"Alimango" (Crab): The Subject of a Popular Children's Song

Tong, Tong, Tong Pakitong-kitong is the title of a popular Tagalog children's song about the alimango or crab. The title is an onomatopoeic reference to the way the alimango  moves. The lyrics go like this:

Tong, tong, tong, tong pakitong-kitong
Alimango sa dagat
Malaki at masarap!
Kay hirap hulihin, 
Sapagkat nangangagat.

TRANSLATION:

Tong, tong, tong, tong pakitong-kitong
Crab in the sea,
Big and tasty!
So difficult to catch,
because it bites.

In 1998, a comedy film titled Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-Kitong opened in theaters. This Star Cinema production features then-child actress Serena Dalrymple as the orphan Jingle. It also features Babalu, Redford White, and Bonel Balingit as the wacky trio who adopted her.

Kamatis (Tomato)

Kamatis (tomato) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. It is scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum or Lycopersicum esculentum. The fruits of the plant are yellowish-green to green when unripe, and red to reddish-orange when ripe.

A member of the nightshade family, the tomato is related to eggplant, potato, and bell pepper. It grows to at least one meter to about three meters in height. A support is often needed due to its herbaceous stem. Originally from the Americas, the tomato is believed to have reached Philippine shores during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade in the 16th Century. The tomato is celebrated every December in the town of Laoac in Pangasinan province.

The fruit can be used raw in salads or served with condiments, such as patis (fish sauce) and bagoong. It can also be sauteed with garlic and onion to impart a savory taste to various dishes. Aside from being processed into ketchup, the fruit of the tomato plant can also be used in making beverages. Following is a picture of some tomato fruits:

Division of the Province of Kalinga-Apayao

The Philippine province of Kalinga-Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region was divided into the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao with the passage of Philippine Republic Act No. 7878 on February 14, 1995.

Almost a year before the division of the province, an article titled 'Separating Kalinga-Apayao will destroy another Marcos legacy' by Frank Cimatu was published on The Philippine Daily Inquirer. According to the article, propagandists saw a slight resemblance of the map of the original province with the profile of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.  

SOURCE: The Philippine Daily Inquirer / May 16, 1994

Emilio Advincula, the Honest Taxi Driver

In 1996, the story of Filipino taxi driver Emilio Advincula's good deed became news at a time when honest persons are (and still) very rare. Advincula gained the admiration and respect of the Filipino public after he returned the PhP 2.5 million a passenger left in his cab.

Private citizens and civic groups took the initiative to reward Advincula and his family. In the following picture, which was published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 11, 1996, receives a reward from Jovito Salonga, head of the cause-oriented group Kilosbayan.

Rambbo Slippers

Many of us probably still remember the so-called "Rambbo" slippers that became popular during the '80s. Yes, the spelling is "R-A-M-B-B-O," although the typeface has an uncanny resemblance with the typeface of the title cards in Sylvester Stallone's Rambo action film series.

As Many Filipinos are known for spoofing foreign popular culture influences, the slippers might have been inspired by the popularity of the film series. The word "RAMBBO" is embossed on the straps. The thick rubber soles make the slippers suitable for knocking down empty tin cans when playing the game tumbang preso.

A few weeks ago, I was at the market, on the lookout for a new pair of slippers. Nostalgic serendipity prevailed upon me upon seeing pairs of Rambbo slipper being sold at a footwear stall. At a cost of 100 pesos a pair, I can say that the purchase is not just a steal, but also a "sly."

Sitaw (Yard-Long Bean)

Sitaw (yard-long bean) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. It is scientifically known as Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis. The pods of this legume can be cut to fist-length pieces and cooked in soy sauce (adobong sitaw) or fish broth. Following is a picture of some sitaw pods:

Movie Ads: "Sariwa" (1996)

During the mid-1990s, Seiko Films became known for producing movies in the so-called Titillating Film or TF genre. One such movie is sex-oriented drama Sariwa, which opened in theaters on January 4, 1993. Priscilla Almeda (previously known by the screen name Abby Viduya) led the cast.

Romnick Sarmenta and Leandro Baldemor, who was introduced in this movie, played leading men roles. Other cast members include Gina Pareño, Luz Valdez, and Jimmy Fabregas. Renowned scriptwriter Abbo Q. dela Cruz directed this movie under the name Rico Mambo.