Feb 26

No Reservations

I love his show. He makes me feel life. He gives me inspiration to learn more about other people – their food, their life, their culture.

Unlike other travel journalists, he doesn’t seem boring to me. No scripts. No rehearsals. Just plain, factual, candid, and bold Anthony Bourdain.

I am a fan. Yes, I would admit that. I am not even sure what made me love this guy. Maybe it is because of his superb insight at NO RESERVATIONS, the number one travel show in the globe.

Bourdain’s love for food is contagious. He surely knows what he is doing. He doesn’t need a script. A 28-year veteran of professional kitchens, Bourdain experienced it all – from the dishwashing tub, to the oven and down to the tables.

To know more about him and his travels, read his books, Kitchen Confidential, A Cook's Tour, The Nasty Bits, and the partner book to the Travel Channel series, No Reservations.

As for me, I am more than a fan now that Bourdain visited our country, the Philippines. I am doubly proud though because out of the 7,000 islands in the country, he chose to go to Pampanga and taste our very own “Sisig,” a native cuisine of the Kapampangans (Please see related story at Celebrate Life in Pampanga!).

In his own blog, Bourdain wrote the following about his recent trip to Angeles City, Pampanga, Philipines:

“What we did get right, I'm quite sure, was making sure that the amazing, porky delights of "sisig" got plenty of camera time. If you've never had this divine mosaic of pig parts, chopped and served sizzling and crisp on one side on a screaming hot platter, then you've yet to have one of the world's best beer drinking dishes. And speaking of pig? It can now be said that of all the whole roasted pigs I've had all over the world, the slow roasted lechon I had on Cebu was the best. This puts the standings in the Hierarchy of Pork as follows:
#1. Philippines
#2. Bali
#3. Puerto Rico”
By Anthony Bourdain on February 16, 2009

Anthony Bourdain is one of the icons in travel and living channel. What he says matter to the whole world, especially to those who respect food and cultures. I am very proud that he visited our home province.

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Feb 25

Born with a Golden Heart!

He was born from the rich clans of Henson, Suarez and Tayag in Pampanga. He is the president of Mother Earth, one of the pioneer meat processing firms in the region. But unlike other meat processors, Mother Earth stands up to its name.

Renato “Abong” Tayag Jr. or simply Tatang Abong as we dearly call him is not only an entrepreneur but likewise an environmentalist, agriculturist and advocate of development. I cannot remember a single soul who can say bad thing against Tatang Abong. This is because he is very kind, industrious and generous.

His numerous advocacies for environmental protection and agriculture speak of his leadership in various organizations in the region. These include Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), PAMPRO, Taguete Foundation Inc., Regional Development Council, Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI) and Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Tatang Abong is almost 60. Of all the things that I have learned while working with him, the most prominent is his idea on the empowerment of the middle class. Tatang ABong believes that the middle class sector is the hope of the Philippine nation. This sector, he said, has the power to change the corrupt system of government because the middle class controls production and therefore has economic independence. The middle class can choose efficient and new breed of leaders.

And the biggest number of people that could become middle class as the farmers and fisherfolk. Tatang Abong said that given more opportunities, support and capital, the huge number in the agriculture sector can spin our country’s economy and eventually change politics and government.

Tatang Abong is just one of the many philanthropists in the country who are truly concerned on the general welfare of the public. He is one of the few who truly understands the dynamics of the local economy.

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Feb 24

Fat and Furious!

He loves cars, especially his Ferrari miniatures. He is bubbly and naughty. He is likewise sweet but don’t touch his cars. Because once you do, you’ll be sorry. He can be too loud and furious!

That’s my two-year old son, Boy2. He literally sleeps with a car in his hand. I just hope that he will get something out of his fascination with cars someday.

He could become a car builder, car racer or a car dealer. Who knows? This early he knows the best cars just by their looks. So going back to his Ferraris, he is so excited when I bought the Shell Formula X miniatures that came in six for every set. Here are a few trivia about Ferrari. It is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. The company was founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1928. Ferrari has been acclaimed for its important role in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has enjoyed great success. By the way, the first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 S, powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine.

