Pinoy Life At Large

Christmas comes early to the Philippines! Jollibee reignites the flames of Pinoy altruism by launching the 14th year of Maaga ang Pasko toy drive. Each year Jollibee collects old toys from their generous patrons and gives these to less fortunate children as Christmas gifts. Imagine, your old, but usable, toys will be given to children who will love them as you have when you first got it. Well, true enough, your toys have been neglected for some time now and they feel lonely being in that dark closet all by themselves.

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Yes you got it right! That’s my sister on the far right when we had dinner at the Bonifacio High Street. In this picture you will see what remains of my family as my mom and dad have passed away. Today, I congratulate my sister Tess for being confirmed as the Philippine Ambassador to Bern, Switzerland. Her Commission on Appointments hearing was held yesterday and she part of the batch that went through the CA proceedings without a hitch. Her record has always been pristine and DFA is fortunate to have her on their roster of fine diplomats. She lives a simple, prudent life and dedicates her spare time to her family, namely me. She is friendly and approachable, as people back home can attest to.

I am very happy that at 49, she has become Ambassador. However, her success is not without struggle. I’ve always known her to work harder than anyone, not because she wanted to be on top, but because she is duty-bound to her profession. She shares her successes with her family and friends, but would keep her problems mostly to herself. And I am so proud to have come from the same gene pool (he he he), though some people still have trouble accepting that :-).

Again, congratulations Ate Tess. You deserve it!

The Filipino word “dampa” means hut or shanty. Normally a hut that is located inland is called “kubo”. However if the same kubo is built beside the ocean, it is called “dampa”. A dampa is built on bamboo stilts strong enough to withstand the currents. Dampa is also the name of one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the Metro today. One holiday ago, I brought Noreen and my uncle to the Dampa seafood restaurant in Farmer’s Market, Cubao, QC. There is no doubt about it, Dampa serves only the freshest seafood at the right price.

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Yes, Ninang Lyn, I know you recognize this logo! It’s one of my most favorite cake shops too. I also remember your old favorite Merced Bakeshop! I wonder where they are now. I remember back in the 1980s you would bring boxes of Merced Bakeshop goodies, which in the 1990s and early 2000, were replaced by Red Ribbon goodies. This morning when I visited you, I think I saw Kuya Jojo bring in a box of Red Ribbon’s S’mores chocolate cake. I bet it’s your favorite too.

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me and my ninang

That’s me and my Ninang Lyn. In Filipino, “Ninang” means godmother. When Catholic children are baptized into the religion, parents choose those who can be godfather and godmother to them. More than just being family friends, Ninongs and Ninangs are positions of responsibility. They are required to take over some parental obligations in the absence of the real Mom and Dad. And my Ninang Lyn has done just that. As a child, I would often bug my Ninang Lyn while my Mom was still at work.

Being a food blogger, I’ve decided to put my posts to good use. My Ninang will soon go through some medical treatments that will affect her tastebuds and discourage her to eat. So, as a food blogger, I will dedicate my succeeding three posts to her to whet her appetite and encourage her to eat. Consider this to be my small contribution towards her speedy recovery.

So Ninang Lyn, I highly recommend that you think food as often as you can. The more you eat, the stronger you’ll get. Enjoy the pictures and get your mind off the stress. I am always just a pingback away.