Wuhoo!
I got my new blog! New look! New Place! Everything New! Pls. visit my "Blissful Moment" by clicking here! Thank you!
I got my new blog! New look! New Place! Everything New! Pls. visit my "Blissful Moment" by clicking here! Thank you!
FROM the 1896 Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the
Commonwealth
period, the EDSA Revolt, and the tiger cub economy, history marches on.
Thankfully, however, some things never change. Like the classics, things
irresistibly Pinoy mark us for life. They're the indelible stamp of our
identity, the undeniable affinity that binds us like twins. They celebrate
the good in us, the best of our culture and the infinite possibilities we
are all capable of. Some are so self-explanatory you only need mention
them
for fellow Pinoys to swoon or drool. Here, from all over this
Centennial-crazed country and in no particular order, are a hundred of the
best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy.
Merienda- Where else is it normal to eat five times a day?
Sawsawan- Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough
room for
experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites:
toyo't
calamansi, suka at sili, patis.
Kuwan, ano- At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys
understand exactly what you want. Pinoy humor and irreverence If
you're api
and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really.
Tingi- Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs. Where else can we buy
cigarettes, soap, condiments and life's essentials in small affordable
amounts?
Spirituality- Even before the Spaniards came, ethnic tribes had their own
anitos, bathalas and assorted deities, pointing to a strong relationship
with the Creator, who or whatever it may be.
Po, opo, mano po- Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference, filial
respect--a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.
Pasalubong- Our way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a
trip,
and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.
Beaches- With 7,000 plus islands, we have miles and miles of shoreline
piled
high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic
tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of
Palawan--over here, life is truly a beach.
Bagoong- Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish or shrimp paste typifies the
underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably
stinky and simply irresistible.
Bayanihan- Yes, the internationally-renowned dance company, but also this
habit of pitching in still common in small communities. Just have that
cold
beer and some pulutan ready for the troops.
The Balikbayan box- Another way of sharing life's bounty, no matter if it
seems like we're fleeing Pol Pot every time we head home from anywhere in
the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not, the
contents are carted home to be distributed.
Pilipino komiks- Not to mention "Hiwaga," "Aliwan," "Tagalog Classics,"
"Liwayway" and"Bulaklak" magazines. Pulpy publications that gave us Darna,
Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, Dyesebel, characters of a time
both innocent and worldly.
Folk songs- They come unbidden and spring, full blown, like a second
language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereo of a passing
jeepney or tricycle.
Fiesta- Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day, shrugs
the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous,
no-holds-barred spread. It's a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous
best.
Aswang, manananggal, kapre- The whole underworld of Filipino lower
mythology
recalls our uniquely bizarre childhood, that is, before political
correctness kicked in. Still, their rich adventures pepper our
storytelling.
Jeepneys- Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Pinoy ingenuity,
this Everyman's communal cadillac makes for a cheap, interesting ride. If
the driver's a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat.
Dinuguan- Blood stew, a bloodcurdling idea, until you try it with
puto. Best
when mined with jalapeno peppers. Messy but delicious.
Santacruzan- More than just a beauty contest, this one has religious
overtones, a tableau of St. Helena's and Constantine's search for the
Cross
that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it's the perfect
excuse to show off the prettiest ladies--and the most beautiful gowns.
Balut- Unhatched duck's embryo, another unspeakable ethnic food to
outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures! Sprinkle some salt and
suck out that soup, with gusto.
Pakidala- A personalized door-to-door remittance and delivery system for
overseas Filipino workers who don't trust the banking system, and who
expect
a family update from the courier, as well.
Choc-nut- Crumbly peanut chocolate bars that defined childhood ecstasy
before M & M's and Hershey's.
Kamayan style- To eat with one's hand and eschew spoon, fork and table
manners--ah, heaven.
Chicharon: Pork, fish or chicken crackling- There is in the crunch a
hint of
the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian. Perfect with vinegar,
sublime with beer.
