Open Letter To Gibo

Dear Gibo,

Before I start, let me make myself clear. I have yet to decide who I will be voting for as president of this maddeningly dear republic of mine. I have an idea of who I will not be voting for and you are not in that list. Yet.

I remember the first time I saw you. That was three years ago or so.  You were one of the many speakers at our convention. It was also the time that my group was pushing for a piece of legislation. Our minds were so numb by the lectures that we looked forward to the politicians’ speeches to relieve our boredom. It WAS that boring. You were then, I think, a congressman, unknown to us.

Politician after politician sang praises to us. We were so selfless, so dedicated,  and yes, they will do their best to pass the bill we were angling for. Yes, they said, the bill is almost good as a law. Oh, we did clap at the promises. We cheered too. But my eyebrows were raised. I was doubtful. We have heard too many promises about that bill. The promises could be empty ones. Then you stepped on the podium. You were different. You thanked us for our work and our dedication, but you did not sing allelulia. Then, you dashed our raised hopes by saying: Yes, you deserve the bill that you are moving for but you really shouldn’t expect too much as the government has other more urgent priorities and it really does not have the money your legislation needs.

Gibo, your words hurt us then. But I appreciated your honesty. You were blunt, yes. But you at least, told us the truth, not what we wanted to hear. THAT made you different.  

A few weeks ago, I saw you again. And you made another speech. The circumstances were different. I was not after something from you and you are running for president. I was watching you closely, trying to find out if you have changed.

You did not mention anything about you running, nor try to sell yourself to us. You did not even try to explain the NDCC’s delayed reaction to Ondoy victims. You did not sing praises to the people who invited you. You told us to be thankful for what we were given. You told us to improve things, to look forward. That we should  not be greedy. Oh and you spoke in our dialect. That was a nice surprise.

My point Gibo is this: I like you for your honesty, for calling a spade a spade. Thank you for not insulting our intelligence by pandering to us. i hope that you will not exchange that quality for your political ambitions.

Respectfully,

Biyay

P.S. The bill became a law a few months after the convention.

Stranded!

While Ondoy was wrecking havoc in Metro Manila, I was at the airport in Palawan, waiting for a flight back to Manila. Before Ondoy struck, I vacationing in Palawan. On our last day, we turned the tv  on and learned about the rains and floods in Manila.

Our flight was supposed to leave at 5pm. 5pm came and went but there was no plane. No announcements either from the airline. We had to inquire personally to the airline personnel to learn any updates. From them, we learned that the plane could not leave Manila because of the rains. Some flights have already been cancelled. There were hundreds on people at the airport as students from FEU were also leaving for Manila. It was past 7 when our plane arrived. When we left, there were still students left behind as the other airline still has not arrived.

When we arrived at the NAIA terminal, this is what greeted us:

People of were sitting on the floor. Some were sleeping on top of chairs, on the luggage conveyor, and on boxes. No vehicle can enter or leave the airport area. I was resigned to spending the night sitting on the cold floor at the airport. Over the PA system, airport personnel were begging some passengers to remove their bags on the chairs dso that other passengers can sit. Pasaway talaga ang ibang tao.

At the Jollibee outlet, there were long lines waiting to be served. People were grumbling about the food that was running out. At one point, one can only order fries. Good thing the crew stayed on top of the situation.  

At about 11 pm, we learned that the floods have subsided enough to allow some buses to pass thru near the airport. We took a chance and left the airport. Thank God there was a bus waiting outside and it was headed my way. The traffic was horrendous by the domestic airport but al least we were safely in the bus. 

When I arrived at the condo, I learned we were not spared from Ondoy’s mischief. There was evidence of flooding downstairs. At least the waters have aleady subsided when we arrived and we arrived safe.

Love At First Bite

No, I am not talking about George Hamilton and his vampire movie. I saw that when I was in elementary. My dad rented the betamax tape and it was then that I saw Imelda’s alleged boytoy. No, not that one. I am talking about this.

It was one of the few things we picked up in Macau. When I opened the box, it seemed ho-hum–like the ones we have in Manila.

