Digital Chain

ifugao

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.

A typical scene in the Cordilleras. This is the true “fully loaded” vehicle. I think this is also an all-terrain jeep.

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.

I took this photo (using an old film camera) a couple of years ago when we were in Lagayan, Abra. The owner of the jeep was a trader who wanted to bring his goods to the Municipality. The military truck was our security escort and they were about to cross the Abra River on their way back to their barracks when the jeep decided brave the waters. According to the locals those who are not familiar with the river crossing alway fall into this predicament. They got the jeep out eventually.

tea_sop

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.

This is Thea, while talking to her Lolo Sebio. Lolo Sebio was confined at the BGHMC for a couple of days. The real doctor listens on.

paj_lolo_tea

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.

A few days ago my father was confined at the Baguio General Hospital. Nothing serious (thank God!) He went to the mission field and had to piggy back on a motorcycle over unforgiving rough roads in Central Luzon. He told me he had to endure almost two hours rough-riding. The terrain was more suited for the likes of moto-cross racing, the kind you see on TV where they have those big, noisy bikes. He got sick from exhaustion.

Anyway, we had to bring him to the hospital. In the photo, PAJO, my son is taking his lolo’s temperature while Thea (our youngest) watches. Mind you, Dr. Sophia C. Tanicala was supervising while Felinoly S. Tanicala, Registered Nurse was nearby.

Saturday afternoons I consider as treats. Saturdays afford me the luxury of relaxing. One of the perks is to watch you favorite programs.

I remember, a few years ago, while watching FEAR FACTOR, I mentioned that Pinoys have developed the stomach to withstand the stunts they dish out on this program. This afternoon I happen to watch a re-run of FEAR FACTOR featuring, as its final stunt, the eating of the amazing BALUT.

Now, this delicacy that we often offer to our foriegner friends as a challenge into Pinoy culinary culture has a long history. How long? I have no idea.

But I am glad that this underdeveloped duck egg has gained international recognition. No less than the derring do show FEAR FACTOR was daring enough to offer this as a challenge. Read the article here.

The title I took from an essay that was part of a college course in Philippine Literature in English. The story was about how the small town schools would treat visitors arriving from the Division Office.

The story went on to illustrate the lengths lowly paid teachers go to just to please the supervisors (the gods) when they come calling. All the resources of the teacher are put in just to make an impression that can help her land a better job or as a showcase how “effective” the principal is.

Anyway, the story is a reflection of the Filipino hospitality- to the extreme. Impressing the higher-ups at the expense of the family even dignity. This is short of begging.

Today, I got that feeling.

In the photo are Pajo, Thea, Dr. Sophia and Lolo Sebio (We call him that now).

A few days ago my father was confined at the Baguio General Hospital. Nothing serious (thank God!) He went to the mission field and had to piggy back on a motorcycle over unforgiving rough roads in Central Luzon. He told me he had to endure almost two hours rough-riding. The terrain was more suited for the likes of moto-cross racing, the kind you see on TV where they have those big, noisy bikes. He got sick from exhaustion.

Anyway, we had to bring him to the hospital. In the photo, PAJO, my son is taking his lolo’s temperature while Thea (our youngest) watches. Mind you, Dr. Sophia C. Tanicala was supervising while Felinoly S. Tanicala, Registered Nurse was nearby.

This is my wife. Her name is FELINOLY but most of her friends call her TENG. For those who know Philippine Literature (Jose Rizal’s time) you might be familiar with the famous books. Rest assured, she was not named after the books but was named after her grand parents in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.

Entry for February 15, 2006
A day after Valentine’s Day. A lot has happened over the last 24 hours. People I know, from work, have mixed emotions about how cupid made an impact in their lives.

I was watching TV last night and came upon a US showbiz program. In one segment, a pop star declared that he was boycotting Valentine’s Day. Ha!

The night of the 14th, my wife (Teng) and I went to our favorite massage clinic. We both agree that having a full body massage was very romantic. Anyway, we went to our favorite massage place - the place run by blind masahistas - and enjoyed the 90 minutes of shiatsu, swedish and reflexology. I think I even heard my wife mention “hilot”. After the massage, we joined the maintstream daters promenading along Session road.

The sights and sound of Session Rd : wag-wag here and a wag-wag there; tawad here and a tawad there…

To top-off our romantic get-away? We bought pizza and a couple of barbecues for the kids; a cool black floral necklace with glass beads for the wife.

Note: Mr. Johnny of COA informed me yesterday that hotels and inns were booked solid for Valentine’s Day. He also mentioned that newspapers were also selling like hot cakes. I asked : why the newspaper? He answered : “pag-aplagan da iday Burnham nu awan maala nga kuwarto.”