Pinoy hospitality- Just about everyone gets a hearty "Kain tayo!"
invitation
to break bread with whoever has food to share, no matter how skimpy or
austere it is.
Adobo, kare-kare, sinigang and other lutong bahay stuff- Home-cooked meals
that have the stamp of approval from several generations, who swear by
closely-guarded cooking secrets and family recipes.
Lola Basyang- The voice one heard spinning tales over the radio, before
movies and television curtailed imagination and defined grown-up tastes.
Pambahay- Home is where one can let it all hang out, where clothes do not
make a man or woman but rather define their level of comfort.
Tricycle and trisikad- The poor Pinoy's taxicab that delivers you at your
doorstep for as little as PHPesos3.00, with a complimentary dusting of
polluted air.
Dirty ice cream- Very Pinoy flavors that make up for the risk: munggo,
langka, ube, mais, keso, macapuno. Plus there's the colorful cart that
recalls jeepney art.
Yayas- The trusted Filipino nanny who, ironically, has become a major
Philippine export as overseas contract workers. A good one is almost
like a
surrogate parent--if you don't mind the accent and the predilection for
afternoon soap and movie stars.
Sarsi- Pinoy rootbeer, the enduring taste of childhood Our
grandfathers had
them with an egg beaten in.
Pinoy fruits: Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones, durian, langka,
makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico, papaya, singkamas--the
possibilities!
Filipino celebrities: Movie stars, broadcasters, beauty queens, public
officials, all-around controversial figures: Aurora Pijuan, Cardinal Sin,
Carlos P. Romulo, Charito Solis, Cory Aquino, Emilio Aguinaldo, the
Eraserheads, Fidel V. Ramos, Francis Magalona, Gloria Diaz, Manuel L.
Quezon, Margie Moran, Melanie Marquez, Ninoy Aquino, Nora Aunor, Pitoy
Moreno, Ramon Magsysay, Richard Gomez, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sharon Cuneta,
Gemma Cruz, Erap, Tiya Dely, Mel and Jay, Gary V.
World class Pinoys who put us on the global map: Lea Salonga, Paeng
Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, Luisito Espinosa, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Jocelyn
Enriquez, Elma Muros, Onyok Velasco, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Lilia
Calderon-Clemente, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Josie Natori.
Pinoy tastes- A dietician's nightmare: too sweet, too salty, too fatty, as
in burong talangka, itlog na maalat, crab fat (aligue), bokayo, kutchinta,
sapin-sapin, halo-halo, pastilyas, palitaw, pulburon, longganisa, tuyo,
ensaymada, ube halaya, sweetened macapuno and garbanzos. Remember,
we're the
guys who put sugar (horrors) in our spaghetti sauce. Yum!
The sights: Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol's Chocolate Hills,
Corregidor Island, Fort Santiago, the Hundred Islands, the Las Pinas
Bamboo
Organ, Rizal Park, Mt. Banahaw, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano. A land of
contrasts and ever-changing landscapes.
Gayuma, agimat and anting-anting Love potions and amulets. How the
socially-disadvantaged Pinoy copes.
Barangay Ginebra, Jaworski, PBA, MBA and basketball How the
verticaly-challenged Pinoy compensates, via a national sports
obsession that
reduces fans to tears and fistfights.
People Power at EDSA- When everyone became a hero and changed Philippine
history overnight.
San Miguel Beer and pulutan- "Isa pa nga!" and the Philippines' most
popular, world-renowned beer goes well with peanuts, corniks, tapa,
chicharon, usa, barbecue, sisig, and all manner of spicy, crunchy and
cholesterol-rich chasers.
Resiliency- We've survived 400 years of Spanish rule, the US bases,
Marcos,
the 1990 earthquake, lahar, lambada, Robin Padilla, and Tamagochi. We'll
survive Erap.
Yoyo- Truly Filipino in origin, this hunting tool, weapon, toy and
merchandising vehicle remains the best way to "walk the dog" and "rock the
baby," using just a piece of string.
