The American Military Cemetery and Memorial

Our visit to the American Cemetery

I visited the vast American Military Cemetery and Memorial last week together with my lovely wife, Edith which I have always admired for the beauty of its scenery. We just wanted to engross ourselves on the importance of this cemetery by remembering the heroes who died in World War II for the sake of our freedom. It is located in Mckinley road at Global City in Fort Bonifacio.

We live just about 3 kilometers from our residence in Makati and it was not really difficult for us to reach the place by enjoying the walk throughout the park. It has a vast area of more than 60 hectares of land with an impressive Chapel and the two large Hemicycles at the center built on a slightly raised plateau visible at a distance. At the entrance to the cemetery at the North side, a Security Guard will ask for your ID or a passport if you are a foreigner and sign in at their visitors' log.

There is a Visitors' Building at the right side where visitors can park their cars and obtain informations from an attending staff. The imposing view of the memorial from the plaza is enhanced by a beautiful line of mahogany trees from both sides of a big wide mall. It contains the graves of 17,202 servicemen that include 570 filiipinos who were killed in action in New Guinea and the Philippines.

Edith and I were so absorbed by the serene, quiet, peaceful, clean and  all the things that you would expect on a cemetery. Long clean lines of white crosses dominated the plots from left to right of the grounds with manicured grass brought from the US. At the center of the American Memorial is a tall Chapel with two hemicycles stretched in a semi circle.

The two hemicycles contain 24 pairs of tablets. On each tablet is inscribed the names and particulars of 36,282 of the missings who gave lives for their country in the last World War. There were many filipinos inscribed on these tablets. We were in fact finding some familiar names or relatives that we might discover as we pored through all these long marble tablets.

I found out that Filipino servicemen who joined the US forces in World War II were assigned mostly in the lowest rung of ranks in the service. They were sailors or soldiers doing menial works as cooks, musicians, carpenters, mess boys, barbers, etc.

EDITH AT THE HEMICYCLE TABLETS AND AT THE MALL

It is really a nice experience for those who are interested in the history of World War II. At the walls in both of the hemicycles were Map rooms designed in tinted concretes with brilliantly colored aggregates. The data are expressed by mosaic or ceramics inserts depicting the many battles in the Pacific Islands and the Philippines.

If you are interested to visit the place, the American Cemetery can be accessible from Edsa through the Mckinley Road by passing the Forbes Park. From the Market Market near C5, it is just 1 kilometer away to the south.

Arturo Luz's exhibit at the Art Center in Megamall

Everytime I go to the SM Megamall in Ortigas, Mandaluyong, I always try to visit the many Art Galleries located at the fourth floor of this big mall. Being an avid fan of filipino artists, I always update myself on their latest works and try to discover some old paintings of famous artists displayed on these galleries. My son, Ponchie began to realize the importance of owning some works of new artists, bought at a fair price today and as it ages the price could escalate afterwards. He bought two artworks by Alan Morales and Fatima recently which I would say, they are a good investment today and later on he will not regret that he bought it.

As my lovely wife, Edith and I went shopping the other day we happened to visit the Art Center at the Building A at the fourth floor to view the recent works of a very popular artist which incidentally, is one of my favorite abstract artists, Arturo Luz whose many paintings could be seen hanging on the walls of the homes of the rich and famous. As many local lifestyle magazines feature these beautiful homes, very seldom that you will not find Arturo Luz's masterpieces.

As I read his biography, Arturo Luz is a painter, sculptor and designer. He received the National Artist Award in Visual Arts in 1997. He is best known for his works in linear art and a series on street musicians, vendors, cyclists and carnival performers. He is also an sculptor whose works are in metal, wood and concrete characterized by sophisticated simplicity and exemplify sublime austerity in their expression and form. Arturo Luz himself described his paintings as "semirepresentational, semi abstract"

Luz was born in Manila in 1926 and began his lessons in painting under Pablo Amorsolo, brother of the National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo. He finished his Fine Arts degree in University of Santo Tomas then received a scholarship at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. He continued his education at the Brooklyn Museum Art School in New York.Then he started his own figurative works but developed into abstraction.

He exhibited his first one-man show in Paris by his drawings at the Raymond Duncan Gallerie in 1951. He held his first solo exhibit in Manila Hotel when he returned to Manila on the same year. In 1960, he put up the Luz Gallery wherein contemporary works were showcased by different artists. As I always see his works on some selected galleries in Megamall, you would recognized his works by geometrical forms in lines, curves, circles and angles with meticulous simplicity with subdued colors and unobtrusive form.

The new MSI Wind U100 Netbook

The New MSI Wind U100 Netbook 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                    

On my review of the very popular Asus Eee PC 701 and Eee PC 900 last May 16, 2008 here on my blogspot, it was my first ever to focus on rating any netbook. Apparently, these small UMPC notebooks with 7.5" and 8.9" LCD monitors were the best products in its class, noted for its functionality, affordability, durability and quality have made these models to be loved by people on the go especially, beginners, students, writers, reporters, bloggers or any one who love small size packed in a bag. Its sales had surged in the market that they were copied by rival companies in such a short time.

Now, with the many notebook computers, ubiquitous in the market, more and more models were made to improve their novel features as smallness proved to be a drawback for its management such as smaller keyboard, memory and functionality. Computer companies have rushed their own models to catch up on this market segment of the UMPCs. Hewlett Packard launched the HP 2133 mini-note PC Notebook while, Acer has the new Acer One, Lenovo made their own latest UMPC to be able to catch up with the market.  The Asus which was the forerunner of the UMPC, popularized by their older models have their latest larger Asus Eee PC 1000 atom computer and the MSI Wind Netbook U100.

One particular model that I have in mind among these low priced notebooks is the new MSI Wind U100 which is one of the most practical choice. Having visited some noted computer dealers at the Cyberzone in Megamall at the 4th floor where friendly sales persons have been helpful in providing their MSI Wind U100 to be used and operated for a long time every time I visited them. This new notebook is crisp and clean design with a number of exclusive functions that gives the user the freedom to do "whatever, whenever, wherever."

The MSI Wind U100 is simple yet practical in design concept that makes it ideal as a partner by anyone on the go. It is the latest computer that uses the Intel Atom. It has a 10" wide LCD monitor that can be an advantage to smaller monitors. Its LED power-saving back light providing full colors and light yet it can lower the power of usage thereby saving its precious battery for longer hours. It also has a magnifying software capability when viewing words, pictures and videos on any application. It is bundled by Microsoft Windows XP which is still the best Windows operating system. Vista has still many glitches that Microsoft must improve.

Its ergonomic Big-Size keyboard and touch pad design can allow your finger to touch freely every key without any fear of miscalculation as in smaller keyboards. Its lightness in design by a weight of 1 kilogram and a dimension of 26 centimeters in length and 18 centimeters in width and 19-31.5 mm thickness making it extremely thin making it ideal on the go for everyone. Unlike other competitors that have compromised their memory size, the Wind has the 2.5 inch standard hard drive of 80 gb. It can operate just as any notebook computers without any fear of not having enough memory for any capacity of recording data. In some dealers at the Megamall, there are limited promos that expands the hard drive up to 160 gb free of charge.

The MSI Wind U100 is equipped with a high resolution web cam together with a high-performance stereo speakers and a powerful microphone. It has a wireless 802.11 b/g that can access your Internet anywhere you go and the standard Bluetooth V2.OEDR for your phone connectons of videos and photos. It has a complete interface entertainment connection which include 4 in 1 card reader (applicable to SD, MMC, MS and MS Pro) making it possible to the mainstream standards of memory cards uploading digital files into the notebook computer. 

Digital cameras, PDAs, MP3, MP4s and Global GPS systems are capable in connecting to the MSI Wind U100. Last but not the least, the battery has 3 cells with an option of 6 cell that can prolong its longer working hours. I recommend this new product to anyone who is planning to buy a new lap top or a notebook computer. This can be a good spare if you have a desktop at home or for any beginner who likes to venture the power of communication through the Internet. This is also good for students who study and research their projects and thesis from the web and realize its power of communication. Moreover, this notebook is simply affordable for those on the budget without compromising its quality and functionality.

F E A T U R E S

Processor                    Intel® Atom™ 

Operation System    Genuine Windows® XP Home

Chipset                     Intel®945GMS + ICH7M

Memory                    DDR2 667 support up to 2 GB

LCD                          10” 1024x600  LCD Panel

HDD                          80 GB (2.5” SATA)

Card reader              4 in 1 (support SD,MMC,MS, MS Pro)I/O

                                 D-sub*1 , USB 2.0*3 , Mic-in

                                 Headphone, LAN

Battery                      3 cells  / 6 cells ( option)

Wireless                    802.11b/g, Bluetooth V2.0EDR

Webcam                   1.3/ 0.3M Webcam

Sound                       HD Audio, Stereo speakers

Dimension                 260*180*19-31.5mm

Weight~                    1.0 Kg (including 3 cells battery)

Alfonso Gabrielo's Baptism

MY GRANDSON, ALFONSO GABRIELO'S CHRISTENING

Last June 15, 2008, my Grandson, Gabe was christened at the Santuario de Sn Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, Makati. Friends, relatives and our families from both sides attended this great event as we witnessed and celebrated Gabe's entry to the Christian World. Throughout the baptism rite, my grandson, Gabe neither protested nor showed any sign of annoyance to the long tedious oration of the Priest. He was, however enjoying every minute of the ceremony by gazing attentively and alternately to his Mom and Dad and especially to the Priest whose big baritone voice dominated the whole room perhaps enjoying every word what he said. He waved his hands playfully or stretching both his feet continously as a sign of enjoyment seeing many people around him. I heard from my lovely wife, Edith that Babylin was telling Gabe seriously in the morning of that day while taking his bath. Babylin was gesturing her finger to Gabe while he looked directly at his Mom attentively. "Gabe I want you to behave well in the Church. Don't make the Priest angry." "Don't cry and make the visitors happy by smiling and greeting them." Babylin admonished to his son while enjoying the water in the tub.

Gabe was so engrossed by the occasion that he was well behaved thoughout that whole afternoon and even at the reception when guests would greet and gave him gifts. He smiled whenever he can or just looking at everyone with a welcome wink in his eyes. He never slept and showed any exhaution as normal babies do. I recorded a video in full length of the ceremony in 13 minutes and I was amazed that Gabe never showed any sign of irritation throughout the ceremony. All of us were so happy for my Grandson, Gabe. He is a big joy to all of us and I am so proud of him being my first grandchild. A bouncing baby boy with full zest of life and ready to face the world. What a nice start for a baby boy to be loved so much by everyone that I can see a good future for him.

After the ceremony, the reception was held at the second floor of the Parish Center, Social Hall beside the Church. My daughters, Agz and Aui acted as emcees to a short program prepared by Babylin. A short opening prayer was read by Stephen, Babylin's seven year old nephew followed by some short greetings from guests and the families from both sides. A sumptuous buffet with various appetizing dishes were prepared at the far end of the hall. Many guests especially friends of Ponchie and Babylin came over enjoying the occasion. I prayed to God to bless my Grandson, Gabe, protecting him and guide him as he grow up. I also prayed that he will be a good Christian obeying His commandments. God will bless Alfonso Gabrielo, my Grandson, Amen.

THE BAPTISM

Little Gabe with his Mom and Dad.

My Grandson, Gabe's baptism rites at the Church.

The pouring of the Holy Water on Gabe's forehead.

