Yummy Yema Candies

What can I say about the yema made by Apple and Geof? Hmm sweet and yummy!

What's the recipe? TOP SECRET!

12 Little Things You Can Do

So much have been said and written about the book "12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country" by Alex Lacson especially during the election campaign period in 2010, but it was only now that we were able to buy the book at an unusual place - at one of the stalls selling gift items at the UP Shopping Center.

Indeed the list of 12 things to do given by Lacson are so simple that if only every Filipino does his/her part, our country, the Philippines will indeed be great again.

The book, however, needs a detailed guide and more information for it to make an impact. Here is my commentary on some of the things to do listed above:

1. Follow traffic rules. Follow the law. Following traffic rules and the law should not only be focused on the driver of private vehicles. PUV/PUJ drivers especially jeepney and bus drivers should be given a list of what they should do to improve the traffic (example: where to load and unload, proper attire, smoke belching, etc.)

A list of things to do for the pedestrian must also be given. For example, cross only along pedestrian crossing, wait for vehicles at the loading and unloading areas, etc.

And the most important, a list of things to do for the traffic enforcers must be highlighted. It is frustrating to folow traffic rules, if the traffic enforcers DO NOT KNOW how to implement them. For example, a right lane which says "for right turns only" should be strictly implemented. Those who block the way should be penalized.

2. Don't buy smuggled goods. Buy Local. Buy Filipino. Lacson emphasized the boost to the local economy if we do this. However, the government has a major role to play to make this program effective. First, the people don't really know which goods are smuggled or not. If we buy an item in a popular supermarket, does it mean you are not buying smuggled goods? There are rumors of big time smugglers operating big supermarkets. Pinoys prefer to buy cheap goods and in most cases these goods are smuggled. The government should stop smuggling altogether.

As for local products vs imported products, a list should be provided on which product to support. Lacson mentioned an example for toothpaste: Happee toothpaste is Filipino, Colgate and Close-up is imported. A list of basic commodities made in the philippines should be provided or may be a label like "Buy Pinoy" should be marked on these local products. Obviously, the foreign companies will complain of the government's bias to local products, but what the heck!

To be continued ....

A Savory Experience

My twin sisters and their families are on vacation during the Christmas break. This is the best time of the year for eating out and bonding. My brother-in-law, Ruben says he misses the Savory chicken at Manila. So during one of our trips, specifically on our way to the Ayala Museum, we dropped by at Savory at Makati Ave. for lunch. Our food orders: Savory chicken, lumpiang shanghai, pancit canton and ampalaya. What's the verdict from the balikbayans? "Ok, pa rin ang Chicken, parang yung original! Masarap yung sauce." "Wow, the best ang ampalaya - hindi mapait!". "Crispy ang lumpia." Over-all, everybody was satisfied. We left with a happy face and a full tummy.

Indeed, eating at Savory is satisfying. The food is good and prices are very reasonable.

Apple's Omurice of Tuna Paella

Omurice is "a contemporary Japanese dish consisting of an omelette made with fried rice"(Wikepedia). It's one of the dishes that we usually order at Mashitta at the UP Shopping Center.

During the Christmas break, Andy bought several cans of Century Tuna Paella. This canned food is a favorite of the kids. Andy suggested: "why not make an omelette with the tuna paella inside?". So during one of those relaxing nights, Apple was inspired to create her omurice using the tuna paella as the filling. She was so happy and proud with the outcome - you know, it's difficult to roll the egg with the filling inside and come up with a complete omurice, It takes a lot of practice to create a perfect omurice. So she did not only served the dish in one of our dinners but she also prepared the dish again during our new year lunch at her family's residence at Malabon.

Omurice with Tuna Paella? Try it.

Lola Cons' Painting

It's not too late to start a hobby like painting and sketching. This is what "Lola Cons" has demonstrated. "Lola Cons" is Consolacion Coronel Maglalang, our aunt and my kids lola, who was born in 1923 and now 87 years old.

Lola Cons with the Samson Family (Dec 2010)

She was enrolled by her daughter, Liza, in a 10-day session of art at UP last year (2010). The sessions include sketching and painting using various types of media (water color, pastel, pencil). Because of her age, she was given a discount by her instructor. After only a few sessions, "Lola Cons" showed her talent and skill in art.

The "Lady at the Window" looks like her daughter, Liza.

"Lola Cons" works consist mostly of flowers and still life using water color and pastel. Her works are indeed extraordinary considerng her age. Some of her "master pieces" were given for free (like the one in the photo above which was given to my sister who lives in the US) and some of them were bought by friends and relatives. It's really a marvel to see Lola Cons' effortless creativity. In art, age doesn't matter. What matters is that art ages. I believe Lola Cons works will be priceless.

Some of Lola Cons Works in 2010