Random Snapshots From A Moving Train

One of the reasons I haven’t been blogging as much is because I  often find myself glued on my sofa chair, doggedly going through the recordings on our DVR. Since most of my favorite programs had their finale episodes weeks ago, I am now mainly left with reality TV viewing. Despite my appreciation for great script-written and cerebral offerings, reality TV remains one of my guilty pleasures. I do  have a predilection for those that are competition driven such as the Survivor, Amazing Race, Project Runway, Top Chef, So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, Hell’s Kitchen and American Gladiators. Although shows like "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" might be more controversial, salacious and entertaining, I don’t  have much interest on the drama-ridden, pseudo-romance saturated mess that are being passed off as "real". If you are a fan of those shows, there’s no need to get your knickers up on a bunch. It’s just my candid opinion. We all have our own taste and preferences so there’s no need to argue about it.

Anyway, as I went through my mindless channel surfing, I’ve began to notice that there seems to be a conspicuously increasing Filipino presence on these reality shows. Some of the contestants are outrightly obvious about their cultural background while some are not so forthcoming or vocal about it. Of course, it makes me want to root for them when they give a shout-out to their Filipino heritage but just seeing them participate makes me proud enough to cheer them on. In fact, watching any Asian competitor makes me want to toot the horn and claim them as my compatriot as well. My husband thinks it’s pretty amusing though.

If not for reality TV, I wouldn’t be seeing this proliferation of Asian and ethnic groups on the boob tube. Years ago, there’s such a limited representation of the Asian culture, both on TV and in the movies. The rare times you’ll see Asian actors/actresses on screen, they were (still are) mostly playing stereotypical roles of  martial artists, illegal immigrants, housemaids, prostitutes, villains, Vietnam war vets/soldiers, and mail order brides. These unoriginal characters  are so hackneyed and not quite the accurate depiction of the cultures they are trying to project on the small or big screen. Hollywood really needs to step up with the times and get a reality check.

The explosion of reality competition shows are bringing more ethnic cultures and diverse personalities to the forefront. They have become opportunities to display that there’s more to us than people with almond-shaped eyes, dark (or yellow) skin tone, short stature and weird accents. Just like anybody else in the world, we are from all walks of life, with varying degrees of education and upbringing, and not to mention, with talents and skills. Massive doses of it too.

After a bit of digging up in the cyberspace, I managed to pull up profiles of some of these participants. A few of them didn’t claim to be Filipinos in the media but we do have a way of knowing somehow, right? Anyway, don’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong in my assumptions.

First up is Ramiele Malubay.   She was one of the Top Ten contenders in the last season of American Idol. Although she was talented, I reckon she managed to stay in the competition for so long due to the collective and concerted effort from the Fil-Am voters/fans.

Dale Talde was a contestant in Top Chef season 4 whom I was a bit ambivalent about. He seemed to be exceptionally culinary gifted with a great potential to win but his attitude reeked of negativity and arrogance. Maybe the pressures of the competition got the best of him but I rooted for him anyway and was disappointed when he got eliminated. Oh, and he was originally from Chicago.

Another Chicago native who caught my attention a few years ago was Jenny Guzon-Bae.   She was part of the initial Asian alliance in the Survivor: Cook Islands. In fact, she was probably the first Filipina I ever saw competing in a reality show. She was quite articulate and she performed really well in the challenges but didn’t do well enough to emerge as the sole survivor. A Korean-American named Yul Kwon took the prize home that season.

Another Filipino trying to make his mark on the culinary TV world was Louross Edralin. He’s in the season 4 of Hell’s Kitchen. Well, anyone who can survive the heat in that kitchen is already a winner to me. Unfortunately, Louross didn’t have what it takes to withstand Gordon Ramsay’s firestorm and was sent home earlier than he anticipated.

American Gladiators has always been a favorite of mine ever since I was a young girl sneaking out to watch the show in our neighbor’s TV. When I learned that the NBC network brought it back, I got so excited indeed. It still has the cheesiness factor but I can’t help but be impressed with what the contenders have to go through in those grueling elimination rounds. I was even more at awe when a petite Filipina-looking contestant gave it her best shot on season 2. Melissa Trinidad truly wowed me with her determination and athleticism. What an inspiration! By the way, she’s a single mom and her daughter’s name is Malaya (which means freedom in Tagalog). I hope she won’t be the last Filipina I’ll see in this show.

Well, there they are, folks. Although none of them were winners or title-holders in those competitions, I consider them triumphant already from having gone through those demanding auditions. Furthermore, they were able to overcome the hurdles and prejudice that might have trounced others before them. They’re paving the way for more people of ethnicity to prove themselves in any match and arena while witnessed by TV viewers all over the world. It couldn’t get more real than that.

It’s always delightful having friends over for a visit and last weekend was no exception. My friend Marlica came from Michigan with my godson Rhyss in tow. She also brought along her mother who recently arrived from the Philippines a few weeks ago. Great! I got to play the tourist guide again.

I love Chicago and I’m always proud to show people around the city every chance I get. As much as I appreciate the other places I had been to, I have never really considered relocating anywhere else. Although most Filipinos might opt to live in warmer, balmy and sunny states like Florida and California, there’s really no other place I’d rather be. Oddly enough, I do like the variety that the changing seasons bring. One gets to appreciate the changing colors of fall and welcome the birth of spring after the hibernation period of winter.

Despite the limited time, we managed to pack Saturday with a lot of sightseeing. We took our guests to our favorite spot to take a photo with the popular Chicago skyline in the background. Although it was forecasted to be chilly that day, walking along Lake Shore Drive was pleasantly tolerable. When we got to the Grant Park, it was pulsating with merriment from the Celtic Fest that was going on that time. We listened to the bagpipe music playing and watched as men in kilt participated in various highland games.

A few streets were closed for traffic and were lined with booths serving traditional Scottish and Irish fare and beverages. The Celtic Fest was of smaller scale compared to the annual Taste of Chicago but I kinda like it better and wished that there’s a Filipino Fest as well. As a matter of fact, in all these years of living in the US, I’ve never really been to an organized Filipino social event or festival.

The Rizal Center is probably the only venue I know where some Filipino events are held or hosted but I’ve never been there either. Most likely, the typical places where one might come across and meet other expats would be at the Pinoy restaurants/stores and in communities where there are nursing homes and hospitals nearby. That’s pretty much generally everywhere in the country.

Unlike most ethnic groups, the Filipino-Chicagoans don’t have a known centralized neighborhood. The Chinese have Chinatown and the Koreans have Albany Park dubbed as Koreatown. Devon Avenue ("Little India") caters to people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Croatia and many others. The Logan Square is home to a diverse population including Latinos (primarily Mexican and Puerto Rican, with some Cuban), African-Americans and a number of ethnicities from Eastern Europe, (mostly Poles). These subgrouped neighborhoods are replicated in other US cities but I still have to come across one that’s predominantly Filipino.  

In any case, I’m not sure if I would choose to live in a "Pinoytown". As much as it seems like a patriotic thing to do, I’d be wary to be existing in intimate proximity to folks who might exhibit those known much-maligned traits such as the notorious " crab mentality". I don’t think I need to elaborate further on this concept, right?  

Truthfully, that’s probably the main reason why most of my friends prefer not to join in any Filipino-American organizations/clubs. It can be more of a nuisance than advantageous when your personal affairs may become everybody’s business . After years of living in the western culture, we’ve come to value our privacy and it is absolutely unacceptable when someone (be it Filipino or not) invades or disrespects it, in any shape of form, whether deliberate or not. I’ve encountered quite a myriad of blog posts of people disgruntled about other Pinoy’s waywardness, their disputes, acrimonious relationships and rancorous comments (read: backstabbing, gossiping) of each other. I just don’t think I have the drive to watch my back all the time and to muddle through all that negativity .

Let me end this post with a quote from the astute Malcom X:

"You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it."

I was at the local Filipino store again yesterday for my bi-weekly trip for some Pinoy grub (pinakbet, pork adobo and siopao). As I waited at the checkout counter, I noticed a couple of Filipinas at another counter which is the branch office of the PNBRCI (Philippine National Bank Remittance Centers, Inc). After paying for my purchases, I strode over to inquire on their current fees. I used to be a regular client of their service for years but I haven’t used them lately ever since I found a different way to send money speedily to my family without filling out a form, obtaining a money order (or bank check) and mailing it to the nearest branch ASAP so the money will be received in 2-3 days. Nevertheless, I do recognize the necessity of a service such as PNBRCI to facilitate remittances to our families back in the Philippines. At the risk of sounding like I’m shilling for them, this money transfer company assures that our families will not be left wondering if the financial support they’re counting on will get to them safely.

Upon stepping on any foreign soil, most Filipinos will find themselves looking for services that will cater to the need to maintain contact with the families and friends they’ve left behind. They’ll be on the lookout for reasonably priced phone carrier services or for calling cards in anticipation of their frequent international calls, fervently hoping that the usage rates will not eat up a huge chunk of their budget. Goodluck on that one. