ManangBidayReminisces ....

Newly Minted....

2013-05-19T18:31:00.000-05:00

Friends and families gathered yesterday to again participate in the journey - the graduation. University of Missouri School Of Medicine held the graduation ceremonies of the Class of 2013. The auditorium was packed with visitors from babies to the grandparents. The whole family of supporters and friends from Rolla, Missouri came to witness this significant event. Let me share to you some of the pictures during this lovely afternoon. Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar signaled the start of the ceremony followed by the entrance of the faculty. Next came the graduating class of 2013. Proud were the parents, spouses and the children. Proud was everyone who was a part of the journey. Easier said than done - "....you are all well trained. You are all newly minted physicians ...." The responsibility that goes with these phrases can be very daunting let alone scary. The lights at the auditorium will eventually be dimmed and turned off. The pancit and the bar B Q will all be consumed. AJ will have to walk into the real world of healing and dying. We all pray that he will not lose sight of the very reason he chose to be a doctor - not for his own self glory but for the most important person - the patient. Dios itti kumuyog kenka anak.

Sitting On One's Laurels

2013-03-16T11:34:00.000-05:00

It's been almost a year since I updated this blog. Life just passed you by - on certain days or maybe months or even years. However, something was worth writing. Congratulations are in order!!!!! Today is medical residency matching day. The graduating medical students went through the rigorous application and interview sequence for almost a year to determine what university hospital they will be working on for their residency program. AJ Enciso got accepted at the University of Missouri Hospitals for their Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty Program. Mabait and Diyos. Kami ay maligayang maligaya para sa iyo AJ. Yesterday was the big day. One of the most anticipated in any medical student's life. Both parents and student traveled the path. It might not be as smooth as we would have wanted it to be. But yesterday was "it". The father posted this on his facebook wall. He was so proud. So am I. Both Jim and I basked in our one day fame of glory. We sat on our laurels. Sa maikling sandali, I would want to take the credit. I would want to say anak ko yan. Pero hindi - caretakers lang kami. These young adults have their own minds. We could have influenced them but eventually sila pa rin yon. I used to write about those days when the boys would be so dependent on us for their basic necessities while at school I used to complain - pero deep inside me I want their dependence towards me. Gusto pa rin ng magulang na merong natitirang pangangailangan. Well those days are starting to dwindle down. But as I have some reasons to stake my wnership still, then I will bask in these laurels - though shared with the real owners - AJ. Nang isilang ka sa mundong ito..... Laking tuwa ng magulang mo........

THE Final Stretch ( Or A New Beginning)

2012-08-18T11:45:00.002-05:00

Our older son, AJ, is entering his senior year in Medical School. Graduation is scheduled this May 2013. Ang bilis ng panahon. Parang kailan lang... Jim and I were looking for an apartment for him to stay in Columbia while attending medical school. We renovated a condominium and labored changing the carpet floor to bamboo floors. Parang kailan lang... We went through all of those midterms and final exams praying fervently that the young man will make it through. The arroz caldo(s) and the nilagang baka soup paid off and served the purpose of being comfort foods. Parang kailan lang... The USMLE Part 2 came and passed. Parang dinaanan lang kami. He is not worried about the results, so why sohuld we? Parang kailan lang... Now we are nearing the homestretch - or could it be another new beginning or chapter? He opted to practise Obstetrics and Gynecology. Good choice? I really do not know. He's got the steady hands - then let it be. On the other hand, James, the younger of the two, is entering his sophomore year in college. He is taking his French classes seriously that he is working on this as a Major. He is also wanting to be a Murse - male nurse. The latter, remains a plan. His love for the arts is occupying more of his time.

He is eying to go back to France for his junior year. Baka mapalitan niya si Charles Aznavour kaya. In the meantime, he is working part time at a French day care center. Oui? Parang kailan lang...maputi na ang mga buhok namin...masakit na ang aming mga kasu-kasuan. We go on..we'll see these two men through until we can. Looking back, Parang kailan lang.... The first picture is AJ with his Tatay when he was 2 yrs old then. The second picture shows the Mag kuya while the last picture shows James when he was 3 yrs old at the 1966 Atlanta Olympics.

Thank you Hacker

2012-07-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

Whoever was nice enough to hack my site - Addo nga salamat. I must have piqued your interest and curiosity for you to take the time out to disable my blog area for a looonngg time. Until we meet again.

In Remembrance...

2012-05-20T11:06:00.032-05:00

I kept trying to delay and forego transferring Uncle Tony's pictures to my hard drive. I have all of the excuses. Maraming lilinisin, maraming lalabhan, I am just too tired. Well, the day of reckoning has arrived. I am posting some of the pictures here so the rest of the family is able to reminisce. Dios itti agngina kaddatayo amin. Dios itti kumuyog kenka Uncle. Dios itti agbati.

In his younger days....

The First Afternoon Of The Wake With The Family...

The Kitchen... Food was brought in by well meaning friends

The 2nd Day Of The Wake...

The Day To Say Goodbye...

The Reception After...

Uncle will have been proud of his sons. They held up so well under pressure. Auntie Flor was very calm. I probably was the only one who kept breaking down.
The Sison Family is a huge family. Unfortunately we get to see each other only during funerals. Malungkot diba? We only see each other to say goodbye.

UNCLE TONY

2012-04-28T12:31:00.000-05:00

I've written about him several times. He was the only living sibling of my father. He was also a second father to many of us. He passed away last Thursday night. Like my father, he was never hard to please. His wants were very simple - all about Family. It is not very easy to write about someone you cherish in the past tense. I hate doing that. But for the sole purpose of posterity, I am writing this entry. Dios itti kumuyog kenka, Uncle.

Pasasalamat

2011-11-27T13:15:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving day was spent with friends and family. Our traditional dinner at the Mercado(s) was filled with laughter and the table was laden with food. The boys were home from school for the Thanksgiving break.
It is this time of the year that we just sit back, reflect at magpasalamat. We can have our ten million wishes unfulfilled but we can be thankful for what we have. Someone made a comment that we should not just say Thank You today. Saying thank you should be everyday - a good habit to cultivate.

Just Like A Native...

2011-10-08T08:30:00.008-05:00

The best part of travelling is to be in tune with the natives - just like being one of them. One might not talk just like them but one can enjoy living just like them for some days.
Hotel accommodations can be expensive. We usually opt for those vacation rentals equipped with "home amenities". Mas maganda kung malapit pa ito sa gitna ng lahat.
The house we got at Florence, Italy was just like that. It was a short walk from the train station and from the plaza. The only telltale sign of being a tourist is the camera - hehehe.

Ahh...Venizia

2011-09-24T13:09:00.000-05:00

What a beauty!!! The pictures will never do justice. Venice is totally surrounded by water. Therefore the mode of transport is the vaporetto. Everybody walks kung nasa land. Naka-park ang mga personal boats nila sa tagiliran ng kanilang mga bahay. Otherwise the big boats or vaporettos ang kanilang public transport. A friend asked - does the river smell like Pasig River? Not at all - my reply. Wala ring lumulutang na basura. Their homes/buildings are aged but so well kept. It was like a trip back in time. It was just like living in the "before" ages with the amenities of the present age. Here are pictures of where we stayed.

The church was close by. Actually, marami silang simbahan considering ang liit na lugar ang Venice. The market was so accessible. Lahat ng klaseng fromage, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, gelato at mga fake Louis Vuitton bags are everywhere. Venice by night is just magnificent. It just comes alive with its lights and with the people. Lahat ng tao ay nasa kalye - just walking. The Gondolas are just what the pictures in the magazines portrayed. Venice - the land of Giorgio, Tommaso and Fabio; need I say fabulous (men)?

We're Missed!

2011-09-05T08:12:00.002-05:00

... rather, the hotel concierge is missed. The boys are coming home since Monday is a holiday. We cooked their favorite comfort food - nilagang baka, callos, crispy pata and Black Forest Red Ribbon Cake. Tatay asked them to bring their dirty linens home so these can be washed by me. The house is semi-cleaned. The table is set. Of course, what ever is left of the food would have to be packed IN TWO SEPARATE BUT EQUAL CONTAINERS. They have got to bring home the food. They need the nourishment to sustain them while cultivating their minds ( talaga naman!!!!). I wrote about this before since a friend asked me why the never ending toil. My answer is simple. If the only fiber of dependence that connects me to my boys are to cook and do their laundry, then I am okay with that. Both of them are on their own now (kahit na kami pa rin ang nagbabayad). The need for me to be there with them is paminsan-minsan na lang. Kaya any chance for me to be missed and needed - I take it. The perks of course of not having the boys at home are great. The house is semi-clean and the laundry has its ending. We have those quiet weekends and I do not have to worry about planned meals. Pero, still, iba pa rin. Paano ba yon? One kind of misses the aggravation and the tribulations that go with raising children. Before I forget, kailangan din palang lagyan ng gasolina ang mga sasakyan nila. Kung hindi, hindi sila makakaalis. That would be a bigger problem to handle!

Meet The Packers

2011-08-21T18:46:00.005-05:00

OUR SPECIALTY: We pack and move sons to College, new jobs, new places, name it - we do it. Our years of experience say it all. We have been doing this job for over six years now. We will assist in neatly packing clothes and books. We even loan kitchen utensils,furnitures, washer and dryer. We do not require any deposits. We understand if these essentials never make it back to our house. We are very good with follow through. We will come and check your status after a couple of weeks ( maybe even days). If there is a problem with home cooked meals - we do provide.

Maybe we need to take up this other job - packing and moving. It is that time of the year again. This time, it is James that we have to move. He is an incoming Freshman at the University of Missouri Columbia. Kuya also goes to school there. We assumed the two will share the condominium during the school years. The plan was for James to just drive to and from school. Not much to move - we assumed (again).
We were wrong. Freshmen are not given any priority in parking areas. He would have to park and commute.
We ended up renting a studio 2 blocks from the school. So here we go again. AJ found a bed for the younger brother to use. Jim and I helped him get his stuff there before the start of school. Welcome to Walmart and Target. The linens, the shower curtain, those plastic containers and of course the laptops should not be forgotten.

The four of us were getting into each other's nerves. AJ had to be up at 4:am for his hospital rotations. We all have to hurry and make this room mimic some decent living quarters.

We made it through. I packed some food and equally divided these into containers to feed two people. Last minute "habilins" were given out. Finally, it was time to go. The packers would have to leave. The job was done. The follow through will be carried out soon.

Sa Pagtanda...

2011-07-22T19:10:00.002-05:00

My plan was to stay here in the United States for good. Sabi ko, dito ako tatanda at marahil dito na rin mamamatay. I've spent my very productive years of my life here in this foreign land I call home for now.
Yet as I near those edad di peligro ( social security, medicare, and all of it) I am starting to have second thoughts and doubts on my initial plans. Slowly, my homeland is beckoning - uwi na.
Granted - may pera pa para sa social security (don't screw it Obama) will it be a wise decision to go home and spend the remaining years in the land na kinagisnan?
It is not so bad of an idea I think. I could still find some use of myself back home.
As I look back - hindi ba there was a time in our lives - tayo na mga naging OFW - all we could think of was to leave the Philippines for a better future? That ideal still persists among the young ngayon. Ang tawag nga lang sa kanila ay OCW.
We were so atat na atat umalis for so many common reasons.
Pero ngayon, I am sure, hindi ako nag-iisa sa pag-iisip ng pag-uwi. Pagkatapos na pinagsilbihan ang ibang dayuhang amo, babalik at babalik pa rin sa pinaggalingan pala.
Siguro tatanggapin pa rin ako. I still have some more muscles to flex and some more sweat to spare. Pero hindi ba - dapat these efforts should have been for the country to start with? Mga pagmumuni-muni sa isang napakainit na Biyernes - pasingaw ng isang nalulutong kukote.

Happy 6 ____

2011-06-26T15:31:00.002-05:00

The celebrant skipped town - er,rather, skipped the country. It will be his birthday on Tuesday. How old is he? He is receiving letters from AARP you know. How is he going to spend his day? I have no idea. We already had dinner with good friends before he left.
He probably will not even know about this article I wrote. He is not my biggest fan. He is my worst critic though.
Jim will probably have his halo-halo on the 28th. He will want a glass of red wine I'm sure. I'll drink to that.
Nakakapanibago. There is nobody in the office to nag us with our paperworks. There is no body to answer the IRS on tax queries. ( hah - I'm left to do that. How do you drive these pests away?)
He'll be back later than sooner. And pretty soon, I'll start complaining again of his presence. Here's to you buddy - one year closer to retirement.
His favorite tune -

Friendships Part 2

2011-06-15T22:35:00.005-05:00

This Part 2 write up is all about Friendship too. This time around it is my generation. We had dinner at Tacoma with Santiago (Agoy) Rivero and family. He is a couple of generations ahead of me but we move in the same circle of friends from Agno, Pangasinan. I like calling him Agoy. That makes him very familiar to me. It was heartwarming to see him again - of all places - Tacoma, Washington.
Kasinsin na dagiti Cudal nga taga daya. He prepared my request - tuna kilawin. We reminisced about our small town and the people we remembered nga pagkakatawaan.
You look good - kunak kanyana. Kasla sing-meng-pet pay itti itsuram. Ngem karuprupam latta ni Tiyo Jaime!!!

Friendships

2011-06-15T20:55:00.014-05:00

The whole family drove to Chicago over the weekend to attend a very significant event - Neil and Gawin's wedding. It was held at the Promontory Point at Hyde Park. AJ was the groomsman - he was Neil's best friend from way back grade school.
Jim and I were excited to attend the wedding. We knew we were going to see the old friends crowd. They are not our friends but AJ's friends. The young men and women he grew up with. The kids we saw grow up with our son.
Here are pictures of the bestfriends - Neil and AJ.

Chicago lived up to its name as the Windy City. Saturday was cloudy and cold. There was forecast of rain. The parking spaces were limited. Our good friends Ramil and Lani offered to drop us at the Park before they proceed to their Lamierda.
The ceremony went smoothly. The trio of two violins and a cello provided the music before and during the ceremony. Familiar "Beatles" songs were played.
Gawin's gown was exquisite - especially made just to fit her. Both mothers were pretty. I wonder how they felt all along.
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The young kids were not so young anymore. I hardly recognized them. One of them approached Jim and I to ask if we still remember him. Embarrassingly, No. He apparently was one of the boys that trashed our basement on Friday nights together with the rest of the gang.

They all have grown to be fine young men and women. They seem so sure of themselves. They seem to be on top of their game. I made myself remember. I am not their crowd. But I was a part of their growing up years. That basement of ours indeed served its purpose. An album of of memories have been etched out on its walls.

Didn't I say it was cold that Saturday morning? James was kind enough to loan me his coat.

The City Of Joplin, Missouri

2011-05-24T18:41:00.002-05:00

Joplin is situated close to the city of Springfield. It is a small town yet it boasts of a University and a slew of malls. We are roughly two hours away from it.
The effects of the tornado was just overwhelming. The pictures and videos just do not show the pain and the angst. Maraming mga Pinoy dito. Many of them are healthcare providers just like me.
I called May last Sunday to find out their condition. They live in the Northside - the spared one. Unfortunately, marami silang mga Pinoy sa Southside. That is where the damage was extensive. May and Caloy's home served as a temporary shelter that night for those that needed one.
Isang kapwa Pinay ang naging statistic ng tornado. She was trying to save both herself and her baby. Her baby survived.
We request for prayers. Kailangan din namin ito pero mas kailangan ng mga taga- Joplin. Dios itti Agngina kanya da amin.

Viernes Diez Y Tres

2011-05-13T20:21:00.002-05:00

To be pissed or not to be ...that is the question. Kapag inaalat - napaka-alat talaga!!!! Our airconditioner here at the house just went kaput last Tuesday in the middle of a 90 degree forecast. Then the freezer just died - as in walang lamig. Today is Friday the 13th - Viernes Diez Y Tres. Kailangang magpatawas - kailangang doble ligo. Tanggalin ang malas.
To the kapwa Manang Bidays (Ilocanas) karrajo nga talaga. These appliances are fixtures in our house ( I'm sure yours too). We are so dependent with these non breathing thingies. We take these for granted. Pero kung masira, parang ang bigat ng araw mo (at ng bulsa for that matter).
How did we ever exist then? I kept saying life was simpler then. Pero these machines are supposed to simplify our lives now. Siguro mas magaan ang pagbibiyahe natin sa roads less traveled kung ang bahay ay hindi mainit-courtesy of the airconditioner and we get to horde all of the "sale" na food items at itambak sa freezer.
Pero how was it then without the airconditioner? without the computer? without the microwave? and without the iphone? Was life simpler then? Or have these machines taken over?
But I tell you - I was really pissed.

May is for Mothers

2011-05-07T14:49:00.002-05:00

The month of May is ours. All Mothers can stake their claim on this Month. We shall not be forgotten. Sa lahat ng mga nanay - Mabuhay Tayo.

Of Smoked Salmon bellies and Seattle

2011-05-01T18:25:00.004-05:00

Jim and I did an early morning drive to Tacoma for smoked salmon bellies. The air had a little chill. The traffic was nowhere in sight. However here is a sight to behold. These pictures were taken just at the dock beside the Salmon store.
We keep coming back to Seattle not just because of the salmon bellies but because of views like these. AJ and James both agree.

Easter and the Promise of Summer

2011-05-01T17:46:00.004-05:00

The days of meat diet have come and gone and here we are at the threshold of summer. Maligayang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay - though a little bit late. My younger son will not be complaining of dying everyday anymore now that meat is included back in his diet. Such a big sacrifice for him to give up meat on Fridays - let alone on those days of Maunday Thursday to Black Saturday.
The favorite staples of daing na bangus, sardines and salted eggs with diced tomatoes and onions became a fixture in our meal table. When easter came, nabuhay din ang mga cravings sa karne. The Pinoy crowd here in our small town devoured meat ulams like there was no other.
The windows can now be open to aerate the house - new air new life. The rainy days have also started. Kaibahan lang sa Manila, may pasok pa rin kami kahit medyo binabagyo.
I like spring. It holds the promise of summer. The days get longer. One gets to be lazy without any excuse.

High School Friends

2011-04-03T14:25:00.002-05:00

Indeed, the internet is a powerful tool especially the programs intended for people to network socially. The world has gotten smaller and it has become so easy to access people from all over the world.
I have not spent so much time with my High School friends after graduation. I had a handful of them in college and eventually these few I have slowly disappeared.
Maybe it is a sign of getting old when we all yearn to look back to "those years". Facebook has facilitated the reconnection. I was not initially receptive to social networking. The concept of letting all of the world to read and peek into one's private domain was not a good wow to me.
Pero, I had a change of heart. I met my FLP classmates. In fact, a reunion last February (1st after 30 years) was planned out through the internet - Facebook. Hindi naman pala masama. I can pick and choose what to divulge and who to share it with.
Yesterday, being a Saturday, was "linis" day. In between chores I have been chatting with a very old and good friend from Maryknoll. In the absence of wine and what else, we both turned melancholy and "sappy" especially when we listened to our old music (the language we used then - wow pare, ang bigat).
Lo and behold, another friend from the other side of the world, Israel specifically, was tuned in. Yon na yon. Halos walang katapusang message exchanges ang nangyari. Hongkong chimed in too. Like I told one of them, I did not have this kind of conversations with them then. Ngayon na lang.
Lesson learned: Technology can work both ways. It can bring out the positive vibes in us, if we choose to do so. Going back in time once more, Elton John singing the theme song from the movie - "Friends".

I hope the day will be a lighter highway
For friends are found on every road
Can you ever think of any better way
For the lost and weary travellers to go
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there then everything's all right
It seems to me a crime that we should age
These fragile times should never slip us by
A time you never can or shall erase
As friends together watch their childhood fly

Spring

2011-03-20T15:29:00.002-05:00

I t was a long drawn out winter- malamig, malungkot at ma-yelo. The signs of Spring are starting to sprout. We are beginning a new cycle. Easter will soon be here.
There is so much to look forward to. At the same time, there are tragedies and wars that are in our midst. We hope these all will just go away. Pero mukhang hindi mangyayari pansamantala.
Marami tayong dapat linisin - from our own backyard to a bigger perimeter called world. I don't doubt Japan will rise again. Maybe sooner than we expect. The factories will soon operate again and Apple will get its spare parts soon.
Pero ang Libya? Si Khadafi - kelan siya aalis? Soon - sana nga.
These countries have their own winters - maybe too drawn out and too long. Pero meron at meron din silang Spring katulad natin. Sana kasing aga rin natin.

The Beatles have the best version of this song. Let me give you an alternative - Nina Simone, a favorite of mine.

Pa-Contest ng St. Patrick's

2011-03-06T19:16:00.005-06:00

A group of UP alums dared to join the trivia contest at St. Patrick's. It was a fund raising program of the Catholic School. Para sa Catholic School, sige na nga...
We decorated our table with Boy Bawang(s), quiche, bar B que, lumpia Shanghai, and the stars of our table - Stella Artois and her escort, Mr. Heineken.
We were up in arms against the oldies - no wonder we never scored on those Elvis Presley questions. We did good with the questions regarding Company logos - Microsoft and the likes. You know, our time.
Next year, we promise. We will not hug the bottom half. We will try for the upper half. It was fun though. The parish priest spent more time near our table quizzing us on the food we were taking - ito ba raw ang tinatawag na brain food?
I bet he was there more to partake our food for the soul.