Gabe with his relatives from both sides of his Mom and Dad.









Edith, Aui, Agz, Nat-Nat, Minda and Janno.










At the reception with friends and relatives.








Gabe gave out his continuous many first laughs that I uploaded to the You Tube at six months old. It was a success for the whole family to witness these series of laughs when Gabe rarely smiled before to most of us.

The new Asus Eee PC 900

The Eee PC 701 & the new Eee PC 900

The popular Asus Eee PC 701 that was introduced in the Philippines by Asus last year was established on the concept of manufacturing cheap PCs for developing countries with emphasis on educating the children in every classroom. With this development, Asus created a new line of cheap small netbook computers by focusing on providing excellent internet experience based on 3 E's. Easy to learn, work, and play; excellent internet and excellent on the go. Although small in size, this high performance PC, is good for people on the go like students, writers, reporters, kids, women and travellers with the right size and specs of the Eee PC 701. It has a rapid starting time that can always be ready for any action. It was accepted popularly worldwide with good reviews being user friendly, with shock proof, solid state disk (SSD) that could withstand bumps, falls and shocks. It has a 7" LCD monitor and weighing only 0.92 kg. and can be taken anywhere on a small bag. Internet browsing is just a breeze with its built in Wi-fi 802.11 b/g that automatically connects at hot spots anywhere. It can be logged on to Skype or other networks and you can connect with friends anywhere and anytime.

The Eee PC 900

Now, the recently launched improved Asus Eee PC 900 in the Philippines is available on selected computer shops throughout the city at a cost of P24,500. Comparing with Fujitsu lifebook or Sony VAIO models, costing 3 times as much with the same size of the Eee PC 900. I have seen it and tested the product myself in the Cyberzone at the fourth floor of the SM Megamall. I liked it even though you can find bigger laptops with similar price and more on specs but I love it because of the size, feel, fast operation, weight and durability of the product. Created on the same format with the Eee PC 701 but with many improvements that Asus has created with new perspectives to suit the taste of the users. It has a bigger 8.9" LCD with higher resolution of 1024 by 600. It has an Intel CPU, with a memory speed of 1Gb RAM DDR 2. It has a bigger storage capacity of 20Gb for the Linux version with 40 built-in applications (with Open Office) or the 12Gb memory with the Windows XP version. It has an HD stereo speakers and a 1.3 mp webcam rather than a VGA from the old model. It has a multi touch track pad that is used in the newest Apple Mac Air by scrolling the page horizontally and vertically by swiping your fingers up or down just like in IPhone. You can also zoom pictures by pinching or stretching your fingers at the track pad.

The Eee PC 900 with its accessories

It has an accessories of batteries, adaptor and a set of headphones. The battery has four cells and it can last 3 hours of usage. It has a power of 12 V, 36 watts with input of 100-240 AC and 50/60hz universal. The external speakers are located at the bottom of the case. The Eee PC 900 is a product worthy of its practicality and function. I recommend this to those who are starting to learn the PC like students, good for their school projects, assignments, thesis, etc.., as well as users who need to use a PC anytime, anywhere for their work or leisure that can be carried in a small case. This is very good for web browsing and blogging, which I may consider to acquire it for my next netbook PC!

http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=828

My Filipino Paella

My Filipino Paella

I would like to share my Pilipino Paella recipe here that I always cook at home for my family. It is a complete dish as any Filipino would love it because the rice blends pretty well with the many ingredients. Its aroma and flavor will excite your palate to love this popular Spanish dish in your table. This is my own simple version as I have omitted many ingredients in the original recipe like Chorizo Bilbao, Olive oil, Saffron, Spanish paprika as local ingredients would be readily available in the market. 


The dish is really delicious and it is not difficult to make as long as you could cook the rice right by good timing, not watery but firm and well cooked, evaporating the water in the rice. The rice is flavorful as it has absorbed all the aroma and flavor of the mixed ingredients of meat, Mussels, Chili, Chorizo that makes the real flavor of a true Paella. For Saffron, I used the local Katsuba threads to enhance the flavor of rice. This ingredient is popular in mixing rice dishes like Arrozcaldo, Valenciana, etc. . .I also used our local Chorizo to blend its flavor with all the ingredients in the recipe. To my mind, preparing Paella can be very simple just as you are cooking any dish from your kitchen. You could try my version just by following the simple directions here. My wife Edith, Ponchie, Agatha and Au loved it so much every time I prepare this popular dish at home. They said that the taste was really great and delicious!

My Filipino Paella Recipe

Ingredients:

You will need a large non stick pan (14 inches), in place of Paellera with a good cover or an aluminum foil.

Chicken Wings 300 gms, about  6 pcs. chopped to bite sizes

1 Round Pork (Pigi) 300 gms, chopped to bite sizes
Medium Shrimps, 250 grms

1/2 kilo Mussels, wash it well & soak in clean water before cooking

1 Chorizo Sausage, sliced

6 cups Sinandomeng rice (soak it for 20 mins in a bowl)

4 cloves of Garlic, chopped

2 Onions, medium, chopped

2 leaves of Laurel
200 grms raisins (optional)

6 pcs of medium Tomatoes, sliced
3 pcs med. carrots, sliced 
300 grams Baguio beans, sliced
4 pcs med green chili (for sinigang)

2 pcs red pepper or bell pepper

3 tbsp Corn Oil

1 tbsp Chili powder (red color)

1 &1/2 Knorr Chicken cubes

6 cups of water
2 sliced hard boiled eggs (Optional)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

In a pan, with medium fire, place the corn oil and saute the garlic, onions until brown, then put the tomatoes, chili powder and laurel leaves. Put one at a time or gradually the chicken, pork, sliced Chorizo sausage to the pan until brown. Put 3 cups of water to cook the meat, cover it and then simmer it until tender. Then, put the Shrimps, Mussels, Carrots, Baguio beans and Chilis and raisins. After, 15 mins take out all the cooked meat, shrimps, mussels and vegetables and set aside leaving just the broth in the pan.

Put 6 cups of water and the Knorr Chicken cubes and cover it until boiling. Place the soaked 6 cups of rice (measuring cup from rice cooker). Then, cover it to cook the rice in high heat. Simmer the rice for another few minutes and cover it until the rice is fully cooked in low fire or better cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Put all the ingredients back to the pan and arrange it in a platter or just arrange the ingredients in the pan and garnish it with sliced boiled eggs with chopped spring onions. This Serving is good for 10 people.

Notes on Pilipino Paella:

a) In replacement of Saffron which is very expensive, I have the local Katsuba threads that you can find in the market. It could be a relative of Saffron and it really improve and heighten the flavor of Paella.

b) If you can't find Spanish Paprika in the Supermarket, McCormick spices are selling Paprika on selected stores in the market.

c) As soon as the rice is simmered in low fire to take out all the water in the rice, cover it with aluminum and bake it in the oven for 15-20 minutes.This will make the Paella even better.

d) Paellera, the pan used by the Spaniards for cooking Paella is available  at Gourdo's and selected stores in the malls. I am considering to replace my pan with a Paellera. It costs P1,000+.

e) If you can use Olive oil, that's fine because it brings the goodness of the flavor of a true Paella. For me Corn oil or Vegetable oil is fine.

f) Many think Paella is hard to cook at home. No, not really. Just simply follow the guided directions in the recipe and you will surely enjoy Paella in your home.

g) If somehow, you have omitted some ingredients, that's okay. This dish doesn't require you to follow the original recipe. You can even add squid, octopus, crabs, fish or lobster that would suit your taste.

h) Some people add tomato paste or tomato sauce for this dish. That's okay!

Au's Graduation from U.P.

The Centennial logo 

The graduation stage

Parents are really pleased and contented when their children have finished their degrees in college. As my lovely wife, Edith and I value education for our children, we encouraged them to pursue graduate studies to further their development in education as a supplementary tool to their career. Yesterday, Sunday, April 27, 2008, Edith and I were overjoyed to attend the graduation of my youngest child, Aurora. She graduated her diploma at the School of Labor and Industrial relations at the University of the Philippines. This is another milestone in her career as she finished her two year course diploma leading to her Masters degree in the same school for another 2 years.

At the parking

My daughter Au at the lobby

My daughter Au who graduated in the same university five years ago is busy right now with her job in her company as an officer in Human Resources Department. With this diploma in Industrial relations, she could go further in her endeavors to excel in her career. She finished her course in two years by attending her classes after her work or at Saturdays where she was 

free from her job.

Au with her fellow graduates

As a father, I could recall her dream while she was a senior high school at the Colegio de Sta Rosa in Bel Air, Makati to study at the premier university of our nation. It is a dream of every student to study in a prestigious institution like the University of the Philippines. Au was more studious and determined as she was, upon her acceptance at the university. I was practically amazed how she changed in her study habit and diligence. Those four years in the university had many dramatic changes in her life. Today, Edith and I are so happy and proud of her achievements as well as her development in her personality. Above all, my daughter Au has remained to be sweet and loving to us. Ponchie, my eldest son, is taking up an MBA course at the Ateneo in Rockwell, Makati.

Au with her boyfriend Paulo

Our foods from Gubat, Sorsogon, my Town I

SIKAD-SIKAD AND DALU-DALO

Occasionally, we have many foods that we always love to eat when relatives or friends come to visit us with their "pasalubongs" or presents. Pasalubongs are usually exotic or indigenous foods that come from our place in our town in Gubat, Sorsogon. These presents could be rare and not available in the city markets and "talipapa". When my father-in-law, Alexander E. Fajardo was still living, he would prepare a great deal of time and effort to bring our favorite foods that he knew. I guessed that he planned it splendidly to bring to us whatever he could prepare for his visit. This would be a favorite of every Gubatnon, a treat that would please Edith, the children and myself. He would bring, Sikad-Sikad, Dalu-Dalo, Binot-ong, Crabs("Kinis"), Lantahon na Pili, Inun-on na Angul, Moledo, Hinagom and Gabi.

One of these presents are Sikad-Sikad and Dalu-Dalo, these are conches or sea shells which are pointed on both ends with edible meat inside cooked with creamy coconut milk with fresh malunggay leaves. These conches are abundant on the shores of our town near the mangroves, especially in Cogon, Tiris, Bagacay or Ariman. Sikad-Sikad are beautiful conches pictured above with brownish glossy color and can be a good use for decoration as well. You will need a pointed stick to reach and to take out the delicious edible meat inside the shell. On the other hand, Dalu-Dalo are conches, smaller than Sikad-Sikad with black color that could be eaten by placing the opening of the conch on your mouth and sucking it out to pull the meat. Before it is cooked, they are washed thoroughly and cut by a bolo by the rear end to let the meat easier to be sucked out . It is cooked mixed with coconut milk and malunggay leaves. Malunggay leaves are very delicious with the taste that could blend well with the creamy coconut sauce and the conch. It is very interesting to suck all the Dalu-Dalo shells at dinners, it could be a competition for who could be the fastest sucker with all these conches.

BINUT-ONG

Binot-ong is a very delicious glutinous (malagkit) rice, cooked and wrapped in banana leaves flavored with salt and mixed with coconut milk then tied by a strip of coconut leaf tightly to seal its coconut milk inside. My father-in-law, Alexander E. Fajardo usually brought this delicious treat for our breakfast just as he had arrived from Bicol from the JB Line Bus very early in the morning. Its flavor and aroma is similar to the popular wrapped "suman", but Binot-ong is more appealing and appetizing because it is creamier and velvety because of the "latik", this is the coconut milk turned into a creamy sauce. It is very delectable and popular to every Gubatnon. I couldn't find any similarity in preparation with the "latik" sauce such as this from any place in the Philippines. I believe this is an original Bicolano food. It is best eaten at breakfast or snack by putting some brown sugar or honey or it can be eaten naturally as it is. Apparently, this is one of our favorite "pasalubong" because they can be practically stored for a number of days in a fridge and if you want it right away when hunger strikes, you only have to steam it before serving to retain its freshness.

KINUNOT

Kinunot is a fish dish very popular in our town.Best for sumsuman (drink appetizer) It is a dish cooked with main ingredients of shark or manta ray sauteed in onions, garlic and malunggay leaves and coconut cream. Its aroma and unique taste is delicious with the mixture of coconut milk "gata", lemon (kalamansi), onions, red chili peppers and malunggay leaves. The meat of shark or manta ray is boiled in water to discard the foul smell, then it is flaked with your hand by disposing the bone cartillage of the fish. My recipe below is spicy and hot. Gubatnons do not eat hot foods with lots of chili peppers. So, please disregard the chili peppers if you do not eat spicy dish.

KINUNOT RECIPE

1 kilo of Shark or Manta Ray
3 Coconuts (grated from the market)10 Lemons (kalamansi)
3 Cups Malunggay Leaves
10 pcs chili peppers (Labuyo)
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tbsp. coconut oil
1 cup chopped onions

DIRECTIONS: Prepare a large pot by placing the shark or manta ray with just enough of water to cover the fish. Bring to a boil and take out the fish and dispose the foul hot water. Let the fish to cool off, meanwhile, cut and press all the kalamaPnsi in a bowl. Flake the fish from its bones and set aside. Prepare the grated coconut by mixing a cup of lukewarm water and pressing it with both hands, pouring the cream to the prepared bowl, then set aside. In a hot pan, put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, then saute the garlic and onions until golden brown. Place the flaked fish and the lemon juice (kalamansi), then let it cook for another 10 minutes. Add the pressed grated coconut cream, the malunggay leaves and the chilies and let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the dish is almost dry. Serve it hot on a dish with steamed rice.

LINANTA NA PILI

ANGUL, KUYOG AND LINANTA NA PILI

Linanta na Pili is one the favorite dish of the people of Sorsogon where Pili trees abound. 85% of the production of Pili in the Philippines come from Sorsogon. Linanta na Pili is served with steamed rice and is paired in the meal with a dip, like the paga of kuyog (salted small Siganid or Danggit fish sauce), patis, soy sauce or any salty sauce. The taste is nutty and mushy and very delicious. It is also best eaten with some other viands on a dinner table like the Inun-on na Angul, Paksiw na Galunggong, Inihaw na Tamban and many more. To the poor, it can be the main viand for their meal in the barrios where fish or meat are not available. The outer covering of the shell of the Pili nut which is fibrous is dipped on a lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Take out the Pili from the water and you will find that the hard fibrous meat will turn into a soft pulpy mush. My wife Edith would dip it in sugar and the taste is nutty in flavor and very delicious. It is also a nice dessert. Pili is also popular because the Pili nut is made into candies!

Another food that is gaining popular to the Gubatnons is the Bicol Express. Gubatnons are not really eaters of spicy foods the same way as the bicolanos from the north. Our forebears would really avoid the fiery hot chilies to include or mixed on any dish. My lola, Nila Acuna really hated hot foods when I was young. I never recalled any hot chili dish prepared on our table. When I transferred in Manila I started sampling Laing and Bicol Express from my neighbors' who were bicolanos who lived near the foothills of Mayon and eventually I learned to love it. I guess it is gaining acceptance in Gubat as many are testing for the purpose of assesing these spicy foods. Since we are bicolanos, famous for spicy eaters do we really want to chicken out these fiery lovable and delectable chilies? Try it.

BICOL EXPRESS