of hope.
Ronato Alcano is the the new World Pool Champion
The 2006 Philippines World Pool Championship ended yesterday with Ronato Alcano of the Philippines beating Ralf Souquet of Germany to become the 2006 World Pool champion. He is the third Filipino to win the title after Efren 'Bata' Reyes first raised the trophy in 1999. Read the rest of the story here.
Ronato Alcano the 2006 World Pool Champion.
Ralf Souquet's interview here.
For related stories on the recently concluded Pool championship, check out the official site here.
The 2006 Philippines World Pool Championship ended yesterday with Ronato Alcano of the Philippines beating Ralf Souquet of Germany to become the 2006 World Pool champion. He is the third Filipino to win the title after Efren 'Bata' Reyes first raised the trophy in 1999. Read the rest of the story here.
Ronato Alcano the 2006 World Pool Champion.
Ralf Souquet's interview here.
For related stories on the recently concluded Pool championship, check out the official site here.
I have managed to finally post the pictures we took on the zoo. Here they are.
The Giraffes.
Gazelles or impalas?
One up close. Notice the white vertical lines on its body.
The king of the Jungle is taking a nap.
One very tired muscat.
Two young rhinoes out of the water.
Do you know what these animals are called? ...
These monkeys were perched on top of logs way above the ground. They seem to enjoy the attention and are giving the crowd a better view of them.
A bison in its pen. We got to the zoo an hour before closing time and most of the animals are already being hearded toward their night sheds.
This lioness was restlessly pacing around her pen.
I remember this animal was tagged as the Red Panda. Didn't really think there was one.
This penguin separated himself from the group, stood on a ledge and vigorously shook its head. It keep stretching its neck too. I wonder what he's trying to say? ...
The Penguin group
Another shot at them.
A Koala!
And another.
.
Like I said before the zoo is really very big and we plan on coming back so we can explore the areas we missed. From what we've seen, it will probably take half a day to explore the whole zoo. I only got to see the elephant enclosure from afar! We'll definitely be back.
Here I am posing beside the giant totem pole. My husband David took the picture.
Til next post.
The Giraffes.
Gazelles or impalas?
One up close. Notice the white vertical lines on its body.
The king of the Jungle is taking a nap.
One very tired muscat.
Two young rhinoes out of the water.
Do you know what these animals are called? ...
These monkeys were perched on top of logs way above the ground. They seem to enjoy the attention and are giving the crowd a better view of them.
A bison in its pen. We got to the zoo an hour before closing time and most of the animals are already being hearded toward their night sheds.
This lioness was restlessly pacing around her pen.
I remember this animal was tagged as the Red Panda. Didn't really think there was one.
This penguin separated himself from the group, stood on a ledge and vigorously shook its head. It keep stretching its neck too. I wonder what he's trying to say? ...
The Penguin group
Another shot at them.
A Koala!
And another.
. Like I said before the zoo is really very big and we plan on coming back so we can explore the areas we missed. From what we've seen, it will probably take half a day to explore the whole zoo. I only got to see the elephant enclosure from afar! We'll definitely be back.
Here I am posing beside the giant totem pole. My husband David took the picture.
Til next post.
Here's something about Filipino food popular in Japan. Click http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=31399.
I find it interesting that we are contributing to Japanese culture since Japanese Anime are very popular back home not mention the fact that Filipinos love Japanese food.
I find it interesting that we are contributing to Japanese culture since Japanese Anime are very popular back home not mention the fact that Filipinos love Japanese food.
As the title of my blog indicates, there's quite a mishmash of things you can read here. Part of me says I need to create some sort of a niche but if you are still reading this, I hope it's because you appreciate the sort of topics you come across in each visit. That said, thanks for stopping by. :o)
I read with great interest this article at NYT today. Isn't she grand? I think that given half her enthusiasm for languages, my Mandarin would be flawless by now. But as it is, her half is hers and my minuscule is mine to the utter detriment of moi! I really need to work on my chinese.
