New Year's Eve in the Philippines

New Year's Eve in the Philippines

Bisperas ng Bagong Taon ("New Year’s Eve") is a festive time in the Philippines. There are a lot of traditions that Filipinos follow in the belief of ushering in a prosperous New Year. Many of these customs you may recognize as showing a Chinese influence.

FILIPINO FOOD ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Special food is prepared, but not like the Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve, although some families might be wealthy enough to prepare another lechon (roasted pig) after serving one on Christmas. For sure, pancit (noodles) are cooked to signify long life, as are eggs signifying new life. Traditional delicacies made from malagkit (glutinous or sticky rice) like biko are prepared — that’s so good fortune will stick around throughout the year. Fish and chicken are not served because these animals scrounge for food, and we don’t want to have to scrounge for food in the coming year.

Part of the fun in getting ready for New Year's Eve is to come up with twelve (12) round fruits, each to signify a month of the year. Ideally, there should be twelve different fruits — grapes, oranges, clementines, cantaloupe, pomelo, watermelon… It’s a tough challenge, so half the fruits likely end up being non-circular like mangoes and apples. The fruit that Filipinos most associate with the celebration of the new year and will rarely be without is imported ubas, purple grapes that are very round.

THE NOISIEST TIME OF THE YEAR IN THE PHILIPPINES

The same way Americans enjoy Fourth of July fireworks, Filipinos go all out with the noise on New Year’s eve. Filipino paputok (firecrackers) come in so many shapes and go by very interesting names — judas belt (a string of firecrackers), super lolo (“grandfather”), kwitis (from the Spanish word cohetes meaning rocket), bawang (“garlic”), airwolf…

Children love scratching the dancing firecracker watusi against concrete sidewalks and cemented surfaces, although the government has been warning against it because of chemical poisoning.

Pots and pans are clanged to scare away evil spirits. A few men shoot guns in the air if they think they can get away with it. Cars and trucks are vroomed and horns are tooted to cause as much noise as possible. Empty cans are dragged all around, whistles are blown.

OTHER FILIPINO TRADITIONS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Before the clock strikes midnight to herald in the new year, all doors must be left wide open to allow good luck to enter. This includes cupboards, drawers, cabinets... windows!

Filipinos try to dress in polka-dots because the roundness signifies prosperity. Pockets are filled with round coins, which are jangled to attract wealth. Coins are also left on top of tables and in drawers.

At the exact moment of midnight, Filipino children jump as high as they can because they believe this will make them taller.

Whatever condition your wallet is in when the New Year arrives, so it will be the rest of the year. Make sure to put in the money your received on Christmas. The same goes for the neatness of your home.

Filipinos spend the last days of the year vigorously cleaning everything, especially of dust. However, on thefirst day of the new year, you are not supposed to do any cleaning. No cleaning on New Year’s Day itself!

And don’t start the year off by spending money. Frugality on the first day sets the tone for wise money management in the coming year.

Manigong Bagong Taon! Happy New Year!

The 12 Days of Christmas -=- Did you know?

The 12 Days of Christmas -=- Did you know?

 

 

 Some early traditions hold that this song was used as a teaching tool to instruct young people of various denominations in the Christian faith. Even without the symbolism, the song is a playful piece that loses none of its appeal when taken at face value.

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The partridge in the pear tree is Jesus on the cross. The bird imagery can also be seen as symbolic of Christ’s teaching “as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings” (Luke 13:34)

2. Two turtle doves

The two turtle doves represent the Old Testament and the New Testament.

3. Three French Hens

The three French hens symbolize the three members of the Godfather: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Alternatively, they represent the three virtues; faith, hope, and charity (1 Corinthians 13:13)

4. Four Colly Birds

The four “colly” is an old word for “black” stand for the four Evangelist – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – or the four Gospels they wrote.

5. Five Golden Ring

The five gold rings correspond to the first five books of the Bible, sometimes referred to as the Pentateuch.

6. Six Geese A-Laying

The six geese a-laying refer to the six days of Creation (Genesis 1:31; Exodus 20:11)

7. Seven Swans A-Swimming

The seven swan a-swimming suggest the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6-8), alternatively seven swans represent the seven sacraments recognized by some faith traditions.

8. Eight Maids A-Milking

The eight maids a-milking signify the eight Beatitudes from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10).

9. Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine ladies dancing embody the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

10. Ten Lords A-Leaping

The ten lords a-leaping denote Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17).

11. Eleven Pipers piping

The eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful Apostles (Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:26).

12. Twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve drummers drumming are the doctrines in the Apostles’ Creed (namely: 1. belief in the Father, 2. Belief in the Son, 3. the virgin birth, 4. the atonement, 5. his ministry after death, 6. his ascension to Heaven, 7. his role as judge, 8. belief in the Holy Ghost, 9. belief in the church, 10. forgiveness of sins, 11. the resurrection, 12. and eternal life.

 

Flavors of the Philippines. Where Did Your Favorite Filipino Food Really Come From?

Flavors of the Philippines. Where Did Your Favorite Filipino Food Really Come From?

 

 Ever wonder how your favorite Filipino dish came about?  Have you ever noticed how the cooking methods and use of ingredients in one region of the Philippines differs from the other? Recognizing the similarities and differences of Pinoy Foods with dishes from other countries helps us to better understand its origin?

There are a lot of questions to ask regarding the origin of Filipino Food but I think that it would really help if we first define what Filipino Food is.

How do we define it?

We all know that it comes in different names such as: Filipino food, Pinoy food, Pagkaing Pinoy, Pinoy dishes, Filipino dishes, Lutong Bahay (though this is general). Regardless of the term we use, Filipino foods (in my opinion) can be any of the following:

• Foods that are native to the Philippines (Authentic Filipino foods)
• Variation of foreign foods modified to suit the Filipino taste (e.g. Pinoy Spaghetti).

Filipino foods, like the people, are diverse in many ways. During the pre-Hispanic period, nearby countries (located south) like Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia influenced the manner of food preparation in some Southern Philippine islands.

The use of spices such as curry, cumin, and paprika plus the method of cooking meat in coconut milk were just some of it.

During the Spanish colonization, Filipinos learned to eat Spanish foods and use different kinds of spices (as taught during our history classes, the Philippines was accidentally discovered while Magellan was searching for the spice island of Moluccas).

This was also the start of the spice trade between Spain, the Philippines, and Tidorein Maluka  (present day Moluccas).

The Chinese also traded with the Filipinos as early as the 15th century. Remember Quiroga in El filibusterismo?

 This was when Chinese food was introduced. Along with the Chinese were other traders such as the Arabs and Indians which also left some influences.

Later on, Americans came and introduced American food which was welcomed and immediately embraced by the Filipinos.

Indeed, the Philippines has a very rich history. Along with the history are the rich food brought about by the influences of different cultures.

Food can introduce Filipino culture to the rest of the world.

Your thoughts?

 

10 Things the world can learn from the Philippines

10 Things the world can learn from the Philippines


1)    How to smile

In the Philippines there are some of the most fantastic smiles I have ever seen.  It’s real.  It's genuine.  Faces light up, all teeth accounted for, with a contagious glow that can spread far and wide.

Lesson: Plain and simple – Smile! Remember to smile as much as possible because everyone knows that smiles are contagious!

2)      How to laugh

Another quality that I like about the Filipino people is their willingness to laugh. Far too many people here in the Unites States do not laugh or they have a fake laugh.  When you have experienced a truly genuine laugh you cannot help but laugh yourself.  And a good laugh is therapeutic.


Lesson: Laugh! Don’t take life too seriously.  Do what makes you laugh.

3)      Short men can jump

In a country where the average height is 5’4’’ for men, basketball is an ambitious and popular national sport.  Basketball, a sport where those with taller heights have a definite advantage,  this doesn’t stop the Filipinos who are surprisingly talented players, despite their height.  While hard to compete at the NBA level, where the average height is 6’7, they always seem to give it their best shot.  Filipinos are highly competitive in the Asian leagues.

Lesson: Prove people wrong.  If you are apparently too short, too fat, too tall, too thin, not intelligent enough, then prove people wrong.

4)      How to sing

If basketball is the national sport then singing and karaoke must be the all time national activity of the Philippines too.

You can sing anywhere and everywhere!  Videoke and Karaoke rooms, the office, in church, walking down the street, while riding in a jeepney, tricycle, or in a restaurant, Its clear that no matter where you are you can always sing, sing and sing some more.

Lesson: Don’t restrict yourself to just the shower, Sing! “Sing like no one is listening.  Dance like no one is watching. Love like you’ve never been hurt and live like it’s heaven on Earth” – Mark Twain

5)      How to pack your ride

The average Philippines motorcycle leaves the car pooling lane for dead.  If you want a more eco-friendly mode of transport then put your wife and three kids on a bike and Voila!  If you’re not a biker that's ok. Just grab a van or a jeepney and take your entire neighborhood to town.

Lesson:  Ok so let’s try something a bit more realistic and pack our cars with as many people as there are seat belts or take public transportation.  If you are traveling solo opt for a scooter!

6)      How to pimp your ride

Lesson: One of the main things about vehicles in the Philippines, in fact any object in the Philippines is that there are no COLOR barriers.  C’mon people you’ve got a whole rainbow to work with.  Let’s put away the blacks, greys, whites and bring out the yellows, reds, lime greens, whatever.  Let’s try to get away from the black suit, white shirt, tie phenomenon unless that’s really you?

7)      How to eat rice

How to live, breathe, eat, sleep, everything rice.  How to grow rice.  Unlimited rice, rice with garlic, sticky rice, rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, RICE.  Okay I think you get the picture.  Unfortunately the Philippines is currently experiencing shortages in rice supplies and has to import a lot of rice from neighboring South East Asian countries.

Lesson:  In order to support the Philippines in achieving agricultural sustainability choose an agricultural loan from CEVI going to one of its rice growing clients.  Help them produce enough rice to feed the nation and reduce their imports.  Let’s apply this model to the rest of the world; choose local produce, try to harvest something on your own, get more in touch with nature.  It feels good.

8)      How to grow tropical islands

They just seem to pop up everywhere!  The Philippines boasts over 7000 tropical islands; big islands, small islands, enchanted islands, tropical islands.  You name it, the Philippines has it.

Lesson:  I would 100% recommend embarking on a journey to this fine country, if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel.  And when you get here make sure you put money into the local economy not just chain shops and big name resorts.  In fact do this wherever you travel.   If you want any recommendations on some spectacular destinations within the Philippines contact me through my lender page.

9)      How to let people in – accommodate, and share

Filipinos are renowned for their ability to accommodate; even complete strangers will be welcomed with the utmost respect.

Lesson: Let’s build communities not gates.  If you have a fruit tree overflowing take some to your neighbors, work mates, friends at school.  Couch Surf.  Open yourself up to the world and connections with your neighbors in a global and personal sense.

10)   How to appreciate

One of the themes which is a big part of everyday life in the Philippines is the art of thanksgiving.  They are constantly thankful for what they have.  It is a philosophy which will get you through any situation in life and ensures that the positives are highlighted.

Lesson: When you wake up in the morning think of at least one thing you are thankful for before you start the day.  Cliche as it may be, if you start each day with a few Filipino philosophies; appreciating, accommodating, laughing, smiling, and singing then it’s much more likely that you’ll have a good one!
Let’s focus on the good news not the bad news.  Let’s move forward as a positive, unified, sharing, society based on the true human values of love and compassion.


