Random Thought 68 - Contest

In any form of contests, we don't compete with our fellow contenders but we only compete with ourselves. 

In the event that we will be joining a contest, we have to make certain preparations in order to showcase the best in us. And that's what other contestants do also. Regardless who are the other contenders, the moment we join a contest, we believe that we have what it takes to win it. We also believe that we are going to deliver what is expected from us and that we are worthy to be proclaimed as a winner.

We don't join a contest because we would like to outshine others nor prove that we are much better than the rest. Because if these are the very reasons why we are joining a contest, we are most probably starting on a wrong foot.

And the moment the much coveted prize or title will be given to a "worthy" contender, with all humility, we should learn to be humbled by the experience. That in every contest, there is only one winner. And if it is not yet the right time for us ,then, it cannot be given to us.  

The experience gained from the event should give us enough insights on what particular improvements and preparations we are going to do if ever we are to join another contest in the future. By not bringing home the bacon should not mean ending our quest but it should serve as a challenge to further enhance and outdo ourselves.

Food Trip 67 - Grilled Tilapia

I smell something fishy. Hehe. If it's fish, count me in and I'll join the feast with much gusto.

Tilapia is a fresh water fish and is abundant in the Philippines all year long. I have had some delight with different tilapia dishes and all of them are good, except of course for burong tilapia.

Anyway, if those ingredients and spices are not present, salt is all you need to prepare for a grilled tilapia. At times, the simplest food that is serve can bring out the best of times in us. And for a grilled tilapia, it will be best enjoyed if you're eating with your bare hands and perhaps under the shade of a tree and on banana leaf. Just the thought of this scene makes me yearn for a picnic beside a stream and under the shade of the trees. 

Exploring Philippines 67 - Marinduque (Post 2 - Getting Acquainted)

It was already past 12 when we reached the town of Boac and we went straight to the house of Tin for our lunch. We were extra grateful about the warm reception the family of Tin showed to us and it felt like we were part of the family.

Moriones festival is a tradition that the family of Tin observe for years and is being passed unto the next generation.  Being part of the festival is always a pride in every Filipino family and this family is no exception. Tin's father showed us a book of a foreign author about the different festivals in the Philippines where he was featured in one of its articles.  He proudly claimed that he was one of the pioneers of Moriones festival in Boac and his costumes which he painstakingly prepared each year brought him recognition for quite some time.

I was surprised that they are spending each year more than 10 thousand pesos for their costume which really showed passion and love for this tradition. For a good number of years that he had been participating with this festival, only a few of his handcrafted masks survive to date. And this year, he relinquished his passion to another member of the family, a younger one. But even if he is no longer active, his passion for this tradition is deeply rooted in him and he is still the one who prepares for the costume of his nephew.

Since we had the opportunity to experience wearing a Morion headdress, we took turns wearing the "bulaklakin" mask which is considered as an original headdress but is now slowly disappearing in the town of Boac. I guess through time, even the age old tradition experiences some make over but the essence and spirit of the tradition is still very much alive. But in some parts of Marinduque, specifically the town of Mogpog, the bulaklakin headdress is the town's identity.

After getting acquainted with the family of Tin, we drove off to a distant part of Boac where we will be staying for the next couple of days. The place is owned by the uncle of Tin and is located in a beach front. There are three rooms which can be rented for a modest amount but Tin's uncle waived our rent. And even if we were not paying for our rent, the six of us chose to stay in one room only.

That afternoon, we had enough time to explore the beach since it is only several steps away from our room. 

Poem 67 - Looking Forward

I cannot wait for the time
When I can finally see you
If I can turn the hands of time
I'll set them towards seeing you.

It is hard to express
This overwhelming feelings for you
Everything seems right
Whenever there's only you.

The awe and excitements
Are hard to conceal
They simply give me away
Like a burning steel.

You are worth the wait
Everytime you come by
All my longings and thoughts
You ease them sky-high.

Looking forward to seeing you
Is the best thing I'll ever do
You are such a blessing
And I am thankful because of you.

Quote 134 - Meaning

Moment 67 - Wonderful World

I grew up in a province where trees are plenty and most parts of the place are shades of green.

When we were kids, it was fun to lie down in an open ground. Those were the days when the world and the sky above looked so beautiful especially on a cloudless day. And the moment we'll go home, either we will be scolded or spanked because our clothes were stained with earth.

Now that I have my camera, every time I lie down on the ground and examine the sky above, I am looking for a good perspective. Those who saw me on that position always dish out a smile and those who can't help themselves asked me almost the same questions. What the hell am I doing? What kind of satisfaction I'll earn from it?

Well, if only they know the kind of beauty I am seeing that moment, maybe they will join me. But they have to set aside their inhibitions and be prepared to become laughingstocks of passersby who do not have the chance the see a wonderful world from that perspective. 

Quote 133 - Prayer

Random Thought 67 - Test

It is a funny thing that once in a while, a circumstance will test our character and our wisdom with regard to certain situations where prompt decisions should be made. We know for a fact that before we decide unto something, especially if it is a critical one, a careful evaluation of the situation should be observe at all times. Aside from this, our emotional judgment should be cleared first if we want to make a sound and unbiased declaration of our judgment.

If we are emotionally challenged, it is not a good idea to rush to a decision. If we allow our emotions and feelings to govern our decision making ability, we may be able to satisfy ourselves in a spur of a moment. But the moment our emotions will subside, we might find more wisdom with a clearer and subtle mind and heart.

There are situations where non-critical decisions could be changed from time to time where its impact is not really damaging or life changing. At this point, we can afford to commit mistakes and correct them afterwards. But in critical situations, a decision may either make or break us. At times, when there are other persons involved, they care less about how we make our decision for they are only after for their own welfare. And if they don't get what they really want from us, that's the time when we have to start watching our back.

Food Trip 66 - Pinikpikan

It was my first time in Sagada, Mountain Province and there were so many exciting things I was anticipating to happen during our stay here. In order to know the place, you've got to know the people, their traditions, and their food.

When pinikpikan was served during lunch time, I got curious about it. I heard about this dish before and even if I am not that adventurous when it comes to food, I still tried it. Since it is chicken and the way I looked at the dish was similar to tinolang manok, I heartily gave it a try.

Pinikpikan is a popular dish in the Cordillera region. The manner of preparing the food is referred to as "killing me softly" because a live chicken or duck is literally beaten to death by a stick. The beating would bring the blood to the surface of the chicken's meat and the natives say that it improves the flavor of the dish.

Anyway, with a modest serving of pinikpikan, I was quite excited to taste it. One good and well-known dish should be tried and that time was my opportunity to savor it. As I looked around, I saw my colleagues enjoying their take and I followed likewise. The moment I tasted its broth, much to my dismay, it has a slimy (malansa) taste. Although it looked like delightful, its taste was awful (pardon my judgment). Maybe, my taste is too discriminating with this kind of dish.

I do had similar encounters with slimy chicken dishes and one apparent reason could be, the chicken was not caged for a long time. Way back in my hometown, if we are going to prepare a chicken dish, we make sure that the chicken will be caged for at least a week in order to get rid of its slimy taste. Once dressed, the chicken meat will be rubbed by salt. In this manner, we get rid of its slimy taste.

I was not able to finish sipping the broth and I didn't touch the rest of it. I really don't have a stomach for slimy food. I hope one time, I'll be able to fully experience a delightful pinikpikan dish.

Exploring Philippines 66 - Marinduque (Post 1 - The Arrival)

During the holy week, I hardly go out. It has been part of our tradition and discipline to stay at home while observing the lenten season. We've been discouraged to engage ourselves in joyful festivities and other fun-filled activities for they are uncalled for during this time of the year.

One time, a friend and a colleague invited me to Marinduque to observe and celebrate the Moriones festival which is held every lenten season. I have not known that my friend, Tin, hails from this province and that time was the perfect opportunity to go there. It was a dream come true for me and so I said yes right away.

I thought there were several of us joining the said trip but at the last moment, many backed out because of fear of riding the ship. They thought that it was not a safe trip because we will be traveling by the sea and they are afraid that we might encounter a sea mishap. Well, I can't blame them because they are still inexperience about sea travels. When that fruitful day arrived, Joy's family, Tin, and me were the ones headed to Marinduque.

We passed the Laguna loop towards the province of Quezon where we rode the ship. It took us three hours to reach Marinduque. There was no room for worries because this time of the year is the perfect time to travel because the sea is calm. And besides, it only took us three hours and we were traveling in broad daylight.

We reached the port of Balanacan at Mogpog before 12 noon and under the scorching heat of the sun, we stopped at the port for some picture taking activities. Even if the sun was already unfriendly, the cool wind that blew from time to time made us complacent about the little fun at the port. And unlike the port in Manila, the water at the port of Marinduque is very much clear.

The heat of the sun can be felt at the port but the moment we started to travel towards Boac, the trees along the way provide a good cover and the wind that sweeps the mountain side provided a total relief and it was like traveling in cool places in the countryside at midday. We rolled down the windows of the car, turned off the aircon and simply enjoyed the fresh air that day. And the moment we reached a good view deck, we stopped for a while and enjoyed the view.

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Poem 66 - Unexpected

Life was so simple
Ordinary in many ways
Unexpectedly you came along
And life is full of surprises.

Routines were ever faithful
Predictable in most cases
But you bring a new twist
And my life suddenly changes.

I didn't imagine a life
That's in a constant motion
Once a lifeless existence
Is now full of locomotion.

Excitement fills the air
When you stir up the life in me
Along with every day adventures
Is a life I failed to see.

You are a great surprise
Maybe even without trying
I just wish you'll stick around
For me to feel the joy of living.

Quote 132 - Greatest Maker

Moment 66 - Pizza

Last week, I was on a fasting mood and for the entire day I only drank water. But when I went out to a mall to pick up something, all of a sudden I crave for pizza.

I came across a kiosk of a famous pizza chain in the country. I readily ordered a box of pizza and handed over my payment. When the box of pizza and my change was handed over to me, I was surprised to find out that I was shortchanged by 10 pesos. I asked the sales clerk about the short change and he replied that my change was exact. The 10 peso change I was complaining about is actually the cost of the box.