Manila.. As Time Goes By

2011-03-05T13:02:00.002-06:00

The two week trip to my native land was tiring. I tried to squeeze in and maximize activities in such a short span of time. Good thing - I was able to accomodate the main "reasons" for going home.
The FLP reunion was done and over with. I kept repeating the same old stories to Jim. My enthusiasm never waned. He was a patient listener. I am so sure he was just being polite at times. Ilang beses mo bang i-ku-kwento na napakasaya ng reunion mo?
I was able to touch base with old friends. Tereret Angala represented my Maryknoll buddies. Much as I would like to be with Lulu and the rest of the blue and goldies, the time was just not there. Tereret and I infact just met up at Shang-ri-la for a good 30 minutes of catching up. May susunod na kabanata I am sure.
Dinner with my Civil Service Commission friends over at our favorite rendezvous - I can not reveal. Napag-usapan uli ang gobyerno at ang gobyerno pa rin.
A trip to the UP is always in my itinerary - Diliman and Manila. Binaybay ko na rin ang Katipunan Ave all the way to Aurora Blvd. Shoppersville in front of Maryknoll is not there anymore. Masikip na masyado ang Katipunan. Andoon pa rin ang La Vista at Esteban Abada. Magkapitbahay pa rin ang Maryknoll at Arrneo.
Home with my family is always filled with food and kwento. My appetite is curtailed this time because of that amoebiasis - syet. Now I know how it feels to be a patient - the receiving end.
To say na may traffic sa Manila is an understatement. MERONG CHAOS sa kalye is a better description. The driving habits of my kababayan is again - syetty. There is just so much wasted time waiting. Kaya siguro napaka-lackadaisical natin. Alas dose na ng tanghali ay nagkakape pa rin tayo.
The amenities that I enjoy here stateside is still not there in Manila. Pero bakit uwi pa rin ako ng uwi? Why do I keep planning on going home once I reach 60? Why am I planning on spending my growing old years in my home country?
The simple answer is - ako ay isang Pinoy. Ang Pinoy ay linikha para sa kanyang sariling bayan. The Pinoy is very adaptable and full of initiatives. Give or take - ma-traffic pa rin at lubhang mainit, Manila will remain as she is. Mamahalin ko pa rin at siyang aking uuwian to spend my growing old years.

Acupuncture: An Alternative

2011-02-26T19:02:00.006-06:00

Western medicine is centered on pill subscription. For every ailment and pain, there is usually a corresponding prescription of medicine that is given. A tablet for back pain, a different medicine for swelling, and another one for whatever.
I have been diagnosed by Western medicine with sacro-iliac joint syndrome - one of those back pains. A dose of Alleve everyday is normal for me coupled with application of the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. There has been no relief. All I get is temporary masking of the pain.
I decided to try acupuncture. I had an initial treatment two years ago. There was relief on my (L) lower back but the (R) side persisted. It was hell going back to the US sitting it out on those prolonged flights.
My brother practises acupuncture as a form of alternative medicine. I was a willing victim. What can I say? I just finished my fourth session. It was not the best sensation with needles pricking me. I am still with pain. However the intensity has markedly been reduced especially on my (R) side. I am able to tolerate some prolonged walking and standing without necessarily complaining of radiating pains on my low back and legs.
I have not taken any medications so far (except those amoebiasis days). I still have two more sessions to go before I go home. I will not be pain free most probably since the pain will recur once I am back home. A change of lifestyle could be the answer. RETIRE!!!!!

The FLP/NDCP Class 09 - 30 years on

2011-02-24T17:00:00.004-06:00

The time of reckoning has finally arrived. The Class 09 of the FLP/NDCP made its trek to Cebu to rekindle once again the spark that existed between and among the classmates. Out of 59 participants, four has passed on. The final tally of 20 participants made it to Cebu.
The excitement can not be contained. I met Ador at the Centennial airport and joined him on the flight. We were met at the Mactan airport by the airport manager, no less - Victor Buaya, another FLP Class 09. The FLP Cebu delegation were all running like a well oiled machinery.
Pictures will not do justice to tell the stories. Maraming mga kwentos during the main events - the formal talks and speeches. Mas maraming kwentos sa "asides" - ang tawag doon ay oral tradition. The color was in the manner of relating the stories. Diba sabi natin nawawala ang kulay ng kwento if the story is translated or related by somebody else and not the original story teller?
Everyone agreed that the trip, expense, hassle, pagod etc were all surpassed by such intense three day "workshop". It is just so unfortunate that a number of the other classmates did not make it. There is always a next time remember? It is just, it is not the same as the first.

Homeward Bound

2011-02-11T21:13:00.002-06:00

Depart - Feb 15 - 8:45am
Saint Louis, MO (STL)
Arrive - Feb 15 - 9:55am
Chicago (ORD)
American Airlines 1768

Depart - Feb 15 - 11:15am
Chicago (ORD)
Arrive - Feb 16 - 3:15pm
Tokyo (NRT)
American Airlines 153

Depart - Feb 16 - 6:30pm
Tokyo (NRT)
Arrive - Feb 16 - 10:30pm
Manila (MNL)
Japan Airlines 745

SNOW

2011-02-09T18:15:00.003-06:00

W e have been the unwilling recipients of "snow days" - meaning, unplanned vacation days.
We had to stay off the roads for so many days because of the snow and the ice that have been falling relentlessly. The first snow day was great. I got to sleep in and just be lazy. Ang mga sumusunod na araw na puro cancelled classes and no work due to the snow announcements ay hindi na nakakatawa.
We've been missing so many work days na medyo kinakabahan na ang aming mga bulsa. What can we do? The pavement is so slick that it is more of a hazard to seek Physical Therapy treatments due to the possibility of a fall and broken bones, on our patient's part, and LAWSUITS on our end.
We live in a state na merong four seasons. We always have snow and some ice every winter. Pero this year was just something. I am getting tired of it. Mahirap magpala ng snow - mas mahirap ang magkaskas ng yelo. Mahirap magmaneho sa snow, kahit na all wheel drive ang sasakyan, mas matindi ang ang magmaneho sa ice. NAKAKASAKIT NG ULO.
I always say - malapit na ang spring. Malapit na ang tag-init. Matatapos din ang ordeal na ito.

California (Part 2)

2011-01-26T20:31:00.004-06:00

S ocial media was not my thing. I publish a blog as a means of introducing the young Sison(s) to the older Sison(s) and vice versa.
Writing, though not the best part of me, is a good therapy. It helps me reconnect to "those days". My Composition teacher in High School would have been so proud of me. My tenses and my grammar might not be the most accurate or apt but, hey, I write.
I was not a fan of Facebook. Not until my cohorts from the National Defense College of the Philippines FLP Days found me; thus, the Facebook account was established.
It turned out to be a blessing for I met my Maryknoll College High School batchmates and my UP kapatids. The circle is almost complete.
After so many years after graduation the FLP Class 9 is coming home to the NDCP. The class will never be complete. There were those who have gone ahead. But twenty two of the roughly forty classmates will gather on February 18, 2011. The year long preparation will come into fruition.
I met with four of these good friends over the weekend. My husband never understood how strong the bond is that exist between and among us. He will never know. I will never doubt. I am going home to be with this class - FLP Class 9.

California (Part 1)

2011-01-26T17:50:00.012-06:00

The trip had two goals. Main one was to visit Uncle Tony and Auntie Flor at Ontario and check on his home health needs. The other goal was to touch base with my FLP classmates who are based in the Southern part of this state. My Maryknoll batchmates will have their turn soon.
It took us three hours to get to the airport. We were in the middle of a winter advisory. Classes were suspended. The roads were slick (treacherous would be a better term). The plowers at the interstate tried their best to clear the road. But the snow just kept on falling. I finished the three mysteries of the rosary (paulit-ulit actually). We were garbed in our winter outfit - to the last beanie.
The trip was uneventful. By the time we got to Ontario, CA close to midnight I had a throbbing headache. The temperature was 71 degrees.
I was able to meet the home maker of Uncle Tony. She will be good for him. She will assist him with his activities of daily living and walk him around the house. Uncle suffered a stroke and he has been having increased difficulty with his daily function. Auntie Flor is always there to assist him.
Below are pictures of the family - plus the latest addition. It was a good time to keep in touch with everyone and to eat. Uncle loved the dungeness crabs and the spicy shrimps. I enjoyed the kare-kare with a twist. It was actually a crispy pata that we dipped in kare-kare sauce with vegetables. The meat was indeed crispy and so good with that kare-kare taste.
The wintry mix back home was totally "duh" and temporarily shelved and forgotten. The focus is "the here and now" - the family and the food.

28th

2011-01-08T11:10:00.005-06:00

Jim & I will mark another milestone today - 28th. Sabi nga ni Florante, parang kailan lang....
We still bicker over small stuff. We never outgrew our individual hated quirks. There were days I'd rather go away - just like him too. But we keep coming back to each other. Baka nasanay lang? Maybe - but that is one comfort zone I will want to keep forever.

Kapayapaan

2010-12-24T13:59:00.001-06:00

Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
We are family.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

(child)
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
We are family.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

Isang Linggong Tulog Na Lang

2010-12-18T14:25:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite Ilocano Christmas songs....

Simbang gabi...Excelente Ham...Castanas sa Quiapo...murang Christmas wrappers sa bangketa...parol...Tenk yu Tenk yu, ang babarat ninyo...

We try to stay local to celebrate the Kapaskuhan. Walang simbang gabi kundi meron din kaming Misa De Gallo. We are never ready to welcome the coming of the Great One. We try to mask the preparation with tons of material gifts. We get caught up with the glitters, the worldly posessions. Amazon.com together with UPS and FedEx made good business off me. These too shall pass.
We stay good and we behave for one week or maybe the whole month of December. We forget our woes and our desperations.
Then we're back to the same old grind....

Tayo'y mangagsi-awit
Habang ang mundo'y tahimik
Ang araw ay sumapit
Ng Sanggol na dulot ng langit
Tayo ay magmahalan
Ating sundin ang gintong aral
At magbuhat ngayon
Kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan

Araw Ng Pasasalamat

2010-11-24T11:31:00.002-06:00

W e adapt and we assimilate. We may be here in a foreign land, of which some of us may call this our temporary home. We also say thank you and celebrate Thanksgiving. We may not know the Pilgrims and the Mayflower. Still we say Thank you.
As I quote Butch Meily, Rosie's brother (thank you Rose), EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM IS BOUND TOGETHER BY A COMMON HERITAGE AND EXPERIENCE. WE LEFT THE PHILIPPINES TO COME TO THE UNITED STATES. SO THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT UNITES US THAN DIVIDES US. That is a mighty statement more than enough to be thankful for. I say thank you for a strong core of Pinoy friends that keep us afloat like the Mayflower in a land far away from our very own.
Most of all, salamat sa lahat ng biyaya - blessings meant to be shared here and with our motherland. Huwag nating kalimutan.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Saturdays

2010-10-23T10:47:00.002-05:00

S aturday mornings Manila scene are usually spent cleaning and disinfecting - rooms, rooms and all sorts of rooms at home. The three of us, Cecil, Erich and myself are tasked to clean and declutter our rooms from all of the junk we have collected in a week's time. You know - mga ticket sa JD or DM bus, mga ticket sa sine o kung ano ano pang mga alikabok.
We have our own radyo in our room. Pero iisa pa rin ang pinatutugtug - the main stereo in the living room. Since there are three of us and only mama to disagree with, then we win. She vehemently disagreed with the choice of music we listen to - pero what can she say?
We didn't have any CDs then. It was too much of an inconvenience to go up and down the stairs to change cassette tapes. So we have the radio tuned to our common station - DZRJ - the Rock Of Manila. On Saturdays - Howlin Dave ( Dante David) had the Pinoy Rock and Rhythmn at 12 noon. That was always a blast. Juan Dela Cruz Band, Maria Cafra, Aunt Irma etc. No,no, no - no elevator music. It's Pinoy Rock the whole Saturday.
It is a bright Saturday morning here in Missouri. I tuned in to the internet DZRJ FM radio station. Walang Pinoy Rock. Puro elevator music. Gabi doon - Umaga rito.

Prior to the Digital Camera...

2010-10-12T21:10:00.028-05:00

A typical camera bug would know these words - dark room, roll of film, over exposure, focus, out of focus blahblahblah. Cameras then used a roll of film to take pictures. There is a viewfinder to locate the image and the photographer would have to focus the subject. That is a lot of work compared to our point and shoot now a days.
James, the younger brother, has developed a liking to photography. However he stepped back into the past. He is using the roll of film route. He has a "suki" developer downtown that he frequents to to have his pictures developed.
On our recent trip to Seattle, WA, his camera was with him together with the SLR of his Tito Ramil. The SLR was for those quick pictures while the manual camera was for the less quick pictures ( I think).
Below are some of those less quick pictures. I think he has the artistic eye and the steady hand. I think he has the passion. I am scared of the expenses of providing an own darkroom - if requested.

Parenting

2010-09-25T14:52:00.003-05:00

F inals week for AJ is here. We have not seen him for weeks. He did attempt to come home for the lechon party but duty prevailed - down to his books he did go.
Jim and I made the trek to Columbia yesterday hoping to see him. The phone calls were not enough. We were kinda assured he was alright. What about his food, his dirty linens and his ( I am very sure) dishwasher packed with dirty plates?
The "nanay" instinct is kicking in again. He gave us specific instructions not to be distractions during exam week. We are not wanted during these horror days.
Nevertheless, the intentions were noble. We passed by the Pinoy food store for some chichiria - you know, the bad foods.
I gave him a buzz to inform him we were in Columbia - just passing (quieme). The reaction was expected. He was at the library and was very busy. Dinner perhaps? No, thank you. Chicharon? I'm okay, nanay.
We dropped the food at his condo. We left for home. A couple of miles away from Columbia, the cell phone rang - What time would we want to have dinner?
Jim and I turned around and made it back to Columbia for dinner with our son.

On Retiring....

2010-08-28T22:14:00.002-05:00

I have been looking forward to the day when I can hang up my scrub suit PERMANENTLY without looking back. I have been visiting the website of www.socialsecurityadministration.gov REGULARLY to check on how much will be my social security pension (kung andiyan pa yan)in case I retire NOW. Sad to say, hindi pa rin pwede.
I have painted several scenarios in my head on how I will spend my retirement days.
The only difference is I would want to live that life sooner. I do not want to wait for my cane or my walker. I would want to be able to hike freely without carrying a portable oxygen.
On these nights of pagmumuni-muni I remember the poem of John Masefield, one of my favorites -
I Must Go Down to the Sea

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

- John Masefield

When Summer Is Gone....

2010-08-22T09:05:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile...
Summer is almost over. The heat was oppressive. School is back. Our household is starting to normalize again. James' room is messy once again (ugh I hate that). AJ's house has been cleaned. The tapa and the longganisa would have to be prepared in time for winter. Para kaming mga squirrels - we prepare food to store for winter.
I did not have the will to write anything for quite a while. Not because I have nothing to write about. It's just that I preferred to, just that. I lost a classmate in High School to cancer. I never got to know her; we never had any conversation. But Rosie said it like it is - she was a high school fixture.
I always have to find some neuron connections to certain stuff. Grace was a High School fixture - we had a connection never the less. Reality sets in. Just like summer, life comes and goes.

MANANG BIDAY

F Sionil Jose's Philippine Star Article

2010-07-11T08:24:00.003-05:00

F SIonil Jose is one of our Pinoy writers. I have been procuring his books every chance I get. I did not know he maintains a column with the Philippine Star. Here is his write up for this Sunday. I took the liberty of reposting this from the Philippine Star for I'd like to share this with you who do not read the P. Star or just like me, minsan minsan lang kung kutuhin ang diyarong ito.
Note the different take on the issue of the OFWs- OCWS regarding its contribution to our economy and its efects to our society. I was also struck at the ideas pointed out regarding the existence of the the word "poor" - the hows and the whys. Debatable? maybe.. something to ponder about..definitely.

SUNDAY LIFE
Kapit sa patalim
HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose (The Philippine Star) Updated July 11, 2010 12:00 AM

“Inhuman Rights” by Igan D’Bayan
I was listening recently to that brilliant scholar Felipe Miranda, poignantly describe our overseas workers — the majority of them women — oppressed and humiliated as victims of that condition called kapit sa patalim. For those who are unfamiliar with the Tagalog term, it describes a drowning man who, in his last, desperate effort to survive, grabs and clings to a blade although that blade will not only harm but kill him for it is a sharp, open razor.

We have come to esteem our overseas workers as heroes and, indeed, they are. According to official statistics, they bring annually $14 billion or even as much as $20 billion — the rest not officially recorded because it reaches us through underground channels.

This vast sum sustains the economy; without it, this nation will collapse — its shopping malls will close, the profligate lifestyle of the rich will cease and thousands upon thousands will definitely starve.

It was very wrong in the first place for the Marcos government to have promoted this diaspora as a means to employ the thousands who finished college. It would have been difficult but correct for the leadership to have hastened national development to absorb the educated unemployed.

We are now reaping the ill effects of this policy in the vast number of dysfunctional families, the induced dependence of lazy Filipinos on the steady remittances abroad.

Those who expected value from the experience of our overseas workers are now disappointed; they had hoped that when these workers return, with their savings, expertise and experience, they would hasten domestic development. It has not been this way — when they return, they revert to the same lethargy and apathy of their kin; they are swallowed back into the deadening culture they had left.

Will there always be the poor among us? They are poor because they are poor; all too often, poverty induces poverty because it is regarded as inevitable. There is in the minds of the destitute their acceptance of their condition, their being “the little people.” They become lethargic, grasping, whining and lazy. We can see these hopeless wrecks in our slums, in our addicts, the drunks, stealing from their neighbors, expecting handouts without realizing that begging in itself is despicable for human dignity is diminished by it. And because these very poor are crass realists and pragmatists, they sell their votes, grab what they can not so much because they don’t know where the next meal will come from but because stealing is not so much a crime as a necessity.

In the last election, a bizarre ploy emerged — the need for the candidates and, in this case, Erap and Manny Villar to avidly seek identity with the downtrodden. Knowing that a third of the country’s 95 million live in poverty, the candidates thought it was necessary to court their votes by being one with them. They claimed that if they could raise themselves from the dung heap, so can the rest who now live in that dung heap. They promised the poor that when they achieve power, they will abolish poverty. Well and good, except that in practice, these elected officials enrich themselves first then forget their promises.

Politicians like the late President Diosdado Macapagal ran for office as “the poor boy from Lubao.” Look at his record — what really did he do to abolish poverty? And his daughter — 10 years that she was in power, and poverty increased rather than diminished even as she supposedly tried to live up to her father’s “legacy.”

The abolition of poverty starts not from a political or economic ideology. It evolves out of a sublime and profoundly moral conviction — this, our leaders have never realized or understood.

Sometime in the early Sixties, the late John Province, PhD, who was then Ford Foundation representative in the Philippines, introduced me to that landmark sociological study of poverty by the American scholar, Oscar Lewis. He lived for months with a Mexican slum family then wrote about that experience. His “ The Children of Sanchez” analyzed via visceral experience the dynamics of the slum. Dr. Province asked me if I’d like to do the same — live in Tondo, then write about it — but I demurred; I had a foreign posting coming: in any case, our own anthropologists, Felipe Landa Jocano, Mary Racelis, Denis Murphy, Aprodicio Laquian confirmed Professor Lewis’ thesis. Basically, it is this: poverty creates a culture that perpetuates itself. But poverty is not irremediable; the slum could well be just a way station.

And this is precisely what needs to be imbibed by the very poor, that poverty is also a mental state.

I always tell those do-gooders, those masochists who wallow in self-pity, that there is nothing honorable about being poor, that poverty is degrading and there is no more humiliating condition for any human being than to be hungry.

Do not romanticize poverty; our overseas workers are this country’s life savers, yes, the unintended heroes but they are just poor Filipinos who have no alternative but to flee. If they are skilled, they do not get the opportunities and rewards here because the social order does not permit them, because this society promotes poverty so that the elites could continue their profligacy — they have hundreds of underpaid workers they can oppress.

Also, the lower classes do not start revolutions. They are the fodder in wars. And even when the revolution or the war is won, they would still be poor. As that eminent statesman William Gladstone said in his time as he passed workers breaking stones on a roadway, “ Ireland will be free, but you will still be breaking stones!”

The Catholic Church opposes the more effective artificial birth control methods but does not accept the responsibility for the poor who get sick, who die because they cannot afford medicines and hospitals. We have this numbing belief that “ the poor will inherit the earth” which we know is absolutely false. We have religious orders which exhort poverty. And we have left thinkers who consider poverty as the intellectual premise for ideological indignation but are actually fascist in their political persuasion. To extol poverty then becomes just another intellectual hypocrisy.

How then can the impoverished extricate themselves from their bondage? How else but to affirm in themselves the tenacious confidence that will unite them in their struggle against injustice — for that is what poverty is — the injustice inflicted on them by their fellow men, and abetted by an unjust government itself.

That so many Filipinos now eat only once a day is a blatant confirmation of the immorality of our people and particularly of our leaders. When I see all those fat and glossy cars in our elite schools, the thousands upon thousands crowding our churches and religious rallies, I realize how dismally our schools and churches have failed. I recall, too, what the late Haydee Yorac once said, that the University of the Philippines College of Law had produced some of the most despicable crooks in government.

Bertolt Brecht once said, “Shouting about injustice hoarsens the voice” — this is a warning to those who write. But then, it is anger that often sustains life itself for when we cease being angry at the injustices around us—we stop living. Kapit sa patalim, after all, is not so tragic a fate.

