The_Grimwitch_Chronicles

You're the 1, Goldilocks

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:30:00 +0000

The day before the Philippines celebrates its Independence day, will be my Lola Dominga's birthday.

She is born in her native Aklan, a province in the island of Panay. Although it was the time of peace after the Great War, she lived a hand to mouth existence. She was working as the freelance laundrywoman of the neighbrhood when she met my lolo, who works as a community carpenter. She married my Lolo Armando in a simple ceremony before the World War II erupted. She gave birth to her eldest child during the war and had to hide the subsequent children from the Japanese in the mountains of Panay.

When the war ended, my granparents lived on a small makeshift hut near the shorelines. Lola had children to take care of so she did not continue her free lancing. She did sell rice cakes in mid-afternoons and mid-mornings to augment my Lolo's meager income. They have 10 children after all: 7 sons and 3 daughters.

When her children grew up and lived in Manila, Lola would often visit their families, particularly her eldest son. When she has made her rounds and ready to return home, she would visit us.

When she's with us, Lola would often do housework, despite our housemaid's vehemence. She loves folding clothes, clear the table after eating and clean the altars. When she's not busy doing that, she would often ask me or my other siblings for clothes that needed mending. She was a whiz in making a ragged but comfortable trousers and torn dresses wearable again.

Her industry is evident with her hands that even before she sleeps, she loves combing my tresses and telling me lots of stories about my father's childhood till I fall sleep. She comforted me whenever I cry after being scolded. She scolds me when I waste family resources (like electricity, food or water). She influenced me and my siblings to become devout in the religion we are baptised in. She explained the dogma behind every religious tradition she upholds. She tells no jokes but has a ready smile for anything humorous.

On her last visit to us, we were celebrating my younger brother's birthday. We were having dinner then. We had sauteed mung beans, my other brother's favorite. It was seeped with coconut milk and garnished with salty smoked mackerel. As usual, we would talk about what we did in school and the latest family news. Lola would look on intently, reading our lips as she has a slight hearing difficulty. My sister was telling a funny story about her classmate but before she could even get to the punch line, the birthday boy's chair had collapsed - preempting it. Oh how Lola laughed! She was still laughing heartily as she helped my teary-eyed brother sit on a new chair. She said she will never eat mung beans again without remembering my brother. That made my brother smile and join in the laughter.

That night, as Lola was lulling the birthday casualty to sleep, she remembered her birthday. She said their parents never celebrated their birthdays. It was enough to have food on the table - something special like canned sardines or if possible, canned meat. They would have steamed rice, with no corn mixed with it. There would be something sweet for dessert - like sugared coconut or hardened brown sugar. Although food would be rationed by their mother, it was nice to have a little of everything than none at all. We are fortunate, she said, that we have a feast on our birthdays. A cake, she said, is for the birthday parties of the rich in her time. She had imagined eating one herself, but she had never celebrated her birthday.

Her return home was postponed for some reason and she had to celebrate her birthday in Manila. Our cousins knew our time with Lola will not be long so they organized a surprise potluck party. She was surprised when she woke up with all her Manila-based apo by her bed. She almost cried. She burst into tears when she got up and saw the whole house transformed into a barrio fiesta theme and relatives she rarely saw arrived to celebrate her birthday on the exact date. She was still crying when she saw her very first birthday cake...it was a chocolate Goldilocks birthday cake. My older cousins have mischievously bought one that was I assume was designed for children. It had lots of icing flowers on top with chocolate garnishing on the side. It also had many small pink cake candles around it. "Happy Birthday Lola from All Your Apo" it said. Lola tried hard not to cry as we all sang "Happy Birthday" in English, Tagalog and Akeanon. She was about to slice her cake when a much younger cousin shouted, "Happy Birthday!" kissed my Lola while wiping a big chocolate smudge on her cheek. Mayhem ensued. We started wiping icing on each other's faces. No visitor was exempt.

Somebody had managed to salvage Lola a piece of her cake and all the icing flowers. She was laughing again and was contented sucking the sweet icing flowers as we were scolded by our respective parents after the pandemonium.

You're the 1 Goldilocks because every time I taste slice of celestial goodness of your cake, I always remember my Lola's first birthday party and THE cake that made her the happiest birthday celebrant that day. The one thing nearest to heaven that made my Lola's days on earth the happiest.

My First Sony Experience is with the Sony Walkman

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:59:00 +0000

My initial fixation with music gadgets started in the mid-80's. I was turning into a "tween" - not a child but definitely not a teenager. It was a frustrating time for me because I had been dropped out of the piano class because my fingers have been infested with stubborn eczema (an allergic skin condition that makes my fingertips dry and flaky - often oozing with blood or just too painful to articulate). Worse, my dexterous sister's breezed through the program effortlessly. She's studying how to play the guitar by herself. Since she can sing well (she's a crowd favorite in singing contests) and play her own musical instrument, she's "cool." That time, I want to be cool like her. I want to play music and sing along to the music I play. After all, in our class, nobody in school had the talent my sister's got. I assumed that since I have almost the same gene pool as my sister, I must be musically talented too - but having eczema inhibited that dream from being physically possible.

So I contented myself with listening to the radio and all the cassette tapes that my cousin from Kuwait sends every month. I love listening to New Wave (Duran Duran, Culture Club, Wham, etc.) and Pop (Madonna, Cindy Lauper, Michael Jackson, etc.). I would save money from my allowance and buy blank tapes to record their songs from the radio. I would write down the lyrics in an old notebook and write stories about it. Eventually, I was able to use these recordings whenever we have a school presentation - making me the official disc jockey(?) of our class. I know which song will fit the mood of a particular event/scene/moment. My friends loved me for that uncanny ability. I became "cool." The problem with being "cool" is that I have classmates who would ask me for a particular song for this particular event and they haven't heard of it. I would lend them a recording of the song so that they could play it on their bulky home stereos but it's rarely returned. That's frustrating so I started keeping all the song recordings to myself - which is a little lonely when I can't share it with people who will appreciate it.

On my 11th birthday, my cousin came home from Kuwait and she had a present for me. It was a Sony Walkman! I was ecstatic! At first, I was scared to use it because it looked expensive in its shiny black casing. It had FM/AM function, recording function, a built in speaker and mic. I can record from any FM/AM program or lecture anywhere, anytime. I stocked up on AA batteries and blank tapes. It had a belt clip which was like having music on the move anywhere. I felt liberated. That walkman (I'm sorry I can't remember it's exact model code)experienced it's utmost (ab)use in my last two years in grade school. I record lectures when I cannot write on my notebook because of my eczema. I play the recorded music for our mini-dramas in English and Filipino class. I would bring it to school on intramural, school fairs, field demonstrations to relieve my boredom. My friends and I would hang out in the school grounds during recess listening to a radio program or just raving about the newest pop song. I had replaced the headphones a lot of times, it got scratches on its body, it ate a lot of casette tapes, it got wet in the rain, it fell off my waist a lot of times, etc. but my sturdy walkman lives on.

When I got to high school, I reluctantly parted ways with my walkman. My cousin's brother borrowed it from me when he went to the province to work. I never got it back. He got married, had kids and relocated to another place. I heard that it's still being used as their bedroom radio, its casette function had conked out. Sometimes, I still remember my old sony walkman. It witnessed the carefree innocence of my "tween" transition. Whenever I hear a particular song from the 80's, it takes me back in time when I still had my walkman and witnessing milestones in life unfold. I had since graduated from the casette walkman to the CD walkman in college.

New generation MP3's from Sony are good. In fact, I'm thinking of buying one from their portable music player NWZ-series that has noise canceling properties. It would be nice to get lost in the music again, just like when I had my casette walkman (with maximum volume), without damage to my ears. Aside from that, the series has ample storage - for all the music I would ever need and the power needed to play them over and over again. Instead of buying lots of casette tapes/writable CDs, all I have to do is to drag them from my laptop to the MP3 player. I don't need to stock up on AA batteries either - with a charging time of half an hour, you get 2/3rds of your day filled with nonstop music you like. It also retained the FM tuner and recording function that I initally fell for with the casette walkman. Isn't that so(ny) amazing?

It definitely gave significance in my life just like the Sony’s World’s First Noise Canceling Portable Music Player: NWZ-S730 Series which I will enjoy in the (very near) future.

From Windfall To Nest Egg

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:41:00 +0000

When I got to work this afternoon, Magdalene, my co-worker, asked me what kind of news would I like to hear before I go on my day-off for the weekend. Of course I chose to hear the bad news first because the good news will definitely cheer me up for the weekend.

So she told me the bad news: there won't be any Christmas Party. I was crestfallen. This was supposed to be my first Christmas Party for the company. I could not understand why the Boss was able to splurge on a first class resort for our company outing yet would not spend a cent for the company christmas. Magdalene would tell me absurd parlor games, fabulous tales about the raffle prizes, the various delicacies that would be laid out on the table - buffet style, or the contents of the christmas basket. She would recall how the employees had to hire a cab to get home because they've got a lot of gifts and cash to bring home to their family. I guess, with the American recession and all the bad sales we've been having recently cost us this important event.

Magdalene must have seen how disappointed I was. She told me the good news next: the 13th month pay will be given on the Immaculate Conception while the year-end bonus will be distributed on the Feast of the Holy Innocents. The former would be my whole salary for a month (which isn't much) while the latter about half my salary (which isn't much either). That cheered me up a bit...but then, since my fringe benefits are really "fringe" of whatever benefit there is to have from the company. After all, it's my hard-earned money. I'm entitled to do whatever I want with it...but somehow, I want to use it smartly.

Where do I start?

1. Save up

I would most definitely do this. Perhaps 25% of the bonus I'll get will go to savings. Uriel and I call it "hidden wealth" because it tends to remain hidden unless a necessity requires it to be dug up and consumed. I'm not a hypocrite, I love spending money in one go...but having a secret stash tickles me to death.

2. Settle debts

Some of this money might go to my credit card bills and all the other debts that I have accumulated for 2008. I will start first with ones that have high interest rates - like my credit cards, then probably the remaining balances from the house utilities, and finally, the small debts that I have from friends and relatives.

3. Invest on

A portion of this money might go to investments. I have read about Mr. Colayco's tabloid articles about investments. I have also researched about what to do with big money, if I ever got the chance. I understand that treasury bills have the lowest risk since the government is liable to them. However, I'm still contemplating on investing on stocks, get an insurance plan or simply put the money on time deposit. Money in stocks are definitely high risk but with high returns. Time deposits are a little like putting money for safekeeping until a certain period of time. Insurance plans a little risky - I don't have regular flow of extra cash so I'm afraid that I might not get my money back.

4. Share it

If there's something left, I might as well share this windfall with others. Having secured my future self with various money-saving schemes, I would like to spend some of my money helping others. Although I would have liked to give some money to charity (like filthy rich people who seek heaven's indulgence,) I don't think I have to go that far. There are many relatives and friends that might need a little help for the holidays. It may not be cash, but most probably just being there.

Spending the remaining half gives me shivers...but in a good way! I am contemplating on spending the remaining half....

1. on my well being

There are a lot of affordable, quality massage parlors at the West Wing where I work. Uriel and I have been looking forward to having a Lymphatic Massage and Ear Candling which both focuses on detoxification.

A quick visit to the dentist will also do. Uriel's been complaining about toothaches lately. It might be the faulty amalgam fillings again. I think I need a fluoride treatment and good old dental prophylaxis. There's been plaque build-up on my canines recently.

If I have extra cash, I'd go for a hair spa and drastic haircut. I love having my hair treated with extensive moisturizing because it definitely does wonders for my hair. After I've had my hair "murdered" by a homosexual parlor assistant, I think I deserve it. Uriel has been yearning for the haircut that fits him.

It's number 1 on my list because I believe that if I look good, I feel good. If I feel good, I am more productive at work and in play.

2. on my betterment

I have learned to teach myself Hangguk (Korean language) after I had dropped out of it when I was in college. It has been useful because even before the "Korean Explosion" in the Philippines, I have taught English phonics (for a price) to quite a number of Korean children who have never read or written western alphabet. It proved particularly useful when I started teaching older Koreans how to speak English. They usually speak out their minds in Korean and I reply in English.

