Bantayog ng Bayanihan at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol Plaza

Aside from the monument of Gregorio del Pilar at the plaza of the Provincial Capitol, another monument is the Bantayog ng Bayanihan (Monument of Communal Unity). Inaugurated on April 30, 2005, the Bantayog ng Bayanihan monument highlights the bayanihan spirit among Bulakenyos.

A plaque on the monument's base reads as follows:

Monument of Gregorio del Pilar at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol

Located within the Bulacan Provincial Capitol plaza is a monument commemorating the heroism of Gregorio Del Pilar. Known as the "Boy General," Gregorio del Pilar (November 14, 1875 - December 2, 1899) led Philippine revolutionary forces at the fateful Battle of Tirad Pass during the Philippine-American War.

Bawang (Garlic)

Bawang (garlic) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. Scientifically known as Allium sativum, the bulb of bawang is a spice commonly used in Philippine cuisine. Research has shown that bawang has antibacterial, antibacterial, and antifungal activity as medicine. In Philippine folklore, bawang is said to ward off the aswang, a vampire-like creature.

Following is a picture of bawang bulbs and cloves we bought at the market. The price tag: sixty pesos per kilogram.

Rattan Sticks for Arnis

In 2009, then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9850 declaring arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines. Aside from directing the Department of Education to include arnis as a Physical Education course, the sport will be included among the priority events in Palarong Pambansa (National Games) starting 2010.

Training for arnis involves the use of a pair of rattan sticks, each about 28 inches in length. Way back in 2005, I recall buying a pair in Manila's Quiapo district for sixty pesos. However, I still have not learned the essentials of arnis, so the sticks have not yet served the purpose:

Movie Ads: "Kumusta Ka Aking Mahal?" (1993)

On February 10, 1993, a movie having the same title as the Freddie Aguilar hit song Kumusta Ka Aking Mahal? was shown in theaters. Under the direction of Abbo Q. dela Cruz, this Seiko Films production stars Rita Avila and Gardo Versoza. Other cast members include Rey PJ Abellana, Tessie Tomas, Noel Trinidad, Claudine Barretto, and Emil Benedicto. This is a newspaper advertisement for the film:

The Tagalog blurb reads, "Isang nakatutuwang pelikula na magbibigay ng pag-asa sa mga pangit!"

TRANSLATION:
A funny film that will give hope to those who are ugly!

Vice President Binay at 70

Jejomar "Jojo" C. Binay,  Vice President of the Philippines since 2010, celebrates his seventieth birthday today. Prior to getting elected to his current post, Binay was mayor of Makati City for more than twenty years. He served as mayor from 1986 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2010.

Binay was also Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority for two terms: from 1990 to 1992, and from 1998 to 2001.

SOURCE: Web site of the Office of the Vice President

A lawyer by training, Binay was also known for giving free legal assistance to poor clients and victims of human rights abuses before he ventured into politics.

During the 2010 elections, a series of advertisements was aired on television to bolster Binay's vice presidential campaign. One of these advertisements highlights his knowledge of poverty. It recalls the young Binay's work of collecting slop for a backyard piggery, cleaning the front yard early in morning, and taking care of his uncle's fighting cocks. The young Binay would also go to the public market for his daily errands.

Tabrilya from Oas, Albay

A delicacy that comes from the town of Oas in the province of Albay is the tabrilya or chocolate balls made from cacao. Each ball measures an inch and a half in diameter. Boiling and dissolving four tabrilya balls in a cup of water is enough to make a rich, comforting drink. Sugar can be added based on one's preference.