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Monday, February 21, 2005
I miss you today my dearest
Just as I miss most of life’s best.
It’s you I’ve always wanted
To be near and sit beside with in that petite but cozy bench…
It’s you I dreamed of
Every second of every hour…
It’s you I cherish and care and share…
It’s you I kiss and give and promise…
And
It is only you whom I can be open with…
It’s so good to know how lovely life is!
With you on my side
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Since time immemorial, people rely on food for existence. But not only people needs food in order to survive, other species did too. A very good example for this was the plant kingdom. They also need food for existence. But then again this is not fully correct, because the truth is: All living things – including the micro-organisms - must have food to live . It has been an accepted fact that those who do not eat or take in any edible substance weakens and eventually dies. When the first man came to be, it was his impulse to do the act of eating whenever he is hungry. It is an automatic response to hunger- eat anything available. However, the kind of food eaten varies in every specie. Both people and animals eat foods which came from almost the same sources, either plants or from animals that eat plants. Other living things too like the plants, especially the green ones need the sun’s energy to make food- and that is water from the soil and carbon dioxide( a gas in the air).
Certain ways of taking in food differs as well the world over. Chinese people prefer to eat their food by the use of long slender sticks called chopsticks. In Japan, they are fond of eating raw fish set together with cooked sticky rice wrapped with fish stomach linings. Some people use bread to scoop up their food or make use of their fingers like in Hawaii wherein the islanders scoop up poi -a paste-like food made out of a typical Taro plant- with their fingers. In other countries, a few eat from a common serving dish and use fewer utensils; while in other countries particularly Senegal- a family eat food in one common bowl while squatting on the ground.
Whatever, whenever or however food is taken, it is undoubtedly an essential part of our life or anyone's, for that matter. What then is food’s historical behind and how did it affect us all before? What is food’s role now in our society?
Part I - Food story
Prehistoric Times - I learned as i searched through books and other reading materials that in the early years of man’s existence, people ate anything they could find whether plants, fruits, mushroom, root crops, nuts and even edible seeds. They hunt for wild animals too through the wild forest and sometimes ate the beasts straight up right after killing them. Their ways and norms on those times were kind of rudimentary because in those early days they don’t have the knowledge yet of cooking food . They even ate the meat of dead animals that they find while hunting. It was not until they discovered how to make fire themselves when they roast, boil or stew their food and also when they knew the art of making pots.
Some early tools used for food hunting
As my research led me to more intriguing facts, it was during 8000 B.C. when people started to cultivate plants and raised animals for their food needs. It was then when a method of food production -farming- came to be. It helped much in providing a more consistent food supply at that time. Hunting was no longer the ultimate tool to acquire food anymore due to the fact that the people need not roamed around or moved further in order to get food. Farming made them stay a while longer in one place while they sow their crops and harvested them. A group of people once called the ‘nomadic shepherds’ traveled from one place to another while they brought along their raised animals on the road which consisted of camels, goats, and flocks of sheep thereby fulfilling their need for milk and meat as their main diet.
On the Ancient period:
In these times as i scanned a little more the pages of history books, between 3500 and 1500 B.C. the civilizations managed to have their valleys and riverbanks developed, which had fertile soil and favorable climate thus helping the early farmers to produce rich foods abundantly. More so it was said in those areas along the Nile River, i learned that they grew more than two crops every year on the same fields. I can say food indeed was already a very precious commodity even during the times of the Greeks. Many ancient Philosophers then were said to be interested in the kind of food they ate. As Hippocrates stressed out that: three categories of nutriments required for life: Solids, Beverages and air. Health, he explained, was the state of balance of elements and humors whereas disease represented imbalance .
A rather interesting theory about food and its effects transpired in the Eastern part of the globe particularly China. As commonly known, the Chinese followed an age-old system of belief and philosophies, which were handed down from generations thousand of years ago for their existence with that of the ‘Yin- Yang” Philosophy. It was told then by their great Philosopher, K’ung Fu-tzu (Confucius) on proper diet. Let me qoute it here: “Do not… eat your fill of polished rice, nor finely minced meat; eat not rice that has gone sour, or fish and meat that has spoiled…Do not eat except at proper times… never drink wine to the point of becoming confused…never consume wine or dried meat brought from a shop.” I can't fully explain the reason behind this last part. Anyway, in the later years of toil, the Greeks as well as the Romans were not able to supply food enough for their fellow country men which grew unprecedentedly in big numbers, so what they did was worked a feasible plan to elevate the adequacy of food supply by importing food from other neighboring countries in large quantities even doing rude deeds resulting into the taking over of wide land areas which had ample food supplies across Europe. That was the time when the Roman Empire subjugated Persia - now Iran- for fruits and gone farther more to the Orient like China and Japan for their spices, and even traversed the vast deserts of Egypt just to acquire their most important basic diet, which is wheat.
In the Middle Ages
Through the course of time, Food remained a great need. By this time, there were many wars to be fought and more lands to conquer. Most of the properties in Europe were now fought through feudal force. Then the Roman Empire fell (400’s A.D.) and their trading with the international market went down to a very low mark. By this time almost all of the land areas were divided into manors- the term used to a large property with the ‘Lord’ as head and the workers were called peasants. Each manor supplied food enough for the entire community, including the clergy or Church leaders.
When the other wars have to be fought, the troops conquered more lands extending to the Middle East, and fought the holy ward called the Crusades or the war with religious objective especially with the intention of freeing the Holy Land. These crusaders got a taste of new herbs and spices which made their mouth water and in turn intensified their craving for exploring more new lands helping a great deal in the renewed international trade industry which were now flourishing. High Middle Ages as it was called then, the economy was recovering; European trade went to a high blossom. The great entrepreneurs called merchants exchanged goods at great international trade fairs. They brought forth not only goods but also great ideas about new methods of farming, told stories of new industries and exchanged views on special events taking place in that part of Europe and in the rest of the world.
These Modern times
When most of the colonization and conquest were rising, Spain and Portugal took the lead in search for more food spices and eventually landed on a vast land mass on the other side of the globe, which they called America (Western Hemisphere) or the New World. These were the “Voyages of Discovery” years. They conquered the Americas (North, Central and South). It was the dawn of Industrialization. Huge structures were built and massive use of iron was establised as the prime hot item. There were no spices found but nevertheless, new food species were being introduced by the American Indians or the natives of America. These foods include avocados, chocolates, corn, peanuts, peppers, pineapples, sweet and white potatoes, squashes and tomatoes.
Presently, quite a few varieties of foods are now available. The Americans have their breakfast cereals from barely, corn, millet, oats, rice, rye, sorghum and the very important wheat; France have their rich and elaborate dishes; the famous pizza, spaghetti and macaroni of the Italians; the pancakes and pastries of the Belgians; the frankfurters or fondly called sausages and the famous hamburgers of the Germans; the shish-kebab or cubes of lamb, tomatoes, peppers, and onions roasted on a spike-like skewer of the Middle East countries; the hundred-year-old eggs and won-ton which is a kind of dumpling of the Chinese; the sashimi or thin slices of raw food; tofu or soybean curd of the Japanese; the curry or stew-like dish of eggs, fish, meat, or vegetables and cooked in a spicy sauce of the Southeast Asians; Scandinavian’s herring or fish food with cheese and bread; Mexican’s famous tortillas or flat corn-meal breads; Southern Europe’s pretzels and least not forget, England’s sandwiches, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding or a batter pudding baked in beef juices. Yummy!
On the other hand in the local scene, food had quite a story to tell...History of Filipino Foods in Philippine Setting There is no specific written account on when Filipinos established our own local taste of food. Over 300 years ago, even long before the Spaniards landed on our shores, we were on a system of rowing out to the deep sea in petite boats or bancas, toiling the rugged hillside rice paddies, planting vegetables and fruits out in the fields, and managed to hunt for wild boars deep into the virgin forests. Land and sea were amply supplying nutritiously rich resources and natural wonders. The Filipinos were into boiling or broiling and roasting their food in open fire. Anything that comes in handy when it comes to food was welcomed specially the freshly jerking prawns of the brackish sea and any other seafood stuff they can find. The freshest of fish was made into Kinilaw “cooked” by immersion in vinegar and salt with ginger, onions and red peppers.