Uriel wants to study business English for the holidays while I want to study Mandarin. After all, there are more Mandarin-speaking businessmen nowadays...you'll never know what opportunity awaits me. Besides, my background in Hangguk will definitely help me master this course - especially in the vocabulary part. Uriel wants to master business English because I've been acting his secretary for so long that I have somehow been speaking for his behalf - making him feel powerless. I was gladdened that he has admitted to this deficiency recently.

3. on a greed gift

I confess...I am a gadget lover. Whatever it is, as long as it makes my life bearable...I'll save up to buy it. This latter part of the year, I have been eyeing two items that would qualify as a "greed gift": a portable music player that has multifunction (camera, music player, dictionary, video cam, calculator, voice recorder and game console) and expandable memory; the other one is a china-made television phone - it has all the features of the music player with calling capabilities. If ever i get to buy one of these - I will be my own personal Santa.

Uriel's been telling me to get the "greed gift" off my list. Christmas, is for giving and not for greed-ing. Of course, I defended my future "greed gift." I told him that since we're too grown-up for Santa, a greed gift is one item that one doesn't really need but desperately wanted. The fact is, a greed gift allows me to indulge in my cravings and will be a tangible reward that I will cherish over and over till Christmas comes again.

4. on improving our bedroom

Uriel and I live in a big house (4 bedrooms, 3 toilets and a 4-car garage). Far too big for us because we work almost two-thirds of our waking hours. The bedroom, aside from the kitchen is the most walked on place in our house. It needs new curtains (probably something sheer and green), good, clean window scrubbing, new water pipes for the bedroom toilet, and new linen.

I chose to improve the bedroom because I have read studies that says that better sleep means better work performance. Besides, I need a clean bedroom otherwise my asthma might strike once more.

5. on my loved ones

Uriel has been on my list far long enough. I guess I will spend some money on my family. Marriage has taken its toll in family relations. I rarely call/go home - unlike Uriel, who comes and goes to his parents every time he feels like going. Since I work most of the time, I rarely talk to them especially when my mind is too preoccupied with work and housekeeping.

I guess I'll buy my parents a gift - probably a blouse for my mum and a set of nice undies for my dad. For my brothers, I'll definitely give them undies too. My sister, Josette, who's been under a lot of stress lately and usually hooked in blogging, maybe something techie rekated. For my nephews, something unbreakable for Louis while I might think of something smarty for Claudius. Magdalene should also get something but I have to fish out a nice bag from the "tiangge" for her.

As Uriel puts it, investment on friends reap rewards in amazing and totally unexpected ways.

6. on travel

My brother-in-law, Jacques, from Australia, is spending Christmas here. However, he's been way too bored moping at home so Uriel has been playing with the thought of going to the mountains anytime after Christmas or before New Year. My husband and I have always reveled at the relaxing ambiance of mountain air and the exhilarating feeling of scaling its heights. The quiet, foggy nights with the roaring bonfire might do us good.

Since I'm in charge of planning, we intend to go to Sagada and Bontoc - home of the rice terraces. We have a collective budget of 30 grand, for 4 days 3 nights (excluding travel which takes about 18 hours to and fro)of pure exploration. These two have never been there, considering that their ancestors comes from the Northern Provinces. That would be one memorable trip.

7. on a collection

Unknown to many, I have a varied collection: I collect grimoires (pronounced /grɪˈmwɑr/). These are textbooks of magic. Books of this kind of genre, typically gives instructions for invoking angels or demons, performing divination and gaining magical powers, have circulated throughout Europe since the Middle Ages.
and usually kept hidden from sight during the Inquisition. They cost a lot but I splurge whenever I can find one because their prices go up - especially when a solitary practitioner or a coven looks them up.

If I have enough time, I might hunt for one during vacation. Do I read them? Yes, I do. I use them when applicable. Enough said.

8. on broadening the mind

I buy books that tickle my imagination. I have helped my brother build up his Harry Potter Collection (from Book 1 to Book 7) all hardbound. Since I read faster than he is, I usuallly read it first (aside from the fact that I financed it). Maybe this season, I'll look for another book to collect - Twilight series, perhaps.

Top 10 Pinoy-Friendly Countries

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:05:00 +0000

Last Sunday, I watched "Ang Pinaka" at QTV11 here in the Philippines. It's a show that lists every imaginable topic that could interest a typical Pinoy/Pinay. I watched this particular episode because I know for sure that many would definitely be interested. Filipinos are explorers by nature. Besides, many viewers of the show might have been traveling back to the Metro around the time it was aired. So, to do you all a favor, here's the list.

10. Spain

Many Filipinos will see Spain as the country's longest colonizer. They are credited for "discovering" the Philippines in history books. As such, their customs, food and culture are similar to Filipinos. Think of the lechon, mechado, paella and menudo and you'd realize that our taste buds aren't really that different. The dreaded "siesta" for children originated from this country. Think of the extreme reverence Filipinos have shown to their patron saints and fiestas. Spain has temperate climate compared to the rest of Europe. It's not that extreme for the tropical inclined Pinoys. Aside from that, since we grew up with syndicated Spanish words in our dictionary, we have very little adjustment to the language. One might have problem with the grammar but the vocabulary will tide you just fine. A popular moonlighting source of income is teaching Spaniards English, which is the Philippines' second language.

9. New Zealand

It is said that 17, ooo (approximately) Filipinos migrated to this country according to the POEA. It is the literal "green pasteur" that every probinsyano has ever dreamed of. Think of lush green grass covering the countryside (and not the typical local mall) and lots of cattle grazing. This is the country where there are more animals than people. Its government wanted to populate its vast tracts of land with skilled laborers (both professionals and vocationals). The temperaments of the local Maoris are the same as the Filipinos since they have close-knit family relations and of course, the migrant Pinoy will not have any difficulty communicating since he'll be using English. Aside from that, those accustomed to the smogs of Manila will revel in the cleanliness of the air and the safe playgrounds it will provide to your young.

8. Austria

It places 8th in the POEA list because approximately 22,000 Pinoys live here permanently. This part of Europe is the central location for the "Sound of Music" surrounded by its mountains and bordered by rich European countries. This is the place for the artistic Pinoy since it's a melting pot of European culture. However, this is the last place in Europe where one would expect really warm reception from the locals.

7. Germany

It was a bit surprising when I learned that there are approximately 42,000 Filipinos permanently living in Germany and that Asians are the third largest number of migrants in this country. What makes Germany tick with Filipinos? Generally, its technical field more advanced. Most of the best car and musical instrument manufacturers are based here. Filipinos will feel secure in their good transport system (nice roads, good traffic), no under the table transaction because everything is orderly and systematic. Engineers of all sorts come here. The major glitch that these professionals would have to overcome? The language.

6. Guam

To be near the Philippines, yet live in America is a dream come true for the 43,000 Pinoys who live in Guam. It's an island near the Marianas where its main economy depends on the influx of tourists. Hospitality graduates (chefs, baristas, waiters, masseuse, chambermaids, etc.) will find heaven as there are lots of hotels to work for. The country's proximity to the homeland makes its climate and landscape similar therefore, less adjustment on the clothes you need to wear. Albeit similar in physical aspects, the country's infrastructure is highly Americanized. Aside from that, Filipinos will not be bothered by the local Chamorros since they exhibit similar temperament.

5. United Kingdom

The country that holds the world's oldest surviving monarchy had a small and aging population until the 2oth century made it to the top 5. Approximately 52,000 Filipinos live there. They are usually composed of medical professionals who get paid well. Although Brits are known for their snobbish and cold demeanor, they are less likely to exhibit discrimination since half of the country's population are migrants. Filipinos would endure frozen food and cold winters in the UK because of it's almighty "Pound." It never dips below Php 60.00 since 1995.

4. Japan

Surprisingly, Japan almost made it to the top 3. With approximately 83,000 strong Filipinos living permanently in this country (therefore producing more "Nikkeijin" or half blood Japanese offsprings). Filipino professionals abound here because of the high demand in technology (think engineering and other related to electronics). Aside from that, migrants are comforted by the fact that there are many job opportunities for the spatially intelligent as well as a strong economy. The country is clean (they try to be as environment friendly as possible using the latest technology) and its people orderly and respectful. Don't be fooled, since there is high incidence of racial discrimination (despite being Asian and all!) because the Japanese take pride in their bloodlines. Having lots of Pinay Japayukis doesn't help. Aside from that, one has to learn the language (primarily writing and reading) and put up with its high cost of living.

3. Australia

Around 18th century, the eastern half of Australia was a penal colony for Britain's prisoners. Around the 70's there was large scale migration for skilled foreigners due to small and aging local population. There are lots of work opportunities available to new migrants (no work is too small or too menial because they get paid by the hour). It is a socialist country (free healthcare, education, etc.) and a melting pot of culture. Although there are some discrimination in some parts (think of rural areas). Approximately 212,000 Filipinos have the advantage as they pose career threats to other foreign migrants since they speak and understand English.

2. Canada

Among all the Queen's dominions, this country has the most liberal migration law. It was due to the fact that they have sudden surge of geriatric population compared to the young, working ones. They are in need of skilled migrants to move their economy. It is a safe, clean, orderly place for growing migrant families. There is an increase Asian population. Approximately 212,000 Filipinos live here permanently which makes it a prime Pinoy-friendly country.

1. USA

It is the proverbial "land of milk and honey." 2.27 million Pinoys can blend in with lifestyle because of their exposure to the American culture experience (Hollywood movies of course!). This country has more benefits for older, retired personnel and one can have 2 jobs at a time. As they say, nothing is impossible here since more jobs available for hard workers. Many of the Filipino migrants usually study then work there eventually.

Tales of the Cock

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:20:00 +0000

This is my husband and I's first Halloween away from our families. It's just the two of us in our current residence - a bungalow amidst fruit trees and colorful blooms. We planned our date: Early morning, we will eat heavy breakfast consisting of rice, sausages and eggs (as scheduled). Then, after we've done our morning rituals, we'll go to a certain salon in the city where we could have our hair cut. Before lunch, we'll meet up with a friend whom my brother-in-law owes a cash gift.In the afternoon, when the malls start opening, we'll go to a competing mall (the West Wing is soooo boring!)to window shop what we'll buy when we receive our 13th month pay this December. We'll definitely buy ingredients for our nightcap, food for the dead (consists of rice cakes and other native delicacies) and loads of candles. We'll definitely go home early because Succubus the Vile and Succubus of the Steely Moon will wreak havoc in the garage when they don't receive their dinner at 7PM.

Now, let's get on with the night cap we're planning. We're actually thinking of having a private cocktail party. I am something of a bartender since my mum made me drink my first punch before I ever had my first menstruation. You might say that I learned through experience.

Cocktails, as the Wikipedia defines it, is any alcoholic mixture that is kinda sweet and kinda bitter (traditionally!). The sweet part is attributed to sugar, fruit syrups or favored soda. Bitters are from spices (the traditional cocktails have them) or citrus rinds dissolved in glycerine or syrup. Recently, I have tasted cocktails that are more on the creamy side (attributed to milk, coconut cream or honey). Before, gin, whiskey and rum are commonly used for traditional street smart Filipino cocktails. Older people still prefer them. Younger generations, however, prefer vodka (odorless!), tequila (kicks in when least expected!) or brandy (health benefits?).

Although I would like to lecture you on how to create your own cocktail, it would take up too much virtual space. Let me share with you instead how a particular traditional cocktail evolves through time and you might just get what I mean.

Basic street smart Pinoy cocktail is RUM COLA. You just need to mix 250 mL of Rum with 750 mL of Cola. Any brand will do as long as you have abundance of ice. But then, the taste gets a little too familiar. So you now add 4 pcs of squeezed calamansi or Philippine lime. It's now called CUBA LIBRE. After a while, you get tired of the tangy taste of lime so you add something a little sweet but tangy fruit. You add 212 mL of Mango Concentrate and it now becomes MANGO SLING. More fruits means more fiber. More fiber means better digestion: so you now add 500 mL of Pineapple Juice concentrate and 250 mL Orange juice (still mixed with lime!). It now evolves as ZOMBIE. It will take a while for you to realize that this concoction might cause a little stomach cramps when there is scarcity of hoers d' oeuvres (namely: pulutan). You need an ingredient that will lessen the acidity in your stomach while the errand boy buys a new set of "pulutan." You remove the calamansi and the orange in the mixture since they lower the pH of the drink. Instead, you add 168 mL of condensed milk (sweetened concentrated milk). Your masterpiece is now the PINYA COLADA. By this time, you might get tired of the expensive pineapple juice. Remove it from the mix, add 500 mL of water and 2 grams of coffee powder and voila! You have the ISLAND CAFE LATTE!

See? It's just a matter of innovation and budget. What you prepare for your crowd depends on those factors and lots and lots of tube ice. Good luck!

Viz Gek

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:33:00 +0000

I was about to eat brunch with Uriel when I received a text message telling me that a special someone had passed away. It was my pet fish, Yin.

I named her Yin because I would always catch her staring at me from her fish bowl while I'm tapping away in my laptop. Yang (means Dark half of the circle. He has a mole on his side - probably a parasite), her bowlmate, would often swish the waters violently in an effort, I guess, to wet my laptop or maybe to get her attention. When I got them last Monday, I've been learning a lot about their quirks.

Yin would play with the aerator's bubble and would not shy away when I pet her head lightly. Yang would try to bite my finger (unsuccessfully, he has no teeth!) when I try to pet his head. Yin wants her food to be soaked and sinking in the water while Yang wants them big and floating. Yin likes to play with bubbles, like she's bursting them or breathing into them. Yang plays with bowl's pebbles, prodding them along with his head.
I enjoy watching them play in their bowl beside my desk, especially when there are no customers in the shop. I used to think that fish exist for human consumption - they have no emotions, no thoughts nor personalities. I guess I was wrong. I think, that despite the size of their brains, fish are aware of their selves and interact to their environment.

I feel sorry that Yin died that early. I read that gold fish can live up to 16 years old. I think I have yet to learn a lot in taking care of fish like Yang and Yin.

When I got to the store, I learned that my colleague flushed Yin in the toilet. I bought 2 more gold fish for Yang. They're Yeng ang Yong. How do I distinguish them? Simple. Yong has a bald spot on his head while Yeng has an angled tail. Quite pretty seeing them stare at me right now.

I think, I'm going to bring them home with me tonight. I don't want them to die here.

Gold Fee Shin Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:50:00 +0000

Monday is always rush day for me. That Monday was no different. I had barely scrubbed myself down with a damp towel, brushed my teeth, combed my hair and changed into work clothes. It was a hot dry afternoon and I had to fan myself as I walked the green mile to civilization...well, actually...it was more of the village gate where I had to ride a jeep to the nearest bus stop to get me to work.

I was lucky to ride a fast jeep. Unfortunately, I was too preoccupied checking the stuff inside my backpack that I was dropped off a little farther than the bus stop that I had intended to get off in. So there was sweaty me, half walking half trotting to the bus stop when I bumped into this old lady with a young boy. Her hair was ashen gray and wrinkles accented her gaunt face. She looked poor but her threadbare clothes were clean. She almost fell over. I helped her get on her feet and the boy thanked me profusely. As I was about to leave, she held my hand. I was surprised and a little irritated but she held up a plastic bag tied with rubber band. It was filled with two common goldfish, its water bubbling and cloudy with debris.

"Please take this fish," she said. I had gestured no and had successfully pulled my hand away from hers but she ran after me. "Please, Miss. Please take this fish. My grandson and I have to go home to the province but we have no money to take the jeepney ride home." My mind was in disbelief. How could this woman have 2 goldfish and not have money for a provincial trip? The boy told me that it was the only thing they saved when their house burned down. I gave them an Osmena bill and ran after the bus. The boy ran after me and gave me the fish.

It was inconvenient carrying a plastic bag of fish to work but I have no choice. I rode the bus to work with the plastic bag of fish hanging from my backpack. When I got to the shop, my colleague was delighted to see the fish. She improvised our aerator as our fish bowl and bought flakes for their food. I was assigned to clean the bowl every other day and of course, provide for their medications and other paraphernalia for them.

I placed our plant inside the bowl and put some pebbles and rocks for them. Before, the bowl went on top of our counter but since our customers are often distracted with their googly eyes, I had to put them beside my desk where they swim about. Recently, I bought an oxygen pump for them because Yin had been swimming upside down. Yang is his usual naughty self (he tries to bite my finger for chrissakes!). I might buy a decent aquarium for them next time with filters and lights and eventually bring them home with me.

I have yet to notice if these fishes will bring in good business, as foretold by feng shui. I hope they do. And then, there would be lots of shops with gold fish in bowls bringing in good fortune to those who rent at west wing.

Pa-Epal

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:02:00 +0000

I have recently opened a PayPal account because I won an item at ebay. I have added my bank accounts in its facility but it asked about a "Bank Code." When I tried to ask about their bank code, they gave me wrong answers like the last 3 digits in your ATM card or the first 3 digits in the pass book. They're both wrong because the bank code is supposed to be 9-digits. I did my research and viola! I found the bank codes.

This bank code is needed if you're withdrawing from your online earnings deposited to Paypal and you want to transfer them to your local bank here in the Philippines. Before they can be done, you have to add the local bank in your account. Log in to PayPal> go to My Account > Profile > Add or Edit Bank Account then fill in the Bank Name, Account Number, and Bank Code.

This is the Official List of PayPal Philippines Bank Codes
Bank Name Bank Code
ALLIED BANKING CORP 010320013
ASIA UNITED BANK 011020011
BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS 010030015
BANK OF AMERICA 010120019
BANK OF CHINA 011140014
BANK OF TOKYO 010460012
BANCO DE ORO/EQUITABLE PCI BANK 010530667
BANK OF COMMERCE 010440016
BANK OF THE PHIL ISLANDS (BPI) 010040018
CHINA BANKING CORP 010100013
CHINA TRUST COMML BANK 010690015
CITIBANK N.A. 010070017
DEVT BANK OF THE PHILS (DBP) 010590018
DEUTSCHE BANK 010650013
EAST WEST BANK 010620014
EXPORT & INDUSTRY BANK 010860010
FUJI BANK 010640010
HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK(HSBC)010060014
INTL COMML BANK OF CHINA 010560019
INTL EXCHANGE BANK 010680012
JP MORGAN CHASE BANK 010720011
KOREA EXCHANGE BANK 010710018
INTL NEDERLAND BANK 010660016
LANDBANK OF THE PHILS 010350025
MAYBANK OF THE PHILS 010220016
METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO 010269996
PHIL BANK OF COMMUNICATION 010110016
PHIL TRUST COMPANY 010090039
PHIL NATIONAL BANK (PNB) 010080010
PRUDENTIAL BANK 010150018
PHIL VETERANS BANK 010330016
RIZAL COMML BANKING CORP (RCBC) 010280014
SECURITY BANK & TRUST CO 010140015
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK 010050011
UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK 010299995
UNION BANK OF THE PHILS (UBP) 010419995
UNITED OVERSEAS BANK 010270189

Happy online earning!

Philippine banks with Paypal bank codes: Allied Bank; Asia United Bank; BSP; Banco de Oro (BDO); Equitable PCIBank (same as BDO bank code); Bank of Commerce; Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI); China Bank; China Trust; Citibank; Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP); Deutsche Bank; East-West Bank; Export Bank; Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC); Landbank of the Philippines (Land Bank); Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank); Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom); Philtrust; Philippine National Bank (PNB); Prudential Bank; Veterans Bank; Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC); Security Bank; Standard Chartered; United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB); UnionBank of the Philippines (Unionbank); United Overseas Bank.

P.S. My new predicament: I'm a buyer from EBay, not a seller. How do I transfer funds from my bank to PayPal so that PayPal will pay for my online purchase?

The Problem with HMO's

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:28:00 +0000

Uriel was rushing to work while I was basking in the afterglow of our early morning delight that Monday morning when my brother Barnabas barged into our room. He complained of cramping back pain which woke him up. Since I have felt that sensation regularly after I have had my kidney lithotripsy, I advised him to pee because it may be due to urine accumulation in his bladder. He peed but then came back again complaining that the pain had radiated to his stomach. I dismissed him by saying that it may best to eat breakfast first because it might've been hunger pangs. He ate a light breakfast of coffee and toast. After some time, he came back to my room and was sweating profusely. He lay beside me and tugged my arm. He was cold and very much in pain. He crouched in a fetal position and with his eyes, pleaded for my help. It scared the hell out of me because my mum's brother died of pancreatic disease, crouched the same way. I shuddered at the thought. My mind was running with possible diagnoses. I suspected pancreatitis.

We took a taxi to a nearby suburban hospital in the outskirts of Marikina. He was attended to in the emergency room where he was given Ranitidine intravenous and a pain killer (which he suspected to be Meperidine) which alleviated the pain a little. He was to be confined but the only room available was the hospital's suite. Since we had 48 hours leeway to transfer to a cheaper room, we agreed. All sorts of tests were immediately administered - blood counts, skin tests, x-rays and of course, ultrasound imaging. Initial inspection of all the tests showed a swollen gallbladder because of a gallbladder stone dislodged in its opening. He was too stunned to speak because he had to go under the surgeon's knife again. Surgery was scheduled for the next day.

That was the problem because at the beginning of the coming month, his company changed HMO's and that hospital was not accredited by the new HMO. The old HMO advised us to remain in the small hospital and pay for the remaining days not covered by the HMO. My brother's company had assured us that it will be reimbursed in the new HMO. Since we could not confirm that with the new HMO, we don't want to take the risk aftr assessing our funds. Besides, many of our families do not even know that small hospital existed. We decided to transfer to a big hospital more familiar, covered by both old and new HMO but definitely more expensive than the previous. I had to rush everybody in the small hospital into processing the discharge papers fast because we need to get in the big hospital before dark.

We got to the big hospital after numerous taxi transfers. Since the old HMO is effective till midnight, we paid for the room the next day since the new HMO is still incommunicado. When they were finally reached (think about the callous formed on my fingers dialing their friggin' numbers). They issued an LOA (letter of agreement) for my brother. He was given a new set of doctors and of course, same tests given in the small hospital. He was to be transferred to a semi-private room as indicated in the LOA. We were given 48 hours (again!) to transfer or pay the overhead cost of that room. I asked the big hospital's billing if there's any difference on the cost of diagnostic tests, medication and procedure rates per room. And you know what? There IS a BIG difference!

Before Barnabas went under the knife, his white blood cells rose in the recent blood test. There was infection but they don't know where. Upon further interview, they suspected that my brother might have had ear infection again (the bane of his previous surgery). They sent in another specialist and they wanted a CT scan. I refused to have that test done because I wanted the pain removed from my brother's abdomen. After all, that was why we're here for. They gave him antibiotics (loads of them!) for that and had him on surgery the next day.

He had a laparoscopy. It was a real high tech surgical procedure where there are 4 incisions: 1 for the camera, 2 for the prongs and 1 for the gall bladder's exit. The doctor saved his gall stones and took pictures of it. It was real cute: it's as small as green peas but made up of yellowish aggregates. Beau Boi and I gave up eating chicharon on that moment. They put it in a small vial with rubber cover and my brother kept it.

After his catheter and drain was removed, he was good to go. The nurse gave him his last dose of intravenous fluids and it was time for us to settle the bill. I already informed Jubei that we're going to borrow a little cash from her because I was sure that we had exceeded the new HMO's limit.

I was advised to go to the billing section. I got the initial assessment. My sister rejoiced when she found out it was within her credit limit (17K). The big hospital had already discounted it because of the Philhealth and of course, the HMO coverage. Jubei withdrew cash from a nearby ATM machine and I was asked to go to the credit section which was a bit odd.

When I got inside the credit section office, the woman (I assume that was their supervisor) told me that the doctor's fees were not included in the bill and that thy weren't mentioned in the LOA. In summary, we would have to pay for their professional fees in addition to the excess. It was quite alright until I saw how much. It was more than 65K! She added that we would have to settle that before midnight or pay the penalty of 5K plus the room rate for the whole day because the account was already closed.

I was crestfallen. How on earth am I going to wriggle ourselves out of this predicament? I told my sister who was very angry at the new HMO (55%) and of course, the big hospital(25%) and my brother's company (10%). We had only one hope that day: my brother-in-law Armand Oleander, who is Josette's husband. If he agrees to cash out 65K for Barnabas, that would be the end of our problems but how in the world can Barnabas pay it back? We know that Armand will pay for the monthly amortization of his SUV. We had to find another way. Josette and I called people who might lend us money now and eventually Barnabas will pay it back.. but no success.