I take heart at the fact that somewhere out there, Elizabeth Little is pouring through obscure languages she doen't seem to plan on using while I ought to be having a good time living with the one language I ought to be speaking fluently. How difficult can that be?
I read with great interest this article at NYT today. Isn't she grand? I think that given half her enthusiasm for languages, my Mandarin would be flawless by now. But as it is, her half is hers and my minuscule is mine to the utter detriment of moi! I really need to work on my chinese.
I take heart at the fact that somewhere out there, Elizabeth Little is pouring through obscure languages she doen't seem to plan on using while I ought to be having a good time living with the one language I ought to be speaking fluently. How difficult can that be?
The Manila-based Asian Development Bank has published a book entitled "Converting Migration Drains into Gains" last week. In it ADB warned the Philippines that the continuing diaspora of skilled labor will negatively impact overall productivity and eventually hurt foreign investments. Read article here. Another article shows in statistics just how much remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) factor in the entire GNP of the country.
The government ought to take heed. The migration will continue as people are weary of the widespread corruption and lack of economic and professional opportunities at home.
Will the day come when every Filipino will feel it unthinkable to live elsewhere?
I hope to see that day dawning.
The government ought to take heed. The migration will continue as people are weary of the widespread corruption and lack of economic and professional opportunities at home.
Will the day come when every Filipino will feel it unthinkable to live elsewhere?
I hope to see that day dawning.
Top 10 things to do on Taipei:
(Yahoo! Travel)
1. Visit the Shihlin Night Market. It is the oldest and largest in Taipei. Lots of bargains to be had here.
2. Go to Pali through Tanshui River by taking a ferry ride at Tamshui Terminal.
3. Feel closer to nature by visiting Yangming Park.
4. Get on top of the tallest building in the world at Taipei 101.
5. Observe the hourly changing of the guards at the Martyrs' Shrine.
6. Don't miss another of Taipei's major landmark, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Dedicated to the memory of the first president of the Republic of China(Taiwan).
7. Sample the foodstuff and pick out some bargains at Jao Ho Street Night Market.
8. Want to sit by and relax after all that walking? Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall's wide open spaces and beautifully kept gardens is the perfect place for you.
9. If you have a few nights free, come and join the Mono Club. They offer free skating lessons on Tuesdays, rollerhockey night on Thursdays and an 18km skate through the city on Fridays.
10. Want a to see a panoramic view of Taipei? Shin Kong Observatory is the place to go.
Don't miss the National Palace Museum. It holds the largest collection of Chinese artifacts, paintings and other works of art. A must see if you decide to visit Taipei.
(Yahoo! Travel)
1. Visit the Shihlin Night Market. It is the oldest and largest in Taipei. Lots of bargains to be had here.
2. Go to Pali through Tanshui River by taking a ferry ride at Tamshui Terminal.
3. Feel closer to nature by visiting Yangming Park.
4. Get on top of the tallest building in the world at Taipei 101.
5. Observe the hourly changing of the guards at the Martyrs' Shrine.
6. Don't miss another of Taipei's major landmark, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Dedicated to the memory of the first president of the Republic of China(Taiwan).
7. Sample the foodstuff and pick out some bargains at Jao Ho Street Night Market.
8. Want to sit by and relax after all that walking? Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall's wide open spaces and beautifully kept gardens is the perfect place for you.
9. If you have a few nights free, come and join the Mono Club. They offer free skating lessons on Tuesdays, rollerhockey night on Thursdays and an 18km skate through the city on Fridays.
10. Want a to see a panoramic view of Taipei? Shin Kong Observatory is the place to go.
Don't miss the National Palace Museum. It holds the largest collection of Chinese artifacts, paintings and other works of art. A must see if you decide to visit Taipei.
I posted an earlier article yesterday but somehow the links won't work so I had to keep it among the drafts. Let's see. Been under the weather for the past two days, what with all the rain and dropping temperature we've had here. (Not freezing mind you, but the sudden cold temperature had me and mom coughing.) The way the rain was falling, I thought I'd never see a sunny day again until summer! But surprise surprise, the sun was up today. Thanks goodness for the sunshine!
