Notes on the New 50-Peso Banknote

The New Generation Banknote Series of the Philippine peso were released in December 2010.  Among these banknotes, the 50-peso bill feature Sergio Osmeña. It can be recalled that aside from Osmeña was the only first Philippine president born in Visayas (Cebu).

The obverse side of the New Design / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series 50-peso bill has a mace and gavel representing Osmeña's role as Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives from 1907 to 1922. The reverse side of the New Design / BSP Series 50-peso bill features an image of the National Museum building, formerly the Legislative Building. Five palm trees, presumably coconut, can be seen at the front of the building.

Obverse side of the 50-peso bill, New Design / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series

Reverse side of the 50-peso bill, New Design / BSP Series

Ricoa Curly Tops

Ricoa Curly Tops is one of the well-known Philippine brands of milk chocolate manufactured by the Philfood Division of Commonwealth Foods, Inc. in Mandaluyong City. Advertised as "Rich Chocolate for Chocolate Lovers," each piece is wrapped in a golden foil with the words 'Curly Tops' written in red and white.

Following are pictures of the front and back portions of the 50-gram pouch, which contains approximately 10 pieces.

Front portion of the pouch

Luya (Ginger)

Luya (ginger) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, the rhizome of luya is a spice that figures highly in Philippine cuisine. Aside from being used in tinola (chicken broth with papaya and chilli leaves), luya helps in removing the fishy smell of seafood. Following is a picture of some luya rhizomes we bought at the market. The price tag: twenty pesos per kilogram.

Movie Ads: "Makuha Ka Sa Tingin: Kung Puede Lang" (1993)

Makuha Ka Sa Tingin: Kung Puede Lang, an action-romance-comedy film starring Robin Padilla and Gelli De Belen opened in theaters on February 10, 1993. This Viva Films presentation also stars Dennis Padilla, Marjorie Barretto, Atong Redillas, Kate Gomez, Michael Rivero, and Eddie Gutierrez. Deo J. Fajardo Jr. directed the film.

Springmaid Comb

About three weeks ago, I chanced upon sidewalk vendors selling personal care items at bargain prices along the foot bridge near the intersection of EDSA and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. I bought Springmaid Unbreakable Comb for ten pesos. The comb, which is made in the Philippines by Placel Mfg. Co., Inc., has a swirly pattern of light and dark brown streaks.

Here is a picture of the comb, while still inside its packaging.

The word "Unbreakable" got covered by the teeth.

Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium

The Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium was inaugurated on March 2, 2009 during the administration of Governor Jonjon R. Mendoza and Vice Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado. Located to the right of the Capitol building, the gymnasium was constructed as part of efforts to showcase the beauty and achievements of Bulakenyos. According to the inaugural marker installed on a wall at the building's left portion, the gymnasium is aimed at providing a center of sports, arts, and culture in the province.

Movie Ads: "Kahit May Mahal Ka nang Iba" (1993)

On February 17, 1993, the drama movie Kahit May Mahal Ka nang Iba was shown in theaters. This Regal Films presentation stars Albert Martinez, Cristina Gonzales, Charito Solis, Janine Barreddo, and Karla Estrada. A newspaper advertisement for this film follows: