JORDAN CLARKSON - FILIPINO AMERICAN NBA DRAFTEE 2014

Clarkson is a 6’5′ point guard born in the Philippines, before spending much of his life in San Antonio. Size, tight ball-handling, and innate ability to get to the basket made him one of the SEC’s best players.

The junior left Missouri after a nice overall season of 18.4 points, three assists, and four rebounds. To top off filling in the stat sheet in all areas, Clarkson shot an efficient 46 percent from the field.

Clarkson’s career began at Tulsa in 2011 before transferring to Mizzou. His performances secured him a spot on Conference USA’s All-Freshman and All-Conference first team in two seasons. Clarkson’s NCAA experience will be a welcome trait to a Lakers team that is seeking young contributors like himself.

On Thursday night, Clarkson looked to become the first  Mizzou prospect since DeMarre Carroll to be selected in the first round. Many scouts had him tabbed as a late first-round selection, but he ended up being bypassed by several teams.

Dropping so far may have come as a surprise to Clarkson, and also provided a piece of motivation. His late selection is another adversity that Clarkson has overcome in his career.

During much of the 2013-14 season, Clarkson dealt with his father’s bout with cancer. He leaned on teammate Jabari Brown, and the Missouri program, while his father got healthier.

http://hoopshabit.com/2014/06/28/los-angeles-lakers-jordan-clarkson/

Jordan Clarkson, a Pinoy from San Antonio, Texas is already one of the main scoring threats for University of Missouri Tigers' head coach Frank Haith. Clarkson, 21, who sat out last season as a redshirt after transferring over from Tulsa, is certain to make all-conference honors and should continue to get better. In order for him to become an elite guard and true impact basketball player, the 6-foot-5

Clarkson will have to improve on his ball handling. Haith said that sometimes the ball gets “stuck in his hands,” which translated means he needs to be more of a facilitator. His numbers, thus far: in 37.4 minutes, he has 18.8 points per game on 79 for 165 shooting (48%). 

He is averaging four assists and less than four rebounds per game, with good shooting from past the arc (14-45) and clutch at the stripe (63-77). He’s listed on the big board as the 13th best point guard in college basketball. 

On some draft boards, Clarkson is listed as a late second round pick. The last Filipino American to play in the NBA was Raymond Townsend, who played with the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers from 1978 to 1981.

http://filamstar.net/sportsnews/1291-filams-to-watch-for-in-2014-part-1.html

LECHON KAWALI FILIPINO RECIPE HOW TO COOK TUTORIAL

While Litson (or Lechon) Baboy refers to the whole roasted pig that is served for fiestas and special occasions, Litson Kawali is an everyday dish that Filipinos love to cook and eat. The pork is first simmered for twenty minutes and then it is flash-fried in oil to give it a crunch.

Sometimes, I’ll fry it the day before I serve it and then fry it one more time just before it’s served to make it even crunchier. It’s the Lechon Sauce that makes this dish a Filipino favorite.

Place the pork and water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil. Add the garlic, bay leaf, pepper and salt and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes or until the meat is done. Drain the pork and discard the water and discard the water. Pat the pork dry with paper towels, and cut into serving pieces.

Heat a small saucepan or wok over high heat and add the oil. Use a wooden chopstick or skewer to check if the oil is hot enough. When it’s hot enough, bubbles will form all around the stick. (Or use a deep-fryer thermometer to read the temperature, which should be between 350° and 375°F or 175° and 190°C when ready.)

Reduce the heat to medium once it reaches the desired temperature so that the oil doesn’t burn. Add a couple of pieces of pork at a time and deep-fry until brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan. Blisters should appear on the skin. Remove the pork and drain on paper towels.

To make the Lechon Sauce, heat a saucepan or skillet over medium heat and add the oil and garlic. Sauté the garlic until lightly browned. Add the Liver Paste, sugar, vinegar, water, soy sauce, salt and pepper and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Serve the pork with the Lechon Sauce and hot steamed rice.

Serves 4 to 6 
Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

2 lbs (1 kg) pork belly (or “side pork”) or shoulder, preferably with skin on
8 cups (2 liters) water
3 cloves garlic, crushed with the side of knife
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (500 ml) oil, for deep-frying
Lechon Sauce (Makes about 1 1/2 cups/375 ml)
1 cup (200 g) Liver Paste (page 23)
1 tablespoon oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed with the side of knife and minced
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons Filipino cane vinegar (or white vinegar or cider vinegar diluted with water, page 13)
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

SULTANATE OF SULU - A FILIPINO MATTERS TRIBUTE BASIC INFORMATION

Sultanate of Sulu - Bastion of Filipino Muslim resistance against foreign rule

The Sultanate of Sulu, also called the Sultanate of Jolo, is one of the most powerful pre-colonial states in Southeast Asia. At its zenith, it has control over almost all islands from the southwestern tip of Zamboanga Peninsula to the islands farther south reaching Borneo and the island of Palawan to the north.

By aiding the Sultanate of Brunei in suppressing a rebellion, the Sultanate of Sulu received Sabah (North Borneo) and Palawan, as royal gifts. This is the rationale behind the Philippine claim to Sabah, as successor of the Sultanate of Sulu, which it maintained was illegally annexed by Malaysia in 1963 while still technically and legally under lease from the Sultanate.

Accounts have it that the Sultanate was founded by Shari’ful Hashem Syed Abu Bakr, an Arab born in Johore who arrived in Sulu from Malacca in 1450. He claimed to be a descendant of the Saudi House of Hashemite in Hadramaut.

This accounts for the belief by many Tausugs (natives of Sulu) and Yakans (natives of Basilan) that they were descendants of Mohammad through Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr married Param Isuli, a daughter of Raja Baguinda, the ruler of the island and by 1457 established the Sulu Sultanate.

The Sulu Sultanate was the most powerful and organized government in pre-Hispanic Philippines. Its merchant ships maintained commercial ties with Malacca and other sultanates and kingdoms in the region well before the coming of the white men. British, Dutch and German ships had called on the islands of Sulu to barter their goods for mother-of-pearls, tortoise shells and provisions for their naval explorations.

The Sulu Sultanate had long resisted Spanish rule and during Spain’s 300 years of colonizing the Philippines, they remained largely independent. During the centuries-old Moro Wars, the Sultanate devised a well-organized resistance, with Moro warriors conducting daring raids on Spanish fortifications in Visayas and Luzon.

Indeed, in the Sulu Sultanate, Spain encountered one of the greatest challengers to its imperial might.
The Royal Sultanate of Sulu is housed in Astana Putih (“White Palace” in Tausug).

It is located in Indanan, a town not far from Jolo. It is one of the lasting testaments to the greatness that was the Sulu Sultanate- a center of the colorful Filipino Muslim culture and home to a proud, brave and freedom loving people of the South Seas.

BATANES TOURIST DESTINATION SERIES - HOW TO GET TO BATANES

Batanes - Treasure of the North.

Almost 100km off the northern coast of Luzon, BATANES is the smallest, most isolated province in the country. This is a memorable place with otherworldly scenery, where doors are rarely locked and welcomes are warm even by Filipino standards.

The people are different, the language is different, even the weather is different. The coolest months (Dec–Feb) can get chilly with temperatures as low as 10°C, while the hottest months (April–June) are searing. For visitors, the islands are at their best from February to May.

Batanes can be idyllic, but it would be wrong to portray it as a tropical utopia as the realities of life this far away from the rest of the world can sometimes be harsh. Petrol and provisions are brought in by ship, which means they cost more, and when typhoons roar in from the east ( July–Sept) it may be impossible for ships or aircraft to reach the islands.

Boredom can set in and locals joke that during the typhoon season the cargo ship brings 50,000 sacks of rice but 60,000 crates of gin.

Only three of the ten islands in the Batanes group are inhabited: Batan – the location of the capital Basco – Sabtang and Itbayat. The native inhabitants of Batanes, the Ivatan, trace their roots to prehistoric Formosan immigrants and latter-day Spanish conquistadors.

Most still make a living from the cultivation of yams and garlic or the raising of goats and cows; if you visit a village during the daytime, be prepared to find that almost everyone is out in the fields. Some women still wear rain capes called vakul, made from the stripped leaves of the voyavoy vine.

