Adobo and Vegetarianism

I am a vegetarian and has been one for a decade now. Except for taking iron and calcium supplements, vegetarianism is not at all burdensome to me. In fact, I feel that I am healthier, more fit and less prone to sicknesses now that I rely more on plant foods for sustenance. I don’t miss eating my favourite tocino and longanisa and the pork fat in sinigang na baboy.

But the other Sunday, I was so tempted to eat meat that I myself was surprised. And more surprisingly, it is meat that I myself cooked. Yes, you guessed it right, adobo it is!

Adobo is an all-time Filipino favourite. In fact, it is the national dish of the Philippines, and rightly so, because it perfectly represents everything that is Pinoy. From its simple yet savoury flavour to its deceptively unappealing appearance, it is truly Filipino.

For one, it is a dish that evolved in the same manner and at the same pace as the nation itself. It started as a dish that was simply cooked in salt and vinegar. But the influences of the Chinese, Spaniards and Americans all converged to make the Filipino adobo into what it is now.

Even a mile away, when a Filipino smells the distinctive adobo flavour, he would know what it is that tantalizes his nostrils. The unique blend of the meat (pork and/or chicken), soy sauce, vinegar and the spices, create a scent that evokes the happiest of memories about home and the families we Filipinos in foreign lands left behind.

Tempting, Tantalizing Adobo

And so that particular Sunday, I cooked adobo for our churchmates – the best yet that I ever cooked of this dish. For more details, you might want to read it in HotMomma. And so it came to pass also that day, that I was tempted, for the first time in 10 years, to eat meat. Maybe because it was adobo.

…the harder you fall

the left that sent Hatton down to the canvass

This is a long overdue post about the Pacquiao – Hatton fight but my issue is not about recency of the topic. I am after the significance and the lessons that can be learnt from the mistakes of others.

Two weeks before the fight, Hatton was saying: “I am too much for Manny.” We all know now that that was all air and nothing else. Mayweather Sr. even said something like “I don’t care if they carry him out on a stretcher” referring to Manny and of course, we also know that it was Hatton whom they almost carried out on a stretcher given that he was out for a good few minutes.

down and out

It was the cockiness and arrogance of the Hatton camp, particularly the fighter and his trainer, that brought upon them their shameful and devastating defeat the entire world cannot stop talking about. Both the fighter and his trainer laughed off Freddie Roach’s claim of a knock out. Had they taken their opponent more seriously,  had they given him even just an ounce of respect and not calling him “little man” (when in reality, Pacquiao was only an inch shorter than Hatton), they would have stood the chance of at least lasting a few more rounds, or walking out of the arena with their dignity intact. They would have trained harder and not left anything to chance – if they only acknowledged half the power of their opponent.

humbled

Then, I think about how humble Manny was – not even saying anything derogatory or belittling his fallen opponent, how he concentrated on training and not taking the power of Ricky Hatton for granted. Just the fact that he did not leave any stone unturned in his training indicates Manny’s humility and his capacity to respect the men he fights, even those less worthy than him. I am not about to canonize Manny. He has his own faults and shortcomings. But at least, if he did some taunting, he did not make it public. He did not call his opponent names and he remained a gentleman in the ring. At least, as a boxer, he is respectful of his co-boxers.

Here in the UK, we Filipinos were extremely proud of that moment when Manny won, not to mention happy because a lot of the men bet on him to win. But win or lose, I will personally take pride in our own fighter who is a lot better in character (at least as a professional boxer) than most men who have donned gloves.

In his previous matches, I have seen how Manny approached the fighters he subdued after each match. But with Hatton, he did not. Maybe it was his way of telling Hatton he failed to get Manny’s respect.

When a man boasts and puts himself higher than he should, it shall be a hard fall for him. Not only will he lose his face but also the respect of those who matter in his life. It will be a hard fall indeed, like the man in this photo.

Photo credits: all from Google images

A Dilemma and a Question of Child Cruelty?

My husband and I are in a dilemma right now. We want to send our eldest son back home sometime in July til August when they are on summer break from school.

But why him only, you might ask. You see, traveling back home as a family is almost impossible if not impractical in these dark financial times. Not only do we need to shell out money for the fare of four people, there are also the expenses to incur while travelling from place to place in the Philippines to make the most of the trip. Then there’s also the question of “pasalubong”, or those gifts from “balikbayans” that our family and friends might expect from returning OFW’s like us. And what about the shopping for things and items we “need” to bring back here in the UK.

Luckily, we have some friends, a couple actually, who are scheduled to go home in the summer with their two children, the eldest of whom is a former classmate and a close friend of our boy. We can easily arrange for him to go with them and then ask my sister to take charge of him once he arrives in the Philippines.

Our fear is that it’s his first time to be away for that long. He’s been to France with his schoolmates and teachers but only for a week, and it was just across the English Channel. Also, we are not sure how he will take to the heat, after living here for two years. He is asthmatic and a slight change in the weather gives him the sniffles already. How much more a rise in the temperature for more than 10 degrees? We are still weighing everything. We are also hoping that we can save for our fare until early next year so that we can all go together. So, at the moment, it’s still unsure.

We want to send him back home for that all-important rite of passage that every young boy should undergo. They do not consider circumcision here as a matter of great importance. In fact, there are those who are opposed to the practice and who label the procedure as child cruelty. Now, we don’t want social service staff to come round our front door because of that, do we?

In the Philippines, there is stigma attached to being uncircumcised and we do not want our two boys to be ridiculed or taunted because of “negligence” on our part to see to it that they go through this rite of passage into manhood. Especially because we intend to keep our “Pinoyhood” no matter how long we need to stay here. In fact, our two boys are still very fluent in Tagalog and we want them to grow up knowing their language, their heritage, the culture, Filipino values and traditions and their citizenship (yes, dual citizenship is our target).

Anyway, we want our son to have it done in the Philippines because we can get the services of a really good surgeon at a fraction of the price if we had it done here by a private practitioner. We also have more confidence in our own people there who do this procedure all the time. I remember back when I was still with the Department of Health, our Rural Health Unit  or Provincial Health Office staff would conduct “Operation Tule” in the summer months of April and May. I remember them really very good at it, even performing the minor operation on a table set-up under a shady mango tree or a makeshift shelter. A politician might also include circumcision in their Medical Mission services during campaign season.

During these outreaches, the local village boys get their procedure for free. I can vividly see in my mind their ashen faces as they waited in the queue and their rather awkward gait when they walk home gently led by their mothers, the fear gone and replaced with expressions of pain. But beneath those grimaces on their faces lie bravado and that cocky expression because at last, they have gone through that rite of passage that they have waited with anticipation and dread in equal measures.

Now, we need to pay tens of thousands of pesos to have it done on our son. Hmmm, how about that?

Embassy

We went to London last February for a family day out. Before plunging into our day’s worth of sightseeing, we squeezed into our itinerary a short visit to the Philippine Embassy, where we picked up hubby’s passport he recently renewed.

I’ve been here for almost two years already but that was the first time I was ever there. It felt a bit odd to be in London and be surrounded by a building-full of fellow Filipinos all speaking the language. I can say that it felt good as well.

I had grand plans before we went there, particularly on the documentation aspect of our little visit, so that I would have something to write about in this blog. I so wanted to have my picture taken right beside the big Philippine government seal/insignia whatever mounted on the wall above a fake fireplace, but it was always full of people on that spot, either leaning on the wall waiting to be called by the embassy staff, or filling up forms on the mantelpiece below it.

Besides, hubby was not so keen to be photographer that day. I could understand his apprehension because it was like, I was the only one all agog to have a photo shoot beside such an ordinary looking something on the wall. So I missed that one and I have nothing to show you that I was so proud to have been there.

The worse thing is, that was not the only opportunity I let pass to have a sentimental or meaningful photo of myself on my first ever visit to the Philippine Embassy. The Ambassador himself, Edgardo Espiritu, was walking around the ground floor, right at the reception area where we were all waiting and I did not have the mind to approach him for a photo shoot. I had several reasons that I didn’t but all of them point to the fact that I sometimes do not take advantage of opportunities shoved at my face.

He was just like aimlessly walking and looking around in his very smart suit, the smile on his face somewhat indicative that he was in-charge there and that he could be approached about anything. Yet, I hesitated because I could not be certain that he was the ambassador himself (due to my own ignorance) and if he was, that the man was Mr. Espiritu himself (due to my forgetfulness). So, it was a disaster, really.

But then, my hubby went up to see the Consul General, Atty. Tess De Vega – De Leon, with whom he is acquainted through his involvement in the Association of Filipino Radiographers in the UK (AFRUK).

So, we asked her for a photo op and she obliged. Here it is:

I was expecting a more mature-looking woman and I was pleasantly surprised to meet a very young, almost shy-looking Filipina. She had a school girl charm that I found it so hard to believe that she was our Consul General.

While waiting for her in her office, I also had a picture taken by her desk.

They requested us to register as absentee voters and it was rather embarrassing that I could not produce any kind of identity. They asked me: “Don’t you even have a wallet?” I was so embarrassed to admit that yes, I had not a dime on me that day. They didn’t mean to embarrass me, they were just so keen on making me register, which I could not without any proof of identity. Which reminds me, I need to go back there to personally register if I wanted to exercise my right to vote out those rotten politicians I wanted to be gone from government (oh, dear, this happy post might disintegrate into a major rant! – better that I stop right here).

But we all had fun. After our business at the embassy, we went ahead to revel in the sights and sounds of London. Lovely!

I Can Get Used to This

Hi! there. I’m back, after the longest hiatus in blogging history. No, I didn’t run out of things to write about. It’s just that other weightier matters took over my own schedule. I won’t allow my blogging to be totally abandoned, however, so here I am!

Which is just as well because I am most eager to share another YouTube sensation that I stumbled upon in a friend’s blog, Working Abroad by Jena Isle.

This sensation is none other than Rin on the Rox, a harmony duo composed of talented, pretty Fil-Am girls, Rin and Rox. I don’t know much about them except for the fact that I enjoy watching their videos in YouTube. The blending of their voices is very refreshing and their spirit and zest for life is contagious. They seem to be so in love with singing, which is the reason why YouTube fans are falling in love with them.

They give a different take on the songs they sing and they just sound simply amazing! I saw them guesting in the Ellen DeGeneres Show where they were given tickets to the 2009 Grammy Awards. It’s funny that they started recording their songs in their bathroom and even now, that’s where they still sing all those beautiful songs. Talent does not choose the place to delight people. They may be sitting on the toilet bowl for all I care, their beautiful voices are all that matters.

They must really be very popular to have caught the attention of Ellen again, the same way Charice Pempengco did. I have shed not a few tears when I first heard and watched Charice sing in her earlier YouTube videos. Now, these two girls again. It’s a treat indeed! I can get used to seeing talented Filipino singers on YouTube, you know.

Watch them and see for yourselves.

America at its Best

The world watched with bated breath as America’s 44th President was sworn into office. A few decades ago, no one would even have thought that this was possible. The first coloured President of the most powerful nation on earth – even now, it’s too surreal for me. Not that I have anything against Obama. In fact, I think that by electing him as their President, the Americans have shown how far they have come from their slave-trading and owning past. This is indeed a defining moment in their history and with them, the rest of the world. At least this once, I can say that America is at its best.

Again, I can’t help but think about my country, the Philippines. I hope to see the day when my people will finally decide to vote for a leader not on the basis of his lineage (political dynasties are still very much alive in the country), his wealth or his fame but on his character, conviction and fitness to govern.

