Guilty Pleasure Comedy in "'Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-kitong" (1998)

'Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-kitong (Tagalog: This Three Pakitong-kitong Fathers of Mine) is a 1998 comedy film directed by Efren 'Lodging' Jarlego. It stars Babalu, Redford White, and Bonel Balingit as three bachelors who adopt a mischievous orphaned child named Jingle. Serena Dalrymple plays the role of the said child.

The film title is a play on the children's song Tong Tong Tong Pakitong-kitong, which is about a big and tasty crab that is difficult to catch. The crab mimics the action of a fish that is known as kitong in Cebu.

Photo Credit: Video 48

PLOT

The titular trio comprises the bachelors Bobby, Alvin, and Jack. Bobby and Alvin work as clerks, while Jack is a security guard at a recruitment agency. The three of them live in an apartment rented out by their gay landlord, Diday. He is constantly annoyed with the trio for being perennially late in paying the rent. He is also displeased that they court his niece, Cristy.

Meanwhile, Jingle is a child repeatedly returned to the orphanage. She has had three chances to be adopted, but each time it fell through because of her mischievousness. One day, she painted the entire  facade of the church building. The townspeople got fed up with her antics, and this situation coincided with the retirement of the orphanage caretaker, Padre Roman.

Padre Roman sent a letter to Jack, asking him to take Jingle in. Out of gratitude, Jack agreed, though Bobby and Alvin objected. With no other choice, they let Jingle stay, on the condition that she handle the household chores. Jingle thought the three were really kind, but suspected they were deliberately making life hard for her so she would be sent back to the orphanage.

Everything changed when the three lost their jobs after their employer's illegal activities were exposed. On the way home, Bobby was struck by a bag thrown from a van being chased by police. The bag contained jewelry stolen by a syndicate. At home, Jingle overheard the three arguing and saw the news report on TV. 

While the trio slept, Jingle took and hid the bag. This hot item became her leverage, forcing the three to treat her well like their own daughter. From then on, they did the household chores, accompanied her to school, and even took her to leisurely trips.

One night, after returning from a vacation in Baguio, syndicate leaders Eric and Cita arrived at their home. Pretending to be Jingle's parents, the couple presented what they claim as a court order. The trio were forced to hand Jingle over. 

Moments later, Bobby received a phone call from Eric, ordering them to come to the hideout and discuss the return of the bag of jewelry. The trio were allowed to see Jingle, who whispered something to Bobby. Bobby and Alvin were sent home to retrieve the bag, while Jack and Jingle were held as hostages at the hideout.

At home, Bobby and Alvin discovered a map in which Jingle had drawn the location where she hid the bag. To the left of the X mark, Alvin read "50,000 steps." They began walking, but encountered all sorts of mishaps: colliding with a vendor, nearly being hit by a train, chased by a dog, and forced to climb a tree with a python. 

Eventually, Alvin and Bobby found themselves on a beach, but the 50,000th step was in the sea itself—where sharks attacked them. They returned home battered and with torn clothes. Alvin suggested trying again, but Bobby refused. Instead, he re-read the map: it was "5 steps," not "50,000." On the fifth step, they discovered the bag hidden in the mailbox.

Diday and Cristy saw them and the latter made a telephone call to the police. Together, the four of them returned to the hideout and the police arrived. Jingle was rescued, and she revealed that Cristy also knew where she had hidden the bag. With the help of Jimmy, Cristy's policeman boyfriend, a plan was set to capture the syndicate while monitoring the trio.

Some time later, the trio, Jingle, Cristy, and Diday were at the airport. The trio thought they are sending off Jingle. It was not the case; Cristy said that Padre Roman sent a telegram so the trio could welcome a large group of orphaned children to adopt anew.

NOTES:

*** Jingle (portrayed by Serena Dalrymple) said the line "Kayhirap magpalaki ng magugulang." (Tagalog: It is hard to raise exploiters) at least twice. This film's working title is Kayhirap Magpalaki ng Magugulang.

*** About 80 minutes into the movie, Bobby (portrayed by Babalu) says, "Malapit na akong mamatay ... sa pagod." (Tagalog: I'm about to die... from exhaustion.). About three months after the release of this movie, Babalu died of a liver ailment.