Food For Thought

2010-07-08T20:45:00.002-05:00

I lifted these lines from a post of a very good friend - Ador. How very true isn't it? The act of giving is not forced - it comes out naturally. The act of giving need not be trumpeted for every man to hear. We are all answerable just to Him.

On this day, God wants you to know
... that you can only give away what you already have inside yourself. True giving happens when you are overflowing from the inside, and cannot help but share. When there is so much love within you that it has to flow to others or you would burst open. There is no thinking involved, no willpower in such sharing. It just flows out. If you have to force yourself to be kind, to love, to feel compassion, you've missed the first step of filling in your own Self with these emotions.

Here is another one -
Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18

1 "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

The Birthday Boy - He's 60

2010-06-27T16:59:00.004-05:00

Alexandra & Mia decorated the room with balloons and crinkly hangers rubbing the obvious with "he's 60" messages. There was food galore and drinks flowed. What a way to welcome "60".
He was surrounded with friends and loved ones. His boys were around. He is healthy and happy (I'm sure). What more can he ask for? Nothing much - he's easy. He is just thankful for all of the blessings. Tatay is 60.

Of Vinyls and Old Songs

2010-06-23T20:32:00.002-05:00

M y siblings and I had a vast collection of music records when we were growing up. These were called LPs (long playings). The CDs nor the cassettes were not in existence then.
I still remember these records - these came in 45s - one song on each face, the 78s - I think it also accomodated one song or three maybe and the 33s. The last was the most popular one. It can hold 5 songs in each face for a total of 10 songs per album. Pero kung mga bands like Led Zeppelin with his Stairway To Heaven fame or Allman Brothers Band's In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, then one side of the vinyl might just hold two songs.
Why am I writing about these? Again the vinyl was a part of my growing up- growing old days. We used to have the soirees in High School and music was the most critical component of the gathering - aside of course from the good looking boys from the other side of the fence. Whoever was manning the turntable (phonograph) should be familiar with the music mix. How many fast songs to play followed by the slow songs.
Which brings me to this tune of the Rolling Stones - another favorite of mine. This particular song was composed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. They were younger then. I had the original LP at home. I do not have the turntable now to spin the record. There is no need for it since I have the CD. It just does not sound the same though. The tune from the CD sounds too clean.
I'd rather hear the scratches of the needle against the vinyl. That would sound more rough; more real, badder to the bone. Just like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards behaving badly. Both were a part of my vinyls and old songs collection. Enjoy the music.

Clermont Ferrand, FR Part2

2010-06-21T22:19:00.014-05:00

M asillon was James' school for a year. It was located in the heart of town. He rode the train from his home to school.

We were brought to the Michelin headquarters. A Michelin grandson (indeed his last name was Michelin) was James' classmate in school. Any coupon for a free tire no?

We were hosted by a French family during our stay at Clermont Ferrand. Again, we had an exchange of cultural niceties in food, in art, in work practise and of course in language (read: we hardly understand the conversation).

As always, the food was terrific - so was the wine. The potatoes were creamy and the creme brulee was perfect. But, I was starting to miss my serving of rice. Couscous was the European counterpart of rice. That has not been served to us so far. James informed me that it was not a popular part of the meal. Just my luck.

Biglang bigla, parang mas masarap kumain ng sinangag at tuyo kasama ng sawsawan ng sukang pinakurat. The ambiance was different yet the taste buds remain the same. The song remains the same - sabi ni Led Zeppelin.

Clermont Ferrand, France

2010-06-15T21:35:00.011-05:00

C lermont Ferrand was 3 hours by train from Paris. We spent 3 days in this town to see what the place looked like. This was James' hometown for almost a year.

The town was a small Paris. The buildings were old and full of character. It also had the cobblestones and the old churches. What will be Europe without the boutiques and the fashionista havens?

We had a mini tour of the town that afternoon. He showed us the Catholic church he heard mass at every weekend. He had a favorite restaurant that he planned on taking us for lunch tomorrow. The train seemed to be the chosen mode of transportation by almost everyone.

Dinner was spent with the Rotary family. We met the three sets of host parents. They have nothing but praises for the young man. They were all busy conversing with each other. Jim and I just sat back and observed. Oui?

The food was good - so was the wine. Legal age to drink - 16 years old!!! The host parents told us that wine was a part of the meal. James was allowed to drink wine - James was sipping wine. James is 17 yrs. old.

I was surprised initially but my jaw did not drop. I was forewarned by friends regarding the "wine" issue. I pretended it was a matter of fact. But I guess my expression said it all. Was I cool with it? I still have to get used to the idea.

Parisian

2010-06-10T21:31:00.012-05:00

Some of the good things are found where the locals migrate - follow the scent of the food ika nga. We went to the local market to experience how to go "native".

Their market looks just like our very own Arranque Market in Quiapo. It just smells different and looks a lot cleaner. Hindi mapanghi and hindi maputik. I did not miss the hawkers and the mandurukots.

Fromage, cheese, was in abundance and in different flavors, texture and smell.

Such a lively mixture of colors - fruits, flowers and vegetables. ""

Just like back home, one is allowed to haggle - make tawad. The trick there is to know what to say. The French insist that anybody in France should attempt to speak their language. Kaya napagkakamalan silang arrogante or mayabang. But it is just that - they are proud of their language. Kahit kaunting merci beaucoup will suffice. By the way, the boys took care of the haggling. We bought some fromage, coppa, strawberries and of course some french bread.

.

France

2010-06-08T21:46:00.011-05:00

A nd finally we made it to France!!!! We took the Eurostar from London to Paris - a good 3 hours of train ride. The flat that we rented is right in the middle of it all - beauty and grime of Paris. We were able to walk to the Arc De Triomphe without panting and hyperventilating.
Kuya AJ picked up James from the Gare Du Lyon. He was taking the train from Clermont Ferrand France. The big brother didn't have difficulty understanding the train/metro map. I thought the whole thing was a maze.
Here are some pictures taken on certain turista areas of Paris. We have not taken a trip together for a long time. This is the first now that the boys are grown and we all savored the company.

We were all excited to see James. The changes were very subtle. He is taller and his biceps are more pronounced. He is the same yet he is not. He dresses different and has some mannerisms that I have not seen before. Worst - he is very fluent with the French language.

I totally enjoyed just watching him and Kuya AJ converse in this dialect not Tagalog. Kuya was able to practise his French twang with the younger brother. The latter had his so minutes of fame. It is is turn to shine. It is James' turn now to impress everybody.

He became our translator/tour guide. He had no qualms approaching strangers for directions. He had all the explanations about how different the French culture was from the Americans or the Pinoys.
He spent a year in this foreign country. I had all my fears then when he left last year. All of those thoughts were pretty much mental exercises. This young man did fine. He had a good time. He has grown. Did he miss us? Somewhat but not really. The home cooked food of nanay? Nah - the fromage, baguettes and nutella taste just as great.

London Quirks

2010-06-07T21:56:00.009-05:00

I discovered and learned a lot of new stuff as we went through this European journey. Certain quirks that would make one laugh are all worth recording and remembering.
London is famous for a lot of events. One in particular is the changing of the guards at the Buckingham Palace. Just like the US counterpart at Washington DC, these guards are known to be immobilized - literally. They are expected to be still and unmoved with no emotion. This particular fellow was supposedly "on the job" on one of the buildings close to the riding arena.

Here are some more of his pictures.

And another one

Europe Trip

2010-05-19T03:14:00.008-05:00

We are on our first leg of our Europe trip to visit James in France. First leg - Dublin, Ireland. The outbound flight was uneventful. AJ enjoyed his business class seat courtesy of Ramil.

Above is a picture of AJ & I downtown Dublin where the action takes place. The transport system is very efficient. No fights for parking spaces and no long lines for bus cues.

Next is the Trinity College - University of Ireland. Known characters like Oscar Wilde came from this school.
Next pic is my favorite place - Guinness. Bakit kaya? Their own beer is not what I expected. It was more of our light beer in Manila. Mas masarap pa rin ang San Miguel. ITO ANG BEER.

The only hassle we have encountered was the cancellation of our flight from Dublin to UK Birmingham. Nakaka-stress!!! We took the ferry from Dublin to the closest port hoping to get a rental car. As expected walang car na available since everybody were wanting cars!!!! We had to grab the last of the train tickets na standing room only. I've never ran so fast so far in my whole life to catch the train. Parang holocaust refugees kami. This time, Guinness beer would have been the best ever na maiinom (in the absence of the other choices).

Post Election Fever

2010-05-12T08:04:00.002-05:00

The Philippines has a new president and a rehash of the old news as far as the senators and the congressmen/women are concerned. There was a variety of choices - from the cinema leading men with agimats to the boksingero to the pseudo intelektuals and the incorruptibles. We never run out of characters - ang problema nga lang ay kung manalo - paano na? sabi nga ni Dolphy.
We considered it progress since fully automated ang election for the first time - counterbalance nga lang ay manual counting. Kakaunti lang daw ang namatay compared to previous elections.
Mabilis lumabas ang resulta - tayo na andito sa ibang bansa ay fully updated at in the know sa mga nangyayari.
We all have our hopes pined na this could be our new tomorrow. This could be the start of the progress we have been waiting for. Sana nga.
I have been in heated argument with friends regarding the electionables. Bawat election na dumarating kadalasan ay parehong mukha ang lumalabas - same-o same-o. Sabi ng aking mga kaibigan karapatan ng mga tao ang tumakbo at karapatan din ng mga tao ang mamili - the principle behind the election.
Ngunit ang sa ganang akin ay - napakarami ng mga Pilipinong matatalino. Napakarami rin ang pwedeng maging lider. Dapat ba na naka-confine ang power to lead and power to think sa iilan lamang? Kung ang asawa ay nasa gobyerno na nararapat lang ba na ang kanyang maybahay ay naroroon din (kasama ng mga anak at tiyahin at tiyohin)?
We adhere so much to the osmosis and diffusion principle. Nalilipat ang kagalingan ng pag-iisip sa pinakamalapit sa iyo - ang iyong pamilya. Sa bandang huli, nahihirapan na rin na ihiwalay kung kaninong kaban ng bigas ang pinangangalagaan - ang sarili mong kaban o kaban ng bayan. Mas mahirap pa kung maituring sa bandang huli na ang kaban ng bayan ay iyo nang sariling kaban.

Wisteria Day

2010-04-24T07:48:00.005-05:00

H ere is the beauty of our wisteria vine in full bloom. The foliage is not going to stay long as the rains are coming. Let me share it with you for it is indeed a wonder of nature.

Linggo Ng Hapon

2010-04-18T17:03:00.002-05:00

H ere is my music list as I dig into my piles of paperwork documentation.

As the afternoon progresses and I just can't seem to finish the work, here is my song. Tomorrow will be another day.

Here's to Hope...

2010-04-03T14:26:00.004-05:00

We're packing our winter clothes. Iinit na ang panahon. How apt to greet Pasko Ng Pagkabuhay with the sun shining warm and bright. After the winter spell, the promise of spring is celebrated. There is hope. Our backyard will not be drab anymore.
The dandelions will sprout again. I will try to pull these out for I consider these weeds. Maybe not this year. I will savor the yellow color these bring. Time to enjoy the stuff that spring brings.

High School Life

2010-03-31T21:23:00.004-05:00

I graduated from Maryknoll College High School 1973. Some classmates went on to the UP, some stayed as Maryknollers in College, some crossed the line to Assumption and others migrated to the US.
I continued to hang around with the guys who went to UP. I lost touch with some if not all of the other Maryknollers. Worst part - when I went to UP Manila, I totally lost touch with most of my high school batchmates.
It's not that there was no common bond that binds us - maraming double bond, single bond electrovalent bond kaming natutunan sa high school. I remembered how one classmate insisted in our Physics class that this certain electron was stable - bakit nga.. ewan ko.
We learned to appreciate certains characters from Shylock of Merchant of Venice, Quiroga of El Filibusterismo (o baka Noli Mi Tangere) and the GodFather of Mario Puzo.
The retreats at Cenacle or out of town places were supposed to be soul-searching moments. Indeed these were eventually at the end phase of the exercise. Mas nauna ang mga "happenings" namin.
Well, we all grew older and wiser. We traveled different roads. Pero there is always a time to go back to one's roots - reminisce.
I probably missed a lot of reunions. There will be more. We will all have the opportunity to catch up and take our selves back in time.
Below are two pictures scanned by a co-Maryknoller to share to all of us. True to the Maryknoll song -
.....whereever you are, whereever you be
faithful always be to thee

My Graduation Picture

My Freshman Class Picture

March 21

2010-03-21T12:35:00.002-05:00

Today is the first day of Spring. The daffodils are starting to bloom together with the wild green onions which are starting to propagate our back yard.
Malamig pa rin - naka heater pa rin kami (ibig sabihin mataas pa rin ang babayarang kuryente). The weather forecast for today is SNOW. It is still gloomy outside - no sunshine, just rain and snow (parang Seattle).
But there is the thought of Spring - the thought of hope - the thought of new things to come. Magbubukas kami uli ng mga bintana to let fresh new air in. We will have to clean house to get rid of last year's (and other years')disposable baggages.
We will dust off the cobwebs and the alikabok ng mga kahapong kailangang kalimutan at iwaglit.
Spring brings new life and renewed hope. Iinit uli ang panahon. Babalik uli ang sigla. Iikot uli ang gulong ng buhay - Spring will soon be here.

She Was My Friend....

2010-03-14T13:01:00.003-05:00

We have friends and we have acquaintances. We decide which among these two will be included in our circle of life. She and Lorentzen sang in my wedding - " Of All The Things" by Dennis Lambert. She is AJ's godmother. She passed away last night. Cancer took the better of her.
She was my friend.. a very dear friend.

My FLP DaysTwenty Years Ago...

2010-03-13T12:58:00.003-06:00

I wrote about the BKK, FLP and NDCP a couple of weeks ago. Who would ever think that Batch IX FLP will be relived again? Some of my classmates are now here in the States - Baby, Nida & Roy. We finally got in touch. We all got excited again - reunion sa Pilipinas next year. That was 20 years ago.. I wrote about that..coincidence na magkatugma-tugma uli kami?
I am posting our class pictures. My memory is kinda blurred on names - but I remember the faces. I will be able to name them in due time.
I am also posting our barangay immersion group. The whole class was divided into groups and we, as a group, were assigned in places na nangangailangan ng tulong ( hah - parang alam namin kung anong tulong ang kailangan nila). The whole purpose of the exercise was for us, as NDCP scholoars, would apply our classroom know how to alleviate the plight of our kapwa pinoy ( a big HAH again).
Anyway, my group was specifically assigned to Jaen, Nueva Ecija. To people familiar with Jaen, alam na ninyo ang aking ibig tukuyin.
The group came in cold - parang andoon kami para mag diagnose ng sakit at tapos magbigay ng ikagagaling ng bayan. We went around observing - sabi ko nga coming in from the cold. Nagmukha kaming mga turista - kulang sa camera.
We met up with the barangay people. Nakinig kami at nagmatyag. Siyempre meron na kaming kanya-kanyang foregone conclusion kung ano kailangan nila - something na ikabubuhay nila, to that effect.
Surprise, suprise. Nakinig kami ng husto (FLP trained us on that real well). Hindi ikabubuhay ang kanilang primary concern. The town was needing a common townhall na pwede silang mag-meeting at mag-usap-usap kung ano ang kanilang ikabubuti. They needed a building structure to "house" their plans - their dreams- their aspirations.
The group could have pushed what we THOUGHT they needed. We were knowledgeable hindi ba? MALI.
Cez Liporada - isang mabuting kaibigan from Baguio & I were tasked to write the report - the bacon we needed to bring back to NDCP. Amidst coffee, Marlboros and Philip Morris sans laptop or computer, typewriter meron, nagawa ang report.
Sana tinago ko ang copy nito para balikan at basahin ko uli; pero malabo ang huling pahina na na-carbon paper. Lumabo na rin ang aking alaala kung ano ang aming pinagsusulat sa particular na report na iyon. I do know that, that trip was a fruitful exercise. The FLP teachings did not go in vain.
Salamat Baby for initiating the reunion. Salamat Nida for the pics. Roy - tatawagan pa rin kita.

2010-02-24T21:08:00.010-06:00

I've seen these pictures before from another website. I received these same pictures last night from my brother. Iisa ang sentiment ng mga nakakita - kasama na ako. Firstly, anybody who would be able to identify these places were born noong unang panahon. Secondly - we all felt sad for the loss of what we had before.

Sittayo nga immuna who are lucky enough to be able to compare the "Then" to the "Now" can explain to the younger set why Manila was a sight to behold then.
I remember most of these landmarks in Manila. What is so amazing is how I took everything for granted then. Sabagay, batang bata pa ako na sunod-sunuran kay Mama kung pupunta siya sa Quiapo o sa Carriedo kaya.

Malinis pa ang Quiapo noong araw. One can pass through the underpass and even the sideroads of Quiapo without bumping into so many people and holding on to one's purse for dear life. Pwede pa rin naman huminto at bumili ng hopia (mainit pa) at uminom ng coke na naka-supot sa plastik. Nakaka-turn off nga lang ang masangsang na amoy ng canal sa tabi.

Parang napaka-aliwalas at pwedeng huminga na hindi uubuhin. Parang pag-uwi galing sa pasyalan, ang ating mga ilong ay hindi nangingitim dulot ng usok galing sa mga tambutso ng mga sasakyan. Parang it was okay to walk around Luneta or along Manila Bay without fear of receiving any proposition or of being proposed to ( pick-up kung baga). Luneta and Manila Bay were indeed destinations for the young and the old.

The Quiapo Church was and is still the landmark. Pero malaki ang kaibahan nito from way back to what it is now. The edifice still stands as a symbol of our deeply rooted religious beliefs and practises. Ngunit nagmistula itong palengke sa labasan. There was nary a space that was not utilized by hawkers to entice the pedestrians of the merchandise they are selling.

I was able to watch a couple of movies sa ilang sinehan sa Avenida. Ang lamig ng aircon, malinis ang banyo at hindi malagkit ang mga upuan at sahig. My college friends and I enjoyed the first 3D movie at one of these sinehans.

This was Makati then. Remember the streets Ayala Ave., Makati Ave, Paseo De Roxas and Buendia Ave? There used to be another moviehouse close to Rustan's - Rizal Theatre. Pag malapit na ang pasko, ang bango ng kastanyas sa may Rustan's. There is also the Hotel Intercon with the Jeepney Bar and the disco place called Where Else.

Reminisce...reminisce....

Cool

2010-02-21T18:37:00.002-06:00

T o do is to be - Descartes
- "To be is to do " - Plato
- " Do be Do Be Do " - Sinatra

Lifted from the blog of a good friend from Baguio

The BKK, FLP and NDCP

2010-02-20T13:26:00.002-06:00

T hese letters stand for different words in my 80's world. I spent a couple of years as a government worker with the Civil Service Commission. I remember Commissioners Jacobo Clave and Albina Manalo Dans. I remember how it was to deal with the bureaucracy and the different personae i have to hobnob with.
The BKK - Buklod Ng mga Kabataang Kawani was an organization of the 30's and below kawani ng gobyerno. The Commission was very proactive with the young workers. The ability to participate in government-sponsored trainings was endless together with the chance to climb the ladder of seniority.
The FLP - Future Leaders Program was one of the elite programs for the young. The BKK members compete to be awarded one of the slots to this particular program. Eventually, the training was held at the NDCP- National Defense College Of The
Philippines. It was a 3 month long live in program ( I am not sure now of the duration - i could be wrong). All of the different regions in the country from the North to the South are well represented.
The whole NDCP program was conducted and controlled by the military personnel ( how close was NDCP to Fort Bonifacio actually). I should caution myself from saying that it was shear military indoctrination of the young - to each his own outlook.
The speakers and lecturers were all well learned men and women. The participants were all eager to learn and assimilate - hopefully able to separate the chaff from the grain.
There were the Ilocano, Visayan,Bicolano and Tagalog participants. There were also the participants from the South. Initially regionalism prevailed - why not diba? What have you in common - your place of origin and the language you spoke.
As the training got underway it really did not matter anymore if one was Ilocano or Visayan. One transcended language and origin.
Participants were all up at the crack of dawn to participate in the calisthenics. The "sound mind-sound body" logic was strictly adhered to. Kaya ang yosi was bawal. The smokers were relegated to carry out their vice in the comfort of the bathroom.
Such were other strict rules that were to be followed - Sa ikauunlad Ng bayan, Disiplina ang Kailangan - need I say more?
Should one opt to or unknowingly break any rule,demerits are handed out. I remember one particular demerit that affected me - the luxury of making phone calls. This was the era that cell phones were non existent. Ergo,we have our weekend phonecall privileges. I probably lost my privilege a couple of times for so many reasons. I eventually found ways and means to circumvent the punishment.
Why am I looking back at this point of my life? I was young then. Na-indoctrinate nga ba ako? Au contraire, it was a very productive learning experience to compare and contrast. Dinibdib ko ba ang mga natutunan ko sa lectures? Sa tutoo, hindi. The
human interaction made more of an impact to me.
The virtues of patience and tenacity were well learned. Inis na inis ka na sa kahirapan umintindi ng iba kahit na anong hirap ipadikdik sa kanila ang tutuo. Pero one learned the ability to "hold back".
Kahit iyon man lang ang matutunan ko, kahit na kagalitan na ako ng mga militar at tanggalan na ng lahat na privileges, I was okay. I survived - no, I lived.

