SUPERPASYAL

BORAKAY 2009

2009-07-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

2009-04-24T05:18:00.001-07:00

Meet TANGY, my new Mr. P desk lamp at the office. Yes, by the looks of him, he's going to get more fondling than I do.

MABUHAY! BIENVENIDO! WELCOME!

2009-03-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

BART GUINGONA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

2009-01-28T22:20:00.001-08:00

Click on image to enlarge.

SUPERPASYAL is a supporter of the Ayala Musem.

MALIGAYANG PASKO!

2008-12-23T06:48:00.001-08:00

Jesus is the reason for the Season.

ATENEO DE MANILA TURNS 149

2008-12-03T01:31:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the University’s second Sesquicentennial theme, Deepening Spirituality, the Ateneo community is warmly invited to TAKE AND RECEIVE: THE FIRST FESTIVAL OF ATENEO MUSIC

Sunday, 7 December 2008, 6:30PM
Church of the Gesù

FEATURING:

Ateneo Boys Choir (Daisy Marasigan, Conductor)
Ateneo Chamber Singers (Jonathan Velasco, Conductor)
Ateneo College Glee Club (Ma. Lourdes Hermo, Conductor)
Ateneo High School Glee Club (Jose Emmanuel Aquino, Conductor)
Dulaang Sibol (Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan, Managing Director)
Jesuit Music Ministry (Fr. JBoy Gonzales, SJ, Director): Blue Symphony, Bukas
Palad, Himig Heswita & Musica Chiesa

AND

the premiere "Take and Receive” medley arrangement of RYAN CAYABYAB

**
Take and Receive: The First Festival of Ateneo Music
Ateneo choirs to stage free thanksgiving concert for the community

On Sunday, 7 December 2008, 6:30PM, Ateneo’s singing groups will treat the community to an evening of sacred, liturgical, and inspirational music through the concert, Take and Receive: The First Festival of Ateneo Music, at the Church of the Gesù, Ateneo Loyola Heights campus.

The concert gathers Ateneo’s home grown and award-winning groups, the Ateneo Boys Choir, Ateneo High School Glee Club, Dulaang Sibol, Ateneo College Glee Club, and Ateneo Chamber Singers. They will perform with the Jesuit Music Ministry artists, Blue Symphony, Bukas Palad, Himig Heswita and Musica Chiesa.

Distinguished Filipino musician and composer Ryan Cayabyab’s medley arrangement of the different “Take and Receive” compositions by the Filipino Jesuits will be one of the highlights of the concert.

Fans and supporters of these Ateneo singing groups can expect to be regaled by the songs that have made these groups both distinct and popular,resonating Ateneo’s fine musical legacy and the unique spirituality that inspires its music.

Dulaang Sibol is the Ateneo High School theater club founded and directed by Onofre Pagsanghan. Bukas Palad, meanwhile, was co-founded by Fr. Manoling Francisco,SJ 20 years ago. The Ateneo College Glee Club, the oldest university chorale in the country and winner in the 2006 Miltenberg (Germany) Choral Competition and Ateneo Chamber Singers, winner in the 2006 Tolosa (Spain) Choral Contest,will showcase their world-class talent in polyphony and classical music.

Another highlight of the concert is a tribute by the Jesuit Music Ministry artists to Fr. Eddie Hontiveros, SJ, or “Fr. Honti,” the acknowledged Father of Philippine Liturgical Music, who passed away in January 2008. The Mass hymns that Fr. Honti composed in the 1970s, after the Second Vatican Council called for inculturation of the liturgy, continue to be sung in every parish to this day, an enduring testament to the intimacy of his music with the heart of the Filipino and the message of Jesus Christ.

Take and Receive: The First Festival of Ateneo Music marks the Ateneo’s 149th anniversary, the year of “Deepening Spirituality,” the second theme of a three-year
countdown to Ateneo’s 150th anniversary, or sesquicentennial. Ateneo de Manila
University will celebrate its sesquicentennial on December 10, 2009 with the theme “Building the Nation."

--
Mimi D. Agbay
Project Coordinator - Ateneo Sesquicentennial
Phone No.: +632 426.6001 loc. 4083
Mobile No.: +63 917.8933379
http://150.ateneo.edu

HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE

2008-11-26T23:20:00.000-08:00

There are veritable
familiar surprises
in every
nook
and cranny
of this
everlasting
and
mysterious
city -

steamed dimsum
horse-drawn carriages
ambulant peddlers
sampaguita girls.

There are
good memories
to bring
home
from
esteros
(of all places!)

and
old restaurants
guarded by
wild pigs
(not for dinner!)

There is

family
kindred
self

in
Manila’s
every
corner.

KOMIKERA, 5th Edition

2008-11-21T20:23:00.001-08:00

The 5th Edition of KOMIKERA opened last November 18 at the Ishmael Bernal Gallery of the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI). KOMIKERA is a triumvirate of talented women namely Teta Tulay, Lea Lim and Vivian Limpin.

Photos to follow.

THE SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS: NATIONAL ORCHID GARDEN

2008-10-31T00:48:00.001-07:00

Founded in 1859 in its present site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens showcases many outstanding plant collections. Some highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden, and the Evolution Garden. The numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Singapore Botanic Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life. Love orchids? The present orchid enclosure has 20,000 orchid plants on display. The National Orchid Garden promises sprawling orchid displays, water features, and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America. Or head on down to Symphony Lake where outdoor concerts provide entertainment amidst a lush milieu. (Source: Singapore Tourism Board & The Singapore Botanic Gardens)

In comparison however, the Jardin Botanico of Manila was established during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The garden was resurrected by the Americans under the supervision of John C. Mehan, who was in charge of sanitation and cemeteries. It was the place of choice for weekend outings with its mini-zoo, decorative ponds, and diverse flora (Source: The Heritage Conservation Society). It is now more known as the Mehan Gardens and is nowhere near what it originally was. In 2002, the NHI declared the area a National Historical Landmark because it was the site of the Parian and the city's first botanical garden. But I digress.

The main entrance where you get a copy of the map and other brochures.

If you visit early in the morning, the park is already full of people jogging.

THE NATIONAL ORCHID GARDEN: BURKILL HALL

2008-10-29T23:58:00.000-07:00

Built in 1866, Burkill Hall is a fine example of an early colonial bungalow. Burkill Hall used to be the Director’s House, and its current name commemorates the only father and son pair, Isaac and Humphrey Burkill, to hold the post of Director of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Weddings and receptions are also held here.At the back of the Burkill Hall is the VIP Orchid Garden and here the real hybrids of some of the VIP orchids are on display.

Isn't this so amazing? This is the Dendrobium Michael Jeffrey named after the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia during his visit in 2004.

And of course, one which is named after our President - the Aranthera Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It wasn't in bloom during my visit. Too bad. :-(

This is GMA's Aranthera. They are taller than the President herself.

Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquin. Our sampaguita, on the other hand, was adopted as the Philippines' national flower in 1934 by Governor Frank Murphy through Proclamation No. 652.

White dendrobium sprays line the pathways. So, so beautiful. We have this kind of variety in Davao and is very expensive at Php 250/dozen. The Bangkok dendrobiums are cheaper at Php 320/3 dozens. Tsk, tsk.

The Tan Hoon Siang Mist House is home to several more rare orchid varieties. Misters are all over and sprays the plants on a regular basis. Tan Hoon Siang is Chinese of Perenakan descent, a descendant of a philantropist who is widely respected in Singapore.

My favorite orchid, the Phalaenopsis amabilis. Nothing can compare to the graceful elegance of pure white Phalaenopsis in full bloom. Their popularity helped increase the worldwide demand for orchids. The good thing is, they are among the easiest plants to grow indoors thus making them a very popular choice as indoor ornamentals in Asian homes and hotels around the globe. Whenever I am hospitalized (which is rare), some friends would send me pots of white Phalaenopsis. Sweet! In Manila's flower markets, a long stem of 10-15 flowers sell for Php 500.

The beautiful Cattleya, my mother's personal favorite. In Manila, this sells for Php 250-350 per flower.

A popular orchid among florists, the Oncidium, it belongs to a large family of 750 epiphytic orchids which grow in select areas around the world. It is commonly known as the Dancing Ladies.

Breathtaking!!!!

Now that is a tall durian tree!

THE NATIONAL ORCHID GARDEN: COOL HOUSE

2008-10-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Located in the heart of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Cool House houses several species of plants usually found only in rainforests (of the montane kind). It has a collection of several upland orchids as well as very interesting carnivorous (or insectivorous) plants. Some of the plants are quite common in the Philippines and are usually found in places of not very high elevations like Bukidnon or Antipolo.

C'mon, let's get in!

The Cool House has a daytime maximum temperature of 25 Celsius and a night time minimum of 15 Celsius, with daily relative humidity of about 90%. It was designed to capture for the public the beauty of canopy landscapes of tropical montane forest with their many interesting epiphytes. It is no wonder that this newly added gem of botanical display has become one of the main attractions for the half a million visitors to the National Orchid Garden each year.

A man-made stream which is probably run by a motor pump gushes through this gully. It intends to imitate the streams in the uplands which cut through thick vegetation and provides the much needed moisture for the plants in these areas.

Is this the Darlingtonia californica ?

There's the stream behind and beneath this railing. Also, you can see the airconditioning vents which control the temperature inside this facility.

A tree fern (the Dicksonia antartica ?) from Australia reaches as high as the glass ceiling.

Pitchers, probably the Heliamphora chimantensis.

The Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). It's so beautiful to see one up close. You can actually reach out and touch it - that is, if you dare. Just kidding! :-) If you feed a Venus Flytrap something that doesn't move, e.g., a dead insect, it will not close tightly over it. You need to squeeze the trap and move the food around so it imitates the action of a live insect.

On a regular basis, mist is released by vents from the ceiling. Once outside again, you can complete the tour of the Garden via a pathway. The signages are very helpful so do not fail to read or you'd get lost.

After a looong tour of the Botanic Gardens, you'd end up at this gift shop near the entrance which sells orchids dipped in gold. Perfect for framing or as jewelry accents. Other products are also available.

I forgot to do the standard pose at the Orchid Garden Gate. When in this humid city, it helps to bring with you a HUGE bottle of water and, well, in my case, a fan. Very helpful. After this, you can exit the Garden via the long paseo as seen below passing by another lake (the Swan Lake). The gate at the end of it exits at Bukit Timah Road, if I'm not mistaken.

Swan Lake. The beautiful sculpture called Flight of Swans (for obvious reasons) was installed in May of 2006.

And with that we end our tour of the National Orchid Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. :-)

For more information, please contact:
Visitor Services
Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Telephone: 6471 7138/6471 7361
Fax: 6473 7983
Email: NPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG

SUNRISE, SUNSET

2008-10-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

Actually both photos are morning shots of Macajalar Bay as the Cebu Ferry approaches Cagayan de Oro. Taken with a instamatic; Fuji film 100.

AVENIDA RIZAL + OKTOMAT

2008-10-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Coming up next: SUPERPASYAL return to Avenida Rizal and sees it in a different light.

SASHA (SHYLY) PRESENTS

2008-10-03T01:19:00.000-07:00

Photos are from Sasha's first roll of Fuji Superia 400. The rest were overexposed or shot in very low light (how idiotique). Well, so much for a greenhorn. I have every intention of getting better pictures in the future.

After complaining to friends, V.L. texted back, "Ok na yan. Sa photojournalism profession, before the advent of digital, we used to say, you only get the best shot on the 36th frame. :-)" Hmmmm...

2008-09-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

You did not show up on the day
we were to meet again.
I waited in the rain
near an old, abandoned building
at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and T.M. Kalaw
hoping the rather charming setting would remind you
of Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love.

In the end, you realized you weren’t in the mood

And I, not really in love.

COMING RIGHT UP

2008-09-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

I've always known it. For a blog that's been taking you in and around Manila (and even beyond) - 3 years and counting! - things are bound to get serious. I'm looking forward to finally getting an entry level DSLR, the Nikon D60. I think it'd be a great tool for a greenhorn. She will be nicknamed Giek when she arrives.

Giek will be joining Sylvia (my Panasonic Lumix point-and-shoot bought from Singapore last year; named after Sylvia Plath) and...

Sasha, a recent purchase in Hong Kong (thanks, M.S.!) and Iris, a plastic instamatic which I've had for so many years now. She takes pictures with a soft halo around the subject. I think I will revive her very soon.

EXHIBIT: JOEY VELASCO

2008-09-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

Joselito “Joey” Salvador Alvir Velasco is a young businessman and "heartist" who has endeared himself to many Filipinos through his numerous works - all heartwarming, moving and oftentimes coming across as a subtle rebuke of Philippine society. I took the liberty of taking photos of his paintings during this exhibit (no flash, mind you) to share to those who may not have the time - or the chance - to go out of their homes or offices. I hope that this feature contributes to the propagation of Joel Velasco's message of hope, deliverance and introspection so that we may all, one way or another, be agents of change or at the very least make a difference in the world we live in.

The exhibit was alloted a space along the passageway of Glorrietta 3 in Makati. A video, Sa Kambas ng Lipunan, was also being shown to a rather large group of passersby. I will update this blog soon to include the texts that accompanied each work. It's going to take some time though, so bear with me. :-)

Joe Velasco first came to the national consciousness with this painting entitled Hapag ng Pagasa (Oil on Canvas, 48" X 96") done in 2005 which portrays 12 children he has met on the streets of Metro Manila. A huge billboard of this work can be seen along Guadalupe, near the San Carlos Seminary.

Let there be peace of Earth (2007). A picture of contradiction. Note wall clock at 3 o'clock position.

Kalakbay (2007). As Joey was finishing this painting, two of his subjects - farmers - in this work were shot to death reflecting the long battle that Filipino farmers have to fight for the right to till their own land.

This is the work that really touched me, Hele (2008). It features three children afflicted by Down's Syndrome, a rather common affliction among children in the Philippines. I have had the chance to live with an adult with this condition and I have seen the love and attention his parents poured over him; their understanding was truly beyond measure. People with Down's may appear detached, but they really are very observant of their surroundings and are often quite intelligent.

In this corner of Hele are these words: "DEUS CARITAS EST, et, qui manet in caritate, in Deo manet, et Deus in eo" representing the second half of 1 John 4:16, "So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." - the opening lines of Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, released on Christmas of 2005.

Manunubos (2008) is a moving work featuring a family - or a Filipinized Holy Family for that matter - holding court in a garbage dump. There is that ethereal soft light that emanates for the main subjects separating them from the darkness and sadness of their surroundings. Note also the children bearing gifts (see details below).

A loaf of bread, which is sold and seen arranged one on top of each other in stalls and bakeries all over these islands during the Holiday season - a common feature on the Filipino Christmas or New Year table.

Two cans of 555 sardines being handed over by the boy.

The subject is a caddie on some golf course and when a community commissioned Velasco to paint them a Mary & Child Jesus scene, he used the girl caddie as his subject to represent Mary.

A rather different way of looking at the Agony in the Garden, this time in a decrepit corner with tired, old wheels and rusty galvanized iron.

Mga Munting Simon Sireneo (2008)

Come Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me (2007). A haunting image of Christ holding up a tattered Philippine flag, both a scathing and humbling take on how we have come so low in many aspects - in self respect, in human rights, and in upholding and supporting the culture of life in our country.

Paleta de Sangre (2008). A very interesting story accompanied this work. I think you must go to Velasco's exhibits and read it yourself.

That We May Live (2007). One of the most powerful images in this exhibit, That We May Live draws you the facial expressions of the children carrying Christ's dead body.

Read more about Joey Velasco here, here and here. Special thanks to B.C. for inviting me to this exhibit. You are truly heaven sent.

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

2008-09-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a short list of the books I got from the recent Manila International Book Fair at the Mall of Asia's SMX.

FROM BOOKMARK: The Filipino Bookstore

The Romulo Reader (P50)
Coconut Cookery of Bicol by Honesto General (P100)
The Philippine Cookbook (2nd Edition) by Virginia Roces de Guzman & Nina Daza Puyat (P250)
Cuaresma (P250)
Dreamweavers (P250)

FROM ANVIL

Songs of Ourselves: Writings by Filipino Women in English (P80)
Letters by Bienvenido Santos (P80)
Ang Hayop na Ito! ni Rio Alma (P20)
A Filipino Werewolf in Quzon City by Tony Perez, Edited by Jessica Zafra (P50)
Cubao-Kalaw Kalaw-Cubao by Tony Perez (P225)
Cubao Midnight Express by Tony Perez (P160)
In The Name of Democracy: Selected Speeches of Corazon C. Aquino (P125)
Spiritual Register by T.M. Kalaw (P200)
Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food & Culture by Doreen Fernandez (P395)

What I didn't buy but I should have given that I blog about historical places a lot:

ENDANGERED: Notes on the 1st International Filipino-Spanish Conference on Architecture (P400) from the Instituto Cervantes.

------------------
Thanks to Vivian Limpin for the photo. Ang cute ng baboy. Go figure. :-)

TOURS! SUPPORT!

2008-09-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

This week, I will be teaching public school teachers how to appreciate the National Museum, thanks to you all. I thank you for all your kind words and letting others know about my tours. I attach my schedules for the rest of September, October and now November. There have been some dates removed for October so please use this schedule as the latest to send to your friends. Starting September 27, our Amorsolo retrospective will be showing and you will have a wonderful experience seeing the best of this National Artist's work in the National
Museum. I have included too a tour of the new Jaime Laya and Family gallery of contemporary paintings hanging at the National Gallery of Art. So, more to enjoy and maybe repeat your visit!

Many thanks again for joining my tour and for helping our public school teachers.

John L. Silva

WHAT SASHA WANTS, HE GETS

2008-09-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't had the time, really, but Sasha has been badgering me that he wants to see more of the world. In that case, I'm taking Sasha to see the beautiful Manila Bay sunset on Monday, good weather permitting.

HEAVEN ON EARTH!

2008-09-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

The 29th Manila International Book Fair celebrates the power of literature to cross boundaries of time, place and culture, Through books, through language, we can live in a world without borders. In five extraordinary days, we present you with a series of events that expand your horizons, and enrich your ideas, each one carefully crafted and programmed.

Our celebration of books and all that it contains is one of the longest-running in Asia. It is also one of the most accessible and affordable, Through the years, we have welcomed millions of Filipinos to the Manila International Book Fair, which is for everyone of all ages, of all tastes and means and dreams. This year, we are happy to announce that the Book Fair becomes ever more international opening up to other cultures while continuing to champion the best of what Philippine publishing has to offer.

The world comes to Manila this September for the sharing of stories and the meeting of minds.

Details:
SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
September 12 - 16, 2008 10:00 A.M - 8:00 P.M., Daily

EXHIBIT: HIS ART, OUR HEART

2008-09-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Fruit pickers under the Mango Tree (1937)

2008 will see the coming together of the works of Fernando Amorsolo, the Philippines' first National Artist (c. 1975). Entitled His Art, Our Heart, different artworks according to genre will be exhibited in the following venues :

The Ayala Museum exhibition ‘Amorsolo’s Maidens Concealed and Revealed’ will be from Oct. 23 to March 8, 2009. It "will survey Amorsolo’s rendering of women as a means of following his career, and will draw attention to his maidens from the American period and his studies of nudes from the post-war years as a tribute to his brilliance. "

The GSIS Museum's ‘Rituals and Amorsolo’, from Oct. 2 to Dec. 20, “underlines how rituals reflect values, beliefs, and shared knowledge, how it brings about interactions among people, places and objects, how it expresses the core of social identity of communities, how it fortifies social structures and institutions, and perpetuates social values. Portrayals include baptisms, praying the Angelus, a family’s walk to Sunday mass.”

The Lopez Memorial Museum’s ‘Tell Tale: The Artist as Storyteller, Amorsolo as Co-Author’, from Sept. 24 to April 4, 2009, is illustrative of Amorsolo’s generation of artists, of how Amorsolo became subject to the workings of image-making industries central to the crafting of fictions — about what it was to be a citizen, to be learned/civilized, to be devout, to be Filipino in the transitional junctures of Spanish-American rule. Beyond looking at illustrations as potboilers, the exhibit hopes to look at how artists such as Amorsolo may have brought other layers of meaning upon texts primarily intended as didactic instruments.”

The Metropolitan Museum’s ‘Philippine Staple: The Land, the Harvest, the Maestro’ will display a harvest field of rice-related pieces and outstanding landscapes.”

At the National Museum’s ‘Master Copy’ from Sept. 25 to Jan. 15, 2009, the drawings transfigure into portraits that imagine the national self and the imperialist other, the Filipino and the American, a President like Manuel Roxas or a Gov. Gen. like Francis Burton Harrison, an elegant American lady or a nameless Katipunan revolutionary immortalized in oil after their stint in sketches.”

The Jorge B. Vargas Museum’s ‘Amorsolo: His Contemporaries and Pictures of the War, Capturing Anxieties’, from Sept. 23 to Nov. 16, will feature the works of Amorsolo and his contemporaries spanning the Second World War (1941-1945) until the immediate postwar years (1946-1947), family and official portraits commissioned by Vargas, and genre paintings. Works by peers — Manansala, Saguil, Miranda and Castañeda — will also be showcased.

The Yuchengco Museum’s ‘Mukang Tsinoy’ will be from Oct. 1 to Jan. 17, 2009. They will exhibit paintings commissioned by Tsinoy families.

Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime art event.

THE PASIG RIVER FERRY SERVICE: A RIDE DOWN MANILA'S BELOVED RIVER OF LIFE

2008-08-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

On the occassion of Araw ng Maynila (Manila Day), we first paid a visit to the long-abandoned and dreary Plaza Mexico on the outskirts of Intramuros (near the Bureau of Immigration in case you haven't got a clue where it is) and then took the 45-minute, 27-kilometre, Php 40-ride on the new Pasig River Ferry service from Plaza Mexico, Manila to Barangay Kalawaan in Pasig City (Line 1) and ends at Barangay Sta. Elena in the river city of Marikina (Line 2; the Marikina line is not yet operational as of this writing). We, however, hopped off at Guadalupe instead as we had no intention of going much further.

Anyway, you have no idea how truly excited I was to finally ride this thing. It's so fascinating to finally be able to traverse the length of the Pasig River - the same river that gave birth to the City of our Affections - and get a feel of its age, its whims and fancy, and its faded (but returning) glory.

The current Pasig Ferry service is not the first in these parts. It is antedated by the Magsaysay Lines (operated for only a year; Escolta to Guadalupe) and the Pasig Star Craft (began in 1997; Escolta to Bambang) by over a decade during the time of the Ramos administration during whose time the revitalization of the river was seriously undertaken under the Clean and Green Foundation headed by then First Lady Amelita Ramos.

The current service was inaugurated by the current President, Gloria Arroyo, on February 12, 2007. The project was built at the cost of US$ 176M and was financed by the Asian Development Bank under its Pasig River Environmental Management and Rehabilitation Sector Development Program. The service is expected to serve approximately 28,000 passengers a day.

There are fifteen (15) stations (or 14) on the route, each costing P80 million. The service is provided by twin-engined, double-hulled fiberglass catamarans manufactured by the Australia-based Nautical Transport Service, Inc. (NTSI), each costing Php 15 million. These are the same kind used on Sydney Harbour and Brisbane River and were designed by JSOPHIL Enterprises in association with Sydney-based Scott Cole (of Sidney Side Cruises) and built in Manila (in Pureza to be exact). Each catamaran has a length of 25 metres, speed of 22 knots and can accomodate 15o passengers.

The line is currently being operated by the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

As El Cineaste wrote in skyscrapercity.com, "Help the Pasig River Ferry by taking it frequently. I have promised myself to ply it every weekend. It's really therapeutic; the river may not be like the Seine of France or the Thames of England, but [the] Pasig is as old and as historic as the aforementioned rivers."

Indeed. What a lovely way of putting it.

A beautiful view of the El Hogar, site location of many film and video shoots. In English, El Hogar means "the home." No idea if this is the building's original name. It was most recently used as a shoot site for a film entitled Room 213 by Keith Sicat.

A view of the Plaza Mexico station. The airconditioning is not working yet. It is very small. It doesn't look like it will cost P80 million to build it, but whatever. :-)

The adventure begins in the next entry.

ARAW NG MAYNILA FEATURE: THE PASIG FERRY ADVENTURE - FROM PLAZA MEXICO TO GUADALUPE (PART UN)

2008-08-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is a nice view from the side of the terminal; there's the Manila Central Post Office, FEATI and SM Carriedo with its characteristic disk roof (not rotatory, I'm afraid). There's a man paddling his small boat behind one of the catamarans. On this day, several milkfishes have been released by the recent typhoon from their pens at the Laguna de Bai hence the riverbanks are full of people hoping to get the chance to catch something for lunch.

A ferry, bathed in light, sits beside the terminal awaiting its passengers. The river is very calm today.

Another one is slowly perking beside the first ferry.

Now there's two of them side by side. There's only one gangplank. You get to the other ferry through the first one which is right beside the terminal. Amusing, isn't it?

Leaving the terminal now, yipeee! An adventure trip come true! The Plaza Mexico terminal retains the flavor of Spanish-period Filipino architecture. This is in compliance with the rules that govern the Walled City and its environs as enforced by the Intramuros Administration.

The first (or last) station is Plaza Mexico named after the commemorative plaza nearby. The Plaza celebrates 100 years of Philippine-Mexican Friendship.

This hollow shell of a building is the Pacific Commercial. It used to house Citibank. Despite having fallen into disuse, however, it still retains most of its beauty and still exudes strength and power.

Jones Bridge. This end lies on the side of Binondo, Manila's Chinese old business district. From here you can see the famous fried chicken house, SAVORY.

I am reminded of the brass sculpture of little boys jumping into the river in Singapore which you can also see when you take the river tour from Boat Quay.

Our first stop was Escolta Station. The station is a delight to watch from the Jones Bridge. It is very clean and compact, standing as it is on the renovated portion of the Muelle del Banco in Escolta, Manila's first financial and business district.

The majestic, neo-classical 82-years old (c. 1926) Manila Central Post Office basking in the sun. It was designed by Juan Marcos de Guzman Arellano. The Jones Bridge above was also designed by Arellano, but do note that the Jones Bridge we know now isn't the original as most of these Arellano structures were destroyed during WWII. Anyway, please find below a photo of how the original structure looked like courtesy of The National Archives.

Moving on...

On your left is the FEATI University, the only university in the country (or probably in the world) with a light rail transit bisecting its campus. For most of us who spent our childhood in Manila (and in these parts of the metro), we remember with fondness the words, LOOK UP, YOUNG MAN, LOOK UP.

QUIAPO STATION. I was very disappointed when we reached the Quiapo Station. I mean, there's no station to speak of as if putting this stop here was just an afterthought. The squalor surrounding this area is just too difficult to comprehend. Here you can also see the Quiapo (Quezon) Bridge with its moderne concrete posts. Beneath is Quinta Market, famous for its numerous shops selling Philippine traditional handicrafts.

No, this isn't the market I was referring to earlier. :-(

AYALA BRIDGE. This bridge, Ayala Bridge, heralds the entrance of the ferry into the territory of the Hospicio de San Jose. Located at the Isla de Convalescencia, Hospicio de San Jose is a Catholic Welfare institution and a home of orphans, abandoned and special children and elderly people. Let me post here its history (courtesy of the Archdiocese of Manila website):

The establishment of Hospicio de San Jose was made possible y the charitable legacy of Don Francisco Gomez Enriquez and his wife Dona Barbara Versoza. In gratitude for having been cured of a fever, Don Francisco donated four thousand pesos (P4,000) in 1778 for the establishment of a Hospicio General for the poor of Manila. It was said that several others followed the first sum during the couple's lifetime.

Unfortunately, they did not live long enough to see the actual foundation of this home they envisioned to take care of the city's poor and unwanted children.The initial purpose of the establishment of the institution was mainly to respond to the urgent need of the indigent clientele and the mentally/physically handicapped people during those times.

Since its foundation in October 1778, Hospicio de San Jose has continued to meet the needs of the indigent people including the physically handicapped and the elderly people.The institution was first known as Hospicio General and was later changed to its present name Hospicio de San Jose. The newly established welfare institution was then named after St. Joseph, its present saint.

Hospicio de San Jose was formerly located at Pandacan, and then transferred to Intramuros, then to Binondo, Nagtahan and Echague. It was only 1810 when Hospicio de San found its permanent home at the Isla de Convalescencia or the Island of Convalescents.On December 27, 1810, a Board of Directors governed Hospicio ded san Jose through a Royal Decree, under the chairmanship of the Archbishop of Manila. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul came to Hospicio de San Jose only on June 1, 1866 as the administrators and were entirely responsible for the whole operation of the institution.

One of Manila's prominent ladies, Dona Margarita Rojas who was also one of its benefactors suggested to the Governor General to invite the good sisters of Charity to come to the Philippines to take care of the island's poor, sick, handicapped and abandoned.

ARAW NG MAYNILA FEATURE: THE PASIG FERRY ADVENTURE - FROM PLAZA MEXICO TO GUADALUPE (PART DEUX)

2008-08-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

Part Two of our Pasig River Ferry coverage begins with the Nagtahan Bridge, still in the city of Manila. Nagtahan Bridge is the largest among all the bridges which crosses the river Pasig. It is also known as Mabini Bridge because it is quite near the Mabini House, which is inside the compound of the Presidential Security Group of the Malacañan Palace complex. This area of Manila is called Pandacan.

TRIVIA: The Pasig River is crossed by a number of bridges in the city of Manila alone. Eastward, they are the Roxas Bridge (commonly referred to as the Del Pan Bridge), Jones Bridge, McArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Ayala Bridge, Nagtahan Bridge (also known as Mabini Bridge), Pandacan Bridge, and the Lambingan Bridge.

Outside the city of Manila, the following bridges cross the Pasig: Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge, Guadalupe Bridge, Carlos P. Garcia-C5 Bridge, Sixto Antonio-Bambang Bridge, Arsenio Jimenez-Kalawaan Bridge, and the C6 Bridge. Have you lost count already? :-)

Established in 1574 by Franciscan missionaries, Pandacan is widely known today as the place where major oil depots of the country are found. The name Pandacan came from the local pandan tree (Scientific name: Pandanus fascicularis Lam) grew abundantly along the banks of the river. It was originally designed to be Manila's industrial center hence the presence of refineries and factories in the area. Among notable national figures who hail from Pandacan is Apoliniario Mabini. It was home to Francisco Baltazar and Lope K. Santos. Imelda Marcos considered it her home in Manila pre-Malacañang days. Incidentally, portions of the Presidential Palace are actually in the Pandacan territory so I guess history has a way of playing with our lives and imagination.

It is also famous for its Cathlic church which honors the Sto. Niño de Pandacan.

A Pasig Ferry being repaired and outfitted along the route.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Station, the only school stop of the ferry service. Hyacinths hug the station from all sides. PUP is a state university located in Sta. Mesa. It was established in 1904 as the Manila Business School as part of the city school system. It was renamed as the Philippine School of Commerce and was merged with the Philippine Normal School from 1933 to 1946. By virtue of Republic Act 779, the PSC was again changed to Philippine College of Commerce in 1952 which subsequently was converted into a chartered state university now known as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines by virtue of Presidential Decree Number 1341 issued by the President of the Philippines on April 1, 1978. Whew! What a lot of name changes!

An old, rusty railway bridge. Pandacan was a major terminal stop for the 121-years old Philippine National Railways (c. 1887 as Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan; cornerstone laying of the Tutuban station). The line begins at Sta. Mesa and ends at Pandacan (not very long, isn't it?). I might have gotten my data wrong. Will update this portion later.

Oil tanks. Name it, they just might have it!

Residencias Manila, begun during the term of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza. There are housing projects...

... and then there are housing projects.

The past several years has seen the demolishment of houses that have been built over the river.

One of the houses has a streamer that reads, "Bahay mo, Ipaglaban mo!". This pretty much speaks of the continuing fight of the urban poor for a home of their own in this increasingly tight, busy, and dog-eat-dog world of Metro Manila.

The Lambingan Station marks the end of the Manila part of the route. Sta. Ana, where Lambingan is, is the border of the city with Makati.

Lambingan Bridge.

It was nice to see thick foliage in this area. I hope more trees are planted along the route. Some of the spots in Pandacan were really depressing.

ARAW NG MAYNILA FEATURE: THE PASIG FERRY ADVENTURE - FROM PLAZA MEXICO TO GUADALUPE (PART TROIS)

2008-07-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

The sight of the Power Plant Mall signals that we have arrived in the City of Makati (former name: San Pedro de Makati, shortened to Makati on by Act 2390 of the Philippine Legislature in 1914). A coal-powered power plant used to stand on this very spot hence the name of the mall. It was incorporated into the Rizal Province in 1901 and was separated yet again in 1975 and became an independent city in 1995 (RA 7584). In July of 1937, Makati became the home of Manila's first airport, the Nielson Field, using 42 hectares of land leased from the Ayala family. Philippine Airlines' inaugural flight took off from Makati for Baguio in March of 1941. The former runways are now known to us as Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue. The former airport tower, known as the Nielson Tower, is now the permanent home to the Filipinas Heritage Library. :-) More on this in a future post.

Without a doubt the trip can be described as leisurely and one can really sit back, relax, and take in all the view possible from your side of the ferry. To be honest, not all of the scenery is worth taking photos of. Anyway, you can always bring a book with you to read during the unexciting spots.

The ferry seats are wide and comfortable despite being made of tough plastic. The airconditioning doesn't make the interiors very cold, but otherwise the temperature inside is tolerable.

This looks dangerous, but this serves as the fastest way to cross the river for residents along the Pasig. It takes the place of the jeepney which takes the circuitous route. This one goes straight from point A to B with ease. It's the route Superman would have taken, you know.

Some of Makati's high rises loom into view.

The controversial billboards of Guadalupe Viejo. They have been stripped bare because of the recent typhoon which hit the metro. TRIVIA: On Bernardino St. of Guadalupe stands the city's oldest and most historical landmark, the Sanctuario de Guadalupe, which was restored during the leadership of the revered Cardinal Jaime Sin.

A white-and-blue MRT coach crosses the rail bridge atop the Guadalupe bridge. Methinks the MRT system is a gift we all should be thankful for. I can't imagine traveling from North Manila to the South without this train system. Think hours of being stucked in traffic!

The Guadalupe bridge comes into view with the Guadalupe MRT Station above it.

The water may be generally brown but at least it isn't black - which is what it was several years ago before the revive-the-Pasig (Buhayin ang Pasig) movement. Already, signs of life have returned to Manila's most important river.

A play with words, this is what this is. "Pasiglahin" comes from the Tagalog word sigla which means vitality, ergo the tagline Ilog Pasiglahin means to restore the river's vitality. Not bad for a long-term plan (IF it is long term at all, but I'm crossing my fingers).

A quick peek into the bridge reveals very simple mechanisms for moving this ferry about. You can trust Filipino sailors in doing a great job in this business.

I'm very excited about this tap card! Finally the technology has reached us in Manila. This is the system widely used in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Our ferry leaves Guadalupe to proceed to the few last stations in Pasig City. Note the beautification done by the City of Makati on the waterfront. Soon there's be tap card or mCASH card for those who use the system frequently. It saves the trouble of having to line up and sign your name on the manifest every time you ride the ferry.

This was our last stop - Guadalupe Station in Makati City. From here, people working in these parts can take connecting jeepney rides to their offices. It can be convenient on a clear day, but I can imagine it to be hellish on rainy days. Well, we have yet so much to work on.

This is the waterfront of the Guadalupe Station. Looking forward to traveling the entire length up to Marikina soon! Mabuhay ang Pasig Ferry! Maligayang araw ng Maynila!

CCP DREAM THEATRE IS RENAMED TANGHALANG MANUEL CONDE

2008-07-13T22:31:00.001-07:00

A special tribute to Manuel Conde, pioneer of Philippine independent filmmaking, will be held during the 2008 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition on July 11-20 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The tribute will include the launching of the book, The Cinema of Manuel Conde, by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson during the opening of the exhibit on this maverick of the Filipino cinema and the first public screening after many decades of Conde’s films, especially the famous 'Genghis Khan', the first Filipino movie to be invited to participate in an international film festival, in this case the very prestigious Venice Film Festival of 1952.

Manuel Conde (1925-1985) was a director-writer-actor-producer who made 40 films from 1940 to 1963. He established his own film organization, MC Productions, because he wanted to do movies with an independent spirit that studio producers would not touch. The most important Conde films that embody the independent spirit that is celebrated by Cinemalaya today are his Juan Tamad films in which Conde successfully transformed the slapstick comedy into timely social satire.

Conde’s uncommon courage in satirizing social and political evils, his playful but insightful revitalization of genre movies, his unflagging and absolute dedication to artistry and, most of all, his passionate and absolute commitment to his truth, definitely qualify him to be called the “Father of Independent Filmmaking in the Philippines”.

Six Conde films will be shown during the 2008 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (formerly CCP Dream Theater). These are Genghis Khan (1950), Ibong Adarna (1955), Verganza (1958), Señorito (1953), Cruz na Kawayan (1956) and El Robo (1957). The Conde films will be shown on July 17-19 with screenings set at 12:45 PM for Ibong Adarna, Cruz na Kawayan and Verganza and 3:30 PM for Señorito, El Robo and Genghis Khan.

Cinemalaya is presented by the Cinemalaya Foundation, Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Econolink Investments Inc. Cinemalaya is an all-digital film competition aimed at discovering new Filipino filmmakers. Cinemalaya will be highlighted by the screening of world premieres, director’s cuts and the very best Filipino independent films on wide-ranging and controversial topics. Films from Cinemalaya 2005, 2006 and 2007 will also be shown. A major event of the Festival will be the Cinemalaya Independent Film Congress with the theme Spreading the News: Promoting, Distributing and Exhibiting Indie Films.

This year, Cinemalaya also will feature a new children’s section dedicated to children’s films and a retrospective of Manuel Conde films. For information, please call the CCP Marketing Department at 551-7930 or 832-1125 local 1800 to 1808 and the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 0r 832-1125 local 1409.

Source: Clickthecity.com

EXHIBITS: JUAN LUNA & JOSE SANTOS III

2008-07-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

SUPERPASYAL is a supporter of the Ayala Musem. Click on the photos to enlarge.

FOR ALL THE VICTIMS OF TYPHOON FRANK

2008-06-27T01:19:00.000-07:00

SUPERPASYAL dedicates this post to all the victims - living, missing and dead - of typhoon Frank. May the Heavens hear our prayers for peace, healing and reunion.

Photo: Dove of Peace, Pablo Picasso

APOLOGIES

2008-06-25T01:48:00.001-07:00

Sorry for not being able to post travel photos lately. I've been so busy! I hate it, i hate it, i hate it, i hate itttt! :-(

CINEMALAYA 2008 OPENS!

2008-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

The 4th Edition of the much-awaited Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival opens on July 11, 2008 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Here are the synopsis of the ten (10) full-length films:

• 100 by Chris Martinez is about a terminally ill woman’s list of things to do before she dies. With Mylene Dizon, Eugene Domingo, Tessie Tomas, TJ Trinidad, etc.

• Baby Angelo by Joel Ruiz and Abi Aquino shows what happens when an aborted baby is found near a small apartment complex. The lives of some tenants are turned upside down as they are forced to confront the ghosts of the past. With Jojit Lorenzo, Katherine Luna, Ces Quesada, etc.

• Boses by Ellen Ongkeko Marfil is about the friendship that develops between a violin teacher and his student, a mute, abused boy. They discover each other’s strengths and weaknesses by expressing them through violin. With Coke Bolipata, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache, etc.

• Brutus by Tara Illenberger focuses on two Mangyan kids who are hired by illegal loggers to smuggle logs from the mountains of Mindoro. They discover a world of greed and ideological conflict that plagues the home of their people.

