Taga Ibaan Ako: Aparador Ng Bayan

Taga Ibaan Ako: Aparador Ng Bayan: "Aparador Ng BayanBy Taga Ibaan Ako Aparador: a Spanish term for cabinet used in safekeeping clothes from new to old ones.Bayan: a town or ..."

Aparador Ng Bayan

Aparador Ng Bayan

By Taga Ibaan Ako

Aparador: a Spanish term for cabinet used in safekeeping clothes from new to old ones.

Bayan: a town or municipality sharing the same culture and traditions.

Since time immemorial, each and every house in a town keeps an aparador no matter how big, small, elegant, or how simple they are. It doesn’t matter. The thing is, aparador has become part of everyone’s life since this is where we keep almost everything –more importantly, our clothes. Years may dust a house’s roof and foundation; our everyday garments will remain intact inside of it. The same way everyone in bayan can do the cat walk around in great attire.

We’ve been doodling like we don’t know about aparador, bayan,

and clothes. Maybe for a while that is a fact. What if we tie a knot among them and we might be able

to get some first-rate result? Hmnnn…looks like you can read what’s on my mind now. H

ere’s what we got. Aparador Ng Bayan!

Aparador Ng Bayan, located in Coliat I, is the latest and newest thrift shop in Ibaan. This is a welcome development for the municipality since we all crave for something ecstatic to put on. With Christmas just a stone throw away around the corner, for sure this shop can bring out the best in you with its stylish, panache, and

chic lines of clothes available. Oh yes, this is Ukay. I won’t lie about it. But hey, I assure you, you’ll feel and get all the confidence you need for anything once you give it a shot trying on its

vended wardrobe.

The goods you can find at Aparador are all direct from US. Don’t worry; they’re not from any monastery thrown off the garbage by last air benders. Neither merchants from galleon trade nor pirates aboard Amistad has nothing to

do with it. It’s all great stuff. The garments are all intact with their thread, colors not faded, buttons in place, and pockets emptied of dirty hanky and sand. They can still serve you right the longest

time you want to have them.

Aparador Ng Bayan is the shop where you should be. And guess what, they’re offering 50% cut on prices on every purchase that you make. Signature clothes are all

there is. Reminder: Don't be the last to know!

So I tell you now, get a life. Be in style. Aparador Ng Bayan can give you that.

(Aparador Ng Bayan is owned and managed by Mr. Jun Torrano. You can reach him at 0916-537-9476 / 0912-635-0994. Or email at aparador.bayan@gmail.com)

Taga Ibaan Ako: TORQUE PRODUCTIONS: The Party Authority

Taga Ibaan Ako: TORQUE PRODUCTIONS: The Party Authority: "TORQUE PRODUCTIONS: The Party Authority By Taga Ibaan Ako The world started empty. No music. No lights. Each night, we hear head breaking ..."

Taga Ibaan Ako: University of Batangas: A Catalyst For Community D...

Taga Ibaan Ako: University of Batangas: A Catalyst For Community D...: "University of Batangas: A Catalyst For Community DevelopmentBy Taga Ibaan Ako University of Batangas is not just an institution that neithe..."

University of Batangas: A Catalyst For Community Development

University of Batangas: A Catalyst For Community Development

By Taga Ibaan Ako

University of Batangas is not just an institution that neither provides quality education in different disciplines nor produces caliber graduates that are competent and professional enough to meet the demands of the business world. Although they have undoubtedly achieved numbers of recognitions from different accrediting organizations in the education management industry, they remain afloat and kept themselves within the reach of the ordinary people.

The concrete buildings inside the campus may blow horns for them to speak of their strength and credibility, yet lingered more to exist like human who feels, exists and breaths for his kind. And they’ve proven this by keeping a soft spot for communities and its people that they adopt for five (5) years and with whom they genuinely commit themselves to deliver services for the former’s improvement and development.

After creating a mangrove park in Barangay Gulod, Calatagan, Batangas and after having uplifted the socio-economic life of Barangay Munting Tubig, Ibaan, Batangas, University of Batangas through its Community Extension Service Office once again went out of its comfort zone by adopting Brgy. Sala, Balete, Batangas from 2010 to 2015. While others claim to have lifted a finger to be in the service of the people, UB throws its whole self as an institution and as a partner with all of its resources to brings changes and improve the lives of its beneficiaries. And good run of that was this afternoon’s (November 26) visit to Barangay Sala with three of its college departments providing their areas of specialization to the community.