But a closer look made me think again.

One bite confirmed my suspicions. I was seduced. The crust was incredibly flaky. And the center was so soft and creamy. Like eating a piece of heaven. Better than what I have tasted in Manila. Even Lord Stowe’s fades in comparison.

The tart was soon gone, leaving behind a happy memory.

Isa pa nga.

HK, day 3: Lost in Delight

On our third day in Hongkong, we went to the happiest place on earth. Ok, in Hongkong. Or in its immediate vicinity. Hongkong Disneyland. while we were wandering around, a parade passed by where Goofy and Woody and the other Disney characters would spray you with water. It was so hot that I actually welcomed the prospect of getting wet.

 Though I really didn’t like Mickey, the Golden Mickey was good. 

We stayed on for the fireworks.

Another hot, tiring, but happy day.

HK, Day 2: Lost in Wonder

We were dropped off to a mall for our ferry ride and since it was already past noon and we haven’t had breakfast, we trooped to the food court. We chose to eat in Mak’s Noodles where Anthony Bourdaine ordered congee, noodles with chicken feet, and noodles with pork. It was ok. The chicken feet in Fruito King in Divisoria is much much better (more of that in a future post).

At the Macau ferry, our Filipina guide picked us up and brought us to St. Paul’s ruins.

This was a church built sometime in the late 1800 but for some reason was destroyed. It was rebuilt several times but it was always destroyed. What is standing now is just the front facade of the church. Inside (or to be more correct, underground) lie the bones of Japanese martyrs.

In the square fronting the church, is a huge television. Coolness! The street was lined with shops selling pastries, processed meat and whatnot. All were offering free taste. We had our fill of tocino, polvoron, cookies, and other stuff.

After dark, we hit the casinos not to gamble but to gawk. There was a casino partly owned by Jackie Chan and embedded on the floors are 88 gold bars.There were also  hude jade and ivory carvings. Amazing craftmanship.

At the City of Dreams (a casino), there was a huge wall made to look like an aquarium and from time to time, mermaids would appear in it. It was cool.

For the show, we entered a dark room nicknamed “The Bubble”. It was dome shaped with a white ceiling. There were no seats but there were rails one can lean on. When the show started, it was magical. Spheres lowered form the ceiling and there were colorful lights.

 (photo by B)

Then it was as if we were under the sea and there were fishes and mermaids and there were dragons! One of the most amazing things I have ever seen so far!

  (photo by B)

After the show, we went to another casino, The Venetian, for dinner and more gawking. It was like a wonderland inside. It was as if you were walking in the streets of Venice. There were even canals and gondolas plying it. And the ceiling was painted like the sky and changes colors too, like it was dusk or dawn.

We went back to Hongkong around midnight, tired, hot, sticky, but very happy.

Double

Lost in HK, day 1

It was a good choice. Lunch was very good.  We had noodles with pig knuckles, noodles with dumplings and pork, and noodles with fish ball or something. The server, when she found out we could not speak Chinese, avoided our table and we had to wait and wait and wait until a younger guy who could speak English came over and we made point-point at the menu. At least, my dream of going to Hongkong just to eat noodles came true.

   (photo by B)

After lunch, we wandered about the area and the night markets along Temple Street and Jade Street were just starting to set up.  We walked and walked and walked until we chanced upon this:

They sell mostly roast meat. Beside us, there were only two persons in the shop. But when we have placed our order, suddenly, the shop was full of people. So I thought that the food must be good.

We couldn’t resist so we had an early dinner of take-out roast duck. which was very savory. Mmm.

And then it was an early night for us.

De-Stressing Weekend

Where was Biyay?

Somewhere in this city.

And where I did not have to worry about My Precious.

 And where I can get lost in this:

Delightful Hongkong!

Stress

I took a few days’ vacation from work as I was feeling stressed. Went some place, enjoyed myself immensely. When I went back to work, this sight greeted me:

 Istorbo talaga ang trabaho sa bakasyon!

