Feature:

Halo. Awoy. Lana.

By Pepin

“Nalat ako bato!”

Such an incomprehensible phrase, but Nanay Reg advised me to use it whenever an ati (or aeta) would ask money from us in the streets. The tagline simply means, “I have no money,” and it is more useful than walking away too fast to save your fruit shake from becoming a love-offering, or worse, pitching rude words.

Nanay Reg (Regibec in full) is a regular sidewalk vendor along Iznart Street, Iloilo City. Her vending booth consists of herbal concoctions and amulets that aetas are known for. She claimed that her products do not only cure physical ailments, but also disparities in spirit. “This can save you from the evil eye,” she said as she pointed to small red pockets that contain popular elements powerful enough to drive away negative essences.

I didn’t know if she was telling me to believe what she was selling, but on the back of my mind I was saying, “No need! I already do.” I have proven that those amulets and the lana (considered as a wonder oil) are indeed effective. It has become a part of my culture and my life, and I fully recommend these stuffs.

A native of the aeta community in Baranggay Kati-kati in the Province of Guimaras, Nanay Reg is proud of her origin, more so of her skin color. She never lamented over those stereotypes that fair-skinned individuals call her. Although she confessed that she once peppered a woman with bad luck after she was ruthlessly insulted. “I had patience, but she was way over my limit.”

Her afternoon is spent listening to news updates over her radio, waiting for potential buyers, and attending to her daughter’s needs. She started vending at 14, and now at 42, she is still hurdling over a low income, but enjoying an uncomplicated life. Back home, she is in-charge of preparing the meals, washing the clothes, and other household chores that are expected of a mother. Her husband is a truck driver and her kids are going to school, but not all of them. She wakes up early in the morning, maybe at four, and she prepares everything she needs in her business. She will ride on her motorbike going to Jordan wharf, and transfer to a pump boat that will carry her to Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City. She admitted that many passengers already dislike her every time she is on board. “They did not want to sit beside me,” she recalled.

Her life at home is comparable to ours and so as to people who are making her skin color a serious issue. It is far from what I have read in books that aetas are nomads – moving from one place to another, and with no permanent residence. But Nanay Reg’s life has been totally different. She never experienced being a wanderer, nor did most members of her community. Though some traditions are already encoded in their culture, like the Pangayam (hunting for days), and having halo (monitor lizard) and ba-o (turtle) for diner. She also shared to me their ritual during Holy week, when they scale mountains to gather the various barks, leaves, roots, and seeds needed for charms and potions.

We had quite a long conversation that day, but I never thought that it would be more beneficial to me. I learned some interesting insights, such as the difference between Tuyaw and Usog. The former implies a curse by a soul, while the latter is a curse by a living mortal. Both can be relieved by a process, called Paluy-ahan, but a person can be protected from these mystic doings if he wears an amulet specifically intended for these.

But the most remarkable insight I got from her is the language that are unique to the aetas, and it is called the “Inati.” I never had imagined that they were able to craft their own vocabulary for thousands of years, which explains the nodding that I received when I talked to a 12-year old aeta kid at Jaro Plaza last month. Maybe I wasn't paying that much attention to my history subject before that's why I missed this one. The language was just so amazing that I had asked Nanay Reg to tell me, not only a word, but series of sentences. Here are some words that I caught:

Good Morning to you – Mayad ini aga kekyo

Good Evening to you - Mayad ini kelap kekyo

Thank you very much – Ribo ini salamat

My name is – Ako kay-i (name)

Yes – Awoy

No – Nalang

‘Twas five minutes past three and we had almost demanded more than an hour from Nanay Reg. I asked her a few more questions, and one of them was about the abortifacients that most people accuse them selling in their stalls. She pointed to a bottle that contain some pills. “These are camias. But these are for travel sickness and dyspepsia.” I asked her for another drug, though. “Cytotec? No, I don’t have any and I never sold one before. I have no plans.” She said. I knew this topic was somewhat uncomfortable to talk about, especially when I saw how her smirk turned an angle downward. She must have been badly affected by another vindictive typecast by most people regarding the acts of the aetas, especially that her heart and hands remained guiltless with these accusations.

I then asked her if kulam (witchcraft) is existing in her community, and she said yes. But she added that she is not willing to try it, especially that it can return a good amount of karma. I rushed on another query, and this time I asked her if her products are effective. She smiled and said, “All of these also need your faith. Believe that they will work, because they will.”

For the last few minutes, I made a follow-up question regarding what she did to the girl, who insulted her too much. “I do not want to do it again. I am not someone who will just punish a person for insulting me because I knew something strange. I can hold my patience even if people are already throwing a lot of verbal abuses to me…to us. I want to maintain a normal life; normal in a sense that people will not judge us because of how we look.”

I decided to end the conversation after I noticed that I got thirty minutes more from her. I thanked her and bade her good bye, and she responded at me with an enthusiastic smile and more polite greetings. I left with a jolly feeling and more awareness on a culture and a language that many people failed to understand.

Feature:

An otherworldly experience at Dumarao’s Hanging Foot Bridge

By Pepin

Capture some of the most breathtaking views of Dumarao, Capiz as you walk the Hanging Foot Bridge on a warm summer day. You’ll definitely take pleasure from the things you see around you, such as the clear water of the Badbaran River, the green shrub borders, and the blue skies.

Fast facts:

This infrastructure is a community project of Barangay Janguslob that was constructed to replace the old bamboo raft. Before, local residents had a hard time crossing the width of the river because of the unsteady and risky access. It was even in the news several years ago that one of the community leaders lost his life due to a flimsy raft. But now, because of the new bridge, they do not have to fear anything as they pass above the daunting height.

It also links other communities to the center of the town. People from far-flung areas need not waste more time trekking a treacherous trail, because as they enter the town, they are welcomed by an unchallenging access.

A tourist destination:

The bridge is also considered as a landmark of the town that gives tourists a spot to view nature in one of its best angles. You can take pleasure from the clusters of lily pods floating on the water and huge bamboo trees that line both sides of the river. If you want to cool your mind, you can enjoy bird watching with your friends on a lazy afternoon.

Kata-kata: Blab 08

Pirmi ka “On the blue?”

By Pepin

Nagay ugtas! Indi pag pasakaa ang tensyon sa ulo mu, basi malupok ang mga ugat nga gakamang sa imo liog. Kung may gapakalain sa imo (baw, labi na gd ang mga higko dila), ukon may ginabatyag ka nga malain sa imo isigkatawo (anger towards thy neighbor), kum-a imu mga kamot kag sumbaga ang pader (say araguy! - and that's the spirit!). Halina ang tension sa isa kabagay nga wla pulos - kay actually amu man na ang mga tawo nga gina kainitan mu kag ga-init sa imu (spell "ang mga wala pulos").

Ibutang gid pirmi sa imo paminsaron (in the brain, amega!) nga ang swerte kag grasya indi makapalapit sa imo kung iban nga bagay ang gina isip mo, labi na gid kung problema ukon mga hinanakit (tirador, pakbong, kutsilyo -pili lang sang armas kung inkaso mag maoy ka). Dumduma bala, sang san-o na pirdi si Pacman sa boxing? Di bala sang gina panumdum ya ang mga problema ya samtang naga away sila ni Erik Morales? It was one of his “down” moments nga pwede man matabo sa imo career or life. Amu na gani nga dapat free ka from negative vibes kung gusto mo gid maging successful in your day-to-day life.

Huo, wala sang tawo nga wala ga ugtas, pero kung tam-an naman ka paminsar sang ulugtasan (ching-amak!), indi ka naman kapanumdum sang mayo para sa imo lawas. Indi ikaw maka focus sa imo handum kag goals in life. Ang isa pa ka bagay nga ibutang mo sa imo paminsaron amu sini, “Naga ugtas man bala sa imo ang gina ugtasan mo?” kung wala, then go on with your life. Wala ka man may makuha kung puro akig, reklamo, kag hinanakit ang ara sa imo kasing-kasing. Mu lang na.

I wish

Nanay Lourdes

By Pepin

58 years old
Sidewalk vendor

At age 58, Nanay Lourdes never had a chance to experience her ultimate wish of fortune fulfilled. The demands of her day-to-day living may have been a long-term routine, but this doesn’t mean that she doesn’t clamour about how difficult it is to raise two kids and earn enough money to satisfy her family’s needs. However, having existed in this world for over half a century now, she still believes in the power of her dreams and prayers. After all she has been in safe hands and granted by God with good health all these years.

My present life is still the same as it was before. I wake up early in the morning, prepare my small stall, and vend all day. I’m comfortable with what I have been doing, but I still hope that I will be granted with a less demanding life by God.

I prepare for Christmas in a very simple way. Actually we don’t celebrate it at home, because I still take the chance to earn extra income during Christmas Eve, especially that hundreds of people attend the mass. This means I don’t stop vending at all. I just invite my husband and children to come over and help me out in the business, and we just celebrate Christmas here, on this spot right outside the church.

If I will make one extraordinary wish, I wish to go to my dream place, Switzerland! I consider it as a paradise. I’ve heard that there are lots and lots of chocolates, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes there. But I can easily make this extraordinary wish come true soon (laughs).

For the year 2011, I will strive harder to maintain a “himaya nga pangabuhi (peaceful life)” at home.

Feature:

Ingeniously Aklan

By Pepin

The creativity of Aklanon craftsmen was hailed in the 2010 Aklan Product Showcase that started last November 15, 2010 at SM City Iloilo Activity Center. Different hand-made products and delicacies were displayed before the huge crowd of shoppers, who can’t help but adore the skilfully crafted items that were sold for a very cheap price. Many of them, especially the art and craft lovers, spent some time investigating how these products were made out of creativity.

The fabrics made from woven piña fibers were some of the popular items in display. They came in different colors and patterns that embraced both classical and contemporary styles. There were also Barong Tagalog garments, which are lightweight and lined with fine embroideries.

Many shoppers also bought some of their Christmas presents in the fair. Some of the items that are worth to be wrapped were hand-loomed notebooks, diaries, slippers, wallets, and fans. There were also colorful picture frames made from dried leaves and barks, and some fine-looking wood carvings. For people, who love fine arts and interior designing, there were home decors and living rooms accessories made from bamboo, buri fibers, and clay that were sold for a fair tag.

Of course, Aklan will not be Aklan without the ever-famous Precious Moments Dolls. Their tear-shaped eyes and guiltless smiles attracted both the young and the young-at-heart who can’t help but took some time to stop by the exhibit. These dolls were dressed uniquely, some as angels and others as day-to-day professionals. But the popular ones were those that donned costumes inspired by the Holiday season. Almost all items on display were sold for a very reasonable price that some of the huge dolls were even on 50% off (Php 550.00 only).

Aside from the local crafts, the famous delicacies of Aklan Province were also showcased in the fair. Shoppers were able to get a taste of famous mouth-watering baked treats, like the Uraro and Apas. There were also pickled fruits and vegetables, like papaya and ampalaya (bittergourd) that make enticing side-dishes.

Over-all, the event was a victory. Not only did shoppers know more about the Aklanon craftsmanship, but the people of Aklan substantiated their claim that their products can be at par with the bests in the world.

For inquiries of some of the Aklan products contact:

SUTONIEL Pina Cloth and Native Handicrafts
Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan 5600
(036) 262-4538
(+63) 9173160360
(+63) 9193393644
cathyfiber@yahoo.com.ph

RENTILLO Enterprises
Dahlia Street, Banga, Aklan 5601
(63-36) 2676926
(+63) 9192323722
rentillo_enterprises@yahoo.com.ph

Feature:

Seafood Tour in Capiz

Tuway shells

By Pepin

What could be better than three days spent touring the seafood capital of the Philippines – tasting as you go? Capiz is everything a seafood-hunter is looking for. The mouth-watering shell meat and fish on stick suffice the craving of those who want pork fat out of their plate.

