DAYS OF LITERATURE: Rizal sa Call Center (Part 1)

"Hello, haw kan I help you?" hindi ko alam kung ako nga ang may problema o mali lang ang narinig nila. Isa pa. "Hi Good Day to you all, haw kan I help you?" Maayos naman hindi ba?

tinignan ko ang orasan... putik! malalate na ako sa interbyu ko! Ano ba yan! baka hindi na naman ako matangap! ang layo pa nang pupuntahan ko. Trapik pa. Diyos ko, ano bang nangyayari sa buhay ko, akit palagi na lang ganito.

Sa pagsakay ko ng jeep patungo ng alabang, nakasalubong ako ng matinding trapik. Sheet naman! palagi na lang ganito, kaya siguro di ako matangap-tangap sa trabaho. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko, minsan inisip ko na sana tumalon na lang ako at lumipad papunta sa inaaplayan ko. 10 minuto pa, sa lagay ng trapik may uusad naman medyo matagal nga lang. napabuntonghininga na lang ako. Pero, himala umusad ang mga sasakyan. At unti-unti bumalik ang pag-asa sa aking puso, may oras pa, maychance pa ako, sige lang, wala na sanang trapik.

Yes,dininig yung dasal ko. Isang minuto na lang late na sana ako. Yun nga lang hingal nahingal pa ako pagdatig ko sa receptionist ng kompanya. "Umm...hhhhuhhi I'm here for da interbiew, here is my resumé". "Okay, please just wait until your name is called" pangiting sinabi ng babae sa akin. Napatungo na lang ako sa pagsang-ayon. Napaupo na lang ako sa hilera ng mga upuan , kasama ang ilan sa mga aplikante na katulad ko.

May oras na ako upang huminga, pero bibilis ulit ito sa pagsalang ko na sa intebyu. Hay naku. Bigla naman bumagal ang oras para sa akin sa paghihintay. Bakit ganun? bakit kung kailangan ko ng oras laban sa trapik parang ang bilis ng oras. Isa pa hindi pa nagtetext yung gf ko. Akala ko full support siya sa akin, ang tinext lang niya sa akin yung mga quotes na "God Bless", "Have a nice morning", at "Mwah". Oo nga nagtetext siya pero lalo lang yata akong kinabahan, ewan ko, basta bahala na...

Lumabas ang isang babae na may dalangmaraming papel, "Attention, people please proceed to the interview room over there. Okay, let's start...Marcus, uhmm... De Escueta, Padilla, Saliente,..."

Sapat na sa akin na marinig ang Saliente, hindi ko na iintindihin ang pangalan ng iba pa, lalo lang akong kinakabahan. Kahi man sa pangngalan mas nais kong tawagin sa aking apelyido, Saliente, magaling. Hindi kasi ako naging magaling sa anuman, sa pag-aaral, sa sports, wala nga akong talento na maipagmamalaki. Buti na lang may babae pang nagmahal sa akin, hindi ko nga lang alam kung mahgal niya ako sa aking buong pagkatao o mahal lang niya ako dahil naawa siya sa akin. Sa pagbangit ng babae ng pangngalan ko buti hindi niya ako tinawag sa aking unang pangngalan, baka lingunin nila ako. Pero kahit anuman ang gawin ko, hindi ko pa rin maikakalila ang aking tunay na katauhan...

"Please sit down. Now please introduce yourself one by one, then describe someting about yourself. Is that okay?" Wika ng interviewer na kamukha ni Jessica Soho, pero may boses ni Sharon Cuneta. Sino ba ang una... teka ako yun ah!? Bad trip! Ayoko ko ngang mauna, parangnagpakamatay ako, lalo na wala akong magaya ng style sa pagpapakilala. Bigla na lang nagalanko ang utak ko. Pero kailangan kong sumagot, kung gusto ko ng trabahong ito, bahala na si Batman.

"Hi, Hello... My Name is Rizalino Salinete, you could call me Rizal for short..." Matapos nun hindi ko na maalala ang nasabi ko nung oras na iyon. Nalaman ko na lang ang realidad ay nang makaupo na ako. No Saliente

Itutuloy...

DAYS OF LITERATURE: Rizal City (except from 2XXX)

As a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, Manual to Lyf will be featuring some of my writing inspired by his life and his works. Most of them are work in progress while some ar archived from past years of writing radomly but still have this Jose Rizal feel. And I will be doing this the whole month as my contribution for the 150th birth anniversary of our National Hero. MABUHAY SI DR. JOSE RIZAL!

Rizal City

(excerpt from my "upcoming" novel 2XXX)

The lights from the Manila Tower illuminates the district together with the old Neon and LED lights of the new Vegas of the East, along with Macau and Sentosa, Rizal City is both exemplifies and denounce the teachings and values of the hero the city was named after. In the middle of man-made reclaimed island city is the controversial monument of Dr. Jose Rizal which  rivaled the original Rizal Park, or Luneta. The monument though bigger than the other is surrounded by places of sin. A Casino on the East, a floating hotel in the south which is rumored to be the haven of forbidden lovers and prostitutes. And at the west where Rizal is facing is a glass pyramid like in Louvre, which is also a controversial structure which led to a lot of conspiracy theories connecting to groups such as the masons. And finally in the north is Manila's finest sightseeing spot that is the Manila tower. Rizal City is indeed a image of a progressive as there is no sight of poverty or discrimination. Though seen as the dream city detached from Metro Manila but connected by the Great Maynilad Bridge and the LRT 8 Underwater Train. 

Originally planned to be just a simple artificial island city but investors demanded more. Skyscrapers, shopping malls such as SM Rizal City and Robinsons Nueva Intramuros, and a theme park called Manila Star Park. Air traffic is still remains at NAIA but thanks to the LRT 6 connected to LRT 8 provides easy access.

The statue of Rizal posing facing west and trying to face eastward like his stance when he was shot XXX years ago, but not a face of anger but with a odd combination of confusion and eureka. The artist defended that his work reflects Rizal when he is thinking. And unlike in Luneta, the statue stands alone and is illuminated by spotlights at night and a fountain around him. The almost extinct Rizalista group would revere the monument as a mecca and sometime perform baptism rituals on the fountain and thus forcing to impose tighter security for the park and the whole city.

Philip and Anderson drove into the elite city which requires an exclusive access using the National ID system. Philip just only got his first at age 16 and quite hesitant that it would not be accepted. 

"To get in Rizal City is a rite of passage here? "Asked Anderson while driving through Quirino Avenue to Roxas Boulevard. "Yes it is, and even with an ID, there is no assurance that we can get in, I just got this last year" Philip replied "But how can you get in? You're an American, and getting a expat ID takes time". 

"Trust me, you don't know how influential ANIMA is, and  how far we can go for the vision" Anderson proudly said. Arriving now at the access road to the Great Maynilad Bridge to the city. Coming across the checkpoint for identification and car X ray, Anderson stick out his head out the window and exclaimed "Boss, ANIMA RIZAL" The guard seems to know what Anderson mean and pulled a pen which have a scanner. Anderson then put out his palm to be scanned and it was clear and before continuing the drive he whispered something to the guard which was replied with a nod and a smile. Philip then was puzzled what Anderson said to the guard which 

made him grin. Also the fact that they were not asked any ID which is a strict requirement inside the city.

"Can you tell me what is the password?" he asked.

"It was not a password, I just told him that he is doing a great job" Anderson replied

"You're lying, it so obvious but I also can't believe that they let us in without asking for our IDs... I 

mean, none of my friends has been here because of the security but you just showed you hand ans whispered something and thats it?"he questioned.

"Well, even I am an American we look up to Rizal as one of the best intellectuals of all time along with the Greek philosphers Plato, Aristotle .... and great leaders like Gandhi and Obama,"he explained and continued to drive into the heart of the city and passed by the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.