Shhh…

Inis

Two Women in Philippine Politics

Cory Aquino, symbol of peace, a pillar of the EDSA revolution, has passed away yesterday. She had colon cancer. The nation is in mourning.

Cory became president of the Philippines in 1986 after the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos in a bloodless revolution. From being a simple, shy and retiring housewife, she went out of her shell after the assasination of her husband, Ninoy Aquino, to wage a seemingly losing battle with the Marcoses. One person, a woman at that, dared to stand up against the Marcoses in protest of an unjust death. This gave people the courage to also stand up and speak out against the Marcoses. One pull of a trigger lead to a revolution  by the people against a perceived tyrant.

Whatever people may say about her, that her administration was inefficient and riddled with businessmen plundering the economy, at least she was what most politicians were not. Honest.

After her term, she remained visible in the political arena and was considered as the nation’s conscience.

With Cory’s death, it is as if a part of the nation died too.  

—-

On a lighter note, Jamby “Kuryente Queen” Madrigal has decided to throw her hat in the presidential race. I swear, this is going to be a hilarious election. 

A Fiesta

I never could understand why people would spend so much and would borrow money just so they could have a big spread on the fiesta. It’s a waste of money, in my opinion.

Last month, was our town fiesta. My sister had some friends over the day before and she cooked this spread.

dinuguan

ananakla

red rice– para healthy and to erase any guilt in eating the above

The crabs were bakla. They were so fat, so sweet and succulent, you had to cross yourself before eating and pray that you do not suffer a heart attack while eating it.

Hangin

Babala: Maaring hindi nararapat ang nilalaman ng entry na ito para sa mga sensitibong tao.

Bigla na lang ako nagising kaninang madaling araw. Di ako nagising dahil sa maaga ako natulog. Hindi ko rin ugaling gumising nang ganoong oras. Nagising ako dahil sa napakasakit kong tyan. Correction, hindi pala sa tyan. Sa bilbil pala. Sa kaliwang bahagi.

Pinakiramdaman ko ang sarili ko. Kung hindi ako gagalaw, walang sakit. Pero pag gumalaw ako ng kahit konti, nandoon  ang sakit. Naisip ko, hindi naman siguro sumasakit dahil sa appendicitis. Nasa kaliwa ang sakit. Nasa kanan ang appendix. Teka, nasa kanan nga ba ang appendix? Leche, nasaan na ba ang appendix ko? Hindi naman marahil sumakit dahil magdamag akong natulog sa kaliwang tagiliran ko. Kung ganun, dapat sumasakit ang balikat ko. Sa may puson naman ang sakit. Bakit kaya sumakit? Dapat ba akong pumunta ng ospital? Ayoko pa naman sa mga ospital dito.

Sinubukan kong tumayo. Sobrang sakit talaga. Nahiga na lang ako ng patihaya. Hmmm. Hindi masakit kung nakatihaya ako. Malamig na sa kwarto. Dapat na yatang i-off ko na ang electric fan ko. Unti-unti ako pumusisyon sa kanang tagiliran ko. Hawak ko ang puson ko at sumasambit ng “Aray ko!Aray ko!Aray” habang pumupwesto.

Matapos akong tumagilid, nagpahinga muna ako bago tumayo. Mayamaya, naramdaman ko na. Parang hinuhugot mula sa tyan ko, palabas. Isang napaka-haba at napaka-lakas na utot. Prroooooooooooooott. Aba, medyo napabawasan ang sakit! Tumayo ako, pinatay ang electric fan, at bumalik sa kama. Pooooooooot. Aba, nawala na ang sakit!

Hangin lang pala.     

Ambos Mundos

The oldest restaurant in Manila. With pot-bellied pigs outside. Who can resist such a come-on? From the moment I heard of Ambos Mundos (Both Worlds, in Spanish), I was intrigued. So one hot day, B and I hied to off to Florentino Torres St, just off  Recto, by the MRT stop. The place lloked like it has several decades under its belt. The decor was a mishmash of Filipino/Spanish/Chinese, with an incense altar in a corner, bullfighting posters and carved thingies on the ceiling, evoking an old Filipino house.

The menu was decidedly Spanish Filipino, old world style. The prices were definitely modern.

Since we just came from Divisoria, Where we had a mini food tour, we decided to have just two dishes. The paella manilena and the callos.

paella manilena

callos

The paella was excellent. Rich, sticky, filling, and with lots of “sahog” in every spoonful. The callos was like a dream. Tomatoey, with lots of cheese. The chorizo gave it a smoky flavor. The meat was so tender, it practically melts in the mouth.

The meal was excellent. The resto was not. The washrooms are in great need of renovation. Or a serious clean-up. One of staff was smoking a cigarette while inside the kitchen. One was using a chorizo to repeatedly poke a fellow staff in the head. It was off-putting to say the least and did not add to my enjoyment of the food experience.

When B and I were on our way out, we espied a large potbellied pig lying tiredly on the hot sidewalk. It was a sad sight.  

Torture

The War At Home

Unknown to us, it was just lying, waiting for the right time. While we went about our daily chores, oblivious, it was gaining strength. We saw some signs of its existence, but we were unaware of how massive it was becoming. One day, it was time for a showdown. It was a fight to the death. Though we were taken by surprise, we were far superior. Its fight was doomed from the start. The battlefield?

 After a brief struggle, the enemy showed itself.

for size reference, I placed a big jar of Cheez Whiz beside it

Mega Ube was cut into pieces. The next time I saw it, it was sitting placidly on my breakfast plate.

ginat-an and fried dried pagutpot/abo

Kalabasa Soup

We had guests one night and I was going out of my mind thinking of what to cook. Two hours before dinner, I was told that one of the guests would be a known foodie (in my neck of the woods) and I had to come up with a menu which is easy to cook, won’t take much time to cook (hey I had better things to do) and would not put me to shame.

I decided to do a simple kalabasa soup. Nutritious and delicious, it is easy to make. This has also turned into a family favorite and has spawned variations. By the way, after every one was served, the foodie placed the soup beside her and would not let go.

 Kalabasa Soup Recipe

Cut off the top of the kalabasa and scoop out the seeds.  Place in the microwave on high for about 15 minutes until flesh is soft enough to scoop. The shell should remain firm. Scoop out the flesh, put in boiling water together with an onion and a beef cube, until soft. Cool for a bit.  Place in a blender and puree. Return the squash to pot, reheat, adding  a small brick of cream (optional). Add salt and pepper to taste. 

*If not using the kalabasa shell for aesthetic purpose, you can slice the kalabasa into cubes, put in a pot. Add water to cover the kalabasa cubes, and boil along with an onion and a broth cube. Peeling the kalabsa is optional. I have on occasion, added some parsley and mushrooms in the soup, to no detrimental effect. 

** The photo was taken  post dinner as I forgot to take photos before serving.

Courtroom Shooting and A Search for Truth

It was a tense day in court. Several cases were to be heard that day and the courtroom was full. A known NPA leader was to be tried and outside the courtroom, more than a dozen military escorts in uniform were loitering. They were all carrying with them their armalites, as if ready to do battle. The people awaiting for their cases to be called were silent, intimidated by the presence of these armed men. Cases after cases were called, tension was building up as litigants come and go from the witness stand. When the case of the NPA leader was called, all were silent. The old prosecutor, nervous of the unwanted attention, wanted to ask that the public be excluded from the courtroom. He stood up and said: “Your Honor, may I ask for the execution (exclusion) of the public?”. Surprised, the defense lawyer smiled, threw up his hands and said “Ay wag naman ganyan judge”

————

The case was called in court. The witness, a woman who looks to be in her sixties, was called to the witness stand. After she swore to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, the court interpreter asked her regarding her personal circumstances. When the witness’ age was asked, she replied, “35″.

Surprised, the interpreter said, “Tiya naman, I am already 40 years old and you look older than me and yet you want us to believe that you are in your 30s”. 

Witness: “O sige, 48″

Interpreter: “Sus man tiya“

Witness: “Sige na nga, 55″.

Interpreter: “I don’t believe you. You want us to believe that you are even younger than the judge?”

At this point, the entire courtroom was already laughing. The judge interfered and asked the witness if she was born before World War II and how old she was by then and so on. They were able to deduce that the witness’ age was about 65- older than the judge who was 61 then. The witness was finally able to testify. However, her credibility at that point was already in question.

———

Note: The above stories really happened.

How To Take The Bar Exams: The Review

  photo: www.childrenbookblogs.com

Choose carefully the books you are going to use during the review. You only have a limited time to go over them so make it count. Me, I chose only one reviewer per subject. I stuck with that and the codal during the first and the second reading. I read those books same time as the codal. One eye at the book and the other at the codal. Mweheheh.

During the second reading, I just skimmed thru my reviewers and relied more on the codal. I’m poor at memorizing so I don’t. I just try to understand how the law would work given a situation. I visualized. What I memorized were catch all provisions/concepts like “taxation is the lifeblood of the nation” or Art. 19 of the Civil Code.

The question is, when do you find time to read the review materials you are flooded with? See, the ones that earn the most during review are not the reviewers or the review school. but the photocopy operators. Everyday, rumors come out that the examiner is going to be Justice X or Professor Y and he has a book and these are his decisions or favorite exam questions. And people will just rush and photocopy these materials. You thus end up with a stack of review materials taller than you. What does one do with these materials? Read it. It may contain useful information. However, (emphasis on this point) your priority should be the codal and the reviewer. These materials should only be supplementary, something to read when you have run out of things to read or when you are tiered of reading your books. Sift thru these materials, take what is important. Remember that most of these materials are made by law students and hence, not so high on the reliability scale.

When we were doing the bar ops thing in our senior year, one professor made us go thru the previous bar exam questions and take notes on the questions asked and tally them. It turns out that some legal provisions have been cropping up in the bar exams almost every year and will likely keep on appearing.

Now, I may have been giving the impression that I did nothing in the review but study. The impression is WRONG! I also made time to shower and to eat. Seriously, during the review, I wake up at 6 in the morning, shower and eat breakfast and by 8 am, I am already on my desk, reading. I stop to take lunch, and since I don’t take naps, read again till 5pm. At 5 pm, we hear mass, have dinner. After dinner, we play tong-its. After dinner, I shower again (to freshen up my brain and my body) and read again til 10 in the evening. On Thursdays, we watch Ally Macbeal before studying again. Day in and day out, it’s like this. On Sundays, we take a break, hear mass, do the laundry, watch movies or just hung out with friends and catch up on gossip. We do anything except study. If we didn’t take a break, baka we would find ourselves playing patintero on the highway.

With that schedule, did I ever attend review classes which my parents paid for for me to attend? Hardly. I only attended the ones I felt I should be attending. I didn’t want to waste my time listening to some guy lecturing on topics I can comprehend by reading the codal and my reviewer. There’s this reviewer who would do nothing but tell jokes during review classes. When he is tired of telling jokes, he lectures by reading from his book. With all due respect, if I wanted to spend money and listen to jokes, I would have gone to Punchline or similar places.

Now, with your study hours, it really depends if you are a morning or a night person. If you feel you can study more at night time, go ahead. However, come August, you have to start changing your sleep habits so that you will be alert in the daytime on September. You wouldn’t want to be sluggish and sleepy while taking the bar, would you?

This early, start practicing your handwriting. It should be neat and easy to read. Not too tiny, not too large.

One important thing to remember: know when to give yourself a break. When you start hating your books, go out and take a long walk. When you feel your brain cannot take any more information, take a longer walk. When you start hating on your roommate, go home for a few days. When fed up with studying, my friends would go around the campus at night and spy on those making out in the oval or on the Sunken Garden. I feed the ducks at the Lagoon and walk barefoot on the grass. Anything just to get away from the books. A day’s break or a few hour’s break should be fine. Don’t end up like a friend of mine who, every time he hears of a store sale, is compelled to go there. He had to take the bar twice.