====

If you like this and other Filipino related topics, food,  humor and videos be sure to visit us on Facebook at Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene.

Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene promotes cultural diversity of Filipinos around the world uniting them thru humor, fun, food & traditions.  Hope  you visit our new Fan page.

Here is a link to visit us:  (You may need to copy and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Daves-Filipino-Scene/159834104096974

Be sure to tell your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Salamat:-)))

-=-Dr. Dave-=
.

‘Kawang gawa’ uniquely, naturally Filipino written by our Filipina friend Jacqueline Cancio Vega

‘Kawang gawa’ uniquely, naturally Filipino written by our Filipina friend Jacqueline Cancio Vega

This short article sounds like something I would have written.  Thanks for sharing this with us Jacqueline Cancio Vega.

She writes:

Many years ago on Salcedo Street, Legazpi Village, a woman standing on the curb could not get into her car because of the heavy rain.

Then a man with an umbrella proffered his umbrella so she could get into her car. Tucked safely inside, her hand waved out into the rain with a P20-bill to give the man. The man just walked away and another man watching, just looked incredulous and said “kawang gawa” lang ’yun.”

It was the first time I heard the phrase. I asked my driver Mang Frank what the phrase meant, and he said “gawaing walang anuman, na hindi humihingi ng kapalit, na galing sa puso.” There is no real English equivalent for it and it roughly translates to: “work that expects nothing in return or work from the heart.”

I realized that I had just witnessed a cultural trait that Katrin de Guia, in her book “Kapwa: the Self in the Other,” expounded on—a trait that most urbanized Filipinos who grew up in Manila are not familiar with anymore.

De Guia is the German-born wife of Kidlat Tahimik, the renowned filmmaker.  She took her doctoral studies in UP with Virgilio Enrique, the renowned professor who developed “Sikolohiya Filipino.” She explores the kapwa trait that she says is so uniquely Filipino and is something that Filipinos can offer the world as an alternative to the “me, myself  and I culture” that defines modern life, because our indigenous world-view is so life-enhancing.

SWS surveys have documented the giving trait of the poorer Filipinos as being more generous than the rich. This has been more pronounced with the floods that Tropical Storm “Sendong” caused, with the small folks giving from the little they have versus the rich giving from their plenty. Then too, the Algires of Cabuyao who took the lost Tata Leo in and reconnected him with his family are perplexed why reward was being offered or the Inquirer was interviewing them for “kawang gawa.”

Since that rainy afternoon in Makati, I have explored this kapwa world more and I have realized that our culture is so rich with goodness and wonderful practices that we who grew up in the urbanized, exclusive subdivisions have forgotten or never even knew. We tend to look down on people we consider poor, keeping them away from us with guards at the gate and demeaning people with the frisking practices at malls. Yet the truth is, we “the people who forgot,” are the poorer people. By denying people the respect and dignity due them because we consider them “poor,” we deny our rich culture that has so much to teach us.

—JACQUELINE C. VEGA,
Jacqueline_cancio_vega@yahoo.com

NOTE:  Although some will hate me for saying this it does not change the fact that it is the truth.

There are some Filipinos (Of course Not all Filipinos) who come to the USA and seem to quickly forget where they came from in the Philippines. 

Instead of following this uniquely Filipino custom of ‘Kawang gawa’ they opt to cheat and steal from their Filipino neighbors here.  They may have more material things than they had while living in the Philippines yet that is no reason to lose this cultural trait which truly make them uniquely Filipino.



.

Why Filipinos Celebrate Festivals

Why Filipinos Celebrate Festivals

Sociable and cheerful, Filipinos love holding Philippine festivals, celebrations that are fun, colorful, exciting and also very meaningful.

Called fiesta or pista in the Filipino language, these festivals are held all year round in many islands of the Philippines for different reasons:

* to give thanks for good harvest or catch
* to mark special events in local history
* to venerate Catholic saints

Whatever the reasons for staging them might be, Philippine festivals are deep-rooted in Filipino culture.

They have been celebrated by many generations of Filipinos.

They have helped to form and seal friendships and camaraderie with one another.

They have also lifted their sometimes battered spirits. They are such a great lift up from the otherwise hard life in the country.

There are so many festivals in the Philippines and the list definitely goes beyond 10.

Still, below is a short list of the top 10 most colorful, exciting, and fun fiestas in the Philippines.


Top 10 Philippines Festivals


1. Ati-Atihan Festival of Kalibo

Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival

Considered as the mother of Philippine festivals, Ati-Atihan Festival is held yearly in Kalibo, Aklan in Panay Island, Philippines.

It is said to be the precursor of other grand festivals in the Philippines, including the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City and the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City.

In this festival, townsfolk dress themselves in aboriginal clothes and deck their bodies with weapons used by the island’s earliest settlers – the Aetas.

Then, they perform tribal dances, moving to the upbeat tune of traditional music as they wind through Kalibo’s streets that are then jampacked with spectators.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:

Third weekend of January each year



2. Sinulog Festival of Cebu City

Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


A festival that marks the local people’s transition from paganism to Catholicism, Sinulog Festival of Cebu City is celebrated in a grand way for nine days in January each year.

It is held in honor of Santo Niño, whose icon is carried by many of the festivals elegantly dressed revelers.

It kicks off with a fluvial procession – where an icon of Santo Niño is hosted in a boat adorned with flowers and candles – and ends with the festive Sinulog Grand Parade – a parade of costumed townsfolk gracefully dancing while cleaving to icons of Santo Niño.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:
Third weekend of January each year



3. Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City

Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


A festival that exhibits the local people’s excellent choreography, Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo is a religious-cultural event famous for its Ati-Atihan and Kasadyahan.