*2XXX is a novel by FPJ Jr about a college student and a secret agent  looking for the answers about his past and his abilities. Set in the future Philippines, showcases the changes and innovation the world has become after undetermined years.*

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: THE KITCHEN MUSICAL

Its indeed a musical world especially in television which is not only exclusive for western series, this time Asia will be invaded with the first Pan-Asian musical series, THE KITCHEN MUSICAL, featuring a pool of Asia's talented casts comprising both veteran and up-and-coming new faces from around the region, The Kitchen Musical is a tantalizing tale stretching 13 episodes of an hour each, centered around good food, great wines. 

Christian Baustista as Chef Daniel

Each episode will be wrapped in specially re-arranged and re-recorded popular hit songs animated with dance sequences. A menu of delicious dishes and dessert will be featured every episode that promises to be as luscious and addictive as the show itself. The Kitchen Musical is set in the musical world of a famous restaurant and anchored around the storyline of a rich young girl’s journey of self-discovery when she starts working in the kitchen of the restaurant, straight out of Le Cordon Bleu, Paris. Starring Stephen Rahman Hughes from Malaysia, and proudly Pinoy Diva Karylle Tatlonghari,and  balladeer Christian Baustita. Other Pinoys included in the cast are Joseph "Thou" Reyes (I Love Betty La Fea) and Ikey Canoy (Akafellas). The series is now shooting with the Filipino cast leaving for Singapore on Wednesday. Food + Music + Dance + Drama = a perfect serving of appetizing treat for viewers across Asia. And hopefully it will reach the western television too.

The Pinoy Cast with The Group and Studio 23 executives

A sample recipe that will be featured in THE KITCHEN MUSICAL

The Kitchen Musical will be shown in nTV7 (Malaysia) Studio 23 (Philippines), Metro TV (Indonesia), AXN (19 Asian Countries). Air date will be on October 2011.

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: Be STREET SMART this July from NatGeo

Are you a curious Pinoy? As in you would go to the details up to the atomic structure just to know how things tick? Maybe scientific and complicated but NatGeo will be launching a new show that will quench those vain curiosities and also talk about Pinoy topics. Hosted by Mitzi Borromeo and the show is the first locally produced series by National Geographic Channel (NGC) with the first three episodes dedicated to food. 

On the pilot episode SINISINTANG CHIBOG,  it deals about the Filipinos insatiable love for food. She embarks on a gastronomic adventure into the metro's food places like Binondo. It also featured 3 (different) food loving people namely Tania Vaca-Son (the sweet tooth), Corey Lee Wilson (the vegetarian), and Alex Lizot-Garcia (the meat lover). Each maybe unique in life choices in food but also shares the pros and cons of what they eat which also defines them. As we loved the pilot episode, we are looking forward to the other two episodes, FLAVORS OF OUR LIVES and CHIBOG CHISMIS.

Its not a cooking show but it looks more like Beakman's World less the labs, rats, and suits. It shows in depth analysis with images and videos for further understanding. Aside from food, the show will also discuss about technology, music, love and beauty. And in the launch they also invited several experts to talk about other food facts that we could learn, from the connection of food to sickness and also the never ending debate on diet which also made us think twice to grab a bite at the buffet. STREET SMART will air on July on NatGeo, but there are also plans to make the cable channel show accessible to more Filipinos in the future. Its really fun show to watch and get ready to educate yourself, which also lives out NatGeo's motto to LIVE CURIOUS.

The Manila Fashion Academy Opens its Doors

London, New York, Paris, Milan, Tokyo. 

These are places of fashion known all over the world. Here in the Philippines, particularly in Manila, the fashion scene is rising and also getting recognition. From Philippine Fashion Week, and the Ford Model of the World, our models and designers are climbing the fashion ladder to worldwide recognition. And lately, a new fashion school opened that offered a holistic approach to this trade. The Fashion Academy of Manila located at A. Venue Mall in Makati opens it doors for aspiring models, designers and photographers. The Academy partners with the biggest modeling company of the world ELITE, home of supermodels like Tyra Banks and Hiedi Klum. 

