I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Camotes

“Would you like to come with us to Camotes?”, A asked me.

A explained further that before we embarked on a tour of the island, there was work to be done first. We would form part of her family’s rural bank team tasked with distributing stipends to qualified individuals who meet the DSWD’s Pangtawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. In a nutshell, the government hopes to replicate Brazil’s successful social welfare program targeted at alleviating the conditions experienced by extremely poor households.

Yes, I was very interested to visit Camotes with A.

Not only was this a chance to see why there was a growing interest in the tourism potential of Camotes (visions of rocky and barren fields passed through my mind. Impressions formed from many stories of how poor and insignificant this group of small islands lying between Cebu and Leyte) but this was an opportunity to help and witness first hand the implementation of the government’s program.

1st day itinerary

4:30AM take a 30 minute drive to the Danao port to get on a barge for San Francisco, Camotes

5:30AM barge leaves  Danao port for San Francisco, Camotes

7:30AM arrive at the Consuelo pier of San Francisco, Camotes

8AM Breakfast of fried eggs, rice and paksiw na danggit (so very fresh)

8:30AM Arrive at the Municipal Gym to a sea of people (almost 3,000 recipients not counting their children, other family members and friends)

10AM Break: visited the near by St Joseph church across the Gym

Facade of St Joseph Parish Church

Inside St Joseph Church

10:30AM back at the gym to man the color coded lines

12:30PM Lunch break (rice, fried GG, adobong pusit ( oh so black!) and nilagang/linat-an na baboy- YUM!)

1PM Back to the Gym—less people now

3PM Last claimant served

4:00PM Boho Rock Resort in Poro, Camotes - a Cliff-side resort

4:30PM Mangodlong Rock Resort

5PM Chilling at Santiago Bay (http://www.camotesresorts.com.ph/home.htm )

View of the Bay

One of the many restos the line the Bay

7PM Dinner (Tinowang Isda)

9PM Settle down at the Pink house located at the center of town

Yellow would be a better name : )

2nd Day Itinerary


6:30AM Wake up and check out the sights from the balcony

Lady selling catch of the day

7:00AM buy bread and walk along the board walk

8:30AM Breakfast (can't have enough of paksiw na danggit)

10AM View of Lake Danao from a house at an elevated distance

10:30AM  at the water's edge: Danao Lake

11:00AM Return to Consuelo Port for barge back to Danao

12:30PM Sail back to Danao, Cebu

2:30PM Arrive in Danao and took a VHire to SM, Cebu City

3:30PM Enjoyed a chicken croissant sandwich at French Baker, SM Branch

The end to an enchanting visit!

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Impressions and Reflections

San Francisco, Camotes reminded me of many past quaint towns (Cebu City included) I visited before tourism took innocence away and replaced it with the harshness of commercialism.

San Francisco, Camotes is clean and green—so much recycling and garbage segregation going on. Mode of transportation is the motorcycle (Habal-habal) —wished they were bicycles instead.

San Francisco, Camotes does not have any Malls. Entertainment is a jump into the clear waters, a run on a long stretch of white sand and perhaps a banca ride around the lake.

On the PPPProgram: I am glad that there is such a program. Even if it has flaws, I would rather that the poor get the funds to buy some ice cream, notebooks, a pair of pants at the ukay-ukay and a bag of bread than for the funds to end up in bank accounts of some politicians. Learn more about the program: click  http://pantawid.dswd.gov.ph/

There were a lot of volunteers from the barangay level at the gym making sure that the crowd was managed in an organized and orderly fashion. Sometimes it only takes willingness to give of your time, your expertise, your heart.

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Travel not only expands horizons but is a great avenue for meeting interesting people. Take for example Manang Mohing.  Not only did she cook up all the delicious meals for us while in Camotes but was glad to share with us her life story. Suffice to say that her positive attitude helped to keep her spirit from breaking. It’s that attitude that makes her get up every morning and dress up in coordinated splendor.

 Happily she shared with me her recipe for linat-ang baboy. And in the same manner, I share it with you.


