Rainy Days

That time of year has come when the Philippines is bombarded with tantamount number of storms, flash floods, landslides, power shortages, and to some cases, casualties. We once again welcome the rainy season. However, as time goes by, the Filipinos are becoming more and more prepared for the storms to come.

Unlike in past years, the devastation brought about by incoming storms has been reduced. Thanks to weather updates from PAGASA and the information being spread by mass media, the Philippines has received a fighting chance over these incoming storms. Compared to the destruction of Typhoon Milenyo last 2006, the Filipinos have lessened the damage by immense preparation for Typhoon Glenda. The number of casualties is proof enough because from 200+ casualties brought about by Typhoon Milenyo, it was brought down to 40+ casualties come Typhoon Glenda.

The key to survival is preparation. Especially with the technology we have today, there's no excuse to be unprepared. We should also know that this is the rainy season so we must stay safe amidst all the rain and storms that the winds will bring. Always remember, be prepared, stay dry, and stay safe.

Feasting Like a Viking, Loving living like a Filipino

Eating is an essential part to the Filipinos. Fiestas are full of food. Gatherings are full of food. Family reunions are full of food. It's no wonder why buffets exist all over the Philippines. Amid all the hype of the eat-all-you-can buffets around the city, one stands out and and truly gathers families, and friends in an authentic feast like a Norse-man would do at sea. That's right, there's only one place where you can say that a Filipino has truly eaten like a Viking.

Once located at the seaside in Manila bay, "Vikings: A Feast at the Sea" has made its mark across town and is now establishing more and more stores around the Metro. With the wide variety of food and the overflowing drinks that come with every sit-in, there's no space in your stomach big enough to not be filled. Start things off by appetizing yourself to a fresh garden salad alongside a nice cup of tea. There's a baked goods section where you can find the highest quality baked bread that could go along with your meal.

Feeling oriental? Well there's a lot to choose from at the Japanese section of the restaurant. Ranging from the finest cuts of fresh fish that's made into delicate sushis and rolls, traditional Japanese fried rice, tempura, yakisoba, and gyudon is also available. The restaurant also offers Chinese food with freshly steamed dumplings in steam baskets and all-time chinese favorites like yang-chow rice, sweet and sour pork, and even beef brisket. The steaks in the American section will keep you coming back for more as it is grilled to perfection when you ask for it. Filipino food is also available to get that sweet home-cook taste that we all grew up to and love. Italian food and Korean food are also on the menu and it's up to you to create your perfect combination and satisfy your taste buds. After a great feast, top it off with desserts ranging from cakes, some frozen yogurt, pastries, ice cream, and even fruits dipped in a chocolate fountain.

Vikings is what a typical Filipino would call a perfect feast. Simply put, it has everything. But aside from eating and munching down all the food we can stuff in our mouths, the true value of feasting to us Filipinos is the bond we develop. Food gathers us as a family and food strengthens that bond. It doesn't matter whether you eat in an extravagant place like Vikings or just in a simple dining room. The important thing is that we should get some quality time with quality people accompanied by quality eats.

Pancit Palabok and Puto: A P-P-P-Perfect P-P-P-Platter

Filipinos surely know they're food when it comes to creating the perfect combination. We have the ever so famouse "___SiLogs" which are the staple breakfast meals which combines a choice of your favorite breakfast meat with fried rice and topped with a freshly fried egg. But what delicacy could ever beat the perfect combination of Pancit Palabok and Puto?

Originally from the north, the Kapampangans have formulated the perfect merienda dish that would satisfy Filipino taste-bud. Pancit palabok is served in a very peculiar color. Peculiar because where can you see a noodle dish that's served in the color orange? That's right, only in the Philippines will one discover that oranges aren't the yummy orange goodness and individual can eat. Despite it's awkward colorway, the pancit palabok lives up to it's expectation of being a true delicacy. The aroma of the sauce gently blends with the topped chicharon bits that tempt you to take a bigger bite. The chopped boiled eggs also add flavor to the already flavorful meal. To top the meal off, let the soft fluffy sweet-saltyness of the puto give your tongue the satisfaction it deserves. The puto absorbs the rich flavor of the pancit and once again let's you experience the happiness with every bite and every munch.

A perfect combination indeed does this Kapampangan treat give. But filipino meals aren't complete without the perfect combination of people. Gather your family, friends, and even you're special someone around the table and share a perfect meal with the perfect combination of pancit palabok and puto and enjoy the perfect time to bond with the perfect people. Nothing but perfection.

Present's Present

Heavier and heavier my body grows weak

Sooner or later, my blood will leak

A tolerance for pain has reached its peek

An escape altogether I forever seek.

Foot is stuck in a ball and chain

Movement limited. Feel nothing but pain.

Because when everything feels like the falling rain

I realize what I lost, I can also gain.

Nothing lasts forever, they always say

What happens forward, we must pay.

But think not too much of future's day.

'Cause in the present we remain and lay.

We'll soon grow old, it'll be fast

Nothing compares when all is that

Hold on to things dear and trust

Everything is fine, it is a must.

Endurance

Refresh my memory
And never shall it pass.
Ignite my bones
And forever shall it last.


When times are fading
Look upon it with grace;
Sending myself atop
Of stars and infinite space.

Become the light
And darkness shall be weaved
Looming the thread
Which once can not be heaved.

The Fault of Brotherhood

Hazing has been extremely controversial in the Philippines lately. Within the past 4 years there has been at least one death per year caused by fraternal hazing from schools. Looking back, what truly are the benefits of being beaten down to a pulp just to say that you are one with the group and part of the so called brotherhood?

In general, brotherhood isn't a bad thing. In truth, having brothers is probably the greatest thing in the world. You'll have someone to talk to when you're feeling down. Brothers make worthy playmates. They'll be there for you when times are rough. They'll protect you when someone is bullying you. They'll help when you're in need. Basically, brothers will be there for you and that's what fraternities cater to. Fraternities offer the perks of brotherhood.

But why should hazing, for some fraternities, be so cruel? Understandably, they want to instill the sense of brotherhood but would you paddle your brother to the point that he's dying? Would you burn your brother's skin just because yours is also burnt? I'm sure you wouldn't. Brotherhood is fine. It's good to have people looking after you. It's good to know that there's someone that will be there. But there are limits to the means at getting those people.