• Concerto by Paul Morales is about a piano concert held toward the end of World War II in a forest outside Davao City. Values are questioned as a family treads the thin line between enmity and friendship with the occupying Japanese troops. With Jay Aquitania, Meryll Soriano, Shamaine Buencamino, Nonoy Froilan, Elijah Castillo, etc.

• Huling Pasada by Paul Sta. Ana and Alvin Yapan effects an instructive confluence of paths between a writer and a taxi driver who becomes a street child’s father figure. With Agot Isidro and Neil Ryan Sese.

• Jay by Francis Xavier Pasion is about two protagonists with the same name — a gay TV producer who documents the case of a gay hate crime victim, also named Jay. Eventually, the producer is drawn to the secret life and love of his subject. With Baron Geisler and Coco Martin.

• My Fake American Accent by Onnah Valera and Ned Trespeces. A workplace comedy that follows the lives of call center agents for six months.

• Namets by Jay Abello follows the ongoing flirtation between Manuel and Lourdes, whose lives revolve around food.

• Ranchero by Michael Christian Cardoz unfolds in a small provincial jail, where Ricardo is about to be released. But a knife is reported missing, and the story takes some unexpected turns. With Gary Lim, Jess Evardone, Daniel Magisa, etc.

Call 551-7930 or 832-3704 for more details.

EXHIBIT: PAULINA CONSTANCIA

2008-06-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time! Welcome back, Ms. Constancia!

2008-06-12T03:32:00.000-07:00

“Thy summer, O earth, thy rainy season, thy autumn, winter, early spring, and spring; thy decreed yearly seasons, thy days and nights shall yield us milk." (Atharva Veda)

Diverging Paths by Dylan Gozum. Location: Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey, Jordan, Guimaras Island.

MALIGAYANG ARAW NG KASARINLAN!

2008-06-12T03:30:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the 110th year of our independence from Spain, I went on a mind-boggling three-film extravaganza of Filipino films. I started with Aureus Solito's Tuli, followed by Peque Gallaga's Oro, Plata, Mata and finally, Himala by Ishmael Bernal. First, I am thankful that these films are finally on DVD. Was so glad to have found them while browsing through Astrovision at Rob's Ermita.

Anyway, Tuli was a digital work by the indie director Aureus Solito that was shown at the Cinemanila and at Sundance. This was his second film after the celebrated Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. I am not sure if this film ever had a local commercial run because it received an X rating from the MTRCB for a lesbian kiss, among others. I think the topic was rather risque at best, although it wasn't really the crux of the story. Artfully shot with a little sepia glow to it (or maybe that's just how most Pinoy films are when viewed on DVD), it has a rather engaging narrative. Bravo to the young actors; they really deviated much from their protected-teen images to deliver very endearing and convincing performances.

I thought I'd never ever get to see this Gallaga masterpiece. You know, in my college days, people will only get to see this film by visiting the UP Film Center in Diliman and that alone doesn't even guarantee you a screening. Nestor de Torre brought this along with him during his national speaking tour and that's when my Mom saw it in Xavier University. Now, you can own a legit copy of this obra maestra for only Php 199. So cheap for something so priceless (note the irony in this sentence).

ORO, PLATA, MATA (Gold, Silver, Bad Luck - or something like that; Mata means something else in Spanish actually and it's not "death"!) was filmed in 1982 and set entirely in Negros (where Gallaga hails from). It won in that same year the Gawad Urian for Best Picture, direction, cinematography, production design, musical score and sound. If at all, we only have the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines and the Philippine National Bank (funder?) to thank for this film. It was also shown during the opening night of the first (and last) Manila International Film Festival in 1983 at the Manila Film Center. I loved the performances of the women actors, everyone deserving of an award (if only!). I loved Liza Lorena, most especially. I have always been a huge fan of hers. Too bad she isn't given any substantial roles these days. Gossip says Mitch Valdez regretted doing the topless scene, but hey! That was integral to her role as a liberated, US-educated doctor. Kuh Ledesma's role here is weird. She appears as a diwata. She represents, of course, the innocence (and the destruction thereof) that was inherent in the national character that was left scarred by the war.

My interest in ORO, PLATA, MATA was piqued by my current interest in this Thai soap entitled Four Reigns, which came from a book written by a former Prime Minister about a woman whose life spanned four kings. I was thinking that perhaps there could be a Philippine equivalent, and I think Oro is it. Compared to Four Reigns, however, Oro has so much tension - name it, it has it - and sex and violence and intrigue, something which is sorely lacking in its Thai equivalent (which made me think Four Reigns will never make it to local television). Every Filipino cineaste worth his salt should make Oro, Plata, Mata required viewing.

Lastly, I saw Himala. By now, it was already past mignight but I've been having problems sleeping lately that I didn't even quite notice the time. I have seen this thrice, twice on ABS-CBN and last night on DVD. Yes, you can now own a copy of this precious Bernal for only Php 199! Himala premiered in 1981. Although it didn't get the elusive Urian nod, it won in the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival (Best Actress, Best Film, Screenplay, etc.) was eventually shown in Chicago and Berlin. The Manunuri, however, made up for its oversight by declaring Bernal the Most Outstanding Filmmaker of the Decade (1971-1980). He also was conferred the National Artist Award albeit posthumously. Himala was also shown, along with Oro, during the opening of the 1983 Manila International Film Festival. I don't need to mention here what this film says about the Filipino, but the need to believe in something is still a quest for so many.

LIFE GOES ON

2008-05-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Despite the recent news of old Arctic breaking off, life goes on elsewhere. The earth may be old and tired, but the closer you look at the ground around you life continues to blossom in oh so many ways. Now that's reason enough to celebrate. (Shot at The Mango Farm, Antipolo City with a Canon EOS 10D)

TWO HOUSES, ONE COMMON STORY (A SUPERPASYAL EXCLUSIVE)

2008-05-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Question: What’s the connection between Ana Mary Robertson Moses and Imelda Marcos? Lots, if we’re talking about the 15 paintings bought by the former First Lady from the Armand Hammer collection during the 1970s. (On the side: When the Armand Hammer gallery moved to its new home in 1980, they opened the gallery with an exhibit of the works by the revered American folk artist.)

These paintings and more oddities pepper these two houses in an old district in Manila. Upon the invitation of a friend, I was able to finally enter these buildings that were probably constructed in this area in the 1800’s. For the sake of secrecy by which I am bound by this truly privileged visit, I will hereby refer to these houses as T.A.H. and the T.H.

These former State Guest Houses have enough treasures to send your jaw dropping to the original kamagong floor, which is so tough nails cannot penetrate it. I cannot even start to list down the things that we saw there. One really needs to pause to take in all the grandeur that these houses possess. In fact, they are simple in their layouts, nothing very special except for the turret in the TAH that served as a lookout for pirates when this area was still thickly wooded. Otherwise, anybody who has visited the grand old houses of Carcar in Southern Cebu or the last remaining bahay na batos in San Fernando and Mechico (Mexico) in Pampanga would find themselves “at home” in both TAH and TH. What bring these two houses to the highest level of attention are the treasures they hold. Everything is European as is the tradition by Filipinos during the Spanish period. The Casa Manila Museum, although hardly original, is the best example of this. Over 100 years after the Spanish rule ended, we still have a taste for European opulence – heavy drapes and chandeliers are still the order of the day in many a modern home, but when you come face to face with a mammoth Baccarat chandelier, you know that this is not an ordinary house.

Needless to say, the interiors of these houses can be quite unsettling for the first timer or to those not used to excessive opulence that can be seen all in one place. There appears, however, a sense of forced decoration in this mansion. The boiseries, a completely European architectural tradition, looked like the gildings were just glued to the flat wall and not carved panels. We don’t really know what this place looked like before architect L. L. worked his magic on it, but we can only imagine. After all, what was TAH before the 1971 renovation but a simple family residence and a factory for hair products?

The air-conditioners are running every day except perhaps at night. This is to protect several pieces that are artifacts in themselves. To begin with, upon entering the house, a seemingly non-descript cabinet to your right turns out to be made of ebony and when opened actually is a triptych that reveals dozens of figures depicting the persecution of Christians in Europe – in pure ivory. At 200 years old with Southern Germany as its probable provenance, it is said to be priceless.

In the first room we visited, the walls were filled with Chinese pottery and jade (white, in its purest form) which were unearthed in Calatagan and Sta. Ana (Manila?). A close inspection revealed them to be from the Sung dynasty. On the floor in a corner stand a meter-high Khmer Buddha (8th century). From the now-empty library to the hallways, the house is peppered with tables inlaid with amethyst (Florence) or / and other stones you’ve only heard or read about in science books.

The couches in the foyer are covered in gold leaf and were recently re-upholstered. Immediately, lamps and crystal vases (all Lalique) can be seen on the side and center tables. One is immediately drawn to a hallway that leads to the grandest staircase I’ve ever seen, the landing of which is already the size of a studio room (or so noted my companion). “They don’t make staircases these grand anymore,” says our guide. As is the tradition, a dolphin table can be seen in the second landing. It is said that no respectable house in the olden days will do without a dolphin table.

The huge chandelier in this area and those in the tea and dining areas are made from several hundred pieces of capiz shells (“Just like those in the CCP,” observed O.M.W.). They’re probably the only Philippine-made items in this house aside from the woodwork. After all, the filigreed balustrades (Alhambra style) that you see on the balcony are made from palladium steel and were shipped from Belgium. Yes, you are correct. The same kind of steel used in the spires of the San Sebastian Church on Legarda. The dining table is entirely French Empire as are the vases lining the walls. Two jars on the doorway feature the wedding and coronation of Napoleon. A nearby cabinet holds the former First Lady’s collection of demitasse cups. Further down the hall of the second floor, a jewelry box caught my attention. Austrian in origin, its little columns are made of lapis lazuli (originally mined only in Afghanistan) with several panels painted with scenes of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais. On this floor can be found large panels of Flemish tapestries as well as an impressive vaulted ceiling (steel, made to look like wood), as well as several gifts from visiting statesmen or guests like the mottled-marble vases that were gifts from the Princess of Morocco.

And then the Grandma Moses paintings appear into view…

The total cost of these works by the American artist is kept a secret. It is enough to know that this house holds the world’s largest private collection of Grandma Moses paintings. There are at least two paintings in each bedroom aside from the fact that an ivory crucifix hang at the head of every bed. The paintings seem to be out of place in this whole setup though – American countryside meets idyllic French gardens. One can only shake one's head at the thought.

Some of the former residents include Rear Admiral Don Patricio Montojo y Pasaron, US Naval Commander George Dewey, General Douglas McArthur (who was said to have established in this house the first Philippine police headquarters). Among those who spent their nights here were George Hamilton (but of course!), Indira Gandhi, Kurt Waldheim (UN Secretary General, 1972-1981), and Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Spain.

A bridge of sorts connects the TAH to the TH. Upon entrance to the second floor, you are blown away by a series of chandeliers that lend a most luxurious glow to the Philippine hardwood that makes up this second house. The wall is lined with four levels of antique silver plates, bowls and utensils. A smaller wall holds a collection of fine china. Another wall holds a huge, multi-paneled Chinese screen of coromandel. There are 17 bedrooms in this second house and each bed, like those in the TAH, are covered in piña fabric. Several cabinets actually open, not to skeletons, but to hidden toilets and baths. Very ingenious and novel. A bedroom holds an Ah Tay bed (a rarity given that most of the beds here are European in origin). Chinese artisan Eduardo Ah Tay’s beds were a status symbol for the 19th century mestizo elite.

This is where the mammoth Baccarat crystal chandelier is found hanging over the staircase, which was definitely not as grand as that of the TAH. It is said that to clean it, it has to be dismantled per crystal. I really hope it is insured.

After a whirlwind visit through the entire second floor, we returned to the TAH and exited out into the driveway where we took photos of the facade.

It was only outside the houses did I totally understand why it is not allowed to take photos of the interiors. There is a sensibility that must be protected – that of the Filipino people’s – because a lot of these things were bought by government funds and the memories of the Marcos excesses are still fresh in many minds.

I texted my former Bayan Muna-member friend on how long does she think the Republic would be able to keep all of these a secret before an actual looting occurs, she replied thus, ”Well, if it comes out, it would cause a huge scandal and all the money hungry, the crass social climbers, and zealous will come out of the woodwork. Such a waste of good art. (Bleep) should make it a museum just like what China did to the Emperors’ treasures to prevent it from being looted or lost.”

Indeed, it’d be a waste to lose all of it, although it’s hardly Filipino patrimony (a lot of Filipiniana are found in private collections, museums abroad, or in the basement of the Metropolitan Museum of the Banko Sentral among other places), these houses and their contents are a gift from the world to our people and enrich us and our history, quite literally, in a manner of speaking.

The whole affair reminded me so much of Marie Antoinette’s intimate refuge in Versailles, the Petit Trianon, a wedding gift to the teenage Princess from Louis XVI. Both these houses – the Petit Trianon and the TAH-TH duo – stand under the shadows of great symbols of power. What these Manila houses lack, however, is a wide expanse of garden. It would have been quite a sight to see them smack right in the middle of one. One is given to wishful thinking though if only other old houses and buildings in Manila and elsewhere could receive this kind of attention and care. Sigh. We all know this is not meant to be.

The President of the Philippines herself was said to have remarked that the TAH is so much better than the Blair House, the official guest house of the United States of America, and she would have wanted Bush to stay here had he stayed longer during his 2003 visit (“Para maipagmayabang”, quips our guide). Anyway, I absentmindedly asked our guide what the foreign visitors said, if anything, when they visited these houses. She replied, “What are these houses compared to what they have in Europe? These are nothing!”

