Lanterns of Hope

For so long a time, this has been a common sight outside the Provincial Jail. These dainty lanterns were made by the prisoners in order to generate income to give their families. They would sell them from P100 each while the more intricate ones are at P1000 and up.

Everytime that I passed by, I feel an unfathomable warmth. I would find myself looking at the wives who carefully display their "parols" as their children help along and I just can't take my eyes off them. I would see endless hope in their eyes as they try to persuade passers by to take home a lantern no matter how small it could be. A sale means a much better Noche Buena for them, not just "de lata" or canned goods nor instant noodles.

This year, the Provincial Jail has been moved to Tabunan, Bago City, farther from regular patrons who seemed to have made a pact to purchase their lanterns from their "suki's". As the jeepney I rode pass by the sidewalks of the former jail, I felt somehow sad because I only saw two or three stalls of these parols and I began to ponder, where would be the others who used to sell here and depend their families' Christmas dinner to these shining stars? Would their children still be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of the holidays? Would they even have another opportunity to earn this season? Questions that are left unanswered as I never had the courage to ask those who continue to sell at their stalls.

I wish that wherever they are, they find other ways to get through Christmas. As for their patrons, I know that as time goes by they will forget about it but for these women and children, they will always think of the light these patrons have given them as they take a lantern home.

Photos courtesy of Owen Segovia Bayog

Payback On Pay Day!

(A timely repost.)

Originally Posted on July 16, 2011. http://deadlevel.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/payback-on-pay-day/

I have been with the Business Processing Outsourcing world for quite some time now and I truly agree that for as long as one has what it takes, like multi-tasking skills, with knowledge on basic computer usage and of course equipped with good conversational English, one will definitely earn more than a local employee, with a diploma at that.

Needless to say, even if I never graduated, life is just good with a great line of business.

Recently, I was moved to a new account and needless to say, the daily “nose-bleed” as we like to call the knowledge overload, has made me numb and stony-eyed at at some point. But then on the other hand it has made me more thankful that not only do I have a job, but a good paying one at that.

Yesterday was pay day and it only means payback time! Got enough to pay bills and mocha granita as a bonus this time since I haven’t been on under-time for more than a month already meaning I get to stay at the office for the complete nine hours (I still can’t believe that I managed, as in!!! )

I don’t know about the others but for me pay day is payback because this time I felt that I am working hard for my keep and it’s so hurting to spend my salary on something that is of less worth.

As I hold my salary in my hands, I noticed that I was staring at it for a time. Then I decided that I have to make sure I spend my money wisely. Not so much on gastronomic extravagance but more on the necessities. I know I’m a bit old to realize it but hey, better late than never.

I have to keep in mind that I have to take advantage of my existing employment for I know this won’t last forever. I’m aging by the minute and there’s no guarantee that I can still keep up with it for a very long time.

An unsolicited advice to my colleagues, money is a good friend but sometimes could be an influence of bad judgment and greed.

A good friend because it helps us sustain our everyday needs as well as our respective families.

An influence of bad judgment because sometimes since we have it, it could dictate us that a particular want becomes a need.

Greed because we tend to lose our sense of contentment that we yearn for more than we can afford leading it to neglect of the real priorities that we have on our list.

Let’s try not to be impractical and instead handle our responsibilities real-time. I would sometimes hear others mumble that they just wish they saved even P500 per pay day but had no perseverance to do so. My point? It’s never too late. Always remember that it’s never too late to start now.

For my immediate course of action? Here goes.

• Instead of spending P75 – P120 for coffee, I will be settling for the native coffee at our favorite joint at the Libertad Market @ P10. (both kinds of coffee can keep me awake anyways.)

• Consider “ukay-ukay” for decent jeans (usually around P150-P250) rather than salivating on P2,000+ *Guess pants.

• De-stressing through filled tummies is good but just don’t do it everyday. If I’ll be too stressed, I’ll try to satisfy myself @ Tikboy’s Pork barbecue for P70 (that’s with cold softdrinks already mind you.)

• Instead of spending P100 for a cab, I’ll take a breather before commuting at a jeepney by smoking one cigarette. P100 and P15 makes a lot of difference. (It would be more fun if I am with the two other Muskeeterettes, Cathy and Joanne.) Besides, both can take me to my destination and with the traffic along Lacson Streets, there’s not much time difference.

• Instead of consuming almost two packs of Winston a day, try to reduce it by just smoking when I have too. (after eating, having coffee or on 15 minute breaks.) I bet my doctor would be happy too. 

• I’ll be more meticulous on a grocery day so that I won’t overspend. Be more vigilant on discounted items on the shelves so I can take advantage without missing the expiration date. (Be careful and avoid food poisoning…hehehe)

• Always make sure to bring my spill-proof tumbler to work so that I can get free coffee and water instead of spending P15 for the bottled ones.

• I’ll try to be more interested in tv series so that every time I buy dvd, it’s the complete season and not per partial number of episodes only.

Happy Thoughts!

Photo Credits

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://imgs.sfgate.com

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://imgs.sfgate.com

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://tobaccotrain.com

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com

Street Food Smorgasbord!

I seldom pass by the University of St. La Salle because I have a different route to work and although I would often think of venturing on what's new in the area, I just didn't seem to have found the time. Yesterday was a chance of another Happy Tummy. After taking care of some stuff in La Salle, I decided to wander the sidewalk of the university. 

The scorching heat of 3pm became the spotlight to my new paradise. It was a one-stop gluttonous haven! The fruit stall greeted me with delight as I chose from its offerings; papaya, indian mangoes and singkamas. Who am I to resist the vibrant orange color of the papaya? So I grabbed P10 from my pocket and gave in to my craving.