The main dialect, Ivatan, includes some pidgin Spanish: “thank you” is dios mamajes and “goodbye” is dios mavidin (if you are the person leaving) or dios machivan (if you are staying behind).

Getting to Batanes
The quickest way to get to Batanes from Manila is on the SEAIR thrice-weekly flight from Manila to Basco. Book well in advance. Unfortunately, the flights are regularly cancelled at short notice so there’s a good chance that you won’t depart on the day for which you have a ticket; you should allow for at least three or four days either side, or more if bad weather is likely.

There’s also a chance that your check-in luggage will not be taken on your flight but instead brought along at a later date. It’s a measure of the appeal of Batanes that it genuinely is worth the hassle.

An alternative – albeit one which also suffers cancellations due to poor weather – is to take a small twin-engine aircraft from Tuguegarao to Basco. Scheduled flights are usually operated by Batanes Airlines (T0915/940-4823 or 0939/198- 6918), but at the time of writing they had been suspended. It was unclear when they would resume.

ASWANG - FILIPINO MYTH SUPERNATURAL CREATURES SERIES

What is the origin of ASWANG!!!

Aswangs are the most feared mythical creature by the Filipinos. They are Filipino ghouls and shapeshifters. They are human-like by day but transform into monsters at night.

They can change from human to an animal form like bat, bird, pig, cat, or black dog. The transformation can happen through their own will or through the use of foul concocted oil.

They also have the ability to steal cadavers secretly and replace them with the trunk of a banana tree carved in the cadaver’s likeness.

Aswangs wait by the roadsides, preying upon unsuspecting travelers. Some attacks houses to feed on sleeping people. It is said that human liver and heart are their favorite parts.

Aswangs prefer pregnant women who are about to give birth. They love human fetus that they have developed the ability to track down pregnant women by the scent of their unborn child.

Upon finding the house of a pregnant mother, the aswang positions itself on the roof and digs a hole through which it drops its long thin tongue to enter the woman’s womb and feast on the fetus.

Since aswangs can take on a human image, it is hard to detect them in a crowd. However, there are many superstitions on how to deal with them.

Firstly, it is said that you can determine if another human being is an aswang if you see your own reflection in their eyes as upside down. Also, the presence of an aswang can be revealed by a using a bottle of special oil extracted from boiled and decanted coconut meat mixed with certain plant stems.

When an aswang comes around, the oil will boil and will continue until the aswang has departed. Further, aswangs are afraid of salt, ginger, garlic, rosary, stingray’s tails (buntot pagi) and shiny, sterling silver sword, and so these items can be used as defense weapons against them.

These creatures cannot heal themselves, so an injury acquired as an aswang will remain when they revert back to human form.

The myth of Aswang is popular in the Visayas, particularly in the provinces of Capiz, Antique and Iloilo. The aswang is also known as wakwak, tiktik, bal-bal, soc-soc, and yanggaw.

CAMP JOHN HAY - TOURIST DESTINATION TUTORIALS

What's in Camp John Hey? How to get and where to stay in Camp John Hay?


Named after American President Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary of war, this green space south of the Botanical Gardens used to be a rest and recreational facility for employees of the United States military and Department of Defense.

During World War II the property was used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American and British soldiers. In 1991 Camp John Hay was turned over to the Philippine government for development into an upmarket country club, with hotels (including The Mansion), a golf course (T074/444-2131, Wwww.cjhhotels.com), private mountain lodges and sundry restaurants and clubhouses.

The expansive, undulating grounds have some nice walks through the pine trees and are also ideal for jogging. Jeepneys can’t enter the park itself, so it’s best to get a taxi from the city centre (P50). If you don’t have a particular destination in mind then ask to be dropped at the entrance to the Historical Core.

Here you can buy a ticket (P50) to see the Bell Amphitheatre, the Ambassador’s Residence (which is still US-owned) and the site where General Yamashita formally surrendered to US forces. At weekends, Filipino families congregate close to the entrance to the Historical Core to enjoy picnics away from the city centre’s traffic.

Also close by is the Tree Top Adventure (daily 8am–5pm; Wwww.treetop adventuresubic.com), where you can try a zip line (P200–300) and abseiling (P150), or join guided walks. If you need something to eat, try the friendly Chocolate de Batirol near the entrance to the golf club.

Alternatively head over to the Mile Hi Center where you will find duty-free outlet stores, several restaurants, a hotel and a handy ATM.

EUGENE TORRE - THE FILIPINO MATTERS TRIBUTE

EUGENE TORRE - FIRST GRANDMASTER OF ASIA
EUGENE TORRE - THE GREATEST FILIPINO CHESS PLAYER


Eugene Torre is Asia’s first Chess Grandmaster who hailed from Iloilo. He started playing chess at the tender age of six. In a brood of ten, he never ran out of chess buddies in the family. His older brothers, who were then better players, gave him a run for his money.

His grandfather Eugenio, for whom he was named after, was an oido (unorthodox) player which afforded the young Eugene the intuition and instinct to create unconventional and unpredictable moves. His father provided him the books.

When his father saw his potential of excelling as a chess player, he wrote a family edict that no one can send the young Eugene to an errand so that he can concetrate his time on improving his game. In his primary years in school, Eugene was already winning chess tournaments.

At 16, he held the title of the Philippine Junior and Adult Champion, eventually seeing action in the Chess Olympiad in Germany. He holds the world record for playing Board One in 17 Olympiad appearances. He got his Chess Grand Master title in 1974 in France, where he led Team Philippines to 11th place finish.

Holding a career record of 4 decades of action in world chess Olympiads, Torre has accumulated 86 wins, 111 draws, and 29 losses in 236 games over a span of 19 years. In 1976, his international fame became more pronounced when he defeated then reigning world chess champion Anatoly Karpov.

He was also the confidante and best friend of the reclusive American GM Bobby Fischer, when he served as an official second in the 1992 Fischer-Boris Spassky rematch in Yugoslavia. He has played against world class grandmasters such as Gary Kasparov, Viktor Korchnoi, Viswanathan Anand, Lajos Portish and Ljubomir Ljubojevic, among others.

We take pride in Eugene Torre’s rare display of discipline and diligence to pursue his dream. At a young age, Eugene devoted his attention on the boards and honed his skills. His trailblazing conquest of the world chess inspired not only Filipinos, but also many Asians, who saw in him a role model.

In a sport dominated by Americans and Europeans, Eugene Torre overcame all odds and emerged victorious.

KATHRYN BERNARDO PLASTIC SURGERY - DID KATHRYN BERNARDO ENHANCED SOMETHING?

Enhancement in show business is not a big deal. Almost everybody does it. After all, this is the business of show. Your looks is your basic and greatest capital. Talent, well can be "developed".

One of the recent issues that's been hanging around the industry is whether Kathryn Bernardo had any enhancement done. Did she, or did not she? What's in it for us then?

Here she is in her early days.








Make up, enhancement, photoshop? You be the judge.

CATANDUANES TOURIST SPOTS AND DESTINATIONS BASICS

What is in Catanduanes?

The eastern island province of Catanduanes is ripe for exploration, a large, rugged, rural island with mile upon mile of majestic coastline. It has still barely felt the impact of tourism, although with eight flights a week from Manila and improvements to the main road around the island this is slowly changing.

In fact surfers have known about Catanduanes for quite some time, attracted to the big waves off Puraran Beach on the wild east coast. There are also several good beaches within easy reach of the capital Boac, as well as other attractions like the immense caves in Lictin, while the undeveloped west coast offers the opportunity to blaze a trail into areas few travellers see. Most of all Catanduanes is a friendly, down-to-earth place to hang out for a few days, as long as you are willing to adjust to a slower pace of life and travel.

It isn’t all good news though. Filipinos think mostly of bad weather when they think about Catanduanes, lying as it does on the exposed eastern edge of the archipelago smack in the middle of the “typhoon highway”.

Unless you are a surfer the best time to visit is from March to June, when the chances of rainfall are slight and the wind is less wicked. During the wet season ( July–Nov) the island can be hit half a dozen times by typhoons, causing extensive damage to crops and homes and sometimes loss of life.