I hope to see a Philippine president in Malacanang who, like Obama who was elected based not on his skin colour but his abilities, will be chosen by his own people because they know that he can bring about positive change and usher the country out of the Dark Ages.

Meanwhile, for the sake of my country, I hope Obama makes good on his promises which he reiterated in his inaugural speech. Thousands of my countrymen are in America, trying to find a better future for them and their children, which at the moment, is hard to secure in their own country. For their sake, I pray that America’s new President will succeed.

Going Home but Sad

Hundreds of Filipino workers abroad have been sent home and more are expected to go back to the Philippines in the coming months. This is one of the effects of the global economic crisis gripping every developed country today.

It is sad because while going home means being with one’s family and sharing special moments together, it also means going back to a bleak and uncertain future where job opportunities are virtually non-existent.

My sister-in-law who has been in Taiwan for only a few months, is scheduled to go home early this year – what a disheartening way to start 2009. Powerless OFW’s like her are just victims of circumstance. She borrowed money from her sibling but how can she repay now?

I imagine all the other families affected by this economic turmoil and my heart melts and is gripped with fear. I think this a a backlash to the cowardly if not lousy policy of the Arroyo Administration to export its human resource and RELY HEAVILY on remittances to keep the economy afloat. And what are they doing in their posts as we slave away here and send home the bucks to our families?

Are they supporting the industries and service providers that produce the items our families buy with the money we send them so that the workers in these industries do not lose their jobs? Are they doing something with the corruption that pervades the entire bureaucracy like the stench of rotten flesh, so that more money can be pumped into providing social services for the poor Filipinos? Are there enough infrastructure to support agriculture, education and health in all areas of the country? Are they looking for new ways to create employment to accommodate all of us who might return to the Philippines anytime?

Oh, dear! I can go on and on listing the things that they are supposed to be doing, instead of the political bickerings and media hustling that they seem to think as part of their job description.

Who can these “kababayans” who might be sent home anytime now, turn to?

A Prayer and Learning Our Lesson as a Nation

It’s 2009 already. This new year, it is my prayer that every Filipino away from home – those who are working in different countries in every nook and cranny of the globe, will get to keep their jobs and be able to continue pursuing their dreams. This is a big thing to ask from the Almighty, knowing that an economic crisis rapidly deteriorating into one gigantic world economic recession, is affecting every country, rich and poor alike. I have heard of hundreds of my kababayans already sent home and it is not impossible to see thousands more as the crisis worsens.

But Filipinos, inherently deep believers of God, are sure to be joining me in this prayer. I am sure the Lord will listen. Perhaps not as soon as we want Him to, but as soon as we, as a nation, have learned what we need to learn as a people out of this difficult time.

I hope families of OFW’s back home will realize how flimsy their hopes in remittances are in the face of this crisis. Not that I am happy to disillusion them, but just for them to see the need to spend their allotments or remittances wisely and investing as much as possible, instead of living a la one-day-millionaires. I know this to be true – children of OFW’s wantonly spend their allowances which their parents work hard for and then not bothering to finish their studies. Husbands of domestic helpers get into all kinds of vices while their wife works abroad, and I can go on.

The government should also put in place initiatives to encourage the people to develop home-grown sources of income instead of just relying on exporting its people as domestic helpers, medical professionals or elderly carers. While there is nothing wrong with these professions, there is something sinister about a government relying solely on its OFW remittances to keep the economy afloat. It tells me some people are not dong their jobs while enriching themselves from the public coffers. The word “opportunist” comes to mind, as well as “lazy”.

But how can a nation learn its lessons? How can my people learn to stand up for what is right and demand the kind of leaders that will lead them and not enslave them to other countries? How can they learn from past mistakes and vote for the right people come election time?