Pinoy games: Pabitin, palosebo, basagan ng palayok. A few basic rules make
individual cunning and persistence a premium, and guarantee a good
time for
all.
Ninoy Aquino- For saying that "the Filipino is worth dying for and proving
it.
Balagtasan- The verbal joust that brings out rhyme, reason and passion
on a
public stage.
Tabo- All-powerful, ever-useful, hygienically-triumphant device to scoop
water out of a bucket _ and help the true Pinoy answer nature's call.
Helps
maintain our famously stringent toilet habits.
Pandesal- Despite its shrinking size, still a good buy. Goes well with any
filling, best when hot.
Jollibee- Truly Pinoy in taste and sensibility, and a corporate icon
that we
can be quite proud of. Do you know that it's invaded the Middle East, as
well?
The butanding, the dolphins and other creatures in our blessed waters-
They're Pinoys, too, and they're here to stay. Now if some folks would
just
stop turning them into daing.
Pakikisama- It's what makes people stay longer at parties, have another
drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunk and still
make it home.
Sing-a-long- Filipinos love to sing, and thank God a lot of us do it well!
Kayumanggi- Neither pale nor dark, our skin tone is beautifully
healthy, the
color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun.
Handwoven cloth and native weaves- Colorful, environment-friendly
alternatives to polyester that feature skillful workmanship and a rich
indigenous culture behind every thread. From the pinukpok of the north to
the malong of the south, it's the fiber of who we are.
Movies- Still the cheapest form of entertainment, especially if you watch
the same movie several times.
Bahala na- We cope with uncertainty by embracing it, and are thus
enabled to
play life by ear.
Papaitan- An offal stew flavored with bile, admittedly an acquired taste,
but pointing to our national ability to acquire a taste for almost
anything.
English- Whether carabao or Arr-neoww-accented, it doubles our chances in
the global marketplace.
The Press- Irresponsible, sensational, often inaccurate, but still the
liveliest in Asia. Otherwise, we'd all be glued to TV.
Divisoria- Smelly, crowded, a pickpocket's paradise, but you can get
anything here, often at rock-bottom prices. The sensory overload is a
bonus.
Barong Tagalog- Enables men to look formal and dignified without having to
strangle themselves with a necktie. Worn well, it makes any ordinary Juan
look marvelously makisig.
Filipinas- They make the best friends, lovers, wives. Too bad they
can't say
the same for Filipinos.
Filipinos- So maybe they're bolero and macho with an occasional streak of
generic infidelity; they do know how to make a woman feel like one.
Catholicism- What fun would sin be without guilt? Jesus Christ is firmly
planted on Philippine soil.
Dolphy- Our favorite, ultra-durable comedian gives the beleaguered Pinoy
everyman an odd dignity, even in drag.
Style- Something we often prefer over substance. But every Filipino
claims
it as a birthright.
Bad taste- Clear plastic covers on the vinyl-upholstered sofa, posters of
poker-playing dogs masquerading as art, over accessorized jeepneys and
altars--the list is endless, and wealth only seems to magnify it.
Mangoes- Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of
family
outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.
Unbridled optimism- Why we rank so low on the suicide scale.
Street food: Barbecue, lugaw, banana-cue, fishballs, IUD (chicken
entrails),
adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here's cheap,
tasty food
with gritty ambience.
The siesta- Snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy.
Honorifics and courteous titles: Kuya, ate, diko, ditse, ineng, totoy,
Ingkong, Aleng, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these words
connote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship.
Heroes and people who stood up for truth and freedom Lapu-lapu started it
all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: Diego Silang, Macario
Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino,
Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, Francisco
Balagtas, Juan
Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, Raha Suliman,
Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan and
Corregidor, Pepe Diokno, Satur Ocampo, Dean Armando Malay, Evelio Javier,
Ninoy Aquino, Lola Rosa and other comfort women who spoke up, honest
cabbie
Emilio Advincula, Rona Mahilum, the women lawyers who didn't let Jalosjos
get away with rape.
