I AM SCANBERT

And I am.

My record at the real property taxing office says so as I paid 5 years in arrears.

I am indeed with many names: Shoebert which is the most, Epay's Shawbert, the classical Schubert, and sometimes just Hubert.

But I am not.

That's confirmed by my mobile phone service provider as I paid my past due bill.

Then by my insurance company as I applied for an emergency loan.

I am the self-proclaimed Pansit King too.

So after this shitty business of paying late taxes and bills and borrowing money, I comforted myself with a plate of Spaghetti Oglio Olio.

No frills, no sweet sauce, no bullshit.

Just the pure flavor of pasta sauteed in olive oil, crunchy garlic, and dried chili seeds complemented by the musky aftertaste of garnished fresh basil leaves.    

I am Shubert.

AY, BERTDEY KO PALA

Hindi naman talaga ako naghahanda sa bertdey ko.

Madalas ay nagkakasya na sa pansit.

Dito na lang ako sa Nueva Ecija natututo sa pgahahanda.

Para sa akin kasi, napakahirap ipagdiwang and pagdaan ng panahon na nagpapahiwatig sa dumadalas na pagluwag ng mga turnilyo sa katawan at dumadaming bilang ng mga hindi na puedeng kainin.

[Mabuti na lang, tumitigas pa ang mga dapat tumigas].

Kaya para sa akin, ang bertdey ay dapat parang hindi nangyayari.

Pero dahil madaming bumati sa akin n'ung nakaraang Sabado, heto ang pansit at pandesal.

Kasama na diyan 'yung pansit palabok na inihain [at iniuwi dahil hindi naubos] n'ung nakaraang instalasyon namin,.   

THE WORLD FROM THE EAST

I put on a hat and the world changed abruptly.

The gavel everyone covets was placed in my hand and it was heavy.

Every expectant eyes were on me.

I have been through a lot so I thought I was prepared for this.

But I was not.

My only relief was the assurance that I am in the company of friends and brothers.

The road ahead is rough and rugged but together, we will make that difference.

The message is clear: it is by our acts that we shall be judged.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bulan Ciencia and Kuya Jojit Floro.

CHURROS FOR 2014

Hindi kami naggayak ng handa n'ung pasko.

At ngayong bagong taon, binalikan namin ang mga natirang ingredients sa unang pagtatangka ni Bulan na magluto ng churros.

Siya ang nagtimpla, ako ang nagprito.