Tasters' choice 

Many of the tourists feast on oysters when they set foot at various seafood houses and restaurants by the beach. At a friendly price of twenty-five pesos per kilo, they can already enjoy as much they want. Another top treat is the grilled catfish (pantat). Its enticing whiff and velvety meat keep the eating going. Large prawns are also top favourites, especially among Filipino tourists who love to douse them on a flaming sinamak sauce.

Rare-find shellfish delights

There are also some seafood delights that are unique in Capiz only, such as the Cagaycay shell, which has a smooth milky meat. It is usually cooked in ginger and lemon grass soup. The Litub shell, which has black ridges and a jagged surface, is also a taste twister among local and foreign visitors. It also cost less in this part of the country. The Tuway shell looks like a lavish dish, but it is only tagged at sixty pesos per plate (15 pieces of shells in one plate). The Diwal shell also looks uncommon to many, so as its rough and salty taste.



Cagaycay shells

Fishful thinking

On the fish line, there are a variety of good catch. One of these is the Panagat, which has a savoury tang on its meat that accentuates the old-time grill experience. The Lapu-lapu fish fits well on a bowl of fiery sinigang soup. And of course the Bangus, which is the pambansang isda, can't just be ignored on the menu.

More on the list

There are other great-tasting dishes that shouldn’t be missed out when visiting Capiz and these include the seaweed salad, the grilled squid, and the baked oysters. However, for people who can’t stand a day without pork and poultry, there are chicken inasal and grilled pork belly to plump for. For the beverage, it is best to flatter the dining experience and the relaxed beach ambiance with coconut juice.

Capiz never runs out of seafood treats for its guests, and three consecutive days spent dining at different blasé spots of this magnificent and promising province is never enough.

Litub shells

Grilled stuffed squid

Cagaycay Soup

Seaweed delight

Oysters

Baked Scallops

Menu for the day

Feature:

Finding Serenity

What's inside the Trappist Monastery?

By Pepin

A world of its own, sitting on Guimaras’ golden brown highlands, the Trappist Monastery is unlikely any other escape in the region. Modelled in congruence with nature, the place emits calmness in one angle and contentment on the other.

The top spot to visit is the church of the Our Lady of the Philippines, where beautifully crafted wooden fixtures please one’s eyes. The place is solemn by day, especially during the midday prayer sessions of the monks. There are also daily and Sunday masses being held there. Anyone who visits the church can drop his or her prayer intentions on the box located at the main entrance.

Outside the church, anyone can stroll along the concrete pathway that is being guarded by huge trees and bushes that rustle as the wind blows. On one side, the invigorating aroma of the Ilang-ilang flowers flatters more the natural panorama, while butterflies of different hues fly hastily around the gardens. There are also unique-looking birds that grip on the branches of trees when the wind blows harder.

The pathway leads to a souvenir shop, where various home-made products and crafts are being sold for a good price. There are special delights (famously called the monk’s delicacies) that are made from the world-famous mangoes of Guimaras island. Some of these are jams, piaya, otap, tarts, yema, and chewy bars. There are also other food products that were derived from guavas, pineapples, papayas, calamansi, and other popular tropical fruits of the region. Some of the local handicrafts being sold include key chains, rosaries, mail holders, lady’s fan, and small religious sculptures. All of these goods were produced under the Trappist Monastic Food Products, which is an income-generating project of the monks.

The retreat house is located at the left side of the monastery. It is where religious seminars, recollections, and retreats are being held. There is also a huge garden outside, where people can find extraordinary respite.

But what make Trappist far from being neglected by people, who takes time to visit, are the warm greetings of the monks. Dressed in black and white tunic, they display friendly smiles as they meet visitors around. However, they remain silent and undisturbed every time there is a mass or a prayer session inside the church, and tourist are requested to abide with the tranquillity.

In general, the Trappist Monastery is a unique spot the offers tourists with natural sceneries, delicious delicacies, and peaceful times with God and self. It shouldn’t be missed on anyone’s trip list to the island of Guimaras.

Health Update:

Loosen up those keypad moments

By Pepin

Since the cellular phone was invented, many people can’t get their hands off of it. They are very much captivated to the different services and the convenience that they are getting from this kind of technology. For instance, the Short Message Service (SMS) or more popularly known as text messaging or texting has become an undisputed habit. According to experts, a “passionate texter” can send an average of 3,500 text messages per month. This number is quite a kick in the teeth.

However, texting has not only become a necessity-cum-hobby, but an unsupportive lifestyle as well. Many people are spending more hours ticking their phone’s keypad than doing a more dynamic activity, such as studying, gardening, doing an exercise, or playing sports. As a result, they do are not only becoming dormant but they are also compromising their health.

The proof…

A recent study by Dr. Peter G. Polos of JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey showed that a late night texting hobby is a factor why many people suffer from insomnia and excessive movements during sleep. Moreover, this can also cause some cognitive and mood disorders, such as memory loss, hallucinations, and difficulty in speaking, when the person is awake during the day.

Although not directly mentioned in the study, it is also safe to conclude that people who are already suffering from insomnia can worsen their condition if they indulge too much on a “texting hobby”. Furthermore, missing pillow times can also lead to other unfavourable health conditions, such as hypertension, dramatic weight loss, nausea, tremors, and heart disease.

Solutions, solutions, solutions…

It is best to put a limit to late night texting habits and to give time for the mind and body to recuperate from the day’s stress. Remember that it’s not easy to suffer from insomnia and from the grave effects of sleep deprivation – So, better text-in “Until next time” to text mates than end up losing good health.

Panay Festivals

PANAY FESTIVALS SCHEDULE

November 2010

Banaag Festival (Anilao, Iloilo)

• November 1

• A festivity that showcases the town’s struggle towards freedom

• Hundred of torches light the streets to mark the victory of light or good over evil

Kalibo Day (Kalibo, Aklan)

• November 3

• The celebration of the province’s foundation day

Feast of St. Martin of Tours (Dumalag, Capiz)

• November 10-11

• A celebration of the feast of St. Martin of Tours

Kahilwayan Festival “Cry of Santa Barbara” (Sta. Barbara, Iloilo)

• November 17

• A cultural celebration that showcases the uprising of Ilonggos against the Spanish regime

• Expect colorful dance dramas

Anipay Festival (Anini-y, Antique)

• November 21-22

• The town’s own way to express gratitude over a bountiful harvest

• Locals and guests are treated with cultural dance presentations and product exhibits

Baesa Parada (Libacao, Aklan)

• November 24

• A contest of colourful bamboo rafts on-parade in Aklan river

• An image of St. Catherine of Alexandria on a beautifully decorated raft leads the parade

Inilusan Festival (Mambusao, Capiz)

• November 20-25

• A grand celebration of Mambusao’s cultural and religious life

• The term “Inilusan” means the mutual and reciprocal giving and sharing of food and resources in generous measure and in the spirit of fraternal goodwill that permeates the daily life of Mambusaonons

Mandurriao Annual District Fiesta (Mandurriao, Iloilo)

• November 26

• One of the grandest fiestas in the city of Iloilo

Reference: Department of Tourism-Region 6

I wish

Tatay Modesto

By Pepin

51 years old

Sells native products (rattan baskets, mats, etc.) 

The blazing heat of the sun is no match for the willpower of Tatay Modesto, who toddles on the streets of Iloilo City for almost ten hours a day to sell his native products. Although already worn-out, he does not lose focus on his tasks and he is always hoping to generate sufficient income for the family at the end of the day. This is indeed a bold act for someone who barely reads and write, and whose body structure starts to become feeble at the age of 51.

My present life is taxing. I have to work hard for my family that I left back home in Pandanan, Antique. I am only earning a maximum of two hundred pesos per day, and I am already happy if I have that amount on hand before the sun sets.

I prepare for Christmas in a different way. Unlike most people, we don’t usually cook food or exchange gifts at home. I just equip myself with strength and maintain a good health, because I don’t want to give burden to my family during the holiday season if I get sick.

If I will make one extraordinary wish, I want to be a movie star. I want to be in a major role and earn a big sum of money. But I want to have electricity and a television set at home first so that I can view myself and my acting.

For the year 2011, I will be more health conscious, because I want to spend more Christmas times with my family.

Feature:

Beer cheers at Bora

By Pepin

Boracay has everything a beach bum is looking for. The rolling waves, the milky white sand, and the mouth-watering gastronomies. But what’s more exciting about this little paradise are the beer moments, especially during night parties.

I conquered Boracay for several times already, and I am planning more trips soon (I just can’t resist this spot!). Aside from taking a plunge on its waters, I am always looking forward to spending quality time together with my family and friends over beer bottles and crazy talks.

There are a lot of people, like me, who are addicted to this kind of leisure-time activity at the beach. Well, you can’t blame us because we are just very much appreciative of the cold beer and the tasty pulutan that bars in Bora offer. I can’t resist the lure of getting intoxicated even if the beverages are quite pricey (but there are sari-sari stores that sell beer at a cheap tag).

Nevertheless I find drinking sessions by the beach exciting and cushy, and it relaxes all my tensions. Maybe because the cool breeze and the sounds of the rolling waves go well with the euphoria that I usually feel every time a dose of alcohol makes me woozy. And I am certain that other drunkards on the beach feel the same way too. Not to mention, you can gag all you want if you can’t handle the remaining volume of alcohol and everyone won’t care about you.

I urge anyone wishing to have a trip to this little island of splendour to take some time over a bottle (or bottles) of beer or any tipple that can stir your thoughts and excite your entire being. Don’t ever miss a chance of getting intoxicated on the beach (but not too much and drink cautiously). By the way, I am just an occasional drinker (winks).

Feature:

I Heart Art!

By pepin

At last! My art masterpiece is finished, and I call this “Tin Can Treasures.”

This is a modified Paper Mache, which is a type of artwork that uses pieces of paper that are glued together to form a figure. If you are familiar with a Paper Mache, you would always compare it to a sculpture, but only made of paper and wet paste. I used the principles of this form of art to make a sort of painting for my bedroom wall.

So how did I work on it? first I collected all sorts of garbage at home (non-biodegradables), like an old fluorescent lamp, a pair of slippers, mineral water bottles, plastic cups, calculators, batteries, mobile phones, lady’s fan, and toys. Then I assembled them on a marine plywood that is about 1.5 meter high and 0.75 meter wide. I was lucky enough, because I was able to recycle a plywood that was shaped like a trash can (and I think that’s how I was inspired to name it that way).

After setting everything in place, I coated the materials with newspaper and wet paste for several times. It was quite messy and tricky, but I listened to music while doing this step. For the last layer, I decided to use toilet paper instead of newspaper to give my artwork a fine buff. Then to finish it off, I painted it by combining the basic colors only, but the end result is vivid and exciting to the eyes.

It is now hanging freely on my wall. It took me for about two weeks to finally see the finished product, and it feels superb. It’s heart-warming because I did something with my own bare hands. What’s great is that I was able to save thousands of pesos, because I could have bought a painting for my wall. But for only two hundred pesos, I was able to make something different and showcased my ingenuity. Not to mention, I helped save mother earth. Imagine the benefits of this!

I admit that I do have a taste of art, and I know “what’s art” and “what’s not,” maybe. Since I was a little kid, I love to work on used things, like I would assemble them and form something new. Craft (as in art craft, not witchcraft) is one of my secret weapons that make me an extraordinary person. I believe that millions of people do not know how to mix colors or cut-out paper. Not everyone is gifted with creativity, and I’m lucky that I got it… well, that’s according to my relatives and friends.

But honestly, it’s fun to do artworks and it raises my self-esteem and self-worth. Even if I am doing it alone, I still enjoy it. It erases ghastly memories on my thoughts and it lets me ponder on how wonderful life is. Not to mention, it is an effective stress-reliever. Former president Cory Aquino is a painter herself, and maybe we have the same reasons why we love to do art – for personal satisfaction and love for the gift of God.