Agno Ancestral Home

2010-02-06T11:51:00.005-06:00

O ne of the homes severely damaged by Ondoy was the ancestral home at Agno. I saw the picture post Ondoy and
it was not a sight to behold. Nakaro nga ladangit nga makita itti nagsaadan na.

I took a picture of it in its restored state. Thank you Sheila & cousins for bringing the home back.

Remember When...

2010-02-05T20:57:00.003-06:00

I did mention that last week was AJ's birthday.

I found these mementos in my stacks of pictures to be scanned. He was two years old then. This was taken in front of our house at Alabang. The other young man in the other picture is the tatay. Jim & I were still in Manila then but were already planning & contemplating of leaving.

Weekend Winter Warrior

2010-01-31T13:03:00.007-06:00

H ere we go again. Bakbakan to the max. Snow started to fall Thursday lasting until Friday night. This is AJ's weekend - his 26th birthday. His plan was to come home and spend the weekend with us.

Here are some pictures of the weekend warrior trying to clean up after the snowfall.
This is the main road infront of our house before the snow plowers came in. We had roughly 4 - 6 inches of snow. Kasanno itti aglinissen nay?

This is how the car looked like before I even attempted to sweep off the snow. Since my car is parked outside of the garage, it takes up all of the beating during winter.
Here goes the initial attempt ng tagalinis (si tatay) to clear the windshield. It was 10:am with a temperature of 17 degrees and windchill of single digits. Napakalupit Kuya Eddie.

Sumarunno nga linisin ket dayti pagna-an. Narigat no matinnag ket mapagalis. Narigrigat pay no adda matinnag nga sabali nga tao ket mapagalis - we are bound to face a lawsuit.

The most difficult part here is the "agpala" itti snow. Nasakit itti likod ken siket

Napintas no napintas nga kitaen itti snow. The surroundings can be so pristene. Saan laeng aglinis or to even drive through it (kaya nga ginawa ang all wheel drive ).

These are some of those days I begin to wonder no apay addadtoy kami Missouri.
Won't it be better kung pupunta tayo dito?

Longganisa Update

2010-01-25T21:17:00.002-06:00

W e were able to produce two dozen longganisas from our "agpalaran Alaminos longganisa" project last week.
I was able to score hog casings instead of the collagen casing. We were also able to buy the "stuffer". Daytoy itti mang-iduron idiay unneg itti casing dagiti mixture na.
I have some pictures that I will post next. We learned quite a few tricks here and there to make the job a little bit systematic.
Bottomline - dapat mas addo pay itti taba ti baboy nga ila-ok. Saan dapat nga puro nga giniling itti usaren. Dayti timpla itti suka ken asin itti dapat matantiya.
Will we do it again? The next longganisa batch is already being prepared.
Goal - to be able to make a look-alike taste-alike longganisa Alaminos. I am dead serious on this one.

Atty. Lemneo Reyes

2010-01-20T17:29:00.000-06:00

It is with sadness that I am informing you all of the passing of Atty. Lemneo Reyes. His mortal remains will be brought to Loyola Guadalupe.

Agpalaran....

2010-01-16T21:17:00.005-06:00

T his longganisa thing in me just will not go away. Jim & I will "agpalaran" and venture out into longganisa Alaminos making this weekend.

I chanced upon this recipe of the famous longganisa Alaminos from the www.alaminoscity.gov.ph website. I would consider this as a very reliable source - no mabalin la kuma nga saludsuden kenni Aling Charing, dayti suki ni Mama idiay palengke.
Awan met itti pork casings nga makita idiay Walmart so I ordered collagen casings ( salamat uli Ramil )at Amazon.com for pork casings substitute.

Longganisa Alaminos Recipe

Basic ingredients:
¾ k ground lean pork, ¼ k pork fat, 4 tbsp. sugar, 2tbsp. coarse salt, 2 tsp. ground black pepper, 2 tbsp. vinegar, ¼ tsp. salitre, ½ tbsp. soy sauce, 2 tsp. garlic (chopped), 1 tbsp. rum, atsuete or food coloring Pork casings

1. Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for 5 days.
2. Stuff mixture in pork casings. Tie with strings to desired length.
3. Hang to dry.

We will follow this recipe down to the last tuldok. I will update in five days no ag-angot longganisa Alaminos sen.

Agpalaran ..baka mabalin nga kastoy itti pagbanagan na....

Travelogue: Pangasinan(3)

2010-01-09T09:45:00.005-06:00

I am posting some more entries before we leave for Columbia to see AJ. He is not feeling very well & is needing some TLC ( translate: somebody to cook for him, do his laundry & tidy up the house - Super Nanay to the rescue).

We are now entering the town f Agno, Pangasinan. The picture showed the new bridge that connects the main town to the other towns across the big river. Some of the towns would be Sabangan & Bunga. Narakrak nga intiro dayti old Sison Bridge and in its place now stands the new bridge. Saan ko kinita no sinno itti pinanaganan da.

We passed the old homes & some of the newer homes. Remember this is post Ondoy. Addo pay met itti saan pay nga naurnos nga balay. Ngem addo metten itti natarimaannen. Again I was not too quick to take the pictures since mayat met itti agbuya ken ag-reminisce.

We passed the Presidencia and the Plaza. Na-akepan metten dayti Plaza. Good - ta uray agtudo no piyesta mabalin da pay latta itti ag-bayle. I remember those lazy summer days I spent in Agno. The plaza was the social venue for halo-halo eatings.

We stopped b y the old church. Naakepan metten itti yero dayti bubong na. I am sure napakainit sa loob during summer. Next post - I might have some pictures of the interior of the church.

In the meantime, I was able to take tnis picture in all of its clarity. I enjoy looking at it from time to time since talaga met nga naimas nga kitaen - naimimas pay nga kanen. This is one of the gigantic Chow King poster that really caters to your subconscious mind - that part of the brain that controls the desire for food ( sa akin, that would be the biggest part of my brain , hehe). Do appreciate the vividness of the ice cream, lech flan, saba, pinipig, the different gelatin, ube, sweet beans and langka. NAPAKASARAP!!!!

Travelogue; Pangasinan(2)

2010-01-07T09:21:00.003-06:00

F riends from Rolla had one of those round table discussions last holiday. We talked about how life was then and how "planting rice was never fun."

Only in the Philippines - nga mabalin nga usaren itti kalsada to dry the palay. This picture was and is still is a common site during harvest season. Aglisi amin nga lumabas tapno saan nga mabaddekkan wenno mapilidan dagiti palay nga neatly fixed to be dried.

We have our own version of civility in the Philippines. We will respect this practise even if it might inconvenience us. We do not mind itti aglisi tapno saan nga mapilidan. Look at the road - that is mighty long stretch of Bangan Oda. Adayo nga "one way" kunam man.

Travelogue: Pangasinan

2010-01-07T08:55:00.005-06:00

W e are in the middle of a snowstorm/winter advisory watch so we are forced to stay indoors - walang trabaho. I am taking this chance to update manang Biday.

I go back to my Philippine travel and we are on destination Pangasinan. As we enter Alaminos City (naks ang progreso talaga) we stopped by one of my favorite restos for lunch - JOLLIBEE!!!

How I wish I can stay for the whole afternoon & just eat to my heart's delight. Masarap ang spaghetti, chicken joy, halo-halo etcetcetc.

Alaminos City is noted for Hundred Islands and the longganisa Alaminos ( didn't I tell you napakasarap nito ). I remember the market specifically. This was the final "istasyon" before we reach Agno, our destination. Mapan agpalengke itti iawid idiay Agno - pinapaitan, karne para lauya, kankanen and did I say longganisa?
I do not know why it has to be Alaminos for the marketing when in fact Agno has also its own palengke. Siguro nalaklaka wenno ad-ado itti pagpilian? Nevertheless, loss of Agno and gain of Alaminos on revenue.

We travelled through those roads - magudwa magudwa itti ispalto nga madaanan. Nothing has changed in all these years. Magudwa gudwa met itti pondo siguro nga maawat itti municipal government for fixing the main thoroughfares (until now?). I do not understand how these can not be the priorities for programs on improvement. Saan kadi nga nalaklaka itti ag-ibaba itti ilako idiay palengke no nasay-sayaat itti roads and bridges - infrastructure? Where did Agno fail?

The above picture was taken as we make "kil-lo" nga apan Agno town proper. That was me with my ever loyal Fuji.

Happy New Year...Happy New Post

2010-01-03T10:50:00.002-06:00

No new year's resolution, for sure - just, maybe, an extra, extra, extra effort to continue posting. It has been a very tiring holiday, albeit work and merry making. Saan ko pay nagudwa dagiti litrato ken istorya of my travel in Manila. In due time, these will be posted. Naimbag A Baro Nga Tawen.

Naranyag A Paraangan

2009-12-20T11:16:00.005-06:00

L et me share to you how our paraangan looks like with some Christmas decorations.
In front of our main door is a big parol fashioned out of capiz shells. This was brought to the US by my sister more than 10 yrs ago. We took care of it and this has been hanging in front at our paraangan every Kapaskuhan.

A new additon are those parolitos (little parols) that I brought back from my recent manila trip. Becky painstakingly wrapped these so as not to be crushed.

Next picture is our messy garage. You all are supposed to look beyond the mess but appreciate the other parol and the rest of the parolitos that Jim hanged on our garage.

We did not have any problem with the voltage. I bought these with a 220 light voltage. Mabalin metten. The lights emitted were not as bright but these looked like stars (as these should be) at night when lighted.

I will continue with my travelogue writings pag medyo nahimasmasan na sa trabaho. In the meantime, from our house to yours, Naimbag Nga Paskua.

The Best Fried Chicken

2009-12-12T00:21:00.006-06:00

T here is no better chicken than Max's fried chicken.
I grew up with the taste of the Max's fried chicken always in my mind. The original Max's restaurant at Roces Ave. was the original favorite among us brod & sis. The spring fried chicken was a regular dish together with other trimmings we deem fit to order that day.

I did not have enough time to visit Roces Ave so I took the opportunity of having dinner at Max's at Baguio. I ordered my usual fare - Spring fried chicken and added fresh lumpiang ubod on the side.

The chicken came with some camote fries. The smell brought me back to my childhood days when a serving of Max's fried chicken meant homey Sunday afternoons with the whole family.

The chicken itself was good to eat without any other form of sawsawans. I like mine with the banana ketchup. The skin was malutong and the white meat was not dry. I will go for the wings and the tips of the leg for these are where the skin is crispiest.

On the other hand, the lumpiang ubod was passable. I could have enjoyed it more if it had more bawangs and chopped peanuts. The ubod filling was just right with its crispiness while the sauce topping was not too sweet - just right.

These food(s) are in my list of food to crave for while in Manila. I try to have a taste of these every time I go home. I always want to savor each bite of these not much of its outstanding taste but the memories I associate with these food.

There will always be an anecdote here or there that I can always relate with when it comes to my favorite foods. Every bite brings me back to those days, to those glorious days when I was surrounded by my family - that's all that matters to me.

Travelogue: Baguio (2)

2009-12-10T19:51:00.008-06:00

M edyo lumalamig na nga talaga ang simoy ng hangin pero sige pa rin ang lakad ko. This time around I was close to the Mines View Park. Nag-iihaw ng pusit doon sa kanto so I decided to go down & partake of the feast na inihaw na pusit kasama ang isang pastic supot na coca-cola.

The usual Baguio stuff ws all around - walis tambo, Romana's peanut brittle, the Baguio vest, mga wood carvings including that wood carving in the picture. The late afternoon atmosphere was pretty calm - walang turista. I could walk at my own leisure without being harassed by peddlers & mendicants. I spoke freely Ilocano to the vendors & the natives.

As we went on the road, do look at these views of Baguio - reminiscent of Victoria Peak in San Franciso hindi ba? i tell you - maganda talaga ang Baguio sans the litter. The air was filled with the scent of pine and a specific kind of wood na sinabi si Mama - I just could not remember anymore.

I had to stop at the Good Shepherd Convent for the Ube Yam. I've been craving for this upon arrival in Manila. The closest I could get my hands on was the ube yam (gelatin actually) from Cherry Foodarama. Sabi ko sa bahay, I can go to Munoz market & buy the Ube sold yong tinatakal. Nobody favored that practise since linalangaw daw yon. Sagot ko - di lalong masarap!!!

Off to the Baguio Cathedral we went. This Church is another one of those Baguio landmarks. Lucky - mass was being celebrated that afternoon. What an appropriate way to say thank you to the blessings and such a humbling experience to be on one's knees in front of the Ultimate Creator.

Let me end my entry tonight with a view of Session Road - the main drag of Baguio. Pumasok na rin ang SM dito. Cecil told me the origins of ukay-ukay is in Baguio. There is really something unique with this place called Baguio. Just like my own country in a smaller scale - I will keep complaining about the heat, smog, the litter, kawalan ng toilet paper sa mga palikuran. Pero heto ako at binabalik-balikan pa rin.

Travelogue: Baguio

2009-12-08T19:08:00.011-06:00

W e continue the road trip and this particular weekend was very fast paced. We left Manila with the intention of making it to Baguio before dinner.

Cecil has a house at Baguio where we indeed spent the night. I am particularly interested with Baguio for all the news about the landslides and how it was totally cut off from civilization post Ondoy.

The first picture to the (L) was not even Baguio proper. Nasa Kennon road pa lang kami & sites such as this was pretty common. There were a lot of one way roads for
marami talagang landslides. The picture to the (R) showed a portion of the mountains na talagang nag-erode.

I have to be quick with my camera since I would like to capture as many photos as possible. Mabilis din magmaneho si Jojo kaya sinasabayan ko na lang siya. Ahead is one of the pictures I was able to take - parang walang pupuntahan na daan diba? This is how it is because of the zigzag roads.

Here is another picture of the eroding mountains of Baguio. I am not so sure kung pwedeng magka-puno ang mga bundok na ito since these mountains are very rocky. Pero pagtitingnan na mabuti talagang nag-e-erode ang mga ito which could be contributing to those deadly landslides.

At sa wakas nakaabot kami sa tuktok - this is the proverbial "welcome Baguio" pitstop. I kind of felt glad na andito pa rin ang ulo ng lion na ito. This has been the Baguio trademark (aside of course from the parks the everlasting flowers) from way back when.

As we enter the City of Pines, one would notice the drop in temperature. The damp heat of Manila is gone. Naka-sweater na ang mga tao at visible na rin ang fog. Ma-traffic na rin at congested ang mga roads.

We tried to cover the city proper as much as possible before the sunset. We passed through the Panagbenga Park % the Camp John Hay. Parang turista talaga. But for me, this trip was a "look back" to the city which became a part of my adult years.

I've made a couple of trips to Baguio then - either on an official capacity or purely R & R. There is more to the strawberry wine & the palengke food that has caught my attention. Unfortunately, Baguio was cleaner then at hindi masyadong congested. Signs of the times - ika nga. I had a good friend UP days whose father was the governor then. Baguio was the voted #1 destination among us & she gladly shared her abode with us ( and all of its amenities).

The Mansion House ng Pangulo still stood elegantly - well maintained manicured lawns. I wonder how often Gloria frequents this place? Alam ko si Manny Pacquiao was in Baguio for his pre-Cotto training.

I will still be in Baguio on the next entry.

MAMI KEN SIOPAO

2009-12-04T20:39:00.006-06:00

T he best mami and siopao can be found in the original Ma Mon Luk at Quezon Blvd. corner Banawe, according to my tastebuds tester.
There were so many stories that circulated regarding the siopao filling. I will not even go into that or even patronize these haka-haka since none of these were true.
We grew up having our Sunday or Saturday "kain sa labas " specials at the Ma Mon Luk Restaurant. We will all troop to this place & order the piping hot mami smothered with green onions and fried garlic. Tig-isa kami ng siopao - asado ha?
The aroma of the mami stayed in my subconscious kaya kahit kowloon o LingNam kaya hindi pwedeng pumantay.
Talagang napan ak nangaldaw idiay Ma Mon Luk at Banawe. Surprisingly, the building and its innards still remain the same. Wala pa ring air-con sa loob at puro ceiling fans ang umaandar. The picture of the elderly Ma Mon Luk was still at that wall. Ganoon pa rin ang itsura - wala talagang nabago.
Since it was lunch time, napakaraming mga Intsik ang andoon para kumain. Lahat ng uri ng mga Pinoy ay andoon. From the mamang tsuper ng taxi, yong nagbebenta ng yosi (sigarilyo) to the students and business men na naka-Barong - all of us became same-o same-o (pare-pareho) sa harapan ng mami at siopao ng Ma Mon Luk.
This is the mami that I chowed on. Napakalinamnam. In between the paghigop ng sabaw, I took bites of my asado siopao. I did not peel off the first dough layer. Sabi nila noon, marumi raw ito since hinahawakan ng mga nagluluto. Di bale na - this is actually one of the malasa part of the siopao. The trick into eating this hearty meal, sabi ni Cecil at Jojo, lagyan daw ng siopao sauce yong mami para lalo sumarap.

I wanted to savor my mami in its glory kaya the sauce just stayed with the siopao. Umapaw yong sauce pero talaga naman - this is the version of the finger licking good na sarap. Enjoy!!!

Travelogue: Roxas Blvd.

2009-12-01T20:35:00.007-06:00

M araming makikita sa Roxas Blvd. It used to be the only attraction in this part of town is Manila Bay (which is just fine by me). There are a lot of condominiums and governoffices that have relocated here. The Central Bank bldg together with the Ramon Magsaysay Center used to be some of the taller buildings here. Hindi na - marami pang mga iba.

The edifices of Imelda Marcos remained. Andiyan ang Cultural Center of The Philippines together with the Folk Arts Theatre. I've seen a lot of concerts ( Deodato, Kenny Rankin, Angela Bofill, Cecil Licad) in these venues. Remember all the talks about the multos or ghosts that inhabited the Folk Arts Theatre? These were supposedly the people that died while the Folk Arts Theatre was being built. Bumagsak ang isang wall nito at kasamang nabaon ang ilang mga trabahante doon. Pinilit na matapos agad ang building in time for a beauty pageant, I think.

Further down the road is a big mall. Sabi ng ilan this is the biggest mall in Asia kaya tinaguriang Mall Of Asia. Malaki nga talaga - magarang tingnan. Ang daming tindahan sa loob. I really do not know how their sales figures are dahil kung ako ang tatanungin, mahal pa rin ang kanilang bilihin (the rent of space I bet is exorbitant). These malls probably cater to the upper strata of society. Hindi ko maisip kung paano makakabili si Juan o Maria ng mga damit sa Zara o Mango gayong ang mga presyo ay nagkakahalaga ng libo-libo.

Talagang namangha ako sa aking nakita. Parang papasok ako sa Saks o Neiman Marcus sa may Union Square ng San Francisco. It just felt so foreign - parang Stateside. I guess that is what the whole theme should be. No, I am not being critical. If this is the sign of progress as it is made to be, then so be it. Napag-iwanan lamang masyado yong lugar sa likuran ng Remedios o sa Quiapo kaya lalo na sa underpass.

My sister, Cecil, will snap back at me for being so critical with the "signs of progress". Ika niya - to each his own. Gastusin mo ang pera mo kung meron ka - sa ibig mong gastusan. I agree - no quarrel with that. My only sentimiento with that argument is debauchery (ang lakas ng impluwensiya ni Dona Victorina). As defined by Merriam Webster, debauchery is the act of excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. Ang pakiramdam ko lang, sa hirap ng buhay sa ating bansa, we still categorically prioritize the sensual material pleasures. And we flaunt these.

Above are the Christmas decorations inside the mall. Talagang santa claus na santa claus ang atmosphere. Pati kanta nila - I'm Dreaming of A White Christmas.

Parting shot - this is the front view of the Mall. Maganda diba?

Travelogue - Roxas Blvd. Mabini, Luneta

2009-11-30T20:48:00.008-06:00

B inabaybay ko ngayon ang Roxas Blvd. I was not too quick to get a picture of Luneta but here is a glance of Luneta park together with my male model in puruntong pants. Notice the trees and the environs. Malinis at well maintained.

I am close to the U. S. Embassy to my (R) and the Savory Chicken/ Maxim's Restaurant to the (L). This is still noontime and note the traffic at Roxas Blvd - hindi humuhupa.

We went through Mabini St. Nadaanan ko ang Padre Faura where PGH is. Other buildings here are PAL and Foreign Affairs bldg. Lalong sumikip ang mga daan for dito tinayo ang Robinson's at hindi magkamayaw ang mga taong labas-pasok sa department store. Padre Faura was very busy then during my time but it just looks so different now. I missed the old Ateneo Chapel which sits right beside the Dentistry building of UP.

This is Mabini proper. Walang nabago - makasalanan pa rin. Puno talaga tayo ng irony. Sa kalagitnaan ng Mabini ay nakatayo ang isa sa mga magagandang lumang simbahan. Siguro pagkatapos magkasala, tatakbo sa simbahan para humingi ng patawad at awa. I remember this area too for this was one of our favorite hangouts - Hobbit House, My Father's Moustache, Pension Filipina (this was a bar mind you).

Too bad I can not get off & eat at the Aristocrat. This restaurant served the best & cheapest pork bar-b-que with javanese rice then. Masarap din ang halo-halo nila dito. The traffic just is so bad; besides, napakatindi ng init nakakainis lumabas ng sasakyan. Because of these mundane excuses, I have to pass up some more gastronomic delights.