Linat-ang Baboy ni Manang Mohing
1 k pork spare ribs (chopped)
1 lemon grass stalk (the white part only)
1 thumb-size ginger, sliced
1 small bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
5-8 whole pepper corns
1 sili espada (the one you put in your sinigang)
Some spring onions, sliced to about 2inches long
2 cups of cubed squash
2 cups of sliced cabbage leaves (about 4-6 leaves)
Salt and pepper to taste

Wash the chopped ribs and place in a pot. Add the lemon grass, ginger, onion, and garlic. Add water to cover the ribs. Bring to a boil and then simmer. Spoon off the scum that floats on the surface.

When pork is tender, add the sili espada, squash and the spring onions. Continue to simmer until squash is soft. Season with salt and pepper and add the cabbage. Simmer until cabbage is just wilted.

Serve with lots of steaming rice. Have some fried danggit or dried fish on the side and you have a winner!

June is for Remembering

June. Start of classes, the rainy season and the countdown to Christmas. June. Philippine Independence Day, Feast days of the Sacred Heart and Mother of Perpetual Help. June. The wedding month. The month my father married my mother.

He was 37; she was 21. He was a man about town; she was a simple lady from the province. He was tall, dark and handsome. She was brimming with youthful energy and had the most captivating smile. He was the boss; she, an apprentice. He pursued her relentlessly. Not even a strict aunt could stop him from courting her. Nor the muddy conditions to her parents’ farm. It seemed that his resolve to make her his wife could not be shaken. Their story had the elements of a Mills and Boons romance novel.

Although coming from a well-to-do family, my father did not have nor sought the financial assistance to bankroll a grand wedding. Instead, in a very simple ceremony, my father married my mother one afternoon in June with his mother, my mother’s older brother and my mother’s aunt standing as witnesses. After the ceremony, there was no grand party. Not even snacks for the witnesses. Instead, after my father and mother had some siomai in a downtown Chinese restaurant, he brought her back to the aunt’s house while he went back to his house. It would be several days before they moved in together and lived as man and wife. It would be a year before my mother’s parents would talk to her again.  It would be a life that both would not have wanted any other way.

My siblings and I never tire of my mother’s stories. And stories are all we have now to keep our hearts from forgetting what June reminds us of.

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I would like to share with you an old fashioned recipe that I know pleased my father. Below is a recipe of Arroz ala Cubana. Easy to make but very impressive on any dining table. This is a good way to remember June.

Arroz ala Cubana

(This is an adaptation of a recipe taken from “Philippine Cookery and Household Hints”  by Herminia Villacorta (“Mimi Alvarez”).  If you are an old time resident of Cebu, you would recognize the name. She owned Black Princess—a sweet shoppe.  Unfortunately, it no longer exist.)

¼ k ground lean pork

¼ k ground beef

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion,  chopped finely

½ c tomato sauce

½ c raisins (more or less depending on your preference—I love raisins)

¼ c green peas (more or less depending on your preference)

Salt and pepper

4-5 bananas ( saba or cardaba or plantain), sliced and fried until golden

4-6 sunny side up fried eggs, one egg per person

In a wok or kawali, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil. Saute the garlic and onions.  

Add the ground meat, tomato sauce then season with salt and pepper.  Stir until cooked through.  

Add the raisins and peas and stir for another 2-3 minutes. 

( Optional: Move the cook meat to one side of the wok.  Tilt to allow excess oil to collect.  Remove with a spoon as much oil as you can.)

Assemble:
Option 1

Pack the rice in a ring shaped mold. Turn over onto a large platter. Pour in the cooked meat in the center of the ring. Surround the mold with fried eggs and bananas.

Option 2

Place in the center of a large platter the cooked meat. On one side of the platter, add the fried eggs. Balance the other side of the platter with fried bananas. Serve the rice in another dish or bowl.

Interesting Option 3

On a tortilla, place a fried banana, some chopped fried eggs, rice and cooked meat in the center. Roll this up in a burrito fashion and wrap in a square of aluminum foil. Bake for a few minutes in the oven. Serve immediately once out of the oven. Some hot sauce would hit the spot.

Nero: A Dog Story

Seven years ago, I was born in a garage together with 4 other siblings.  I really never knew my father but that did not matter.  My mother loved me so.  My days were  filled with joyful wakefulness with my siblings and dreams of chasing butterflies.

But not long after,  I was given away by my mother's master.  I was taken away from the safety and warm embrace of my mother.  Overnight, I had lost my siblings. 

