Two Versions of a Fun Rhyme about Andres Bonifacio

In celebration of the one-hundred and forty-ninth anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio, we might recall a Tagalog fun rhyme about him that is part of our childhood memories. One of the most popular versions of this rhyme follows:

"Andres Bonifacio, 'atapang 'a tao.
'Aputol 'a kamay, hindi 'atakbo.
'Aputol 'a paa, hindi 'atakbo.
'Apugot 'a ulo, hindi 'atakbo.
'Aputol a uten, atakbo atulin."

TRANSLATION:

"Andres Bonifacio, a brave person
His hand gets cut off, he does not run.
His foot gets cut off, he does not run.
His head gets cut off, he does not run.
His penis gets cut off, he runs very fast."

Another version alters the last two lines:

"Andres Bonifacio, 'atapang 'a tao.
'Aputol 'a kamay, hindi 'atakbo.
'Aputol 'a paa, hindi 'atakbo.
'Apatak 'a kalamansi, 'Atakbo atulin.' 

TRANSLATION:

"Andres Bonifacio, a brave person
His hand gets cut off, he does not run.
His foot gets cut off, he does not run.
With a drop of calamansi, he runs very fast."

"Supremo" (2012): A Biographical Film about Andres Bonifacio

Today we celebrate the one-hundred and forty-ninth anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio, Known as "The Great Plebeian," Bonifacio was a founder and Supreme Leader of the Katipunan, revolutionary society during the late 19th century.

As Filipinos commemorate Bonifacio's heroism it was an opportune time that Alternative Vision Cinema and Strawdogs Studio Productions partnered in making Supremo, a biographical film about Andres Bonifacio. According to the film's Facebook page, the film depicts Andres Bonifacio as husband, brother, soldier and a revolutionary hero.

Under the direction of Richard V. Somes, Supremo has Alfred Vargas in the title role. Other cast members include Mon Confiado, Nicco Manalo, Alex Vincent Medina, Edmon Romawac, Shielbert Manuel, Lehner Mendoza, Manu Respall, Jeff Fernandez, Banjo Romero, Alex Cabodil, Nica Naval and Hermie Concepcion.

Following is the trailer for  Supremo:

Sibuyas (Onion)

Sibuyas (onion) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. Scientifically known as Allium cepa, the sibuyas is a common ingredient in Philippine cuisine. The bulbs are chopped for sautéed dishes, while the young onion plants (sibuyas na mura) impart a mild, pleasantly pungent taste to food.

A Celso Ad Castillo Film: "Comfort Women: A Cry for Justice" (1994)

[NOTE: As a tribute to the late film director Celso Ad Castillo, we will be presenting some newspaper movie advertisements that are part of our collection.]

Comfort Women: A Cry for Justice, a film by Celso Ad Castillo, opened in theaters on March 9, 1994. Having the tagline "One can judge a civilization the way it treats its women," this film could have been Alyssa Films' way of commemorating International Women's Day, which is celebrated every March 8.

This film's cast is led by Sharmaine Arnaiz, with Donna Louise in an introducing role. Other cast members include Joel Torre, Ricardo Cepeda, and Shirley Tesoro. Rosanna Roces was also credited in this film as Ana Maceda.

A Celso Ad Castillo Film: "Kapag Iginuhit ang Hatol ng Puso" (1993)

[NOTE: As a tribute to the late film director Celso Ad Castillo, we will be presenting some newspaper movie advertisements that are part of our collection.]

On February 24, 1993, a drama movie based on an Espesyal Komiks series was shown in theaters. Under the direction of Celso Ad Castillo, Kapag Iginuhit ang Hatol ng Puso features the ensemble cast of Dina Bonnevie, Gary Estrada, Bing Loyzaga, Rustom Padilla, and Monique Wilson. A newspaper advertisement for this Viva Films production follows:

Some Bits of Trivia Concerning Ninoy Aquino

* Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino, Jr. would have been eighty years old today, November 27, if he were not assassinated on August 21, 1983. Aquino's assassination is said to be a major factor in the People Power Revolution that ousted President Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1986.

* Ninoy has the same birthday as Bruce Lee, who was born in 1940. They died ten years apart: Lee in 1973, Aquino in 1983.

* In the 1987 elections,  Agapito "Butz" Aquino, Ninoy's brother, successfully ran for senator. His campaign jingle goes like this: "Butz, Butz, Butz ... Butz Aquino! Kapatid ni Ninoy, kapatid ng bawat Pilipino!" ("Brother of Ninoy, brother of every Filipino!)

* In 1997, Senator Raul Roco played the role of Ninoy Aquino in the film Ilaban Mo, Bayan Ko! Gov. Obet Pagdanganan Story. In 2010, Piolo Pascual was cast as Ninoy Aquino in a two-part episode of the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Ninoy Aquino's Liking for "Sinigang na Bangus"

According to the GMA News TV documentary Sa Hapag ng mga Bayani, a civilian staff at the Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija was cooking sinigang na bangus (milkfish with tamarind-based broth) regularly for Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino, Jr. during his incarceration there in the 1970s.

SOURCE: Web site of GMA Network

As we celebrate the eightieth anniversary of Ninoy Aquino's birth, following is the translated recipe for sinigang na bangus as featured in the said documentary:

Ninoy Aquino in the 500-Peso Banknote

Former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino, Jr. would have been 72 years old today. In both the New Design Series and New Generation Banknote Series versions of the 500-peso bill, Ninoy's face is prominently shown.

The obverse side of the New Design/Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series 500-peso bill has a pensive Ninoy with his fist touching his chin.  It also recalls Aquino's career as a journalist by showing the typewriter on which the initials "B.S.A.J." is embossed. The famous quote, "The Filipino is worth dying for" also appears along with his signature.

Obverse side of the 500-peso bill, New Design / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series

Some milestones in Ninoy's career are also highlighted in the reverse side. Aside from being a Manila Times correspondent during the Korean War, he was elected municipal mayor of Concepcion town then governor of Tarlac province. During his tenure as Senator, Aquino was a proponent of the Study Now, Pay Later program for students needing financial assistance. Everyone knows that his assassination was a prime mover of the 1986 People Power Revolution, so a snippet of this event is also shown. .    

Reverse side of the 500-peso bill, New Design / BSP Series

Notes on the New 100-Peso Banknote

In December 2010, the New Generation Banknote Series of the Philippine peso were released. Same with the New Design / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series, the 100-peso bill features Manuel A. Roxas, the first president of the independent Third Republic of the Philippines.

The obverse side of the New Design / BSP Series 100-peso bill features the lowering of the American flag and the raising of the Philippine flag. The reverse side depicts the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank) Complex. .

Obverse side of the 100-peso bill, New Design / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series

Reverse side of the 100-peso bill, New Design / BSP Series

Celso Ad Castillo, 69

Multi-awarded film director, scriptwriter, and actor Celso Ad Castillo (born Celso Advento Castillo) passed away on November 26, 2012 at the age of 69. His critically-acclaimed works ranged from sex-themed dramas to epic movies.

Castillo directorial career spanned more than four decades, starting with the 1965 spy film Misyong Mapanganib. In the succeeding decade, Castillo directed many films which are deemed his masterpieces such as 1971's Asedillo starring Fernando Poe Jr., 1974's Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa starring Gloria Diaz, and 1977's Burlesk Queen starring Vilma Santos.

At the time of his death, Castillo is scheduled to launch a book, titled Celso Ad. Castillo: An Autobiography and His Craft. According to a report by ABS-CBNNews.com, Castillo was also one of 12 veteran directors chosen by the Film Development Council of the Philippines for the 2013 Sineng Pambansa: Master Directors Film Festival.

Castillo's acting talent was seen both in movies and television such as in the films Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan, Pikoy Goes to Malaysia, and Itlog. He was also part of the cast of television series such as Babaeng Hampaslupa and Reputasyon.

SOURCE: ABS-CBN News.com

Notes on the New 50-Peso Banknote

The New Generation Banknote Series of the Philippine peso were released in December 2010.  Among these banknotes, the 50-peso bill feature Sergio Osmeña. It can be recalled that aside from Osmeña was the only first Philippine president born in Visayas (Cebu).

The obverse side of the New Design / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series 50-peso bill has a mace and gavel representing Osmeña's role as Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives from 1907 to 1922. The reverse side of the New Design / BSP Series 50-peso bill features an image of the National Museum building, formerly the Legislative Building. Five palm trees, presumably coconut, can be seen at the front of the building.

Obverse side of the 50-peso bill, New Design / Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Series

Reverse side of the 50-peso bill, New Design / BSP Series

Ricoa Curly Tops

Ricoa Curly Tops is one of the well-known Philippine brands of milk chocolate manufactured by the Philfood Division of Commonwealth Foods, Inc. in Mandaluyong City. Advertised as "Rich Chocolate for Chocolate Lovers," each piece is wrapped in a golden foil with the words 'Curly Tops' written in red and white.

Following are pictures of the front and back portions of the 50-gram pouch, which contains approximately 10 pieces.

Front portion of the pouch

Luya (Ginger)

Luya (ginger) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, the rhizome of luya is a spice that figures highly in Philippine cuisine. Aside from being used in tinola (chicken broth with papaya and chilli leaves), luya helps in removing the fishy smell of seafood. Following is a picture of some luya rhizomes we bought at the market. The price tag: twenty pesos per kilogram.

Movie Ads: "Makuha Ka Sa Tingin: Kung Puede Lang" (1993)

Makuha Ka Sa Tingin: Kung Puede Lang, an action-romance-comedy film starring Robin Padilla and Gelli De Belen opened in theaters on February 10, 1993. This Viva Films presentation also stars Dennis Padilla, Marjorie Barretto, Atong Redillas, Kate Gomez, Michael Rivero, and Eddie Gutierrez. Deo J. Fajardo Jr. directed the film.

Springmaid Comb

About three weeks ago, I chanced upon sidewalk vendors selling personal care items at bargain prices along the foot bridge near the intersection of EDSA and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. I bought Springmaid Unbreakable Comb for ten pesos. The comb, which is made in the Philippines by Placel Mfg. Co., Inc., has a swirly pattern of light and dark brown streaks.

Here is a picture of the comb, while still inside its packaging.

The word "Unbreakable" got covered by the teeth.

Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium

The Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium was inaugurated on March 2, 2009 during the administration of Governor Jonjon R. Mendoza and Vice Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado. Located to the right of the Capitol building, the gymnasium was constructed as part of efforts to showcase the beauty and achievements of Bulakenyos. According to the inaugural marker installed on a wall at the building's left portion, the gymnasium is aimed at providing a center of sports, arts, and culture in the province.

Movie Ads: "Kahit May Mahal Ka nang Iba" (1993)

On February 17, 1993, the drama movie Kahit May Mahal Ka nang Iba was shown in theaters. This Regal Films presentation stars Albert Martinez, Cristina Gonzales, Charito Solis, Janine Barreddo, and Karla Estrada. A newspaper advertisement for this film follows:

Unripe Sampalok (Tamarind) Fruits

Unripe fruits of the sampalok or tamarind tree, scientifically known as Tamarindus indica,  are typically used as souring agent for the soup dish sinigang. The fruits are crushed by hand or by mortar-and-pestle, then dropped into the boiling broth. Here is a picture of the sampalok fruits a family friend gave us:

Fishpond in Malabon

The City of Malabon in the National Capital Region is a traditional fishing village, in which an erstwhile navigable river system traversed. This river system is said to have reached the upstream provinces of Bulacan and eastward sites of Metro Manila.

Despite a reclamation project that took many of the local fishpond areas during the 1980s, Malabon maintains its status as a fish-trading hub. Following are pictures taken near a fishpond in one of Malabon's barangays:

The Church of La Inmaculada Concepcion de Malabon

The Church of La Inmaculada Concepcion de Malabon is one of the well-known landmarks of the city of Malabon in Metro Manila. According to a marker (shown at the bottom of this post) installed by the National Historical Institute, the original chapel was built from stone and chalk in 1866. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1880.

The existing church building was constructed in 1886. It served as a congregational place for the Philippine Independent (Aglipayan) Church on November 26, 1902.

