Maricar:

Saying Goodbye to 2009, Looking Forward to 2010

Many people, it seems, are viewing 2009 as a year that is best forgotten. Economic woes, hurricanes, floods, we’ve seen our share of challenges in the past year. I’m sure there are many blessings as well, and those we’ll choose to keep in our collective memories. For along with the challenges came tales of heroism, community, balikbayan and compassion to our fellowmen. And, if only for that, will we look at 2009 with some measure of warmth. And on to 2010 we’ll go, with its own set of joys...

December 31st, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More

Lumpia Recipe on the Washington Post

Lumpia (Filipino egg roll) is the perfect comfort food and make-ahead dish rolled into one. While it may seem complicated and time-consuming to make, what with the minced ingredients and rolling of the lumpia itself, there are some things you can do to make this recipe easier. First, get a food chopper/processor. There is really no way around it. Even a 1-cup food chopper will cut your prep time by more than half. Second, make lumpia in huge batches. Hundreds of pieces, if you can manage it. Once...

December 30th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Noche Buena or Christmas Day Dinner?

When do you have a big feast at Christmas? In my family, the big celebration always comes on Christmas Eve. I never really thought much of this, until I realized that my non-Filipino friends gather with their families for dinner on Christmas Day. It may seem strange to celebrate Christmas the day before, instead of the day itself. But Filipinos traditionally have a Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve dinner. The practice has Spanish roots, and is usually held after midnight mass. Families attend the...

December 25th, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More

Favorite Foods for a Filipino Christmas

Memories of Christmas in the Philippines always involve food, in great abundance, variety and scrumptiousness. There is almost always a specific food associated with our activities at this time of the year. In our family, simbang-gabi (midnight church services) didn’t seem to be complete without puto-bumbong and bibingka (above), sold outside the churches. The family feasts (both lunches and dinners) must have queso de bola, ham, and spaghetti. Then come the delicious cups of hot chocolate, made...

December 15th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Updates on the Mabuhay Free Health Center

The free Mabuhay Health Center (MHC) was officially opened last December 5, 2009 with a ribbon cutting ceremony (video) attended by, among others, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, District Supervisor Chris Daly, and Wilfredo C. Santos of the Philippine Consulate. You may be wondering what type of medical care is available at the clinic. Rhonald G. Abitona, Health Education Coordinator of MHC, provided additional information for us. The clinic is absolutely free to anyone, not just Filipino-American...

December 14th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

“Pasko Na Naman” (It’s Christmas Once Again)

No Filipino Christmas is complete without traditional carols. These are the songs we grew up with, sang with our neighborhood friends as we went caroling for quarters (or 10 cents!), and year in and year out, enjoy at this time of year. The first carol that comes to my mind is “Pasko Na Naman” (“It’s Christmas Again”), because, of course, Pasko na naman! This is the song that ushers in the many Christmas songs we sing to celebrate the season. And here are the United Nations Singers at their...

December 9th, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More

Filipino Riddles (Bugtong) Part 3

After the long weekend here in the U.S. (and the copious amounts of turkey that have been consumed), I think it’s time for a wake-me-up with another set of riddles. Answers are below, but make your best guess first before you peek! 1. Ito ay napagsasalaminan, huwag lang kayong maggagalawan. (Your reflection can be seen here, as long as you’re not moving.) 2. Balahibong binalot ng balat, balahibong bumalot sa balat, lamang binalot ng balat. (Fur that is wrapped by shell, fur that wraps a shell,...

November 30th, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More

Mabuhay: Free Health Center in San Francisco

Who doesn’t have the issue of health care in mind these days? It is a pressing concern for many, and the Filipino-American community is not exempt. That’s why I was very glad to learn of a free health center that will be opening in San Francisco, California. Many barrios in the Philippines have free health clinics run by the Philippine government, to meet the medical needs of the disadvantaged in provinces far from Manila. In the same bayanihan spirit, a group of medical students, led by Alvin...

November 29th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Philippines Among National Geographic’s Best New Trips for 2010

National Geographic has released its top 25 adventure trips for 2010, and the Philippines is one of them! These places are described as “just right for now” for those travelers who “want their dollars to do more—for others, for the planet, for themselves”. The article features a trip to the Philippines in May organized by Wilderness Travel. The 12-day itinerary includes Banaue in the Cordillera mountains and the reefs in Cabilao island. It’s an immersion in nature, as only the Philippines...

November 20th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

The Charm of Manny Pacquiao

I hope you caught at least a glimpse of the historic bout last Saturday. You know, that one between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. Sometimes I wonder if there is any Filipino anywhere who is totally unaware of what went down that night. Pacquiao is so huge that the entire Philippines seems to stop to watch his fights. All over the world, Filipinos gather together in gyms, community areas and homes to cheer him on. It was a great fight. I admit I was nervous before it started, because Cotto was...