I wish my son will have one of Ferrari’s creations when he reaches 20. I don’t know though how he could manage to have one. But I wish him all the best!

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Feb 23

When the Fever is Gone

During the 2007 elections, his name could have been mistaken for a “saint.” Many said that he came at the right moment when the people of the province of Pampanga were looking for an alternative candidate to stand for righteousness and good governance.

His victory over the known politicians was quite phenomenal. Many stood strong to fight for his sweet victory. Many painstakingly watched the election canvassing to protect his votes. Many sacrificed their jobs, families and personal activities just to volunteer and join vigils for his ascendancy to the Capitol.

It was a shining moment for Pampanga. Indeed, the Eddie Panlilio fever spread like wildfire in the whole country.

But almost two years after his ascendancy to power, the fever was gone. All that was left was chaos, disunity, sentiments, and criticisms. No, not from his detractors, but from his former allies. Panlilio became the center of talks as his closest staff resigned from the Capitol one-by-one. His fiercest supporters also left him for differences in policies and principle. They were proposing programs and he continues to reject. He failed to solicit the support of the local leaders, particularly the other elective officials.

At the end of the day, one would ask? Why? What happened? Is it all the “bad” people working against him? Or is it his persona that changed? What happened to his promises? The worst part of this is the hope that was lost for the people. The hope that the government can change through a new leader. Now, all the people have is a former priest who seems to be in a quandary how to run his government.

The story of former priest Eddie T. Panlilio is extra-ordinary. It is a story of all the Kapampangan people. It was a 15 second of fame that fizzled out before it was consummated. This usually happens when the euphoria is too intense that expectations run very high. So when there is failure, the disappointments are equally extreme.

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Feb 21

Powerful Voice

When he speaks, everybody listens. He is not afraid of anyone even that may be the President of the Republic of the Philippines. A genuine advocate of small entrepreneurs, environment protection and preservation of culture, Ruperto Cruz is one voice that is so powerful.

When no one dared to speak against the ill-effects of Henry Sy’s SM City Clark to the local traders, Cruz stood up and fought. He led thousands in marching on the streets of Clark Freeport Zone to stand for the rights and welfare of the local retailers, restaurants, traders and all other businesses that will be affected by the giant SM Mall.

Cruz, the chairman of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PAGKM), also led the advocacy for the full operationalization of the Clark Airport, now the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. Before the Supreme Court ruled that the PIATCO deal in NAIA’s Terminal 3 was disadvantageous to the government, Cruz and PGKM already echoed their oppositions to the PIATCO deal and exposed the disadvantageous provisions of the deal, particularly on the limitations set for the Clark Airport.

And now, Cruz is leading another crusade for the closure of giant piggeries and poultries in Porac, Pampanga to save lives of people and prevent the municipality’s economic collapse due to pollution and health hazards.

A furniture magnate and real estate developer, Cruz is indeed a true philanthropist who helps the poor, underprivileged and the minority.

Cruz is one of the only few who have the courage, sincerity and commitment to help the abused and the underprivileged. His kinds are rare. In a world of individualism, consumerism and capitalism, Cruz remains a model to his fellow wealthy and elite.

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Feb 19

The Whistleblower Gets the Flak

(Photo from Pinoyweekly)

He came out to expose corruption. He named the biggies who allegedly collected millions of pesos grease money from the NBN-ZTE deal. He showed moral courage to reveal the truth. He gave Filipinos hope that moral recovery is still possible even in a very corrupt bureaucracy like the Philippine government.

But his 15 seconds of fame was very short-lived. The following days after his expose were mostly spent for prayers and Masses. That is to pray for his peace and safety.

Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, the whistleblower in the NBN-ZTE deal scam was abducted, coerced, harassed and charged by several officials and personnel of this government. And for what? For blowing the horn and naming names. For standing up for what is right and for exposing corruption activities of the big names in Philippine government.

The Senate feast on the issue. They conducted investigations in aid of legislation, so to say. They asked Lozada to face the whole world and courageously pointed his finger to the First Family and President Arroyo as the alleged orchestrators of the scandalous NBN-ZTE deal.

Until today, no one was charged and convicted though in relation to the NBN-ZTE scam. But Lozada was charged by the Department of Justice and the Ombudsman for his alleged violations of the anti-graft practices during his term as president of the Philippine forest Corp.

Yes, only in the Philippines. Here, if you are a whistleblower, better be ready to face the vultures in the government for they will get back to you. And most often than not, the hero ends up as the villain. They will search all dossiers against you and they will bury you alive. I just hope that Jun Lozada is fine as well as his family.

The story of Jun Lozada should not depress us but rather it should inspire our spirits to fight for what is right and to carry on the crusade for good governance. The Philippine government will not change overnight but each day that we call on the abuses of our government and we fight corruption even in the smallest of ways, we will definitely win in the end.

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Feb 17

Love is Blind?

(Ronalie and first-born child, Stephanie)

“Love is blind”. This could be the most common saying about love. But others would argue that love is not really blind, it is rather profound. It is not blind because a person in love sees something that other people cannot see.

True enough. Last February 14, when many were celebrating Valentine’s Day, I thought of my best friend, Ronalie. She is 32 years old and happily living with a 65-year-old retired engineer.

They have two children, Stephanie, three and 10-month-old Stephen. She was married before but that one didn’t work. She suffered too much from her first marriage, both physically and emotionally.

So when she found what she called her “forever love,” we were all suspicious and intrigued because of their age gap. Besides, Ronalie is pretty, charming, sexy and intelligent. She could have chosen a partner who is at the same age group.

I was not even thinking then that her relationship with this old man would last. But love has found its way to her heart. She told me that her prayers were heard. She was given a wonderful person, friend, confidant, lover and father to her children. Each time I see her, she would always say that she was blessed. And each day, she wakes up asking God to give her partner one day more in her side.

I am happy for her. I know that she has seen something more than what our eyes could see.

Just like us, Ronalie found her match. I believe that we were born destined to be with another person. The only question is when to meet the “chosen” one. For those who are still waiting, patience is the best. Life is like that. Sometimes you get your request first and sometimes you are heard last.

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Feb 16

A Journalist’s Journey

This is my late friend Dante Fabian. He was only over 40 when he died last year. He likewise died as a bachelor. I worked with Dante in the late ‘90s until 2004 at SunStar Pampanga, a local daily. He was a very good writer with a very bad habit – he doesn’t sleep at night.

Dante is up most of the time between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. He stays with the local police in Angeles City. He would always get the latest police news. He would know who was murdered when or who was jailed last week. Dante knew his beat well.

But just like any other straight and honest journalist, he died poor. His only possession aside from what family fortune he might own is an old Volkswagen beetle.

The last time I saw him was in Nepo Mart, only a few days before his sudden death. He was having a good time with Rogie Pangilinan, Odilon Anicete, Porac Councilor Bestre David and Porac Vice Mayor Jing Capil.

He was his usual self – silent and compliant but happy. It is really good to think that he enjoyed his last days with us. In April 2008, he joined our trip to Aurora province and spent two days with other media friends. I want to believe that he savoured the sceneries and the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It was indeed a short-lived bliss for a silent soul like him.

Dante was one of the many journalists in the Philippines who were deprived of rightful and decent salary and benefits. Until now, journalists working in the provinces outside Metro Manila are receiving measly wages without social security benefits and most of the times are prone to harassment and murder.

The Saga of the Bida ng Masa (Hero of the Masses)

Many would say bad things against him. Many would discredit him in various on-line forums. Many would claim that he doesn’t deserve to be part of the Senate of the Philippines. And most often than not, these are the people who establish their judgment on news and commentaries from newspapers, publications and other media.

Would you believe me if I say that half of what is being put on your newspaper is not true? Would you also believe that out of what could be considered truth is actually half-truth depending on the biases of the writer and the publication?

