Archive for December, 2007

Angelina Jolie In The Philippines?

I stumbled from the news that The Kilusang Magbubukid Ng Pilipinas (Movement of Farmers in the Philippines) has sent a letter to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to look at the worsening refugee situation in the country.

I admit, I got excited. I am her fan, I’ve watched her movies and followed her career. Actually, Kilusang Magbubukid Ng Pilipinas is asking for United Nation to send here the ambassador of goodwill at the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees which is Angelina Jolie’s position.

Anyway, according to the letter… “Hundreds of people are being forced out of their homes and farms every month.” I believed it was true (the letter), tv news at primetime shown protesting and crying farmers with their placards and not allowed to get near Malacanang Palace. I don’t know if they knew that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is still in Kuwait.

I really don’t know how to express my sadness with their situation. They work hard for their farm, didn’t even earn much and they lose their own farm.

What’s your stand on the current situation?

Panunuluyan, Christmas Tradition In The Philippines

The Panunuluyan (derived from the Filipino word “tuloy” means “to come in“)is an old Filipino tradition. It is the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem in which to bear the child Jesus. Panunuluyan is still observed in the provinces, haven’t got to chance to seen one in the province though. Many schools in Manila are still doing this in their classroom and school Christmas program, students acting as Mary, Joseph, 3 Kings and others.

If you’re in Manila and want to watch a Panunuluyan, you can visit Cultural Center of The Philippines as they (CCP) and the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) mount a grandiose Christmas treat for the public from December 18-22, 2007. On December 18 at 6:30pm, the Panunuluyan will start at the CCP Liwasang ASEAN, and will move to Harbour Square, Folk Arts Theater, Sofitel Philippine Plaza and end at Star City. At 8:00 p.m., upon the arrival of the Panunuluyan group at the CCP Ramp, there will be a program featuring performances by selected artists and groups. A 1,000 voice choir will be the grand finale of this production. An event you shouldn’t fail to watch.

Pastel From Camiguin, Anyone?

Food trip! A friend came from Camiguin…

CAMIGUIN is a pear-shaped volcanic island with a total land area of 238 sq. kilometers. It lies 10 kilometers off the coast of the Province of Misamis Oriental. Along with the Provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, CAMIGUIN forms part of a geopolitical grouping of provinces comprising Region X or Northern Mindanao.

Camiguin is one of the best destination for scuba divers from different parts of the world. That’s why my friend came from there, his hobby is scuba diving and his second time to Camiguin. And look what he gave me as “pasalubong“. Two boxes of Pastel.

Pastel is soft, sweet bun with varied fillings. They were bought from VJANDEP Bakeshop. The pastel is a native delicacy and can also be categorized as dessert because of its sweetness, it is now identified with Camiguin Island that every tourist never goes home without tasting the famous bun. The filling choices are cheese, langka, macapuno, mango, pineapple, ube, and regular yema. I believed, the pastel I got was yema, it was really delicious, I just don’t know if it was special or the regular yema. They also have other filling “by order”: durian, guava, strawberry, chocolate and special yema. If I wasn’t mistaken, Korina Sanchez of Rated K featured the famous pastel bun of Camiguin.

Update: (10.22.08) Pastel is now available at SM Mall of Asia Hypermarket, bread section.

Curfew No More…

My entry about Curfew In The Philippines made a negative impression of my country but I can’t hold myself on posting the present situation. That’s how I felt. For the first time after martial law (’70 era), we’ve experienced curfew BUT that was a one night curfew only. Still, from the back of my mind, they could implement again. They already did, I hope the present administration won’t do that again. If they do, I don’t know what would happen next. I’m against curfew and I still want democracy.

Senator Antonio Trillanes together with the co-accused walked out the Makati Regional Court in the middle of their Oakwood Mutiny hearing last November 29. What was the curfew for? Sen. Trillanes are calling for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down to her Presidency. He was calling for Filipinos to unite and join them in Makati. Curfew was immediately implemented to avoid people from coming to Makati and to avoid movements of people. There was an estimated 800+ persons caught in curfew that night and many were unaware of what was happening.

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Christmas Rush Tips

As far as I remember, I’ve joined the wagon of Christmas Rush shoppers 3 years ago and that was it. I’ve learned my lessons very well and I don’t want to join them again.

I don’t want any migraine on Christmas Eve. So, I’ve prepared some tips that I know that might help you out if you’re in a rush:

• Make a shopping list
• Categorize the items to which section and department they belong to save time and effort.
• If you’re on a budget, do make some early window shopping before making a list, if possible.
• Make at least 3 gifts options for each person.
• Consider wholesale items with assorted designs and colors.
• Never go shopping with your stomach empty. Chances are, you’ll spend time on eating instead of shopping.
• Wear your most comfortable clothes and shoes.
• As much as possible, don’t bring along small children on your shopping. Scheduled them on another date.
• Be attentive on your personal belongings especially your wallet.
• Inspect the item carefully for quality and factory defects.
• If you’re not sure of the size of the person you’re giving the gift, ask him/her. That depends on how you will asked him/her if its a surprise gift.
• Avail of the free gift wrapping services of the shopping malls.
• If the gift is electronic, don’t forget to have it tested.
• Never lose your official receipts.
• Shop as early as the shopping mall opens. Get advantage of less people, organized shopping racks and accomodating sales agents.
• Ask for an extra bag for all bought items.
• Count your bought items.