At first I missed my mother and I would cry for her. No amount of soothing whispers from my new master could console me.  I was heart-broken.

But I soon realize that it was futile to be sad and whine for the past.  Besides, my master was kind, held me in her arms and stroke my back to make me feel better.

She had a brother who liked to wrestle with me.  I truly enjoyed those times when he would let me chase after him around the house.  All that running around and noise did not go well my master's parents.  They would always shusshh us to be quiet. 

One day, a lady came to help with the laundry.  I can't explain it but I did not like this lady.  Don't you get that feeling when you meet a person for the first time and you just feel that the chemistry between you is not right?  Well that was the way it was with her. 

To my great discomfort, she would pat my head when she arrives at the house.  Until I just could not take it anymore and nipped at her chin.  I created a great commotion and my master's parents were very upset.   The lady had to be brought to the doctor for some shots.

Soon after, another lady came to help with cleaning the house.  My master had given me a good lecture about behaving and I bent down my head feeling misjudged.

Everything went on well as I liked this new lady.  She was kind and would give me treats.  But then out of the blue, she startled me.  Out of self-defense, I nipped her at the ankle.  I felt that there was just too big a fuss about such a small nip.  My master never heard the end of it from her parents.

The final straw that broke the camel's back was when I nipped another lady who was leaving the house with a basket.  How was I to know that she was leaving for the market and needed the basket?  I innocently thought she was stealing from my master. 

Before I knew it,my master attached a link chain to my collar and secured me at the garage. 

I was judged to be a menace to society when all I lived for was to protect my master.  So for the last three years, the garage has become my home.  At times, my master takes me out for long walks that I love so much. Sometimes, she permits me to sniff at everything we pass.  During New Year's Eve, my master sits with me until all the midnight fireworks have died down.  And when she comes home from work, she is sure to give me a hug-- never mind that I get my hair all over her dress.

My life is restricted bacause of the chain.  But no matter, I still have my dreams of butterfiles and the love of my master.

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I am not fun of keeping animals as pets.  I feel that it's a waste of emotional energy to take care of one.  The most I would give is tolerance.  When my daughter is at work or travelling and cannot take care of Nero, I willingly clean after him and make sure he does not go hungry.  And for that I know that he is grateful and takes whatever affection I occassionally give him.

About a month ago, Nero got sick.  The change of weather must have been the culprit.  When my daughter found out, she immediately searched the internet for possible remedies.  One called for increasing the caloric intake of a sick dog.  She proceeded to the kitchen to cook some chicken noodle soup and when it was ready, she coaxed Nero to eat it.  With soulful eyes, he obliged.

I looked on with marvel at the two of them.

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Down with a cold?  There is some truth to the old wives' take: Starve a fever and feed a cold.  Here's a homey recipe that is sure to ward off aches and stiffness or for when you want a delicious warm fix.

Chicken Macaroni Soup aka Sopas

1/2 of a chicken breast, boiled with a dash of salt and pepper and a little onion
(remove when cool and shred or cubed)
the chicken broth
1 small onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced

1 small celery stick, chopped

1/2 c diced ham (optional)
1 small carrot, diced

a handful of grated cheese (optional)

1/2 c evaporated milk

1 c elbow macaroni (boiled al dente and drained)

Saute the garlic in a little oil then follow this up with the onions and celery.  Add the chicken and ham and stir for about a minute. Add the carrots and the reserved chicken broth.  Bring to a simmer then add the macaroni.   Pour in the milk and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes.  Season with some salt and pepper.  Serve piping hot with the option to add some shredded cheese on top. Yum!

Love is in the Air

Weddings get me all sentimental and the one I attended last Saturday was no exception. I was happy to have attended the wedding of the son of a very good friend. Her son was marrying a lovely girl who possessed a most charming smile and eyes that sparkled. It was a Christian wedding set in a mango orchard and the venue could not have been more idle for the whimsical themed event.

I could not help feel teary eyed specially when the groom and the bride exchanged vows they personally wrote to say to each other. Just thinking about how to describe my feelings got me all “brain tied”. Maybe it’s because I once more was face to face with a love that is so brand new and precious; maybe it’s because it brought memories of my own wedding day; and, maybe, it made me recognize how far my husband and I have gone together.

Suffice to say, love was definitely being carried on the breeze that gently moved among the mongo leaves that day.