Movie Ads: "Buddy en Sol: Praybeyt Depektibs" (1993)

On February 17, 1993, Buddy en Sol: Praybeyt Depektibs, a movie based on the sitcom Buddy en Sol, was shown in theaters. Eric Quizon and Redford White reprised their sitcom roles in this spinoff directed by Boots Plata. The movie also stars Carmina Villarroel, Jacky Forster, Sunshine Cruz, and Karla Estrada. This is a newspaper advertisement for the film:

Puso ng Saging (Banana Heart/Blossom)

Puso ng saging or banana heart/blossom is used as a vegetable in Filipino cuisine. Usually red violet in color, puso ng saging has bracts with fleshy portions. Aside from being an ingredient of kare-kare (ox tripe stew cooked in coconut and peanut sauce), puso ng saging can also be sauteed with sliced squid.

In folklore, a potion that provides special powers to the one who drinks it is said to drip from the tip of the puso ng saging at midnight. One such depiction of this belief can be seen in the 1989 film She-Man: Mistress of the Universe. 

Ques-O Pasteurized Process Cheese Food

Ques-O Pasteurized Process Cheese Food is a product of Makati City-based New Zealand Creamery Inc., which celebrated its fiftieth year with the theme "Enjoy the Good Life."

The box features a character, who wears a sombrero and a green poncho, while holding a cheese sandwich. Inside the box, the product is wrapped in foil.

Top view of the box

Following are pictures of the portiond of the 500-gram-box, advertised "500g pa rin kaya 'di bitin" ("still 500g, so not lacking):

Front view of the box

Rear view of the box

Movie Ads: "Patapon" (1993)

Patapon, an action film starring Ronnie Ricketts opened in theaters on February 17, 1993. Under the direction of Leonardo L. Garcia, this EDL Productions presentation also stars Tony Ferrer, Roi Vinzon, Romy Diaz, Cristina Gonzales, and Mariz. The cast also includes Rez Cortez, Dick Israel, Rey Sagum, and Delia Razon. A newspaper advertisement of this film follows:

Bantayog ng Bayanihan at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol Plaza

Aside from the monument of Gregorio del Pilar at the plaza of the Provincial Capitol, another monument is the Bantayog ng Bayanihan (Monument of Communal Unity). Inaugurated on April 30, 2005, the Bantayog ng Bayanihan monument highlights the bayanihan spirit among Bulakenyos.

A plaque on the monument's base reads as follows:

Monument of Gregorio del Pilar at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol

Located within the Bulacan Provincial Capitol plaza is a monument commemorating the heroism of Gregorio Del Pilar. Known as the "Boy General," Gregorio del Pilar (November 14, 1875 - December 2, 1899) led Philippine revolutionary forces at the fateful Battle of Tirad Pass during the Philippine-American War.

Bawang (Garlic)

Bawang (garlic) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. Scientifically known as Allium sativum, the bulb of bawang is a spice commonly used in Philippine cuisine. Research has shown that bawang has antibacterial, antibacterial, and antifungal activity as medicine. In Philippine folklore, bawang is said to ward off the aswang, a vampire-like creature.

Following is a picture of bawang bulbs and cloves we bought at the market. The price tag: sixty pesos per kilogram.

Rattan Sticks for Arnis

In 2009, then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9850 declaring arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines. Aside from directing the Department of Education to include arnis as a Physical Education course, the sport will be included among the priority events in Palarong Pambansa (National Games) starting 2010.

Training for arnis involves the use of a pair of rattan sticks, each about 28 inches in length. Way back in 2005, I recall buying a pair in Manila's Quiapo district for sixty pesos. However, I still have not learned the essentials of arnis, so the sticks have not yet served the purpose:

Movie Ads: "Kumusta Ka Aking Mahal?" (1993)

On February 10, 1993, a movie having the same title as the Freddie Aguilar hit song Kumusta Ka Aking Mahal? was shown in theaters. Under the direction of Abbo Q. dela Cruz, this Seiko Films production stars Rita Avila and Gardo Versoza. Other cast members include Rey PJ Abellana, Tessie Tomas, Noel Trinidad, Claudine Barretto, and Emil Benedicto. This is a newspaper advertisement for the film:

The Tagalog blurb reads, "Isang nakatutuwang pelikula na magbibigay ng pag-asa sa mga pangit!"

TRANSLATION:
A funny film that will give hope to those who are ugly!

