LITTLE QUIAPO

BRING OUT THE 'SHROOMS!

2011-08-02T11:55:00.006+08:00

We're having very wet 2 weeks in Manila brought by some typhoons and monsoons (whatever you term those whether disturbances are).

At any rate, like the old Filipino belief that mushrooms grow when it rains or when the grounds were hit by lightning, we're lucky to be able to pick some of them and make them into a soup that we rarely enjoy. This is Lola's (Grandma's) local version of mushroom soup.

The author personally picked, washed and cooked the mushrooms. The recipe is simple and personally, it seems healthy. The 'shrooms were just picked up, washed and boiled up in water, a little salt and some sprouts from bitter melon (amplaya).

Author is definitely not a professional cook, but he'd shown the pictures to a friend who is a professional chef in Canada. He drooled and quenched his drooling by eating something from his kitchen (some noodles I think).

Some people believe that it's dangerous to eat wild mushrooms since they are poisonous. Well, we're just lucky. This entry is being written two days after the soup was made and eaten. Author hasn't eaten this dish for quite sometime because there are rainy seasons when it is not available (its a chance that it grows to the ground, sometimes it's plenty, sometimes there's none).

Bon apetit for your eyes guys, LOLS!

TASTES LIKE CHICKEN?

2011-07-24T09:06:00.005+08:00

Good day everyone!

Yesterday while writing my previous entry, someone knocked on our doors. It's a man with a gun announcing that he shot a bayawak (monitor lizard) in our compound.

Well, curious as I always am, I approached the place where he tied the bayawak and I took some pictures of it. Everybody right now is getting crazy with the easy to get rich scheme of the gecko (tuko) black market, now let us take a look at it's larger sized cousin. If this is the one being bought by the millions in a few grams, we'll be instant millionaires, LOLS!

I know these pics are kinda sensitive for some individuals who are active in promoting the environment and I am not sure but I think Philippine's DENR already forbids the hunting of such creature. Take note that the author do not promote nor condemn this act, this is just a mere documentation. The man who shot it did not intend to hunt this creature, it just so happen that what he shot then was a bayawak.

Bayawak is also a popular exotic pulutan (a dish to eat with beer) for some. I found a recipe online on how to cook one http://www.grouprecipes.com/103400/adobo-sa-gatang-bayawak.html

I wonder if it really tastes chicken as they say. No hope of knowing, I do not think I would try it, LOLS!

Well for the bayawak's destiny, the man who shot it asked for permission to take the bayawak with him and I did not decline. End of the Story.

FINALLY BACK, THE TALE OF THE LONG HAIR AND THE BAND

2011-07-23T10:08:00.006+08:00

DV8 THEN

Mabuhay Guys!

It's almost a year since I wrote my last entry in this blog, well, what a lazy writer. I've just been too preoccupied with things and have a lot of struggles personally.

Well so much about the personal stuff, I've just decided to write whatever material is available. Little Quiapo now promises that he won't let metrics and literary rules become hindrance to his artistry, LOLS!

Anyway, guys, remember DV8 from the 90's? If you do remember the commercial of Ivory Shampoo that started the careers of Onemig Bondoc (matinee idol who started with his showbiz stint in the 90's teenybopper show TGIS) and model Bianca Araneta (well at least, I think she's the girl who swings with a long hair).

The song there "Ang Gaan Gaan ng Feeling" was written by Jimmy Antiporda and interpreted in the commercial by Geneva Cruz (a member of the now defunct Smokey Mountain 1).

The version that I much much like though is the one performed by DV8 of that song. I wonder where these guys have gone to after their 90's gigs.

Anyway here are their two hits, very feel good tracks. First is "Ang Gaan Gaan ng Feeling" and the second one is "Kailanman." Hope you guys enjoy these songs:

NEW DAWN OF SAVAGERY

2010-08-19T01:01:00.005+08:00

Another showcase of barbarism, now it comes from the organization that is tagged as Manila's finest. It's unimaginable how come we let our peace be guarded by these monsters.

Take note that the video you'll see under occurred in Manila, not in Iraq or anywhere else that attracted media attention due to barbarous ways of armed men.

This way of torturing not just happens in Manila, but all over the country, THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. Can we allow for ourselves to have law enforcers like them?

CONFIRMED: CHARICE WILL BE ON "GLEE"

2010-06-24T02:27:00.005+08:00

Charice Pempengco: the Filipina International Singing Sensation

After speculations, statements and revocation, at last it's final. On June 21, yahoo news stated that it is confirmed that Charice will recur in Glee as a foreign exchange student. This is according to one of the show's rep. With her singing talent and star factor, we hope that her role will get to be permanent rather than just recurring.

Show them what you got Charice. Make us proud!

BREAKING THE STEREOTYPE: VICTORY OF THE NATIVE'S COLOR

2010-06-13T15:16:00.013+08:00

It is a long weekend celebration of the 112th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence (no work on June 14 since the 12th fell on a Saturday). Philippines and the Filipino community all over the world made some sort of celebrations by their own way in this historic landmark of the brown race's winning against the foreign rule.

There is also a landmark in the Philippine entertainment industry's historical account when the kayumanggi (the shade of brown that is typically associated to the native Filipino's skin color). It is the rise of the Philippine's one and only super star Miss Nora Aunor, she's the one who remarkably defied the definition of an industry's star.

Before her, the typical goddesses that decorated the country's entertainment scene then was much more of having Western features, resembling themselves to Hollywood actors and performers. Statuesque "white" (referred as mestizas) beauties were the staples of the silver screen and the stage. Likes of Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes were on the spotlight of the movies while Pilita Corales reigned in music scene, all are quintessential mestiza entertainment performers. They were all blessed with European features, fair skin and colossal height, attributes that are not common to the majority of Filipinas then.

The conventional faces of Philippine entertainment industry before Nora, on top are Ms. Amalia Fuentes and Ms. Susan Roces. Above is Asia's Queen of Songs, Ms. Pilita Corrales.

Then here comes a frail girl possessing the kayumanggi complexion and a presidential height (in today's standard, President Arrroyo stands 4'11). A water vendor, this 12 year old girl tried her luck in an amateur singing contest in Naga. From then on she made several victory on various singing contest, most notable was in Tawag ng Tanghalan.

Early days of the Super Star, on top when she was very young and thin, above with her love team Tirso "Pip" Cruz III with their "baby" (a doll gift from Pip to her) named Maria Leonora Teresa.

The rest is history. She recorded and sold more than 500 songs. As per wikipedia.org , Noras's cover "Pearly Shells", is one of the biggest selling singles in the Philippines.

Before Sarah and Charice, there was a Nora.

She starred in 160 films and won recognitions for her acting locally and in major International Film Festivals. Her classics like Himala and Bona are still being shown internationally through major cinema events until this day. The expressiveness of her eyes is her most notable attribute in acting as per her fans (well Tyra, before you, there was Nora). They also say that whenever Nora plays for a screen play, even if it's not that well written, her interpretation of the piece does the magic touch.

Nora's immortal portrayal of Elsa, a big factor why "Himala" was chosen CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of all Time.

Arguably, no mestiza in the Philippine entertainment industry came as far as Nora's achievements, as critics say.

PRIOR TO EDSA, THERE WAS ONCE A MUTYA (PEARL)

2010-06-08T14:42:00.010+08:00

Lanchas (boats) and the river in a pier, the way it was.

Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, this is probably the most important road in Metro Manila. It is the major link that bridges the gap between the North and the South of the Metro, as well as its suburbs. But the way we were, before the first truck of asphalt was spread out in this famous avenue, we were utilizing this so called "pearl" to link the then imperial capital to its outskirts. Pasig River was the main thoroughfare of the predecessor of today's Metro Manila.

Pasig River connects the Laguna de Bay (Philippine's largest lake) and Manila Bay. Whenever that Laguna de Bay overflows with water already, especially in the wet season, it flashes the excess to Manila Bay via this river. Pasig isn't just a nature's way of making a balance but it also became a very important connection for culture and commerce in the capital.

It was said that even before the Spanish era, the river was already used in daily needs by early Islamic-Chino-Indo kingdoms that flourished on its banks.

By the coming of the Spaniards, the river was mainly used for trade and transportation. Intramuros, the imperial capital, was built in its southern portion. El Filibusterismo, one of Rizal's two famous novels, mentions that the Pasig River had ferries that were used for mass transport. Even the imperial high society people utilized this way of transportation as told in the first chapter of Fili.

A postcard scape of the way it looked like.

Nothing changed when the Americans came. More merchandise were transported in the river from the outskirts going to popular markets.

After the Second Wold War, the start of its decline began to be visible. Illegal settlers became rampant who build their shanties along the river's banks. Constructing buildings along the river won't be as bad as what it is now if proper urban planning was applied.

Shanties along the banks of Pasig River

Some illegal settlers make the polluted Pasig River not just a giant garbage can/ septic tank in one but also a bath.

Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura? (Have you bathed in a sea of garbage?)

Even poor sanitation of these houses became a problem since these residences do not have proper waste disposal system and they made the river practically a giant garbage can and septic tank all in one. Domestic wastes are just a part of the problem. Pollutants coming from the manufacturing and agriculture industries also killed the river.

Little by little, the death of the river became apparent. Ferries ceased to travel, fishing became impossible and the foul smell alongside its garbages became notorious.

Administrations come and go tried to make some effort to salvage the river.

Its nice to know that transporting through the river was revived by several companies since the 90's. Today its good to hear that its possible to transport via ferry bus that is fully air conditioned from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig to Intramuros. Its not just a way to escape the metro's land traffic but also for us who appreciate Metro Manila landmarks and want to preserve its old charms.

The Ferry Bus sailing its way to the scenic old Manila.

Having the right arm and strategy, we can turn back time and recover the lost mutya (pearl), the mutya ng Pasig (none other than the Pasig River).

Mutya ng Pasig penned by Dr. Nicanor Abelardo, interpreted by Ms. Sylvia La Torre.

HEAVEN LOST: WHERE HAS THE SKY ROOM GONE?

2010-06-01T15:07:00.010+08:00

The Jai Alai Building of the Past

Its a rainy afternoon now at this part of the eastern outskirts of Manila. I think its already a goodbye to the very hot Philippine summer (or dry season). June just approached and wet season is already here. We're just hoping that the farewell of the previous season is also a hello for plenty of water that we have waited for so long for our vegetation and dams. Hope this goodbye for the dry season, but not all goodbyes are the same...

The Jai Alai Building in Taft Avenue said its farewell almost 10 years ago. The city government of Manila then started the demolition to make a room for structures that would house justice facilities for the city.

A lot of people made nods on the project of destroying the building that was synonymous for gambling and illegal activities (it was said that Jai Alai betting then was cheated, winnings were set up already). An official also tried to justify the destruction to be a symbol to the respect of justice and non-promotion of the memories of the veneration of gambling.

But some people cried out in disagreeing because the building itself is not just mainly a gambling hall. Its famous sky room was a known venue for events of the people from the high strata of the society at those days.

And most importantly, the building itself is a part of the Art Deco Style of Architecture that became prevalent at the Commonwealth era. A very few number of buildings created with the same design have remained standing after the Second World War. It's not mainly a destruction of the memories of gambling, but also a destruction of the nostalgia of a once glorious past of Manila.

If you have attended your college in Manila in the 90's (in my case, the late part of it), you will remember the building that still reflected a shadow of its past beauty, through the manner it stood, but decayed by the hands of time.

How it looked like on its final years

The building is also a reminder of the bygone glorious past that as much as we wanted to live back, we just couldn't.

FAVE WORKS AT FOUR SHOWS

2010-05-27T16:37:00.008+08:00

I had this story for sometime already and kept it in my idea vault, which means that the story is just being typed direct from mind to keyboard at the moment I put it on this blog.

SM Megamall 4th Level became a room for quite sometime already for visual artists works and periodically changing their different feature artists at the Art Center. The location of the gallery is so accessible to the walking public inside the mall making art very much available to everyone and not having it stereotyped as exclusive for the ones who "have."

I had a visit on the gallery April the 8th and examined the works of artists there. At that time, the gallery has this called Four Shows, representing of course four painters who are having their works getting exhibited in the area.