However, a certain statement declared that early Filipinos actually cooked food to a minimal point by roasting and steaming only. But with some exceptions too, other Filipino consumers showed some distinct preference for the sour and salty flavored ones like the famous Sinigang- a lightly boiled fish in a sour stock with vegetables and fish sauce. Where these flavors came from varies not only from vinegar or salt but also from fruits which were not ripe enough and were picked like our very own Tamarind, mango and even guava which when extracted gives out a very sour taste. The same thing goes with the Kalamansi -a tiny citrus specie - a breed halfway between an orange and a lime. Still there is one food source which contains salty powers- our bagoong or shrimp paste. These flavors, though pungent in odor, are typically Filipino.
When international or foreign trade improved, various Asian groups of people visited our country. They were the Malaysians, Indonesians, Arabians, Indians and not the least, the Chinese who brought over all sorts of spices and settled their families here, thereby handing down cooking methods which helped much of the natives’ local knowledge of food preparations.
Global Interests on Food Influences
Here are some of the places which portrays their food type. First in line is Africa. Wholistic overview of African foods, delineate grains and breads as their staple grub. Their common dish called Couscous, made out of coarse grains of steamed wheat with vegetables and bits of meat prepared in a spicy stew and served in a soup-like sauce is said to complete the meal. This is typical to most Africans in both the cities and the countryside and is eaten usually in the evening, because they take in light snacks in other times of the day, at least that what my sources said so. There are some parts of Africa however, wherein the people suffer much from malnutrition due to food shortages brought about by long droughts near the great Sahara desert regions.
Okay, i hope i have said just enough for Africa. Let me illustrate what Europe has to offer. Great cities like France, bears the prestige of being one of the world’s best cuisines. French cooking is considered to be a highly refined art whose culinary techniques were developed and perfected over centuries. One classic French food is the Bouillabaisse. It is a kind of fish stew so rich and complex taken from Mediterranean fishes. The word "bouillabaisse" comes from the process of boiling "bouillir" and reducing "abaisser) that creates the rich stock that forms the base of a bouillabaisse meal. Oh my! this is getting complicated. specific country of Europe like Germany, had a complex array of famous dishes created way back hundreds of years. They have the superb food called Sauerkraut which was actually developed to preserve cabbage. Another spicy food sauerbraten was created, as way of preserving meat, which goes hand in hand with the making of sausages, knows as Bratwurst and Frankfurters.
England, on the other hand, shared less if none at all in the food arena. Much as they are elegant as they have always been, but their food is just simple. English people like roasted and grilled meats and they use fewer spices and sauces than other Europeans do.
In the Americas however, the New World came in existence after European conquest of a landmass in the western front, which eventually was called United States of America. Their food didn’t differ much with the rest of the old World during that time, but the fast growing population who settled in looking for new pastures to plow greatly changed their notions of food. Originally, the American Indians were feasting on meat captured by them and ate vegetables cultivated nearby. With the onset of the new technology, American foods evolved into simpler but meatier genre, giving birth to the famous fast-food chain of stores nationwide. Their lunch is bread packed with a huge slice of processed meat, topped with salad leaves and dressing. Now that isn't lunch for me! Central America, which includes Mexico, defines a more classical taste. The Tortillas, Mexico’s everyday bread, were the principal food of the Aztecs, specifically the corn tortillas, which dates back thousand of years even before Christ. The rest of the Americas down to the southern portion, do not differ much, except with the addition of the cola beverages.
Now we have come to my favorite site:Asia- Characteristics of Indian cuisine, portrays a riot of the sensory stimulation in its meals, with the intensive use of spices. A typical meal savored in India consists of staples, which is rice together with dal, a kind of porridge made out of pulses, seeds of peas and Chapatties, very thin flat baked breads almost like the tortillas. Get this, Samosas- deep-fried pastries are a common sight during snack time. People of India eat various kinds of curries, with chutneys in many meals.
Filipino Dishes - Due to the influx of various people groups that took hold of our country many years ago, it is only justifiable to say our dishes are a myriad of tastes and flavors, which were acquired from many different types of cultures. Filipino cuisine is influenced by these cultures namely: Spanish, Malay, Chinese, Americans, Germans, and Japanese.
The Chinese first gave new ideas on Filipino cuisine when they settled here. They introduced a new style of cooking called deep fry and stir-fry. And also introduced soy sauce, which came from soya (a kind of bean) and are now widely used in almost every Filipino kitchen. Other foods, which came from Chinese influence, are the lumpia -a spring roll dipped in a sauce that consists of simply crushed garlic and vinegar- and noodles thus pansit -sautéed noodles- are a common sight in every Pinoy (Filipino) celebration.
When the Spaniards came, their culture ranked high as one of the most influential on food in the Philippines. We carry roughly around 80 percent of the food cooking recipes now. From Spain came a hundred years of preparing dinner, which taught us the elite aura of eating rich food on the table, the way the Europeans do. It is like fiesta time when foods such as stews of cochido and puchero are present, rice-meat dishes and not to omit fine desserts elaborately done as brazos and torta imperials are found on upper class dining tables. Additional dishes such as relleno, mechado, leche flan are included in these influences.
The Americans also contributed their style of food mixture and introduced canned foods with fruit cocktail as the most popular particularly when Filipinos added our own ingredients, namely the jackfruit (langka), coconut (buko), and palm nuts (kaong). They brought along kitchen conveniences like refrigerators, pressure cookers, oven toasters, and microwave ovens. As to their food contributions, they gave us salads, pies, and the ever famous and most popular of them all: Cola drink. Fast -food came in as a novelty in the food arena in these contemporary days. It is a restaurant where food preparation is speed up to a high degree through a series of innovations permitting the service of more customers faster. Few big names permeated in the market recently like McDonald, KFC and our very own version, Jollibee food chain.
Today, Filipino cuisine have gained enough influences from all different cultures throughout the course of history so much so that it has evolved itself into a self-sufficient creation of diverse taste in the local palate. It has become an art on its own. As Felipe Fernandez-Armesto puts it: “Meals makes us human”(The Guardian. September, 2002) He expressed further that our oldest rituals are our meals. His vision explains this: "The companionable effects of eating together help make us all human. These minute but important details which, compose the dining table, are almost the stabilizing power if not the ultimate reason for closeness in a Filipino household especially when done together at regular times".
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Banaue rice terraces
The events which took place in Philippines' history are just some of the factors which helped shape up the country's society at present. The people who came in and got involved in aspects of business were also tips of the iceberg bulk whom the Filipino forefathers owed much of for their existence and advancement.
But the facts remains that this archipelago was subdued not just once... but without which a greater Philippines could have had emerged today.
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Hi everyone! These are images sent to me by a friend. I am not sure how they were done, or are they mere fruits of vivid imaginations... what do you think? (Thanks Jim). 
Friday, February 18, 2005
church entry door at the back.
A very old gate dating back to the Spanish occupation here (late 1800's). This is now preserved through the efforts of the the Argaoanons themselves. (Note:Please excuse the low resoulution shots made here and onwards,thank you).
Thursday, February 17, 2005
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach
when feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet need
by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use in my old griefs
and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost saints.
I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life and if God chooses
I shall but love thee better after death.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Marcelo Fernan Bridge Situated stragetically in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. The second connecting structure joining mainland Mactan Island with Cebu City.
Mactan-Mandaue Bridge This is the first to be built in Mactan Island reaching across the channel overlooking Mandaue City.
Hanging bridge- Bohol province.
Church bell tower in Argao, south of Cebu.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Stories rekindle some old but cherished memories of the heart. Stories, whether true or not can undeniably bring back an experience. It can unveil the moments of truth felt for, especially when the setting is quite perfect. Anyone could almost feel its reality. One could just be dazzled by it!
The story you are about to unfold may or may not tingle your imagination, but hopefully, it will tickle your heart and maybe make it beat… just a little bit faster!
It was the best of times, an almost perfect time of her life. She, who once was the girl next door now a woman, was about to meet her destiny. She was in her early twenties, quite naive of the things around her. She met this charming, a little sensitive guy but with a very good sense of humor.
This guy can not make heads turn but he can fill the air with laughter, one could just cry. He is an average man, with an average look and an average smile, but he is extra special to her. He has been seeing her quite a while now. He has showed affection so intense she simply can not function well without. He was like a soft melody to her.
Everyone was getting ready for the party. The sun is about to go down, leaving some gleaming rays at the distance, giving way for the moon's entrance. He fetch her from her house quite early but she was ready.
About Ms. B
- Ms.B
- Hi! your friendly neighbor Architect who loves ART eternaly... and poetry is my PASSION!