Flora and fauna: The sea cow (dugong), the tarsier, calamian deer,
bearcat,
Philippine eagle, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia, pandan, the
creatures that
make our archipelago unique.
Pilipino songs, OPM and composers: "Ama Namin," "Lupang Hinirang,"
"Gaano Ko
Ikaw Kamahal," "Ngayon at Kailanman," "Anak," "Handog,""Hindi Kita
Malilimutan," "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit"; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco,
Restie
Umali, Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and
Florante--living
examples of our musical gift.
Metro Aides- They started out as Imelda Marcos' groupies, but have
gallantly proven their worth. Against all odds, they continuously
prove that
cleanliness is next to godliness--especially now that those darned
candidates' posters have to be scraped off the face of Manila!
Sari-sari store- There's one in every corner, offering everything from
bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid and bakya.
Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS. Caritas. Fund drives They help us
help
each other.
Favorite TV shows through the years: "Tawag ng Tanghalan," "John and
Marsha," "Champoy," "Ryan, Ryan Musikahan," "Kuwarta o Kahon," "Public
Forum/Lives," "Student Canteen," "Eat Bulaga." In the age of inane variety
shows, they have redeemed Philippine television.
Quirks of language that can drive crazy any tourist listening in: "Bababa
ba?" "Bababa!" "Sayang!" "Naman!" "Kadiri!" "Ano ba!?" "pala" Expressions
that defy translation but wring out feelings genuinely Pinoy.
Cockfighting- Filipino men love it more than their wives (sometimes).
Dr. Jose Rizal- A category in himself. Hero, medicine man, genius,
athlete,
sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover, samaritan, martyr.
Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere.
Nora Aunor- Short, dark and homely-looking, she redefined our rigid
concept
of how leading ladies should look.
Noranian or Vilmanian- Defines the friendly rivalry between Ate Guy Aunor
and Ate Vi Santos and for many years, the only way to be for many Filipino
fans.
Filipino Christmas- The world's longest holiday season. A perfect
excuse to
mix our love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrap it up with a
touch
of religion.
Relatives and kababayan abroad- The best refuge against loneliness,
discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and
fellow Pinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a
phone
introduction or referral.
Festivals: Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones. Sounds, colors, pagan frenzy and
Christian overtones.
Folk dances: Tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, karinyosa, kuratsa, itik-itik,
alitaptap, rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm.
Native wear and costumes: Baro't saya, tapis, terno, saya, salakot,
bakya.
Lovely form and ingenious function in the way we dress.
Sunday family gatherings- Or, close family ties that never get
severed. You
don't have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives.
Everyone's family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it's at its
best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral
support materialize during a wake?
Calesa and karitela- The colorful and leisurely way to negotiate narrow
streets when loaded down with a year's provisions.
Quality of life- Where else can an ordinary employee afford a stay-in
helper, a yaya, unlimited movies, eat-all-you-can buffets, the latest
fashion (Baclaran nga lang), even Viagra in the black market?
All Saints' Day- In honoring our dead, we also prove that we know how to
live.
Handicrafts- Shellcraft, rattancraft, abaca novelties, woodcarvings,
banig
placemats and bags, bamboo windchimes, etc. Portable memories of home.
Hindi
lang pang-turista, pang-balikbayan pa!
Pinoy greens: Sitaw. Okra. Ampalaya. Gabi. Munggo. Dahon ng Sili.
Kangkong.
Luya. Talong. Sigarillas. Bataw. Patani. Lutong bahay will never be
the same
without them.
OCWs- The lengths (and miles) we'd go for a better life for our
family, as proven by these modern-day heroes of the economy.
The Filipino artists From Luna's magnificent "Spoliarium" and
Amorsolo's sun-kissed ricefields, to Ang Kiukok's jarring abstractions
and Borlongan's haunting ghosts, and everybody else in between. Hang a
Filipino painting on
your wall, and you're hanging one of Asia's best.