The launch is indeed star studded as celebrities graced the event particularly two prominent families, The Gutierrezes (Ruffa, Raymond, Anabelle, Eddie)and the Magalonas (Pia, Frank, Maxine, Elmo & Sab). It was like Philippine Fashion Week again plus more. Other stars sighted were Angel Locsin, Solenn Heussaff, Anne Curtis, Liz Uy and many more.

The event is a fusion of art and fashion as it also displayed an exhibit of photographer Xander Angeles. Elite Models were also there to distribute copies of the limited VISUALSINE, with Raymond Gutierez as Guest Creative Editor for issue. With this launch, there is now a venue for people who aspires a fashion career either be in modeling, photography, make up and design.

Kudos to the Manila Fashon Academy and Elite Manila!

Nuffnang and Hapee First Class in the Industry

What makes a brand first class? It can be proven in so many ways and always have an edge above the others. Like the mutants of the X-men First class, they were the pioneers in gathering powerful individuals and making a great team. These traits also is what Nuffnang, the region's leading blog advertising community and Hapee, the leader in providing affordable and quality toothpaste in the country has also pioneered to go a step further and left a mark in the industry. Though they don't have mutant powers they have built communities helping other people. Like in hapee, who employs people with impaired hearing which give jobs to handicapped people. And Nuffnang, helping bloggers and advertisers with community events and ads. This also inspires me to watch, X-men first class as I am a fanatic of the series even back in the comics and television series. So don;t be afraid to be special and first class because you can and you can change the world.

ART IS A BANG: MAGANDANG PILIPINAS - Pagpupugay kay Mommy Bel

Watch Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe

Founded in 1946 by Dr. Paz-Cielo A. Belmonte (Mommy Bel)

Celebrating 65 years of excellence in folk dance traditions

MAGANDANG PILIPINAS - Pagpupugay kay Mommy Bel

on June 5 (Sunday), 6pm

at the Concert at the Park, an open auditorium in Rizal Park, Manila

ADMISSION IS FREE!

AXN Celebrates Philippines Independence Day

As the Philippines celebrates Independence Day on June 12 this year, AXN would like to invite its viewers from the Philippines to send in their well wishes, greetings and their thoughts on what this special day means to them.

Entries should be less than 50 words each and may be in Tagalog, English or Taglish. Send them in by noon on 31 May to our Facebook fanpage (click here for direct link) or email contests@axn-asia.com with the subject title ‘AXN Celebrates Philippines Independence Day’. Shortlisted entries will be broadcasted on AXN on 12 and 13 June.

For the sole purposes of broadcast, AXN reserves the right to edit, adapt or abridge the comments, especially those of a religious, sexual or racial nature. Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

FUDFYT FOOD LAB: Pompano Fish Curry in Garlic and Cinnamon

Pompano Fish Curry in Garlic and Cinnamon

Just like I promised I will make a fish recipe after being inspired at the I LOVE FISH video contest awarding night showcasing different fish dishes. Now its time to make my own. Well from the title itself it looks really complicated, and did the combination of garlic and cinnamon surprize you? Well find out as we go and prepare another successful experiment of Food Lab only here at FudFyt! And aside from the dish itself the fish we will use is Pompano, a wide yet very tasty fish distributed by FISHTA Seafoods.

THE POMPANO FISH

 The Ingredients

• 1 whole Pompano Fish (Cleaned and sliced a vertically into 4 parts)
• Oil
• water
• Margarine
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 can evaporated milk
• Curry powder
• Cinnamon powder
• Dried garlic flakes

Procedure:

• After cleaning and slicing the fish into four parts, rub salt unto fish to infuse flavor
• Heat oil and fry fish but do not deep fry.

• Remove fish from heat and set aside

• To prepare sauce, boil 2 cups of water and add pepper, salt, and milk. simmer for 2 minutes.

• Add curry powder and cinnamon powder and add the fish into the sauce. Add margarine to add for flavor and creaminess.

• Simmer for 2 minutes and sprinkle with garlic flakes upon serving.

