Bojol Grill brings joy if you are having O Holy Night in Tagbilaran

My favorite at Bojol Grill- Adobong Manok at P90 only.

If you are in Tagbilaran and could not sing O Holy Night from your bed, try going out to Bojol Grill located near the  Plaza Rizal in downtown Tagbilaran. This is the only affordable watering hole that opens until three in the morning.

The place could be deceiving and if you are not keen on asking a habal-habal (yes dear, habal-habal is a way of life in this city) or a tricycle driver, you might not find it. Bojol Grill is smacked at the back of stalls infront of the National Museum of Tagbilaran.

Bojol Grill has an air-conditioned restaurant, several karaoke rooms (price ranging from P100 to P150 an hour) and the open air area for smokers and in case the smell of fried food intoxicates you inside.

The waiting staff are nice and courteous and the place looks clean. 

A note of caution- the restaurant is usually full of rowdy students on Sundays and Mondays, understandably because they just came from their hometowns, with pockets full of money to spend. Also, gays in different forms frequent the area.

That and all, Bojol Grill would be an interesting place to people watch while having your cold beer.

Nothing has changed since People Power 1

In view of the celebration of the anniversary of the People Power Revolution, I would like to present to the whole nation this list on why we are called Filipinos. Nothing has changed yet ever since.  I know you would be offended with this posting but this is another list that confirms why we are Filipinos and what have we become. I know you too, would accuse me of sending negative vibes to the whole nation, but what can I do? These are so very true!

1. Every street has a basketball court.
2. Even doctors, lawyers and engineers are unemployed.
3. Doctors study to become nurses for employment abroad.
4. Students pay more money than they will earn afterwards.
5. School is considered the second home and the mall considered the third.
6. Call-center employees earn more money than teachers and nurses.
7. Everyone has their own personal ghost story and superstition.
8. Mountains like Makiling and Banahaw are considered holy places.
9. Everything can be forged.
10. All kinds of animals are edible.
11. Starbucks coffee is more expensive than gas.
12. Driving 4 kilometers can take as much as four hours.
13. Flyovers bring you from the freeway to the side streets.
14. Crossing the street involves running for your dear life.
15. The personal computer is mainly used for games and Facebook.
16. Where colonial mentality is dishonestly denied!
17. Where 4 a.m. is not even considered bedtime yet.
18. People can pay to defy the law.
19. Everything and everyone is spoofed.
20. Where even the poverty-stricken get to wear Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger (fake)!
21. The honking of car's horn is a way of life.
22. Being called a bum is never offensive.
23. Flood waters take up more than 90 percent of the streets during the rainy season.
24. Where everyone has a relative abroad who keeps them alive.
25. Where wearing your national colors make you baduy (dorky) and wearing any semblance of the flag is punishable by law.
26. Where even the poverty-stricken have the latest cell phones. (GSM-galing sa magnanakaw, in English, stolen from other people)
27. Where insurance does not work.
28. Where water can only be classified as tap and dirty.
29. Clean water is for sale (35 pesos per gallon).
30. Where the government makes the people pray for miracles. (Amen to that!)
31. Fast food is a diet meal.
32. Traffic signs are merely suggestions, not regulations.
33. Where being mugged is normal and It happens to everyone.
34. Rodents are normal house pets.
35. The definition of traffic is the 'non-movement' of vehicles.
36. Where the fighter planes of the 1940s are used for military engagements. The new fighter planes are displayed in museums.
37. Where cigarettes and alcohol are a necessity, and where the lottery is a commodity.
38. Where soap operas tell the realities of life and where the news provides the drama.
39. Where actors make the rules and where politicians provide the entertainment.
40. People can get away with stealing trillions of pesos but not a thousand.
41. Where being an hour late is still considered punctual (it's true!)
42. Where the squatters have more to complain (even if they do not pay their taxes) - than those employed and have their tax automatically deducted from their salaries.
43. And where everyone wants to leave the country!

Whoever made this list, congratulations!

Agony in New Zealand

The recent earthquake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand did not only devastate that country but the Philippines as well. 

Many Filipinos, in the hope of finding greener pastures, are flocking to that country. In what could be a worst case of bad luck, some batch of nurses just arrived last Sunday (February 20) in Christchurch and was attending English language classes on Monday when the 6.3 tremor happened. 

There are no immediate news on what is happening to them. Until now.

Let us pray for the people of New Zealand and the Filipinos who are suffering there. Let us do what we can for all of them. May the Great God be upon them and us all.

UPDATE FROM NZHERALD.CO.NZ
This is a sad news. I hope the Filipinos still trap at CTV won't give up.

More bodies found at CTV

Rescuers have found several more bodies at the collapsed CTV building today.

A large team of Japanese searchers earlier entered the site with dogs and several bodies have now been carried out of the rubble in body bags.

Australian search and rescue personnel had been using specialist listening equipment at the site this morning but said they had not heard any signs of life.

Queensland USR Deputy taskforce leader Peter Dawson said that his team had spent the morning at the site after reports a text message had been sent from it.

"We have not been able pick up any confirmation of anybody... at the moment." he said.

Rescuers last night returned to the site to sift through the rubble despite police previously saying they were "100 per cent sure" there were no survivors after Tuesday's earthquake.

The site had been deemed too dangerous for rescuers, with fears more of the building could collapse and they pulled out to focus on the PGG Building around 1.30pm yesterday.

However, police issued a release early this morning saying work at the site had resumed and Civil Defence Minister John Carter later told media that Urban Search and Rescue crew had been able to return with equipment to secure the building.

Police stressed the work was a recovery operation as more survivors were not expected, but said the teams always remained hopeful.

More than 100 people were believed to be still in the building, which housed the regional television station, a nursing school and a language school, although Mr Carter said authorities did not have a figure for how many people could be inside.

Pictures grabbed from the following sources:

heraldsun.com.au; thakurproxy.appspot.com; minivannews.com

Ang binangkal ni Emie: A great and filling snack of the day

I do not know how other people call them, but here in the Visayas area, we call them Binangkal. Those fried mildly sweet balls of flour coated with sesame seeds we love to have as a snack or in my case, breakfast.

I am quite intrigue at how they are made and what are its ingredients since they are really my favorite. I found out lately, after being invited to observe, that making binangkal is quite easy. I am planning to make mine when I have the time.

All you need are these ingredients: a high grade flour for best results, about 5 cups; baking powder, about 5 teaspoonful; brown sugar, 2 cups or more if you want them super sweet; some eggs, about two or three; a cup of evaporated milk and some vanilla drops.

Mix the eggs and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Pour in the vanilla (why not try lemon drops?) for some flavoring. Add flour and fold them well. If the flour hardens, add some milk until well mixed. Form into small balls, about the size of ping pong balls, and roll them over the sesame seeds.

Heat a pan of vegetable oil and put in the balled flour. Wait for them to turn golden brown and then shake off excess oil. Better put them in paper towels so that the excess oil are absorbed by the towels.

Your binangkal should be ready to eat. A good cup of coffee or a cold fruit juice goes well with the binangkal.

Enjoy.

Drugs, death penalty and other issues

On drugs and drug mules

There are Filipinos being found guilty of drug trafficking in other countries and sentenced to death because they have been used as drug mules. Drug mules are people used to transport illegal drugs to a certain destination. Sometimes they carry drugs through ingestion (eating) them to escape detection.

It is a sad fact that these Filipinos were used as couriers by drug traffickers. It is also sad that these Filipinos wanted themselves to be used because of the amount of money they were promised when they have the goods delivered. Sadder, and a shameful act, when the Philippine government wanted these traffickers be given clemency from concerned governments.

The Noynoy administration shows its true colors- aside from being weak, they wanted illegal acts to thrive in this country. What a shame! The Philippine government could not even fast track the case of the shabu laboratory in Cebu involving Chinese nationals which they said have been raided six years ago. What happened to the case?

RH Bill and the Catholic Church

Over the weekend, the quasi-parish of Mansasa in Tagbilaran attended a "seminar" on RH Bill. Most of those who attended were already in their twilight years, to be harsh, the old folks of that barangay. And most of them went home, angry at the organizers, for asking them to attend  a seminar that did not explain what really is the RH Bill but instead talk about condoms, abortion and pre-marital sex in a crowd were even sex is no longer an issue. 

Worst, they take the landslide in Southern Leyte years ago as an example of how their God punished people because those people were living in sin by exchanging partners. Oh my.

That said, the desperate move of the Catholic church is kind of, funny.

Diplomatic booboos

Yes, it is true that Taiwan nationals are considered Chinese but they do not want to be called part of mainland China. Despite of that fact, the Philippines deported Taiwanese nationals to Beijing for the alleged swindling cases they did there without considering the very thin ties between Taiwan and China.

Now the Philippines is making desperate moves to appease Taiwan knowing Taiwan retaliated by making it hard for OFWs to go there. Maybe giving more headaches to the OFWs already working there.

Photos from allvoices.com and epbites.blogspot.com

The Academy is no longer a bastion of integrity and honesty

What happened between the years when the academy was viewed with awe and respect, and today when it is perceived as a producer of adventurers and of big-time crooks? Sad. ~Gualberto B. Lumauig, former member of the House of Representatives and former governor of Ifugao

I admit I was smitten whenever the words Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are mentioned. Was. Infact, I was an eager visitor to that academy many years back and was proud I had a first degree cousin who graduated from there.

Now whenever the word PMA is mentioned I cringed, the hairs at the back of my neck standing like there was a ghost pouring ice water in my neck. Not that I believe in ghosts. No wonder my cousin hastily left from the military after a few years of service and pursued his flying career overseas.

My biased mentality always focus on the generals and officials claiming they were a graduate (mistah, I supposed they were called) from that prestigious academy. Now that prestige is being tarnished because that academy was producing, after the hype and all, corrupt generals and officials of the Philippine military. 

Nothing, not even the suicide of its known graduate, the former AFP chief Angelo Reyes, could erase the case of plundering people's money by these high and mighty officials. Angelo Reyes was given a hero's burial.

If they could deceive the people of the Philippines into believing that they were taught honesty, integrity, gallantry and obedience to duty in that academy while secretly pocketing millions of our money during their terms, what is the use of PMA's presence?

I am sure the city of Baguio are no longer proud of that Academy.

Read some more here-

Commentary: PMA: An image gone from posh to pot
News: DoJ eyes wider probe of military corruption

Pic from cityofpines.com

Too much love won't kill you-

it produces unwanted children.

Say YES TO RH BILL!

Today we remember

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Whichever camp you are in: lovers who make this day extra sweet or those who hate those lovers because they are heartbroken and bitter.

Today we remember.

You will remember

Pablo Neruda

You will remember that leaping stream
where sweet aromas rose and trembled,
and sometimes a bird, wearing water
and slowness, its winter feathers.
You will remember those gifts from the earth:
indelible scents, gold clay,
weeds in the thicket and crazy roots,
magical thorns like swords.
You'll remember the bouquet you picked,
shadows and silent water,
bouquet like a foam-covered stone.
That time was like never, and like always.
So we go there, where nothing is waiting;
we find everything waiting there.

EGYPT IS FREE!

ALLAHU AKBAR!

After 18 days of protests, finally, Egypt's President for about 30 years steps down. The people overpowers a powerful man. Egyptians are in high spirits, jubilant protesters rejoiced all over the world. Just like Tunisia's.

Egyptian protest leader Wael Ghonim told CNN Friday the real heroes of the revolution are the young Egyptians in Tahrir Square and the rest of the country. (CNN)

What's next Egypt?

But amid the euphoria, ElBaradei sounded a note of caution. "We have challenges ahead of us," said the Nobel laureate, who some believe could emerge as Egypt's next leader. "I think we need to not worry about retribution. Mubarak needs to go, and we need to look forward." (CNN)

All photos from CNN except topmost from MSN

This is not about religion

The volatile Egyptian protests are now starting to boil with the announcement that Hosni Mubarak is not going to step down despite 30 years of mean police rule.

Because of this, Muslims and Christians in Egypt joined hands to show a force Mubarak could not ignore. Not anymore! No more! Such is their deep love for their country almost everyone: children, women, laborers, professionals; everyone, went out to make one big force to show their disgust for the widespread poverty, unemployment and corruption in the government.

--------------------\*********/--------------------

"That's why we have to destroy the system, which is based on the theory that people shouldn't speak out, that this country is their country, so it's not your right to ask. No, it is my right to ask you. If you're a minister, you are a civil servant, you are an employee of the government. With all due respect, my taxes pay for your salary." ~Wael Ghonim, Google executive & Egyptian protester

--------------------/*********\--------------------

But there is one touching scene I wish would happen not just in Egypt but also around the world: Christians forming a circle defending Muslims praying in Tahrir Square. Now, in return, Muslims are doing the same favor for the Christians who decided that doing prayers in the same square is a welcome option. Both the Christian cross and the Quran are raised together without fear, without prejudice, and sharing a common goal.

What a beautiful world.

Imagine.

Photo from Getty Images/AFP thru CNN

Looking up

Here are some shots I took at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral while under its shade at high noon. When I saw the results, I was imagining Alexandria or Rome. Photos taken by my good old Sony Ericsson K800i mobile phone.

Former Defense Chief Reyes commits suicide!

Unlike the people of Egypt, we Filipinos lionize plunderers, even reelect them to public office. ~Leslie Lofranco-Berbano

My day started with a cold brush of air in the neck when I heard former AFP Chief and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes committed suicide at the tomb of his mother in Loyola Park, Marikina City. I was in the jeep and the passengers had a heated argument on who was guilty or not. Everyone agreed the former secretary was guilty.

And I could not agree more. Reyes' death by suicide confirms speculations that he was one of the guilty party of the wealth amassed by retired generals of the Armed Forces in the Philippines. Retiring generals are alleged to receive millions when they left office. 

Upon investigation by the Senate, several generals suffered severe amnesia they forgot their wives bought around eight houses abroad. Whoah! No wonder the graft ridden AFP still adopt the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

Rest in peace Sir Angelo Reyes, but your death does not clean up the mess the AFP is now in. The people of the Republic of the Philippines still deserves full accounting of the money a few generals pocketed.

This is a deep blow to the ongoing investigation, for all members of the Armed Forces and the Filipino people's quest for the truth. In the light of this incident we hope Congress and the Senate can expedite this proceeding to ensure immediate enactment of laws in furtherance of good governance measures for the whole Armed Forces. ~ Brigadier General Jose Mabanta Jr., AFP spokesman 

Inquirer: Angelo Reyes commits suicide

Inquirer: General has houses in US
AntiPinoy: Reyes death does not absolve the institutions and policies that breed corruption
Photo: Malacanang Palace

Bloated for a day!

I have the privilege to "own" one of the most generous friends in the entire world. They are four actually and they treat me to an early birthday celebration. Guess where- a JAPANESE RESTAURANT!

One of my greatest love happens to be Japanese food. They are simple, fresh and always delicious.

Last Friday, they brought me to this eat-all-you-can Japanese restaurant called Wakamatsu Yakiniku Dinner (located at Pacific Square, F. Cabahug Street, Mabolo, Cebu City, telephone number 032-232-5897). Actually, I've passed through this place but I did not know that there is a Japanese restaurant in that part of Cebu. But one thing I know, Korean restaurants abound the area.

Les is serious with her food

We were quite disappointed actually when we arrived at Wakamatsu because the place was full with only one small table available in a corner. And there were six of us. Lesson- call in for your reservations before coming in. 

With the six of us barely breathing in the corner, our waiting staff informed us she would transfer us to a more comfortable area good for six people but it never happened until we were done paying our bills. Everyone, take note, every one seemed not keen on leaving the place.

Yakiniku means "grilled meat" but actually is a general term for everything grilled, be they meat or vegetables or whatever. So I was not surprised when the wait staff brought in a really hot pot of flaming charcoals and placed them in the center of the table. This was going to be our little kitchen for the evening.

And we love the idea of cooking our own food.

Gilda enjoyed the cooking

The Angus beef (Ranchi karubi yaki) was thinly sliced and was ready in just a few minutes of grilling. I also loved the Squid (Ika yaki) even if it was still raw because they were tender yet crunchy, aside from spicy. We only have a few orders of Prawn (Ebi yaki) because shelling them took time. The Scallops with butter (Hotate yaki) was not really that fresh so we only had a plateful.

The rest of my friends also ordered Beef liver (Reba yaki), Chicken drumstick (Doramu chicken),  and Wakamatsu ramen.

But what I loved eating that night was the Bibinba Japanese rice (Ishiyaki bibinba), a combination of Japanese rice with veggies and meat and egg mixed right before your eyes. The Korean style cold noodles (Bibin reimen) was also delicious in its cold spiciness.

We bloated ourselves more with their dessert of  crushed ice (they spelled it as CRASHED ICE, and reminded me of the gory state of the ice when they were served) dribbled  with mango syrup. We lingered more until the restaurant informed us they would be closing soon. 

Wakamatsu charges PhP570 per person with their buffet. They charge also PhP285 for children. Please note that you have to review the menu first because our usual interpretation of eat-all-you-can might differ with theirs. The drinks are not free of course and are quite expensive.

I would like to try this restaurant again if I have the money.

Cold towels were served first, a welcoming relief from the heat outside

The grill at the foreground

Glo and Reg were amazed by the way Ishiyaki Bibinba was mixed

A really hot grill

My favorite- Bibin reimen

Also this one- Ika yaki

The crashed ice with mango syrup

The funny side of the Egyptian revolution

Despite tension and risk of being caught within the bloody Egyptian revolution, some protesters came out funny by creating innovative ways to protect their heads from flying stones and other objects as pro- and anti-Mubarak demonstrators wage a fight against each other. MOVE OVER LADY GAGA!

Here are some of them-

Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images

Ben Curtis/AP

Hannibal Hanschke/EPA

Source: Makezine

And one of the most awesome act- Egyptian Christians guarding Egyptian Muslims while they were praying. What a moving picture!

Source: RagamuffinSoul: What The American Christian Can Learn From The Egyptian Christian

Another year unfolds

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?

How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love. Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
Or the way that she died.

It's time now to sing out,
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Seasons of love!

Oh you got to got to
Remember the love!
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love spread love
Measure measure your life in love.


Lyrics from Rent's Seasons of Love. 
Cake and pics from Glee Baker.

Hosni Mubarak cares for his country?

"I was very unhappy about yesterday; I do not want to see Egyptians fighting each other."

"I don't care what people say about me. Right now I care about my country, I care about Egypt." (Mubarak in an interview with Amanpour's CNN)

 All pics grabbed from msnbc.msn.com