Saturday, May 29, 2010

Dinakdakan



Batchmates ,sa title pa lang ng blog na ito nakakalito na di ba? Sino kaya sa mga gentlemen ng batch'63 ang dinakdakan ng mga misis noong ginabing umuwi from the recent gatherings? Dapat noon ko pa naipost ito ,nangako ako kay Rollie, pero nawalan ako ng oras.
Noong despedida nina Frank at Butch nagdala si Violet ng Dinakdakan,ito pala ay Ilocano recipe grilled pig head/face na parang Sisig ng Pampanga . Lahat nagtanong kung paano iyon ginagawa and Violet shared this recipe. Preparation is similar to pork kinilaw with the addition of pork brain and/or mayonnaise.

Ingredients:

1/2 pig head/face, cut into two parts (including brain optional)
1 thumb size ginger, chopped finely
4 medium size onion, chopped finely
3-4 pcs. siling labuyo, chopped finely
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tbsp. peppercorn
3 pcs. bay leaf
1/2 cup mayonnaise
coarsely ground pepper
salt

Cooking procedure:

In a big casserole boil pig head/face, peppercorn, bay leaf and salt for 30-45 minutes or until tender and skin can be separated from the skull. On the last 5 minutes of boiling pig head/face add in brain , boil in its plastic bag. Remove from casserole and drain in a colander until dry keep aside brain .

Cut head/face parts into grilling size and grill until brown and crispy, Cut into small slices head/face part.
Put sliced head part in a big bowl. Toss in ginger, onion, siling labuyo, ground pepper, vinegar, mayonnaise, and brain if using. Season with salt to taste. Serve while it’s still warm or serve on a sizzling plate.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Some Funny Thoughts about Aging

A friend sent me this...enjoy the thoughts !




I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I’ve aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant grande on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love..... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.


I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.


As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think.. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

Batch Recent Gatherings











As promised by Rollie here are more photos of Batch'63 ' s recent gatherings: Frank and Butch Despedida and Thanksgiving and Birthday of Rosa's father. The usual pre occupation during these gatherings include food, songs and exchanging notes or updates. We were not able to have a meeting in both gatherings because only a few came. Present at the despedida were Rollie, Fredo Renato Jose, Perting,Siony, Violeta, Emma ,Belen ,Lucy . While at Rosa's place, Ramon, Alfredo Almazan,Perting ,Renato,Aida, Carmen, Belen ,Mercy,Emma and Adoring were there.

Saturday, May 22, 2010







The continuing saga of Batch '63. Here are some pictures from Frank and Butoy's despedida party at Butoy's place. Lucille will be posting pore with a blow by blow account.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Pista ni San Isidro Labrador





























continuation of the Batch '63 saga. We trooped to Armi's house in Bantan. The pictures are self explanatory. We will again meet at Butch Bautista's house on Friday, 21May. Frank H will be returning to the US on 23May and Butch on the 27th. Expect a lot of Karaoke singning on the 21st as we did have some practice at Armi's house. As usual I'm the guy behind the lens.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

birthdays
















We celebrated the birthdays of 3 celebrants: Luz Saul. Minervina and Perlita on 13May at Minervina's husband's house. As usual we had a sumptous meal of pancit palabok, ukoy and, surprise: hot pan de sal with sardinas! Dessert was provided by Bert Bautista who bought 2 gallons of ice cream. The after dinner discussion was highlighted by a post election analysis with the usual debate defending each choice of candidate. Everbody agreed to go to Armando's house in Bantan this Saturday as it is the feast of San Isidro Labrador. So there will be a sequel to this blog which will highlight this affair.Ben Ruben also has gone back to Australia on 14 May

Saturday, May 8, 2010

It's Fiesta Time









Some photos during the Parade for the fiesta. Taken May 7.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Birthday Wishes to May Born Batchmates

Happy Birthday to :

Leonardo Sto. Domingo---- May 13
Ofelia Florendo-------- --- May 18
Crisostomo Canaria -------- May 20
Ernesto Santos ----------- May 23

Wishing you a birthday filled with simple delights
A day filled with sunshine making it wonderfully bright
Wishes of good health and the best in life , more happiness
With the family as well as friends and remember always
JRI Batch'63 , your other family.