And with that I end my story.

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

2008-05-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

There is also an ongoing exhibit on works by Simon Dela Rosa Flores on loan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Superpasyal is a supporter of The Ayala Museum.

IN MEMORIAM: SQUADRON 201 IN MANILA

2008-05-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

An obscure memorial at the periphery of the Walled City stands almost forgotten today. A short marker topped by a crudely made concrete eagle eating a snake marks the 63rd year of the arrival in Manila of Squadron 201 from Mexico to join the US Army in repulsing the Japanese invasion. The squadron was composed of 31 combat pilots and 270 specialists and support personnel and arrived in the Philippines on 1 May 1945. It was attached to the U.S. 5th Air Force, 58th Fighter Group stationed at an airfield north of Manila.

Also known as the Aztec Eagles - an elite unit of the best military pilots in Mexico, recruited by the President to fight with the Allies - the Mexicans were in the Philippines only three months before the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and 9, 1945. The Japanese formally surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, aboard the battleship U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

Before they left the Philippines, the men of Squadron 201 were decorated in a formal ceremony by Maj. Gen. Basilio J. Valdez, Secretary of Defense and Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army (Philippine Presidential Unit Citations from President Elpidio Quirino in 1952). They flew close support missions, assisting American and Filipino troops in the liberation of Luzon. The unit was decorated by the U.S., Mexico and Philippines for valor. It was the only Mexican military force to serve outside of that country; its participation in the war led to better relations between Mexico and the U.S. The monument was designed by Captain Miguel Moreno Arreola of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force and was dedicated on Sept. 25, 1945 honoring the five pilots of the Force who were killed.

May we never forget the ties that bind.

SMALLPOX VACCINE ARRIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES

2008-04-30T01:33:00.000-07:00

This April, we commemorate the 203rd anniversary of the arrival in Manila of Francisco Javier de Balmis, personal physician to King Carlos IV of Spain. In 1803, after smallpox had affected his daughter, María Luísa, the king commissioned his doctor Señor de Balmis to bring the vaccine to the Spanish colonies on state expenses.

The countries visited were the Canary Islands, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, the Philippines, China and passed by St. Helena on his way back to Spain. The discoverer of the vaccine, Edward Jenner, himself wrote "I don’t imagine the annals of history furnish an example of philanthropy so noble, so extensive as this.”

To remember the generosity of His Majesty, a bronze statue was erected at the Plaza Mayor fronting the Manila Cathedral in 1824 where it still stands today. The plaza is now called Plaza de Roma to celebrate the elevation to the College of Cardinals of Rufino J. Santos, the first Filipino cardinal, in 1961.

The postcard above was issued in the 1920's with Plaza Mayor renamed as Plaza Mckinley in 1901 after the US President.

B & W

2008-04-26T02:07:00.000-07:00

In sepia, black or white
The images of your smile
Seem impossible
To keep from the mind

The shadow of its passage
Seem to pause in between
The dimly lit shades
Of my way home

In sepia, black or white
When all the colors are nil

In sepia, black, or white (by Karlo Mikhail Mongaya; in emanilapoetry.com)

TIKIM: HAP CHAN (PEDRO GIL, MANILA)

2008-04-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't miss it. It's just right across the street from Robinson's Place Ermita. We've been visiting this place for so many years now since our night-out nights (huh ?!) during Malate's hey days. These days, when late-night hunger pangs call for something quick and nifty and you've just finished a long movie at the mall, the place to be is Hap Chan along Pedro Gil. According to their website, hap means "to put together or bundle in one group." Chan is Chinese for “place”. Hap Chan has come to be “the right place” for gathering the family, the clan.

What's a dimsum place without the usual complimentary hot tea?

YIPEEE!

2008-04-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's finally that time of the month. Harvest time has come and the first day produced 40 kaings (traditional fruits baskets) of green mangoes. This will then be treated so the sap is removed from the skin (para flawless!) and extend shelf life. The fruits will ripen six to seven days from now and will then be ready for the markets. Antipolo mangoes with Antipolo suman, yum!

The mangoes are sorted by size in separate baskets (i.e. small, medium, and large).

The leaves on top of the baskets are tags that mean that the mangoes inside are small. Each basket weighs 22 kilos.

Lunch - sinigang na isda - is cooking for the boys.

Summer greetings from the farm! My dog, Turnip, is in the background. :-)

TOURS! TOURS! TOURS!

2008-04-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

April 18, 2008

Dear friends,

If you haven't been on a tour of the National Museum, well, here's your chance. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the museums are (the former Finance Building and the former Legislative Building) with its extensive renovation inside yet keeping with its neo-Federal Style architecture outside.

There's fifteen galleries in the Museum of the Filipino people (formerly Finance) to explore our archaeological past and our anthropological present. The highlight of is of course four galleries devoted to the 1994 recovery of the Spanish galleon San Diego. It's treasures give insights to the incredible 300 year trade that linked us to the Americas. We’ll also see the current temporary exhibits in the museum.

The former Legislative Building, now the National Gallery of Art, will be another formidable encounter as we journey through 200 years of Filipino arts and sculpture in seven galleries. The most spectacular sight is the gigantic and original rendering The Spoliarium by Juan Luna. We pause here to appreciate and learn how this masterpiece inspired our brave band of Filipino students in Madrid, including Jose Rizal, to alter their lives and helped in the formation of our nation.

John L. Silva has been Senior Consultant of the National Museum for close to ten years and has the most incredible stories and insights about the collection. He teaches arts education in an interesting and humorous manner and delights and inspires his audience to be proud of their culture and history.

Proceeds from the fees (700 pesos for adults, and 500 pesos for children up to 18 years) will go to John's I LOVE MUSEUM PROGRAM, which brings public school teachers to the National Museum and to their local museums, taught the importance of arts appreciation and transmit that information to their students. Studies show that an arts educated child raises their academic achievements, promotes love of reading, and makes them better citizens.

The tours are three hours in duration, and begins at 10:00 am sharp (ending at 1:00 pm) at the rear entrance of the Museum of the Filipino People, (former Finance Building) Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park. Attendees are requested to wear walking shoes and reservations are strongly encouraged by texting or calling John Silva at 0926 729 9029. The tours will be held April 5, 19th, 26th and May 2, 2008. (Note: Additional tour dates on May 10 & 17)

See you at the National Museum.

John L. Silva

BONIFACIO HIGH STREET, THE FORT

2008-04-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Found myself quite unexpectedly in The Fort in Makati City and at the famed Bonifacio High Street at that on The Fort's 5th Avenue. It's a promenade of mind-boggling proportions. High-end boutiques and unique retail stores abound. It's open air and has several pieces of art spread all over the grounds punctuated at times with unusual water fountains. Almost a kilometer long, there are also several restaurants to tempt the most discriminating and adventurous of taste buds and we only have Ayala Land to thank for this newest development in the heart of Metro Manila. It's quite comparable to Clarke Quay sans the fiberglass roofing and the adjoining river, but it can be quite windy at times.

Design detail. A structure that acts both as an art piece and as a street lamp. Behind it is Bookwork Cafe.

Water fountains like this one (see also photos 11 & 12) break the monotony of lines and light.

Ah, the famous Cupcakes by Sonja. Too bad I'm not a cupcake fan.

Mezzaluna, methinks, is one of the most beautiful restaurants in these parts.

Good to see Portico come alive again. Have dined in its former place in Malate (on Adriatico) several times. The food's not particularly amazing, but the interiors make up for that.

Heaven on earth! Fully Booked stands high and proud at 5 floors. Was here to attend a book launching by Fox Publishing. I didn't have time to go around and I am proud to have resisted doing that or else...

Design detail. Buildings are marked by signs like this one.

Nothing in particular except that I like the chandelier. It's made of spoons, forks, and soup ladles.

Design detail. Street lamps.

I attempted to get a better shot of this at 1600 ISO, but my attempts were futile. I really need to learn how to use an SLR properly. My companion's Nikon, however, got a spectacular shot. I almost died of envy.

So this is how it feels like to be a prick.

TIKIM: BROILED SWEET CORN

2008-03-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of broiled sweet corn. When it's ready, they brush it with margarine and shake some salt on it. It's a little heaven on a cob. (Location: Dangwa, Sampaloc, Manila)

2008-03-10T04:54:00.000-07:00

Malasag Eco Park, Cagayan de Oro City

"Hope is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all." (Emily Dickenson)

TIKIM: KITCHEN

2008-03-09T03:46:00.000-07:00

I have been eating in this restaurant, owned by the Ocampos, ever since it opened in Greenbelt 1 in the early 2000's (or is it late 1990's? Geez. My memory fails me). I have always enjoyed the playfulness of the food - from the names down to the presentation, you really know that some thought really went into the whole affair. In fact, KITCHEN has been around long enough that it has become a destination for comfort food (the sister resto, EBUN, is the same but that's for another post). The waiters have been there forever (in the Greenbelt branch - is this the only one left? - I recall with great clarity that some of the waiters have been there forever or some actually were from the now-closed Megamall branch). If this is a sign of good business (employee retention), I don't know what else is. The menu had a major change some few years back. Well, not quite drastic, but they did add another section which features rice meals served on white plates twice larger than the normal human face (which can be quite an embarrassment). My favorite rice meal has always been the Korean beef, but one or two of their salads are really good and so are some selections of sandwiches (served on wooden chopping boards) and pasta. In fact, I have been eating here often enough to order items from memory.

Interiors. I love the fabric-covered lamps and the huge brick wall at the far back. This can be closed by a high curtain to make it private and intimate. The tables are all covered by aluminum sheets. Very clean and functional. The seats are also benches which can be shared with other diners. The idea is a communal enjoyment of all things true, good, and beautiful.

Best seller. Refillable pandan iced tea (Php 40).

Appetizing indeed. Begin your meal with Wrapped and Ready (Php 140) which is really just spring roll served in fried cone-shaped wrappers and comes with a vinegar dip.

Soup. I am a huge fan of pumpkin soup, but I wasn't impressed with this Seafood Pumpkin Soup (Php 100). First, I hated the presentation. It came in a huge low bowl with the cream doing a silly circular pattern on it like we did with champorado when we were kids. You can opt to skip this one.

Appetizer Part Deux. This is mozarella sticks with salsa on the side. Again, I hate the presentation with the mayonnaise thing (do they have a kid running around the kitchen?). This is hardly my idea of "playful." A little respect for the food, please, if not for the diners. It is, however, very mild and actually pleasant. I'd order this again, if ever.

Breaking our comfort zones. For this visit, we deviated from the usual rice meal we order and decided to try the other pasta choices we have ignored for so long. This is the Under the Sun (Php 220) seafood pasta with chili cream sauce. Pretty generous and filling.

This is the Crowned King (Php 225) which is fettuccini with maya maya (a sort of white fish with really soft meat) in Florentine sauce. The waiter says it the best seller for the pasta selection and I can see why. Filipinos have a love affair with white sauce (most of us really don't agree much with sour tomato sauce) and this one definitely would be a winner for white-sauce lovers. The butter content is enough to make one keel over, but it's pretty much acceptable and recommended for first-time, non-adventurous diners. And oh, the fish seemed like it came straight from the freezer and dumped into hot oil because it has retained some water in it. Or maybe that was just my imagination. Am I such a finicky diner? Tsk, tsk.

Condiments, cutlery and salt are already on the table within easy reach. Placemats are made of recycled brown paper and cold water is served in former Tanduay bottles with mint leaves inside (see first photo).

I am a stickler for clean toilets and KITCHEN is definitely a winner in this department. Although it's rather cramped in here, one can forgive them because of the nice chandelier and the prints in mirror frames adorning the walls. Way before, there used to be a long mirror here so in the men's loo, diners can ogle themselves while taking a pee but all that is obviously history now (sorry, pervs!). Anyway, this is actually a shared toilet with the restaurant next door, EBUN, which we shall visit next time.

Attention to detail is a gift and the people who conceptualized KITCHEN actually had some winning details we really appreciate. First, the bill is served to you rolled in a shot glass. Next, the change and receipt are served in this paper pocket stamped with the resto's logo (the inverted K) with the words "thank you." Awwww.

KITCHEN

Greenbelt 3

1st level, Ayala Center

Makati City

Tel. Nos. 757-4565 to 66 or 893-5804

WANTED: DOCENTS

2008-03-07T03:38:00.001-08:00

SUPERPASYAL is a supporter of the Ayala Museum.

THE NEW GREENBELT V (MAKATI)

2008-03-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

While waiting for dinner time, it was decided that a stroll through the newly opened Greenbelt V would be a nice way to get really hungry. Estimated to have cost 1 billion pesos to construct, G5 is a sight to behold. It's like a huge zen project. When we visited, more than ten (10) restaurants were already up and running. It's nice to see a Travel Cafe here (the other branchs are in Tokyo and Seoul; opened to promote the Philippines as a wellness destination to the Japanese). Myron's, known for its steaks, is also here. Seasoned restaurateur Gaita Fores wouldn't be left behind with Grace Park. Chateau 1771 finds a new home here as well at the ground floor near the Greenbelt Chapel. Personally, I am curious to try out Solihiya, John & Yoko, and Cafe Damaso (the latter looks cramped but the overall design - think Pinoy baroque - and little details, especially the silver candle stands on the counter, are what made it very attractive for me). There's a La Maison (not to be confused with La Maison du Chocolat of New York) that serves steaks. Very confusing branding to begin with, but I hope the food is outstanding just the same.