There are other lessons to be learned out of this. For sure, everyone will realize how closely inter-related our lives are with the rest of the world. Fighting in the Middle East affects us via the fuel we depend on from them. Banks collapse in America and we see the value of everything we hold so dear as wealth come crashing down upon our heads. Industries grind to a halt and we see our dear OFW’s sent home for lack of job already.

The Filipino people, having populated most countries in the world, somehow, in one way or the other, get affected by whatever is happening. So while the government puts its hopes on their remittances, it should also realize that the world’s downfall is its own. I hope this will wake our leaders up to take the country’s future in their own hands and not just rely on the progress of other nations.

Marky Cielo and My Thoughts on Him

He was the only one I rooted for buring their batch’s contest to win as Sole Survivor. I am talking about Star Struck winner Marky Cielo, a young man, just 20 years old, who had impressed me two or three years ago back when I was still in the Philippines happily following those corny shows on GMA.

I enjoyed him and was so impressed by how he outshone them all. He was from the very start honest that he was a “highlander”, one from the hinterlands, so to speak. He was not ashamed to share with the rest of the nation his heritage, his lineage and he brilliantly used these to his advantage. Yes, his fellow Igorots supported him all the way, a glimpse into what tribal thinking can do to a group of people – it unites and empowers them to accomplish anything they set their minds to do.

During the contest, there was one instance when the contestants all had a falling out (I can’t remember what it was all about). Marky Cielo was caught in the middle of it all, being the wise voice admonishing and encouraging his fellow contestants to be united, to focus on the contest and not the bickerings.

This has left a deep impression on me. Here was one teen-ager, looked down upon by a lot of people for his gall and audacity to join a popularity contest when he is not the most good-looking guy in the batch anyway, and an Igorot at that (the first one to have attempted to), trying to talk sense to his batchmates. It was just so lovely to see him asking the other contestants to stop fighting. He was leading the contest at that time already, but instead of elevating himself above the rest, he stooped down to accommodate their childishness and talked to them for the sake of the success of the show.

Then, we left the Philippines and I was not able to follow his career anymore beyond the first few months of his being crowned the Sole Survivor. It was enough, though, to prove to me that he was a great dancer, a sensitive actor (one more believable because he looked like any ordinary Filipino youth, compared to the mestizo guys populating Philippine showbiz), an excellent role model to his fans and simply an inspiring living story of a member of a minority triumphing above the challenges of life and stereotypes.

He was a student in Baguio City before he joined showbiz. I think he was taking up Architecture at that time. He was so good in drawing as well. He was one mightily talented young man who could have achieved so much more.

But yesterday, I heard he died so suddenly. His mother found him lifeless in his room. My heart goes out to his mother – it must be the most terrible moments of her life, finding her son lifeless, just like that.

My sincerest condolences to Marky Cielo’s family and all those who loved him.

Marky, good bye. Thank you for impressing this mature, fast-approaching middle age woman with your humility and talent, never mind that you were just a teen-ager then. You proved that youth need not be a hindrance to being an example. You don’t know me and you will never know how you have touched my life. I am grateful, nonetheless.

Note: Images taken from Google Images

Pacman Did it Again!

Our Pambansang Kamao (literally, National Fist) did it again! Beating America’s Golden Boy Oscar dela Hoya is no dismissible feat for a man who came from the very bottom of life. Now, he is the toast of the sports world and a millionaire at that.

Of course, it is so easy for the Filipino people to get used to him just toppling down one champion after the other. It should not be, because in exchange for every victory, he gives so much and gives up a lot more. He offers his victory as a tribute to his fellowmen everytime. He is a good example for all sports enthusiasts and he is truly a man who works hard for his dreams and fights with all his life to make them all come true.

Manny Pacquaio is one inspirational man and his story should continue to be a source of encouragement for all of us who are doing our very best to make our dreams come true for ourselves, our families and our country.

UK’s Ricky Hatton is next, I guess. It would be a treat to have Pacman come here to London and to be able to see him fight live.

To Manny, congratulations! We are so proud of you!