Must Try: Puto Bumbong Cake at Lia's Cake in Season

Christmas is my favourite time of the year.  I look forward to having the seasonal favourite food, and as soon as I hear Christmas Carols on the radio, my craving for Bibingka (Coal Baked Rice Cakes) and Puto Bumbong would sink in.

I happened to pass by a stand selling this items on my trip to Pampanga along Macarthur Highway in San Fernando.  I was so excited that I had to beg Starbucks to let me have them at their cafe.  I think its best paired with coffee.

The Puto Bumbong Cooking Contraption

Bibingka is cooked by sandwiching the batter
with coals on top and bottom.

A few days after, I saw on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho a feature on the Puto Bumbong Cake from Lia's.    I have been craving for it since.  Lia's is very close to where I work along East Capitol together with the other foodie places in Kapitolyo, Pasig.

I finally gave in to my craving last Friday.  It's a bit expensive at 210 pesos per slice, but this really is one of a kind and I just had to try it.

The cake is moist lighter version of the original.  The muscovado sugar topping and grated coconuts gives it that familiar flavour.  The dark brown caramel sauce is indulging.  It's a definite must try in Pasig.

Perfect timing!  I totally blend in with the interiors!

A Date with the Kids of Chosen Children's Village

The UAP Manila Corinthian Chapter had its Christmas Party last December 16, 2014.  We intentionally decided not splurge for the celebration, so that we can share whatever we save for the event to treat kids of the Chosen Children's Village to Day out of the home and do something fun.

Some members were generous enough to sponsor kids out of their own pockets.  I call them the Chapter Ninong's and Ninang.

I was able to arrange the activity weeks prior.  It was during my visit last September that got me connected to the foundation, the people working there and the Kids.  We chose December 28, to move away from the parties organised by other groups.

To let them experience something new, I have chosen Nuvali as our venue.  Its not far, and they have outdoor activities unique to place.

I met the 8 kids at 11:30 AM in time for lunch.  Together with them is Mama Joy, their caregiver, Papa Jack, the driver and their teacher.

We started with lunch at Tonkatsu.  The staff at the restaurants were amazed on how polite and well mannered these kids were.

After lunch, we were off to feed the fishes.  It was their first time to see that many fish up close.

We then went in line for the boat ride.  The queue were long, so we decided to have ice cream while waiting.

The boat ride was a short 8 minute tour of the lake.

After the boat ride, I treated them to a train ride and the kids car for a few minutes.  Just before we parted ways, I brought them to Bench to pick out an item they want.  Some of the kids picked out shirts.

Before we knew it, It was almost 5PM.  I would have to admit, I wish I could have more time with them, but we had ran out of things to do.

In behalf of the Kids, I would like to thank our Chapter, UAP Manila Corinthian, and our Chapter Ninongs and Ninangs for making the event possible for these kids.

Thank You!
1. Boysen Paints
2. Jonathan Galano-Tan
3. Sherryl and Clang
4. Ghe and Andrea
5. Gabbie Cascante
6. Omar Palero
7. Rommel Ripotola
8. Patrick Rodriguez
9. Vhic and Sheyne

Shopping for Christmas Lanterns

Putting up "Parols" or Christmas Lanterns have been a long time Filipino tradition during the holidays.

It has however evolve with technology.  Now, the candle lit paper lanterns have versions made from recycled materials to capiz and rope lights.

For me, the most practical would be the bamboo frame, covered in plastic with bulbs.  I have tried using Capiz, but because of global warming, when typhoon season extends to the Christmas season, its just impractical, especially when hanged on trees open to strong winds.

CAPIZ LANTERNS OF DIVISORIA

The LED rope lights are more resilient, but would more expensive to repair, especially when the wiring breaks causing short circuit.

The bamboo versions are less complicated.  I would  buy those with single bulbs that does not flicker.  The colours are from the plastic covering.  I have found a place in Las Pinas that still makes them the traditional way.  Although, the paper is replaced by plastic and the candle with electrical bulbs, its still very traditional in the sense that the framing is made from bamboo and the task communal involving neighbours and friends.

Another plus is that it cost 1/3 of the Capiz version ranging from 50 pesos to 500 for the big ones.  They can also custom made colours and designs to your liking.

The Parol Makers of Las Pinas can be found at the Plaza Quezon along Quirino Avenue after the famous bamboo Organ if coming from Paranaque.

You may contact Ate Baby for your requirements:

Ate Baby

0923-3229657

Deo Gratias: A Waray Christmas Carol

Since my Mom is in the country for the holidays and is staying at our hometown in Eastern Samar, I decided to spend Christmas there.  Fresh from the effects of the typhoon Yolanda that ravaged the eastern part of the country, the people in our hometown still manages to celebrate the season.  Caroling starts the same as the Midnight Mass.  The entire street will be filled with voices from carolers both young and old.  In our Barangay in Tabunan, each group would have the same song, although the tune may vary from group to group.  It's also the first time I have encountered a Christmas Carol, where the homeowner has singing parts.  I tried to write down the lyrics and translated it with the help of my Mom.


Deo Gracias amigo,

Thanks be to God friend

Kun sadang pasak-on niyo,

If you will let us in

Kun sadang kami mamuruko,

If you will please let us sit

Yad’ ‘in duduha katawo.

Here's two person

Kami yadi katiayon,

It us a couple

Nasarit iyo pasak-on,

If you will, please let us in

Bisan la dire pasak-on,

If you can't let us in

Didi la han iyo sirong.

We can stay at your shade

Response from the homeowner:

Hin-o ka ba, hin-o iton,

Who are you? Who is this?

Nga nagsasampit ha akon,

That's calling on me

Ano an tuyo mo dako,

What's your purpose here?

Nga imo titinguhaon?

What do you need?

The carolers will reply with this verse:

An si Jose nga bugto mo,

I'm Joseph your brother

Suok pa nga igpatod mo,

A close  relative of yours

An mahal nga esposa ko,

My loving wife

Suok pa, an himasuso.

Is in labor

The homeowner would answer with this:

Waray Jose nga bugto ko,

I don't have a brother named Joseph

Waray pobres igpatod ko,

I don't have a poor relative

Lunlon kami kapadian,

We're all men

Mga tulni hin kahadian.

Of noble blood

Response from the carolers:

Tungod la sa Diyos amigo,

It because of God my friend

An pagsarit han balay mo,

That brought us to your house

Han sirong la, han hagdan mo,

Just below your stairs is enough

Nga lukotan han hayop mo.

Where you keep your animals

Response from the homeowner:

Hala kadto iwas kamo,

Go now, go away

Paharayo han balay ko,

Go far from my house

Hala kamo, kadto iwas,

All of you, go away

Naglilipong, pakangiras.

You are getting on my nerves

Response from the carolers:

Pirit na kami mahapit,

We sorry but we have to impose

Hi Maria nasasakit,

Mary is in pain

Madali na an kaaga,

It's almost morning

An Mesiyas masirang na.

And the savior is about to be born

Response from the homeowner:

May kamalig nga bungkag na,

There's a worn out granary

Hunongan hin mga baka,

That's being used for the cows

Didto kamo pag-agwanta

You can stay there if you must

Kay kami didi suok na.

We're already full here

The carolers will end with this verse:

Por amor de Dios tagbalay,

God a Bless you our host

Malisensya kami anay,

We have to go for now

Dire niyo igkabudlay,

We hope you don't mind

An pagsarit nga mahinay.

Our short passing

Tagbalay makadi kami,

Our host, we have to go

Kami na la perdonahe,

Please excuse us

Nakangiras kami dinhi

For the disturbance cause

Han amon dinhi pag-agi.

Of our passing here

Here's a few verse sang by these little kids!