The fashion walk - all of 200 sq. m. of it - will be home to the world's most recognizable brands and the country's best coutouriers. I was surprised to find Cebu's very own Junjun Escario finally opening a shop in a mall in Manila. Congratulations, Junjun! You've truly come a long way.

Samples of lighting fixtures that are art pieces in themselves.

Even the garbage bag receptacle is not spared from the look. It has a very small opening though.

The centerpiece of this new mall is this stage-like area with very unusual lights and open spaces that looks like it's been designed for exhibitions. I think a fountain of sorts will be operational soon.

Detail. Lighting fixtures.

In other portions of the mall, the lighting becomes more dramatic and awesome. The mall is divided into several zones like Filipino Zone, Young Zone, and Family Zone. A spa and a gym will also open on the fourth floor.

Definitely, Manila's mall scene has become more exciting with the opening of Greenbelt V.

MOVING ON...

2008-03-01T22:17:00.000-08:00

Beginning March 1 of 2008, SUPERPASYAL will be based here in Antipolo City in the Province of Rizal. We leave our host city of Las Piñas with so much sadness because we loved the place - it is convenient to go home to and so near to Manila, but we need to move on and leave the sad memories behind brought about by twin tragedies that struck our household in 2007.

Here in Antipolo, we will create new memories and will continue to blog about Manila and of our visits around the Philippines. Thanks for keeping up with us! Mabuhay!

PASALUBONG: A UNIQUE ZAMBOANGA TREAT

2008-02-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

Whenever my Aunt would visit me in Manila, I always ask her to bring me sati, a street food that is very popular in (and can only be found there, I think) Zamboanga City. This is made of chicken meat that is diced in really small sizes (hardly bite sizes; you can eat it in one gulp) and comes with a really mean sauce for dipping. It'd blow your head off, but it's really unforgettable stuff (think red cayenne pepppers). Sati de Zamboanga is actually its the city's version of satay, pretty much something that can also be found in other Southeast asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia (may have originated in Java).

Tip: Keep the sauce refrigerated. It easily spoils, usually within the day it is made. This is because of its coconut content.

THIS SERVES AS YOUR INVITATION...

2008-02-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of www.bambooorgan.org

SUPERPASYAL invites you to attend the 33rd International Bamboo Organ Festival in my home city of Las Piñas. Please refer to the information below for the schedule. Welcome and mabuhay!

GALA (Thursday, February 21, 2008)
Solo organ music - Ghislain Leroy (France)
Misa de Sales (1826) from Iglesia de Baclayon, Bohol - with the Las Piñas Boys Choir
Bach Cantata no. 82 - Andrew Fernando, solo baritone, with Festival Ensemble conducted by Chino Toledo

AN EVENING OF ORGAN MUSIC (Friday, February 22, 2008)
Full program of organ music on Bamboo Organ and Auditorium organ by Ghislain Leroy (France)

CONCERT UNDER THE TREES (Saturday, February 23, 2008)
Popular music performed in the church patio

FIESTA MUSIKA (Sunday, February 24, 2008)
The Las Piñas Boys Choir Concert

ORGAN AND VOICES (Monday, February 25, 2008)
Repeat of Gala Concert

MESSA DI GLORIA (Wednesday and Friday, February 27 and 29)
Celebration of the 150th birthday of Giacomo Puccini with a performance of his Messa di Gloria. Andrew Fernando and Randy Gilongo, soloists, with Festival Orchestra conducted by Chino Toledo, and a mixed choir. The Concerto for Two Organs BWV 1061 will also be performed by Armando Salarza and Dr. Johann Trummer (Austria).

Contact Information

Contact Persons
Caesar Antonio / Lhet Aranda
Telephone
(+632) 510-3839
Postal address P. Diego Cera Avenue, Poblacion, Las Piñas City, Philippines 1744

AND THE BEST PHILIPPINE BLOG IS...

2008-02-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

So, you think you got what it takes to be considered one of the Philippines’ finest bloggers? Well, here’s your chance!

It’s coming sooner than you’ve expected. We’d like to announce the official launching of the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards. This time, we want to make it bigger and grander. So, we’d like to seek your support for biggest blogger gathering of the year.

Please help spread the news.

If you’d like to sponsor this event, you may contact me (abeolandres@gmail.com) for the Sponsorship Package or fill out the sponsorship form here. We’d like to allow the blogging community to participant, not only in the awards, but also during the awards night itself. If you’d like to help by lending us your time, skills and talent, please contact Gail at kutitots {at} gmail {dot} com. If you’d like to help promote the event and the awards itself, please blog about it, put up a logo on your site/blog (get logos here), submit creative banners and badges for distribution, and send us your photos of last year’s event (send to Gail again). The details on the venue, time and dates will be announced later on.

Content from http://www.yugatech.com/

KIONG HEE HUAT TSAI!!!

2008-02-07T01:13:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 3: REMEMBERING THE DESTRUCTION OF MANILA

2008-02-03T02:59:00.000-08:00

The Tiger and the Rape of Manila

by Denis Warner, Melbourne
International Herald Tribune

Late in the afternoon of Feb. 3, 1945, the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division was closing in on Manila. Hopes were high that the city would fall to General Douglas MacArthur's forces without bloodshed or damage.

In the evening, an American tank crashed through the gates of Santo Tomas University. The university, established by the Spanish in the early 1600s on the north bank of the Pasig River, had been turned into a concentration camp.

The internees were jubilant at their release. As U.S. forces pressed on toward the center of the city it seemed that the recapture might be painless. Yet a month later, the Philippine capital was in ruins.

Read the rest of the article here.

TIKIM: MANILA'S OLDEST RESTAURANTS

2008-01-28T00:35:00.000-08:00

PINAKA: OLDIES BUT GOODIES NA TSIBUGAN (Oldest Restos in Manila)

1) Tie: AMBOS MUNDOS / TOHO FOOD CENTER aka TOHO ANTIGUA (since 1888)
2) NEW SAN JACINTO FOOD CENTER CORP. aka PANCITERIA SAN JACINTO (since 1894)
3) MA MON LUK (since 1920)
4) RAMON LEE FRIED CHICKEN (since 1929)
5) ARISTOCRAT (since 1936)
6) ONGPIN MANOSA (since 1940)
7) Tie: RODIC'S & LITTLE QUIAPO (since 1949)
8) SAVORY (since 1950)
9) WAH SUN (since 1955)

Source: Frugalchowhound Yahoo Group

PIYESTA NG TONDO (TONDO FIESTA)

2008-01-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

When the month of January comes, most Catholics look forward to one major event: the feast of the Sto. Niño - the Holy Child Jesus. Festivals across the country, save for Mindanao, mark the feast with week-long novenas, high Masses, and the most awaited street dancing akin to the Mardi Gras of Latin America.

The most famous among these festivals is, of course, Cebu's Sinulog. Although a recent concoction of Cebu's local leaders (just around 25 years old or thereabouts) to attract tourists to the beautiful island-city, the Sinulog has become the new face of these festivities surrounding the Niño. Of course it would be too unfair not to mention the Dinagyang of Iloilo and the Ati-Atihan of Aklan, both of which symbolize much of what religious fiesta means to the Philippines (the feast of the Black Nazarene is another story).

However, one festival remains obscure and this is the fiesta of the Niño in Tondo, in the city of Manila. I've lived in Cebu for 5 years and I have honestly grown tired of the Sinulog's one-step-forward-two-steps-backward routine, and the blatant commercialization of what is supposed to be a religious festival (I won't be surprised if the Niño will soon find itself clutching a beer bottle instead of a globe). This January, being my first time to visit Tondo, I made sure I was accompanied by a resident in the person of CBCP's Stephen Borja in visiting the "other" Niño of Tondo.

The image of the Sto Niño de Tondo. You can reach this via a staircase on the side of the church.

Altar and cupola glow during the High Mass

Detail. The belfry.

Facade sports left-over decors from Christmas. It is rare to find public clocks that work, but it is doubly rare to find one on a facade of a Philippine church building!

Ubiquitous vendors sprawl across the church's front lawn

Busy side streets surrounding the church

Broken images of several saints and of the Niño take solace in a lonely space near the altar. It is a custom in the Philippines to never throw away broken images of saints as these were blessed by a priest and thus are considered holy.

Pinipig for sale! Fragrant and chewy, they are a tourist's best friend during long walks like this. We used to buy this in San Fernando, Pampanga and Baguio, too.

Light a wish. Each color represents something. Pink for health, for instance. White for purity (of heart, I presume). Green for money. Brown for family requests. Blue is for inner peace. You can pray for all of the above by lighting a mega candle, where all the colors are twisted in one.

Note: This coverage was made in 2006.

THE ANTIPOLO CATHEDRAL (PART UN)

2008-01-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

MAGBIHIS NA KAYO NG PINAKAMAGANDA
AT KAYONG LAHAT AY SA AMIN SUMAMA
BAKIT? SAAN BA TAYO PUPUNTA ?
SA ANTIPOLO NA LAGING MASAYA!

CHORUS :
TAYO NA SA ANTIPOLO
AT DOON MALIGO TAYO
SA BATIS NA KUNG TAWAGIN
AY HI.. HI.. HINULUGANG TAKTAK
AT DOON TAYO KUMAIN
NG MANGGA, SUMAN, KASOY AT BALIMBING
KAYA'T MAGMADALI KA
AT TAYO'Y TUTULOY NA SA ANTIPOLO.

II
DOON SA ANTIPOLO INYONG MAKIKITA
ANG MAPANGHALINANG TANAWING KAY GANDA.
AT SA MAYUMING MGA DALAGA
SA SULYAP LAANG MABIBIHAG KA NA.

Listen to it here: The Antipolo Song

I have been to Antipolo City here in the province of Rizal many times in the past two years. My business is based here, but surprisingly I have never really set foot in the city's most important site - the pilgrimage center of our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. So when a client asked me to do an ocular of the cathedral, I gladly took it upon myself to go and visit.

FROM Manila, you can just leave your cars either in Binondo or Recto and take the LRT 2 (Purple Line) to Santolan. From the last station, there are many jeepneys and FXs that will go straight to the Cathedral. The FXs from Cubao take the Sumulong Highway route, but FXs coming from the LRT Santolan Station take the streets inside Cainta first before proceeding to the winding road that goes up to the cathedral.

The pasalubong center is already to your left before you get to the gate. Drop by here before you leave the Antipolo Cathedral area.

And finally, the moment of truth. No idea if the church that was completed in 1632 is the same as this one since this structure is all concrete. That first church was destroyed by an uprising by the local Chinese community and the subsequent structures were eventually destroyed by several earthquakes. I will still have to find out the reason for the uprising.

The nave is pretty short for a cathdral - it's just 16 pews long, but the size is compensated by an awesome dome. When I got here, a Requiem Mass was ongoing and there were ten (10) coffins at the altar. Freaky.

Detail. The ceiling.

Natural light enters from the stained glass windows so the church doesn't require lights during the day. it's very bright and airy.

Another view of the altar.

The choir is across the altar on the second floor.

The Assumption of Our Lady into heaven. Each of the cathedral's windows feature a famous title of the Virgin.

Detail. The altar up close. The sun rays of the Holy Ghost mimic that of the Augustinian style, although Franciscans and Jesuits ran this church in its early years.

Detail. The image of our Lady, brought to Manila from Mexico in 1626 and turned over to the Jesuit-run Antipolo church in 1633.

Detail. Christ's Resurrection. This is the right panel of the altar.

Detail. Christ's Crucifixion on the left side. I didn't ask anyone, but the style is very familiar. Can anyone please confirm if these panels were by Carlos "Botong" Francisco?

The half-empty cathedral after the mass. Beautiful!

THE ANTIPOLO CATHEDRAL (PART DEUX)

2008-01-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

The official marker by the Historical Research and Markers Committee, the precursor of what is now the National Historical Institute. The logo used is still that of the Commonwealth as the marker was installed in 1937.

The marker bearing the story of the Marian statue - one of many to cross the Pacific from Mexico. In fact, the image went back and forth many times during the famous Galleon Trade thus the title Buen Viaje (good voyage).

A copy of the original stands in the garden for easy veneration by an adoring public.

Detail. A holy water font sans the head of the dove. There are garlic cloves in the water, ha ha! Local folklore says that holy water and garlic are the best ways to fight aswangs.

Detail. The nativity display.

The plaza as seen from inside the cathedral. The building over there is the Perpetual Adoration chapel.

Detail. One of the many statues of the apostles on the roof of the cathedral.

THE ANTIPOLO CATHEDRAL (PART TROIS)

2008-01-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

Outside the cathedral, commerce thrives. Mention any familiar fastfood in Metro Manila, they're all here just hidden around the corner. It's just like being in Baguio or something except that the metro is just a minutes away from here by car or by jeepney.

Near the gate, I decided to light a brown candle with two human figures. The girl said this is for thanksgiving. Indeed, how apt - thanksgiving for the graces of 2007 and for those to come this new year.

Candles for all occassions. There are candles for all kinds of requests: Brown (thanksgiving), Yellow (health), White ("kahilingan" or request), blue (peace), green (business). The multicolored ones are for the family. Cute.

PASALUBONG CORNER

When in Antipolo, tourists think only of two things to bring back home to loved ones: kasuy (cashew nuts) and suman (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves).

This is my all-time favorite. It's been roasted with the skin on so it's nutty and with a slight bitterness to it, too. And it's not oily like what happens to peanuts.

This is my next favorite. It's what they call "plain" because it is not salted. Just simple cashew goodness. This is perfect for summer salads.

The kasuy goes the adobo route in this new version. It is garlicky and salty. Very tasty because cashew nuts usually do not have a pronounced flavor. During fiesta season (December 8), the tallest glass could cost Php 150 per, but for lean season like now, it's down to Php 50/glass.

And of course, kakanin! Here we have the famous Antipolo suman and those wrapped in banana leaves are sapin sapin. The latter can be had at Php 100 for 4 packs. Not very mind blowing. Ask first if they are new as old kakanin has that oxidized coconut oil aftertaste.

The panotsa - shelled peanuts embedded in pure brown sugar.

And - wierd enough - glazed pili nuts. These are not local produce.

Until my next visit! Thanks so much!

INTRODUCTION TO THE ESCOLTA SERIES

2008-01-18T02:40:00.000-08:00

Calle de la Escolta, c. 1899

Everybody who have lived in the City of Manila for years know Escolta like the palm of their hand. Dubbed as the principal business district of Binondo and the whole of Manila for that matter during the 19th century up to about the 1950s, it was said to be comparable in those day-terms with the Ramblas district of Barcelona. Escolta connects two historic districts: Binondo and Sta. Cruz.

I have no idea how the name Escolta came about. Suffice to say that the word escoltar (verbo transitivo; a transitive verb) exists in the Spanish language which means "to escort" and escolta means "body guard". A quick visit to the Images of Asia site reveal that this thoroughfare was initially used by the British Commodore as a convoy route during the years 1762 to 1764.

Looking at Escolta now, I suppose Escolta and the surrounding districts eventually lost their appeal when Cubao in Quezon City and Makati City started to develop. Or so that's what the stories say.

In 2006, former Mayor Lito Atienza signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., headed by its President Francis Chua, and the Escolta Commercial Association, Inc., headed by its President Arturo C. Dy, to collaborate efforts to immediately develop and promote Calle Escolta as an ultra-modern IT hub. This is part of the plans to reinvigorate the once prosperous street. An Escolta Waterfront Development Plan was also hatched, part of which is already in place.

Today, Escolta remains to be a busy street thanks to some banks, restaurants, and condominiums that remain to exist here. Notable among the more recent developments is the new Escolta Pasig River ferry terminal which brings to life that area of the street near the bridge.

This is an attempt to record through photographs the continung saga of this famous Manila street. A disclaimer: I am not a historian; therefore, should there be errors in the data presented in the series below, I will be most happy to correct them. Data presented here that may be similar to what is written in other Manila travel blogs is not a coincidence: the data is all over the internet anyway.

Thank you very much and welcome to Manila's Calle de la Escolta.

THE ROMAN SANTOS BUILDING (ESCOLTA SERIES)

2008-01-15T04:28:00.000-08:00

Story to follow.

THE BURKE BUILDING (ESCOLTA SERIES)

2008-01-14T04:25:00.000-08:00

NATIVIDAD BUILDING (ESCOLTA SERIES)

2008-01-13T03:04:00.000-08:00

Personally, I find the Natividad Building along Escolta cor. Tomas Pinpin Sts. one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture around these parts. There is a sense of modernity - and thus of universality - in its design. For those who haven't noticed, the front part of the building was used in the recent Nescafe advert where a man and a woman met under the rain. It was made to look like they met somewhere in a rainy Paris street. This pretty much confirms that many parts of Manila can lend themselves to themed shoot locations, allowing the audience to be transported to other places without knowing they've never left Manila at all.

During its heydey, the Insurance Commission found its home here. (Source: Honesto General). The building is still pretty much in the best of conditions. Together with the neighboring Calvo, the Natividad has been described as beaux-arts in its style, a style that began in France in the 1800s or thereabouts.

A most impressive facade. I hope they convert the rooms of this building into living spaces.

CALVO BUILDING (ESCOLTA SERIES)

2008-01-11T03:03:00.000-08:00

You cannot miss it especially at night. It's the only well-lighted building along the Muelle del Banco Nacional and one of the busiest along Escolta. Among the historic buildings on this street, it is also one of most well-preserved (although I heard an elevator is still manually operated with sliding gates for doors. Cool!). Home to the Escolta Museum (more on this in another entry), it is also home to a well-known drugstore and a restaurant (Wah Yuen) on its ground floor.

In 1950, the Calvo building was home to the studios and corporate offices of the Loreto de F. Hemedes, Inc., later renamed Republic Broadcasting System. Robert “Bob” Stewart of the Uncle Bob fame sent the first signals of radio station dzBB from a makeshift studio on its 4th floor. Seven years after in 1957, that company moved to its current location along EDSA in Quezon City and is now more known as GMA 7 - the Kapuso network.

The beaux-arts architectural style is very obvious on the Calvo. Although its facade is practically wrapped by electrical and phone wires (aaargh!), the beauty of its design - garlands, wreaths, figure sculptures, crests and cornices still stand out.

The Calvo was built in 1933. May the sun never set on its beauty.

PEREZ-SAMANILLO BUILDING (ESCOLTA SERIES)

2008-01-09T02:48:00.000-08:00

One of two sentinels to Escolta that stand after the Estero de la Reina is the simple but elegant 6-storey Perez-Samanillo Building. Built in 1928, it is now knowm as the First United Building.

A fine example of Art Deco, the building was designed by Paris-born Andres Luna de San Pedro, the same designer of the St. Cecilia Hall of the 100-year old St. Scholastica College, and the Chapel of the Crucified Christ (c. 1927) of St. Paul University (along Pedro Gil St.) De San Pedro is the son of artist and Philippine hero Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera. It is currently owned by the Sylianteng family who bought it in the 1960's.

Its gates feature the distinct chevron design, while its facade feature the strong lines of triangles and squares broken by stylized floral patterns. It's now sporting a white color, but articles said that it used to sport a coral pink hue, although it's been explained that this was only during former city mayor (now, city mayor once again) Alfredo Lim. The current owners said that when they bought the building, it already sported its current color. (Source: skycrapercity.com)

The building also has an elevator that, in lieu of lighted numbers to indicate which floor you are already on, has a dial similar to those found in US buildings built during the same period.

REGINA BUILDING (ESCOLTA SERIES)

2008-01-07T02:46:00.000-08:00

At the corner of Escolta and William Burke streets stand proud a neo-classical beauty - the Regina Building built in 1934. It reminds one of other buildings that can also be seen in other Asian capitals signifying that the style is pervasive throughout the region. I didn't have the chance to enter the building but did an effort of walking around it to have a feel of its immensity.

I read in skycrapercity.com in an article by Honesto General that former Senator Vicente Madrigal used to rent a room here for his staff. Provident Insurance Corporation - one of the first Filipino-owned insurance companies (now is Spanish-owned Mapfre Insular Insurance) -opened here in 1934. Many other insurance companies made this their headquarters when this area was still the main financial district of Manila. It now houses several freight forwarding companies.

Sorry, no idea why it is called Regina. Coincidentally, it stands practically along an estero - estuary - called Estero de la Reina. Regina = Reina. Just playing with the possibilities here.

It is said that the Regina is one of the first examples of structures built with reinforced concrete - something the Americans introduced in these earthquake-prone islands. Along with the nearby building, the equally beautiful Perez-Samanillo Building, the Regina was designed as a three-floor affair by Andres Luna de San Pedro (Note: this information needs verification). Later, when the De Leon family bought the building from the Roxases, a fourth floor was commissioned and was designed by architect Fernando Ocampo, one of the pioneers of modern Filipino architecture known as one of the Thirteen Moderns. He took Civil Engineering, University of Santo Tomas; and Architecture, University of Pennsylvania). He founded the UST College of Architecture in 1930.

A site I came across describes the Regina as Art Deco. The lettering of the name, however, is definitely Roman and is characteristic of the Neo-classical styles which count, among others, the Manila Central Post Office, the National Museum, and the Finance and Tourism buildings at both ends of the Agrifina Circle. When Filipino architects were studing in the US in the 1930s, the trend was starting to veer away from this style towards Art Deco. The Regina is a quite an interesting mixture of these two styles.

Detail. Posts design as seen from the side facing the estero.

Detail. Repetitive design in between posts.

Detail. The warm Sunday sun bathes the external ground floor hallways.

Detail. This hallway ends on Escolta.

A woman does her laundry along the murky waters of the Estero de la Reina. Life definitely goes on in these parts.

CAPITOL THEATRE (ESCOLTA SERIES)

2008-01-05T01:24:00.000-08:00

During a super lazy Sunday just before Christmas, I decided to loiter around Escolta at 7AM. The sun has just risen and and has washed the almost dilapidated buildings in this area in a fresh, warm glow. The rains are already over and they have helped wash away the grime that have covered these buildings for years and for the first time, I had the chance to appreciate the now-closed Capitol Theatre which I first saw during a walking tour with Ivan Man Dy.

Designed in 1935 by National Artist for Architecture (c. 1973) Juan Nakpil, it joins many other theatres in this part of Old Manila as one of the most visited and admired.

I wanted to take many photos of this architectural marvel because many of the blogs I have come across only have the token facade photo. When it finally goes down (and we all know it will but just deny it unless some investor saves it), at least we have in our possession many photos of this once regal lady.

Detail. The lobby of the theater. Notice the wonderfully repetitive designs of the ceiling. The forums at skyscrapercity.com claim that the theater is now a shell. Capitol Theatre was also one of the few airconditioned theatres in Manila. Juan Nakpil commissioned artist and educator Victorio C. Edades (National Artist, c. 1976) to do a mural for the lobby.

Documents say this was in 1934, a major breakthrough for the artist who then has just returned from the United States and was trying to change the Philippine landscape dominated by Amorsolo and Tolentino. For his assistant, he chose Carlos V. Francisco (National Artist, c. 1973) who in turn brought Galo B. Ocampo (who designed the Seal of the President of the Philippines in 1947 and the Great Seal of the Republic). Together, they were to form the triumvirate in modern Philippine art.

Questions: Where is this mural now? What did it look like? Who commissioned Nakpil to build the theatre? Did its ownership ever changed hands?

The facade sports a chinese character that must have been part of its history as having a restaurant at the ground floor. The theatre seated 800 (Source: cinematreasures.org) and has two balconeys.

Oh, here's a link to an interesting case about overselling of tickets by the manager in 1938. I wonder what show was being presented then, he he!

Detail. Broken windows on the second floor.

Detail. Upper half of the facade. Only the letters I and T are left of the words that spell CAPITOL. During the Japanese Occupation, the theatre was host to productions and shows as the local movie industry was non-existent. In fact, one of the more prominent producers then was Fernando Poe, Sr. (Source: Emil Jurado)

Detail. The theatre, having been built in the 1930s, reflects the architectural style that was the rave in Manila during that period - Art Deco. Here, one can appreciate the combination of strong lines and graceful curves that make up most of the theatre's facade.

Another look at the main tower. Still majestic after all these years.

Detail. Closeup of the iron detailing of the main tower. Beautiful, 'no?

One of the two Filipinized muses that adorn the facade of the main tower. Note how the pleats of her terno fold carefully on top of each other. It's a mixture of masculinity (strong lines) and feminity (smooth curves). This particular muse is holding a mask...

...while the other is playing the lyre. Note the detailing around and below the bas relief.

Other buildings by Juan Nakpil:

Geronimo de los Reyes Building, Magsaysay Building, Rizal Theater, Capitol Theater, Captain Pepe Building, Manila Jockey Club, Rufino Building, Philippine Village Hotel, University of the Philippines Administration and University Library, and the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna. He also designed the International Eucharistic Congress altar and improved the Quiapo Church in 1930 by erecting a dome and a second belfry.(Source: Wicki)

The Capitol Theatre

Calle de la Escolta

City of Manila

FILIPINO-CHINESE WWII MARTYRS MEMORIAL

2008-01-03T00:55:00.000-08:00

When I was new to blogging, I have taken it upon myself to see in person the places that I've read in other blogs and in publications to fully appreciate them - historically and aesthetically.

One of the obscure monuments that I came across during my adventures is this martyrs memorial on the Muelle del Banco Nacional immediately beside the Pasig River. You can just imagine how lonely it may have been prior to the "renovation" of this area by former Mayor Lito Atienza, standing all alone on this most desolate place.

This is the Filipino-Chinese World War II Martyrs Memorial. Forgive me if I cannot provide information because the marker has already been removed. UPDATE: The marker reads, "This memorial was erected on June 12, 1995 by Confederation of Filipino Chinese veterans in remembering and honoring the anti-Japanese heroes who died in defense of our country during the Second World War in 1941 to 1945." (Source: Tutubi Patrol) I assume this is being transferred somewhere where it can be more appreciated.

Little is known about the community's contribution to the war efforts. In an article by Col. (Ret) Frank B. Quesada, Former Senate Committee Secretary Veterans and Military Pensions, Associate, PMA Class ‘44, the group was dubbed - expectedly enough - the Ampaw Unit. This came about because they acted as ampaw (puff rice) vendors but were actually trained men who did spy work against the Japanese for the guerilla movement. For more details, you can read this article.

To our Filipino-Chinese brothers, may the bravery of your ancestors be never forgotten.

