National Museum

I have passed this edifice countless of times since my youth but it was only lately that I learned that this was our National Museum! Actually, our historical and cultural treasures are housed in two separate buildings now, right across from each other.

The former Old Congress Building is where the arts, natural sciences and other support divisions are housed.

I wish I had more picture to offer but photographing was strictly prohibited inside the museum. But even if taking pictures was allowed, it would have been impossible for my shots to capture the beauty of the art inside nor share the awesome experience of walking thru those massive walls! Take my word for it.... the trip was amazing!

The former Finance building, now called the National Museum of the Filipino People is where the Anthropology and Archaeologiy Divisions are housed. Among the treasures within, the galleries devoted to the San Diego galleon are worth the special mention. ....porcelain plates, coins, jewelry, armaments and other artifacts recovered from the sunken battleship and much much more...

(The architectural design of the building is already an artwork to marvel at in itself!)

At least we were able to take photos in the lobby.

These heavy doors are always open. We, Filipinos, only need to go thru and re-discover our culture and history. It really is all up to us.

Don Henrico's Buffalo Chicken

A trip to Alabang would automatically mean a Don Henrico's dinner for Mon and me. It would always be a 3 -piece buffalo chicken for take-out. Much as we would want to dine in to enjoy the ambiance and service, we would rather savor the chicken right in our own home with bowls and bowls of steamed rice!

They used to call this buffalo wings but now, I think they call this chicken a la buffalo or buffalo chicken. Maybe they've run out of wings... whatever. What is important is that the taste is the same as it was.

Freshly unwrapped...

The chicken pieces are cooked thru but not dried out. Tender and tasty.

The dressing... the dip... the sauce... the perfect match!

Some dip their chicken into the sauce.. I drizzle mine on the chicken. Each bite just bursts into a deliriously delicious blend of sweet, tangy, mildly spicy treat in my mouth!

Buffalo chicken is Don Hen. Don Hen is buffalo chicken.

MBarriatos

Barbecue has always been my favorite. It is a mainstay in parties, picnics, potluck get-togethers, or any kind celebration. It is great with rice, with bread, with spaghetti, pancit, or even alone.

But not all barbecues taste good. I want mine sweet, not too tangy, tender and cooked just right. Along Dona Soledad Avenue corner France St. is where I get my perfect barbecue everytime I want one. MBarriatos. This street stall cooks barbecue just the way I want it.

And for the more daring customers, MBarriatos offers more. Simply pick out what you want from their various treats and just let Manong heat it up and grill it for you up to your desired doneness!

...... 'balat'.... my next favorite to pork barbecue. thin slices of pork skin stripped off its fat.... chewy but tender when cooked ....

...... 'tenga'..... chewy, gritty, a bit too fatty for me... but not bad.

...... 'isaw'.... it is innards. I have not mustered enough guts to try this just yet, but they say it is mighty good...

....... 'balunbalunan'..... it is gizzard. I think I will also pass on this one.

..... and this tops them all! the 'laman'..... thin slices of tender meat with just the right amount of 'taba' at the end, marinated and perfectly grilled! at only P15. a stick, it is the barbecue to beat.

November 1

Words are not much needed on this day. Prayers are. We flock to the cemeteries where our dearly departed's remains lie, and we pray. In silence, we get to be with them even for just a day of the year.

We bring flowers to cheer them up.... candles to light their way....




Some of the images that moved me...

This is one family tradition that will always be observed.... a tradition that the Filipino family will always keep.