And viola! Pompano Fish Curry in Garlic and Cinnamon! A fusion of fish goodness with a kick of spiciness and a twist of cinnamon to tease your taste buds! The Pompano fish is not bony unlike the BangusJust in case you were wondering where you can buy Pompano . They can be purchased at these stores. And for more updates and also visit the I LOVE FISH FACEBOOK PAGE and also FISHTA SEAFOODS FACEBOOK PAGE for more information and for other exciting news and promotions.

also visit www.fudfyt.blogspot.com for more food updates!

Winners of the 'I Love Fish video contest' Awarded by FISHTA Seafoods

Cooking is indeed a passion of many Filipinos which is also reflected in our culture. In a archepelago surrounded by rich waters filled with marine life, gives us a lot of reasons to come up with exciting fish dishes. FISHTA Seafoods, a division of Santeh Feeds and also a provider of fresh seafood to leading supermarkets in the Metro sees this riches of our seas and our passion for cooking and that is why they launched the "I LOVE FISH VIDEO CONTEST", an online competition for food lovers who wants to showcase their cooking prowess and creativity. The contest is not limited to just one variety of fish which give liberty for the participants to use different kinds of fishes to come up with their unique dish.

The mechanics were posted at http://ilovefish.ph/  Each of the videos are uploaded to the I love fish Youtube channel for everyone to see and also for those who wants to try the dishes for themselves.  There were a lot of amazing videos on how fish dishes were prepared, though I would like to know how each dish would taste like. Some are surprisingly easy to prepare yet look really good and delicious on plate. And since fish is a natural source of more protein and omega-3 which is good for the heart, it would make think to always have more dishes which would benefit my health in the long run. 

And after extensive deliberation of all the videos, the winners are announced and awarded last May 24, 2011 together with FISHTA management and Ms. Janette Toral who organized the said contest. Also present were the other video participants who will also take home prizes courtesy of FISHTA Seafoods, every goes home a winner.

And now here are the winners!

 

Grand prize winner:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER
EDGAR JOSEPH BALTAZAR JR
 TAKES HOME P50,000 FOR HIS DISH
LAPU-LAPU TEREYAKI WITH ASPARAGUS

Lapu-Lapu Teriyaki with Asparagus

by Edgar Joseph Baltazar Jr

Second prize winner: 

Baked Seabass

by Czarina Khamille Sacaguing

Three third prize winners:

a. Broiled Parmesan Tilapia (Marichu Zablan)

b. Fish with Tofu (Camille Georgia Uy)

c. Fish and Chips (Paul Le)

The following entries shall also receive Fishta gift packs:

Fried Pompano Nuggets (Jenny Uy)

Broiled Parmesan Tilapia (Marichu Zablan)

Pinaputok na Tilapia (Richard Mamuyac)

Tilapia sa Gata (Luming Manalili)

Steam Lapu-Lapu (Theresa Barde)

Sarciadong Tilapia by Pekeng Hapon (James Gatlabayan)

Fish and Chips (Paul Le)

Ginataang Tilapia (Jamie Tan)

Fish with Tofu (Camille Georgia Uy)

Pinoy Sweet and Sour Fried Maya-Maya (April Rose Kwong)

As an added bonus, outside of the announced contest prizes, organizer Janette Toral is also gave gift packs to the following who submitted an entry to this contest:

• Erlinda Deliso
• Ernesto Flores
• Carlo Camilo Valenzona
• Anefah Sarip
• Vanisa Clavite
• Betty Fabregas
• Illuminada Bella
• Violeta Kleiber
• Pionestor Dres Jr.
• Nora Espijo
• Hirro Mac Kuizon
• Melrose Co

For the complete list of I LOVE FISH videos, just visit http://ilovefish.ph/ .

And for more updates and also visit the I LOVE FISH FACEBOOK PAGE and also FISHTA SEAFOODS FACEBOOK PAGE for more information and for other exciting news and promotions. And also stay tuned to FudFyt for my own fish recipe which I cooked up with this fish in only on Food Lab!