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I could not help remember the lines of a song from the “King and I”.  It expresses more or less what I felt.

I share the lyrics and a link for your listening pleasure.

HELLO YOUNG LOVERS

Hello young lovers, whoever you are,
I hope your troubles are few.
All my good wishes go with you tonight,
I've been in love like you.

Be brave, young lovers, and follow your star,
Be brave and faithful and true,
Cling very close to each other tonight.
I've been in love like you.
I know how it feels to have wings on your heels,
And to fly down the street in a trance.
You fly down a street on the chance that you meet,
And you meet--not really by chance.
Don't cry young lovers, whatever you do,

Don't cry because I'm alone;
All of my memories are happy tonight,
I've had a love of my own.
I've had a love of my own, like yours-
I've had a love of my own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2yeH7uTX88&feature=related

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A delicious buffet was prepared for the guests in the reception area that was playfully decorated with pinwheels, pastel ribbons ,buntings and delicate flowers. And pretty cupcakes took center stage instead of the traditional wedding cake.

This was keeping with the whimsical theme.

Memorable to me was the tender Chicken Salpicao. I had asked for another serving—it was that good. The taste was so memorable that after a couple of days, I tried to replicate it at home for lunch. Below is my interpretation. It was not exactly the same as that served in the wedding but it delighted my daughter and my husband. I now have a Salpicao recipe I can call my own.

Curly Cook's Chicken Salpicao

800 grams skinned and deboned chicken thighs- cut into bite size pieces
1 head of garlic, chopped finely
2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce + 2 tablespoons
2 tablespoon kikoman light soy sauce + 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Marinate the meat in the sauces ( 2 T each of worcestershire sauce and kikoman sauce) add about a third of the chopped garlic. Set aside for about 15-30 minutes.

Heat the oil and melt the butter in a skillet. When very hot, add the rest of the garlic and fry until golden.

Remove the garlic and set aside. Now add the chicken slices and remember not to over crowd or you will steam up the chicken and not fry it.

When done, place on a plate. Cook the rest of the chicken pieces. When you have cooked all of the chicken pieces, place them all back into the skillet. Add the remaining worcestershire sauce and kikoman sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Give this a good toss and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle the fried garlic liberally on top of the chicken. Enjoy with lots of steaming white rice.

May: The Mary Month

I had an unexpected adventure last Sunday. A good friend and neighbor called me up to inquire if I would be interested to join her in a Flores de Mayo activity as well as view a Marian exhibit all the way in Malolos, Bulacan.

There were three reasons why I quickly accepted: one, I love visiting places I have never been to. Now was a chance to visit a historic location I use to read about in school; two, I like joining local activities— there is much excitement mixed with reverence in the air during processions; and, three, it being the month of Mother Mary— the mother of all mothers-- what better way than to spend some time looking at the many statues, painting and prints coming from private collections. It’s a mystical mix of art and faith.

Because of the addition of a new highway, it took a mere 40 minutes to get to Malolos. Bulacan is also well known for its many plant nurseries and it was so tempting to stop to check out the array of plants being displayed in outlets along the roadside. “Next time”, I and my friends promised.

The host was around to meet my friend and guide our vehicle to the chapel where a special mass was being celebrated.

 It indeed was a special occasion and we were fortunate to attend the 20th year anniversary of the founding of the Hermandad dela Virgen Maria of Malolos.

This is an organization whose mission is to propagate the devotion to Mother Mary as well as continue with the Many Marian traditions that have been handed down from one generation to the next. What a noble cause indeed!!

After the mass came the procession.

A group of teenagers dressed in Filipino attire took the lead and gracefully danced to contemporary Filipino music.

The rest followed with lit candles in hand while saying the rosary. Interesting enough was the route that saw the procession moving through the main road of Malolos—passing the Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion (another historial venue);

and old houses;

and, some of these old houses were turned into museums.

The procession ended at the entrance of a Museum adjacent to the Barasoain Church – yet still another heritage site.

After some words from the host and sponsors of the event, the ceremonial ribbon was cut and the exhibit was officially opened. A total of 80 images of Mother Mary was on display—lovingly decorated with flowers. Rose petals were given to each guest to toss in thanksgiving and praise at the images. Here are just some of the many faces of Mother Mary— each one different from the next but evoking the same feeling of reverence and awe.