It's Halloween eve and it's just another day here. Instead of wearing costumes on halloween night, the Taiwanese have Ghost month every seventh month of the lunar calendar. For thirty days they believe that ghosts leave the underworld and roam the world of the living. The Taiwanese offer food and burn incense and paper money for their dead relatives. During the ghost month, it is forbidden to launder or hang clothes after dark as ghosts are suppose to inhabit them and cause trouble to the wearer. Getting married or moving to a new house is definite no-no unless you want to be accursed for the rest of your life. The list of things one shouldn't do on Ghost month is long yet my husband tells me that observance of the Ghost month is common for all Chinese.
There are no halloween parties, no children wearing costumes asking for treats. I'll have to content myself with the certainty that back home my mother will, without fail, offer candles and prayers for relatives that have moved on to the great beyond. Like she always does on the first day of November.
There are no halloween parties, no children wearing costumes asking for treats. I'll have to content myself with the certainty that back home my mother will, without fail, offer candles and prayers for relatives that have moved on to the great beyond. Like she always does on the first day of November.
Halloween in the Philippines is celebrated in two distinctly different ways. Costume parties are becoming a regular publicity event for radio stations, clubs and other night spots. In affluent neighborhoods and communities with sizeable expatriate residents, children don their favorite scary costumes to do their rounds of Trick and Treating. My country being a great admirer and imitator of all things American (a statement of fact), Halloween is one celebration complete with pumpkins, witches and ghouls. Any westerner attending a Halloween Party would feel at home.
As for me, I grew up celebrating November 1 as All Souls Day. To the religious Filipino, November 1 is the day to remember loved ones who have passed away. Mass and prayers are offered for the dead. Families gather together to go to cemeteries. They clean the tombs, light candles, and keep vigil for a day. Some even bring food and stay in the cemeteries overnight with the whole family.
My grandparents from both my mother and father's side of the family are buried in the province. On the night of November 1, my mother would light candles, one for each relative and then offer prayers. She would place each candle on our doorway and then prepare food. She would place servings on plates at the dining table and forbid us to touch or eat them. Souls of the departed are believed to visit their living relatives and the food and candles are offerings to them. The candles are allowed to burn down and the food left on the table to be discarded in the morning. As a child, the only thing I fear on All Souls Day was seeing a ghost. Looking back, that's far too boring compared to the witches, zombies, headless riders, ghouls and what-have-you's lurking in the halloween night of western culture. (Growing up taught me that there are other, far more fearsome things but that's another post)
There you go our local mix of Halloween celebration. Costumes and parties became popular of late but visiting tombs, lighting candles, and offering mass and prayers for departed love ones is a long and continuing tradition for us Filipinos.
As for me, I grew up celebrating November 1 as All Souls Day. To the religious Filipino, November 1 is the day to remember loved ones who have passed away. Mass and prayers are offered for the dead. Families gather together to go to cemeteries. They clean the tombs, light candles, and keep vigil for a day. Some even bring food and stay in the cemeteries overnight with the whole family.
My grandparents from both my mother and father's side of the family are buried in the province. On the night of November 1, my mother would light candles, one for each relative and then offer prayers. She would place each candle on our doorway and then prepare food. She would place servings on plates at the dining table and forbid us to touch or eat them. Souls of the departed are believed to visit their living relatives and the food and candles are offerings to them. The candles are allowed to burn down and the food left on the table to be discarded in the morning. As a child, the only thing I fear on All Souls Day was seeing a ghost. Looking back, that's far too boring compared to the witches, zombies, headless riders, ghouls and what-have-you's lurking in the halloween night of western culture. (Growing up taught me that there are other, far more fearsome things but that's another post)
There you go our local mix of Halloween celebration. Costumes and parties became popular of late but visiting tombs, lighting candles, and offering mass and prayers for departed love ones is a long and continuing tradition for us Filipinos.
Random Thoughts today
Just finished reading New York Times columnist A.O. Scott's review of the movie 'Babel'. It hasn't opened in Taiwan yet and I'll be among the first to watch it when it does.
J.K. Rowling was featured on Yahoo! 60 minutes. (Sorry I can't work out how to include the links here) So was Sean Penn and I happen to think that he was so full of himself. It's just me so ... But Clint Eastwood's musical talent was a revelation!
Kiran Desai interview on her winning the Man Booker Prize for her novel “The Inheritance of Loss".
I little bit of this and that. I'll write something down tomorrow. 'til then.
Just finished reading New York Times columnist A.O. Scott's review of the movie 'Babel'. It hasn't opened in Taiwan yet and I'll be among the first to watch it when it does.
J.K. Rowling was featured on Yahoo! 60 minutes. (Sorry I can't work out how to include the links here) So was Sean Penn and I happen to think that he was so full of himself. It's just me so ... But Clint Eastwood's musical talent was a revelation!
Kiran Desai interview on her winning the Man Booker Prize for her novel “The Inheritance of Loss".
I little bit of this and that. I'll write something down tomorrow. 'til then.
I was reading an article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer by the well-respected Conrado De Quiros. His column, 'There's the Rub', appeals to me because he writes of the hopes, anger, frustrations, and joys of being a Filipino. Most of the time, he raises his voice against the abuses of government and rails on the authorities who have been remiss or negligent of their duties. Oftentimes, too, he writes to coax some fight from the seemingly indifferent majority of Filipinos. I think of him as a voice in the wilderness. But I know that I'm not the only one who can hear him clearly.
Yet again, this piece articulated the currently pervading mindset of most Filipinos living in the country. The overwhelming majority wants to leave; those that have left feel regret and guilt; The families feeling the stress of separation and the silent individuals who suffer the pangs of isolation and displacement.
Why is it that most of us think that living in a foreign country is preferable to staying in the Philippines? I called my parents two days ago and told them that I plan on going home and staying for at least a year. They thought my decision strange. Most of what was left unsaid was distilled in the one question they thought should stop me going home: Everyone is lining up at POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) trying to get out of the country, you're already in Taiwan so why come back?
Why indeed?
I wasn't happy being a second-class citizen. I'm tired of being a foreigner. I miss my friends and the simple joy of speaking the language of my birth, something that I used to take for granted. I didn't want to be limited to menial jobs nor do I feel at home here. I realized that living abroad is not for everyone, it is definitely not for me.
Situations and circumstances vary and I know there are many who think that living abroad is better. Still I feel that in exchange of material comfort, we are losing something much more precious as a people.
Yet again, this piece articulated the currently pervading mindset of most Filipinos living in the country. The overwhelming majority wants to leave; those that have left feel regret and guilt; The families feeling the stress of separation and the silent individuals who suffer the pangs of isolation and displacement.
Why is it that most of us think that living in a foreign country is preferable to staying in the Philippines? I called my parents two days ago and told them that I plan on going home and staying for at least a year. They thought my decision strange. Most of what was left unsaid was distilled in the one question they thought should stop me going home: Everyone is lining up at POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) trying to get out of the country, you're already in Taiwan so why come back?
Why indeed?
I wasn't happy being a second-class citizen. I'm tired of being a foreigner. I miss my friends and the simple joy of speaking the language of my birth, something that I used to take for granted. I didn't want to be limited to menial jobs nor do I feel at home here. I realized that living abroad is not for everyone, it is definitely not for me.
Situations and circumstances vary and I know there are many who think that living abroad is better. Still I feel that in exchange of material comfort, we are losing something much more precious as a people.
My digital cam's charger is busted. As it is, the Taipei zoo pictures lay unrecovered within its depths. Okay, for now please bear with me. If you must really see pictures of the Taipei zoo animals go here. Thanks.
Come back again for a different topic tomorrow.
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