Vice President Binay at 70

Jejomar "Jojo" C. Binay,  Vice President of the Philippines since 2010, celebrates his seventieth birthday today. Prior to getting elected to his current post, Binay was mayor of Makati City for more than twenty years. He served as mayor from 1986 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2010.

Binay was also Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority for two terms: from 1990 to 1992, and from 1998 to 2001.

SOURCE: Web site of the Office of the Vice President

A lawyer by training, Binay was also known for giving free legal assistance to poor clients and victims of human rights abuses before he ventured into politics.

During the 2010 elections, a series of advertisements was aired on television to bolster Binay's vice presidential campaign. One of these advertisements highlights his knowledge of poverty. It recalls the young Binay's work of collecting slop for a backyard piggery, cleaning the front yard early in morning, and taking care of his uncle's fighting cocks. The young Binay would also go to the public market for his daily errands.

Tabrilya from Oas, Albay

A delicacy that comes from the town of Oas in the province of Albay is the tabrilya or chocolate balls made from cacao. Each ball measures an inch and a half in diameter. Boiling and dissolving four tabrilya balls in a cup of water is enough to make a rich, comforting drink. Sugar can be added based on one's preference.

Bulacan Provincial Capitol

One of the famous landmarks in Bulacan is its Provincial Capitol. The building, erected in 1930, was destroyed during the Second World War. It was rebuilt in 1950 with the assistance of the American government. During the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino, the building was renovated and expanded.

Here are markers providing insights into the building's history:

Movie Ads: "Titser … Titser I Love You" (1993)

Titser … Titser I Love You, a film starring the comedian Redford White, opened in theaters on January 27, 1993. This Moviestars production also stars Donita Rose, Kimberly Diaz, and Bunny Paras. It also introduces Heidi Rosales. Felix Dalay directed the film:

Batuan Fruits

For the first time, we were given the chance to see batuan, a fruit of the Garcinia morella tree that grows not just in Negros island but also in other parts of Southeast Asia. Based on the scientific name, it can be deduced that batuan is related to mangosteen but the taste is extremely sour. As a result, batuan is a very good souring agent for the soup dish sinigang.

Here is a picture of the batuan fruits we got hold of before cooking the sinigang:

Mayfair Chocolate Eggs

Mayfair Chocolate Eggs is a brand of milk chocolate manufactured by Sucere Foods Corporation in Malolos, Bulacan. The packaging features a bird-like mascot donning a cowboy outfit. Each piece is wrapped in a transparent piece of plastic.

Following is a picture of the pouch, which contains 50 pieces.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving Size: 40g

Servings Per Container: 3

Price List: Seafood, Meat, and Poultry at South Supermarket

South Supermarket in Malolos, Bulacan offers fresh meat and seafood at affordable prices. If you buy these products at this supermarket, services such as cleaning and cutting are also provided for free. Yesterday, we purchased bought a kilogram of fresh red lapu-lapu there:

The orange plate is ours.

While waiting for the fish to get cleaned, I took the liberty to copy the prices of  seafood, meat, and poultry sold there. I hope this list would help people in managing their food budget (indicated price is pesos per kilogram):

SEAFOOD
Alumahan 200
Asuhos 250
Babansi 165
Bangus (big) 170
Bangus (jumbo) 175
Bangus (medium) 145
Bisugo 240
Biya 230
Chaveta 185
Dalagang-Bukid (bilog) 240
Danggit 190
Dulong 230
Espada 270
Galunggong (big) 190
Galunggong (small) 185
Hasahasa 200
Hipon (puti) 490
Lapu-Lapu (red) 420
Lapu-Lapu (regular) 300
Malacapas 210
Matang Baka 180
Maya-Maya 460
Pampano 350
Pusit 300
Pusit (Lumot) 350
Salagginto 200
Samaral 250
Sapsap 220
Sugpo 590
Taksay 290
Talakitok 300
Tambacol 240
Tawilis 110
Tilapia (big) 135
Tilapia (red) 190
Tilapia (small) 130

Movie Ads: "Ayoko Na Sanang Magmahal" (1993)

On January 27, 1993, Ayoko Na Sanang Magmahal was shown in theaters. Under the direction of Manny Valera, this Regal Films presentation stars Maricel Laxa, Aiko Melendez,  and Gabby Concepcion. This is a newspaper advertisement for the film: