WQ: Christmas Traditions

What are the Christmas traditions you and your family practice?

I find it hard to say what Christmas tradition we follow religiously because we have tried some variations of it over the years but some of them didn't stick. I have mentioned in my previous post Cherish the Memories, that we had quite a few traditions going.

We shall never forget the favorite Christmas tradition, Noche Buena. It is definitely a must in most, if not all, Filipino families. Everyone gathers at our house and we usually have two or three Fiesta Ham “balls” (although the ones that I find in the grocery store here are yummier), bacon, spaghetti, fried chicken, chicken salad and my grandmother’s special Humba recipe that no one else can make. We’ve added a few dishes in our repertoire however and that was my double chocolate cake (that I stopped making because I hate the mess afterwards), my infamous lasagna with white sauce (yum yum) and my special potato salad (with lots of boiled egg and bacon). When my hubby (then my BF) started spending Christmas in our house, he also added his special Balbacua to the fray and it has become a family favorite!

My grandmother was big on Christmas decors and my mom, being the ingenious shopper that she is, sent us the whole deal – the tree, decors, lights, you name it! She even included a small Christmas Village set for us to display in our living room (we used perla soap and salt to make fake snow). We used to have the Nativity Scene on display at my grandparent’s house though. We did decorate last year but I didn’t set up the Christmas Village because it was too much of a hassle to clean up.

I also mentioned that we always have fireworks by midnight. We used to have a lot but since the prices of fireworks have increased, we just keep it to a minimum. Oh, and I can’t help but add how Mommy Shine my six year old Dalmatian is scared stiff of fireworks! I remember how she cowers underneath my computer desk while I’m online shivering and now since P is stuck with her (he has spoiled her rotten), she follows him around the house whenever she hears fireworks!

We used to have the manito-manita or Secret Santa but it didn’t stick. I think it’s because the adults hate shopping and don’t like the idea of it as much as we kids did.

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Pinoy Top Ten #8

Top 10 Pinoy Carols (usually murdered during Christmas)

1. Jingle Bells
2. Pasko Na Naman
3. Kasadya
4. Feliz Navidad
5. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
7. Christmas in Our Hearts
8. Silent Night
9. Joy to the World
10. Deck the Halls
    

Ang ibig sabihin ng murdered dito ay yung mali na lyrics kapag kumanta ang mga bata na carolers tuwing Pasko.

The word murdered in this context means that the kids that sing these carold don't usually know the correct lyrics to the songs. Personally, I think it's cute and I don't have the heart to correct them.

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WQ: Cherish the Memories

I'm back and I am excited to reminisce and share my Christmas experience after I posted a...melancholy post. Now, on to the question.

What special Christmas memories do you still cherish as the years pass by?

I cannot pinpoint a single Christmas memory because there have been quite a lot that colored my past but I have learned to appreciate every memory.

I remember Christmas dinner at my grandparents house with my father's family. My grandfather was one who loved Christmas and spared no expense when it came to Christmas dinner and the decorations. Everywhere you looked there were various twinkling lights on the outdoor plants and I remember the tall Christmas tree and the presents underneath it, it was enough to make a little girl excited! Approaching 12 midnight, we would all gather in the porch and see the grown-ups set up the fireworks and by 12, all of them where airborne.

When my grandfather died, Christmas wasn't the same. We didn't have the same Christmas spirit that we used to have when he was still alive. We didn't gather at their old house anymore so we had Christmas dinner at our place. It was my grandmother who made our Christmas special. She would always take out the decorations and encouraged me to participate in the preparations. It was during this time that I started baking and helping out in the kitchen. This time, I was happy to try out new things like my fudge chocolate cake and my infamous lasagna. Ham, bacon and hotdogs were a staple and my grandmother would make her famous humba and estofado. Yumm yumm! We invited everyone for Christmas dinner and we also had the fireworks; our very own Christmas tradition.

There is no Christmas like a Filipino Christmas. With me in another country, I can only wish that I was back home...if only in my dreams...

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When it Rains

It was just a few minutes ago that I heard the pitter patter of the raindrops on the roof. It is actually raining! Perhaps the first rain that has ever fallen California skies since I first set foot here in June.

Well, I'm not like the mogwai (read Gremlins) who multiplies when wet or the WWW (read Wicked Witch of the West) who melts but I used to loathe the rain. Back in the Philippines, tropical storms are as common as a...well, a common rat! I hated the rain! I mean, it's not like I spend a lot of time outdoors but I just hate getting around the city in the rain. With the gadawful pedicab drivers, I had no other recourse but to hate the rain.

Seriously though, I did my stint and sang in the rain (as if I could carry a tune); but that was years ago. I did my time and used my books as my umbrella; pathetic, I know but everybody did it at one time or another. Getting caught in a rainstorm? On a motorcycle? Walking? Running? You name it! I did it!

So here I am reminiscing about the rain when I was on top when there hasn't been any rainfall (as far as I know) in this part of the world. I guess you really miss something that you haven't had for a long time. Hmmm it does make me think about things that I do miss the most.

It's just so pathetic that we have spent more months away from each other than we spent together. I know it's for a reason but still...it does put a dampen to my spirits, and I know his.

Sniff...the rain is bringing in melancholy thoughts. I wonder what's gotten into me.

Image: Google Images

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Eye HEART Pinas

Perhaps one of the things that I miss is being in my own country. I guess I never realized it until I left the Philippines for the first time three years ago. I was the typical Pinoy who had a bad case of "colonial mentality." Sure, I liked things "made in the Philippines" but more often than not, I patronized imported goods.

It wasn't until I left the country that I craved to be back to the place where I grew up. It wasn't because I missed someone back home (that was a factor, too) but it was because being in another country made me realize that I didn't appreciate my roots. Typically, I scorned everything Filipino: from music, to movies, to the government (of course, it is still something to scorn at), you name it.

I was wrong. It was only this time where I appreciated OPM music, well not all of them were good but I learned to appreciate Filipino artists and the Philippines as a whole. I guess you could say that I hungered to hear about anything that reminded me of home that my ears immediately perked up everytime I heard people speak in Tagalog or any other Filipino dialect. I still do, as a matter of fact.

I feel a sense of shame sometimes because I haven't been to different places in the Philippines. Yup, I was just constrained to the Visayas and to Negros Oriental where Dumaguete City, my hometown is located. It's true, it seems like I have been to different states of the US than in the different provinces of the Philippines.

My Lakbayan grade is D!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

A few years ago, I also saw an ad campaign for WOW Philippines on T.V. and it made me think about the natural beauty of the Philippines. You might have seen it a few times already, but it is a song recorded by 21 Filipino artists promoting Philippine tourism. The song is called "Byahe Tayo" composed by Rico Blanco and MikeVillegas; lyrics by Rene Nieva, and arranged by Angelo Villegas.

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Weekly Questions #16: Pig Brains in My Lasagna

Teacher Julie had a really interesting question for this week and a story behind it. You see her friend had a second helping of lasagna only to find out that it wasn't beef but PIG BRAINS! If you want to read the whole story, visit Greenbucks.info for the article. Okay, so now that you have read the story behind it, here is the question:

If it were you in that situation, what would you do?

Now, this is a toughie! As Filipinos we are raised to polite to a fault wherein it would be a faux pas to be downright rude to our host or hostess. Yes, we all just have to "grin and bear it" or simply "suck it in". Although I am all for trying out new things, feasting on pig brains would not be at the top of my list.

However, since I had survived eating the first helping without nothing drastic happening to me and it tasted good, I would probably eat a third helping of it! I see nothing wrong with pigs and brains in my favorite lasagna, but hey, they said Filipinos eat the whole pig but the oink!

There are other dishes that are borderline gross, if you ask me. Take the infamous Dinuguan (Cooked pig's blood with intestines), now that is something that I draw the line to eating. I know Pinoys love their Dinuguan to death (pardon my pun) but I'm not one of them.

Eating pig's intestines is also yummy, well if it's cleaned and cooked well, I would love to munch on one! I've also tasted goat's head stew or something but I forgot what it was called. I didn't see the goat's head though so I could stomach it as well as everyone. It tasted like beef, actually. I've got to admit that my hubby is a fan of letting me try some of the things that I don't normally eat but as long as they're cooked and deemed safe, I would have some!

Kinilaw (the Pinoy version of seviche) is also yummy especially if it's prepared by my hubby. It's not cooked but it's wallowing in acid that I think most, if not all bacteria have been eliminated. Balut is another story though. I absolutely do not want to eat the whole duck embryo! I can take eating the yellow thingy and sipping the liquid in it but I absolutely abhor munching on the poor little ducky.

Come to think of it, Pinoy food does sound like an episode of Fear Factor!

Image: Google Images


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Pamaskong Handog ng Paraiso

To start the of the holiday season, Paraiso Philippines and Paraiso Philippines Forum is having a contest. To join this contest, you must register for free at Paraiso Philippines Forum (PPF) and read the contest rules for you to join.

To existing members of PPF don't forget to reread the rules and check out the sample article provided for your guidance. This contest is geared upon getting to know more about the Philippine Islands and forming friendships with all other Pinoys. Being one of the active members of the forum and a frequent visitor of Paraiso Philippines, I am proud to say that I have learned more about our country and her natural and man made resources.

Prizes at stake for the Pamaskong Handog ng Paraiso
First Place Winner - PHP 15,000.00
Second Place Winner - PHP 7,000.00
Third Place Winner - PHP 3,000.00

Interested? Please register at PPF and join the one day event that would change your life forever. Please indicate that you have been referred by Zerisse when you sign up.

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Scrapbook Saturday: Unforgettable

A wedding doesn't always mean it's about the bride and groom. Most of the time, it's your friends that make it unforgettable.

Both photos where taken during our wedding last March 24, 2008. These are one of our wacky shots.

Credits
Template: Scooty, Template 3
Papers: kaylek, Pastles Kit | Amanda Thorderson, Mariposa Kit| AmelieScrap, Summer Kit Alike
Embellishments: Amanda Thorderson, Mariposa Kit | AmelieScrap, Summer Kit Alike
Quote: Mindy terasawa, QC 83108

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Memes: Weekly Question #5

While browsing around the blogosphere, I came across a meme that grabbed my interest. This is the first time I am joining this meme and I'm really looking forward to doing this regularly. Fortunately, Julie of GreenBucks (creator of this meme) is sending them via email so I will be reminded whenever a new question is up.

What lies ahead for me (and my family) during these tough times? Do we know where we are heading?

Our future looks dim. Asking me why? Well, I am juggling living with half of my family stuck in the Philippines while I'm here in the US. I know many people would say that we're lucky I have dollars to send back to the Philippines but are we that lucky? I think not. Let me start by comparing my experiences in the Philippines and here.
When I left last June 10, gas prices in the Philippines were already 50 Php per liter. It was also reported that it will reach as high as 65 Php per liter at the end of the year. We all know that gas price increase signal financial changes for all of us. Prices for commodities and other services would surely increase because of the gas prices. True enough, the 6 Php fare for our pedicabs became 7.50 Php the week before I left.
A lot of Filipinos still depend on their salary to provide for their family. Unfortunately, Philippine salary is not that good, well, except for a few who receive really big paychecks. Since more Filipinos (me included) belong to the middle-class and bellow bracket, this poses a problem. How can we feed our family? Well, minimum wage increased by 5 Php (if I remember correctly) but 5 Php can never circumvent the rapidly increasing prices. Yes, there is an increase in wages but the volatile gas prices change almost every week so this still poses a problem. I mean, wages don't increase every week, right?
Then there is the rice crisis. I know we Filipinos cannot live without rice since we equate rice as food and all other rice substitutes are unheard of. The last time I bought NFA rice it was more than 20 Php and if you want to get the really cheap rice, you have to stay in line for a whole day and you can't buy more that 3 kilos of rice for each family! Now this is crazy! Rice prices are also increasing day by day which also results in rice hoarders. This directly affects us because prices immediately increase based on the law of supply and demand.
In a first world country, like the US, for example. Gas prices are also increasing. Last time we gassed up it was 4.57 USD per gallon. According to my mother, this is really high because 2 years ago, gas prices didn't go beyond 2 USD per gallon. Because many people rely on their cars as a mode of transportation, gas prices are a big blow to all Americans and other nationalities working here.
Fortunately, they can get gas at a discount price because of membership to Costco and others. I also remember a friend of mine saying that every time she fills her car with gas, a small percentage goes into her child's education fund. You don't see that in the Philippines, that's for sure!
Commodities and other services here are also increasing. But again, if you have a membership, you get the membership discount. Convenient, isn't it? We don't have that in the Philippines! Well, there are a lot of wholesale stores popping in the Philippines, too but we can't afford to buy a whole box of everything and we usually stick to what we need for one month.
There is also a sale every week here and I'm not talking about clothes, I am talking about food! Each store has food items on sale. This really helps, doesn't it? Again, we don't have that in the Philippines.
Do I know where I am heading? No, I do not. I still can't imagine what the situation in the Philippines would be like. I know for sure that it would never become better. Our government prevents that and we all know that. What with the scandals popping up here and there and issues of corruption and other illegal activities surfacing, we can only imagine.
It's like a bad movie playing for all to see. I still don't know where I'm heading. Do you?

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