Ati-Atihan is a parade of about twenty groups of local people dressed as tribesmen.

Their bodies are covered in soot and they dance to the beat of drums and gongs.

Kasadyahan is a cultural presentation of the province’s early history and the people’s conversion to Catholicism.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:
Fourth weekend of January each year


4. Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City

Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival

A festival meant to inspire the local people to “bloom” and move forward after a 1990 earthquake left their city shattered, Panagbenga Festival or Flower Festival of Baguio City is also homage to the beautiful flowers that bloom in Baguio, the Philippines’ summer capital.

During this festival, local folks create floats that are ornately decorated with flowers grown in Baguio and its surrounding provinces.

They also dress themselves in flower-inspired costumes, perform traditional dances to the sounds of drums, and parade down the city’s main roads.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:

The entire month of February / parade on the last Sunday of February or first Sunday of March



5. Moriones Festival of Marinduque

Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


A Lenten Season celebration that fuses folk history and religious events, Moriones Festival of Marinduque has the local people wearing masks to appear like the Roman soldiers of the biblical times.

This festival pays tribute to Saint Longinus, a commander of a century in the Roman army, who was blind in one eye.

This centurion’s story is reenacted in an elaborate theatrical play staged by the locals.

Many Moriones Festival’s revelers also wear masks during the festival season, roaming the streets and jolting people for good-spirited fun.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:

Good Friday of the Lenten Season of each year


6. Carabao Festival of Pulilan

Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


The Carabao Festival of Pulilan in Bulacan is a day of respect for Saint Isidore the Worker – the patron saint of the farmers – and the Filipino farmers’ work companions – the carabaos or water buffalos.

In this festival, carabaos are paraded on the streets and made to kneel at the end of the parade.

The act of kneeling is supposed to replicate a man who knelt before Saint Isidore after finding out by surprise that an angel would help the saint plow the fields.

In the Philippines, carabaos help farmers toil the soil.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:

May 14 and May 15 of each year



7. Pahiyas Festival of Lucban

Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


Another festival held in honor of Saint Isidore, who Filipinos ask for intercession when praying for a bountiful harvest, is the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban in the province of Quezon.

This festival is very famous for its decorations, as households try to top one another in decking their houses’ facades with fruits, vegetables and handicrafts, creating an explosion of colors in Lucban’s streets.

Also during this festival, people share foods with one another.

These foods include pancit Lucban, triangulo biscuits, fruits, vegetables, and other local treats.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:

May 15 of each year



8. Peñafrancia Festival of Naga City


Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


The Peñafrancia Festival is a religious festival that honors Naga City’s patron saint – the Our Lady of Peñafrancia – whose wooden icon was brought to the province by its devotees all the way from Salamanca, Spain.

It is a nine-day novena that is capped with a fluvial procession, where the image of the Our Lady Peñafrancia is carried in a pagoda down the Naga River and accompanied by hundreds of flower- and candle-bearing faithful Catholics who chant "Viva La Virgen!"


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival: 
 Third Saturday of September each year


9. Higantes of Festival of Angono


Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


Fishermen and townsfolk in Angono, Rizal in the Philippines honor the city’s patron saint – San Clemente – on November 23 of each year during the Higantes Festival.

The saint’s gigantic images, made of recycled and painted paper, are paraded by fishermen wearing colorful clothing and bearing fishnets, boat paddles, and other tools they use for fishing.

These images are as high as 12 feet and as wide as five feet.

The parade navigates the streets of Angono until it reaches the banks of Laguna de Bay.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:

November 23 of each year




10. Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando


Why Filipinos Celebrate this Festival


Christmas is such a big event for the Filipinos but for the people of San Fernando, it is enormous.

In fact, they like their Christmas lanterns not big but gigantic.

The local people stage the annual Giant Lantern Festival, an awe-inspiring display of over-sized lanterns handcrafted by the locals and made to light up to the tune of lively music and breathtaking fireworks.

So popular is this local festival that San Fernando has earned the title of the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.


When Filipinos Celebrate this Festival:

The Saturday before Christmas Eve of each year

Think you know the common Filipino condiments?

Filipino Condiments Philippine condiments often accompany Filipino dishes for those who want stronger flavor.  The following is a list of some of these Philippine products, their local names, and pictures.  

Atsara – pickled vegetables, usually papaya but there are also other versions like one using bitter gourd (ampalaya)

Banana ketchup 

Bagoong / Ginamos – fermented salted fish usually prepared to a pasty consistency

Mackerel / Anchovy sauce (bagoong balayan, named after the town of Balayan, Batangas)  

Salted Anchovies (bagoong monamon / bagoong dilis / monamon dilis)

Salted Bonnetmouths (bagoong terong) [not sure exactly what fish species is used]

Salted Ziganids (bagoong padas) – usually small jarred fish sold still relatively whole and not ground up; probably refers to rabbitfish (family Siganidae)

Buro - again pickled, salted or fermented but applying especially to salted green unripe mangoes (burong mangga); also refers to a Pampangan preparation that has fish or shrimps mixed with rice and salt left to ferment and then days later sautéed with tomatoes, onions, and garlic

Calamansi / Calamondin / Philippine Lime (kalamansi) 

Chicken oil

Chili (sili) – often added to soy sauce or vinegar

Crab paste / Crab fat / Crab roe (taba ng talangka or aligue)     

Ensalada – in Spanish salad, but in the Philippine context can also often refer to vinegared vegetables used as a relish which pretty much makes it similar or the same as atsara but the term is more likely to be applied to eggplants and cucumbers as in ensaladang talong and ensaladang pipino 

Fish sauce (patis)

Hot sauce

Lechon sauce (sarsa) 

Patismansi – fish sauce mixed with calamansi juice

Shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)  

Soy sauce (toyo)

Sweet chili sauce  

Tomato (kamatis) – fresh chopped; also salted and boiled in water to make something akin to and used like tomato water 

Toyomansi – soy sauce mixed with calamansi juice  

Vinegar (suka) – those found in Filipino markets are usually a product of sugar cane but some are also derived from coconut; it's often mixed with chili, garlic, and possibly other spices and herbs to make spiced vinegar (sinamak) or combined with chili, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce or some combination thereof to make a dipping sauce (sawsawan) at the dining table 

10 Unique Things of the Philippines CLICK here to see them. Now you know my favorites. What are yours?

10 Unique Things  of the Philippines

1. The People -=- Generally, Filipino people will go out of their way to help a stranger or a visitor. Yes this is not always the case and certain areas are to be avoided but I have experienced incredible service in shops and restaurants there.

2. The Weather -=- Despite hating the high humidity, I also love it.  I prefer it so much more than shoveling snow.

3. The Food -=- I enjoy most of the traditional Filipino foods, with only a few exceptions.

Lechon Manok (roast Chicken on a spit) is one of my favorites.

Filipino baked goods are yummy yummy-yummy too.  I am happy to try anything and have yet to come across something baked I dislike. Also, the Filipino spin on western food is quite nice too, Fried Chicken with Rice and Gravy is very popular in the Philippines and I can see why.

Spaghetti sauce is sweet but still tomato based and very nice... Sarap-Sarap :-)))

4. The Laid back Attitude -=- This also makes for Filipino Time which is something I dislike.

There is nothing like sitting down with a group of Filipino's and simply relaxing is something we all should do.

5. The Scenery -=- If you have never been to the Philippines it has some of the most amazing scenery.  I could go on and on and on about all the wonderful things to see and do in the Philippines.

6. The Family and Friend Orientations -=- Despite the fact that Filipinos in the USA do not seem to unite for a common goal, in the Philippines it is very different and families work together.

Distant relatives who have made a lot of money will sponsor a cousin or similar to go to college or some other course to better themselves.

Overseas workers pay for the education of one or more relatives back home and this attitude carries on with a "Pay It Forward" kind of attitude.

Neighbors remain friends and will always ask about how they are doing and regularly meet up for meals and drinks. Something lacking in the USA.

7. Meal Time -=- Meal are a family gathering where everyone comes together around the table and food is family style.  Food is put in the middle of the table for people to scoop up what they want.  Pleasant conversations are as much a part of the ritual of meal times as is the food.  While growing up in Pennsylvania this was a regular practice.  Unfortunately in the USA this is something we as a nation have moved away from yet the practice is alive and well in the Philippines.  In the USA we should strive to return back to this instead of the current TV dinner type of experience!

8. The Prices -=- I can have a quick yummy meal for just a few US dollars!

As a gift I bought a friends daughter a baby walker and it costs about a third of what a similar unit in the USA would cost.

Drinks cost very little too.  And, for a westerner this gives us a few extra pesos for tips which makes us seem nicer in the eyes of those serving us.

9. Twelve Hours of Sunlight -=- Being near the equator there is roughly 12 hours of sunlight every day.

This makes for a graceful awakening some time before 6am and you quickly adapt to waking and sleeping naturally and not relying on alarm clocks.

And of course 12 hours of Sunlight means you have plenty of time to enjoy whatever it is yo plan to do that day!

10. Love of Music -=- Every Filipino loves music and makes time to listen to music every day (or at least every Filipino that I know does).

So on my daily travels I will hear music in the malls, coming out of bakeries, stores, tricycles, jeepneys, cars and trucks. Basically you hear music anywhere you go in the Philippines.

Now you heard my ten things.  What are yours?

====

If you like this and other Filipino related topics, food,  humor and videos be sure to visit us on Facebook at Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene.

Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene promotes cultural diversity of Filipinos around the world uniting them thru humor, fun, food & traditions.  Hope  you visit our new Fan page.

Here is a link to visit us:  (You may need to copy and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Daves-Filipino-Scene/159834104096974

Be sure to tell your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Salamat:-)))

-=-Dr. Dave-=
.

How many Exotic Foods of the Philippines do you eat? I have eaten all but two on this list... (Click) to see the pics

I have eaten all but two on this list... How many of these Exotic Foods of the Philippines do you eat? (Click) to see the pics

Every country has their share of exotic foods served on the table with some even known as the country's specialty. The Philippines is no different.  Here are a few of those I found.

There are so many Filipino exotic foods that are truly unique and delicious.  Below you will find some of the many Filipino exotic foods.

Some of them have a strange appearance and look weird.  There are some people that dive right in and eat them while others find them not acceptable or not appropriate to eat. Personally, I fall somewhere in between.

That being said... If you follow the adage "don't judge the book by its cover", then you will able to eat each of these without hesitation.

This saying really applies to unique exotic foods of the Philippines.  I have eaten all but two on the following list.  And for me most of it was overcoming the mental challenge involved in getting it into my mouth.  And "YES," I ate the balut.

BALUT

Balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell.

Balut eggs are believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack.

Balut is sold primarily by street vendors in the regions where they are available.

SOUP NUMBER 5

Soup Number Five, is a soup made from bull's testicles or penis.

Like balut, it is believed to have aphrodisiac tendencies that makes people say it is better than spending money on Viagra..

GINATAANG KUHOL

The French call "kuhol" by the name  "escargot". Kuhol or escargot is an edible snail. Guinataang Kuhol is a favorite appetizer in Filipino restaurants. It is also a popular pica-pica (finger food) that goes well with cold beer. Ginataang kuhol is a spicy dish.


 DINUGUAN

Dinuguan is a Filipino savory stew of blood and meat (typically stomach, intestines, ears, heart and snout) simmered in a rich, spicy dark gravy of pig blood, garlic, chili , and vinegar.

TAMILOK

In Palawan and Aklan in the Philippines, the woodworm is called tamilok  and it is eaten as a delicacy there.

Tamilok is prepared as kinilaw—that is, raw (cleaned) but marinaded with vinegar or lime juice, chopped chili peppers and onions, a process very similar to ceviche. The taste and texture has been compared to oysters and clams.
 

====

If you like this and other Filipino related topics, food,  humor and videos be sure to visit us on Facebook at Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene.

Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene promotes cultural diversity of Filipinos around the world uniting them thru humor, fun, food & traditions.  Hope  you visit our new Fan page.

Here is a link to visit us:  (You may need to copy and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Daves-Filipino-Scene/159834104096974

Be sure to tell your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Salamat:-)))

-=-Dr. Dave-=
.

Going Home to Pilipias to Visit. I am not Rich by our Filipino friend Jojie C from Kidapawan,Philippines

Going Home to Pilipias to Visit.  I am not Rich
by our Filipino friend Jojie C from Kidapawan,Philippines

What I find annoying is that people specially residing in Philippines, see us folks returning to Philippines for a visit as rich folks. They would always think that we have money! They would try and take advantage of us by jacking up the prices, or in case of friends and relatives, they will ask for some money. Or we will get a phone call or an email or text, asking for a sum of money because they need to buy this or that or need a big lump sum of money for some emergency and they will always than not say, it’s only this much. Er.. Only this much?

Traveling

Well in truth, we do have some money, when we are traveling. We saved up months or in our case—those like me with average income, years. We save a little bit each time we get paid over time so we have some spending money to spend in Philippines. It is not because we are rich, it’s because, we manage our money by saving it. So it seems that when we do get to Philippines, we have loads of money to spend!

Asking for money

The other part, that is common too, is this—and it often happens when you happen to be in Philippines, one of your relative will borrow some money. For whatever reasoning they need the money for, they will ask you whilst you are on holiday.

Think about this for a second. When we travel, our money is already allocated. Even though, we have not yet spent it, it is already geared for future travel expenses. Unless of course, you factor in these kind of requests in your travels to Philippines then I suppose you would be OK and not get caught. Most of us though, only caters for what we might be spending on. We really only have pocket money and other travel expenses with us. We do carry credit cards for emergencies and perhaps have some more money in our bank, in our savings account, which is our savings or other unmet expenses or other emergencies—but not for requests by relatives or being priced higher by vendors because they somehow smelt you have been overseas.

Currency differences

As I traveled in Philippines just six months ago, my new friends and I were talking about income and expenses and a taxi driver in Manila who could smell money from me, even though I was talking in Tagalog (the Philippine national language) and not at all boasting where I was from. Heck I didn’t’ even mention anything about overseas, until he asked me where in America was I from. The gist of the story was this, she and the others thought I was rich, after converting what I normally earn per financial year and converted to Philippine peso. When we converted my income, it ran into millions of pesos. Average yearly income for Filipino workers is about 120,000.00 pesos—based on 10k monthly earning. I know too, that people are getting paid far less than that. Learning that my income runs into millions of peso value, would be seen as a rich man right? I would think so too! But it all ends there though. As I explained, with the big currency conversion gap from American dollar to Philippine peso, the standards of living and costs of living in the USA is expensive. I further explained, what some of the costs that I incur whilst living in the USA and told them, that if they thought, the few millions I earned after converting to the Philippine currency is rich, I thought, to make them understand, I would also convert my basic expenses to peso and perhaps, they can understand it that way. Indeed it worked! The taxi driver—who by the way ripped me off anyway, by not giving me my change from my taxi fare—I gave him 500 pesos for about 300 pesos taxi fare. He said to me during this conversation that, we are in a way, in the same position, living pay check per pay check.

Educating the few

I have always known, this to be a fact. Whenever somebody arrives from overseas, Filipinos would think they are loaded with money. I have always tried to explain to them that it isn’t always the case! We are just average folks living in a different country and spending our money here because it’s cheaper in currency value and as such our money would last longer. I have also tried explaining in other ways, that they should not see us “balik bayans” as $$$$. But most of them failed. Until, I started explaining everything in peso value.

Though, I hope, I won’t have to have a conversations like these again next time I visit Philippines. I also know this would be a mere impossibility, because somebody will eventually ask. This time around though, at least, I can explain it in a more logical terms that an average Filipino worker can understand.

====

If you like this and other Filipino related topics, food,  humor and videos be sure to visit us on Facebook at Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene.

Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene promotes cultural diversity of Filipinos around the world uniting them thru humor, fun, food & traditions.  Hope  you visit our new Fan page.

Here is a link to visit us:  (You may need to copy and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Daves-Filipino-Scene/159834104096974

Be sure to tell your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Salamat:-)))

-=-Dr. Dave-=
.

Do you recall playing Patintero/Sugbuhanon/Tubiganay in the Philippines?

Patintero/Sugbuhanon/Tubiganay - This Filipino game can takes hours to play, is lots of fun and it's good exercise for the young or young-at-heart.Teach this game to your children and keep the Filipino culture alive.

This is a popular Filipino game that seems to be well-loved by Filipinos
throughout the Philippines.

I have heard this refered to by different names in the Philippines yet the game is the same.   Some  call the game "Patintero"  others "Sugbuhanon" and still others refer to it as "Tubiganay".

Perhaps the Tagalog name came from a Spanish word "tinte" meaning "tint" refering to the lines. I can see why those from Cebu and the Visayas call it "tubiganay" because in the dusty fields where it is being played, oftentimes, water is used to make the lines that is crucial to holding this game.

 No matter what you call it, Patintero, Sugbuhanon or Tubiganay, this game of speed, agility, team work and being able to bluff is a fun part of Filipino culture.

On hot, lazy summer afternoons, a few pails of water on a dusty patch of land, add a few neighborhood kids and you’ve got stiff competition going on!  

What you need: even ground that you can write on using chalk or charcoal, or a patch of land that you can create lines using water or mark using a pointer stick.

Some soil is really dark and loamy so instead of adding water or writing with chalk,
you can use a stick to make shallow grooves in the soil for your lines.

Players: minimum number of 4 - 6 children, more would mean more fun!

The paying field:

Draw the lines like below in figure 1.  On smooth concrete or asphalt ground you can use chalk to make the lines.  If playing in the sand on on soft dirt you can use a stick to draw the line. 

The more players the better.  If there are more players, you must add more lines.

The more lines you have, the more difficult and the longer it takes to finish.  With more people the game just seems that much more exciting!

The Game:

Players make up two teams of even number (i.e. 2 against 2 or 3 against 3) They can use “maalis-alis” to make the groupings.

Then team leaders can use Jack en Poy to decide who will play first.

The winning team gets to run first while the losing team gets to guard the lines. The team leader is on the first line and he has the “power” to also run along the middle line to catch an opponent.

The running team use all speed and bluffing strategies to get through the lines and back earning them a total points relative to how many players were able to enter the lines and come back to the starting point.

When one member of the running team is tagged, then the runners now become the line guards and the guards now take turn as runners.

This Filipino game can takes hours to play, is lots of fun and it's good exercise for the young or young-at-heart.

Here is a link to a video clip showing children actually playing the game with a brief tutorial.

http://youtu.be/jgjgST2F8-s
So what are you waiting for?  Plan to teach this game to your children and keep the Filipino culture alive.




====

If you like this and other Filipino related topics, food,  humor and videos be sure to visit us on Facebook at Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene.

Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene promotes cultural diversity of Filipinos around the world uniting them thru humor, fun, food & traditions.  Hope  you visit our new Fan page.

Here is a link to visit us:  (You may need to copy and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Daves-Filipino-Scene/159834104096974

Be sure to tell your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Salamat:-)))

-=-Dr. Dave-=
.

Do we celebrate Halloween in the USA the same as they do in the Philippines?

Halloween is quickly approaching.  In the USA it's a time of celebration and superstition.  Do we celebrate Halloween in the America the same as they do in the Philippines?  

Yes and no.

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays in America it's a time of celebration and superstition yet it is celebrated very differently in the Philippines.

In the USA we celebrate Halloween on October 31st which is one day before the beginning of the Halloween Season in the Philippines.

That's right,  November 1st is the beginning of the Halloween Season in the Philippines, where they observe it as Halowin, Undas or Day of the Dead.

In the Philippines, the "Day of the Dead" is called Undas, which is derived from the Spanish word "anda" or "honra" (possibly), meaning "All Souls' Day" or "Araw ng Mga Patay".

The Undas-season typically starts on November 1 (Todos los Santos or "All Saints' Day") and then ending on November 2nd, "All Souls Day" itself.

Unlike here in the USA where Halloween is not a national holiday.  Undas is a state-recognized holiday (no-working holiday) in the Philippines.  People all over the country get time off from work or school giving them time to return to their home provinces, where their family cemeteries are located.

Celebrated a day before "All Saints’ Day", Halloween has, evolved into a day of celebration and superstition.

Lots of child-friendly activities like trick-or-treating and costume parties will be held today. Children pretending to be characters from the underworld will make the rounds of commercial establishments like malls, restaurants, and hotels to ask for candies and other treats while chanting “trick or treat”.

In exclusive subdivisions, club houses, and residential condominiums, where houses have been decorated with spiders, cobwebs, scary masks, and characters weeks before Halloween, parties are usually organized. It has also become a tradition for the homeowners to have candies ready for all the children.

Undas or Day of the Dead History // Origin of Undas in Philippine History

Spain had governed the Philippines for over 300 years, and many of their Spanish customs and traditions were passed on to the native Filipinos. These include the ways how Undas or Halloween in the Philippines is typically celebrated.

How Do Filipinos Celebrate Halloween?

In the Philippines, Halloween or Undas can be said to be actually more of an observance than a 'celebration.' It's a day of commemoration of the dead. During the Halloween season, Filipinos go to the cemeteries to visit their 'dead', clean their tombstone (sometimes repaint them), light candles, and offer flowers and prayers for the dead (Catholic masses are also offered).

It's a typical sight to see entire families camping in cemeteries and sometimes even spending the whole night or two near their dead relative's tomb. During this time, card games are played, ghost stories are told, and there are eating, drinking, singing, and merriment in commemoration of the departed loved ones. The occasion is more like a family reunion or banquet or family picnic.

Filipino Halloween of the past

Pag-aatang or Atang

- An Ilocano-Filipino superstitious belief and practice of offering food in an altar for loved ones who had passed away. This is typically just a form of respect and remembrance and holds no religious significance.

Pag-titirik ng Kandila

- 'Erecting a candle' - in front of houses, on the ground or sometimes on top of gates or fences - to guide the souls of the faithful departed coming home to visit during the Halloween season or Undas. (I personally find this very creepy.)

Pangaluluwa

- 'Ghost visits' or 'Haunting' (coming from the word kaluluwa, meaning 'soul'). The Filipino version of 'trick-or-treat' performed usually in the provinces or rural areas, where kids, children, or young folks would dress in white or drape themselves in white sheets going from house to house in the evening or early morning of Undas or Halloween, ghoulishly singing and begging for some alms or foods, treats, or money. (Again, for me, the sound of singing 'souls' in the dead of the night is really really spooky.) This practice is believed to represent the souls stranded in purgatory asking the living for help in the form of prayers so they can get to heaven.

- During the earlier decades, part of this tradition was stealing eggs, chickens, and sometimes even large livestock from the yards of fellow townspeople. It's a friendly Halloween tradition that is now slowly dying out.
 
Modern-day Halloween Celebrations

Even pets get to wear costumes for Halloween  Aside from Spain, the United States also governed the Philippines some time during the first half of the 20th Century, particularly after World War II. Thus, much of the modern-day Halloween celebrations you can see or experience in the Philippines came from the influence of Americans.

Corporate offices, school faculties, private institutions, and other groups and communities hold Halloween parties in celebration. Teens and youth would go to a Halloween Ball in the night club in the city, if not ghost hunting or spirit questing in secluded neighborhoods.

Malls are garishly adorned with Halloween decorations and kids and small children will go trick or treating (in the malls) wearing their best cute, if not scary outfits. Scariest Halloween costume contests among other festivities are also prevalent.




====

If you like this and other Filipino related topics, food,  humor and videos be sure to visit us on Facebook at Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene.

Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene promotes cultural diversity of Filipinos around the world uniting them thru humor, fun, food & traditions.  Hope  you visit our new Fan page.

Here is a link to visit us:  (You may need to copy and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Daves-Filipino-Scene/159834104096974

Be sure to tell your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Salamat:-)))

-=-Dr. Dave-=
.

Crab Mentality and Ways To Cope

The phrase crab mentality is one that many of us are familiar with, or have fallen victim too. It is a mental mindset that best describes individuals who possess a selfish, short-sighted way of seeing the world.

It’s basically saying, “If I can’t have it, neither should you.” Normally, it is not a compliment to an individual’s character or personality if they are referred to having a crab mentality; it is actually something that a lot of us would see as being an insult.

The phrase derived from what occurs when you place several crabs in one container. If one crab attempts to escape a bucket of live crabs, the other crabs will attempt to pull it back down, rather than allowing the crab whom is trying to escape  to gain its freedom.

The process, if you ever get the chance to watch at times seems underhanded, because the crabs at the bottom of the container will allow the one crab to get almost to the top and getting a sight of its freedom, before snagging it back down; just to start the process all over again.

The crabs are oblivious to the fact that eventually they all will meet their fate and that not even one of them would ever see or feel freedom ever again; which I imagine is of no concern to them.

When a person is said to have a crab mentality, it simply means they are unwilling to allow someone else to escape a situation, are plagued with jealousy and envy, or possess the need to stop the successful progress of another.
In the mental mindset of someone who has a crab mentality, their train of thought is to sabotage another persons plan for attempting to leave a life that may not have rendered the other individual any good whatsoever. That is simply of no concern to the crabbily individuals.

Instead of using their resources or simple encouragement to help advance other’s; they would rather not lend any support at all.

Sometimes even going as far as to trying to break the person spirit or means of advancement altogether, by talking negatively about the person or insulting the individual’s self-worth.  They ever go through the extremes of criticizing any attempts one might have towards self-betterment.

There is no age cap on this type of mentality; it’s in every gender, and every race, and in every social standing. It’s found in our jobs, our schools, our homes, and yes even in the blog world. I have found that a lot of times, those who are guilty of the mentality, deny that they even have it at all.

It’s the inability to be happy for someone else that is taking the necessary steps to move forward; instead, that person is classified as, “trying to be better”, “trying to be like someone else”, or “trying to be something that they are not.” It never registers to the crab mentality holder that the person, maybe just wants to better themselves.
So below I’ve come up with some easy fixes to cope with those who possess such foolishness.

Ways to Cope with Crab Mentality

When handling a person that has a crab mentality you must first see them for who they really are. And, you’ll be able to pinpoint them easily; they truly can’t help exposing themselves.

You tell them a dream that you have or a goal that you’re trying to reach; and they tear it into little bitty pieces, as though your dreams was paper and they were paper shredders.

After you know the truth about these individuals and have placed them in the category of having a “crab mentality”, you then should protect your dreams and goals from these individuals.

They can’t tear up, what they don’t know about, right?

Place those gems (your dreams and goals) only in people who believe you can achieve what you’re setting out to do. They will in turn give you insight, encouragement, and inspiration to reach those things you wish to obtain.

After you have categorized these individuals you should then steer clear of them…. all of them!
Not forever if that’s not what you’re able to do, but for as long as you can until your gems take shape and you’re able to be around them without them influencing your progress.

Lastly, keep your eyes open and avoid having the mentality yourself. Since no one is exempt from practicing this selfish behavior, you should look for the first sign of you possessing the trait and eliminate it immediately.

By supporting someone else’s dream or helping them to reach their goal, you may just find that you have actually helped yourself to get little bit closer to reaching your own.

Let’s discuss now, shall we? 

Have you ever had to deal with someone who possessed a crab mentality? 

How did you handle the individual? 

What advice would you give to other’s who may have found themselves surrounded by individuals who see their personal growth as trying to be better?






====

If you like this and other Filipino related topics, food,  humor and videos be sure to visit us on Facebook at Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene.

Dr. Dave's Filipino Scene promotes cultural diversity of Filipinos around the world uniting them thru humor, fun, food & traditions.  Hope  you visit our new Fan page.

Here is a link to visit us:  (You may need to copy and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Daves-Filipino-Scene/159834104096974

Be sure to tell your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Salamat:-)))

-=-Dr. Dave-=
.