Getting around Catanduanes
Hiring a car with a driver is a good if expensive way to see the island; try the drivers at the airport, visit the tourist office or simply ask your accommodation to arrange it. For about P2000–3000, for instance, you can get a return trip to Puraran Beach including waiting time; for a full day exploring expect to pay P4000–5000.

Otherwise, buses run from Virac up the east coast to Bagamanoc (90min; P100) or Pandan (3–5hr; P150). The going is significantly slower on the west coast road. Jeepneys are commonly used for shorter distances, such as from Virac to the nearby municipalities of San Andres, San Miguel and Bato; tricycles will also make these trips at a higher rate. Some locals offer trips around the island on their motorcycles for P1000–2000; the journey to Puraran would cost around P300–500.

NORANIANS VS VILMANIAN - THE NORA AUNOR - VILMA SANTOS RIVALRY

The Nora and Vilma rivalry is the most celebrated one in the history of Philippine Cinema. Marked by fanaticism, box office, and team ups, its phenomenon is a feat not duplicated since. Though many stars have emerged, on the succeeding generations since and arguably have eclipsed Nora or Vilma in terms of popularity and box office appeal, yet nothing could be compared to the rivalry of Nora and Vilma.

This is a classic morena against mestiza battle. Engaging in movies, variety show, singing, dancing, among others.

Nora Aunor commonly called as Ate Guy, is a critically acclaimed Filipina actress, recording artist, and film producer. Aunor has also appeared in several stage plays, television shows, and concerts. She is known as Philippine cinema's Superstar.



Vilma Santos commonly known as Ate Vi is a Filipino actress (and now politician). She is known as the Star for all Seasons for her various roles in different genres of her movies and holds the titles of Grand Slam Queen and as the longest reigning box office queen of Philippine cinema.



One Yahoo Groups Mail, by Mar Garces pitted some of the notable achievements of the individuals.

FAMAS

VILMA SANTOS

1.  Best Child Actress - Trudis Liit (1962)
2.  Best Actress - Dama de Noche (1972) tied with Boots Anson Roa - Tatay Na Si Erap
3.  Best Actress - Pakawalan Mo Ako (1981)
4.  Best Actress - Relasyon (1982)
5.  Best Actress - Tagos Ng Dugo (1987)
6.  Best Actress - Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos (1988)
7.  Hall of Fame (1990)
8.  Circle of Excellence  - Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992)
9.  Circle of Excellence - Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story (1993)

NORA AUNOR

1.  Best Actress - Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976)
2.  Best Actress - Ina Ka Nga Anak Mo (1979)
3.  Best Actress - Bulaklak Ng City Jail (1984) tied with Sharon Cuneta - Dapat Ka Bang
                           Mahalin?
4.  Best Actress - Bilangin Ang Mga Bituin Sa Langit (1989)
5.  Best Actress - Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990)
6.  Hall of Fame (1992)
7.  Circle of Excellence - The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995)


URIAN

VILMA SANTOS

1.  Best Actress - Relasyon (1982)
2.  Best Actress - Broken Marriage (1983)
3.  Best Actress - Sister Stella L (1984)
4.  Best Actress - Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga (1989) tied with Nora Aunor - Bilangin Ang
                           Mga Bituin Sa Langit
5.  Best Actress - Ipagpatawad Mo (1991)
6.  Best Actress - Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story (1993)
7.  Best Actress - Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? (1998)
8.  Best Actress - Dekada '70 (2002)
9.  Aktres Ng Dekada (1991)
10.Aktres Ng Dekada (2001)

NORA AUNOR

1.  Best Actress - Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976)
2.  Best Actress - Bona (1980) tied with Gina Alajar - Brutal
3.  Best Actress - Bilangin Ang Mga Bituin Sa Langit (1989) tied with Vilma Santos -
                           Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga
4.  Best Actress - Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990)
5.  Best Actress - The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995) tied with Helen Gamboa  -
                           Bagong Bayani
6.  Best Actress - Bakit May Kahapon Pa? (1996) tied with Sharon Cuneta - Madrasta
7.  Aktres Ng Dekada (1991)
8.  Aktres Ng Dekada (2001)


STAR AWARDS FOR MOVIES

VILMA SANTOS

1.  Best Actress - Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga (1989)
2.  Best Actress - Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story (1993)
3.  Best Actress - Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? (1998)
4.  Best Actress - Anak (2000) tied with Nida Blanca - Sana Pag-ibig Na
5.  Best Actress - Dekada '70 (2002)
6.  Best Actress - Mano Po 3: My Love (2004)
7.  Best Actress - In My Life (2009)
8.  Aktres Ng Dekada (2004)

NORA AUNOR

1.  Best Actress - 'Merika (1984)
2.  Best Actress - Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990)
3.  Best Actress - Ang Totoong Buhay Ni Pacita M (1991)
4.  Best Actress - The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995)
5.  Aktres Ng Dekada (1994)
6.  Aktres Ng Dekada (2004)


CATHOLIC MASS MEDIA AWARDS

VILMA SANTOS

1.  Best Actress - Relasyon (1982)
2.  Best Actress - Tagos Ng Dugo (1987)

NORA AUNOR

1.  Best Actress - Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit? (1981)
2.  Best Actress - Bulaklak Ng City Jail (1984)

For those keeping count, Vilma edges Nora it appears. This can be attributed to the point in time wherein Vilma remained active in the business, while Nora was on a hiatus.

In recording though, it was pretty "obvious" that Vilma cannot cope with Nora. Nora Aunor in fact was discovered in a singing contest called “Tawag ng Tanghalan” [1] in 1967 thus calling her the “girl with a golden Voice”.

She set all-time high record sales which up to this day has not been surpassed and the artist with the most singles in Philippine recording history (with more than 260 singles).

Vilma had her share of music greatness in 1969. Vilma Santos released her first album in 1969 under Willears Record, selling 500,000 with the single “Sixteen” became the most played single of that year.





In the dance category, you better be the judge.



Like any rivalries, it elevated the industry, the product, and the consciousness of the masses that were into it.

To end this piece, we will share an article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The latest on this epic rivalry.

MANILA, Philippines—Noranians among the Catholic prelates, show of hands please.

If Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes had his way, actress Nora Aunor would be declared national artist pronto.

Bastes, a member of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), threw his support behind moves in Congress to name Aunor, called “Superstar” by fans, as a national artist.

The bishop said her perceived show biz rival, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos and “Star for All Seasons,” can follow “years later.”

“I select and endorse Nora as national artist now,” Bastes said in a text message. ‘Himala’

He said the time was ripe for the country to recognize Aunor for her contributions to Philippine cinema, particularly for her portrayal of a religious visionary in the late National Artist Ishmael Bernal’s classic 1982 film “Himala.”

The film won the Viewers Choice Award for the Best Film of All Time from the Asia Pacific Region in the 2008 CNN Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

“She’s really good. I like her performance in ‘Himala,’” Bastes said.

But two other members of the CBCP said Aunor and Santos should be named national artists at the same time.

“Honor them both. They represent the divide between the Filipino crowd. The bakya (wooden clogs) and the sapatos (shoes) crowds,” said Baguio Bishop Carlito Cenzon, signifying the public’s social status.
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros agreed with Cenzon and said that both artists deserved being named national artists.

The government bestows the title of national artist on those who made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.

“Both can be made national artist. Perhaps, this will not require an act of Congress. An executive order would do should President Aquino agree to it,” Oliveros said.
Other bishops

Other bishops, however, declined to give their views on whether Aunor or Santos should be named national artist first.

“[That’s] not my line,” said Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez.

His sentiment was echoed by retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco.

A rivalry also divides the House of Representatives, with Deputy Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada earlier urging the government to name Santos as national artist after Bacolod City Rep. Anthony Golez filed a resolution saying that Aunor deserved to have the title.

Tañada said Santos should also be named national artist for her contributions to the country’s film industry.

DAING NA BANGUS SECRET FILIPINO RECIPE BASICS AND TUTORIALS

Fried Marinated Milk Fish - Daing na Bangus

The traditional method of preserving fish—salting and sun drying—is time-consuming and labor-intensive. By marinating the fish in vinegar with plenty of garlic overnight you’ll get the same great taste without the time and labor.

Milkfish is traditionally used for this dish but rainbow trout, sea bass, or mackerel are good substitutes. This dish goes wonderfully well with Pickled Green Papaya and a vinegar-based dip of your choice.

Combine the Marinade ingredients in a bowl and stir until the salt is dissolved. Open the fish like a book and place it skin-side up in a large casserole dish. Pour the Marinade over it and let marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Fry the fish for about 15 minutes on each side or until brown. Serve hot with and hot steamed rice, Pickled Green Papaya and Vinegar Garlic Sauce or Vinegar and Sauteed Shrimp Paste Sauce.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes + overnight marinating time
Cooking time: 30 minutes

2 lbs (1 kg) whole milkfish, rainbow trout, sea bass or mackerel, scaled, gutted and cleaned, or 1 1/2 lbs (750 g) fish fillets
3 tablespoons oil
Pickled Green Papaya (page 21)
Vinegar Garlic Sauce (page 20) or Vinegar and Sautéed Shrimp Paste Sauce (page 21), for dipping Marinade
1 cup (250 ml) Filipino cane vinegar (or white vinegar or cider vinegar diluted with water, page 13)
5 cloves garlic, crushed with the side of knife
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

THE MALACANANG PALACE AND MUSEUM - TOURIST DESTINATION

How to get to the Malacanang Palace and Malacanang Museum?

Malacanang Palace is the home of the President of the Philippines. It tells many history, and a significant part of Philippine history. It like the White House of the United States of America.

Home of the governor-generals and presidents of the Philippines since the 1860s, the Malacañang Palace is a fittingly grand and intriguing edifice, well worth the minor hassle involved in arranging a visit.

Much of the palace is permanently off-limits to the public, but you can visit the wing that houses the Malacañang Museum (Mon–Fri 9am–4pm; P50; T02/784-4286, Wwww.president.gov.ph) by making an appointment at least seven days in advance.

You’ll need to email or fax a letter of request to the palace, stating your name, preferred date and time of visit, and attaching a photocopy or scan of your passport; call first to confirm the latest procedure.

You can also join a tour run by Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks (T0917/329-1622, Wwww.oldmanilawalks.com), which saves you the bother.

The Malacañang occupies the site of a smaller stone house dating from 1750. In 1825 the Spanish government bought it and, in 1849, made it the summer residence of the governor-general of the Philippines.

After the governors’ palace in Intramuros was destroyed in the earthquake of 1863, the move to Malacañang was made permanent and the property was extended several times over the years.

The museum occupies the beautifully restored Kalayaan Hall, completed in 1921, and traces the history of the palace and of the presidency from Emilio Aguinaldo to the present day.

The palace is in J.P. Laurel Street in San Miguel district, a short taxi ride east of Intramuros and Quiapo.

INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE BASIC INFORMATION

International Rice Research Institute
The world’s largest institute on rice research

Do you know that the world’s largest research center on rice is in the Philippines? The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the biggest of its kind in the world, is stationed in the Philippines since the 1960s.

IRRI is located in Los Baños, Laguna, right beside the University of the Philippines. It is at IRRI where rice farmers from around the world come to study and learn new rice farming methods.

In the 1960s, the country was one of the world’s top rice producers, and, thus, was a logical site for the Institute’s headquarters.

IRRI was established by virtue of a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. Its goal was to help develop and improve rice production technologies.

Today, it serves as a repository of the biggest rice germ plasma collection in the world, with rice genetic materials coming from various rice-producing countries from all over the globe.

The Institute’s research and work on rice - the staple grain to more than half of the world’s population – has attracted many scientists, prominent world leaders and personalities into the country.

US Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, President Lyndon Johnson and philanthropist Laurance Rockefeller are just some of the few leaders who have come to visit IRRI and see its experimental and model farms in the country. It is indeed a pride that the Philippines is home to this rice think-tank.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the primary organization engaged in the development of better rice production. It had helped a lot of countries from India, China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia achieved rice self-sufficiency and had even become world rice exporters.

IRRI is one of the reasons behind the sustained world rice supply and we are proud it calls the Philippines its home.

Postcript: The Philippines ironically is an importer of Rice from the countries it helped to develop rice, on their own.