I took a picture of this jeep in front of me. Ganyan kalapit ang mga sasakyan sa gitna ng traffic; parang ga-buhok lamang ang layo ng mga ito sa bawat isa. And they have the nerve to ask me HOW IS THEIR DRIVING?

Let me end my travelogue for this night at this intersection. Manila could not get much nicer than this. The famed Manila Bay view close to the Army-Navy Club. I did not check how clean Manila Bay is. I'd rather have that mental image of the 1970's Manila Bay.

Hinahanap hanap kita Manila

Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga

Mga jeepney mong nagliliparan

Mga babae mong naggagandahan

Take me back in your arms Manila

And promise me you'll never let go

Pink Elephant

2009-11-29T15:06:00.004-06:00

How familiar are we to those inscriptions on many Manila/Quezon City walls saying - BAWAL UMIHI DITO? These signs were meant to be deterrent to the male population who has to go - and would have to go NOW. Ang kinalabasan - naka-aangseg daytoy nga kanto ta kanayon met nga umisbo da idtoy.

The MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) came up with such an idea to install these "urinals" to provide a sense of privacy to these males. Note from the picture - awan met itti urinal da ngem adda itti takip na. These pictures were taken in an area close to Dimasalang where traffic is heavily congested.
I am not so sure what these urinals were supposed to achieve. Naangseg pay latta idiay bakod - ngem dagiti immisbo idiay ket naakepan da met. Which of these reasons is the lesser evil?

Maybe it is the absence of accessible public utility rooms in populated places that sparked this idea. Hindi naman lahat ng tao ay pwedeng pumasok sa Burger King para maki-restroom. O di kaya hindi naman pwedeng pumunta sa Trinoma para maki-CR (their term in Manila) dahil maniningil ang mga establishments na ito ng sampung piso magamit lamang ang kanilang palikuran. Sabi ni Erich , di bale one to sawa naman daw ang toilet paper.
Maybe gustong ipakita ng MMDA sa madla na meron konting dignidad or sense of propriety ang mga taong ito at imbis umihi na lamang against the wall ay umihi ang mga ito against a pink wall. Ganoon pa rin. From a cruder practise (the wall) to a government sponsored cruder practise (the pink elephant wall).

Manila Travelogue

2009-11-28T20:33:00.006-06:00

I finally recovered from my jetlag and slowly packed the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner. This particular Thanksgiving celebration took a backseat as far as excitement and kwentos are concerned since everyone was more interested with my stories about Manila than anything else.

I went through Quiapo and I am now on my way to Plaza Lawton. To the left is a picture taken of the other side of Quiapo towards Binondo. If I am not mistaken, one of the buildings standing is Feati University - Papa's Alma Mater. I was impressed with the QUiapo river. Malinis sa tingin ko at wala masyadong basura. Pero hindi ibig sabihin niyan na pwede uli maligo yong mga bata roon.
As the car goes through the bridge I had a good view of the Metropolitan Theatre. Kalunos-lunos ang lagay nito. This is one building that could have been rehabbed or restored. I had the chance of watching a play in this theatre from way back then. There were restoration plans then - I guess these never pushed through.
Umabot na kami sa Lawton and namangha ako sa Post Office Building at ito ay na-maintain ng pamahalaan. I was once a reviewer of the Performance Appraisal System of this government entity. Dito na siguro ako nakakita at naka-meet ng napakaraming kartero.
It was almost noontime per the Big Ben of Manila - yong malaking relo sa City Hall.
Remember yong sa ilalim na daan ay pupunta sa Taft Ave at yong sa ibabaw na daan ay papunta sa Pier? I remember those days na matindi ang traffic dito since andiyan pa yong mga bus na papunta sa Laguna, yong mga jeep at yong mga Metro Aide na walang ginagawa kundi nakatayo lamang.
We are now at the heart of Manila noontime. I remember where I ate that day - Hizon's at Mabini. Masarap at malinamnam. More of that next entry.

Jetlag

2009-11-20T02:08:00.002-06:00

The trip back home from Manila was, as expected, very tiring. Here I am on a Friday 1:30 AM wide awake. I better make good use of my time so I am continuing my writing on my short visit to the Philippines.
Before I left the U.S. I promised myself that all I would carry back with me going home will be a maximum of ONE check in luggage - THAT'S ALL.
On my last day in Manila, as I was packing my stuff, I begin to realize that aside from my hand carry bag I have TWO humongous maletas ( borrowed from Erich & Cecil) packed with tupigs, Boy Bawangs, queso de bola, Philippine Tatler Magazines, books, Salazar Bakery original hopia, ube jam from Good Shepherd in Baguio, ensaymada melts, pieces of clothes and 3 lbs of canned cooked longganiza Alaminos.
Imbagak pay-yen idta balay mi nga adda longganiza nga awit ko. Dinner was ready then upon my arrival.
LAX was my port of entry. I did all of the right things. I declared all of my food and non-food stuffs. Alas and behold - the Customs people seized my longganisa. Bawal kano ta baboy - no manok nano ket mabalin. No amount of charm or exchange of news on Pacquiao worked. The longganisa would have to be enjoyed by another Filipino.
Jim was very disappointed. Erich added one small can of the Ulam King brand of lechon paksiw in one of my bags. Nakalusot ito. But what is it compared to the garlicky longganisa which can be crispy when fried tostado? Dont' forget the suka for sawsawan and the fried rice with chopped green onions.

More on Manila and Quezon City

2009-11-16T15:59:00.006-06:00

I am on my last day here in the Philippines. So far I have posted less than five blog entries. I will complain about the speed of their broadband wireless - that will be my primary excuse. The real reason though is I have been spending so much time just gallivanting and eating (I had the best turon yesterday from an ambulant vendor) by the time I get back home time to re-charge my camera. Here are some more pics though.
In my two weeks of stay here I have visited the Sto. Domingo Church twice on a Monday. No, not to reminisce Mar Roxas-Korina Sanchez wedding, but just to hear mass and listen to the hollow drone of the priest. I had this wish then of being married at Sto. Domingo Church. Ang haba ng pwedeng pag-march-han on the way to the altar. Enough time to show off your gown and to mag-muni-muni kung talagang payag ako to commit for better or for worst (joke only tatay).
Both Manila and Quezon City never got rid of the squatters problem. Pagpasok pa lang sa Congressional Ave sa may bridge are makeshift homes or dampa. According to Jojo, my ever faithful alalay, these people used to live under the bridge. Nang tumaas ang tubig due to Ondoy, kailangang i-likas ang mga ito. The problem was, these people literally sat/squatted on the closest high ground which was over the bridge.
The sad part is the whole situation is being capitalized on by both the squatting people and the politician wannabe(s). Remember 2010 is election time. Nagkalat na naman ang mga nanghihingi ng boto and these hapless(?) people both get to manipulate and be manipulated. By the way, what's up with Edu Manzano for Vice-President?

This is another part of Quezon City - San Francisco Del Monte. Umapaw din ang tubig rito. As usual, may mga shanties din sa ilalim ng tulay. The people left temporarily at ang mga ito ay nag-sibalikan din. I used to pass by this bridge on the way to and from school at Siena College during my grade school days. Dati-rati, medyo malinis-linis pa ang tubig na dumadaloy sa ilalim ng tulay at walng taong tumitira rito. Ngayon, only a portion of the river can even be called a river. The whole area is packed with basura.

Depressing to the max ika nga. Pero, typical Pinoy. Hahanap ng katawa-tawa para medyo matakpan ang lungkot. I saw this taxi cab on the street. Take a look at its number - 555. Parang marka ng sardinas na 555. Tama nga- ang taxi na ito ay sing-tibay ng latang sardinas. Akmang-akma ang numero niya to describe its cosmetic semblance with the 555 sardines.

The Haunts of Manila

2009-11-15T18:35:00.008-06:00

Ang Pinoy ay matibay at matatag. I visited Quiapo just to see how this place is after the attack of Ondoy. Surprisingly, the theme was very Christmas. Central Market has its parols all over the place. This Market was the place to shop for the cotton panties and other underwear when we were younger.

It was business as usual for everybody - parang walang nangyari. The vendors are busy hawking their Christmas decorations. Close to Central Market was Beny's Beauty Salon. This was the in place then to get a hair trim - hindi pa uso ang salitang make-over noon.

Further down the road is the road to Quiapo. According to Erich, during the height of Ondoy, bahang-baha raw ang underpass - across the FEU. I remember Cinerama to the right and the series of the usual Quiapo stores na madalas ko daanan then.
The pictures are a little bit dark since these were taken inside the tinted car. Narigat itti sumardeng tapno agpalitrato. The traffice was horrendous and the smog - forget it.

We passed by the famed Quiapo Church. According to anecdotes, miracles are granted when prayed for in this church. The irony of it all, just outside the church are the ambulant peddlers. All of the "magic herbs" are just outside the church - from pampalaglag, pamparegla, pampagaling ng sakit na ano man, are all offered here. The dividng line between miracles and magics become blurred.
Right beside the Quiapo Church is the Plaza Miranda. This was the site of many political rallies and the famed Plaza Miranda bombing. The Plaza is now a rendezvous where everybody from all walks of life just spend their time. Another irony, only in the Philippines - the very close relationship of the Church and the State - ang simbahan at ang entablado ng Plaza Miranda.

More Favorite Things....

2009-11-14T08:11:00.008-06:00

La Loma in Quezon City is not just known for the cemetery but for its La Loma Lechon. The jeepneys plying the route of Dimasalang going to Quiapo or Central Market usually pass by La Loma and this picture is a site to behold. Ginagarak nga pasyaren daytoy nga lugar ta kayat ko makakita itti lechon nga kalutluto. The skin was gleaming and shiny with parts of it cracked and obviously very crispy. The monoxide emitted by the jeeps together with the dust and the rest of the foreign bodies and things did not deter the buyers of the lechon. I will have my fill of this hog in due time.

Next filling station was a small resto at SM (what's a trip to the Phil. without a visit(s) to SM Shoemart - we've got it all) called Razon's. They pride themselves with the magic touch of a Kapangpangan on food.

The pancit luglug served did not fail me - or maybe I was just really hungry for the pancit. The taste brought me back to the childhood birthday parties that I usually attend. The hostess always made sure that malutong ang chicharon for topping and the shrimps were not overly cooked. Last, the ever loyal halo-halo. This halo-halo specifically failed me on expectations rating. It indeed had the leche flan but it did not have any ube. Besides, walang pinipig and the other "sahogs" were not very colorful as I want my halo-halo mix to be. I know where to go for the real halo-halo next time.

These are a few of my favorite things.....

2009-11-12T03:56:00.004-06:00

Erich and I went to the drove up to the kanto to re-visit a favorite haunt of ours - the Palma's Bakery. This particular bakery was known for its pandesal. They also have another specialty - the BarBQue on a stick.

We both sat in front of the mag-ba-bar-B-que to savor the smell and whet our appetite. I tried to make timpla the marinade at home to re-create the smell and taste of the Pinoy Bar-B-Que. Sabali latta itti raman ken angot na no naluto idtoy kanto. Maybe it is the electric fan that helps circulate the smell? maybe it is the ambiance created by the Pinoy atmosphere? never the less, this bar-b-que is one of my favorite things.

For Starters...

2009-11-11T15:32:00.005-06:00

Breakfast has never been so good. Fried rice has never tasted the same. Definitely, longganisa from Alaminos remains to be number 1 for me.
This longganisa has its distinct garlicky taste. The kind that I had this morning was less fatty & more "malaman". It was fried to a crisp ken maisawsaw itti suka. Naimas nga talaga.
The fat that was drained from the longganisa is used for the fried rice. Naimas nga talaga-talaga.
I do not know how many is left of Mama's longganisa but a dozen was fried this morning and Mokong ate two, Erich ate one ( not by choice actually, but by necessity) and the rest was mine to savor. Bon appetit.

Manila..Manila

2009-11-06T17:38:00.003-06:00

Imade the very tiring trip to Manila last Tuesday to be with my family for Mama's 80th celebration. It was a protracted surprise - too arduous to explain but i will try later on.
At any rate I took the early AM flight from St. Louis to LAX. Believe or not naka-first class ako (salamat Ramil). Iba talaga kung malambot ang upuan & masarap ang pagkain. I was on standby first class from LAX to Narita. Pero if luck is on your side talaga naman. I did have a first class seat for the long haul.
Tutuo yong sinasabi na maluwag ang mga seats & these are all reclinable all the way para makatulog. My back was very comfortable most part of the way & I didn't have any difficulty with my knees positioned.
Masarap ang pagkain, masarap ang malamig na Bloody Mary & the champaigne was bubbly. Papa would have been so glad to sit in first class if only for these spirits.
The ride from Tokyo to MLA was mediocre. Nang magbukas ang pintuan upon arrival, the damp air was mixed with the "burak" smell together with the diesel filtered through my nose.
Customs and Immigration were no issues. I sailed through with no difficulty - no Merry Christmas greetings. While I waited down the waiting area - napakaraming mga tao waiting for their loved ones - I observed with enthusiasm the Pinoy practises we have been used to. Amin nga ka-kab-balay ket addda idiay airport nga sumabet. Mano ngata nga sigarilyo ken M&M candies itti mai-padawat kanya da?
The Jolibee billboard was beckoning with its picture of halo-halo right smack in my face. I was making my mental agenda on the following menu that I am ready to dig in.
Saan ak pay nga makaturog but I am beginning to feel tired.
Welcome home...

She's 80

2009-10-30T21:09:00.003-05:00

The 5th of November will be another milestone for her. She has outlived a lot of her cohorts. She also has maintained a keen disposition and her memory is still sharp as ever.
She remains very active in all the activities close to her heart. Beware - she can still carry on a good debate.
Mama might have slowed down & saan unay nga naparagsit no magna. Ngem saan latta nga nagbaliw itti pinagpanpanunot na.
Few can claim to have aged gracefully. She can.

Deception Pass and Seattle

2009-10-17T10:42:00.006-05:00

On the way out of Oak Harbor is A "next to heaven" place called Deception Pass. It provides a magnificent view of the body of water enclosed by mountains. One has to cross a bridge to go from point A to point B.

On the way back to Seattle, we made a pit stop at Edmonds to visit Auntie Marilyn & drop by her share of pancit from Auntie Consuelo. Belated Happy Birthday Auntie.
This was the first time she would see AJ.

The traffic was not bad on the way back to Seattle. AJ has a high school classmate based in Seattle. They planned on having dinner that night after we gave him some more tour of downtown Seattle.
What is Seattle without the Space Needle?

Above are four views of the Space Needle in all of its splendor.

The Alaskan Way is a harbor where different restaurants abound. The salty smell emanates - reminds me so much of the early mornings at Sabangan. The sunsets are poscard material but not as breathtaking as our very own Manila Bay sunset.

Last, STARBUCKS. This coffee company has its origins in Seattle. We went to the original Starbucks cafe at the market. My hand is not very steady to capture in picture the original logo. If anyone can cite the difference between this original Starbucks logo and the present day Starbucks logo is indeed very meticulous with a keen eye for details.

2009-10-14T12:44:00.004-05:00

Ondoy and Pepeng lashed out all its might bringing our country, Philippines, down to her knees.
Be it back home or in far away New Zealand, all were affected one way or the other. We did our own way of extending our helping hand. I am sure until now we are still gathering relief goods ( in kind, in money, or in prayers) to send back home. Funny, but disasters bring the best and the worst in all of us.
To veer away from Ondoy - we flew back to Seattle - Jim, AJ and I. AJ wanted to see the beauty of Seattle. He had a one week break after a gruelling exam week.
As always, we took the early evening flight out from St. Louis & got to Oak Harbor close to midnight. Auntie Consuelo was waiting for us. She was glued to the TFC channel for Pinoy weather updates.
We all exchanged hometown balitas while chowing down pancit prepared by Auntie. Naibos dayti pancit ngem saan nga naibos itti pagsasaritaan. The weekend was planned. The next day Saturday, will be Vancouver trip day.
Early risers are we (kasanno met ket west coast time met itti clock mi while we were in the northwest). Nakadigos ni Uncle Hector - ready to go kuna na. We toured AJ around Oak Harbor & this is what he saw.

It was the same scene that James loved then when he first saw it. Both boys loved the ocean indeed.
We planned on having lunch at Chinatown in Vancouver. We ate in an ordinary Chinese restaurant that probably served the best Chinese food. Kent's - that's what it was called. Pumila itti mayat nga mangan. Kayat ni Uncle Hector ket i-awid mi dagiti nabati nga sida mi; lalo na the meat with ampalaya.

After lunch off we went to market in search of the sought after fruit - guess what.

That was the prize catch for the afternoon - lanzones and atis. We knew that we will never make it back to the US with these forbidden fruits. Auntie Consuelo will not let go of the lanzones- so will AJ & Jim.
The solution?

We all sat it out in a mini-park just before the US border. The temperature was kind of cool to cold but the lure of the lanzones was just too hard to say no to. Nasam-it met nga talaga (ken apo - naka-ngin-ngina). It just brought our taste buds a little bit closer to home.
Next entry - the city of Seattle.

First Shipment

2009-09-23T22:11:00.005-05:00

The first mini-Balikbayan box bound for Riom, France is leaving Rolla tomorrow.
In it are goodies consisting of pancit canton, pancit guisado and pancit malabon (all ramen style). Packets of nuts of different kinds, beef jerky,and his favorite candies. The SOS came in today via Skype. Please send MARAMING pancit canton - that was the request.
Nauma siguro itti bread, cheese and vegetable pies. He has not had his fill of rice and ulam for so long. If only the longganiza, tocino and tapa can be sent via priority mail together with the rice cooker.
On the other hand, he is starting to make friends. He rides a bike to go to church every Sunday. He takes the train to go to school every morning. He is starting to adapt.
James is definitely growing up. Shown below is a picture of him with Kuya tinkering with their bikes.

The Sisons From Ontario, California

2009-09-13T20:52:00.007-05:00

Iwrote a lot about Uncle Tony. He is the only living sibling of my father. He saw all of us grow up and he is still overseeing us as we grow old. He is Cecil's ninong.
She and Jim went to California to visit the Sison(s) from Ontario. A long awaited overdue reunion occurred. Zhivago was able to take some time off.

They all had dinner at a restaurant - unfortunately it is not Max's (my opinion only since Max's is my favorite hands down).The cousins got re-acquainted and it just seemed that there was just so much to update. There was no balking (bain-bain) or uneasiness. The cousins just hit it out right there and then - the Sison in them I am sure. Very BFF - Best Friends Forever.

The newest addition to the family blended in real well - Partana, wife of Apollo.

Here are the two sons of Uncle Tony & Auntie Flor - Zhivago and Apollo.

Another shot of the BFFs...

The Chinese Sison

2009-09-10T22:16:00.004-05:00

He is for real - He is IT. The Real Chinese Sison.
He is Angel Abraham Y. Sison - An or Mokong. He is my brother Erich & Becky's only son. He just won 2nd place in a writing contest among all schools in Quezon City. That is a feat - not even his father can beat. We are all proud of him.
He indeed has a knack for writing. He is also a pianist ( mana sa tiya ). He inherited the piano at Project 8.
Some good genes just get passed along the inheritance line.
He celebrates his birthday on 9/11.

Au Revoir Rolla - Bonjour Riom

2009-09-08T21:26:00.003-05:00

It has almost been two weeks now that James has left for France. We received one phone call from him informing us that he arrived safely and the new country he is in is just BEAUTIFUL.

I also got a Skype call from his host mother. James ia a fine young man - according to her. I should know better.
So far, everything is going well. The less phonecalls and emails we receive, the safer to assume he is in for a fun ride. I've probably sent eight emails and six of these were unanswered.
The laptop stays right beside me at night turned on with Skype running the whole time. He might call - I muttered under my breath. He might need something very urgent - I rationalize my action.
He left with our prayers and thoughts and all of the wishes of " have a good time and be safe". Our social butterfly has flown the coop.

Spreading One's Wings and Fly

2009-08-23T18:34:00.002-05:00

First it was AJ's move from D.C. that I keep complaining about. Then the preparation of the house that he was supposed to stay. Our whole summer was just eaten up by these chores. No rest for the wicked.
Now it is James' turn. He leaves on Tuesday for France. Our whole abode has just been turned upside down for this next preparation. Cecil has been preparing his wardrobe & stuff. How many ramen noodles do we have to pack to satisfy his needs when there is no rice to calm his cravings?
He flies out of St. Louis Missouri on Tuesday at 3pm with a quick connection at Chicago then off he goes to Charles De Gaulle France airport. Is he scared? Doesn't look like it - more like giddy? excited?
Erich, who is in Beijing, was on Skype with the two boys. He gave them tips to live by ( more so like kalokohan i think). Jim & I are more of the scared parents. Kasannon nayen no mapukkaw isso na. Kassannon nayen no ma -kidnap ngata.
I think he will be alright. I think he will survive. I think ( heaven forbid) he will enjoy and have a good time.
That is a year without parental supervision. Kasannon aya? I go back to what AJ told us the very start of all of these growing up journeys -

Just trust the way you brought us up

Kasdiyay nga talaga itti biyag.

Amazing... Simply Amazing

2009-08-19T20:18:00.002-05:00

One of the most viewed posts in this blog is the write-up on the Natino-Rosete Beginnings. Below is a comment I received last night. Leah Natino Kottke was commenting on the write-up and the short genealogy trace that Uncle Renato contributed to the Natino lineage. I say amazing..simply amazing. The world is indeed getting smaller and a relation is just a mouse click away.

You are amazing. Lolo Ramon Sr. was employed in Malacanang. Ramon Jr. is my dad.

Leah Natino. Kottke

White Coat Ceremony - 02 August 2009

2009-08-06T22:47:00.002-05:00

The White Coat Ceremony marks a milestone in the education of a medical student. Each student is given a traditional white coat - the symbol of the medical clinician and scientist. The presentation of coats by the Dean Of The School of Medicine formally welcomes the newest class of medical students.

You will forever remember today as the first time you wore your white coat - a symbol of the medical profession.

I would like to share with you some of the pictures taken during AJ's White Coat Ceremony. Jim, James,Tita Cecil, and I are so very proud of his accomplishments. We are all behind him all the way. Here we go again - I should say. How many adobos ken arroz caldos will we be preparing again to nourish him? How many masses and novena prayers will be said especially on examination week?

It is a never ending journey for all of us - all we are hoping that it gets less bumpy along the way. We are up for the challenge ( mannen!!). You all can join us for the ride.

This particular Sunday marks the start of another long journey towards the attainment of another goal - to be the next
Dr. Angel Jaime Sison Enciso.

Washington D.C. Trek

2009-07-21T21:07:00.012-05:00

Jim and I made the long journey to Washington DC parbangon itti Thursday 16 July. AJ wanted to show us his "world" for two years. He loved DC that he insisted that we visit the place before he finally say his good-bye.
The drive itself was smooth. Mapaka-kittang laeng for it was 14 hours of mostly "sitting activities" - jingle lang ang pahinga.
Below is the picture of the two story house. In here lived three young men who have been college friends. AJ occupied the basement. Cecil called it the batcave. The rent was exorbitantly espensive - $2100 a month.

The house is, well, as one would expect it to be. Neatness was a given option. Naungtan ni Cecil since she started to tidy up the kitchen & AJ will have nothing of it.
He toured us around Chavez Charter School where he taught Science subjects to high school students. The school was located in the less than wealthy side of town. He related to us that the teachers were escorted by policemen to the train stop every dismissal to make sure they boarded the trains safely.
We also got to see George Washington University Hospital wherein he worked in the Opthalmology Clinics. He actually brought James there for a refraction test. The older brother showed the younger brother the place.
The Georgetown University was situated amidst the rich enclaves. According to AJ the people from Georgetown refused to allow the public transportation train access to their domain for fear that Georgetown will be inhabited by the common tao.

We visited the Cathedrals and the St. Matthew's Church. These are grand edifices of worship but our own Basilica of St. Louis still is the magnificent one.

What is a visit to Washington DC without a postcard picture infront of the White House? That is exactly what Cecil & I did - tough luck Obama was not home.

Our last stop was the food goodies. We spent Saturday noon at the wet marketplace savoring their, you guess it right, raw oysters. Nalaing nga agkilaw dagitoy nga lalaki. They devoured on the oysters seasoned with tabasco sauce.

Actually, I've been to Washington DC before. I've seen these places and more. These scenarios were not new to me anymore. What was overwhelming was the fact that this time around, my son was giving me the tour. He was the one holding my hand and leading me on. That used to be my job as a mother.

The Chinese Sison

2009-07-15T22:03:00.003-05:00

I have not been writing much for I have been preoccupied with a lot of pressing things. If ranked on importance, these "things" will all be there at number 1. But these will all be another story telling a lie later on. In the meantime, before I finally hit the sack, let me update you on a Sison na mukhang Intsik na malapit nang maging Intsik.

My brother, Angel Erich, is in Beijing, China again. Mukhang bilib na bilib sila sa kanya na he gets invited to be one of their participants every year. He is one of the few Pilipino doctors who practise traditional Chinese medicine. I can attest to the effectivity of this for I have been "acupunctured" for back pains last trip back home.
He sent me his latest Beijing pics and these I am sharing with you. You all be the judge.

Meet The Brit

2009-07-15T08:44:00.003-05:00

His name is Daniel Lane. He came to Missouri to meet and visit the Enciso Family. We brought him to St. Louis downtown to spend the 4th of July right by the arch.
He got introduced to certain Filipino food and idiosyncracies. He witnessed how fast paced our lifestyle is, he even offered to help out water the plants. He is simple, very easy to please. He is my sister's husband.

James asked him ( in Papa's tone jokingly )

You want to learn Tagalog? Bas-sit laeng?

Of course, that required a lot of translation and explanation so as not to lose the "funniness" of the joke.

Learner's Permit

2009-06-15T08:05:00.003-05:00

The beauty of computers and technology has been so appreciated since transfer of communication is almost instantaneous. Just like thoughts and memories that one would want to keep, treasure and reminisce - the laptop is the diary. I could instantly write my recollections (before my memory fails) and share it to one and sundry.
Last Friday was a big day for James, our 16 yr old. He received his learner's permit to drive. When the dotted line was signed by the father,guardian, both of them walked towards the car.
The funny thing was - James was walking towards the driver's seat and simply assumed he was taking over to drive back home. Nag-unget iddi saan nga napalubusan nga ag-maneho. Isso ngarud nga learner's permit - kuna da.
I look back how it was when I was 16 and how it was when I started to drive. The volkswagen beetle was the starting point and Papa was the instructor. I got no learner's permit - I have the real thing, a driver's license.
It was easier to drive in Manila then. Saan nga matiliw itti pulis. It is a different story here in the States. James would just have to hone his expertise in driving before the keys are finally surrendered to him. Then the parents' nightmare begins.

Happy Birthday Estong

2009-06-12T15:21:00.003-05:00

She is the artist - She can create anything from scratch and make the room light up. She is a ballet dancer. She knows how to clothe a mannequin. She has a mean eye behind the camera.

She took after the Rosete - She with the natural curl ( a telling Rosete trait ) and the stiff lip ( suplada ) characteristic.

She has a different way with people - she can be democratic and dance with the music yet stern and "natangken ti ulo na".

She is a big fan of Boy Mondragon. Kunwari "Rocker" daw siya kasi fan siya ng Maria Cafra and Howlin Dave. Indeed we commune on DZRJ - The Rock Of Manila.

Among the Three of Us Siblings siya ang hindi pwede maka - UP. Pero among the three of us siblings, she has the practical mind - especially in finances.

She is the best friend of Manuela and the favorite of Papa.

Today is her special day. I will not tell you how young she is - for that is tantamount to admit that I am also getting there - age wise. Enough to say that she is her own person and has carved out a distinct personality.
Happy Birthday Estong.

Sister Mary Piedad

2009-06-03T21:10:00.002-05:00

I received a letter together with stampitas from Sister Mary Piedad - Lola Ping Natino. She is informing us and everyone through us that she is being transferred to Philadelphia this June. She is scheduled to leave St. Louis 5 June. Here is her address:

Convent Of Divine Love
2212 Green Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130-3197
(215) - 5670123

She will be leaving St. Louis MO. after almost 20 years of stay here. That's how long we've been here in Missouri too.

And I quote from her letter -

Write to me once in a while with news about the family. Praise God for your faith. Keep it alive! Never miss your Sunday Holy Mass and Holy Communion.

Parenting

2009-05-26T12:10:00.003-05:00

The early signs of summer has arrived. The first holiday of the year has just passed by - Memorial Weekend.
I look forward to these days since ibig sabihin that's another extra day of no toil - no work.
This week end was just different from those lazy days. Jim & I packed up to spend the weekend in Columbia, Missouri a good two hours drive from Rolla. Awit min itti rementas ken cooler together with a thicker comforter, kumot ken unan.
AJ will be attending the University of Missouri Columbia College of Medicine this fall. He is still at George Washington University Hospital serving his contract which is to end July. The parents are always here to serve. What do we do to help him out? Off we go to prepare his place to stay while there is time.
Who says children are free and on their own at age 18? When do we cut the umbilical cord that binds the children to the parents? Never. We will always be parents ( in all of its meaning and context).
Napan kami nga duwa idiay Columbia. Sinukatan mi itti carpet to bamboo wood. Anya itti makunam - sumakit nga tumeng, siket, shoulders and every joint of our bodies. Jim & I decided to do it ourselves to save on labor primarily and to to learn these jobs secondarily.
Laying down the floor was not that difficult per se. Ripping the old carpet together with its backer, removing the staples etc etc was the hard work. To top it all, we both slept on the wood for we do not have any furniture yet. This is not easy on the back.
I am sure this will not be one of the few trips we will be making to Columbia. This is just the start of those weekend journeys we will make. I am sure we will go through the same cycle again just like when he was in College.
Agluto kami itti adobo ken maduma-duma pay nga sida ken makan just to save him time. We will be there as his support - his rahrah team especially on those midterms and finals. Rest assured we will be there.

Chicago Weekend

2009-05-18T19:34:00.005-05:00

Ang buong tropa ng mga taga-Rolla Missouri ay bumiyahe papuntang Chicago this past weekend. We all planned to watch the Divas 4 Divas show. The Divas were Kuh Ledesma, ZsaZsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez & Pops Fernandez.
Since it was weekend the group decided to meet up for an early lunch tapos nagkanya-kanyang lakad na with the finale to meet at the concert place Saturday night.
Jim & I planned our route. I called Auntie Nieva & told her na kung may time pa - we'll see her Sunday AM. She is our frequent hotel concierge everytime we go to Chicago.
I called Boyting Sison - Uncle Gening & Auntie Auring's son. We drove up to their place at Niles so we can visit with them kahit sandali. The family together with the lolo & lola prepared guinataan & kankanen.
The food became secondary (not with Jim though since he really liked native delicacies). We caught up with the balitas on how we have been coping up with life. Napag-tung-tungan mi amin nga childhood memories idiay Agno. Saan nga maibusan itti istorya.
He is now a practising physician at a hospital at Pekin - close to Peoria. Matiyaga siya. Boy would pack his bags together with a cooler full of cooked food to last him for a week.
Agbiyahe iso na nga agpa-Peoria which is 3 hours from Niles. He will stay there for a week and drive back home on Friday. This will not be a bad drive during summer. What about winter?
May, the wife, on the other hand, is a nurse. The two children are now attending the Catholic school close by.
The next day, Sunday, I met up with another childhood friend from Project 7. We had breakfast ( or was it close to lunch). We also reminisced our growing up years and how life has treated us here in the US. The food was good. Binaon pa namin ang marami.
The drive back to Rolla was not too bad at all. Jim & I continued to talk about the mini-reunions.
Did I forget to tell you - we made it to the concert. Hindi kinanta ni ZsaZsa ang favorite song ko - Kahit Na.

Below are pictures of Boyting & Family:

Bagyo Emong in Agno

2009-05-11T08:08:00.001-05:00

I borrowed this link from the Agno Pangasinan website. These pictures were taken by Baby Nora Nano - Emong's wrath in Agno.
http://picasaweb.google.com/noranano/WhatEmongDidToAgno?feat=email#

The Different Faces Of A NANAY

2009-05-10T11:34:00.001-05:00

Maligayang Bati Sa mga Nanay

2009-05-06T20:05:00.007-05:00

The different faces of Manang Biday as featured in this blog were meant as a tribute to the older or younger Manangs.
These Manangs were and all Mothers - in different ways. Most of them raised families thus making them - "dakilang nanays". The other Manangs were also mothers - mothers to whoever would look up to them for guidance, advice, compassion, companionship or for a good meal on most days.
We all have our own "Nanay" tales and we have shared some of these to each other. I will try to post the different faces and moods of these Nanays. Let me begin with our ancestors -

No Duaduaem Pay.mp3 -

The Boys

2009-04-23T22:05:00.002-05:00

These pictures are a sequel to the Letter I posted yesterday. I just want to show you how both of them were so many years ago and where they are now.

(L) picture is James with the younger cousin Mokong in Manila. James was 2 yrs old then. (R) picture is AJ with Papa & Mama taken in Manila. AJ must be 3 yrs old then.

AJ & James 2007; AJ & James taken at Beijing, China 2008

2009-04-22T19:56:00.003-05:00

James will have his confirmation this May 2009. He chose to have his Kuya AJ as his Sponsor - Ninong.
As part of the process, the Sponsor had to write a letter to the Confirmandi. I took the liberty of sharing that letter to you. I probably will get in trouble one of these days and get sued for HIPAA ( by James?). The letter gives you a glimpse of the relationship of these two brothers. How time flies - how both of them matured. AJ did fit in the shoes of a Kuya to James.

54th

2009-04-15T20:55:00.003-05:00

For better or for worst
In sickness and in health
Til Death Do Us Part...

We reminisce.. no we commemorate..instead we celebrate. We continue to count the years that could have added to the union. We had the 50th last 2006. Now we have the 54th.
Why celebrate when Papa is not physically present? Because Papa & Mama are like two peas in a pod. Without one of each, the set up is not complete. Besides, the stories ceased to be funny or the ambience is never the same when the reference is just on the other half.
It is in this thought that I toast the 54th - good years filled with memories that I will continue to reminisce.

Anniversary Waltz - Andre Rieu & The Johann Strauss Orchestra

Nangina Nga Aldaw - Biyernes Santo

2009-04-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

Could be the holiest and most solemn among the Nangina Nga Aldaw Days. Nakapudpudot idiay Laud - or was it really the Divine Hand making His presence felt?
The afternoon prusisyon was always an event to behold then. The families in Agno had their own heirlooms of Santo nga maayusan ken mapadaitan itti bado da. I remember Mama having her mang-dada-it make some clothes for the "scourgers at the pillar". These were "santos" nga mailibot no Biyernes Santo.
I also remember Auntie Juling Nacion Buqing. Taga-Bassit isso da. Adda kanyada dayti Santo Bangkay. The taga-Dakkel ken Taga-bassit nga simba-an ket adda kanya-kanya da nga libot. The Santo Bangkay will be so adorned with flowers and behind the "karo" would be the devotees.
Nakatap-tapok iddi no libot. Saan pay nga na-ispalto dayti dalan. Saka-saka, naka-swikos, naka- sinelas wenno naka sapatos dagiti umay maki-libot. Mangrugi idiay daya aggapo idiay simba-an mapan agpa-laud.
The homes where the "libot" usually passes have candles lit by the window. The procession is as solemn as it can get.
The "meatless days" are getting shorter. Next stop - Domingo Sa-bet.
Dios itti Agngina -

Nangina Nga Aldaw - Huwebes Santo

2009-04-09T21:17:00.002-05:00

By this day, Maunday Thursday, Manila is transformed into a ghost town. There is almost no traffic to speak of and the roads are empty of pedestrians. The SM mall might have some souls loitering but the rest of the population might be somewhere else having fun.
The radio stations are playing slow music and radio commercials are just toned down. Charlton Heston might be a fixture in television - him being Moses in one of the movies.
Food wise, diba bawal ang karne? The galunggongs and sinigangs together with the sardines become the staples. My son James, really feels the "fasting" at home. We go totally meatless from Holy Thursday to Black Saturday, aside of course from the regular Fridays during Lent. He feels so deprived of food every mealtime. Ang feeling niya, para siyang manghihina for lack of meat in his diet.
Our kapitbahay nearby would be holding the "pasyon" in their living room. I never paid much attention to this particular Lenten practise for I did not understand the whole method. On hindsight, I should have at least taken some time observing it instead of just coming into conclusion na puro sintunadong kanta lang ang mga ito.
Tomorrow - Biyernes Santo...

Nangina Nga Aldaw - Domingo De Ramos

2009-04-08T16:27:00.003-05:00

Domingo De Ramos iddi malpas nga agpintura da Papa ti kalasugan idiay balay idiay Project 8. Agsagsagana kami nga agawid agpa-Agno ken Burgos ta maki-mangina nga aldaw idiay.
Malemmen ken nakaluto ni Mama itti pang-rabi-i. Pagdigussen na ni Papa tapno makasukatten. Pinunasan ni Papa dagiti pintura nga nailamla-mit idiay bag-bagi na - naka-ussob pay met isso na.
Nakita na siguro dagitti bassit nga pupu-uran nga nagango nga mula da kenni Mama. Everything was fast. We just knew his upper extremities was in flames. There was no time to even think. Mama was very systematic. I am very sure she was breaking inside.
I can not remember how we rushed him to the National Orthopedic Hospital. By the time we brought him up to the Operating Room the rest of the crew Doctors were waiting.
Mama was beside him all along assisting the Doctor Friends. Papa was lucky. Presence of minds prevailed. Our nangina nga aldaw trip was totally aborted. We all spent those days alternating being personal nurses of Mr. Burns - aka Bert Sison.

Kababayan Ko Yan....

2009-03-18T20:26:00.002-05:00

This story was lifted from another blog. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sa mga hindi ba nababasa si Mario Dimayuga, enjoy it. Sa nakakakilala sa kanya - enjoy ninyo siya ulit.

Bill Gates organized an enormous session to recruit a new chairman for Microsoft Europe.
5000 candidates assembled in a large room.
One candidate was MARIO DIMAYUGA.
Bill Gates: "Thank you for coming. We'll do this by process of elimination to speed up the process. Those who do not know JAVA may leave."
2,000 people left the room.
MARIO said to himself, "Naku! I do not know JAVA but I have nothing to lose if I stay. I'll give it a try."
Bill Gates: "Candidates with no experience managing more than 1000 employees may leave."
2000 people left the room.
Mario said to himself, "Lagot! I never managed anybody but myself but I'm staying. What could happen to me?"
Bill Gates: "Candidates without management diplomas may leave."
500 people left the room.
Mario said to himself, "Asus! I never even graduated, but what have I got to lose?"
So he stayed.
Lastly, Bill Gates asked candidates who did not speak Serbo-Croat to leave.
498 people left the room.
Mario says to himself, "Patay! Ano yon??? But I've gotten this far, I have to stay on."
So he stayed and found himself standing with only one other candidate in the room. Everyone else had eliminated themselves.
Bill Gates joined both candidates and said: "Apparently you two are the only candidates with terrific management skills speaking Serbo-Croat, so I'd now like to hear you converse in that language."
Calmly, Mario turned to the other candidate and said, "Kumusta ka, pare ko"
Without batting an eyelash, the other candidate replied, "Mabuti naman. Ikaw?

Sa Mga Gustong Makaalala...

2009-03-15T09:44:00.002-05:00

Tiya Dely.mp3 -

Before the advent of television, the radio was the king. Alas tres ng hapon, maalala ko si Ate Volet, my very loyal yaya, listening to this radio station habang namamalantsa. Napakarami sigurong sawing palad ang natulungan ni Tiya Dely via her radio advices.
She was an icon every listener looked up to. She had all the answers and solutions to every problem. Walang hindi pwedeng malutas - sabi niya.
She passed on, if I am not mistaken, last years old. So many years of services - so many wisdom imparted.

Ang Inyong Lingkod.......

Ano ang Tinatawag Na Stay - IN noong 70s

2009-03-14T16:32:00.004-05:00

How was the social life then nang bumaba ang proklamasyon ng 1081 aka Martial Law? CURFEW!!! Lahat ng tao ay dapat nasa loob ng bahay pagpatak ng 12:00 ng hatinggabi. Pag ikaw ay inabutan ng curfew sa daan dadamputin ka ng mga may kapangyarihan at dadalhin sa Crame. Marami ang ipagagawa sa iyo; isa na ang pagtatabas ng damo sa loob ng kampo.
So how was the social life then? Tuloy pa rin ang mga parties ngunit nauso ang tinatawag na stay-in.
Alam nating lahat na ang party ay umiinit pa lang ng bandang 10:00 ng gabi. Nauumpisahan pa lang patugtugin ang O Ye Como Va ng Santana at hindi pa umaabot sa McArthur's Park ang sweet songs. Yong mga gwapo ay nagsisidatingan pa lamang. Who would want to miss the "happening" then?
Kaya nauso ang "stay-in". People will stay until the curfew is lifted at around 3:00 or 4:00 am. Tuloy-tuloy ang sayawan hanggang madaling araw. Unfortunately Papa and Mama never allowed us to "stay-in". The rule of the house: we have to be at the house gate at the latest 11:59 PM para pagbuksan ng pinto ni Papa. Otherwise, hindi kami papayagan maki-pagparty.
The streets of Manila were very barren on those hours. Walang maglalakas loob na gumala sa kalsada ng ganoong oras for the fine was too steep. Wala ring mag-babalot na nagtitinda sa kalye. Hindi ko na maalala kung anong oras ang last full show ng sinehan. Remember ang last full show ay 9:00PM kung saan kakantahin ang "Bayang Magiliw"?
Sabi ng mga statisticians ng NEDA the crime rate was down when the curfew was imposed. Sabi ng simbahan Katoliko, nagkaroon daw ng positibong epekto ang curfew for the people stayed home and the oneness of the family was revived.
Ewan ko - basta ang alam ko buhay na buhay ang mga disco houses at party goers noon dahil talagang inuumaga ang mga happenings.

Circa 70s ulit

2009-03-14T11:28:00.002-05:00

Sinisipag akong mag-blog ngayong umaga in the midst of labada and linis ( labadami - labango ). Sinisipag din akong mag-Tagalog for a change- a tribute to FrancisMagalona who just passed away (hindi kami magkasing-edad pero magkasing vibes ika nga. His sister Teresita or Popeye sa mga Maryknollers was a close schoolmate).
Noong panahon ng 70s ( how long was that actually ) ang mga taga-Maryknoll, Assumption, Teresiana (now Poveda) & St. Paul's ay may pa-aere na burgis. That sets them apart nga kasi in a not so nice way. There was a different manner the colloquial language was spoken. Thus the birth of the "kadiri to death" way of talking.
"Why naman, we're not going to make pasyal?" Yong mga ganoong tema ba. I plead guilty to that. If any of you is familiar with the "HotDog" group of the OPM days, these guys have a song Si Annie Batungbakal. /span>
Very typical of that era. Dennis ( I forgot his last name) captured the 70s era together with Rico Puno's Memories (namamasyal pa sa Luneta) fame.
The 70s have carved out a very unique niche culturally and politically. Siguro naging very innovative ang mga Pilipino dahil na rin sa tulak na gobyerno (naks - may nagawa pa lang mabuti ang martial law). One specific example would be the introduction of OPM - original Pilipino Music. Radio stations then were required to play at least one OPM per hour. Roll out the carpet for the likes of Heber Bartolome, Florante and the Apo Hiking Society.

The Way We Were (Ala-ala sa Luneta} - Rico J. Puno

Circa70s

2009-03-14T07:44:00.002-05:00

Maraming pwedeng isulat tungkol sa 70s. Sa katulad kong dumaan sa kainitan ng mga taong ito - masarap balikan ang mga magaganda, kalulunos-lunos (talagang Pilipino!!!!),nakakatindig balahibo at masasayang pinagdaanan.
Aside from McCoy and wife together with their children, mas marami pang mga interesting tao ang umikot sa mundo ng Pilipinas noon. Susubukan kong isalaysay sa inyo ang aking pwedeng maalala.
Pagka-graduate ko ng High School ay pinalad akong makapasok ng UP; 73-00725- that was my student number then. Kung baga, that was my SS# sa buong buhay ko sa UP. Nakakatawa pero that number stuck in my cerebral cortex at mukhang hindi ko makakalimutan.
Ang bungad papasok sa UP ay minamanmanan ng batas militar at lahat ng papasok sa compound ay kailangang may sticker o di kaya dadaan sa kanilang masusing pag check ng gamit.
Mama used to drive the volkswagen beetle to bring me to school before she goes to work at the National Orthopedic Hospital at Banawe Quezon City. Kung medyo mabagal bagal akong kumilos sa umaga ako'y kanyang iiwanan at mapipilitan akong sasakay ng JD bus- OO- yong pula na bus at naka-uniporme pa yong mga konductora.
AAkyat pa rin yong mga militar sa bus pag ito'y nasa bungad na ng UP. No one dare say anything that can court their ire or sa stockade ang bagsak mo.
Nagtataka ako noon kung bakit karamihan o baka silang lahat ng mga militar ay ilokano. Dapat nakipagkaibigan ako sa kanila - I speak the language of Ilokano. However I do not speak their ideology.
The Arts and Sciences building was also riddled with Military personnel. Nag-aantay na lang yang mga iyan ng dadamputin. During those times, marami nga ang dinampot. Hindi ko masabi kung saan dinala. The buzz word then was DG - discussion group. Ito baga yong mga informal teach-in na ginagawa sa mga bakanteng classroom, sa cafeteria o kahit na anong lugar na maaari mag-si-upo ang ilang interesado at mag-usap-usap o mag-palitan ng kuro-kuro.
In quiet times sa UP ang mga fraternity rumbles ang commercial breaks ng mga estudyante (read: reason na walang klase dahil nagbabatuhan ang mga bad frat boys sa AS building). In those military times, ang madalas manghinto ng klase ay ang mga rally.
Naging normal na takbuhin ng buhay sa UP ang mga rally. Masalimuot ang daigdig noon lalo na kung ang estudyante ay naghahabol ng graduation o mataas-taas na grado. One is torn between one's responsibility of staying in school at the same time with one's priority then as a young Pilipino student.
Mapusok ang mga kabataan noon - walang takot. I stayed in Diliman for two years after which I was at UP PGH at the Padre Faura complex. Hindi kasing init politically sa Padre Faura compared to the Diliman community. Dala siguro ng pressure ng pag-aaral that we all buckled down para harapin ang aming mga libro at cadavers.
On a lighter note - diba sabi nila ang mga UP ay scholar ng bayan? Nasabi yan dahil ang aming tuition fee ay kalakihan subsidized by the government. Malaki na ang 250 pesos na babayaran ko sa isang semestre. Aside of course ng ilang mga scholarships na pwede ma-avail. Isa na rito ang NSDB scholarship - NaSaDaddyAngBayad.
We were blessed I admit. Babalikan ko kaya yang parte ng buhay ko? In a heartbeat OO. Kaya nga hindi mapuknat-puknat sa isip ko; 73-00725.

Circa70s

2009-03-11T21:21:00.002-05:00

Bagong Pagsilang (Hymn of the New Society) - Bagong Lipunan Choral Ensemble, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Felipe Padilla de Leon

1972 - I was a Junior (3rd year High School) at Maryknoll College Katipunan. Marcos was the President then. September 21 1972 - he declared Martial Law. The "new" government wanted a total facelift - a new life and a new lipunan. This song came up which was constantly played to remind each and every Pilipino of the New Philippines. Several slogans came about - one of which was "Sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan, Disiplina Ang Kailangan".
There were anecdotes and stories (telling a lie) that circulated the campus circuit and the Camp Crame District. Ariel Ureta then was a popular good-looking TV personality. Siya yong counterpart ngayon ni Willie Revillame ng Wowowee ( di hamak naman na mas guwapo at may personality si Ariel Ureta). Ang kwento noon, sabi nila - Sabi raw ni Ariel Ureta sa TV,

" Sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan, bisikleta ang Kailangan."

Nagalit ang mga alipores ni General Ver (the most powerful man in the Military then), dinakip si Ariel Ureta at pinagbisikleta sa Camp Crame. Whether this was fact or fiction was never verified.
There were more stories that circulated during this 70's time. I lived those years lalo na noong papasok na ako sa UP - kainitan ng proklamasyon ng Martial Law.

Remember This From Way Back...

2009-03-11T20:58:00.003-05:00

This was one of our favorite commercials then. Papa enjoyed this too - so much so that when he was in a very jolly mood ( read: nakainom itti agua de pataranta) he can easily ape the lines of Cisco Oliver: What's dat mann?? Alaska mannnn!!!
Kayang kaya ni Papa yan to Mama's indignation. Mapikon ni Mama since Papa will constantly repeat those lines.
Cisco Oliver was a famous basketball import then. Naabutan ko pa siya.

Worth Listening...

2009-03-08T21:22:00.002-05:00

Mayat itti pinagkanta da isso nga ikabil ko idtoy tapno agdengngeg kayo.
They are the University of The Philippines Singing Ambassadors and the title of the song (in case nalipatan yon) is Ti Ayat Ti Maysa A Ubing. Inkayo agtimpla ti kape nga inumen while listening to this song.

Ti Ayat Ti Meysa Nga Ubing (Ilocano Love Song) - University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors

It's Nature's Way

2009-03-01T07:51:00.003-06:00

It's Nature's Way of Telling You... Something's Wrong... It's Nature's Way Of Telling You... In A Song...

Those are the opening lines from a song sung by the group Spirit, song entitled It's Nature's Way. How apt for the experience I had yesterday.
I have to be at work yesterday morning Saturday (urgh). Everything was fine and dandy - it was just cold. I was on my way back home by 10 AM imagining what to cook for lunch. The snow came falling down slowly.

The road was still alright though my speed was slowly coming down. We drivers were making sure we are maintaining adequate distance in case of.
Ahead of me were a couple of inclines I have to manuever. I slowly made my way up. The first hill was easy as pie. As I started on my second climb, my car, at 35 miles per hour, swerved (more than slid ) to the left, of which I slowly corrected, then turned to the right.

This time the turns were getting sharp - more than fishtailing. Remember I was going up the hill? I never made it. I almost hit the guardrail to my right and eventually landed on the ditch - which was the safest thing that could ever happened.
There was no let up with the snow and it was slowly turning into a blizzard. Traffic was thinning out. Jim attempted to come and get me but the traffic southbound to get to me was blocked by a 2 trailers that slid off the road. Traffic northbound was also stopped miles away most probably by the same reason.
I made sure my cellphone was comepletely charged and I tried my best to conserve heat turning on my car heat and motor as needed.
My nerves were getting frazzeled for I have no control of the situation. By this time, after an hour and a half, no cars were passing in both directions. I started to get panicky. My battery just died. I don't have anymore heat inside my car and my emergency lights will not blink anymore.
When everything just seems out of hand, a Missouri Highway Patrol car was slowly making its way up the hill. I got out of the car and flagged him down. He indeed confirmed that roads were blocked. I did not ask which part of the road he came from.

He dropped me off to the nearest convenience store 7 miles away. I stayed there until the tow truck came and Jim finally made it through.

Happy Birthday Papa

2009-02-24T21:29:00.005-06:00

The cook in the kitchen is busy stirring the dinardaraan. What about the pinapaitan? Kurang sa itti pait na? Di kaman pasali-sali, inka la ag-tugtug itti piano. Cecil - punasan yo didiay lamesa.. Erich dagidiay aso - amangan naang-seg dayti lugar da.
Sounds like mama on a Saturday or Sunday morning. This day though is a special day isso nga medyo natagari isso na. It's Papa's birthday. She prepared her special dishes that papa enjoyed.
Papa would request that I play the piano. His favorite tunes? " My Soul's Lament" by Buencamino, Love and Devotion and Remember Me. Kantaen ni Mama pay no makapanunot or if she is in the mood. Otherwise, stay out of her way while she rules the kitchen.
How about dessert? Kayat mi amin itti chocolate cake. Kayat balet ni Papa itti crema de fruta from Red Ribbon. The birthday celebrant gets his wish.
Memories are made of these. Dios itti Agngina kaddatayo amin.

AJ's Poem when he was in Grade School

Lola Restituta Natino Rosete

2009-02-15T12:34:00.004-06:00

I am passing this on to every descendant of Lola Iris. The picture came from Auntie Nieva & the letter was Auntie Nelia's. All I did was the technical aspect so to publish this. Please do not forget to double click the letter to enlarge this.

Restituta Natino Rosete

2009-02-11T08:07:00.002-06:00

This picture came from Auntie Nieva Nano's collection. She posted this on her blogsite and I borrowed it to share it with the rest of the world.
Dakkel itti kaing-ingasan ni Lola Iris kadagitti apong, lola ken auntie whose Natino blood was pretty strong. Semblance of the Rosete women is pretty strong. Mingmingan nga nalaing ta makita itti younger images of the Lolas and Aunties.
Thank you Auntie Nieva. You have more pictures I intend to borrow.

Pre-Valentine's -1

2009-02-09T01:00:00.001-06:00

We were still in Manila then and maybe married for roughly 3 years. Jim is a strange creature when demonstration of emotions are concerned. He considers giving flowers as poor investment for these wilt (the accountant in him).
One Valentine's day - I called him several times at the DBP office giving him updates of how many of my male friends have sent roses to their wives or girlfriends. My description was very vivid - kilig to death ang mga girls while the boys had their shot to five minutes of fame.
Siguro naka - five calls ak. I figured that should be enough to rub the obvious message to him.
I arrived early at home and secretly waited for my roses. He came home at around 7pm lugging behind his attache case and surprise surprise (kuno) he handed me half a dozen roses. That was the thrill of my life.
I played coy & demurred - " you shouldn't have..." Reply - " No - I did not buy the flowers. These were the leftovers from the secretaries' pool." The roses were donated by one of the managers intended for their secretaries.
My world came crashing down. My fairytale madness ended. No mabalin itti ag-isubli itti "lakay" that day - in a hearbeat - return the damaged goods.

Pre - Valentine's

2009-02-08T10:51:00.005-06:00

Here are two songs I am sure many women will want to wake up to on Valentine's morning. Napigsa nga "hint" daytoy yen.

Binibini - Rainmakers

miss universe ng buhay ko

2009-02-04T19:33:00.010-06:00

The three of us - Jim, James & I made a quick weekend trip to Washington State. We left the frigging cold of Missouri to the less cold winter of Seattle.
St. Louis was in the middle of a winter advisory since Monday night (26 January) and schools were closed. We cancelled all patient visits for the roads and the ramps were all covered with ice.
The airport was clear though and the planes were able to take off or land in. Our US Airways (yes, the birds) left on time and arrived in Seattle at 12 MN. The nerve of this airlines to be selling everything down to bottled water.
We drove to Oak Harbor (1.5 hrs) in the middle of a foggy night to spend the night at Auntie COnsuelo & Uncle Hector. Arrival time at Oak Harbor - 2AM. Auntie Consuelo was very awake to my surprise. She was busy watching WoWoWEE.

Ang Pekeng Oblation - Coupeville, WA (at the back of Oak Harbor)

The Modern Magellan

We had a late dinner too early breakfast. Bedtime - 3:30 AM.
Auntie was expecting us to stay for the weekend. Ngem kunak met we have to be at Seattle to be with Annabelle- Jim's cousin who is very sick.
We made a quick pasyar around Oak Harbor with Uncle Hectr. Kayat yo itti ag-commissary kuna na? Saannen Uncle for we still have to fight traffic around Everett.

We left Oak Harbor close to lunch. Binalon mi dayti menudo ni Auntie with a litttle rice. Next stop - Edmonds WA to visit Auntie Marilyn.
It was a total surprise for her. Agsangit - no - agrunga-ab iddi makita na kami. She was surrounded by pictures of the family posted on her wall. She did not know what to do. Anya itti unaen na - mangan itti menudo ken innapoy wenno maki-istorya. She insisted to walk with us up to the main door to see us off. Makasangit ak nga makita isso na nga naladingit.

Next stop - Tacoma. We were nearing the hora de peligro - 5pm. Traffic was starting to get heavy entering Seattle but Jim insisted we get to Tacoma which was 20 mins out of Seattle. Tacoma has the Johnny's smoked salmon belly that we just love.
When all was said and done, we made it back to Seattle to spend time with Annabelle and family.

Learning To Fly 2

2009-01-25T11:48:00.004-06:00

This is one Sunday that I am okay that tomorrow is Monday (a working day). This is also one of those days that I slowly see my children making their own lives - Learning to Fly.

This was AJ then with Mama at Proj. 8

My older son, AJ, will be celebrating his birthday next week, 30 January. He received his best birthday gift so far - an acceptance email from the University Of Missouri Columbia Medical School. We are awaiting for a couple more interview verdicts from other schools. I am more inclined to have him close by thus my preference to Mizzou.
His anxiety and stress levels during the Christmas holidays were pretty high for he did not have any control of the situation. All Jim and I could do was to listen and be his friend. It was not a pretty site I tell you.
He is at Washington DC right now for he is working still at the George Washington University Hospital. I am sure he is in no hurry to clean his room nor do his laundry. He has this time to be lazy for all of these reasons.
For us here at home, we are savoring this moment right now - as loyal friends and proud parents.

This is AJ now with younger brother, James, taken in Beijing last summer

Food Trip 2

2009-01-25T08:11:00.003-06:00

Some of the best places that served me gourmet food were totally unheard of or non descript. Here goes:
a) Munoz Market palengke - this market specifically due to proximity to Proj. 8. My sister would say nakakadiri to death to eat in a palengke. I say, otherwise. The palengke in the morning is a site and a smell to behold. Adda idiay amin nga angotten - from ginisa na bawang to the smell of ripe fruits and to the garbage. The ube for the halo-halo have just been piled up right beside the leche flan while the "kanin" to go with the menudo or dinuguan is steaming hot.
b) Estero in Chinatown - the place then to go for authentic chinese food. From the Estero, lakad ng kaunti to Salazar Bakery for the real hopia to die for. BTW, iba rin yong hopia sa Quiapo close to the ilalim ng tulay. Masarap din yon.
c) Bulalohan sa San Andres - This turo-turo is actually where the tsupers ng dyipni plying Herran - San Andres route make their istasyon. Ang init ng sabaw and may "utak" pa yong buto ng baka. This was my route then from PGH to the terminal ng jeep going home to Proj.8.
d) Carinderia ng DBP - This is where Jim would take me for lunch then ( kasal na kami kasi noon. Noong hindi pa, pwede pa kaming kumain sa main Cafeteria ng DBP) - Jim used to work at the Development Bank of The Phil. at Makati kaya we had these Makati lunches sometimes. There was also a "Manang" to all of the employees there who can prepare those calderos of good meals for these frugal employees (read: kuripot).

Aside from these "exclusive" spots, marami ring mga "chefs" who would be willing to deliver exotic food at an affordable price. What can I say - yong mga plastic supot na kanin with ulam together with yong naka-plastic din na coke na delivered right on your table sa upisina. We had a "Lucy" then sa Veterans' Hospital who would come in few minutes before lunchtime with our laing or whatever she prepared for lunch.
I considered everything I ate in these places as my version of comfort food. These bring me comfort to my tummy as well as comfort to my pocket book.

Short Note

2009-01-21T19:52:00.002-06:00

I have been asked no apay sabali itti rupa or picture ni Manang Biday kanayon. My answer - those faces featured are the different faces of Manang Biday. I started with some of the older lolas and some more on the Rosete side. As of yesterday, the Sison Manang Bidays have started rolling in.
The featured Manang Biday right now is Auntie Mensing - Melinda Sison Nagal. She was the youngest and only daughter of Don Angel Sison, my grandfather.
- A very humble way to pay tribute to these ladies of my family.

Food Trip 1

2009-01-20T21:26:00.004-06:00

Talk about food and the whole family is all ears to you. When I go home to Manila, my instructions are very specific sa susundo sa akin sa airport. I would want a mini-cooler packed with cold water or any form of soda (coke litro kung tawagin nila) and siopao from Ma Mon Luk (not Kowloon or Ling Nam) and isang plastic supot ng Lapid's chicharon - I want the kind with a little "laman".
Believe me, mauubos ko ang jumbo siopao and isang supot ng Lapid's all the way to Project 8. By the time I reach home, ready na akong matulog.
Simple joys..simple living. No agawid kami idiay Agno, ado nga istasyon itti labasan mi simply to eat. We usually leave Manila parbangon so by mid-morning we are in Tarlac ready to stop at Hacienda Luisita and eat at Max's.

Kayat ni Mama ket kape laeng no mabalin. Sikami kada Papa ket sumardeng ta mangan. His favorite and mine will be the Max's Spring fried chicken. Ay apo - namnamin uray tulang na.

We reach Alaminos by noontime. Sumardeng kami mannen with the pretext of masapol ag-innat (stretch kunwari). The palengke will be the main stopover. Mama goes to Aling Charing to buy the longganiza Alaminos ( da best I tell you)ken mano nga kilo itti pinapaitan. Cecil & I will be buying the kankanen nga siguro ket ngilngilawen (flies devoured) before we got to these.
By the time we get to the town proper, sumardeng kami manen idiay balay da Uncle Gening. Agkape da Papa kenni Uncle sikami met ket aghalo-halo idiay assideg itti Acacia close to the Catholic Church.

We definitely have to go to the Eskina - mama will say or mala-es dagiti pinalengke na. As expected, by the time we reach the ancestral home idiay Laud, nakaluto da Auntie Mensing itti pang-rabi-i nga kanen min. Dinardara-an (dinuguan) wenno Lau-ya (nilagang baka with marrow inside the bone) will be the favorite staple.
Our family's lifestyle, and most Filipinos for that matter, revolve around food. This particular way of life has been adopted by my two boys. That's why any offer to go back home is never turned down. Just the mental smell of homemade tapa with sinangag and sunny side up will be more than enough to keep us coming home for more.

Some Saturdays

2009-01-18T09:30:00.002-06:00

Remember when most of us, the working class, would say TGIF (thank God it's Fri)? We have this anticipation (mine actually starts Sunday night - ganyan katindi)of Saturdays as no work days, don't bother me days, walk in the park days.
My Saturdays are seldom like those days. Ang Sabado ay usually palengke, laundry at linis happenings. The order of priority would depend on the immediacy of attention i.e. gaano karumi ang bahay (or may bisita na darating kaya) gaano kalapit sa kawalan na ng damit na magagamit or gaano kahapdi ang kalam ng sikmura.
We opted for the latter as the most pressing need. Jim & I went to the city to visit our favorite oriental stores. Maraming bilin ang anak na dapat bilhin kung hindi raw, baka siya ay " mag-starve to death"). Ang mga kano talaga - mahilig magexaggerate.
James loves tortang talong topped with cheese so we bought those pinoy talongs kay Mr. Vietnamese. Ag-kuriteb met ti what was left of these eggplants. We just chose what we can live with. Jim wants pinakbet (di ko kayat ti parya) so with a bitter heart (pardon the pun) we bought the ingredients for this ulam.
Next stop - the wet market kuno. Makasidsida ak itti prinito nga bangus (those saranggani marinated milkfish are just so good) wen no GG(galunggong). Apo - nakanginngina met. Besides the galunggongs are so sick with conjunctivitis (pink eyes ergo, nala-es nga talaga). Ngem, sige ngarudden naimas to latta no naprito san to isawsaw itti suka nga adda itti bawang na.
Final stop - those easy to cook noodles. We all love the Lucky Me noodles - batchoy, mami ken sotanghon. I also discovered the Lucky Chow pansit gisado and the pancit canton or pancit malabon. These rich in carbohydrate chows are good stackables since James is also into it & can preapre this easily.
If Papa and Mama were around the household, we would be like contended cows just waiting to be served good food. Both of them can whip up a meal that we can devour hindi kakalam ang aming mga sikmura.

P.S. I am also exaggerating. Hindi naman kumakalam ang aming sikmura. Dala lang yan ng homesickness sa tunay na lutong pinoy.

Live and Learn

2009-01-13T21:31:00.003-06:00

I can not remember exactly when I started having difficulty with my vision. All I know was how hard it was then to enjoy watching the shows from our black and white television without sitting very close to the screen.
There was this show called Super Laff-In which had Ramon Zamora, June Keithley and a host of other funny guys like Tange. It was directed by Rolly Grande. This was a very funny show. It actually made Ramon Zamora an overnight sensation.
Indeed, I never would want to miss this show. So I would have to sit close to the screen to enjoy it. Mama thought I was just an eager beaver. I just told her I could not see the actors. The screen was just too hazy.
She eventually made an appointment with an EENT - Dr. Conrado Banzon. He was my first eye doctor. When all was said and done, he prescribed my very first eyeglasses.
During those days if a very young kid was wearing glasses, then he/she must be pretty smart since he/she spends so much time reading and studying to the point her vision just got blurred.
Well, the premise can be false but the conclusion was just right. I indeed spent so much time reading my Nancy Drew books then. I remember spending my hard earned money to buy my Nancy Drew or Dana Girls Books at Alemar's.
The eyeglasses were picked up and fitted. Voila!! A whole new world of clarity. Malinaw na malinaw talaga. I wore these to school. I could read my teacher's scribbles on the blackboard. I was thrilled. I could watch more Super Laff-In.
The kids in my class, including my playmates, were not very nice about it though. I was teased. I was called " apat ang mata". I was relegated to the sidelines during patintero. A specifi group of grade school boys would taunt me everytime the school bus would pass them by.
I resorted to different tricks. I pretended to be " napuwing" so I would have to take my glasses off everytime the school bus would pass by these young boys. I deliberately would take my glasses off during playtime. Of course the team I am affiliated to would lose since one of their team mates was incapacitated - that was me.
Everytime we go home to Agno & we have our picnics at Sabangan, these pesky glasses get wet since I swam with it. To top it all, these were the least fashionable kind since the glasses itself were thick so those ugly frames were used to accomodate the thick lenses.
I really looked like a combined dork and geek in high school. The Ateneans will not give me a second look (ang lahat ay hindi napapalingon) since I was not funky at all.
But miracles do happen. Dr. Banzon eventually prescribed my first contact lenses. Won't these contacts go deep inside your eyefolds and end up inside your head?
Now I can wear non-graded sunglasses. I can also put mascara on & all the eyeshadows I can apply on my eyelids. Best - I am not called apat ang mata anymore.
This particular time in my growing up years really stayed in my memory. It was traumatic enough that I can not see just like the rest of the kids. What was worst was my handicap became the butt of joke of the other children. Lessons in life taught at an early age.

Nostalgia

2009-01-10T15:06:00.002-06:00

I stumbled on this and would like to share it with you. Maraming pwedeng pag-usapan re: this slideshow. Mamayang gabi ko na lang uumpisahan.

Philippines from the Past

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Photography Culture photos philippines

Traditions

2009-01-09T22:55:00.002-06:00

I am writing some follow through s to my post the other day. Weddings are such grand events. Probably because it goes with the assumption that " an individual gets married only once(usually) in a lifetime.. kaya nga sabi ni Fr. Pernia sa amin then, "marriage is a lifetime commitment. You both have the time to think twice, thrice before commiting yourself to this till death do us part promise."
Prior to the wedding, we have the "pamanhikan" wherein the man formally announces his intent to marry the lass and request for permission and blessing from the parents and family.
Jim went through this initial step. I am very aware of his nervousness I could actually feel his palpitations. I sat beside him but he sat facing both Papa and Mama. He has a mountain to climb; I am the oldest daughter to be given away and the oldest granddaughter on the Rosete side.
I gave him a cheat sheet of possible questions and strong suggestions my parents could give. Papa and Mama both were very calm (surprise)while it was nervewracking on my part.
We compromised on a lot of stuff - from the venue, to the ninongs and ninangs, to the guests, to the menus etcetera etcetera etcetera.
My wedding gown was sewn by Tiya Thelma Evangelista, the sister of Tiya Patro, both from Agno. There was haggling on how much she can splurge for the gown. Diyos ko - anya metten. She was very precise with the measurements. I never saw my gown not until the wedding day itself. Tradition dictates the bride does not fit the gown before the wedding. If she does, the wedding might not push through. The gown was a dream - I should credit Tiya Thelma for that.
Jim wore a barong bought by a friend from Batangas and sewn by Mang Emong - our favorite sastre at Project 8. Nabibi-it nga kasarita no am-am-mom itti agda-it maibaga amin nga kayat.
The groom to be usually foots the bill for the entire affair. The exact opposite is the practise here in the States. We have two boys - lucky, lucky, lucky. I don't foresee that to happen in the near future (if I have my way, sabay keeping my fingers crossed).
Since we can not accomodate everybody for the reception, Papa and Mama prepared dinner at home. Na-im-imas pay itti makan idiay balay compared to what we had sa reception. Most of the reception crowd were also at home that evening. Adda met dagiti cousins and pamangkins, kababayans and kaibigans that we really want to be with in this special occasion.
Kaya nga weddings are meant to be once in a lifetime (kung minsan) kasi napakagastos ito na i-orchestrate. Meron talaga kaming dugong intsik since we chose the color red as motif for Chinese tradition says red is for good luck.
We also opted for 01 08 83 - gusto namin ng maraming 0 - never ending good luck. I just don't remember if we went by the lunar calendar. Most probably kabilugan din ng buwan noon.

26th and Counting

2009-01-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

These pictures were taken exactly 26 years ago - January 8, 1983. That seemed like ..sabi ni Tiya Dely , " kahapon lamang" sabi rin ni Florante, parang kailan lang.
I still remember the events prior to the big day. Jim and I planned the whole affair. The initial set-up was to hold the ceremony at the Church of The Risen Lord at UP. Since he goes to the taga-bassit church (Aglipayan Church at Agno) and I go to the big church (Catholic Church) we agreed to have an ecumenical wedding.
Madi ni Papa ken Mama. So we requested Fr. John Pernia, his brother in law and the chaplain at the Camp Aguinaldo Church, to be our celebrant. Linakad na tapno awan bayadan mi idiay simba-an ken discounted amin nga gastusen mi. Talagang nagtipid kami to the max since we have a shoestring budget.

In lieu of gifts, we requested for moolah. An auntie and uncle gave us a weekend at the Philippine Plaza while another uncle and auntie gave us a weekend at Banaue. I had one bridesmaid (my sister) and one flower girl (my cousin Elza).
Our reception was very tame and we really counted "heads" (read the invitees). My parents were not very enthused with the idea of limiting the guests. No ni Papa itti masurot, maimbitaran amin nga taga-Laud ken taga-Daya. I had my way this time.
A friend offered his services to be our photographer while a cousin served as video man.
It was an orchestrated family affair. It could have easily gotten out of hand (goodness considering how big Jim's family is and how extended my family was). Siguro nasisiya-at no idiay Agno laengen itti daya. Mabalin nga buluden dagiti tugaw idiay High School ta ikabil idiay Eskina. Maimbitaran amin nga mayat umigop itti napudot nga sabaw.

Learning To Fly

2009-01-04T09:18:00.012-06:00

One thing good with hanging out with one's kids is learning and appreciating their grooves (ika nga). Though we are a couple of years apart, my boys and I have a couple of common denominators, one particular subject we enjoy is music.
Both boys are into classical music but most of the time they have their world surrounded by these people - ColdPlay, John Mayer, RKelley. One particular musician we all like is RKelley. He has a specific song that I can very much relate to - I Believe I Can Fly; which brings me to my first-day-of-the-year post this morning.
I am attaching a letter that Jim and I wrote in connection with James' application as a foreign exchange student to France next year.

If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly

On his own volition, without seeking our permission, this 16 year old boy applied to be an exchange student. We eventually found out later on. Since he was needing a letter from the parents, he eventually informed us of his plans.

My initial reaction was "ugh.. where was my right to say yes or no?" I felt stripped off my ability as a parent to put my stamp pad on my children's lives. Was I not supposed to be making decisions too? Apparently not. It was very daunting for me to finally realize that I really have no hold on what happens to my kids. We, as parents, do help in shaping up how they become. These "shaping ups" do bear fruits when they grow up. Fruits, either good enough to eat or rotten bad to the core to throw away.
Jim does put it nicely. We, as parents, are mere caretakers of our children. The time that these boys spend with us are just stopovers (kasla istasyon) of their journey to life.
Our recommendation letter summed it all. We can not hold him back. He needs to " spread his wings and fly". Kasla nasapa unay.. kunak met. Mabalin ngata nga "later on" laeng ngen? We still want to savor his presence as a kid here at home. Nakaro nga sadot na no pinag-linis itti kwarto na itti aramidin. Ngem nakaro nga ga-get na met uray saan nga maturog itti Sabado no ag-ay-ayam itti x-box with his friends.
Siguro kasta met itti kuna ni Papa ken Mama iddi mang-rugi ak nga agtayab rumuwar idiay balay mi. My turn to know how it felt then for them.

By the way, he was accepted to go.

This was James then with Papa and Mama

This is James Now (taken in Beijing, China last summer)

Baro Nga Tawen

2008-12-28T20:01:00.013-06:00

The Sison Family went home to Agno one time to celebrate New Year local style. The boys - AJ, James and Mokong were very young then. Papa wanted them to welcome New Year sans fireworks.
Nagpaala ni Mama itti atiddog nga kawayan ta pinakayas na. The party began late afternoon early dusk. Venue was the frontage of the beachhouse at Bunga. Maawis amihttp://www.blogger.com/n nga ubbing agtataray da amin umay maki-daya.
The kawayan was propped up and Erich started to warm it up. Introducing - The Kaniobong. It was a long hollow kawayan of which one end was closed while the opposite end was opened. Adjacent to the closed end was a small hole which will be the entrance for the fuel (kerosene in lieu of the gun powder for the real thing) and the air to complete the requirements for combustion.

When the kayawan is heated up, and air has been introduced by puffing air through the hole, then a dash of kerosene is served. The hotter the kaniobong - the louder the booming sound it can produce.

The kaniobong is akin to the cannon - same shape same principle. Empty tin cans can be inserted into the cavity which will serve as the cannonball. Like I said, the hotter the kawayan, the louder the impact - the farther the trip for the tin cans.
The most difficult job was to clear out the trapped smoke inside the kaniobong. The longer the kawayan, the more laborious it was to blow out the smoke.
That is why all of the help is needed courtesy of the children and all of the "mirons" around. Ag-al-al ka nga talaga malpas ka nga ag-puyot.

Narang-ay nga baro a tawen kanyayo amin.

Pasko

2008-12-22T13:44:00.005-06:00

Philippine Christmas Lanterns

Naragsak a Paskua
Narang-ay a Baro a Tawen kadakayo amin!

Christmas Wishlist

2008-12-21T12:59:00.003-06:00

F or the believers of magic and Santa Claus, for those who still keep making Wishlists, here's mine to share with you:
1. A homemade dinner cooked specially by my Mama - uray Longganiza Alaminos ken fried rice mabalinnen.
2. Another or more, for that matter, Rosete Reunions to look forward to. In the same vein, maybe a Sison Reunion to look forward to.
3. A breakthrough with the research on cure for Cancer, Alzheimer;s and all of those horrible diseases.
4. Less of apathy, complacency and indifference. More on involvement, compassion and selflessness.
5. Retain a part of the childlike-ness of AJ, James & Mokong
6. Longer, if no possiblity of, ceasefire and laying down of arms.

I will add more as I go along my day. Chime in if any of you would like to.

Ama Mi

2008-12-21T11:34:00.003-06:00

I am a subscriber/contributor to one of the ilocano blogs and I picked up this translated "The Lord's Prayer" using Spanish Orthography. I would want to share it with you all as one of the treasures you might be digging into later on from your memory hope chest.

Rita-Rita

2008-12-18T21:01:00.002-06:00

I was able to gather bits and pieces of information on the mystery of Rita-Rita. Uncle Tony patiently relayed to me what he could remember about this practise.
Apparently, a group of men would go around the Ili to play some music with the purpose of waking up the townsfolk so they can hear the early dawn mass or simbang gabi. The likes of Tiyo Fortun & Tiyo Pasik-kil have their instruments of trombone and trumpet playing simple marching music to entice the barrio to go to mass.
Uncle Tony, Papa's brother, was kind enough to loan me a few bars of the marching music - tatan-tatan-tatan.
Tiyo Fortun is Tiyo Fortunato while Tiyo Pasik-kil has another name. Pasik-kil was his panayod or nickname. He was an embalmer by profession so his main job was pasik-killen dagiti natay ( passik-kil in ilocano meant to stiffen up - so his job was to "stiffen" the dead by embalming them). Agno joke - I tell you.
Anyway, Uncle Tony related that after the short libot of the musikeros, which was the Rita-Rita, they stopped at somebody's house whoever was assigned for the day, to have some early morning breakfast. Nakasagana itti kape ken tinapay nga kanen da.

Just like the Es El Fruto I told you about during the month of May, the Rita-Rita was another practise deep into he tradition of the townsfolk of Agno.

I remembered Papa who kept telling us about the Rita-Rita as the Simbang Gabi starts. I don't have him now to re-live this wonderful event. I have Uncle Tony though. Crude as my recollection might be -
at least we all have a glimpse of how the Rita-Rita was.

Simbang Gabi

2008-12-15T14:18:00.003-06:00

Some of the best memories of Pasko sa Pilipinas is the onset of the 9 day Dawn Novena Mass. Manang Lilia will be my constant companion. She is very diligent at waking up very early so we can have at least a seat when we get to church. As I look back, the weather then was balmy compared to what we are having right now here in Missouri.
The church at Proj. 8 was equipped with a terrific choir. I enjoyed most the solemnity of " Ang Gabing Tahimik" which is the Tagalog version of Silent Night. Maka-tuglep ka nga talaga itti pinagkanta da. Of course the parish priest was ever ready with his sermons and admonitions of preparation for the big day. I just don't know how effective it was for I am pretty sure most if not all of the parishioners were mentally shopping for gifts at Shoemart.
How about some puto bumbong or bibingka? I used to just see these staples during the simbang gabi. However, because of demand most probably, magatang mo met dagitoy idiay basement itti Shoemart or other eatery places. Madismaya ak met since I feel that some of the Christmas Magic is taken away from me.
It is always a nice feeling to anticipate and look forward to the special effects of the holidays.

I used to equate puto bumbong with Misa De Gallo and Pasko. But in this age of innovation, age of instant gratification, it became very easy to produce these staples. Nawawala ang magic - in my opinion.

I don't do my mental shopping so much anymore while I am seated listening to the homily. I kinda enjoy taking it in - absorbing what the priest might say ( muni-muni ika nga). Siguro ito naman ang panibagong magic sa aking buhay. Siguro I've just gone past the stage of obligated gift giving (read - siguro dahil sa broke ayaw lang umamin).
Siguro talagang ganoon - one goes back to the basic necessities of life- lessons handed down from generation i.e. church readings na inuulit taon-taon but is always given a different interpretation which could be more apt to the present time. I am very sure the nuns of Maryknoll will be mighty proud of me if they get the chance to read this. One way or the other, remnants of the religious teachings of Sister Miriam Thomas stayed with me.

Those Bygone Days Of Doing Labada

2008-12-14T17:38:00.006-06:00

This is an old picture of Lola Juliana and Uncle Renato when they were in Bani. Lola was holding her batya. This was one of the main rementas used in doing the daily laundry. The batya was made of tin ( I think). One would initially soak the soiled linens in this together with some detergent and water. I was looking for the palo-palo in the picture but the camera might have missed it.
How did one do the laundry then? It was a nightmare! Agsa-do ka itti danum ta awan pay met itti gripo. The most difficult part of the chore was the agkes-kes portion. Everything was mano-mano. No nakaro itti ngisit na dayti trubenized nga t-shirt ket maparigatan dayti immam nga agkes-kes. They used to soak the nalitem nga lupot with calamansi or piyas I think. There was no clorox then.
Imagine the ordeal of assuming the seated position with the batya between one's legs. Makit-tang ka lalo na no agmal-malem ka nga aglaba.
The pictures being shown with the women doing the laundry by the river having a good time (while singing Sa Kabukiran) is full of story telling a lie. Thank you Maytag for the washing machine.

Happy Friday

2008-12-12T08:12:00.005-06:00

Let me end this week with a more upbeat note. This blog initially started with exchanging pictures with the Rosete clan at the Multiply.com site. We did the usual thingies of showing to one and sundry how we aged gracefully and how much pounds we have gained. I thought of extending the linkages with a "readable" periodico that we can read, comment and exchange ideas.
The blog eventually morphed into a Manang biday blogspot of which I finally opened to the viewing public (naks parang sine). I tapped the resources of the Agno High School site to propagandize Manang Biday & lo and behold adda met taga Agno nga immay nag-pasyar. The Agno site generated a lot of referrals to Manang Biday.
Kunak ngarud - we all can learn to disagree in a very cordial manner without the side dishes of name calling or profanities. I actually encourage a good dose of debates saan la kadi nga makasakit.
This blog too has introduced me to other relatives - Marita Nano Rio, Troy Nano, Migi & Jinky. It has also re-introduced me to cousins - Maristel, Marissa Torres & Randolph.

Naimas nga panunuten nga uray addayo itti maysa ken maysa ket we are just as close as are right now. I would like to think that when we all have the chance to see each other personally, the warm exchanges that we have on this blog will generate tight hugs and good memories.

One of my online buddies called the likes of us - memory keepers. I like that. Dagdagan pa natin ang mga memories so when the rest would unlock these, they can look back at a life full of niceties and glee.
Dios Itti Agngina..

Lola Cristina Rosete Nano

2008-12-09T07:07:00.002-06:00

I am passing this information to you all from Auntie Nieva.

It is with sadness to inform you that our beloved mother peacefully passed away in Agno Tuesday 6pm. Funeral arrangements pending . I will be going to the Philippines as soon as possible. I don't have email addresses of some of our relatives. Please forward/inform them. Thank you very much.

Nieva

Mailiw Unay

2008-12-08T22:36:00.000-06:00

This video was lifted from You Tube. He must be another homesick Ilocano like me. I tried to just download the music without the video but the music gets corrupted. At any rate, enjoy the music - I still am.

Mapaimbitaran itti mayat nga ag-dingngeg to this Ilocano Christmas carol. Mapalagip itti assideg nga ka-Pasku-an. Malagip ko itti kuna ni Papa about Christmas in Agno - the practise of Rita-Rita. Unfortunately, I did not pay attention to the details. Awan itti ma-istoryak kanyayo no anya itti Rita-Rita.
No adda kadi itti makalagip wenno maka-ammo with this tradition, please be kind enough to share it with me - with us.

Gemma Cruz

2008-12-07T01:49:00.003-06:00

This is no story telling a lie - for she was, indeed, a visitor at Sabangan. I am talking of Gemma Cruz. Cross my heart - the Gemma Cruz Miss International. The sleepy town of Agno hosted Gemma Cruz in the 60s. This is a very faded picture of that event. Ms. Cruz was the tall lady with the umbrella and the ladies surrounding her must be the teachers of the Central School or the CWL ( I'm guessing with the latter choice).
I am not so sure but the lady in black with glasses might just be Lola Cristina. That is a wild guess but my gut feel is just about right.
Anya met ngata itti impakan da kanyana? Anya met ngata itti program nga insagana dagiti ubbing idiay elementary school? Nagsasala da met I bet ken nagsipagkanta da Auntie Ibos - ngem saan nga Kyrie for sure.
That was a crowning moment for Agno - a so laidback town at the tip of the Pangasinan map. There must be a reason no apay dinayo ni Gemma Cruz itti Agno. Not that I am making a bigg fuss out of it. It is just that she was an outsider looking in. Adda nakita na nga napintas idiay Agno which was worth spending her time.
It must be the Sabangan beach; it must also be the food or it must be the warm hospitality we are all famous for. If others can appreciate our town, why can't we? Are we just so used to the tapok created by the tricycles or the jeeps that pass us by? Did we fail to see beyond the dust that we missed out on the opportunities we have on hand? Food for thought.

The Pinoy Batman and Robin

2008-12-05T13:45:00.003-06:00

The rage then, during the 60s, was the crimebuster partners of Batman and Robin. My brother, Erich (Moy) and Roncalli (Kiloy) were playmates. They were the Pinoy Ilocano version of Batman and Robin. Both boys have their toy guns and their make-believe enemies. How capable were they to create those sound effects - "pow...bangbang.." and nalaing da met nga agtulid-tulid tapno saan nga matirwan itti bala dayti paltog.
My brother, in fact, had his own costumes together with a favorite hat that he refused to take off uray naka-ang-angdod itti ulo nan. Adda pay aldaw nga dina kayat itti agsukat for he did not want to remove his outfit. Will he be like Samson whose strength did diminish the moment he had his locks trimmed?
Roncalli, on the other hand, must be the Batman character between the two of them.
Adda bassit nga pagmulaan da idiay likod itti balay iddi nga masapol nga masibugan no malem. Ag-ap-apura nga pinirmi ni Kiloy ag-ala itti danum nga pagsibug na tapno maka-ayayam da mannen.
Summer trips to Agno were fun for my little brother. Just like me and Cecil, he never ran out of playmates and toys. Tiyo Nabe was kind enough to even teach him how to "ag-irob" - iniruban. Dayti balay da kenni Tiya Mameng ket kaabay la itti balay da Tatay.