*** Buddy Norton is known for his portrayal of a priest in the TV commercial for Coat Saver, a brand of paint. His scene in this movie is a nod to the said advertisement.

*** The hideout appears to be depot where dilapitated Pantranco buses are stored.

MAIN CAST

Babalu    ...    Bobby

Redford White    ...    Alvin

Bonel Balingit    ...    Jack

Serena Dalrymple    ...    Jingle

Lara Morena    ...    Cristy

Bernardo Bernardo    ...    Diday

Mark Gil    ...    Eric

Cita Astals    ...    Cita

Brandon Ramirez    ...    Jimmy

Don Pepot    ...    Mr. L.A. Guy

Buddy Norton    ...    Padre Roman

Full Movie: Star Cinema / YouTube

The Thin Line Between Vengeance and Passion in "Free to Love" (1981)

Free to Love is a 1981 romantic-drama film directed and written for the screen by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, based on a story by Toto Belano. The film is one of more than a dozen that features Cherie Gil and Rosemarie Gil, who are daughter and mother in real life.

VHS Cover

Photo Credit: Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions / Letterboxd

PLOT

Rosa, a hostess, is strict with her daughter Wendy, especially regarding her boyfriend Gary. Her strictness stems from deep wounds: Rosa and Wendy were abandoned by her husband Fernando, who married another woman to obtain a green card. Rosa’s only wish is for Wendy to finish college, work in America, and exact revenge on Fernando. One night, Rosa feared that bar owner Brando no longer pimped her to clients. She confronted him, leading to a heated quarrel that ended with Rosa being thrown out. In despair, she swallowed a large number of sleeping pills. Wendy found her in time and rushed her to the hospital. Wendy promised her mother she would do everything to prevent such an attempt again. Instead of staying with Gary, Wendy decided to go to America to find her father. Before leaving, she gave herself to Gary. In America, Wendy was warmly welcomed by her colleagues, which gave her peace of mind. She wrote to Rosa, expressing doubts about the obsessive plan to take revenge on Fernando. Rosa's reply pushed Wendy to make a telephone call to her father.

They reunited, and Fernando introduced Wendy to his new family—his wife Mildred and half-sister Cathy. Their first meeting was cordial, but tension arose when Fernando agreed to Wendy's request to live with them. Cathy welcomed her, but Mildred resented Wendy’s efforts to fit in.

Meanwhile, Cathy became pregnant by her boyfriend Bernard, but refused to marry him. She moved in with Bernard, leaving Wendy alone in the shared room at Fernando's house. Mildred grew angrier when Wendy asserted her right to stay. Mildred poisoned Cathy's mind against Wendy, and when Cathy returned, Mildred accompanied her to drive Wendy out. A commotion ensued, causing Cathy to miscarry. On that Fourth of July, Fernando disowned Wendy. Wendy found another place to stay and eventually entered into a relationship with Bernard. But when Mildred and Cathy discovered them, Wendy was consumed by guilt. She attempted suicide, but Bernard stopped her. In the end, Wendy left America, as Bernard could not give up his dreams there. Back in the Philippines, Wendy met Gary and confessed she was pregnant with Bernard's child—a relationship that began as revenge but turned into genuine affection. Wracked with guilt, she nearly sought an abortion, but Gary stopped her. Gary took responsibility, and Wendy once again faced her mother, whose heart softened upon seeing her grandchild. In the final scene, Bernard arrived and learned the truth: he was the child's real father. Wendy allowed him to see their child. In a quiet moment of acceptance, Bernard said goodbye. A handshake between Bernard and Gary appeared to symbolize reconciliation and closure, while Wendy looked on.

MAIN CAST

Cherie Gil    ...    Wendy

Rosemarie Gil    ... Rosa

Joe Fabregas    ...    Gary

Ernie Garcia    ...    Bernard

Deanna Galang    ...    Cathy

Andy Poe    ...    Fernando

Pacita Arana    ...    Mildred

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Screenplay ... Emmanuel H. Borlaza Story ... Toto Belano Cinematography ... Ben L. Lobo Editing ... Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao Musical Direction ... Idan Cortez Executive Producer ... Espiridion Laxa

Full Movie: Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions / Cinema One / YouTube

"Bagsik ng Kamao" (Fierceness of Fist): A World Boxing Champion's Foray into Movies

Bagsik ng Kamao (Tagalog: Fierceness of Fist) is a 1996 action-drama film about police investigators who probe a crusading politician's murder, unraveling a web of criminal activities. Directed by Leonardo L. Garcia, the film is topbilled by Edu Manzano and Luisito Espinosa, who is the World Boxing Council featherweight champion at the time of release. The film expectedly showcases Espinosa's pugilistic skills.