Note: Fellow Manila blogger Photowalker has photos of the dismantling here. UPDATE: The memorial has been transferred to the Plaza Pedro Calderon de la Barca (fronting the Binondo church).

VIVA RIZAL!

2007-12-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

The Republic is commemorating the 111th death anniversary of Jose Rizal today. I have had the chance to pass through the Luneta from DOT and took some shots of the places I passed by. The extensive coverage will come soon, but for now these will do.

The monument - also a tomb - is being cleaned for the annual commemoration. The President is expected to offer a wreath here on the 30th on behalf of a grateful nation.

The Philippine map relief which was recently cleaned and repainted by artists belonging to the advocacy movement RockEd. It still needs extensive renovation and cleaning.

A marker across the Luneta on the grounds of the Quirino Granstand marking Kilometer Zero. All distance measurements for the entire archipelago begins here.

A clean and wide Roxas Boulevard separates Luneta from the Quirino Grandstand. You can a see a little bit of the Manila Hotel in the background.

Luneta is the country's premier national park. As such, droves of people spend their weekends here to unwind and spend time with their families.

The park is a favorite of couples and lovers who shun the expense of staying in malls. Here, there is piped-in music, fresh air, and the wonderful view. The gate in the background leads to the Chinese Garden, a gift to commemorate Sino-Philippine friendship.

A wide expanse of green surrounds the Rizal monument. The Luneta looks so impressive from here, but years of neglect has actually taken its toll on its many attractions. You can feel the age taking over and the sorry state of its many mini-parks can hurt one's sensibilities.

To begin with, somebody should shoot the garden stylist for this kitschy work. I mean, huge concrete swans as planters?! I wonder if the the fountains are still working. It would be so lovely if they still are. The Rizal Monument is far down the reflecting pool (which does not reflect anything). Have you seen the gardens lately? You would die of a heart attack at the sight. Concrete monkeys (of the see-hear-say-no-evil variety) are scattered everywhere!!!

The Philippine Deep portion of the relief map.

There's a section of pigeon houses at the park. There are about 5 of these houses.

Colorful flags and busts of Philippine heroes line the major avenues of the park.

And the greatest travesty of them all, the Lapu Lapu statue which was donated by the Koreans during the term of DOT Secretary Richard Gordon. It was dismantled a few months after it was put up to prevent it from being toppled over by a passing typhoon. It used to sport a gold finish, but is now looking gray and dull. It replaced a sad-looking Castrillo monument which shows a mother holding a dead son (yet again). I wonder where they moved that to. That monument also replaced an art deco globe which was probably the most magnificent fountain in all of Manila during its hey day. No idea where it was kept as well. Anyway, Happy Rizal Day everyone!

QUIZ: WHERE IS THIS?

2007-12-26T00:17:00.000-08:00

Was leaving the Super Terminal when I saw this sign. It reads, "THROUGH THIS DOOR PASS THE MOST COURTEOUS EMPLOYEES OF MANILA."

Before you become too cynical for your own good, you may want to guess where is this located.

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT!

2007-12-25T23:24:00.000-08:00

Philippine parols at the Museum of the Filipino People (former Finance Building), Agrifina Circle, Manila

Sa lahat po ng tumangkilik sa SUPERPASYAL, maraming salamat po! Nawa'y hindi kayo magsawa sa pagbisita dito.

Warm greetings for the holiday season from Manila to all our readers from around the world. Maligayang pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!

MANILA's CHRISTMAS PEAKS!

2007-12-21T23:35:00.000-08:00

These are located in Ortigas Center, City of Mandaluyong. A very spectacular sight!

Coming up next: The giant Christmas tree of Araneta Center!

PASALUBONG: TARTS! TARTS!

2007-12-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

The earliest record of egg tarts in the East is in a royal banquet for the Kangxi Emperor as part of the Manchu Han Imperial Feast. Egg tarts were then introduced in Hong Kong in the 1940's, probably as an adaptation of the English custard tarts.

In 1989, the Lord Stow's Bakery was opened in Macau and has continued to expand throughout Asia including the Philippines, where these eggs tarts are a hit and would be a much bigger hit if only they were not so expensive. Anyway, I got myself a 6-piece box from this outlet along Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila.

Using the puff pastry method, the crust is very crisp even when placed in the fridge, but these are best eaten warm. You can pop them in a toaster first. Heavenly!

The Lord Stow's version is based on the original Portuguese tarts called pasteis de nata. Portuguese-style egg tarts were evolved from "pastel de nata", a traditional Portuguese custard pastry that consists of custard in a crème brûlée-like consistency caramelized fashion in a puff pastry case.

It was created more than 200 years ago by Catholic nuns at the Jerónimos Monastery at Belém in Lisbon. Casa Pastéis de Belém was the first pastry shop outside of the convent to sell this pastry in 1837, and it is now a popular pastry in every pastry shop around the world owned by Portuguese descendants.

The Portuguese-style egg tarts known in Macau (Chinese: 葡式蛋撻, more commonly simply as 葡撻) originated from Lord Stow's Café in Coloane, owned by a Briton named Andrew Stow. Stow modified the recipe of pastel de nata using techniques of making English custard tarts. (Source: Wickipedia)

TIKIM: AFTERNOON MERIENDA AT CABALEN, SM CLARK PAMPANGA

2007-12-19T01:54:00.000-08:00

SM Clark and its very unusual shape. Who says SM malls come in boxes?

Was in Clark, Pampanga lately and after some shopping at Oriental and Parkson, we dropped by newest SM Mall here in Clark and had merienda (snack) at Cabalen. I am not a major fan of this restaurant because I'm on a diet, and second, theirs is not exactly the best Capampangan food there is, but what the heck. The afternoon snack buffet is just Pho 125.00 (USD 1 = PHP 41.50) and consisted of 1 iced tea drink, and several options (including a weird macaroni salad). Here's what I got instead:

Dinuguan (pork blood) with white puto. It's good, although I never really liked dinuguan which employs innards. I love the plates though! They're inscribed with lines from the famous Capampangan song, Atin Cu Pung Singsing (I Have A Ring). This one reads, "I earned (?) it from my Mother, from whom I came".

Pansit palabok (pansit luglug). Puede na. Hardly life changing. I miss the real thing which you can get either from food stalls in public markets in San Fernando or from this one restaurant, the name of which escapes me at the moment. It was my Mom's favorite food place. I'd get back to you on that one.

2007-12-15T01:36:00.000-08:00

Retro stool, Coca-cola IMAX Cinema lobby, SM Mall of Asia

“A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?” - Albert Einstein

MANILA's CHRISTMAS PEAKS!

2007-12-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

The ceiling's the limit! Obviously, the only thing that stopped SM Mall of Asia from making a much taller tree was the ceiling. Otherwise, given the propensity of this mall to make everything in larger-than-usual sizes, God knows how tall that tree could have been. Anyway, this tree is here for a purpose - a fund-raising for children.

Coming up next: Ortigas Center's twin peaks!

BACLARAN BY NIGHT

2007-12-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

Was crossing the overpass on Baclaran when I noticed that there were no vendors! This is impossible! A miracle! (okay, stop it already!) Anyway, this emboldened me to whip out my small camera instead take a photo of a quiet Baclaran highway at midnight. The first photo leads towards South of Manila - Las Piñas, Cavite, Tagaytay, Sucat, Muntinlupa. There used to be a community of DVD vendors on the sidewalk (yellow light side) but when MMDA decided to remove the Muslim community squatting on the empty land beside the highway, the vendors disappeared as well. Instead, they moved to the church side hence the busy look of the opposite side of the road.

This one leads to the north - Pasay, Manila and beyond.

Be it day or night, vendors and shops continue to make a killing in Baclaran. A 24-hour market, so to speak. Restaurants abound on this side and those fronting the Baclaran Church, the national shrine for Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

IT'S CHRISTMAS IN ILUSTRADO

2007-12-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

Had the chance to visit Ilustrado again, but this time for lunch. This is one of the popular venues for laid-back lunches or dinners in the Walled City as well as a nice venue for gatherings like weddings. The main dining area is spacious and comfortable. The service is prompt (it may take some time for orders to arrive though) and friendly. It looks like the place needs a little update on the service side. I can't seem to put my finger on what's lacking. Definitely, the piped-in music needs to be changed (American Christmas songs in an old world Filipino setting? It could be quite unsettling). Otherwise, everything was a-ok. The food was great, too.

This print depicting Manila can be seen on the foot of the grand staircase which leads to the ballroom upstairs.

This is the coffee shop and pasteleria. Cafe Ilustrado owns Pasteleria Ilustrado which you see in SM Mall of Asia. I miss their really, really yummy puto bumbong. They used to cook it right here. They don't have it this year though. Tsk. This place is very nice. They have a good selection of cakes (though not as extensive as the others) and the old Manila posters on the walls add charm.

The door that leads to the main dining room.

Panna cotta duet. Strawberry and mango. Not particularly amazing.

Crepe de Intramuros. A mixture of fruits of the season plus vanilla ice cream on some kind of liquer sauce.

ILUSTRADO
Dining Excellence in the Walled City

744 Calle Real del Palacio (now General Luna St.)
Intramuros, 1002 Manila
The Philippines

Tel. Nos. (02)527.3674 to 75.

IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME

2007-12-09T00:59:00.000-08:00

It's just a matter of time before bus terminals like this will be swelling with people again jostling for seats as the entire Filipino nation rushes home to family and relatives to celebrate this year's holiday season.

YOU KNOW IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS WHEN...

2007-11-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

...Badjao children start attacking jeeps with their drums, dances, and crumpled dirty envelopes with "MAAWAPOKAYO sa mga Badjaos" scrawled in front.

2007-11-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

Aircraft models. Photo by Dylan Gozum, 2007

“Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE AT NIGHT

2007-11-17T20:21:00.001-08:00

Was waiting for a bus home when I noticed the warm lights coming from the Manila Central Post Office's fountain. It changes from green to yellow to hot pink adding life to the stoic facade of the building. This place is always full of people because FX and bus rides to Las Piñas, Sucat, Alabang and other places south of Manila all come from this area.

It is sad, however, to see the squalor that has slowly returned to Liwasang Bonifacio, the park fronting the Post Office. Several of the swings and huts already have entire families living in them. Several parts of the park have lost its grass cover and floods during light rains. Some of the statues of Ifugaos have lost legs and arms. Some are already totally broken. I hope that authorities take a second look at this place because good money was spent in sprucing it up during Atienza's time.

By the way, anybody out there who knows what happened to the original four (4) globes that acted as this place's fountains before?

TIKIM: A THAI NIGHT AT SOMS

2007-11-17T18:22:00.001-08:00

Finally had the chance to visit this place which my friends have been raving about. SOMS Noodle House is all about Thai food - delicious, fresh, and just like in many places in the kingdom, eaten on the street. The owners have been renting this series of apartments on Alger St. in Makati City and have made the street right in front of it - the sidewalk to be exact - the restaurant. How this was made possible by the city government is beyond me, but that's not what we are here for now, are we?

SOMS' kitchen is a one apartment affair and it looked really crampy and magulo (see photo below), but it seems to work for them. It's a family affair with Ilonggo women acting as manager and servers. SOMS also used to have a branch on N. Garcia, but this has been closed already. They are due to open a new branch somewhere in Katipunan, hopefully a full-service resto already. SOMS is owned by Parinya Pauamadiolok. former chef of Sukothai. His parents used to serve the Royal Family.

Al fresco dining is the order of the day. Some tables have umbrellas and lighted by bulbs like that above. Some are on the street itself.

Thai milk tea. So far so good. They come in these refillable plastic water bottles.

Pad thai! But I think I will just eat this once a year. Too heavy on the tummy but a meal in itself. Anyhow, I really don't know anymore what is a good pad thai. I have tasted many versions already. Sorry, but I have no good photos of the soup, Tom Yam Goong.

I loved this salad. It has huge shrimps in crunchy greens with a delightfully light lemon sauce.

And finally, the traditional Thai dessert: mango and sticky rice. The tartness of the mango (yep, it isn't sweet) goes very well with the sweet sauce of the sticky rice.

HOT TIP: SOMS does not accept reservation so you have to come early, usually before the usual meal times of 12NN or 7PM so you do not have to wait for a seat. Anyway, if you need to wait to be seated, order ahead. Be firm with the server girls. They are too busy to even notice you, but good things come to those who wait. See you there!

SOMS
5921 A. Alger Street
Poblacion, Makati City

WILD, WILD TAGAYTAY

2007-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Was in Tagaytay City many many weekends ago to attend a house blessing. During a lull, I decided to explore the vacant lots around the village and found these pretty little things. It's lovely how even the tiniest of wild flowers can be so beautiful when seen up close. Please forgive my sorry attempts at macro. I'm just starting.

LUMPIANG SALCEDO WEEKEND MARKET

2007-11-13T01:32:00.001-08:00

Was at the Salcedo Weekend Market last month and I was on the lookout for fresh lumpia to add to my Search for Manila's Best Lumpia. This is the 3rd lumpia to be featured. This particular stall makes them on the spot as you wait (as with the other fresh lumpia shops). The ingredients have been pre-cooked but still warm. This is sold at PHP 35 per. Goes well with fresh buko juice (but don't buy from the stall right across it. Their young bukos are totally tasteless).

There's a mixture of veggies (was that a hint of parsley?), crush nuts, and fried vermicelli to add crunch to what otherwise would be a usual fresh lumpia.

The wrapper is not particularly special. Just your usual mercado or supermarket wrapper.

C'mon, dig in! You know you want to!