Wow!. I could not believe what I heard. I am paying for the pizza box for 10 pesos and afterwards throw my 10 pesos away. I hope that pizza stores will be honest enough to let their customers know in advance that on top of the pizza, its box has its prize likewise. If I did not inquire about the missing 10 peso change, I would not know the reason behind it.

Quote 131 - Friendship

Random Thought 66 - Black and White

Self-serving and selfish people would approach you, wearing their smile from ear to ear. If you are unaware of them, you will probably think that they are the sweetest and nicest people you've ever meet. And the moment you'll give in to their charm, you will be just another victim of their charade.

When they talk, you'll hear nothing but the most eloquent and heart touching emotions they can afford to share. Actually, they are very good at it. If you will observe them closely, their effortless and seemingly unrehearsed script can touch the deepest corner of your heart. They will normally present themselves as ambassadors of goodwill. 

If you can afford to share your perspective and sympathy with them, they will listen to you with utmost sincerity and candidness. They will share your views and make no objections of your proclamations. But don't be a victim with these kind of people. The moment they approach and talk to you, they will make you think that you are important to them. They can roll their eyes as if they understand you. But ...

But they are only after for one thing, their own agenda. Whatever you say to them does not matter. Whatever your sentiments are, the hell they care. The only clear bottom line for them which they want you to see is to grant their request. And whatever perspective you want to explore, it only leads to one thing - their own interest.

If you will give in to their request aka demand, they will definitely like and adore you. But you have to expect them to return for more and the cycle will continue as long they want something from you. The moment you will turn them down, it is like challenging a Goliath and you know that you have to prepare yourself against their wrath afterwards.

If you can stomach this kind of situation, you can go with the flow. At least, you are not endangering yourself and your work. But if you can clearly see and distinguish a black from a white and you are at peace with your morals, you can always decide for what you think is right. Because at the end of the day, it will be between you and your conscience. 

And those self-serving people? Again, the hell they care about you once they get what they want.

Food Trip 65 - Inihaw na Panga ng Tuna

Time and again, if I have my way, I prefer fish over red meat.  It is not that I am health conscious but I do find enjoyment in sea foods over red meat.

One time, when we had a get together party with some friends, I ordered a grilled panga ng tuna (jaw of tuna).  When it was laid on the table, it was like a strange food to my friends. Since I drool over for this food, I did the honor of tasting it first. When they saw that I was enjoying the food, they followed afterwards.

For big fishes, like a tuna, the most sought after body parts are its belly and its head which includes its jaw. These parts are the tastiest and they are being sold on a much higher price compared to its body meat. But for the jaw part, you'll have to learn the art of tinkering in order to extract its prized meat. And it is best enjoyed when you have your bare hands laid on this stuff. Yummy.

Exploring Philippines 65 - Candaba, Pampanga (Post 4 - Candaba Swamp)

When Candaba swamp was featured in several local channels, I got curious about this place. Since then, I am always looking for the opportunity to visit and experience a bird sanctuary like the Candaba swamp.

From Angeles City, it took us more than an hour to reach the Candaba swamp. It was good that Cris knows the way even though it was also his first time to visit this place.  The swamp was a long drive from the town proper and we were quite excited as we came closer to the swamp. Since this trip was out of the blue, we don't have any idea if this was the right time to visit the swamp. I know that there is a particular time of the year when this place is overwhelmingly populated by migratory birds. But since, this was our golden opportunity for this trip, we just grabbed the chance.

The swamp is located in the middle of rice fields where Mr. Arayat is very much visible. At some point, its road is narrow where only one vehicle can pass and there are certain points where two vehicles can actually use the road.

When we went here, we happened to see only few visitors. Some of them were on foot, hiding behind the bamboo fences while another solitary man preferred to be alone with a pair of binoculars. Actually, binoculars are of great help when bird watching is your hobby. Plus a good camera lens that can do extreme close ups of a distant bird proved to be effective. Well, we don't have either of these gadgets. I guess we were simply here for the experience and fun.

Our first sighting were the herons which are the common birds especially in the rice fields. After some time, we saw some more birds but we don't have clues about their names. Hehe. I guess if it is not your department, it's really hard to tell one from the other. Anyway, we were not able to see those migratory birds and maybe it was not yet the right time to fully experience those migratory birds in their abundance.

As we explore the swamp further, we walked behind the bamboo fences that are being used for bird watching. Though we heard several bird calls, it was really hard to spot them in the middle of the swamp and you have to train your eyes to spot those birds beneath the grasses and trees.

Our trip to Candaba swamp was cut short because of an emergency that happened to the father of Cha. We were barely enjoying our little exploration when we heard the news and there was a need for Cha to go home asap.

Even for a brief moment and migratory season was not yet at hand, I was thankful for the opportunity to visit Candaba swamp. I must say that you really have to plan your visit to this place because of its distance and you'll enjoy it fully when it's the season for the migratory birds to stay.

I would like to thank the family of Cris Yalung for their hospitality and warm accommodation. Likewise, to Cris who really gave his time and effort to assist and show us around Pampanga.  Thank you very much Cris.

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