PLOT

The film opens in a boxing gym, where trainees are shown honing the speed and power of their punches. Soon after, friends Ibañez and David are jogging at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Ibañez suddenly makes a pass at a lady jogger. He introduced himself as a boxer with an upcoming fight in Japan, with David purportedly his trainer.

In a warehouse, Ibañez sneaks in disguised as a worker. He discovers crates of weapons and is caught by a gun runner, but manages to outsmart the latter. A shootout ensues, and Ibañez takes down the other gun runners. Police reinforcements arrive and seize the shipment.

Meanwhile, at the mansion of Ex-Governor Pablo Gabor is having a discussion with the police chief and Raf, the henchman. The ex-governor accuses the vice mayor of leaking information about his illegal businesses to the authorities. Raf confirms this, claiming he saw the vice mayor coming from Manila.

The ex-governor advises the police chief to talk to the vice mayor to gain his support. He secretly orders Raf to get ahead of the police chief at the site of the vice mayor's consultation with the townsfolk.

At the community meeting, Barangay Captain Milo stresses the need to stop the ex-governor's illegal businesses for the sake of the townsfolk's children. They sign a petition in support of this move. However, a spy informs Raf of the meeting's location, prompting an attack. Milo, Karias and the vice mayor manage to escape.

Elsewhere, Cris is unable to attend the meeting due to illness. He sends his daughter Bella to the fish pond. There, Bella witnesses Raf shooting the vice mayor. Shocked, she flees from Raf's men and narrowly escapes.

The CIS Chief orders Ibañez to proceed to Sto. Niño, Ilocos to investigate the vice mayor's murder -- with David as his mission partner. Though hesitant because of David's hot temper, Ibañez is told their contrasting personalities make a good team. Upon arrival, they coordinate with Milo to arrange protection for Bella, the sole witness to the crime.

While Bella hesitates to testify, Ibañez and David continue to clash with the ex-governor's men. Eventually, Bella agrees to speak and joins the duo. In retaliation, Raf brutally beats Cris.

The police chief, acting as the ex-governor's emissary, approaches Ibañez and David separately with bribes. Both refuse, but David mistakenly believes Ibañez accepted money, sparking a fight. Bella intervenes, threatening not to testify if they continue.

The ex-governor then orders Raf to summon a hitman called El Tigre to finish the job. This move also prompts the police chief to break away from the ex-governor's influence. Attacks against Ibañez and David intensify, and Raf kidnaps Bella. With Ibañez’s help, David rescues her successfully.

Raf and his men retaliated, killing Milo. Together with the police chief's men, Ibañez and David stormed the stronghold of the ex-governor. Ibañez killed El Tigre, who was hiding in the confessional, followed by Raf, and finally the ex-governor himself. David came to Ibañez’s aid—though he had fallen, he was saved by his bulletproof vest. In the end, Ibañez and David bid farewell to Bella as they needed to undergo debriefing. But Bella insisted on joining them. In a final moment, Ibañez and David kissed her on both cheeks.

MAIN CAST

Edu Manzano ... Ibanez

Luisito Espinosa ... David

Sharmaine Suarez ... Bella

Charlie Davao ... Ex-Governor Pablo Gabor

Jess Lapid Jr. ... Raf

Romy Diaz ... El Tigre

Conrad Poe ... Gun Runner

Jess Vargas ... CIS Chief

Max Alvarado ... Barangay Captain Milo

Renato Robles ... Police Chief

Dante Castro ... Karias

Cris Daluz ... Cris

Robert Rivera ... Vice Mayor

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Leonardo L. Garcia

Story and Screenplay ... Oden Amurao

Cinematography ... Ricardo Herrera

Production Designer ... Neil Espolong

Editing ... Rene Tala

Musical Direction ... Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer ... Espiridion Laxa

Full Movie: EDL Productions / OctoArts Films / YouTube

Dangerous Fascination with the Criminal Life in "Batang Estero" (Slum Kid)

Batang Estero (Tagalog: Slum Kid) is a 1996 action-drama film that narrates the story of a young man who grew in poverty and got enamored with the criminal life.

