What Kind of Fool Am I?

I've been to a benefit show earlier called "Echoes of Dreams" featuring Jerome Vinarao, Aisaku Yokogawa, Stella Ignacio and artists from the Center for Arts Foundation to support abused children and women. Jerome Vinarao sang this song and I literally had goosebumps. I couldn't seem to stop thinking about this song on my way home and I remember how haunting Regine Velasquez' version was. I couldn't find the version that I love so here's the one in You Tube that is likewise jaw-dropping.

Lasang Pinoy: not my kitchen

I couldn't resist not posting these photos of a traditional Filipino kitchen complete with dapog, an Ilonggo term for a part of the kitchen where cooking is done using the traditional earthen stove, wood or charcoal, clay pots and ladles made of coconut shell and bamboo.

There's also a huge rice or fruit storage basket made from woven bamboo, some earthenware to store salt and dried fish; a few bilao or kalalaw, a round woven bamboo tray for fruits and vegetables, also used as a winnowing basket to remove rice chaff. A banggera, an extension from the window where dinnerware are washed and dried, is behind the capiz window panels.

No, this is not my kitchen. This is the kitchen where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, probably watched his mother cook when he was a little boy in Calamba. I dropped by Rizal Shrine last weekend on the way back to Manila. Will post more photos of the house where Rizal spent his childhood in.

Kitchen at the Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna

More kitchen photos at spiCes

Sky-Watch Friday: sunset and twilight

One of the joys of being outside rather than vegetating on the couch is the sight of this lovely sunset. My Sunday afternoon routine of running/walking has been rewarding, not only because of the health benefits but because I love this time of day...sunset then twilight.

Photos were taken at the officers' club oval track last Sunday.

Twilight: A time of pause when nature changes her guard. All living things would fade and die from too much light or too much dark, if twilight were not.

~ Howard Thurman

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Food Friday: it's a wrap!

When it comes to chicken, the citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken at El Pollo Loco is in my top 3 list. The flavor of their chicken is deliciously different, and it's roasted---a healthy alternative from the usual breaded, deep-fried chicken we get from fast-food chains. The chicken is served with warm tortillas and fresh salsa; and I usually order side dishes of corn cobbettes and coleslaw and wrap them all together.

There's an El Pollo Loco at SM Megamall (Building A) and another branch at the Mall of Asia.

Posted for Food Friday

Litratong Pinoy: blusa/polo

Binalikan ko pa sa Kamiseta itong kulay orange na blusa noong Linggo---di ba bagay na bagay 'to ngayong summer? Buti na lang napigilan ko ang aking urge na gumastos. Nangako kasi ako sa aking sarili na bawas-bawasan ko muna ang pagbili ng damit, sapatos at bag ngayong taon habang naghihirap ang buong mundo dahil sa krisis pang-ekonomiya. At napapanahon na rin talaga na mag-ipon ako para sa aking pagtanda (parang totoo daw o!), di ba?

I counted from 1 to 20 while admiring this orange blouse at Kamiseta last Sunday---I thought it's a great top for summer. Good thing I was able to walk away before I finished counting, and was able to control my urge to spend. I promised myself to go easy on shopping for clothes, shoes and bags this year while the world is reeling from the economic crisis. And it's about time I start saving for my old age, don't you think?

At dahil na rin sa init ng panahon, ito ang paborito kong shirt ngayong summer. Hindi na ito bago pero di pa fully-depreciated 'ika nga. Maganda itong ipares sa jeans, gawa sa malambot na cotton ang tela kaya malamig sa katawan. Nagustuhan ko rin ang slim fit silhouette ng shirt na 'to at ang kanyang vintage look.

P.S. Ang hirap pala kumuha ng litrato ng damit na walang mannequin!

And this cool shirt is my favorite this summer. It's not new but it still has some mileage left. This shirt is great with jeans, it's made from soft, lightweight cotton and it's cool on the skin. I also love its slim fit silhouette and vintage look.

Posted for Litratong Pinoy