One of these artists is Juanito Torres who made quite an impression to me through his works. Featured were three paintings of his that are very timely since his theme at these paintings is political satire.

The caricaturist visual expressions in color and canvass all concern about the political power and motivation that people make actions into such. The collection is collectively labeled as "Allegory," as per the signage outside of the Art Center.

The Assassination of Gov. Gen Bustamante

The interpretation of an early Spanish Governor General's assassination is my favorite out of his three paintings. It speaks out that us Filipinos were very used already in the so called People Power phenomenon. These moves only differ in motives or agenda, forms and faces.

I took some photo of these paintings, enjoy 'em.

Watusi

Horsie

REFLECTIONS

2010-05-27T15:30:00.006+08:00

Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night, the inspiration for the song Vincent

Once said: "a feel that can't be bought."

Hello again Guys!

After a month and a half declaring that I'll be having presence on this blog much often than before, only now that I find a chance to write again.

Well writing is becoming now my way of releasing some dark energy hidden behind myself. Not actually making it get reflected on the stuff I write but at least making writing a way of channeling confusion into something that is productive. I hope writing can have myself get grounded in sanity.

I always hope that troubles being experienced will produce something creative in the eyes of some.

-The Author

A VERY LONG HIATUS

2010-04-09T13:40:00.004+08:00

Hello again guys!

I am so excited to have a comeback after that too long time of a rest, about three long months if I am not mistaken.

I've been overwhelmed with a lot of activities and needed some time to relax, so instead of channeling my stress in writing, I just chose to sleep and make some idle sitting in front of either the computer or the television.

But of course for all of this time that I was idle, it made me muster a lot of ideas that sometimes I just wish for it to burst out of my brain and have them automatically write their own. It happens usually at a wrong time whenever I commute and when get myself have mental note on it. When I already have a chance to sit down and scribble about them, I just get tired of doing so.

Anyway, I expect more to come out now, hehehe!

-The Author

BON APPETIT: ARE YOU EATING IT?

2009-12-21T04:16:00.008+08:00

It was a typical ordinary night when I met a friend of mine in Tandang Sora entrance. My travel was a good worth of 2 hours and 4 rides. It was the very first time that I commuted going to the place, thank God that I know how to at least get an FX (an air conditioned PUV) ride that would have its route in Commonwealth.

After getting off to the place my friend instructed, with the assistance of the driver telling me that its already Tandang Sora, I made a very scary walk to the over pass foot bridge. Well, scary for me since I am very much afraid of heights, and the bridge, I describe it as so open, incomparable to the foot bridge I used to walk when I was in college in Espana-Morayta area, which was close and not as scary since it's made of concrete, unlike this one that is made of very thin scraps of metals. After the vertigo walk, finally I was on the other side.

The friend waited for me at 711 convenient store who was there already ahead of me for a few minutes. He was kinda in a hurry for us to leave and have another ride but I stopped him. Told him, hey let's have some here, then I pointed out the balut and penoy vendor.

Had my first pick on the penoy and asked my friend to join and help himself up. I ate penoy before, but as I remember then, it was having some soupy part inside so I was not expecting to eat something that was similar to a plain hard boiled egg. Wanting some "egg soup", I had my next pick on the hotter balut, yummy, I said. Had two of 'em, and my friend picked another balut after his penoy and I paid. The balut was like the average one but I was wishing for like something having a smaller chick. At any rate, at the end of my second one, I paid up and told ate (big sister literally, but this time, referring to the vendor) that she should be thankful that I really love balut.

While walking, me and the friend had a talk about street foods. Told him that I tolerate almost everything in native street food except a few ones like helmet (chicken head), adidas (chicken foot), and others. For as long as I know they are clean when prepared, I am eating most of 'em.

My friend mentioned to me, the ones that he thinks he's not able to eat are those that were cooked on dirty surroundings, like the typical street foods but the catch is they are being sold in Quiapo (how sad, the blog's name origin is being synonymous for what is dirty).

Speaking of unconventional food (that depends on what is your cultural background), this weekend, I have watched some entries over youtube.com of some episodes of Bizarre Foods. This show is being hosted by Andrew Zimmern who is a chef at the same time a food critic. This show is like a travelogue that focuses on the documentary of foods that are new to the sound and the sight, and in some ways unique, and sometimes also scary to eat, for a foreigner.

This episode I watched is where Andrew travels to the Philippines to document some of Philippine's gastronomic culture and he featured a lot of local foods, weird sounding, looking and tasting for the Westerners. They featured a lot of my faves, not so faves and definitely some that "I ain't eating." See it for yourself (thanks youtube.com):

Andrew says, "if it looks good, eat it," I say "not everything looking good is good tasting and not everything unpleasant looking are bad tasting."

RANDOM THOUGHT: THE TALE OF A GROWTH ENHANCING MILK

2009-12-15T10:00:00.004+08:00

Greetings Fellows!

Well Christmas is coming and we are noticing the cold mornings here in the Manila.

Little Quiapo is again in the nostalgia lane and have found a blog that most of us might enjoy, here it is:

www.nostalgiamanila.blogspot.com

There is a bunch of materials there that for sure we can enjoy. Many might wonder why a lot of us are being entertained by this type of materials. Well I think these things help us to rekindle our lost innocence (hehehe!).

At any rate, speaking of Peter Pan fantasy (the dream of being forever young), I found this video link in you tube of the Philippine Movies' wonder boy, none other that Nino Muhlach.

At this video, we see him promoting the milk brand Milk Maid (the condensed milk I think, which I very much like to put on top of my bread).

I wonder if people have thought of suing Milk Maid for false advertisement. Evidently, this ad says that the milk promotes growth of children. What happened to Nino?

Truth in advertising?

TINY THOUGHT: SAVAGES IN US

2009-12-08T04:22:00.009+08:00

Hello again Fellows!

Two Saturdays ago, I made a walk in the memory lane of the Philippine movie classics and watched in full length Oro, Plata, Mata (Gold, Silver Death).

Though I missed a 10 minuter part (since a repeated scene has been put on the part where the next scene is supposed to be seen), what I watched is enough. I was surprised finding the movie available in youtube.com to be watched for free.

As a former communications student, dealing a lot with films, I've been tied to watching film classics. I tried to find this film over the pirated DVD market in Quiapo but failed to have a copy of it.

I even became bolder and being willing to pay a little extra amount to buy it. I tried to search for it in several legitimate video stores of VIVA (the production outfit), but failed to find a copy.

After years of looking for this 80's masterpiece of Peque Gallaga, I was ecstatic to find it available online.

I've been moved by scene after scene of this. As a person addicted on the Philippine bygone era, when Spanish was still a popular tongue then, I had my eyes and ears dedicated while watching the film.

There is a scene there that really moved me and made me think, are we as human beings able to do such savagery?

We are.

Look at what happened recently in Maguindanao. What are we?

PERSONAL: 15TH YEAR ANNIV OF BROWNMAN, PISSED OFF AT 70'S BISTRO'S SVC THOUGH

2009-12-08T02:49:00.010+08:00

Hello Fellows!

I should have posted about this event long time earlier since I attended this event two Saturdays ago(December 29). The friend who treated my drinks, fudams (pulutan/ food) just uploaded this photo on one of the popular friend-photo networking sites.

Sound is great since it really feels relaxing to listen to their music which is reggae based. This type of music can be defined as an easy-listen genre though it is also classified as alternative. Reggae basically makes you feel tropical island (which Philippines is) mood, friendly and promoting the rasta culture (doobie, doobie, hehehe!!!).

Its the first time that visit that bar. I've been hearing the place since the last years of my college days and been wanting to visit it since as what I've heard, they cater a lot with non-mainstream bands and artists like Noel Cabangon, the Jerks and others. Plus, drinks are so inexpensive, fitted to someone who lives a counter-culture life then. But I never really had a chance to go there at those years.

The chance happened seven years after college. This friend of mine promised to foot the bill on this meet after a long while since we have last seen each other, anyway, she's the one who earns a lot. Door charge is fine, I think its PHP150. I sat with my friend along with her two other companions who were there hours before I arrived.

When I arrived, the show was just starting. Music and performance is A-okay, as we could expect to a reggae band (so far they are the most popular of this genre at this point in time locally).

What didn't impress me is the place itself. Although I am actually been on bars, much much working class friendly than this one, but this one is something you can level at the bottom, even if the door charge and their drinks are inexpensive.

The place itself, you cannot even determine that there is an air conditioning system. I dunno whether they are working or not. The place is so close without having visible windows that could give ventilation. Well, I said to myself, its fine, I've been on places much worse that this. At least they have pop performers on stage and their drinks are cheap.

But the thing that can really piss you off is the service of their crews. They made you wait and wait on orders you are expecting and they promised. My friend ordered some beer and ice for our table. In the beginning, service was satisfactory since they arrive in 10 minutes. But on the last order, its what you call an unforgivable thing a waiter can do.

Waiters should be there to wait for customers, but they do not have the right to make the customers wait unreasonably for their orders. We ordered our beers five times to a waiter, followed up on another , waited for an hour, taking reasons that beers just arrived, ice weren't bought yet, and all. After an hour and another follow up, nearing the end of Brownman's performance. we were told that there were no bottles left yet, WTF!

What kind of service is this? I really love the bar's marketing and remaining focus on its target followers (audience), but please, can you do something on your service? We're not just there to watch the performers, we want the booze as well and I would appreciate if they would come after a reasonable amount of time wait, if you do not have it, give customers options or just tell it to 'em straight to the face that you do not have it, we'll appreciate your honesty.

I wish you fire all those waiters responsible for such a shitty service to our table that night. They do not know their job, better yet for them to stop working there.

70's Bistro, you are great in marketing and your performers are superb, can we complement it with at least a satisfactory kind of service?

And for your service crews, you are the perfect exemplification of the "puwede na" (that'll do) culture. You are a disgrace of the service industry in the country. You do not reflect the the Filipino's unique and genuine tradition of hospitality.

Get your act together!

PROCLAMATION 1959, IS THIS JUST A PRELUDE TO A BIGGER DARKENESS?

2009-12-07T19:28:00.009+08:00

When I was a kid(I was 6 or 7 then if I remember it right), I've openly asked at my late aunt's sala (living room) what is martial law. My cousin, her daughter, who was at high school then answered me that it means that it is forbidden to talk. If I remember it right then, that time the radio announcer was having a commentary about martial law's declaration and the possibility that it would be declared again. My innocent self terrified at my cousin's reply to my question since I was known then to be very talkative, being natural for me as a kid since I tend to question a lot due to curiosity. This childhood nightmare of mine came alive in flesh just recently.

*****

Almost two weeks after the mass killing of innocent civilians, politicians and journalists, the Malacanan Palace made its formal declaration of Martial Law in the entire Maguindanao Province on Saturday, the fifth of December.

This led to warrantless arrests of several personalities especially members of the Ampatuan clan who mostly hold high executive and legislative positions over the province. They were eyed to be the perpetrators for the said massive bloodbath along with some members of police, rank and file government employees and a large number of private armies by the clan tagged as Civilian Volunteer Organization.

Investigations of the national army led to the discovery of hidden fire arms in places that are said to be connected either to the Ampatuans or the CVO. It is also said by several reports that the said armed groups hostile to the government can reach up to more than 2,000 individuals.

Government officials are convincing people that this is a different form of martial law and the people shouldn't be afraid of it. To sugarcoat it, they even encourage media coverage of arrests, searches and other operations by the military. It is said that this will assure transparency and avoid various violations of human rights.

*****

Whatever it is the intention of the Manila government on the declaration of Martial Law, some of us are not forgetting the memories of the past. A lot of us are questioning, is this just a dry run of a bigger thing to happen?

There are reports on television already out of anonymous text messages that there are members of the military who are forcing entrance to houses, violently confiscating goods such as rice, and up to molesting women. The veracity of this particular report is still in question but why is that residents are fleeing already out of the the province? Even local commerce if affected by the take over and business establishments suspended their day to day operations.

If the military is playing the role of the savior, why are the locals so terrified of them taking over the province?

*****

Also a lot of speculations are coming out of the martial law declaration.

*****

One theory is that the Arroyo administration declared it in order to have the killings be elevated to the level of rebellion. It is said that this is a move to save the suspects from the crime of mass murder since the rebellion charge does not have too much merit and it could easily get dissolved and have them free as a bird right after the blood bath.

The Ampatuans who are the current main suspects of the military are known to be a loyal ally of the administration. It has been reported that they have all the ingredients a TRAPO could have: GUNS- see the massive number of ammunition found near the grounds of the residence of one of them, GOONS- the more than two thousand private armies they have and GOLD- look at the several palatial mansions they built despite the spread of poverty in their constituents (they are a third class province, as per the reports).

People from the side of the opposition are pointing that they are the ones who are behind the alleged massive cheating in the Mindanao region during the 2004 Presidential Election (do not forget the Hello Garci Gate Scandal).

an artist's work we found over the internet:

It may be possible that this is an I cover your ass, you cover my ass move.

*****

Another theory, and this is much frightening, this is just a showcase of what the current administration can do to the whole country.

Stepping back forty years ago, can we remember the scenarios that happened before the declaration of the 1972 Martial Law? Due to the massive protests and oppositions against Ferdinand Marcos' administration, spread of violence and terror occurred.

The Plaza Miranda Bombing and several ambush attempts to government officials led to the declaration of Proclamation 1081.

And the rest is history...

*****

Whatever it is, we as a people should be guarding ourselves. Or else, a curse. We are a nation that is very notorious for being forgetful of the past. And as George Santayana put it: "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

picture of Adolf Hitler

picture of former President Ferdinand Marcos and some artists' work we found over the internet (particulatry kilusan.net and others), we say these people are so creative.

TINY THOUGHT: IS THIS A FASHION PROPHECY OR WHAT?

2009-12-02T09:30:00.006+08:00

I just noticed that in the movie Igorota (featured on the previous post), it made some fashion forcast at that time.

As we observe on the movie clip that was posted previously, all the glamour girls (the "society bitches") was all dressed up in mini skirts and probably clogs, fashion items reflecting the 60's.

But the heroine played by Charito Solis was dressed up in a dress with symmetrical stripes pattern on its print (or knit, whatever).

This kind of clothing became a boom on the next generation, the late 70's disco era (which was the time of Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, Annie Batumbakal, Studio 54 and probably Charlie's Angels as well).

Is that trend inspired by this movie? Or is it mainly coincidence? I wonder...

A ROYALTY IN THE FILM AND REAL LIFE

2009-11-28T19:43:00.014+08:00

Hello again Fellows! Little Quiapo searched over the internet for some Filipino movie classics and now he remembers one of the best local films he watched. I am featuring here a classic of the original Ina Magenta herself (Queen Mother of Engkantasya, the fairy kingdom in Okay Ka, Fairy Ko TV series), Charito Solis.

"Igorota" stars Charito Solis and another contemporary known actor, Eddie Garcia. We remember this as it was last shown in ABS CBN around 15 years ago. Local classics were shown then in a whole week in celebration of an International Film Festival then that was held in Manila (we can't remember the name of the Festival, but it focused on saving old films that are on the verge of full decay and eventually being lost forever).

The film was originally released in 1968. It can be considered as a ground breaking film in some aspects, simultaneous with the counter culture movement that was rising in that generation.

This film is not the typical old school Filipino movies of having very little conflict, having a scene where casts are singing and dancing fandango and having "and they live happily ever after" finale. The ending of the film is rather tragic where we see Maila (Charito's character) committed suicide.

Also, Charito Solis here stepped out from the stereotype of a glamorous Mestiza that was typical for the roles at that time by local actresses. She portrayed a native that came from the mountains up North.

In the original edition of the film, we see frontal nudities not just from Charito but as well as other casts/ extras. It is not so common for popular celebrities of the then Sampaguita-LVN era (which Charito belongs to) to have graphic nude scenes.

There is a lot of unforgettable lines in the film like: "Malice is in the eye of the beholder," delivered by Charito herself.

Apparently, this film was made not just for local mass consumption, but also for international release for the English language was used all through out the film (its not dubbed, scripts were read by the casts as they act on it).

The film bagged 8 FAMAS awards, but sadly most of the younger generation don't know about this film.

And of course, this film made Charito a legendary royalty not just in the story, but a royalty of the kingdom of Philippine Movie Industry. Although she passed away already, films of hers like this one made her craft immortal.

NATIRIS ANG COTTO (COTTO WAS CRUSHED)

2009-11-27T18:11:00.005+08:00

Please do not take some content of this entry seriously, just for entertainment.

Little Quapo was pushed by his colleagues to watch the live feed of the recent Manny Pacquiao in a bar in Quezon City. LQ is not a big fan of boxing, but he said, what the heck, this fight is something to be proud of as a Filipino.

They finished the given number of fights before the referee referee stopped the game and declare Manny as the winner.

In the befinning we were anxious that manny might lose this one since Cotto is physically bigger and ont he first rounds Cotto made some serious attacks and Manny seemed not to fight those punches too much.

At any rate, at the latter rounds, we all saw Cotto bled on his face and had several knock downs.

Well, the lice (Cotto, sounding like "kuto," which is the Filipino term for lice) was crushed by Manny, Kudos!

A MASSACRE OF FREEDOM

2009-11-27T17:43:00.004+08:00

Greetings fellows! I know, I know, it took me a long time before I make another entry again. A lot of things happened around and Little Quiapo fails to write something about those but this recent tragedy moved him to at least make an entry about it.

57 people were killed in a massive showcase of barbarism in Ampatuan, Maguindanao in Southern Philipppines.

Earlier, there were reports already that there was a kidnapping perpetrated involving more than 40 victims. Everyone was shocked when corpses of the said kidnap victims were found buried on what they termed as killing fields.

Television news made vivid description of the killings. Guns were fired on heads, faces and genitalias. Even limbs were seen missing on the corpses.

Clearly, its a politically motivated killing involving the ruling Ampatuan clan against their nemesis, the Mangudadatu Clan. But large number of journalists had been caught on fire being included on the 57 dead bodies.

This is a week of mourning not just for the casualties but also for for the death of press freedom.

When are we gonna learn?

PRIME TIME IMITATION

2009-08-10T01:32:00.009+08:00

It's been a while again and I believe that I ought to develop a discipline on posting regularly here. I just hope that people can message me to make some postings on particular topics since I am the one who always think of something to write about and it matters that people tell me what they want to hear or read (well if I do have readers yet, so far this blog has no more than 20 visitors, and that number includes me as well, funny).

Philippines is a mecca of arts and culture in this part of the planet. Filipinos are very known in eclecticism in their race, culture and ideas that is why it is considered as a point where the east and west meets. Out of these combination of things, Filipinos are able to create things that are beautiful and considered as masterpieces.

The natives had incorporated art in their very lives surprisingly not just in the Hispanic colonization era, not just in the Malayan age, but far much earlier than these major Philippine historical time line.

The Angono petroglyphs that is situated in the boundaries of Angono, Antipolo and Binangonan in Rizal Province dates back as early as 3000 BC. The engraved figures in the face of a rock formation constitute by what appear like forms of humans, frogs and lizards.

This debunks the view of other so called "progressive cultures" that our earliest people are savages. Apparently, they are people of culture and with a drop of sci-fi imagination, they might be of a higher form of civilization (just like the mythical Atlantis and Mu, well, just a thought).

After several waves of immigration, the nation's culture flourished more through the amalgam of all its immigrants. Through this, a hybrid of cultures was formed.

We have works in our country that can be considered as treasures of humanities and genuinely Filipino despite the numerous influences on these works by other countries. From the Spolarium of Juan Luna that won in the Expocision de Bellas Artes (Expostion of Fine Arts) in 1884 to the contemporary recognition of the works of our film makers in this year's Cannes Film Festival that made one bag the Best Director award, the works of our artists are consistently recognized internationally.

It seems like imitation in the arts have mutated to another phase. Who among us are not hooked over the shows that were originally made by another country and been bought by local media production and recreated it not just with the same plot but almost same everything (name of characters, title, musical scoring, etc).

The story is so nice making us watch it every night, making it the crown jewel of the prime time slot. Apparently, this is the major program that attracts people to watch the slot. It has good story line, good production design, good lighting, good packaging, everything. But is this good for us as a nation of artists? Aren't our writers and story tellers able to make scripts and stories that we can call our own?

It is also disturbing, in a lesser degree, to mention that we not just remaking foreign shows but also our local ones like those films being remade as TV series. Attention: Artists, where are all those creative juices?

Not everyone in our land knows that a telenovela of ours became an international sensation. "Pangako sa 'Yo" was originally aired 10 years ago. After its original run, this "own produced" of ours has been shown in 12 countries in Asia and Africa and has been a success in most of them in their dubbed versions.

Much surprisingly, local shows of ours like "Gulong ng Palad" and "Maging Sino Ka Man" became an international fad recently. These shows, as narrated, were subtitled in English and massively replicated in Fiji (no knowledge if its legal or illegal) and distributed not only there but as well as to other neighboring island nations. In American Samoa, people are renting these CD's in video shops and having short sleeps nightly watching episodes of these series especially "Gulong ng Palad".

No question that art is in our blood. We are so lucky these days that artistic expression is so liberal. It is significant to note that during the Martial Law years, ironically, when some of our liberties were suppressed, artists created things that are not just remarkably beautiful but also original. The likes of Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal made most of their timeless pieces in this era.

Let us all hope that the freedom we enjoy these days won't make us jaded and idle. Let us hope that it will be an instrument for our culture to flourish.

FAREWELL OUR FAVORITE TITA IN YELLOW

2009-08-01T19:19:00.009+08:00

Had an early browsing this morning since I got excited in my newly installed unlimited internet brought by Globe. It's unacceptably slow at DSL standards yet this is better than using my flash drive modem that gives a 5 peso per 15 minutes hole in my pocket. I've been surprised by one of yahoo's headline about our lady in yellow.

Cory Aquino, the epitome of motherly love in the presidency passed away around 3 in the morning Manila time.

She suffered in the hospital fighting the rectal cancer that she had a while already.

The mainstream media, particularly the super TV network ABS CBN gave a non stop coverage from her hospitalization till this very first day of her burial. Several personalities had been interviewed reminiscing their glorious days with Cory.

Kris Aquino, the youngest of the Aquino's children made her first media appearance after a long week absence on her programs. She appeared calmer after some emotional burst she had at her showbiz talk show "The Buzz" and her long absence in her shows.

A forty hour vigil in the holy sacrament for Tita Cory's recovery has been started late night last Thursday at the Edsa Shrine. This mass prayer was expected to be concluded 12 in the afternoon of Saturday, 9 hours after her death.

Well, I hope that we can give at least a moment of silence for this great lady who became a picture of hope for liberty of our countrymen in one of the darkest periods of the Filipino history. Her leadership is quite one of a kind, she's one of the very few leaders who collected forces both from left and right to topple a dictatorship.

Tita Cory became a symbol of libertarian causes not just in the Philippines but internationally as well. A peaceful uprising is virtually unheard of before the Edsa Uprising she led.

Handog ng Filipino sa Mundo (Offering of the Filipinos to the World)

After the successful no-arms struggle, its as if Tita Cory's leadership became an international trend. The Berlin Wall fall in 1989, the Tiananmen Square protest of 1989 as well and the fall of the oppressive governments of the Iron Curtain, all of these moves hoped to follow the footsteps that Tita Cory led.

Amidst all of these, she's still human who became subject for public scrutiny. Issues like their Hacienda Luisita and her libel case against veteran journalist Louie Beltran are just a few of them.

After her presidential term, she's still being considered by most as the conscience of the republic.

If Tita Cory was a living icon of liberty as the mainstream media projects her to be, let us all hope that her death won't be a symbol of something that our freedom loving people are afraid of.

Let me share to you 2 videos that best remind me of Tita Cory. Heard these back then after the Edsa Uprising, I was 4 then yet these songs are still fresh in my mind:

AN AGONY OF IMBALANCE

2009-07-31T20:03:00.006+08:00

GREETINGS AND ITS BEEN A WHILE AGAIN.

Well I would like to make a follow on the post I made weeks ago (The Price of Beauty"). I've seen some pictures over the internet on one of my favorite blogs, that is quite disturbing, look:

These are the pictures of Josie Rocio's unequal "cheeks" and their fillings that cause the infection.

And also, Selina Sevilla, a sexy singer who had her share of limelight in Philippine Showbiz back in the late 90's with her own song, Nilunok kong Lahat (I swallowed All), as her famous tag line also filed a complaint against a fake (I mean not having license to practice medicine) for the same operation, butt augmentation.

Well, if the so called artistas are not safe for these types of medical malpractice, what about our ordinary kababayans (country men) who are blinded on the advertisement of enhancing their physical attributes.

If government is having a loose policy towards the regulation of this industry, all of us should be informed.

Its Ironic that Dr. Manny Calayan is having a clinic of his specializing in cosmetic procedures be opened soon in Beverly Hills California, bringing the Filipino cosmetic surgeons to the international arena.

More than a year ago, we've been crying our voices out denouncing the show "Desperate Housewives" over a line that was dropped by Teri Hatcher insinuating that our medical practitioners are incompetent, worse, even under trained. Can we blame them?

BILMOKO (BUY ME...)

2009-07-25T00:12:00.007+08:00

I missed making entries for sometime, well usual writer's block or should I say just plain idleness, hahaha!!!

Back in the memory lane of our childhood (if you were born late 70's or early 80's), growing up in the Philippines and at least having a black and white TV at home, we've watched a lot of advertisements over and watching them now would be fun since it would take us back to those days (days of the lost innocence).

San Miguel Beer made a lot of these commercials back then that usually having a star as an endorser, from the late Fernando Poe Jr to the APO Hiking Society.

One of my favorites among them is the Bilmoko Ad that I think stars the then sexy actress Monica Herrera or Sheila Israel (well I was so young then to remember).

Can't find a video of it but luckily I found one that contains at least the theme that was sung by Fred Panopio (Kawawang Cowboy, Pitong Gatang and other Filipino novely songs). Listen:

Can't forget the line bilmoko since back then, Mom told me I was a bilmoko kid, well, whatta headache for her, hahaha!!!

80's BOMBA- REVISITED

2009-07-14T18:19:00.004+08:00

Watched Balitang K last Sunday and they featured the current whereabouts of a former actress of the Bomba era- Myra Manibog.

I wish we can discuss some stuff regarding this Filipino Film Era.

I made some googling and found out his website dealing with mostly Filipino Films. To my surprise, the owner of the site is an Australian. said to myself, wooow! So its not just a few of us who see aesthetics on those films.

More so, these films, as I browse the website, were also released on other languages (I dunno whether its dubbed or just having subs, I'll read more and I'll post the info here soon).

Frankly, back at those days, these are seen as dirty films but seeing some clips of those films today makes us want to revisit the past by watching the full length editions of these films.

By the way here is the website address:

http://andrewleavold.blogspot.com/2008/08/eighties-filipino-exports-miscellaneous.html

I'm finding a pot of gold of materials to write about on this website.

My mind drums with different names: Maria Isabel Lopez, the Softdrink Beauties, Lala Montelibano, Cherry Madrigal and a lot of others. I can't wait to write about 'em all.

THE PRICE OF BEAUTY

2009-07-12T00:08:00.008+08:00

“I trusted her [when she said, Vicky Belo] the procedure was safe and would give me a permanent round butt but instead, I narrowly escaped death,”

Filipinos are pretty much concerned about physical assets. Vanity is a multi billion dollar industry that a lot of business people found their gold preying over the people's inferiority complex towards their physical attributes.

From applying the skin burning astringent to the extremes of making their bodies relyeno (stuffed fish) like (being cut, filled up and sew), nothing can stop these people for their dream of enhancing their faces and bodies. Others even expect to change their whole face totally patterning their facial changes to their favorite artistas (celebrities, especially showbiz).

At this moment, the process of having surgery operation done into someone's body for aesthetic purposes is being accepted as if its just like personal grooming or applying a make-up.

These producers pretty much done miracles that in the past what we consider as magic (transfiguration, just like in the movie Blusang Itim) are now pretty much available in reality. Someone who was a beast can magically be transformed into a beauty that is comparable to a painting done by an artist as his masterpiece.

Even government agencies of the national level have been mesmerized by the promise of cosmetic surgery. Department of Health is so lenient on approving, or if not, at least giving this new industry a laissez faire status. More so, the Department of Tourism wanted to project this industry as an attraction for foreigners and balik bayans (Filipono expats abroad) who are visiting the county. Procedures creating miracles that can be bought cheaply (relatively) by their foreign money.

But what is the implication of the millions of pesos worth of advertisement mileages that these doctors of beauty are paying for.

Recently, news papers and televisions have made a headline out of a cosmetic surgery patient who had undergone a procedure that was projected to be safe.

Josefina Rocio, a forty year old business woman, appeared on our TV screens crying over the circumstances she had undergone.

Years ago, as she related, she'd been attracted on what she saw over what was done on the butt of the actress and controversial figure Rosanna Roces. She had the procedure done to her twice, first is the original one, and a second one after two years to correct the non-proportional size of her left and right butts due to the first operation.

This year, she has been hospitalized due to the infection caused by the procedures. She had several operations already in an effort to remove the puss and the substance that has been injected to her. She already paid more than 3 million Pesos on hospital bills because of the infection.

Experts are pointing at hydrogel and the way it has been injected as possible culprits.

Hydrogel has been banned in many countries in Europe and doesn't even have the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration. Even the organization, Belo Med Group, who performed the procedure to Rocio is not using the said substance anymore.

The way the procedure has been done can also be a possible reason especially these days that a lot of things have been exposed about the cosmetic surgery industry making the people and the authorities question the qualifications of the people involve on giving such procedures.

We are realizing that these magic are too good to be true but we cannot blame ourselves to believe these doctors magic wand when we see pictures like this:

before

after

Its Buratong, the recently convicted shabu tiyangge (prohibited drugs market) owner.

Look at how his rhinoplasty was done. See the before and after?

That really is a miracle....

THE TRUE, THE GOOD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

2009-07-08T08:28:00.008+08:00

The phrase is so familiar with us especially to those people who have seen their first daylight at least forty years ago.

These past few days, there were 2 news that ironically bombarded the tv screens in the Philippines simultaneously.

First is the hospitalization of former prexy Tita Cory that is related to her fight over her anal cancer. Novena masses are still being held upon in Greenbelt Chapel for her recovery. Family, friends and of politicos (probably some having their own personal agenda), attended these series of liturgical celebrations offered for Tita Cory. Ironically, Imelda Marcos, the dowager of the family that became Tita Corys political nemesis celebrated her 80th birthday in grandiose at Hotel Sofitel (formerly known as Westin) despite Imelda's cry over TV performance a few weeks ago wailing that she doesn't have any funds left aside from the monthly pension she receives as a widow of a war veteran.

In one of the TV interviews she said that she's surprised for the party and this is a gift to her by her friends (well she got a lot of rich friends then).

Imelda at the twilight of her life (she's 80 now) is still a picture of elegance wearing a dress that resembles a terno (in essence- for the shape and other elements, yet much comfortable to wear at her age and figure).

Apparently, Imelda is the perfect mannequin for the traje de mestiza. Other younger contemporary figures can't make it a fit for them,not just because of the figure, but due to other reasons as well.

Supposedly the traje de mestiza, worn by a Filipina would make her look divine. Remember those glorious days when Imelda Marcos would march for a funeral of a head of state or attend a state function, and rubbing shoulders with prime ministers, royalties and presidents of other nations and the terno makes her stand out of the crowd, even exceeding Princess Grace's elegance? Tita Cory's youngest, Kris Aquino definitely wasn't able to do the same at Pinoy Bingo Night. This show, which has been pulled out recently by ABS-CBN (probably because of low rating), was hosted by Kris wearing Imelda's signature dress every night.

The way it was worn erases the stylish history of the clothing in our mind. Do not think that it really is Kris Aquino who is the problem. Considerably, its her stylist and definitely the designer of the ternos she wore who made some errors. As we saw the way they were worn, but one, they were like wrap around thick fabrics of different colors, asymmetrical that doesn't display flattery.

Maybe it is also for the thought that traje de mestiza is a garment for the goddesses, not to do sacrilege upon by wearing it in a show having a game that is typically being played on peryas (carnival fairs).

Kris should have some pep talk with Imelda for a better choice of stylist and designer for the terno.

The Madamdific when asked on TV what can she say for Tita Cory's situation, she wished her luck.

Hmmm, should this be the bridge (traje de mestiza) that will link their almost 4 generations of gap?

Can't wait to see Madamdific to attend one of those Novena masses in of course, wearing one of her signature trajes....

MAS MAHAL NA KITA NGAYON (I LOVE YOU MORE NOW)

2009-07-06T01:26:00.004+08:00

Started hearing this song this week and I have a feel that this will be a great hit.

Filipinos are natural hopeless romantics, some even having masochistic tendencies towards their feelings.

I didn't expect that Michael V is the one performing it since it sounds like a group when it plays over the radio.

Yet, I won't be surprised that Bitoy can write a song like this that is a novelty, very catchy yet having a covert message that is so touchy. Like 10 years ago or so he composed and performed a song having a similar tone- Sinaktan Mo ang Puso Ko (You Broke my Heart).

Yet I think a group really sang it, I dunno if its a rendition or something, please let me know if you have an info on this.

Listen:

By the way, made some more googling and found out that Young Men is the group that performed the new version of the song. I cannot find a nice video of them yet performing the song.

THE BIG PICTURE

2009-07-06T01:23:00.004+08:00

Wondering what is that big sepia picture we see on the previous post?

That is the sight of Plaza Miranda, the square outside Quiapo Church.

Back when I started my college days in one of the schools near the area, the appearance wasn't like that.

It was much more ordinary and the structure in the middle of it (the tall concrete one with what appears as an angel trumpeter on top) wasn't there yet.

If I am not mistaken, when I was in sophomore already, the appearance of Plaza Miranda changed and this structure I am referring to and some Greek columns that were towered to surround it gave the place some drama.

I think there is a similar colossal edifice like this that is in Mexico City, located in one of their major rotundas (I've seen it in a book and in some dubbed Mexican telenovelas).

They said that the remade appearance of the plaza is a reminiscent of how it looked like back in the bygone generation of the 60's.

Those were the days...

LITTLE QUIAPO- ABOUT ME

2009-07-05T10:00:00.000+08:00

Wrote a long "about me" in the profile and had to cut it since there is a limit of twelve hundred characters. I am posting the continuation of it:
Just a little background about Quiapo, it is one of the old districts of the Old Manila (We're referring here about the City of Manila).

Back in the days of the Spaniards, particularly the last hundred years of their colonization, it became a center for religion and the arts. Prominent Hispano-Filipino old rich made the district their home as they build elegant stone mansions around the district particularly at Hildalgo and Barbosa Streets.

At the end of Hispanic Colonization and the rise of American power over the island, Quiapo preserved its prominence while the surrounding districts like Escolta and Binondo became centers of commerce and industry.

After the American Rule, Quiapo became known as a political center as rallies held at Plaza Miranda, the square outside Quiapo Church.

The rise of LRT heralded the decline of Quiapo's prominence as the area became heavily polluted.

Recent local government efforts try to rebuild Quiapo's old glory as the old downtown Manila.

Quiapo's culture can be considered as a microcosm of the Filipinos.

A culture centered in the Church and the people's effort to have harmonious relationship despite religious differences (Quiapo is also a home for a sizable Manila Muslim population). This is also one of the first sights being seen by the majority of settlers from the province (for its proximity from the pier/ port).

We can reminisce Quiapo's picture as notoriously depicted by recent movies and the media as a home of petty thieves as well as pirated dvd peddlers.

Quiapo is also a mecca of Filipino beliefs and superstitions. Outside the Quiapo Church, tables of card readers than can tell your future and herbolarios (vendors of medicinal herbs) are all around the area.

Quiapo's beauty and chaos, every single piece , parts of its charm, attributes that are truly Filipino...