Directed and written by Deo Fajardo Jr., the film is one of the few that features the real-life son-and-father tandem of Michael and Dante Rivero.

PLOT 

Domeng grew up with a burning desire to become wealthy and influential. As the son of a school bus driver, he has always felt deprived in life.

Domeng idolized the crime syndicate boss Suarez, who in his eyes was "greater than the rich" because he was both feared and respected in their community. He saw in Suarez the freedom and money he had long dreamed of. But for his father, Suarez was a bad influence. Despite the warnings, Domeng continued to look up to him.

Meanwhile, Joy, a woman who sold her body for a living, had feelings for Domeng. But since they were both poor, Domeng rejected her.

One day, Domeng witnessed Suarez kill one of his own men. When invited by the police to testify, Domeng denied Suarez's crime and even gave a description that matched the investigating officer.

Suarez tried to reward him, but Domeng refused. Instead, Suarez offered him a job as a waiter in his gambling den. There, Domeng encountered Lope, a patron who bore an irrational grudge against him.

With money now coming in, Domeng treated his friends at a beerhouse. But when a dancer gave Domeng attention, Marco Polo's group grew jealous, leading to a brawl outside. 

Amid the chaos, Domeng met Zsa-Zsa, Marco Polo's sister, and the two seemed to develop mutual affection.

The tension with Lope continued. In one encounter, Lope fired a gun at Domeng, but the situation turned and Lope ended up dead. Domeng was imprisoned. Only Joy and his friends visited him. Joy confessed her love, but Domeng pushed her away, telling her to find someone else.

Domeng was later freed when Suarez paid his bail. Suarez welcomed him as a "certified member" of the syndicate. His father worried, warning again that Suarez would only bring ruin. Domeng ignored him, calling their life "miserable."

Suarez assigned Domeng as a delivery man for "chemicals." In one transaction, a client offered him more money to defect to their group. 

One night, Domeng arrived at a house where a woman emerged from the swimming pool—Suarez's lover. Barely dressed, she made Domeng uneasy. He explained Suarez had sent him, but Suarez was absent. The woman told him to return the next day, only to seduce him until he gave in.

Eventually, Domeng discovered that the "chemicals" were illegal drugs. He confronted the client, who said there was no turning back. Suarez already knew everything, including Domeng's affair with his lover. Domeng was now in danger.

Suarez ordered his men to kill his lover. Meanwhile, Domeng had eloped with Zsa-Zsa. At a hotel, Zsa-Zsa asked Domeng to get some food. While he was away, one of Suarez's men unitentionally shot Zsa-Zsa, who was lying under a blanket.

Domeng and his friends regrouped at their hideout to plan revenge. They agreed to keep Antonio, the youngest, out of trouble. Domeng urged him to continue his studies. But outside the hideout, Suarez’s men planted a bomb in Domeng's car. When the alarm went off, Antonio volunteered to move it. He died in the explosion.

Meanwhile, police planted a gun in Domeng’s father’s house, leading to his unlawful arrest. In jail, father and son reunited. Domeng and his friends were also imprisoned on fabricated charges. His father lamented their real crime was simply being poor.

Inside, they met an inmate named Mekeni, who said the police were "magicians." Domeng insisted Suarez was behind all the trouble.

Soon, Domeng and his group became targets of a prison gang. Suarez ordered the head of this prison gang to start a riot to kill Domeng. But in the chaos, it was Domeng's father who was stabbed.

As he lay dying, Domeng's father revealed that a deceased friend named Noel San Miguel is Domeng's real father. 

Later, Angelito San Miguel, Domeng's brother, visited him and promised help. The lawyer Angelito sent successfully secured Domeng and his friends' acquittal. In retaliation, Suarez had the lawyer killed.

Eventually, Suarez’s men kidnapped Domeng and Joy. In an abandoned building, Domeng managed to seize a gun, allowing them to escape. A chase, fistfights, and gunfire followed. One by one, Suarez's men were killed until only Domeng and Suarez remained.

Domeng and Suarez struggled fiercely until Suarez was left dangling from the balcony ledge with one hand. Suddenly, Suarez's henchman attacked Domeng from behind. Before crashing to the ground, the henchman managed to shove Domeng, giving Suarez the upper hand.

Seizing the moment, Domeng yanked Suarez from the ledge, but Suarez clung desperately to Domeng's leg. Domeng kicked him off, sending Suarez plummeting.

Yet Suarez survived. Rising again, he seized Joy as a hostage. Joy fought back and broke free, giving Domeng the opening he needed to finally shoot Suarez.

Domeng was imprisoned once more. Inside, he was greeted by his friend Mekeni. That night, Domeng killed the prison gang head to avenge his father.

MAIN CAST

Michael Rivero ... Domeng

Dante Rivero ... Domeng's father

John Regala    ...    Suarez

Beth Tamayo ... Joy

Maricel Morales ... Zsa-zsa

Lovely Rivero ... Suarez's lover

Julio Diaz ... Client

Jorge Estregan Jr, ... Prison Gang Head

Dick Israel ... Mekeni

Gino Antonio ... Lope

Marco Polo ... Zsa-zsa's brother

Alona Alegre ... Attorney

Raymart Santiago ... Angelito San Miguel

Boy Roque ... Suarez's henchman

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Story ... Deo J. Fajardo Jr.

Editing ... Orlando 'Totoy' Vinarao

Musical Direction ... Jesse Lasaten

Executive Producer ...    Atty. Eduardo B. Flaminiano

Full Movie: FLT Films International / OctoArts Films / YouTube

The Absent-Minded Dolfo in "Ta-ra-ra-dyin ... Pot-pot!" (1972)

Ta-ra-ra-dyin ... Pot-pot! is a 1972 romance-comedy film that follows the hilarious adventures of an orphan named Dolfo. Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao, the film is topbilled by Dolphy. The music was created by Jose Mari Chan. At that time, Chan has already established himself as a creator of jingles for use in TV and radio advertising.

This is one of the major films in which Dolphy worked with Jose Mari Chan. The others are Karioka Etchos de Amerika (1971) and Pinokyo en Little Snow White (1972).

The title Ta-ra-ra-dyin ... Pot-pot! comprises onomatopoeic words referring to items used by the character Dolfo in his job as a vendor:

Ta-ra-ra-dyin for the drum-like sounds that can be made from the two large cans attached at the sides of his bicycle. These cans contain Dolfo's merchandise.

Potpot is for the the horn with a rubber bulb. This bulb is squeezed to get the attention of potential customers.

Screen Capture: Lea Productions / Dolphy Filmography

PLOT

The film opens with two men near a bridge. Mario stops Dolfo from attempting to end his life. From that moment, they become friends. With nowhere else to go, Dolfo accepts Mario's offer to stay at his house.

Dolfo finds work as a newspaper boy, but one day his bicycle collides with Tomas, a moneylender. While on the street, Dolfo is captivated by a young woman named Cynthia—who turns out to be Tomas's daughter. Distracted by her beauty, Dolfo crashes and eventually loses his job.

At home, Dolfo remains absent-minded. He forgets the rice cooking on the stove, and the house nearly catches fire—saved only by Mario's timely arrival. Mario scolds Dolfo but reassures him about the broken bicycle. Soon after, Dolfo secures new work as a pan de sal peddler.

In their conversation, Dolfo mentions the beautiful woman he encountered. Being shy, he asks Mario for advice on how to court her. But as events unfold, it is revealed that Cynthia is Mario's classmate—and the real romance is between Mario and Cynthia.

The introduction also allowed to patch up things between Dolfo and Tomas.

Meanwhile, at Tomas and Cynthia's house, a woman is often seen lingering nearby. She is later revealed to be Luisa, Tomas's former lover and Cynthia's mother.

One day, Roger, a persistent suitor, deceives Cynthia into a kidnapping. He tells her that Tomas has been in an accident and that she must rush to the hospital. Luisa happens to be nearby and enters Roger's car, perhaps hoping to finally speak with her daughter.

Dolfo's co-workers witness the abduction. Though heartbroken in love, Dolfo informs Mario of what happened. Together, they head to Roger's resthouse to rescue Cynthia. In the midst of the action, mother and daughter are finally reunited.

