Rough Groove

Pista sa minatay, ‘06

The annual All Soul’s Day holiday was celebrated 2 November but as usual, we were already at the cemetary the night of 1 November. Didn’t go out to do a photoshoot in the morning as I have done in the previous two years but by evening, I just got a couple of shots before going to our private lot. Good thing that the heavy rains poured on only during the afternoon and spared the evening but it still made some muddy trails.

Left, my sister, Elaine, preparing the flowers to be placed at the graves. Right, Enicka aboard the multicab with the provisions: baskets of flowers, food, drinks, mat and the ubiquitous candles. The Philippine celebration is really like a party or get together at the cemetaries. In our case, we just brought food and drinks but with some other families, a whole lot can be seen: karaoke sets, TVs, guitars, playing cards, tables and chairs…

Left, a family visiting the grave of a loved one. Right, the huge cross at the center of the cemetary where visitors light a few candles for all their dead loved ones and friends instead of doing the rounds and offering a candle to each one.

Aunt Lorna and siopao from Emerald Garden Restaurant

A few weeks ago, my Aunt Lorna was hospitalized due to multiple complications of stage 3 cancer and during that time, we were already depressed and sad that the enevitable would likely happen in a few days. Back in Makati a few days later, my sister Elaine phoned and told me of my aunt’s condition that was deteriorating already. And during the conversation, I was also informed that she likes siopao very much that I told her to tell our aunt that when I’ll get back to Cebu, I’ll bring her the best one from Manila.
Then last 10 September we were able to talk with each other and now she’s recovering at her home.

When I first read in the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper about the reputed to be best siopao (steamed chinese buns) in the whole of Metro Manila, I took down the number and address and one day, try this for myself. With my aunt already recovering and a trip back to Cebu two weekends ago, I just remembered my promise to her and in the morning before my flight last 21 September, I went to Emerald Garden Restaurant which is in Roxas Blvd, infront of the US Embassy, second restaurant (there are two Emerald Garden Restaurant a few meters apart from each other).

When I arrived in Cebu that night, I immediately proceeded to my aunt’s house to visit her and was just surprised to see her in high spirits. A very far contrast from the last time I saw her who was just too weary and tired and just want to rest permanently. I gave her two pieces of the siopao that I’m sure she enjoyed very much.

The siopao of Emerald Garden Restaurant is just huge compared with the usual, except that of Ma Mon Luk, North Park as well as another one that I saw in Binondo. Its priced at P60 ($1.20) and really quite heavy. When I opened one, I was just amazed at the fullness of the filling. Just imagine slices of chicken, pork, chinese sausage, ground pork mixture and a slice of salted egg cramped inside a fist sized bun and steamed.
Sure to satisfy a siopao lover!

Trip to Guiuan, Samar, 1 - Supercat

I was in Guiuan, Samar almost a month ago as part of the church book project that has been assigned to me. Anyway, to start…

The fast and affordable trip from Cebu to Ormoc (and eventually buses to Tacloban and then to Guiuan) via sea is still the reliable Supercat. The last time I rode this was more than five years ago when I was still based in Cebu. Now, it seems nothing has changed except that the fare has escalated to leaps and bounds

The fastcraft that would take me to Ormoc (left). Right, a view of the second bridge connecting Mandaue City with Mactan Island.

Left, inside the craft, the passengers are just sitting out the 2.5 hour trip, watching the movie video or, right, having breakfast.

Related posts:

Trip to Guiuan, Samar, 2 - On the road

My Aunt has recovered!

My aunt Lorna is recovering! I was able to speak to her yesterday and at first couldn’t recognize the merry voice at the other end of the line, a stark contrast to the sad and weary voice that greeted me in my last visit. To all those who prayed for her, thank you very much!

My aunt

One of the reasons that I went home here in Cebu was to visit my ailing aunt. She’s suffering a complicated case of cancer and is already at an advanced stage. Tonight, on the eve of my departure back to Manila, I visited her at Cebu Doctors Hospital and I told her that we will still be seeing each other once I get back. But then, motioning me to come close to her, she hugged me and whispered in my ear: “This will be our last time to see each other again.”

Prayers please, please, please