Tagalog soap operas- From "Gulong ng Palad" and "Flor de Luna" to today's
incarnations like "Mula sa Puso"--they're the story of our lives, and we
feel strongly for them, MariMar notwithstanding.
Midnight madness, weekends sales, bangketas and baratillos It's retail
therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human
deluge to find a bargain.
This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.
Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, " Daddy,I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?" The father went home & committed
suicide.
Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired.. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.
People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.
Different people have different perception. One man's meat could be another man's poison. A couple bought a donkey from the market. On the way home,a boy commented, "Very stupid. Why neither of them ride on the donkey?"Upon hearing that, the husband let the wife ride on the donkey. He walked besides them. Later, an old man saw it and commented, "The husband is the head of family. How can the wife ride on the donkey while the husband is on foot?" Hearing this, the wife quickly got down and let the husband ride on the donkey.
Further on the way home, they met an old Lady. She commented, "How can the man ride on the donkey but let the wife walk. He is no gentleman."
The husband thus quickly asked the wife to join him on the donkey. Then, they met a young man. He commented, "Poor donkey, how can you hold up the weight of two persons. They are cruel to you." Hearing that, the husband and wife immediately climbed down from the donkey and carried it on their shoulders.
It seems to be the only choice left. Later, on a narrow bridge, the donkey was frightened and struggled. They lost their balance and fell into the river. You can never have everyone praise you, nor will everyone condemn you. Never in the past, not at present, and never will be in the future.
Thus, do not be too bothered by others words if our conscience is clear..
NO OVERPOWERING
Many relationships fail because one party tries to overpower another,or demands too much. People in love tend to think that love will conquer all and their spouses will change the bad habits after marriage. Actually, this is not the case. There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "It is easier to reshape a mountain or a river than a person's character."
It is not easy to change. Thus, having high expectation on changing the spouse character will cause disappointment and unpleasantness.
It would be less painful to change ourselves and lower our expectations..
RIGHT SPEECH
There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "A speech will either prosper or ruin a nation." Many relationships break off because of wrong speech. When a couple is too close with each other,we always forget mutual respect and courtesy. We may say anything without considering if it would hurt the other party.
A friend and her millionaire husband visited their construction site. A worker who wore a helmet saw her and shouted,"Hi, Emily! Remember me? We used to date in the secondary school." On the way home, her millionaire husband teased her, "Luckily you married me.Otherwise you will be the wife of a construction worker." She answered ,"You should appreciate that you married me. Otherwise, he will be the millionaire and not you."
Frequently exchanging these remarks plants the seed for a bad relationship. It's like a broken egg - cannot be reversed.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOLO! miss you... :)
wala lang.. wala ako mgawa.try ko lng post dito. boring kaayo ako adlaw.. na-enjoy na lng ko cge chat with my sis. early morning og late afternoon cge mi chat. luoy na kaayo ako sis wala ghapon gawas iya baby.. pero wala pa man hinuon ngdue (oct 11 pa dapat) pero pwede mana 1 wk early or a week late..nagasakit naman pod gud iya pelvic bones.. mao lisod dyud diay mabuntis og syempre manganak labi na kha pagpadako..aguy! pero enjoy ghapon.. labi na cute kaayo ako pamangkin n c jc..lingaw na kaayo kay mokanta og mosayaw na.. ang acbd moshort cut kalit tapos mo ending og twinkle2 na..asa ka ana 2-in-1 song..! hehe..excited nsad mi sa new baby.. type ko name nya katie jane or katie alexa.. dbah cute!? kung lalaki wala pa choices si jenny.. unsaon na kaha kung laki ang mogawas, mahimo dyud alexander hehe..
sugod nsad ko duty sa monday oct10 sa Kaakbay(bangkal).. bantay bata (childcare) nasad ako duty.. sayang wala ko soft copy sa ako mga pics during my duty with the home for the elderly. lingaw pod baya to.. try ko lng produce..post ko dito agad..esp. tong ngligo ko kay "tatay bert" hehe..cge dri na lng..tan-aw sa ko little big star! :)
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