Armand arrived and had a private conference with Josette. I know that since she's a housewife (meaning, no income), she has no choice but agree to whatever Armand's condition may be. After the conference, I saw Josette smiling and of course, handing the cashier the money. Barnabas was thanking the blushing Armand profusely and a teary-eyed me assured him that I will help Body pay for the said credit.

We went home, where my husband waited with a piping hot dinner. Josette and Armand would have joined us but Claudius, my nephew, kept checking on where they are. While we ate in silence, I could tell that Barnabas was humbled and embarrassed by what had transpired. I could sense Uriel was worried how Barnabas was going to pay the Oleanders back. I couldn't think of anything else but retribution for us. I urged Barnabas to get back at the new HMO when he returns to work after a fortnight.

He didn't reply. With the glint in his eyes, I think he might do more than that.

The Frugal Gourmet (Wanna Be)

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:49:00 +0000

Getting married is taking a toll in my pocket...well, actually not just my pocket, but my husband's as well. When pay day comes, we allocate fund for the utilities (water/electricity/phone/association bills), savings and credit card bills. Then we set aside our living allowance good for 2 weeks until the next pay day. The rest of our income is spent on what we really indulge in best: FOOD!

My husband enjoys hot, homecooked meals when he arrives from work - no matter how late it may be. Steamed, fluffy rice with any fresh-off-the-pan viand will do. However, after six months of living together, we realized that this ideal meal will cost us our budget if we don't watch out. Since we since we intend to be independent of our parents support, we have devised plans how to keep our food budget in check.

1. We follow a menu for the week

You might think (with raised eyebrows) that only restaurants have menus. Our house has a new one every week of the month. We actually list down food that we want to eat for the whole month. We consider special days (like our monthsery, birthdays or holidays) and how many people will eat the meal for the day. Do we even deviate from the menu? Of course, we do! We have "wild card" meals which depend on which is the most affordable in-season food in the market. But the planned meal stays for that month.

2. We approximate a weekly budget

As much as possible, we approximate the weekly cost so that we could allocate budget for them. Expensive meals (stewed/grilled/baked) are offset with inexpensive ones(sauteed/fried/broiled). As much as possible, we try not to waste expensive cuts by saving them for sautes and grills.

3. We go retail.

Since it's just the two of us most of the time, we buy ingredients in retail (or "tingi"). We compute the actual weight or volume of what our meal's ingredients are and buy them - by the gram or milliliter. Nothing goes to waste since we have a small refrigerator.

4. We try to save on meat.

Milk fish and St Peter's fish are generally cheaper after strong rains so it's the usual mainstay of our freezer in rainy months. Sometimes, we buy sea fish (tuna, salmon, etc.) on dry spells because it's more affordable during those months except on Lent.

Meat extenders are always in our list. We both love to eat meat but if it costs way too much for our budget, we use meat extenders. We use the meat-like tofu (very high in uric acid so eaten in moderation), veggie meat (which we reserve for dishes with thick sauces to hide its light grey color), sweet potato (an extender for casseroles, sautes and meatballs), cold cuts (especially for high fiber dishes) and chicken breast (easier to cook but I'm usually allergic to chicken meat).

5. We make the most out of "food sales"

Whenever we notice a good buy in the food sections of the supermarket or local market, we buy it. We incorporate this ingredient in our menu. We usually stock up on meat in our freezer but consume it in a fortnight. We do not stock fish (albeit it would have been a healthier choice) because it deteriorates easily, even when frozen.

6. If possible, we buy at local markets

Let's face it, although I practically live and breathe in the mall, prices at local markets are way cheaper (at wet markets) than those found in mall supermarkets. Dry goods (like vegetables, spices, flour, condiments, etc) are also way cheaper. Cleaning and grooming substances (detergents, soaps, deodorants, colognes, etc.) are cheaper in the supermarkets. But if you buy them in bulk at the local dry market, it's a little cheaper. Cooking, cleaning and eating implements can be bought here at a fraction of a cost in malls.

7. We buy only what we can eat in a fortnight

After every pay day, my husband and I buy our stocks for two weeks in the supermarket and the local market. We consult our list of our ingredients and our menu for the coming two weeks before we buy which either at the supermarket or the local market. Staples are bought in bulk while the other ingredients are retailed.

8. We love our refrigerator

Every month or so, we defrost our small refrigerator and clean its interiors with antibacterial detergent. We also try to set its thermostat to not higher than 3. Food that are perishable are kept here. The rest - like bread, condiments (except for mayo and oyster sauce)and sachets of juice/noodles/instant oats are stored in the kitchen cabinets.

Storage also affects food quality. Vegetables fresh from the market are removed from their plastic containers and placed in the crisper. We wash them only before cooking them to retain their freshness. Fish are removed of their innards (which I broil with vinegar and some salt for my pets), salted and stored in microwaveable plastic containers in the freezer. Meats are trimmed, washed thoroughly with water and rubbed with salt and pepper. They are then stored in large plastic containers in the freezer.

We try as much as possible to keep only 2 trays of ice during regular days or buy tube ice from the convenience store when there's a party. Since our ref also comes with a water cooler dispenser, we replace its water regularly so that we conserve energy by not opening the refrigerator door just to drink a glass of water.

9. We use the right stuff to cook good food

Pots and pans determine how long the cooking time will be as well as the texture of the food. We use flat pans if we want the food fried evenly, simmered or seared equally. Pans are also good when we cook meat sauce for spaghetti. If we lack coal for grilling, I brush its interior with oil and grill meat with it. Our oiled wok is good for quick sautes and fried rice. This contraption releases heat easily which prevent food from being burned easily. Thick pots are for slow cooking like stews and broiled meats.

We cook in a traditional stove top powered by gas. It tends to lose heat in the process of cooking, thus, longer cooking time. My mum has an induction oven (powered by electricity) which is heat efficient because it directs heat into the pan and hastens cooking time. The problem is, she uses special teflon coated pans for it. I have tried using it but with unsatisfactory results. It hastens cooking time but it overcooks food if you aren't used to the timer and temperature settings.

10. We have mainstays in our menu

Stews ( defined by the Wikipedia as "a combination of solid food ingredients that have been cooked in water or other water-based liquid, typically by simmering, and that are then served without being drained")are a mainstay on weekends or holidays when both of us are home. Cheap cuts of (pork or beef)meat are simmered with vegetables, tubers or fruits in water. We sometimes add tomato sauce (for its lycopene content) or squashed gabi/potato tubers to thicken its texture and enhanced its flavors.

Vegetables are a mainstay in every dish we cook. My husband and I always crave for fiber in fruits and vegetables. Otherwise, we drink cereal milk drinks. When cooking vegetables for stews or any time-consuming meal, we would put them last...just enought to cook them a bit.

Old staples are given a twist by putting in new ingredients to the old recipe. An example of this would be putting Japanese corn in the traditional "Beef Nilaga" for a sweetish taste. Boiled, shredded eggplants are added to cheese sticks for a filling ang healthy snack. Horseradish leaves are added to mongo beans stew for a flavorful nutritious dish.

11. Left over creativity

Left-overs are not a problem since we have the Succubi with us which we feed with rice and whatever's left-over. However, not everybody has pets which can feed on left-overs so how do we deal with left-overs when there are no available Succubi?

a. Left overs are great with anything that has carbs
Chunks of meat from a previous meal can be shredded and made into homemade pizza or a filling sandwich. Fish can be mixed with flour and spices as fish balls or fish nuggets for another meal. Vegetables are a little tricky...since it depends on how they're cooked. Boiled vegetables can be put in as noodle extenders (for ramen or "pancit.") Sauteed vegetables can be put in a tortilla or lumpia wrapper and fried. Beans and tubers are a different matter. They can be filling for bread when mixed with sweetened milk and sugar.

b. Avoid left-overs...REALLY!
One can avoid left-overs by training people in their household if they'll eat which meal at the house. If it's just you, fix yourself a salad or a sandwich. Don't sweat the small stuff!
Learn to adjust to the household's appetite. Count how many ate which and adjust for the next meal. It takes a lot of diligence (I used to cook for my parents and siblings when I was single) but it's worth it. Nothing goes to waste.

c. Proportion is the key
By the time you get to this part, you have probably mastered the art of networking (you've asked everybody who's eating at home for a particular meal) and accounting (you've got a mental list as to who eats this much). When you buy meat in bulk from the market, have it stored in different plastic containers. Use a masking tape to label each bag with the cut and the intended recipe.

That's how we keep our food budget in check. It takes a lot of time to get used to eat but eventually, when you do master it, you'll reap the benefits of being in control of the majority of your budget.

MalLabor

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:51:00 +0000

Recently, the Department of Labor (of the Republic of the Philippines) conducted an inspection at the mall where I work in. At first, my cohort and I thought somebody must have snitched on our company. After all, it was the first time in all our years of working for capitalists that the department took interest in what the REAL situation is in the workplace. I have never been interviewed by the labor department's emissaries nor my cohort. As we stared at each shop and each employee of that shop getting interviewed on the nuances of their job, memories came flooding in my mind.

My family belongs to the middle class so luckily, we never experienced child labor. We used to have a small store near our rented apartment and we would take turns as vendors - usually after class or during semestral breaks. In fact, my sister and I even slept in the mezzanine to guard that store. We were never given salaries (like regular employees) but we enjoyed drinking cold soda or munching on chips while reading all the magazines or newspapers sold in the store stands. We could talk to friends or bystanders whenever we feel bored. We would watch the big trucks rumbling by at night or pity the cars and buses stuck in traffic. The person who'd tend the store will not be with the family during meal times, but my mum or my dad will reserve the most special/biggest/yummiest portion of the viand for her/him. We enjoyed writing prices of goods bought from the distributor and displaying them in the store shelves. We could do our homework from the store and not be bothered by household chores like washing clothes or doing the dishes. I don't think that's child labor at all.

But in the Philippines, you can observe that rampantly. These are children who are too poor to be fed by their own parents yet too proud to beg. In the city, they sell jasmine garlands or newspapers, clean jeepneys in the terminals, act as barkers or even conductors for jeepneys on provincial trips. In the country side, these children help during harvest time (especially of rice, sugar cane, corn, etc.) and they'd be given the scraps for salary. They would do odd jobs like selling water, sell vegetables for other vendors, wash clothes or even tend farm animals so that the would have enough money to spend bare essentials (which goes for th family rice, dry fish for viand) for the next day. If there is any left, they would go to their allowance in school.

Sadly, these children have never enjoyed playing. They regard play as something of a vanity that they can rarely indulge. They have to work hard for their families to eat and live another day. They're often late or if not, absent in school because either they're too tired to study or that they need to work long hours to afford things that their families need for the next day. They have no choice but to sacrifice their self for their loved ones.

Eventually, these children mature sooner than their bodies. They rarely develop into well-rounded adults because they have experienced hardships and criticism at an age when they should have been building their confidence. They'll become cynical and insecure. Most of them rarely finish school. They get by with whatever work they could find, paid poorly because of their ignorance, abused by the society and pass on the cycle to their offspring. Then, the cycle of poverty and child labor goes on.

He went to our store at last. He showed us his ID and asked a lot of questions. He queried about our pay and the benefits that we receive from our employer. Although hesitant to answer his questions, we cannot lie because he asked for our pay slips and made a lot of notes in his report.
He noted that I was paid very poorly...underpaid, he said, but overqualified. He sadly shook his head as he continued scribbling more notes. He never asked me why I accepted the job in this shop. He wanted the assurance that I am okay working with the company who pays me little but expects too much. He said he would take care of that situation and that he will deal with our managers accordingly next week.

Ever since I graduated from college and passed the licensure examinations, I have never experienced paychecks that go way beyond the basic pay mandated by the law. I remember my first pay check for the month amounted to Php 4,200.00. But that time, I was working 48 hours a week and the basic pay per day was Php 250.00. Isn't that a perfect example of flagrant abuse of greenhorns?! However, I accepted the job because it was a race against time and a matter of pride - I was the one who got employed first in our batch in a prestigous cosmetics company. The clientele was elite: local politicians, ambassadors, actors and actresses and all the who's who of Makati. I compounded dermatological formulas for them (as prescribed by the resident dermatologist), got free cosmetics (that were really way too expensive to come out from my pockets), was given free treatments to clear up my skin, and of course, got to know everything from the grapevine before it could ever get out in the news. That was the life...a single Makati working girl!

After a month or so, I was not given the well deserved raise that was promised to me at the interview. The manager told me that it was verbal...not in black and white so it was quite preposterous of me to expect that from them. She told me that there are people who, just for the sake of working (for years)in their elitist company, were paid below my rate. I was stunned. She had the gall to point that out to me. I told her that I musn't be underpaid because I am a professional. She laughed it off. I quit the next day.I consoled myself after that incident but my pride was badly injured. That was the first time I had been rejected. But that did not stop me from being disillusioned by the promise of a nice fat paycheck. I went on from job to job (being a medical sales agent to college lecturer to hospital pharmacist)until I got into teaching in a private school for girls.

That was the first time I ever saw 5-digits in my paycheck that does not include the centavos. I thought, "WOW! This will definitelty make my momma proud!" I was able to live the lifestyle I was used to when I was still in Makati but this time, everything came out of my OWN pockets. It was very empowering. My family greatly benefited from it because I could pay for some utilities (like the house phone and the househelp's salary). I could even go on weekend trips with my younger siblings to shop, to play or just dine out. I was on a budget but including my luxuries.Work, however, was very draining. I look forward to meeting my students, young as they are. I teach them new things about science that they can really use outside the classroom. But I dreaded coming to the faculty room with loads of paperwork, witnessing how co-teachers stab each other in the back, being sarcastically talked to by my superiors, walking home late at night through the dark streets to get a ride home, having less time with Beau Boi, etc. I regretted as each dreadful month ended as much as I happily expected my paycheck.

Much to my family's dismay, I quit the post after 2 school years. As I slowly walked away from that school, dragging accumulated teaching aids along the way, I realized something. I value my psychological well-being, my family time and of course, Beau Boi too much than my big fat paycheck. After that, I worked for an English school for Koreans in the afternoons and taught at the nursing college in the morning. The rest, is history.

He came back the following week as promised. Our bosses in Makati have been too disturbed by the fact that the DOLE is now looking into the rights of their employees that he sent our company's accountant and of course, the administrative manager. He was cordially informing them about my rights as an employee and the other benefits that I should be receiving. They promised they would change the payroll starting next month. The inspector smiled satisfactorily and told me that I would be getting a better pay check for my family. He, the manager, the auditor and I signed the papers and after a piping hot cappucino and a crisp croissant..he was off. I believe the inspector went back to DOLE happy that he was able to put out a laborer's misery by having the managers acknowledge their deficiency in giving the correct pay. He probably wouldn't give us, mall employees, much thought after that day. He was assured by the affixed signatures of the managers that they will protect the rights of their employees in terms of corporate remuneration.

Up to this time, I have yet to see on my payslip, the increase that was written on that piece of paper he brought to DOLE. I bet other employees in this mall feel the same. My manager had a mole inside the labor department which she paid off with bribe (a state-of-the-art air conditioning unit). The inspector will never come back again.

P.S. Still, while I have yet to feel the economic crunch, I'll stay here. I love being a mall rat!

Melamine = Kidney Stones

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:59:00 +0000

In Asia nowadays, people are scared of taking in dairy products or anything that has milk in it, especially if it's from China. News are flashed on the television informing us about the pull-out of Chinese-imported products that contain milk or that it causes kidney stones in children but they never tell us, their viewers, what the hell "melamine" is about. Questions kept sprouting in my class which I try to answer as patiently as I could, though they are totally unrelated to my lecture for the day: How does melamine get in the milk? What is melamine's real use? How does it cause kidney stones? Does it affect adult kidneys too?

Literature in the textbooks and journals are not really that helpful because they are not for laymen. People with very little understanding of scientific terms will have kidney stones before they could ever decipher what the article was all about...so I'll try and explain it as simple as possible.

Before it was identified as a "bad guy" in the news, let me tell you what it was before all the media attention. Melamine is classified as a very heat resistant resin. If you have those microwaveable plastic bowls, these have been coated with melamine to prevent melting of the plastic when microwave particles pass through it to heat food. In fact, they are sometimes found in flame retardants! Melamine is also used to coat counter tops and white boards - see their glossy surface? That is melamine. Sometimes, it's found in glue (the ones that say that do not produce noxious fumes) and of course, burn proof fabrics like aprons and pot holders. Its derivatives from arsenic is used to treat African trypanosomiasis - therefore, an important chemotherapeutic agent.

Its usefulness was exploited in the late 1950's when it was patented as a non-protein nitrogen source for cattle but was turned down after several studies because it was difficult to digest and that urea and cottonseed would be better alternatives. You may ask, why do these cows need a nitrogen source? They need nitrogen to build protein. Their diet which is mainly grass, contain chlorophyll, a little nitrogen and many fiber. To become economically beneficial, they need to have more muscle. More muscle means more meat. The heavier they will be, the more money they will fetch for their owners.

Melamine manufacturers were not disheartened. They incorporated melamine in food products (like those that contain milk!) to increase their advertised protein content without really spending much on a natural protein source. Its very convenient for food products to claim protein contents since the tests used aren't specific for what kind of protein is being claimed in the nutrition label. Now, the plot thickens...how in the world do these food manufacturers add an insoluble substance like melamine in milk? They mix it with formaldehyde...which will also lengthen the storage period of their product.

Let's not get scared yet. Melamine is not really toxic...in low doses. In fact, it's lethal dose is less than 3grams per kilogram (based on rats). So if you're 60 kilograms, it would take 180 grams of melamine to kill you...and that's quite a lot. Besides, melamine alone will not kill you. Its combination with cyanuric acid will.

(Cough!) WHAT IS CYANURIC ACID?!

Cyanuric acid is an ingredient of some bleaches, disinfectants and herbicides. Sometimes, this is found in drinking water especially in heavily herbicide-bombed areas. There was a study conducted that cyanuric acid is also as toxic as melamine when alone. However, when combined with melamine, they cause major damage like the fatal kidney/bladder stones in children. These may lead to bladder cancer or worse, reproductive problems.

Let me clarify that today's melamine scare affected children because they're the ones that usually feed on milk. Although it is not stated in the literature that I've read, adult kidneys are prone to melamine cyanurate (the compound formed from cyanuric acid and melamine) because these developed kidneys are more prone to abuse like alcohol ingestion and of course accessibility to high protein diets (think Atkins's diet, steaks and protein shakes). Children have lower body mass so acute melamine toxicity is easier observed in them. Maybe it'll take me 5 more packs of soft chewy chinese White Rabbit candies before I experience this.

How does melamine get into Chinese milk? I have three (3) possible theories:
1. It's ingested by the cows themselves. Maybe there are unscrupulous herders that add melamine to cattle feed in hopes of increasing the nitrogen content in their diets. Cats die of renal failure by ingesting melamine..what more of cows, which are bigger than they are? Before they die, their milk may have been transported halfway across the world.
2. It may have been added in the milk to increase its protein content. They might have dissolved a little melamine in formaldehyde, then added it to the milk before being analyzed. It's like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone. Longer storage and higher protein means more profits.
3. It might have been in the container. Melamine has been used in fire-proofing or for making smoother surfaces, it is possible.

I hope our BFAD recalls all the milk products from our supermarkets, especially if they're from China. How do we protect ourselves while these melamine issue isn't resolved? Simple. Beware of anything dairy that is from China - that includes their chocolates, candies, cakes, cookies, biscuits, milk and anything that could possibly contain milk. Next, ask yourself if the protein content in a particular product has logical amount of protein. For example, if none of the ingredients in your bag chips naturally contains protein and the nutrition labels says it has protein...don't buy it! Lastly, eat fresh food that is locally grown. Like buying fresh carabao milk from your local farmers or from people who are into organic farming. It'll do the local economy some good and it will definitely keep your kidneys safe.

12. Thank Goodness!

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:31:00 +0000

I have been panicking for a month. Why? Read on.

My husband lent me his laptop and since I got wi-fi access in my shop, I was delirious with techie happiness. I can access my emails whenever I like and watch online movies and tv shows abroad without ever going anywhere! I could chat with my friends from abroad and of course, updated in their social lives. It was bliss...and then..I remembered my blog.

My goodness!

That's when I started to panic. I realized that I've lost my online diary! I had never expected that I would lose my account that fast. Thought came running to my mind:Was it deleted? Did someone know my password that they changed it so that I could not make another entry? I have made lots of entries here and that would have been quite a loss for me.

I tried making another account using my Gmail but I miss this account. I really do. Blogspot new accounts have to be logged on using Gmail nowadays. It's a little disheartening to see the message that my email is not recognized.

I have used the help portion found in this site lots of times but I never seem to get it right. I managed to reset my email address' password and here I am! Blogging as ever before.

As Captain Barbossa (Pirates of the CARIBBEAN:At World's End)said, "For sure, you have to be lost to find a place that can't be found, elseways everyone would know where it was."

An Illicit Affair

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:51:00 +0000

My Uriel has been nagging me for the longest time to resume working for the profession we've sweated blood and tears in college to practice: Pharmacy. After we've passed the boards, we have tied the knot with it.

Like a wife that needs to be monetarily benefited, I pay the PTR every year - just in case I felt like practicing again...and renew the license regularly very 3(or was it 2?) years so I could be updated at the PRC (Professional Regulatory Commission). He's irritated that I kept borrowing (not that often!?) money from him for that...which he thinks illogical and a waste of money.My mind agrees with him completely. Why not? The government earns money off me more than I earn from my "profession".

Ever since I got my license, I've been paid for pharmaceutical positions a little over than the basic pay for ordinary employee...which is an injustice, considering that rank and file employees do not undergo rigid evaluation after they graduate (like taking the board exams, for instance!). Pharmacists have to worry themselves about documents for the Bureau and other government agencies (which involve a lot of PR and diplomacy to get things done without That fact disillusioned me from the practice of pharmacy.

Like a mistress waiting for an opportunity for the tempted to succumb to her charms, I fell for the practice of Education. I was in between jobs when I was invited by one of the popular health science colleges in manila to be their lecturer for a semester. They've been short of professors lately and since they think I'm qualified for that, they've been bugging me since. So I gave in.

I taught senior and junior students of pharmacy all the pharmaceutical sciences I've learned from the practice and of course what I learned when I was in college. I never realized what power I hold in molding the minds of my future colleagues - they were awed by the fact that they've been taught by a board exam topnotcher (which I never flaunted, or thought of as anything special.) I was easily popular with the students because I have made it my personal mission to teach only what can be useful in actual practice.

Like all relationships, my mistress gradually showed her true colors as the one-semester contracted ended and was renewed to a full teaching contract (one whole school year). I began to feel the professional jealousy of my co-professors who are much older and definitely more experienced than I am. There were smattering of intrigues and subtle bribes offered by my students. I was getting noticed adversely by the conservative administration for my radical teaching styles. I got tired of handling many students (imagine, 1 class will have an average of 80 students!). I was overworked beyond compare...It took one big fight with my beau boi before I finally realized I needed to strike a balance somewhere.

I quit my teaching job there and drifted from one teaching job to another. I taught middle school, Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, high school students, post-college students...It was exhilarating how I managed to get into my student's psyche and teach them what they ought to know. But still, I'm getting rustier and rustier in Pharmaceutical Science.

Despite of all the teaching I did, I neglected the profession that I swore to practice till I die. It took me a failing grade in the APEC to realize that...much to my disappointment. It humbled me to a point that I had to be a pharmacist again. So...I struck an idea: MOONLIGHTING.

I looked for a job as a pharmacist for a food supplement shoppe in a nearby mall in the afternoons and taught in the morning at a nursing college. It enabled me to enjoy the best of both worlds. I work part time for 20 hours a week in the college while I have 50 hours a week in the shoppe. Although my husband and I split the household bills, I earned enough for my (and his) luxuries and debts.

It's a fun experience, although some of my friends caution me that it's exhausting (which is true...imagine rushing from one place of work to another) and that it might limit my chances of bearing and caring for children-to-be. Uriel and I take it in stride...we're not much of a hurry for anything.

Traditional Filipino Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:16:00 +0000

I went online today and chatted with my students who are scattered out of town, celebrating the Halloween season with their families. I agree that they deserve a break...after all, when I see them next semester, they'd definitely return to their former selves: dark circles under their eyes, dry skin and gaunt faces. When I ask them how they celebrate Halloween, I got similar answers. Someone said that they went to the mall to shop. Another went to the beach with friends. Somebody went to the cemetery to sell candles and flowers or paint tombs. It's either a variation of any of these answers.

It saddens me to think that the youth of today's Philippines does not practice what had been ingrained in our culture from one generation to the next. I think the government knows that Halloween is a lame excuse for local tourism or semi-reunions that it never extended October 31st (as what local employees expected)as non-working legal holiday this year. Though there is still the usual influx of people visiting their dead relatives in the cemeteries, may it be in the provinces or in the city, traditional celebration is not observed as usual.

I saw children in the mall line up in the activity area, wearing masks or face paint. They all want to "trick or treat" the participating mall tenants. There are specialty shops that sell latex masks galore, all Halloween trinkets imaginable, sound cards that emit blood curdling clips to scare unwary strangers, candles of all sorts of molds and scents, costumes of fairies to ghouls, styrofoam bones and wigs of all colors and cut. It's blatant commercialism at its best.

What happened to the days when the youth would, at the eve of Halloween, help their parents cook rice cakes to offer for their dead ancestors and the lost souls that would come and visit them? On the feast of All Soul's, the young would form groups that would go from house to house doing "pangangaluluwa." It's the Filipino version of Halloween carols. These carolers will pretend that they are hungry,lost souls that has just come out from the gates of heaven.They will beg the owner of the house for food.If the owner of the house disregards their pleas, these carolers will steal the owner's chicken or vegetable. At the stroke of six,it is traditional for the whole family to light candles at the entrance of their house,the altar and the table where the feast for the dead is laid out. The whole family will kneel in front of the altar and pray for the souls of their departed relatives and friends. After the long prayer is over,the family will eat rice cakes like biko, suman and kalamay. The elders believe that the dead likes to eat sweet and sticky rice cakes. It is believed that before the break of dawn,these souls will return to heaven. The next day,the whole family will visit the cemetery to clean the tombs of their relatives. They will cut grass and weeds that surround the tomb, sweep it away and eventually paint the tomb white. After the paint has dried out, they will light candles and offer colorful flowers for the dead. They will whisper a short prayer so that its soul will achieve eternal rest.

I understand that many young people I know are too preoccupied to care about traditional Halloween practices. But won't it be much better if we, older people, pass on these traditions to the next generation? How can our culture exist if we do not safeguard it in the future?

If you ask me where I'll be spending my Halloween, it would be with my family. My siblings have planned a get-away to Baguio for the holidays. We're leaving tomorrow night, leaving our parents behind, to attend to the mundane world of local politics.

08. Turn of the 3rd Decade of Existence

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 06:29:00 +0000

In retrospect,I think 2006 has been a year of delays and stresses for realizing my true potential. It had been a year of separation for my family - separation from my brother, Body; from memorabilia that celebrated milestones in our lives; from clothes and other stuff that were unknowingly stolen during renovation; from our previous lifestyle. We all had to adjust to my mum's retirement, my new sister-on-law, our new business, and our financial situation.

The first quarter had been the usual routine - working hard to earn enough to pay for utilities and some money to spend for little luxuries (like silver jewelry, shoes, bags and hair accessories). We had a new business venture, a canteen launched before my birthday, that will ensure that my family eats for more than three times a day - something that we were never brought up on. Food had always been scarce for us when we're all in college since we don't eat breakfast for fear of being late for school, we eat very little lunch because we need to save enough money for school expenses and we can't really eat a decent dinner because we're too tired to eat at midnight and would rather sleep or do something relaxing. Along with that canteen came the new house helps, who are either weirdly psychotic or with awesome attitude problems. Body got married in church on a Valentine's day. Before the wedding, we had to ask our relatives to help out with the food and other expenses because we can't afford a grandiose wedding that they have been hankering for. My mum spent most of her money on computers (the one I'm using now), printers, copiers and mobile phones. She busied herself on the canteen, organizing files and of course, cooking food when we got fed up hiring cooks!

The second quarter had been tiring for me since I was working for 48 hours a week for SMCSJ and WJA. Added to that was the stress of my mum preparing for her long awaited trip in the US and Canada. She has been working for so long that going to that place is one of her achievements in life. Living with strangers (the house helps) is an adjustment that we all had to make. My dad, with his sarcasm and ironic sense of humor, have been making it difficult to make these house helps stay for more than a month. It's hell when I have to start training new personnel for the canteen every other month. I'm thankful that my boyfriend can put up with my tantrums during these times. I know how I can be such a pain in the ass.My boyfriend and I celebrated our 9th year of Visita Iglesia, with prayers and hopes of a brighter future for the both of us. When my Bo's birthday arrived, it felt so weird celebrating it without him. He was my pet, a frequent recipient of "blessings" from me (free cinema tickets, occasional fine dining, clothes, shoes, bags, etc.) and he was gone. I think I've been jealous of his new family because I had been his confidante and adviser but now, I'm a deleterious sister he despises like pestilence. He has changed and he has aged. I miss my brother and I hate to see him live his life like that.

Third quarter was the most traumatic period for me and my siblings. With my mum gone and having fun somewhere in North America, we have to put up with the recent renovation of the house, the business space and managing the canteen. Most of our stuff are (still)wrapped and hauled on a makeshift trailer. Then, major devastating storms, thieving construction workers, and nasty pests destroyed our precious possessions and along with it, memories when we had a normal life. We had to sleep on hammocks because the floor is flooded and slippery.We had to be content with modest clothing since we can't choose what we want to wear and some have already been stolen by the construction workers who are working on our house. I also had to contend with my father asking money for construction costs and balancing the budget for other house utilities. I was forbidden to tell my mum really bad stuff about what happened to our books, pictures and memorabilia since it would definitely break her heart and her savings. My boyfriend and I busied ourselves getting documents to migrate to Australia for good. We both plan to get married a year after staying there and saving up for the wedding of our dreams.

The last quarter was a little better than the horrendous previous quarter. My mum returned from the Americas with souvenir photos, lots of clothing from relatives and friends, chocolates from duty free and a little poorer than the usual. We had to put up with her endless stories about life in the U.S. of A and Canada. She liked her stay with friends and relatives. She would've stayed if she got hired there. It would've been better that way because when she got back, she saw the house is total chaos. We all thought she'd break down, luckily, she did not. She took it in stride. She managed to pull off a successful hermana mayora -ship of the parochial fiesta and still live off her pension from the bank. Our Christmas and New Year's Eve aren't that grand as with our previous years. My sister and brother's family didn't spend them with us, which caused my parents to feel a little lonely without them. My married siblings tried to make up for that by being present at reunions and family functions during the holidays. However, it breaks my heart to see my parents' eyes linger longingly as their cars drive away and my nephews waving like there's no tomorrow at their grandparents sitting under the mango tree.

They say I'm lucky to have the gift of foresight, to tell what the future holds with a flip of my contraptions(tarot cards/runes/dice), to be receptive to changes...but am I Fate that can truly dictate what destiny lies in wait for this year? I am, like other mere mortals, pray for a better tomorrow while savoring today and learning from the past.

Numerology states that I'm lucky this year since it's my 30th year. I'm a Fire Snake and a mutable watery Pisces...contrasting fortunes are predicted for me. All I know is that my choices affect the fate I hold.

07. Caste System of Siblings by Birth Right

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:13:00 +0000

It's been a long time before I have ever managed to update my blog. I guess I'm too busy working. Too much of it made me a dull witch. Why so? I have this very bad habit of bringing work home and it disrupts everything that I intend to do when I get home.

I think I'm luckier than most of my siblings because I was never told to do any chore at home. Nothing is expected of me. I come home whenever I please, play with my dogs or just stay in my room after coming from work. I'd eat after I have cooked whatever I want. I take it as privilege of being first born. My youngest brother would always complain how I get away with it. For example, my dad would ask me to take out the trash. I would look for someone other than my sibling to do it for me, like the housemaid. If no one is around, the youngest sibling that I'd see would do it for me. In our house, I do the light stuff: massaging my mum's forehead until she sleeps, combing my dad's gray hair until he sleeps, giving "reality checks" to the nuisance that surrounds any of my family members, going to the bank or paying the utilities (credit cards or phone bills). I think that's the benefit of working hard - you have enough money to pay for the life you want to live.

That's what I always say to my youngest sibling, especially when he complains about the injustice of it all. But I try to make up for all his hard labor and patience. We often go out to eat, especially on pay day. When he decided that he does not want to have the typical "Saint Clair" tummy - bulging even in famine, he got into buying tight fitting shirts so that our other brothers won't bother to wear it.

Right now, I'm very happy that we have an internet connection that will enable me to blog all my free hours at home. Hooray!

05. Retro-Shopping and Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 10:30:00 +0000

When I was a child (way back in the 80's), our mum usually takes me and my siblings to a popular spot (the term "mall" wasn't that popular during those days...but yes, it was a mall prototype) in Makati every weekend after church or medical/dental check-up. It's either to shop for stuff that we'd be using for school the coming week or dine at restaurants that were usually featured in high society magazines or buy food or other supplies for the household.

At first, I thought it was the norm for parents to bring their children to social spots but as we grew older, mum made us feel it's directly proportional to their income. That means, if dad doesn't send us (that time, my dad was on the forefront being an OFW in Libya working for Ericcson Telecoms) more that enough for the household budget, the less we experience going to that spot. Mum really doesn't enjoy going out of the house on weekends because it's the only she can rest at home - but sacrifices because she has an objective in mind in bringing us to Makati's premier social spot: to teach us the rigors of etiquette and social interactions.

Middle class children like us back then have very little time to socialize with the people of the other classes. It's all routine: house-school-house on weekdays and house-church-house on weekends...except when mum tells us it's time to go to Makati for shopping. We always look forward to that. We wear our Sunday's best - which was logical because we usually come from church before we go there. Greenbelt was THE place to be - well, that's where the restaurants usually are when we dine out. Most of the time, it's either national bookstore (for our school stuff) or Ansons (for replacing electronic gadgets that whoever our househelp that time broke) or Makati supermarket (for our household supplies) or Rustans for our clothes.

Except for groceries, mum really asks us what we want. If it passes her fancy (but actually, more on her budget), we go for it. Otherwise, she merely brought us to carry lighter packages. She'd bribe us with lunch before she could make us do it so we eat out every time.

If she's in a tight budget, we'll go to our favorite food chain. Jollibee was virtually unknown to us so we'd always go to KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). That time, KFC wasn't the fast food type of service. I remember eating buns instead of rice when we buy the bucket. Actually, there were no bucket meals during that time so what I'm referring to is the real KFC bucket original recipe chicken (16 pieces) which is served with real warm gravy, coleslaw and buns. If we're well behaved, mum buys us the chocolate mousse for dessert. She'd teach us how to eat properly - like, not to make noisy chewing noises, holding the plastic utensils properly so it won't break, sipping drinks without the slurp, wiping the mouth after eating really oily food, etc.

If there's a special occasion (like we got a medal for academics or birthdays), we try out fine dining. The Jade Garden is where she'd take us for chinese food. She tried teaching us how to eat using chopsticks (even with rice!) but as young as I am that time, what's the point of eating with sticks when you can request for a spoon? There's Kimpura - a Japanese restaurant (also in Makati) where they cook your food in front of you - like the Shabu shabu restaurants do now. It was an amazing experience watching the chef do all the theatrics just cooking your fried rice: makes you wonder why mum looks bored when cooking our food. It was like our big final test when she took pains teaching us dining etiquette at the executive dining room of the Asian Development Bank.

If she wants to watch a movie, we'd go to the Quad cinema if it's a foreign flick - which is what she always makes us watch. Sometimes our older cousins who works at the Cucina Italiana brings us there. If it's locally made, we watch it at the ABC theater in Guadalupe. Most of the time, its ABC with her especially when we're to old to watch Disney movies.

If we buy a lot of stuff, we get to ride a taxi. That time, Metro Manila has two types of taxi - the airconditioned ones and the ones that rely on air alone. Airconditioned taxis are really expensive (the flag down rate is Php 2.50 if I remember it right) where ordinary taxis are cheaper. Personally, I like the ones with no aircon. I love it when a gently breeze blows wisps of long bangs on my forehead - covering my face entirely ala horror movie antagonist.

Going home was a relief for all of us, especially my siblings, because it's when we remove the airs we put on when we're in the metro. We throw all our cares and do what children usually do - play, fight, make up and eat food noisily...but of course, that happens when mum isn't around.

04. What's Christmas without the Carols?

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 17:08:00 +0000

As our dad is a devotee of the Black Nazarene and our mum a faithful Marian follower, it is but natural for my sister Lilith and I to spend our adolescent Christmases in the church of the Cute Monkeys (or worse, Cash Muna), a stone's throw from our high school.

We belong to the M.U.S.I.C. (Ministry of the United Students in Christ) Choral group of the parish. Since most of the parishioners are student transients who return to their provinces on Christmas Break, it was up to our group to sing the Christmas dawn masses for 9 days straight. Usually, the student transient members would attend the first 2 or 3 masses because it's their prelim week before the Christmas break. The night before they return to their province, the choir usually holds its Christmas party where we eat (potluck, in times of drought - which was very rare), play parlor games and of course, exchange gifts. After that, we would go to the carnival along Roxas Boulevard and stay there until it's time for Simbang Gabi. We would get on scary rides and shout our lungs out of excitement and anticipation (to the dismay of our choir master!). We would take lots of pictures to cherish when they've gone to their families in the provinces.

Most of us left for the holidays are teenagers who dreaded walking to church on a chilly dark December morning. The Misa de Gallo also involved hours of practice at the back chapel (which also served as a mortuary for the faithful departed) and nightly rehearsals at the darkened closed church. To sing for the dawn masses also meant that you will not be seated with your relatives or friends or sleep in between songs because the choir sits very near the pulpit where the priest gives his homily. Although we would have like to sleep a little longer during the chilly nights and be late, we think about the lengthy scoldings we will definitely get from the priest, the choir master and of course, the lectors AFTER the mass.

Despite the consequences, my sister and I never fail to miss any of the Misa de Gallo we had during those times. Many people believe that if one completes the Simbang Gabi, their petitions will come true. So far, so good...we've never missed a Simbang Gabi when we were still with the choir. We pitied the people who had to stand the whole hour for the mass while we are seated comfortably near the altar. Church devotees sponsor delicious breakfasts after the mass like hot porridge with boiled eggs and cold orange juice, rice cakes and ginger ale, or hot chocolate with suman. Charitable priests would often share with us fruits or sweets given to them during offertory. We could chat animatedly with our choir mates until the 6AM bell from the high school rang. We also enjoy the privilege of receiving the Eucharist before the entire laity lines up in front of the priest. My sister fondly remembers how traditional Philippine Christmas carols will play an hour before the mass. We would sing along and if we're in a jolly mood, deliver a full choral rendition of the song - to the delight of the early church goers and our choir master.

Our routine during the Christmas break would typically start after the mass. My sister and I would go home (as stealthily as we could)and raid the fridge before our brothers wake up for breakfast. My mum usually has a hidden stash from their office commissary: cartons of imported Australian chocolate milk, danish cookies and Swiss chocolates. Later on, after eating our fill, we would go back to bed and sleep until it's lunch time. One of us would do mundane household chores (doing the dishes or the laundry) or tend the family store. We prefer the latter but it depends on who wakes up first. Around 6PM, our choir mates will fetch us from the store for choir practice. If the mass sponsors are extravagant, our dinner would be in between practice. Dinner would consist of a cup of rice, some meat and vegetables and juice. If the sponsor is a cheapskate, no dinner until choir practice is finished. We would eat at home, digest our meals while watching some holiday TV show and sleep early after we've set the alarm clock at 3AM. We would wake up around 3AM and wash our face (we cannot take a bath...water is freezing cold!). We would grab a bite of chocolate and wash it down with a little water. We change our clothes and rush out of the house in the dark streets of Ermita. Before, we would get scared walking by ourselves. Eventually, since we would meet our choir mates along the way, we were comforted by the thought that we will meet them before we get to church. Our choir master would have us vocalize before the mass before, but eventually, he would just practice the song line-up and of course, the responsorial psalm soloist for the day. Then there would be the mass, where we usually fight the urge to sleep, and after we hear the priest's final blessing - our stomachs are already grumbling. Then there is eating and socializing time. Lilith and I will get to stare openly at the cute altar boy who assisted father or we get to small talk the handsome lector of the first reading or we would just talk about the food we're eating.

A day before the high mass, we would practice the whole day at the back chapel. Food and drinks would be supplied abundantly. By the time we get home, it's already dark and almost everybody in our house would have been asleep. Although tired, we look forward for the last Simbang Gabi. It meant no more waking up in the wee hours of the night to get to church on time but that also meant less fridge raiding.

Catholic church high masses are full of glamor and splendor. It gives me the goosebumps just to witness it. Christmas masses are not as spectacular as the Easter mass but nevertheless more joyful. You get to see people wearing their newest, most fabulous clothes that they could buy/been given/got for free. Children, as small as dolls, tag along with their parents sleepily. Teenagers fashionably grunge, stand with their fellows at the aisles or teeter close to the church doors for a quick smoke. Families come in complete attendance (which makes me wonder, who gets to guard the dining table laden with Noche Buena?). Although the high mass is longer than the usual mass, you'll be impressed with the devotion that people in the parish show in singing along with the choir, responding to the psalms and interacting with the priests and lectors.

Hohum...(Sniffle!)

It'll be 4 days before Christmas Eve in the Philippines. The choir has long been disbanded. Our choir master has migrated to Italy. My sister and I won't have any fridge to raid. We have missed too many Simbang Gabi to ever have any of the wishes come true. The priests from the Cute Monkey congregation are not the ones we grew up with. Some of our choir mates have gone abroad. One had already died of cancer. Many were already married with families and friends of their own - the MUSIC Ministry, a dream from the past.

Here I am, typing away at the still of this chilly December night. Christmas, I guess, will never be as fun as it was when we still attended the choir of the Cute Monkey parish.

03. Sudden Marriage for Unplanned Pregnancies?

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 08:28:00 +0000

I am the eldest child in a brood of five and as typical traditional Filipino family, the eldest child is expected to help run the household along with the parents. Look at my photograph, do I look like a solemn, rule-stricken eldest sister.

I am not that typical eldest child because, first and foremost, my Bozanian passion have made it near impossible for me to get a permanent and well paying job - which made me an entrepreneur (tutorial services are my forte) when (sh)it happens. I do help out financially in running our household but my handicap involves doing household chores which I totally detest (but I do know how to do). Secondly, I am not the standard for good morals and right conduct because I have such a bad temper and a sharp tongue which makes me prone for trouble and all sorts of mischief. Finally, I do not conform to rules and regulations that I do not think necessary for my existence..which means that I follow my own rules

Despite of that, I try to make sure that I know what goes on in my other siblings lives and I do try to help them the best way I can. Its just that sometimes, despite of my good intentions, I have always been mistaken for someone with ulterior motives. It must be how they percieve me in the sordid past that makes me look like an incorrigible person

But what has been bugging me this past few years is the fact that my younger sister and brother have had no qualms at all in marrying that early.

Don't get me wrong but I think to marry after getting a university degree is not the best year for someone to get hitched in a commitment instituted marriage! I cannot imagine how one could ever realize his/her full potential in a chosen career without the pressures marriage can bring to an individual. For men, it has always been on trying to find a company that gives out stable and substantial salary. For women, it has to be a job that provides maternal benefits in less than 6 months and would have to be near their residence. Analyze that! Most companies here in the Philippines give salaries a bit higher than the factory workers for new graduates - particularly to fresh graduates who aren't that stellar in their resumes and/or transcripts. Besides, the trend being done by companies in the Philippines is that they employ on a contractual basis which means, salaries may be substantial but not stable. Aside from that, new graduates should expect plenty of overtime work that is a bit over than the usual hourly rate (if you're lucky!). This could put such a strain in their relationship because either one of the partner is too tired to help out or they are just too tired to care. Woe to expectant mothers and father, ain't it? Maternal benefits aren't given to new employees (unless they are employed in decent companies who truly pay the SSS and PhilHealth on time) until they have been deemed regular employees. There is also a stipulated time of a month where a young mother (and still a contractual worker with SSS benefits) can take care of her young and receive some sort of monetary pay. After a month she is expected to come back to work or else terminated immediately. No work means less food on the table and how does a young couple make ends meet? The poor infant had to be taken care of by an ignorant yaya or a well-meaning relative so that the mother could work despite the dicomfort of leaking breasts and a still painful after birth scar. What would become of the child that is weaned on thawed breastmilk and sometimes milk formula? Residence is another problem. Finding one near the office takes some skill and of course, financial dexterity. Initial problem involves the deposit and advance that most landlords ask from their tenants and of course the utilities that come along with a rented house. Juggling the budget will take its toll on the young couple that has to sacrifice (a lot!) in the name of love and marriage

I am 28 years old but I never would dream of such problems besetting me when I get married. I am quite fortunate that I have a self-monitoring uterus that in spite of the sexual activity that I engage in with my boyfriend of 8 years (we've just had our anniversary) we still manage to enjoy singlehoods perks. Sometimes, we do get pangs of envy whenever we see our nephews but the benefits outweigh the envy we feel. We do intend to marry in two years time but we want to give our children (if we still manage to have one) a better life than what we had.

02. Family On-the-Go

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sun, 24 Apr 2005 07:50:00 +0000

When my family was billeted in a classy Metro hotel by the Baywalk area, my nephew was very excited. It was his first time to go and sleep in a nice hotel, complete with bathtub and a magnificent view of the sea (which I agree, was enough reason to be excited compared to our usual bath and ambiance at home). He was running and jumping all at the same time, eager to use the hotel's amenities to satisfy his thirst for experience. He kept telling my mom (his grandmother) "Lola, its my first time.."

I remembered the time when we were very young (I was seven I guess,) when mom and dad would take us out to a company sponsored outing and get billeted in nice hotel/resorts with amenities that we never see at home. The very first vacation was in Puerto Azul (Cavite area if I'm not mistaken) and we were appreciative of the nice air conditioned lobby and the very soft bed and one has to run out and there was the sea! There was also a pool but we were more excited to get sunburned by the sea with our dad and some children who were of mom's office mates'. Aside from that there was sumptuous feast every meal and that (Thank God!) we get to observe (since we cannot afford to lose our manners when we were with mom and dad) other people's children eat like savages with other foreign resort guests. There was this vacation at a private resort in Caba, La Union. The beach was so tolerably saline that I have been successful in learning how to swim by myself. I guess that was also the first time I ever tasted fresh seafood and vegetable that I never realized that as picky as I was, I could also eat local vegetables and fish! During that vacation I had been able to experience what it feels like to have some sort of luck in seeing money float towards me while underwater diving. It wasn't that much..just 50 pesos. But during that time, I had been able to buy some mangoes for my family's dessert that I realized what it feels like to see how one's family appreciates things that you have given them. Another memorable vacation was at Hidden Valley in Alaminos. I realized how haughty I have been because I almost drowned trying to prove my father that I am an expert swimmer - which I really am not. The food and the natural surroundings are also a big plus. I would have enjoyed going back there but when I realized how much dollars were to the peso ($1 = Php25) during that time, it turned me off big time. It was an exciting learning experience that we always look forward to it every vacation and would utilize our child's curiosity to explore and enjoy every place we visited by keeping memorabilia (sand, a flower, a leaf or whatever small junk that we can keep in our pockets) and by taking pictures.

When the company doesn't feel like going to beaches, they go to the summer capital of the Philippines.. Baguio! That time, it was such a pristine place with the smell of pine cones in the morning and seeing dew on leaves at the break of dawn. That was the time before the great earthquake hit the city, and no..we haven't been near the Hyatt either. We were at the very heart of the bustling city with plenty of half naked tribesmen (in complete costume!) walking and carrying big baskets of vegetables or begging for alms. April in Manila is sweltering hot while in sunny Baguio it was cool and we felt comfortable wearing the winter frocks and leather jackets our father bought for us when he was in Switzerland. My younger brother thought we were in another country since he saw a lot of foreigners strolling about Minesview and Burnham park. We enjoyed eating basketful of strawberries dipped in condensed milk and jars of sweet, crunchy homemade peanut brittle. My mother kept snapping pictures everywhere. I guess she was making up for all the time that she was always away on a mission and that she wanted to preserve the time when we were children and still totally dependent on them. That was the first time I ever fell in love with a place that was so strangely familiar.

Going to excursions, company sponsored or not helps a lot in keeping our family closer because we have no one else to talk with except our family members. Sometimes we do get along with other people's children but we usually prefer to be with siblings since we can get our own way (my own way actually, because I'm the eldest) in doing things. I guess that is the reason why even if we're already grown up, we (my siblings) still love to be with each other's company. We still laugh at our own stupid jokes, lenient at our own hilarious pranks and forgiving at our mistakes. Hopefully it will rub on to our own children in the future.

01. The Exodus

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:57:00 +0000

"...a blog is something one creates to share and get various perspectives on what ever the topic is all about ..." - RDM (Chat mate from YM YYY

I remember my nephew's pet fish "Dirty." She (we assumed it was a she) would always peer from her ceramic dilapidated castle to greet (it was more of a stare) whoever it was that happens to pass her glass bowl. It was like he fish-way of saying that "Hey, I'm here!" People are naturally like that also (which made me think of Dirty again-could it be n her past life, she was human? but that's in another post). They expect (or would secretly wish) that they be the center of attention or that their presence gets noticed in one way or another but in a more discreet way (personally, I think it comes naturally to a Filipino).

Blogs attend to that particular need in a way that a person becomes visible to other people virtually. One has the anonymity of the internet - thus, one can post in fantasies or some other perversion that in the real world, a person wouldn't do in actual life. Blogs are chronicles of a personal matrix that we want to be in or ar currently in (for those who are psychologically sound-but come to think of it, everybody has a nutty side). Bloggers describe the world in their own perspective and viewpoint and that they are really nothing more than human versions of "Dirty" - looking out from a limited space available and making conclusions out of what we experience or observe or assume to be.

I was a certified chronicler of my own life (is the term an autobiographer?). I've started writing diaries since I was 10 years old and so far, I had a pretty good view of my life from my perspective. The funny thing is that after transferring from 4 rented apartments and until we got to have our own house, I've never stopped writing my viewpoints and experience in a bound sheet of paper. Since it is a diary - complete with lock and key - it is meant for my eyes only. It was like I can be "ME" in my world - free from the prying eyes of people who would just spoil the fun and would censure thoughts that I actually do have at that moment. So it was bliss for me then. When I graduated from college, I got to experience the "REAL WORLD" and that began to take a toll on my writing.

When I started missing out on some real milestones, I began to feel frustrated. It was like I'm not living my life to the fullest and that maybe, just maybe, there is something in my life that I did not really think about that much which would cause a big impact to my future. Whenever I read my old journals, I feel like I'm transported back in time and that for a few minutes I become my old self - naive, trusting, positively beaming and untainted by the real world. It leaves a happy feeling and has a nice after feel that one is innately good, no matter how evil the deed one has done in the past.

This is my initial entry as a blogger and hopefully I get to share my thoughts and opinions here, not exactly the milestones that I record in my diary and I am looking forward to the readers/viewers opinions. This is the start of my exodus.

Transient Tenants of San Marcelino

noreply@blogger.com (Leto of Blood) — Sat, 19 Feb 2005 09:05:00 +0000

Before we ever inhabited our "ancestral" home (as my mum would fondly call it), we lived in a cramped apartment compound beside the MERALCO office along San Marcelino St. in Ermita, Manila. It was in front of the Technological University of the Philippines. The compound was at the back of a looming student canteen cum dormitory. That building and the compound used to be an old theater that belonged to a "Bumbay." Its long, tiled driveway had a canal for draining flood water from the compound and out in the streets. At the end of the driveway was a red, metal gate made of braided wires that was our only security from trespassers at night.

I can still remember its address (826-F San Marcelino St.)...The flat had one set of stuck windows for ventilation, a cold, glossy (but slippery!) red floor, mint green walls and no room divisions. It also had a small comfort room with a shower that does not work, a leaking sink and open shelves that were painted creamy beige. I don't know how much my mum rented the place but it was probably a little expensive because we would miss some month's rentals.

Despite the cramped flat, there was an open space for a watering hole - there was a big, red, metal water tank that was as high as the flat itself. It stored water for the whole compound just in case of emergency water shortage. Neighbors would wash their clothes there because the comfort room was way too small for washing clothes manually. My mum bought a twin tub washing machine to solve that problem.

My mum hired some people to create wooden dividers for rooms. There was this big cubicle that housed my mum and my dad's bed, the huge cabinets for our clothes, sleeping beds and other important stuff. Since the comfort room is at the very end of the flat, beside the dripping sink, my mum also had a small divider where my grown-up cousins slept and kept their things. In front of their room was the dining table and the sturdy refrigerator. Our living room is near the only window of the flat. Leaning under the window would be the battered TV, our bulky (old school) stereo and a small glass table. There was a small sofa set that leaned on the walls of my parent's divider. Eventually, that window that remained perpetually stuck was carved out and a used, 1 horsepower-air conditioning unit placed to relieve the stuffiness of the flat during summer.

The cousins who lived with us are the eldest daughters of my dad's older brothers. They used to live in the province and are very shy. They attend the university that was just a stone's throw from our flat. To relieve our boredom on Friday nights, we would put on our socks and dance on the slippery floor of the living room with the bulky stereo at full volume. Iolanthe, would teach my brother, Launcelot, crazy dance steps like "The Skeleton Dance" or the "Duckling Twist." My other cousin, Angelique, would watch over our then youngest brother, Michael, as he tries to imitate the choreography that the twosome invented. My sister Josette and I would pretend we're gliding on ice and dance the night away until we're all exhausted. The dancing nights ended when Michael suffered convulsions and was diagnosed with meningitis (to which he eventually recovered, with no ill effects).

My siblings and I slept on sleeping mattresses which we lay on the floor of the living room at night. We cannot sleep as late as we would like, even on vacations because our neighbors will definitely see us once the front door is opened. Delectable meal scents will definitely wake us up because the smell of food cooking in the unventilated kitchen will definitely waft its way up to the living room where we are. Garbage had to be thrown daily because rotting filth can be smelled from the outside. To fart anywhere inside the flat is a capital offense. We usually study in the dining room on exam days because our neighbors can get rowdy at night especially on "bingo" nights that was hosted by my dad.

When the landlords built a bigger flat near the big compound gate, my mum took the opportunity by transferring there. It costs a little more expensive than the old flat where we used to live but it had lots of windows (which relieved my asthma)and had a slightly bigger comfort room with exhaust.

My mum had used the old dividers to create two big rooms - one as the master's bedroom and the other for our bed spacers. Our living room in the new flat initially had a big living room that leads to the dining room. It used to have the sewing machine that my mum's older sister, Aunt Mary, used to repair clothes, create dresses for me and my sister, and sew uniforms for other people. Her youngest daughter, Magdalene, soon lived with us after graduating from the provincial high school. She eventually became a scholar of the T.U.P. and of course, graduated with honors. My parents commissioned my Uncle Jack (my mum's alleged twin brother) to make wooden double-deck beds for the bed spacers with an attached cabinet per bed. My Uncle Will (my mum's older brother, but my Aunt Mary's younger brother)was also hired to make the store at the very end of the driveway (near the streets of San Marcelino) for my dad.

My parents sold their property in Siniloan, Laguna that summer for all the expenses that were incurred during the whole shebang of transferring to another flat, refurbishing the new flat and constructing the sari-sari store at the driveway. By the time we had advertised that we can accept boarders (the room can hold 6 boarders)- it was full in a week's time. Iolanthe and Angelique slept in the same bunk in the boarder's room. Magdalene and Aunt Mary slept with us on the folding mattress in the living room. Soon after, the whole compound started accepting boarders as well.

I remember our old neighbors when we first moved in. There's Ms. Venus from apartment A, who lived with her beautiful but very shy sisters. There's Ms. Artemis from apartment B, a dentist who lived with her brother who's an engineer. She initially installed my dental jacket. Dr Hanzi Burns lives in apartment C with his small family. Elijah Spencer, a handsome homosexual, lives in apartment D with his female cousin that eventually married Mr. Crowley. A pet-lover, Mr Choiseul and his wife, lived in apartment E. He had cute pet dogs which he named "Richard" and "Snooky." Mrs Moll Maundrell and her family lived in apartment F. She's the resident gossip of the compound. There's Mr. Ahab Crowley, an old bachelor who lives in apartment G. He had 6 male boarders - from the universities nearby. Apartment H was always empty because it had undergone repairs. People from apartment I rarely mingle with the neighbors but I heard they're mostly cousins who live in the same house. People come and go in these old apartments and I have forgotten some of the short-lived ones.

Life in the compound is a lively one. Every morning, male neighbors (like my dad) would drink their cup of coffee sitting on a bench outside their houses reading their tabloids with the AM radio of different stations blasting out loud. One can hear the hustle and bustle of students and employees doing their morning routines. The driveway is wiped clean of the dust that settled on it overnight as the residents who are off to work rush to catch the bus or walk to their respective universities. The streets of San Marcelino will be congested with the morning traffic and not even air can move about the students and teachers in their uniforms as they traverse the dusty sidewalks.

Mid-morning is more peaceful. Students rush to and fro photocopying shops, canteens and school supplies stores. Smells of "student meal" mainstays waft to the compound's open grounds: pork menudo, beef caldereta, sinigang, fried fish, breaded pork chop, chicken barbecues, afritada and steaming white rice. Clinking soda bottles welcome each hungry patron as they scan the viand displays. Housemaids from each flat take the opportunity to wash clothes and gossip in their watering hole. Toddlers would run around their kiddie bikes or play with their rubber balls. Calorie-driven tykes would boast their latest trusty "sipa" or "text" cards moves - praying that the gusty winds won't ruin their act. Sometimes, they'd engage in "tumbang preso" or "patintero" if the sun isn't too hot.

When lunchtime arrives, the clinking of soda bottles, trays, plates and silver grow stronger. The compound's communal space is usually deserted since the transients are eating lunch inside their boarding houses. Residents of the compound are all watching game shows on TV while having their meals.

Early afternoon is quieter than on lunch time. It seems that after the canteen's clients have all gone back to their scheduled classes, dust on the streets of San Marcelino settles. Children in the compound are coaxed to sleep for their afternoon siesta - with a promise of their favorite snacks and more time for play. Ceiling fans work at their highest capacity to fend off the sweltering heat from the transient's small quarters. Nearby computer shops are crammed with students - researching, playing, chatting or checking emails. Loiterers read newspapers on display or rent out comics from the variety store.

Late afternoon is another burst of activity as the children awaken from their siesta - more energized than ever - and line up at the variety store to buy snacks of all kinds before they play till the sun sets. If lucky, the ice-cream man selling native sorbets will offer them fruit flavored treats till their throats go sore. Students from their afternoon class grab a bite at the canteen - a cheap buy one take one cheeseburger with ice cold soda will quench hunger pangs immediately. The less fortunate buy melon juice or diluted pineapple juice with the accompanying banana cue or "turon". Indigent students queue at the fishball vendor. They prick the floating (cooked) fish balls/squidballs/orlian/kikiam with their small bamboo sticks and dip them in a variety of sauces - vinegar with onion, garlic and pepper, spicy fishball sauce (thick brown sauce made of cornstarch, brown sugar and spices) and sweet fishball sauce (same ingredients as the former but without spice). The photocopying shops and the variety store are the favorite hang-outs of students - they buy soda and cigarettes/gum/chips while they photocopy an assignment/research/lecture from a studious classmate.

The boarder's early evenings are usually reserved for washing clothes (especially uniforms and underwears!), watching the latest TV drama, and studying for tomorrow's test. If all else is done, they eat their dinner - which is actually a reheated meal from the canteen - and chat till they become sleepy. Very few students roam the streets of San Marcelino as they often walk towards Taft Ave. where they ride a jeepney or catch a bus home. In the compound, people who had already done their washing and studying would often join other neighbors for a round of bingo (at 50 cents per card - that's cheap!) or challenge each other to chess. Sometimes, they would play basketball at our mini-basketball court when no bingo is possible. Young men would play guitars in front of their boarding house - secretly wooing the young women from the other house.

Late evenings are usually a quiet affair since the variety store closes and the driveways lights are turned off. The light outside the compound is also turned off at the stroke of 11 and the red chicken wire gate closed. Dogs roam freely the compound - ready to attack any intruder that happen to enter the gate without the whole neighborhood's knowledge.

As twilight descends upon the transients of San Marcelino - punctuated by the heavy wheeled trucks that traverses its roads - another day awaits for the transients, till they graduate and another set of transients move in.