The second stall offers hot sweet corn bathed in melted butter. Another innovation that I seldom see on the streets of Bacolod. It's a common sight at the mall but on the streets? I don't think so. Another thing I noticed, only in USLS that corn vendors exert extra effort in capitalizing for butter. When I pass by other schools, they just pick the maize, remove the covers and shoot them in the plastic. Talk about USLS taste! However, despite my love for sweet corn, I was somehow deprived  from having one solely because I only have two hands. 

The third stall offered Piaya, a Negrense pride and the fourth one would be the peanuts. I hardly notice them because the enticing sound of deep-frying just dominated my imagination. Alas! There it was! Fried vegetable lumpia. For only P5 each, the hot lumpia warmed my heart (and tummy). I ordered 4 newly cooked ones and for my convenience, the kind-hearted "manong" placed it in a cup plastic cup with lots of sinamak, a local dip that consists of vinegar and bird's eye chilli (katumbal). Manong also offers chicken innards and the likes. Before I forget, there is also a stall that sells everything that is related to frying and eggs! From kwek kwek, tokneneng, and get this...Cheezlog! I have yet to try them because unfortunately, I was not that prepared to gorge on them.

Last but not the least, Matt's Burrito. Everything on the menu is P30 only, from Tacos and Quesadillas to Beef or Chicken Burrito. It's certainly a new view for me considering the bold attempt of the proprietor to venture into a business that requires quality ingredients in order to be fully appreciated. I have tried the street burrito in Mexico that would probably cost P50 that time and unfortunately this one didn't come close. Although it offered variety from the common menu of Bacolod's street food there is definitely more room for improvement in order to capture an eater's delight. Thicker and softer bread perhaps and more meat, tomatoes and onions would do the trick. I know for a fact that my fellow Bacolodnons would not mind paying P50 for a "sulit" burrito. 

One more thing, this strip is best for takeouts since there are no tables nor chairs for one to comfortably gobble these treats. But if you want to enjoy the hot food, then be ready for the dust, heat and prepare your dependable legs to stand up. And please don't forget to bring your own liquids. There may be a store where you can buy softdrinks or water but it's no guarantee that they are always cold. 

Happy Eating Everyone! :)

You Can't Always Get What You Want...Now What To Do About It

My 8 year old kid is so good at getting what she wants, always on a "win-win" situation. At a young age, she knows how to play her cards well at haggling, not really common with children her age. I have always taught her that rewards come when she is good and disaster if otherwise. But I also raise her to be contented, letting her understand why she only gets mediocre glory if she only does just as much. She knows that she can only dream so much but without doing the right thing, she will only harvest what she deserves.

I grew up with a "yes or no" policy but thankfully, my dad gave me the leeway to reason and be heard. I know that I have made millions of mistakes in the past but it's not how I was brought up but it's because of lack of sensibility in taking the right path in life. However, in the end, it taught me to face my consequences and make the most of them because it is a fact that whatever I do, comes it's rightful repercussion.

I am a witness to a lot of people trying to ask the question: Why can't I get what I want? I would end up asking myself, "Are they even in the position to demand for what they want?" How hard could it be to understand the most common cliche back in my elementary days, "Kung ano gintanum mo, amo man na ang anihun mo? (What you sow is what you will reap.)" What's not conceivable about it? It's as simple as not looking for coconut on a mango tree.

You want people around you to help you in you're times of great need? Then don't abuse others' generosity and better yet, make sure you have done your part of the bargain before screaming SOS. And please don't forget that those that you cried for help also have their own challenges to deal with. Give them the break they deserve by not being bitter because they are not extending a helping hand.They may have more serious problems than yours.

You demand utmost respect from your peers? You certainly may... that is if you give the respect they deserve too. But most importantly, make sure you have secured self-respect first. As I would always remind myself, "Don't do unto others, what you don't want others to do unto you." I think that's about right.

You desire attention and command? Make sure that what ever you preach you practice so that the rest of the world will know that you stand by your principles and you believe in them so hard that they will follow because of your strong conviction.

For everyone's aspiration, there is one essential requirement...ONE'S SELF. We want something? Then we do something about it. We work for it and not just depend on others. At least if we don't succeed we can still hold our head up high and be proud that we have given it our best shot.

Photo Credit: http://thepeoplescube.com/peoples-blog/the-michelle-obama-action-figure-doll-t4192.html

The "No Win" Burger

I was at Dalumbalay Burger Station today. After so many months of passing by the dainty refreshment, finally hubby and I decided to try their burgers. We ordered the DBB's Original (All In) basing on its inviting ingredients such as more meat, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onions, ham, bacon, pepperoni,pineapple and mushroom. For P130, I imagined eating it the sloppy way since it seemed to have offered a lot. I told myself, "I'm going to be smiling even if I'm so sick." The simplicity of the place made me feel I'm up for a home-made burger, like no other.

To my dismay, my palate fantasy disappeared into thin air when I checked out my order. The bun was a bit dry, the pineapple was 1/4 size of the regular one, instead of a bacon strip, it had approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon bits, a small pepperoni, mini ham, and 4 mini mushroom slices. 

In fairness the taste of their patty was ok and their lettuce was fresh but I don't think it would pass for its price for it did not offer anything spectacular. I have clearly fallen into a trap by false advertising and exaggerated campaigns by those who claim the place to be all worth it. In other words, I was duped!

Good thing that I was not able to really deal with my food since I was with my hubby and the two other muskeeteers who provided the fun and laughter. 

The next time I want to spend more than a hundred for a burger, I think I would just settle for Planta's Western Bacon Burger (P160) or Business Inn's American Cheeseburger (P100), which by the way would be a totally separate article worth writing about.