This stolen peaceful moment reminded me that even with its racing jeepneys and unruly pedestrians, I love Manila!

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This is an unforgivably belated announcement, but it’s not too late for the artists, writers, designers, musicians, and dilettantes to unite! This February, the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is celebrating National Arts Month through the celebration, “2007 Philippine Arts Festival: Ani ng Sining, Yaman ng Lahi”.

As explained by Felipe de Leon, Jr.,

the arts provide the most lucid mirror of who we are as a people, capturing the widest diversity and most profound depths of the Filipino creative spirit. Excellence in the arts is a powerful magnet around which national unity may evolve.

NCCA made a complete schedule of arts and culture events to take place this month. Check it out at the official Arts Month website. That way, those who weren’t able to catch “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” get their second chance.

Chinese New Year is nearing! Here are some pics quickly taken during a recent trip to Chinatown. I’ll try to go back and take some more!


Little containers filled with gelatin formed into fruits.
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Every locality in Manila is teeming with bakeries and homegrown eateries. You can’t miss this one. Before donuts, burgers and fries made it big as ‘pig-out’ food, there were kababayans. I grew up having a feast on these. I tried searching in Google why it’s called that – kababayan. Didn’t find any. The English word for it is compatriot. It’s actually a muffin, plain muffin – just flour and eggs, sugar and a little vanilla flavor. I can only guess, perhaps back then, it’s a favored merienda for most Pinoys and a favorite pasalubong for relatives living in another country. Hence, kababayan. Back then means people twenty five years and younger might not know it is called such. Grab some, it’s nice to try once in a while the uncomplicated taste (not to mention it’s very affordable) of bread and pastries sold at the nearest bakery in your neighborhood.

It’s surprisingly quiet. Usually, there are a lot of vendors hanging out on the street selling fruits, plants and vegetables. Usually, there are kids running around, chasing one another with plastic toys. Usually, there are grown-ups sitting on white plastic chairs chatting with one another as they watch the bus tricycles go by. Usually, there are teenage lovers walking down the street, holding on to each other with one hand and texting with the other. Today though, it was quiet. Hmmm. It must be lunchtime.

Ang pinakaaabangan ay narito na ! Ang bagong naging luma at lumang naging bago, mga kantang kinagawian ngayoy’y muling mapapakingan! Mga kantang tulad ng “No Touch” mula sa Rocksteddy; “Ipagpatawad Mo” galing sa Mayonnaise; “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” mula sa Soapdish at kasali na rin ang “Handog” mula sa Join the Club at ang “TL Ako Sa ‘Yo” na ni-remake ni Ktchie Nadal.

Bukas na ang album launch! Biyernes, Ika-3 ng Pebrero, dito lang sa Eastwood, mula alas syete ng gabi. Tutugtog rin ang mga banda tulad nila Join the Club, 6cyclemind at si Kitchie! LIbre ito! Magpa-autograph ka na rin ng iyong sariling “Best of Manila sound: Hopia, mani, popcorn” Kita-kits!

The weather has been pleasantly cool the past few days. Last Tuesday was said to be the coldest day this city has had in the past couple of months.

I’m not complaining! It’s a welcome change from the heat we’re used to. It feels good waking up to a cool and crisp breeze. Even walks outside the office during lunchtime are more pleasant. And when darkness falls, the cold hits again. It’s not unusual to see some people wearing jackets on the street. But I also see some who stick to their tank tops. Perhaps they’re enjoying the cold as much as they can! Summer’s coming by very soon. I know I’ll enjoy this refreshingly cool weather while it lasts!

Calling Manila booklovers!

Powerbooks is having another warehouse sale. It will run from Feb. 2 till Feb. 17. There’s a 30% discount on regular items and up to 90% discount on bargain buys. Oh boy.

Last year, the warehouse was hot, hot, hot. And I mean literally sweating hot. It wasn’t a very comfortable experience. This year, I hope the airconditioning is better and that the spaces are much wider. Let’s see!

Warehouse is open from 10 am to 7 pm, Mondays-Saturdays. Location is at 25 Brixton St., Kapitolyo Subdivision, Pasig City. Will I see you there?