November 16th, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More

Filipino-American Is California’s Interim Lieutenant Governor

Mona Pasquil made history in California’s state government when she was appointed interim lieutenant governor last November 10, 2009. She is the first woman and the first Filipino-American to hold the seat. The seat was vacated when former Lt. Gov. John Garamendi won a congressional seat in the 10th District. Pasquil will serve in his stead until Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appoints a successor. Pasquil is a third-generation Filipino-American. She worked as Garamendi’s chief of staff before...

November 14th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Manny Pacquiao Does It All on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Did you see Manny Pacquiao’s interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He’s hilarious! The audience (and I saw quite a number of Filipinos there, of course) was on its feet when he came in! Manny said very few words, but had his huge smile on practically the whole time. Manny talked about his dog Pacman, his boxing-acting-and-singing careers, his family, and how he’s really popular in the Philippines. It’s very cute the way he didn’t seem to know how to react when Kimmel said that he’s the most...

November 12th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Video: Guide to Automated Elections in 2010

The Philippine Elections in 2010 will be a milestone in that it will be the country’s first nationwide automated elections. Voters will be confronted with a process with which they are as yet unfamiliar. Machines will replace the manual counting of votes. Using the election ballots and machines properly will ensure that your vote will be counted. Smartmatic, which will provide the system for the coming elections, has provided this video demonstration of the voting process. If you’re a voter,...

November 10th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Filipino Riddles (Bugtong) Revisited 2

Someone told me that they once spent hours looking up and trying to solve Filipino riddles (bugtong). Riddles are a lot of fun, but I also remember having these as homework in my grade school Filipino classes, and no wonder! They are a great exercise for the mind and one’s language skills. So, let’s see what you’ve got! Answers to the riddles below are after the cut: 1. Kasama ko siya, kasunod ko siya, saan man ako mapunta. (He’s with me, he’s following me, everywhere I go.) 2. Dalawang...

November 10th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Looking Forward to the Pacquiao – Cotto Match

It’s exactly a week before the ‘Firepower’ match between Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto. The fight will be held on November 14 at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The winner will lay claim to Cotto’s WBO welterweight crown. Next week, the Philippines will once again grind to a halt to watch the Pacman work his magic in the ring. It’s always fascinating to me how Pacquiao can single-handedly bring such peace and quiet to the entire country....

November 7th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Living as a Filipino in Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan

One of my friends from university days, Hazel, now lives in Kusatsu, in the Shiga prefecture of Japan. We now keep updated through Facebook, and when I asked if she would consent to talking about how it is to live there, she gamely consented! Hazel is originally from Calamba, Laguna, and has been in Kusatsu for the past 5 years. She works as a faculty member in the Science and Engineering Department of Ritsumeikan University. So what is it like living as a Filipino in Kusatsu? Hazel told me that,...

November 6th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Are Filipinos in All Corners of the Globe?

I’ve heard it said often, that Filipinos can be found in every city of the world. We are everywhere, in every U.S. state, even in the White House, in far-flung regions in Asia, cities in Europe, maybe even Antarctica? I wouldn’t be surprised if there are Filipinos in the South Pole. And maybe every sea-faring ship has had a Filipino or two in the crew. If we could plot the whereabouts of Filipinos, would there be a red dot in all corners of the globe? In the coming weeks, we’re going to take...

November 3rd, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Filipino Resources in Seattle, Washington

Filipinos first came to the Seattle area in the state of Washington around the 1880s. Since then, the number of Pinoys has grown to the tens of thousands. They have integrated well into the community, found their niches and settled well in their chosen residence. If you’re a Filipino who’s just about to move to Seattle, it will comfort you to know that you’ll find a group of kababayan’s who will welcome you and make you feel quite at home. Even the rainy climate will remind you of the...

November 1st, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More

Recipe for Embutido (Filipino Meatloaf)

I have this recipe for Embutido (Filipino Meatloaf) that I’ve used for years. It’s easy to assemble, and easy to cook, and can be enjoyed cold. This freezes pretty well too, so if you’re one to cook meals ahead, you might want to add this to your menu. I know I got this online about 10 years ago but I’ve forgotten the exact site. I’ve also made a few changes to the original recipe. I have 2 versions of this: one for ordinary days (otherwise known as the egg-free embutido) and one for fiestas...

October 30th, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More

Homegrown Remedies for the Flu

I seem to have misplaced an entire week in my calendar. One day it was Monday, and then the next day, it was Monday again. In between was a haze of flu-induced aches, fevers, coughing and general the-sky-is-falling malaise. But here and now I emerge, a little wiser, with a few billion newly-manufactured flu antibodies in my bloodstream. To make sure that the last week isn’t an entire loss, here are my homegrown remedies for dealing with flu symptoms. First, the requisite warnings: This does not...

October 28th, 2009 | Philippine Culture, Specialty | Read More