Regal Mary

Termite ravaged but still lovely

Virgen de Regla (Virgin of the Rue)

So Expressively Tearful

Our Lady of Aparicida (Brazil)

Let me not forget the angels-- so many of them

After spending quite a considerable time at the museum, it was time to bid our host good-bye. Three things run through my mind as the vehicle taking us home speed thru the moonlit night:

1) how have I valued the independence fought by our forefathers? Given the opportunity, would I stand up and fight…. Or take flight?

2) Slowly but surely, small towns will go the way of big cities. With progress comes a lot of good as well as bad developments. Is there ever a way to hold on to the “Good Old Days” for the next generation to learn from?

3) Mother Mary symbolizes what it is to be a mother  —loving, forgiving, generous, accepting and kind—just a few of her many attributes. Taking her as my model will be a challenge but I have faith that she will show me how one rosary bead at a time.

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Nothing can compare to a mother's warm presence.  Like a chick, we cuddle as close as we can to her side; to her stomach; to her breast; to her back.  Like young monkeys we cling to her for dear life-- encircling her waist with our tiny legs, her neck with our sticky arms. And at times, hold on fast to one of her legs as she trys to dash out of the house to work.

And when we can't have our mother around us,  we find comfort in food that she likes making for us.  I don't know if it's the same with you, but when I need a "mommy fix", I go to my pantry to  get a packet of chicken noodle soup.  It's the quickest way for me to get close as I can get to my mother.  Growing up, I remember how my mother would cook us some "Royco Chicken Noodle Soup" when we were sick-- sometimes preparing the soup way past midnight.

So go ahead. Stock up on a couple of chicken noodle soup packets--- the brand and flavour that you like best.  You'll remember to thank me the next time you need a "mommy fix".

Vamanos!

“Buenas dias mis amigas! Vamanos al swimming pool en la casa de A, alas quarto en punto, dos de Mayo para celebraciones de mentors.”

Thus went my pidgin Spanish text invitation sent to 16 volunteer mentors of the parish’s scholarship program. Together, we had experienced the ups and downs of nurturing 66 scholars from grades 1 to 4th year high school as they completed another school year. We had spent at least an hour once a month to check on the progress of the children assigned to us.

Sometimes the experience can be exhilarating specially when scholars bring in good grades and sometimes it can be heartbreaking when a scholar shows great difficulty in reading simple words or solving simple math problems--- at 10 year of age. This sad realization just confirms how inadequate our public schools are.

Knowing how important it is to keep spirits up, an afternoon Mexican themed swimming party was just what we all needed. And so May 2 rolled in and despite the rain and lightening, there was no stopping the fun.

No Mexican themed party would be complete without the buntings

and the colorful creative decors.

Our table was heavy with so much food.

The nachos

and dip

and meats (menudo, roast chicken and pork bbq) to roll up in pita bread.

And yes, we had happy mentors swinging to latin music; splashing away in the pool; and, raising their glasses to toast friendship.

For a few hours, we left behind our roles as mothers, wives, grandmothers, executives, caregivers and housekeepers.

Too soon it was time to go back to reality as we got out of our wet suits and checked our celphones for text messages. “Mommy, what time are you coming home?”, Hon, will I wait up for you?”

That night as we bid our hostess good-bye, I felt blessed to be in a company of likeminded people. And best of all, the get-together gave us a chance to let our hair down and that somehow brought us a little closer to each other.

For sure it will take more than one bonding session to strengthen our mentoring team but it’s a start in accepting each other’s character and idiosyncrasies. And with acceptance, hopefully, we can work better as a team in serving our less fortunate neighbors.

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No team building party would be complete without a complement of drinks to go with the food. You won’t go wrong if you serve the following drink at any gathering. Guests will soon feel their cares and worries melt away and will most certainly say “Si! Si!” for a second serving.

It’s Always A Happy Hour Thirst Quencher

2 cans of any pineapple juice combination (pineapple-grapefruit; pineapple-orange; pineapple-guava, etc)
1 liter 7Up
¼ to ½ bottle dark Rum (may be omitted)
2 seedless oranges, sliced up
Lots of ice

Mix all of the ingredients and pour into pretty tall glasses with lots of ice. Garnish with slices of oranges.