Come to think of it, nobody really knows what people see among popular leaders, especially movie stars and so why they are being elected into positions in government.

What I can only suggest is to look deeper into the “persona” of each leader like in the case of Senator Lito Lapid.

Have you heard of Ben Tambling, Leon Guerrero or Geronimo? Millions of Pinoys under age bracket 45-60, especially those from the Muslim communities of Mindanao, are die-hard fans of the Senator. The man who portrayed these hero-characters in box-office hits during the 70’s, 80’s and up to the 90’s is one of the few action stars who really made a following aside from The King Fernando Poe Jr. and former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

It could be their looks or it could be their “reel” and “real” persona. For those who knows Senator Lapid personally, they would agree with me that he is a very kind-hearted person, easy to talk to, approachable, always ready to give a helping hand, can talk sense when he wants it, has a deep wisdom in politics and has an unexplainable charisma to the common people.

These may be the reasons why the common people, the majority of the Philippine voters, elect him into office despite the alleged corruption acts and incompetence.

Unlike other Senators, Lito Lapid would still be seen drinking with his drivers, cleaners, and house helpers. By the way, most of charges against him were already dismissed by the Saqndiganbayan, Ombudsman and the Supreme Court. So the allegations are still allegations as far as the Philippine government is concerned. He was not convicted of any crime or violation.

(Senator Lapid’s story is a story of many popular leaders who were elected into office because of their charisma. This is reality in Philippine politics. But dishonoring or discrediting people is easy when we put too much stereotypes into our system. If we want to see the real thing, better feel it and dig it deep. Just as it is, without the “packaged perception” from those who control the mass media.)

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Feb 13

Reality Bites

If you pay P1,300 daily rent for a hospital room, would you care to pay a little more P30 for a pillow rental? At the Angeles Medical Center (AMC) where I gave birth to our lovely daughter Eliza Conthia last year, renting a pillow is not an option. It is compulsory.

After being a patron of the hospital for six years, I was really upset to learn that the hospital now bans the use of personal belongings inside the hospital including pillows, electric thermos, beddings, and comforters.

And worse, they charge P30 for a pillow rental. Yes, Virginia. Only in the Philippines! At least in a first-class hotel that charges P1,200 a day, you get the best beddings, towels and pillows for free! At the AMC, all you get is a bed and more misery.

Today, Eliza is already eight months and she is very beautiful. Although the hospital where she was born continues to charge such fees and possibly increased rates already. Truly, reality bites!

(I am just one of the many clients who are complaining of the poor services of many hospitals here in the Philippines. Only a few high-end private hospitals here provide the best accommodation to their patients. This is a shared story of my daughter and me.)

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Feb 11

Daboy is the Man!

At one year old, he knew how to hum and sing tunes. He also knew how to recite a poem.

At age 2, he can recite numbers one to ten and the letters of the alphabet. He can also name all the television commercials at that time. When he was two-and-a-half, he would know how to mimic commercial lines such as one of the fast-food’s script “Mommy, I love you…thanks for everything!”

And to top it all, he started reading at age 2. He can master all songs in a given CD within a day. He can memorize their sequence, titles and even lyrics! Yes, he is a true wonder.

And most of all, he is very charming, thoughtful, creative and sensitive. He would know when someone is angry or depressed. He could easily assess an adult’s conversation and he can engage in a discussion even with people older than him.

Today, he is five. He continues to amaze me. He consistently gain high marks at school. I thought his kinds are only true in movies. I never really imagined that I would have a child like him. Until now, I am thankful and appreciative of the fact that God has given my family a bright, loving angel.

Daboy is only few of the gifted children who has high IQ and EQ. Parents with exceptional children should be supportive of them. It would help to exchange notes with other parents to gain more information about gifted children. I read an article once that says the "gifted" is not equals to a "genius." Gifted children are children advance both in intellect and emotional development as compared to theri peers.