Leading the pack of wolves hungry to be part of Barangay Sala’s journey to achieve improved socio-economic life, the College of Business and Accountancy Department provided the participants with insights on effective business planning. Dr. Jess Briones, a respected Lecturer in the said field, rooted everyone off their seats by triggering their desire to effectively and efficiently run a business through their initially established group M3 (Mamamayang Masipag Mag-impok).

Dr. Briones emphasized the importance and benefits of planning since everything start with it. According to him, starting out a business will never be as easy as emptying a plate of peanuts; that before one can blast off one’s rocket on a launch pad, every detail must be considered and evaluated from the simplest scratch to the most complicated financial aspect of an enterprise. The seminar might have over loaded and brought the participants in limbo with the volume of information discussed; it still proved to be beneficial as evidenced by their positive response. But above all, they were assured of University of Batangas’ unwavering support and assistance on every step they take to progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, the University’s Center of Excellence PACUCOA Awardee College of Education representatives tagged along with every child in the community and momentarily housed them in the barangay’s Day Care Center. It is a sad fact that not every kid in Brgy. Sala get the chance to go to school. But with the presence of the University’s highly trained mentors in the field of education, they can be afforded with reading and writing skills. The University’s undertaking does end in teaching the mentioned skills.

They are on a mission to transform every child’s moral fiber to become more socially aware and develop good learning habits that they can carry with them from primary to tertiary education. Much more, it is the University’s dream to inculcate the importance of education and how it can change their lives and the community as well.

College of Engineering on the other hand conducted an inspection on each and every household in the community. They checked on the electrical installations and made an assessment on what they can do to improve them. Along the way, they saw some busted switches and risky electrical connections that may put the family in danger such as fire. With College of Engineering, the country’s number 2 in electrical engineering with a tradition of producing board exam top notches, on top of everything, there’s no reason to worry now. Every electric line will be checked; every curl will be straightened up and every house will be brightened up.

University of Batangas is just starting things with Barangay Sala. There’s still a long way to go since the barangay is adopted for five years. This is just a tip of a giant iceberg that UB will unfreeze for the community. And throughout those five years, threads of life-improving activities will continuously and will perpetually flow into the said community. The people can expect no surprises, but expect for the University’s presence as a catalyst of community development.

Taga Ibaan Ako: Memoirs Of Enselada

Taga Ibaan Ako: Memoirs Of Enselada: "Memoirs Of Enselada By Taga Ibaan ako I had this enselada yesterday for lunch. I don’t know why. The last time I had this was when I was i..."

Memoirs Of Enselada

Memoirs Of Enselada
By Taga Ibaan ako

I had this enselada yesterday for lunch. I don’t know why. The last time I had this was when I was invited to have dinner with Tita Estrel. Or maybe because I got so tired of dealing with meat dragging me down with so much weight lately. Honestly, most of the time I often feel like I’m having difficulty digesting what I eat, particularly meat, whether they may be pork or chicken. I always feel like to my tummy is about to explode like a pregnant on a wheel chair. A change on eating habits, I guess. But above all, this enselada brings me back in time when we were young.

My family lives on the countryside, commonly called “bukid”. Tatay Peping would have these plants on our backyard, tirelessly tilling open land for some agricultural plants so we can always have something to eat whenever he fall short of his earnings as a jeepney driver. He never complain about his aching back as long as we can have okra, talong, kamatis, camote shoots whenever we go hungry.Back then, I hardly appreciate what he was doing. He would often call me to help him finish the plot as he dig small holes to drop the seedlings. It irritates me a lot doing such since I always feel like playing basketball. But after a couple of months, we find ourselves feasting on soft boiled fresh vegetables on our plates with a half-filled pinch sized bowl of bagoong and calamansi. Life was that simple then. We could have complained about not having fried chicken or any meat on the table. He trained us to not to ask for more than what we have. And I'm proud to say that we all eat vegetables up to now.

My age is beginning to pick me up (or should I say, dragging me down?) these days. So does my Dad. He has grown old these days. He can no longer do the plot for vegetables. I’m working away from home and no one is left back home to do what he used to do. It’s like everyone is living like on the fast lane. And whenever we crave for this kind of stuff, we end up buying on the canteen, like what I everyday do, or browse the market stalls for fresh vegetables when we can actually have them for free. I feel bad I can’t do the farming. I feel proud now remembering Tatay Peping smiling at me as I sweat hard with hands almost torn apart hammering the soil with “asarol” for vegetables back in the old days. Gone are the days. And I miss that.