Cynthia is successfully rescued, and Dolfo steps aside, entrusting her to Mario. As Dolfo walks away, he is struck by a car. A woman emerges from the vehicle and offers to take him to the hospital—hinting at the possibility of a new love awaiting Dolfo.

MAIN CAST

Dolphy ... Dolfo

Hilda Koronel ... Cynthia

Caridad Sanchez ... Luisa

Raul Aragon ... Mario

Da Big 3 Sullivans ... Dolfo's co-workers

Juano Juarez ... Roger

Boots Anson Roa    ...    Woman from Car (uncredited)

Nostalgic Pinoy Party Food: Hot Dog and Marshmallows on Stick

During parties back in the day, especially in the Eighties, one colorful centerpiece never failed to appear—and it remains vivid in my memory: hot dogs and marshmallows skewered on barbecue sticks.

I will not mention the year but I had such a centerpiece on my fifth birthday party (so far the only birthday party I ever had).

The hot dog could be skewered whole, or for uniformity, sliced into pieces the same size as the marshmallows. Each stick would then be inserted into a pineapple, watermelon, or cabbage—depending on what suitable fruit or vegetable was available. 

There were no definite standards about what to use as a base. As long as the base could support the skewers, it was good enough. Sometimes, even the trunk of a banana tree was used.

For the child I was back then, this edible centerpiece was truly stimulating to the senses. The aroma and savory taste of cooked hot dog paired with the sweetness of colorful marshmallows created a delightful contrast. 

When the marshmallows came in pastel colors, they matched the predominant aesthetic of the Eighties. And if the base was wrapped in foil, the whole presentation sparkled even more.

This centerpiece also carried social symbolism. Each stick of hot dog and marshmallows seemed to represent the hosts and guests of the gathering. The way each stick was anchored into a single base depicted a shared focus: collective joy.

Although this centerpiece continued to appear at parties during the Nineties and early 2000s, its presence seemed to fade as the 2020s arrived.

Perhaps people have become more health-conscious and practical, especially due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. After all, we know that hotdogs and marshmallows are processed foods. There are also added safety concerns because of the protruding sticks.

If given the chance, I would still love to see this centerpiece to the new generation.

What I want to experience once more is its nostalgic value. In light of the concerns I have mentioned, I will remind myself and others to "eat with caution."

And if they ever ask what this centerpiece means, I will wholeheartedly share the little reflection I have just offered.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Musings on "Batibot" and Smoked Milkfish

The TV program Batibot and its accompanying soundtrack remains a part of our childhood memories. One of the catchiest songs from that soundtrack is "Tinapang Bangus" (Tagalog: Smoked Milkfish).

Main cast of Batibot

Photo Credit: Wazzup Pilipinas 

It was about three decades ago when I first heard Kiko Matsing and Pong Pagong singing the repeating lines that attest to the deliciousness of smoked milkfish:

Tinapang bangus, tinapang bangus

Masarap ang tinapang bangus ...

Recently, while at the supermarket, I suddenly remembered this song. As I looked into the freezer in the seafood section, I noticed the neatly stacked packages of smoked and deboned milkfish.

(The milkfish is much bonier than other food fish. I prefer it deboned to enjoy the mild, slightly creamy flavor. For most people, the belly is the choice part of the milkfish.)

With the tune of "Tinapang Bangus" playing in my head, I reflected on the contrasting forces of heat and cold: heat that creates its distinct flavor, and cold that extends its shelf life.

My mind then veered towards various aspects of this ray-finned fished found throughout the Indo-Pacific.

In the Philippines, milkfish is popularly known as the national fish. However, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts has declared that this is not the case as it has no basis in Philippine law.

The fish plays a major role in the economy of Dagupan that this city in Pangasinan province hosts the annual Bangus Festival.

Meanwhile, the reverse-racist Filipino term mestisang / mestisong bangus is used to refer to someone who is half-European or half-American.

In 1963, a film titled Mestisang Bangus was produced by a company called Golden Harvest Promotion.

I am imagining that the funds used to create the Mina Aragon were derived from a bountiful bangus harvest.

As I realized that I was staying too long near the freezer, I did not overthink further. I bought the smoked milkfish—and I will enjoy it fried (not mestizo/mestiza anymore) while recalling the moments I spent watching Batibot as a child.

Fried Tinapang Bangus

Photo Credit: Devour.Asia