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Feb 10

Life is like a Wheel

I am the only person who calls him Mama Rey. He doesn’t look his age. He looks ten years younger. Sense of humor is his game. The best laughs I had were with Rey. Yes, he is a homosexual. If you see him, you could mistake him for a straight. He keeps his hair short; wears shirts and jeans; doesn’t wear make-up; not a cross-dresser. In short, he is just Rey.

Rey lives with his mom. He takes care of her and a younger brother despite his measly earnings. He is a local showbiz writer. Rey told me that his family used to be rich. His late father was an owner of a multi-million construction company. But when he died, Rey said they were left with nothing but old buildings that are still under court action.

Rey attended one of the best universities in the country. He used to have bundles of cash and lavishly spends them with his friends. He used to wear branded clothes. His father pampered them well. And his father supported him despite his sexual “preference.”

Whenever he recounts his past, Rey feels quite sad. But he is a brave soul. He is not blaming anyone now that he is poor. He is always optimistic. He is happy most of the time and he makes everyone happy. I cannot think of any better company than him. I miss him a lot.

Rey represents the life of most of homosexuals in this country. They are either comedians, singers, writers or salon experts. They always make us laugh. But behind their funny faces and jolly spirits are the inspiring stories of their struggles, hardships, determination and dreams.

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Feb 09

Rare Kind

Of all the politicians I know in the Philippines, Vice Mayor Bajun Lacap of the Municipality of Masantol in Pampanga is truly one of a kind. While almost all politicians are being despised by their constituents in the country, Lacap breaks the ice. Contrary to a typical elected official, he doesn’t own a mansion. He doesn’t have a nice car. He doesn’t have a luxurious rest house. He doesn’t have a mistress. He wears inexpensive polo shirts and trousers. In short, he is poor.

In this country, a politician is seldom poor. Most of the time those who run for elective positions in government are those who have at least P10 million in their bank accounts. But Lacap is an exemption. For nine years, he served as vice mayor of his town without spending a hundred thousand pesos for his campaign. His honesty, sincerity to serve and kind heart makes him the top choice of the electorate.

Lacap is one of the few elective officials you will see planting mangroves, fishing with his constituents, walking and visiting the people in shabby barrios, lobbying to senators and congressmen for various projects for their coastal high school and elementary schools and coordinating with the private sector for the development and promotion of their municipality.

He is one of the rarest kinds of leaders who are truly serving the public. I just hope that he would be elected mayor in the future. His people deserve him.

Lacap’s story reminds us that even in the darkest pit, a tiny voice can make a difference. They often say that when good men do nothing, bad men thrive. Lacap is one of the many good men who choose to do something even in the smallest way he could. And he is doing small miracles.

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Feb 06

Low Cost, Great Value!

Do you recognize this drink? Today, it is one of the hottest bottled tea drinks in the Philippines and may be all over Asia. Thanks to Universal Robina Corp. and the 81-year-old tycoon John Gokongwei , Jr.

I received an e-mail recently with an attached speech of John Gokongwei Jr. at the Philippine Ad Congress in November 21, 2007. The speech could be outdated but the author’s story made all the difference.

I used to picture this powerful man as someone who made his fortune from family inheritance or his family’s businesses. But I was really inspired to find out that John Gokongwei, although born with a silver spoon in his mouth, made his way up by hard work, perseverance and mostly courage.

At the age of 13 after his father died, he said everything that he used to enjoy as a son to an elite was lost. He started selling goods like soap, candles and threads in a small stall in a market in Cebu.

He said that his young age gave him an edge against his competitors at the market because he did not tire easily. The pesos he earned from his palengke (market) days were the pesos he used to build his business kingdom today.

"If I can compete with people so much older than me, if I can support my whole family at 15, I can do anything!" Gokongwei said in his speech. And so the rest is history.

Today, Gokongwei and his family own one of the largest economy airlines in the Philippines – the Cebu Pacific. His idea is to see every Filipino to fly so he came up with a low-cost airline.

His philosophy in business: Low cost, great value.

The Gokongweis also own Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. or DIGITEL and Sun Cellular. And in 2004, John said they launched C2, “the green tea drink that would change the face of the local beverage industry -- then, a playground of cola companies.”