A Sumptuous Dinner With Tita Estrel

A Sumptuous Dinner With Tita Estrel

By Taga Ibaan Ako

I’ve spent half of my life in Batangas City. Back in college days, my 12 hours a day are burned in here, but still return home at the end of the day. When started working, that’s when I decided to rent a boarding house since my job requires me to be where they are the earliest time possible. That’s when I started missing my Mom’s food whenever I return home from work. I’m a plate monster, I must admit. But I have to tighten my belt for some family and personal financial needs. I lived like a hungry rat in drainage, keeping myself up with ready-to-cook-noodles, cigars, bread and tsitsirya. Real meal was always on my mind.

Starting out with a Disc Jock job at BAY Radio 104.7, I met couple of friends with whom my hungry tummy began going through a revolution. Although I get invited for some dinner, particularly DJ Clark Kent who usually cook and prepare food like as if there’s always a fiesta during ordinary days, everything always end up with bottles of beer. By the end of the session, I again feel the hunger. But of course, I have to thank more of DJ Kent for always inviting me to clean plates full of food with fork and spoon –anytime, anywhere. This time, I have another reason to thank him.

He took me and introduced me to Tita Estrel Mercado of Mega Heights Subdivision, Alangilan, Batangas City. And in one invitation, she was a real-deal kitchen fairy god mother with great tasting and sumptuous dinner meal she prepared for us. And yes, I did the plate-monster-way again (It’s her fault, don’t hate me please). Arriving at her place, I noticed from the entrance gate itself until I reach the inside of the house, the house looks like a heavenly museum filled with Christmas color and decorations. I was told Tita Estrel’s house greets Christmas the earliest; she makes all the decorations as early as September. One could hardly focus his eyes on one corner alone for the whole place is worth the glance. (We’ll talk more of her house in full next time.)

Afterwards, I was led down the patio at the back of the house where the gang is waiting. At first, it appeared to me like an underground. But taking the last steps of the stairs, it’s actually an open area with huge gate leading to other road at the back of the house. And again, I lavished my eyes with humorous decorations as if I’m walking through the aisles of an enchanted kingdom.

Tita Estrel prepared for us (me, Dj Kent, Dj Red Raven, Maby and Omanji) three cuisines for the night: a sweet and sour tambakol, adobong pusit, and enseladang talong placed side by side in one large plate with subdivisions so as to keep the taste of their own. Good thing I haven’t had anything yet that day. I just finished work that day and I am so dead hungry I could fly with my motorbike when I was told it’s going to be a dinner!

Sweet and sour tambakol. One of my all time favorites. I didn’t spare this one of course. The way Tita Estrel made it, I can say even the best fine dining restaurants in the city can’t come any closer to this. The sauce is perfectly blended with the right color; it’s neither too dark nor too pale for us to imagine how it will weight us down on our chairs. It tastes so sweet with a stinging kick of sourness. It works well on top of smoking rice fresh from cooker we could smell its heavenly scent; more than enough to roll thunder and lightning in our stomach. The fish meat are all intact ending on our plates in full shape in their cuts, fried in a way that can sustain the heat of the sauce in the process. And yes, it’s all dressed up with carrots, round green bell pepper, and some tomatoes to blend the taste for more cravings.

I came a bit late. The result, adobong pusit was almost all drained up and weed out of the plate when I ascended on my chair at the other end of the table. I can’t resist this one as well. Throwing them breathlessly into my mouth, the pusit were so tender you hardly need to chew them. The skin we’re deep cleaned down to their tail with nothing to waste from them. Oh well, the sauce always looks a bit black. But it doesn’t draw any line of ink-after-taste once we have them on our throats. This menu was cooked the old fashioned way yet remained classy by its own right.

Ah, the enseladang talong. For enselada, we often have kangkong, okra, tomatoes, and cubes of onion. Sometimes we take on again cubed green mangoes, sometimes with cheese, carrots, and etc. There are actually different combinations we can make with enselada. But this one consisted mainly of soft-boiled eggplants mixed with the usual onions, tomatoes, and bagoong. I am a spicy one, so I took more of the onion. Compared with other enselada where talong ends up like a lifeless pole, Tita Estrel’s are soft boiled you could hear still their crunchiness between your teeth. I don’t know what’s in there, but it doesn’t taste like talong at all; they don’t even result to any tongue irritation like the usual talong would do. They're white anyway, not the violet one. And the bagoong, its taste is somehow neutralized by tomatoes; not itchy either.

By the end of the meal, we appeared like we’ve gained 20 pounds! Everyone enjoyed it. And yes, I pray to God that I will be invited again. I know, it’s gluttony already. But how can you blame me if that’s how Tita Estrel prepare and cook those things? If you’ll get the chance to have a taste of them, you’ll tell me I’m telling the truth. You might as well want to admit you’ll return for more.

Above it all, thanks to Tita Estrel.

Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas: Defiitely on the Lead

LPU – Batangas: Definitely On The Lead
by Taga Ibaan Ako

Year after year, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas never run out of reasons to remain on top in different fields compared with other schools, colleges and universities, not only in the region but also in the country. And this year, they’ve proven this once more for the nth time by topping the recently concluded National Food Showdown. If there’s such a thing as a habit in this level of competition, then this must be the best one.

Living up to the words of LPU-Batangas President Peter Laurel “We’re the most awarded tourism school in the Philippines”, National Food Showdown 2010 held at A. Venue Events Hall in Makati City with the theme “A Quest for Culinary Excellence”, September 10 – 11, was never a strange and uncharted battle field for LPU winning in majority of the competition’s categories and in Overall Awards.

In Overall Awards, LPU-Batangas topped the Golden Plate Trophy for Bar and Dining Challenge, 2nd in both Golden Plate Trophy for Compleat Chefs and Presidential Trophy,
and 3rd overall awardee in Golden Plate Trophy for Sweet Revenge.

These awards were capped by LPU after winning in different categories. Remarkably, they won three (3) Gold (Petits Fours/Pralines, Creative Cake Decoration and Table Setting Categories), one (1) Silver (Chocolate Showpiece Category) and seven (7) Bronze (Gourmet Cold Buffet Challenge, Amuse Bouche, Plated Vegetarian Dish, Fruit Flambe, Bread Showpiece, Baby Cakes, and Wedding Cake Categories). They were also able to receiver Diploma Award in The Apprentice (Coach and Student Tandem) Category.

Since joining the National Food Showdown, highly-regarded by the food and beverage industry as the country’s premier food event which is being judged by an impressive roster of F&B professionals such as executive chefs, hotel & restaurant owners, managers and culinary experts from leading food manufacturers and suppliers, LPU-Batangas never fail to amuse the nation with awe as they refuse to cease from winning over and over again.

From 2001 to 2009, the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management had won a record high 21 national title. These include Philippine National Skills Competition Meat Processing in 2001, Pinoy Bartending Competition in 2003. In 2004, they won in Chefs on Parade, Dream Team Challenge Culinary Grand Prix and again in Philippine National Skills Competition (which they repeated in 2006).

Lyceum-Batangas was the Grand National Champion and recipient of the Presidential Trophy and Golden Plate award at the National Food Showdown in 2009 and the Most Awarded Tourism School in the Philippines by the Philippine Tour Operators Association in the 20th Philippine Travel Mart Tourism Skills Competition 2009.

Lyceum-Batangas is also the recipient of four international awards. It won in both student and professional divisions at the Monin International Flairtending Competition in 2008, and the Diploma of Excellence in the 5th and 6th ASEAN Skills Competition-Restaurant Service held in Hanoi, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam, respectively.

And needless to say, this victorious year will again go down to history. Without brewing any doubts, by far, no other in school in the region has ever come any closer to LPU-Batangas, neither can’t be at par with them in terms of excellence in this area. Not to be stopped, they also won in the National Bartending Warriors in 2008, and the Manila Flair in 2009.

Not to be belittled of course is LPU-Batangas’ continued efforts to improve and develop their craftsmanship with updated education system. LPU-Batangas has an industry-based curriculum which is a very important factor in preparing the students to become professionally fit to meet the demands of different industry. This can be attributed to their ties with Dusit Thani, a member of the Dusit International hotel chain. The agreement allows Dusit Thani College, one of Thailand’s leading hospitality institutions, to share its international curriculum and academic resource materials for its Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Administration specializing in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, Tourism Management and other intensive courses in hotel management such as its celebrated Professional Chef and Culinary Arts program.

The National Food Showdown 2010 was participated by 50 schools (Student Division) all over the country. There were also 12 and 13 participants for Professional Division and Establishment Division respectively.

For more years to come, expect to hear more of LPU-Batangas besting countless national and international competition. This will go in vain.

Taga Ibaan Ako: The Discrimination of Mr. Moto

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The Discrimination of Mr. Moto

The Discrimination of Mr. Moto

By Taga Ibaan Ako

Mr. Moto has been around the street since 1885 as credited to Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz to have built the first of its kind on wooden frame and iron-banded wheels and of “bone-crusher” chassis. Since then, Mr. Moto’s number increased in exponential manner almost identical to that of world’s population.

Almost to date, there are around 200 million motorcycles in use worldwide, or about 33 motorcycles per 1,000 people. This includes mopeds, motor scooters and other powered two and three-wheelers motorcycles. Their number is actually far-fetched compared to around 590 million cars, or about 91 per 1,000 people. Notably, 58% of motorcycles are in the developing countries of Asia –Southern and Eastern Asia, and the Asia Pacific, excluding Japan. A striking 37 million motorcycles/mopeds can be found in India as of 2002, enough for the country to be considered as the home to the largest number of motorized wheelers in the world. China came close with 34 million. Philippines? Well, we might find ourselves at the tail of the list with 3.2 registered motorcycles, tricycles and scooters as of 2009, according to LTO.

Mr. Moto’s family has gone a long way –too long to hug capture everyone’s attention, from ordinary individuals up to the government and law enforcers. This could be something to thank for being included and considered in some laws promulgated to protect its riders and the public in general. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of happiness, Mr. Moto is placed under microscope and being subjected to rigid micro management resulting to discrimination, on and off road. Motorcycles are now hot items, including those who ride them.

Let me account the ways how they are discriminated.

Police Checkpoints

Every minute, crime occurs in the country. In an attempt to curb such, law enforcers set up checkpoints on streets. A big sigh of relief for everyone and one of those ways to feel secured. However, in most instances, motorcycles get the most unfair treatment when it comes to this.

Checkpoints, as mentioned by one of those policemen, are done in random manner –meaning, not all vehicles are stopped for assessment. But not in the case of motorcycles. Perpetually, every motorcycle is directed to yield on the road side, as in all of them, no one is spared. As the procedure will go, they’ll ask for your license and registration. Worst, they’ll even open up your bags! Well, anyway, that’s part of the routine. But what’s irritating is that, when they stop a car, they would simply look on the inside of the car, won’t ask for any license or registration, nor ask to open the trunk of the car. Bags are generally off their attention. And most of the time, they would even apologize to the driver, which were hardly said to motorcycle driver. As observed, they’ll stop 10 motorcycles compared to 1 car.

Parking Space/Area

As mandated by law, business establishments are required to provide a non-elevated part in their entrance and exit for persons with disabilities. And as part of the customer service, parking areas, as their space may allow them, are allocated for cars and other four wheeled vehicles. Lines are even painted to guide those vehicles. Hardly any space is provided for motorcycles’ parking. If ever they provide one, only a couple can enjoy such privilege.

Motorcycles don’t have this luxury already. To add insult to the wound, security guards on duty would bark on you when you park in front of the store. You’ll be rudely asked to stay on the side and not in the front of establishment. The front part is for customers only. As if anyone on a bike can’t be a customer. Only those with cars are considered customers.

And yes, when cars moves out of the parking area, guards would even clear the way, stop other vehicles from coming, until the customer drives out safe and sound. Will they do the same thing on bikes? A big no! They don’t about bikes getting hit on their way out. And where can find these scenarios? Check out banks and food chains. (Good news is, SM City-Batangas provides large parking space for motorcycles.)

On The Road

SUVs, PUVs, trucks and other four-wheeled vehicle don’t respect Mr. Moto on the road. Why is that? Here are some of the reasons?

1. During night time, they won’t lower or use dim function of their head lights opposite a motorbike. Though some of them would be courteous enough to do so. But not in most cases. Majority of them don’t seem to care how one’s vision is blurred when hit directly with lights. Good for them they got tinted windows.

2. It’s easy for them to decide counter a motorbike on its own lane and right of way. Maybe because motorbikes can easily take turn on the side of the road and give way. But that’s still a disrespectful one.

3. Signal lights are meant to be used when making a turn. Those vehicles do so. But not all of them when a motorbike is on their tail.

4. Motorbikes are the one cut the most by other vehicles on the road.

5. During and after the rain, SUVs, PUJs and others don't slow down running on water deposits on the road. It doesn't matter spilling water on motorbikes next to them.

When Filling Gas

I’ll make this one short. Pump attendants get themselves busy with other vehicles and take on motorbikes the last even if they have been there waiting for a life time. After being filled, a motorbike should be out of the line not later than five minutes. Stay a little longer or an SUV behind will horn you out. Same thing that a motorbike driver can’t don when following an SUV on the line.

There are still more cases of discrimination handed to Mr. Moto. If we deal on that more, others might not agree on it. But you may also wonder, how come? Why are motorbikes being ridiculed? That is what we’re going to talk about next.

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