KFC, Philippine-Style

"Kanto" is a Filipino word with Spanish origins that literally means "corner." That word has come to refer to street corners or simply the streets, where all the action usually happens and where all the interesting food items sizzle and are served al fresco. This particular food stall was a head-turner for the name which can possibly be a trade name infringement issue with the Kentucky-based rival.

Since there were no security cameras around, (just really baffled fried chicken vendors), I snapped a quick photo of this "kanto" fastfood establishment where the only item on the menu is deep-fried chicken.

I regret not trying a piece!

Boracay Never Bores

Sharing with you a photo taken with a Lomolito camera that Ody graciously sent me as a birthday gift last year. So happy to be able to use Digiprint's satisfactory film-to-CD + free courier delivery via LBC while in the Philippines as well. So here's a little slice of Boracay Beach with seaweed flavor (See green stuff on the sand).

It was my second time to visit this paradise island since 2005. It has remarkably become more crowded and commercialized. Although our hotel was in the far end of Station 3, we were thankful for its distance from the bars and restaurants and other sun-worshipping tourists that easily washed away the serenity from these shores. Besides, we could use the walking workout. I finally got myself a photo by a sand castle which is built daily with the current date and the word "Boracay."

What we noticed right away was how the ferry boat that took us from Caticlan did not drop us off by the beachfront like it did five years ago. It was on a different part of Boracay that we entered, and we had to take their mini passenger trucks to get to the strip. The one we rode weaved through tiny residential streets that eventually led us near the hotel we booked, which we reached by foot upon alighting from said vehicle, dragging our suitcases on the sand.

Two days were enough to get reacquianted with Boracay, and we were rewarded with skin nourished by its refreshing waters, caressed by powdery white sand, and sun-kissed to the point of a glorious tan. Souvenir-shopping is more wallet-friendly when done in the Old Talipapa, which is quite near the less frenzied Station 3.

I left Boracay with a mineral bottle filled with sand and some seashells, two pairs of earrings, a red Boracay sarong with coconut trees and hibiscus flowers (my favorite tropical bloom) drawn in the design, and a Boracay buri tote. After all, I knew it would still be summer when I fly back to New Jersey (and I already have).

I'd love to be in Panglao or Coron next time.

My Heart Will Go On

...Like a banana wrapped in turon.

I know that doesn't make any sense, but when you're on vacation, one can't help but view things in a gastronomical perspective. This banana heart perspective was photographed in Pilar, Capiz.

I just met some friends over the weekend who were mostly married or about to get married, save for a single guy who preferred other single guys. I became more comfortable with the possibility that I was going to be the "Single Wide Female" of the group...and that I know it's NOT something to lament about.

The Office

I was in my home province, Capiz, last week for a week and I was able to visit a granduncle's cozy little law office which is right where he also lives. The office furniture used were simple and the interior space neatly organized. Well, perhaps the plaques and certificates are a little crammed over there.

They have a dog that screened his clients for him. Just kidding.

Precinct Count Optical SCAM?

Nearly a month after the first automated nationwide elections in the Philippines, the vote canvassing still took forever, like it usually did back in the old-school, non-automated days. I've gone to a wedding, Boracay beach, a town fiesta and various family reunions and we still don't know who the Vice President is. The special computers used for the recent elections, namely the PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines, are now plagued with controversy and suspicions of widespread election fraud.

Were the flash cards used instruments of flash fraud? Some things just never change. Or rather, some things just get "upgraded" and technologically enhanced. Let's not forget that the infamous "ILOVEYOU" virus had its wormy origins in the Philippines, wreaking havoc in computers around the world ten years ago.

If this so-called Third World country can destroy the world-wide-web, what's that compared to a mere archipelago-wide elections? Meanwhile, all the citizenry can do is wait, cross our fingers, and pray that the computers finally spit out the truth.

What Not To Wear (In Church)

Depending on a Catholic's cultural background, the dress code for church attendance may vary. I was amused to see this poster at the Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine in Antipolo City.

Laws like the Louisiana Jones Act dictate what ought to be and what not ought to be, while church laws may require proper attire and even the proper way of receiving Holy Communion.

In my neighborhood parish in New Jersey, people wear tanktops and shorts especially during summertime. The priests don't mind. I'm sure God doesn't mind either, as long as your outfit doesn't border on lewdness and your intentions are pure.

Mikasa Es Su Casa

Sometime last month, my friend and I had the privilege of meeting Gingmaganda's family in her home in Cainta. I've followed her blog even before I invited her to the Miss Igorota Sisterhood so I'm already somewhat familiar with her family's faces. Stepping into the house the address of which I've already memorized from years(!) of sending her postcards was like arriving at a tourist destination. Even meeting Piggy got me starstruck.

I met Karl for the first time (sitting at photo above) who sounded like a Philosophy professor. He was busy studying Rick Astley's dance moves on Youtube and the many variatons done by other people. I had no idea how much joy a tiny box of Peeps marshmallow chicks can bring, but Ging squealed to confirm that.

The cameras arranged in the photo above are all mine, which I lugged around in a huge bag. It's so big and bulky you'd think I also have a spray disinfectant in there.

I tested my new Fuji Instax Mini inside Ging's household, and these were the results that preserved that night of Jejemon madness. It's such a fun camera that fills the gaping void left behind by Polaroid.

We feasted on pinakbet and barbecue, among other tasty delights, served on heirloom-quality, vintage Mikasa plates owned by Ging's mom. Ging's parents were so cool and even opened up a karaoke session after dinner. Me opening up my repertoire with an Abba song didn't quite get Karl's approval. However, it was a Jejemon night to remember with the most Iggy sisters in attendance to date!