John Gokongwei’s story is an inspiration to all of us. If we think we can, yes we can. And if we have enough perseverance and determination, we can build our own kingdom.

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Feb 05

'Sisig Queen' and Her Creation

“Sisig,” one of the famous cuisines of the Philippines that was originally created by Lucia Lagman Cunanan of Angeles City, could be a delightful experience for those who loves to eat their pork meat in sizzling plate and spices.

Thousands of tourists visit the equally known City of Angeles, north of Philippines, not because it is the home of the former US Clark Air Base but because of the savory and sumptuous Sisig by Aling Lucing, also known as the “Sisis Queen.”

The story of Aling Lucing has a sad ending though. After years of enjoying the fruit of her labour and after the world recognized her creation, she met a tragic death in April 2008. She was found dead with 10 stabs wounds inside her home at 1538 C. Pineda St., in Barangay Claro M. Recto, Angeles City. Until now, her death remains a mystery even as the police filed charges against her husband who was suspected to have murdered her.

Aling Lucing’s death shocked the Philippine community. The 80-year-old woman does not deserve to die like that. The only consolation of her children is the fact that her creation still serves as one of the favorite treasures of Philippine culinary arts.

If not for Aling Lucing, Sisig will not be created. Her tragic death is a reminder of life’s irony and humanity’s violence. It is a reminder that there are others who want to do harm even to the most fragile. We should not forget this because the world is not actually full of sugar, spice and everything nice.

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Feb 04

Small But Terrible

He only stands 5 ft 2 inches tall. Laurine is the name. He is barely taller than me. One of my best friends. Sorry for me, he now works in Canada. He went there a year ago to work with white people who basically dwarf him (literally, physically...hahaha). He chose to leave his two kids, the youngest was a newborn the day he left. And as an Asian who is used to a lot of sun, he is still adjusting to the Canada weather. He said he wears five layers of clothes when working outside. Huh! That is heavy. But he braves all of these for the pay. As compared to his former salary here in the Philippines, he now receives five figures in Philippine peso. Laurine is a hard-worker and he is a little wonder! During his stint as a supervisor in one of the companies here, he herds some 50 people who calls him "Sir or Boss" though he just looks like their younger brother.

Laurine's story is a tale told a hundred times by millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). But being our little wonder worker, Laurine's cultural and physical differences and his battles in Canada are totally unique stories for all to learn.

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Feb 03

Hardwork Pays in Time

This is my friend Jhon. His photo was taken at the Bueno River, several kilometers from Mt. Pinatubo crater in Capas, Tarlac. Jhon is 32 years-old, reliable, outgoing and a father of four. He used to work as a common welder in one of the local investments in Tarlac province. For years, he would take even a measly PhP200 ($4 dollors) for a heavy day's work at the shop. But he doesn't complain. He always tell me that to earn that for a day is better than none at all. What is important is for his family to get by. Today, after years of hardwork, Jhon was finally given a break. He now supervises at least 30 co-workers in a new construction project and was given additional perks and overtime pay by their company!

Jhon's story is a tale unique and yet too close to millions of laborers in a third-world country like Philippines. But his determination and perseverance only proves that when we work hard enough, we will earn what we sow in the end.

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Faces and Colors

About this blog

Every person has his own story. For every face there is a unique life and experience. It doesn't matter what skin tone people have or what they eat...what matters is the lesson we get from their story. Faces and Colors speaks of life's tapestries. Your story might be another person's inspiration.

What's New?

No Reservations

Born with a Golden Heart!

Fat and Furious!

When the Fever is Gone

Powerful Voice

The Whistleblower Gets the Flak

Love is Blind?

A Journalist’s Journey

The Saga of the Bida ng Masa (Hero of the Masses)

Reality Bites

Daboy is the Man!

Life is like a Wheel

Rare Kind

Low Cost, Great Value!

'Sisig Queen' and Her Creation

Small But Terrible

Hardwork Pays in Time

Faces and Colors

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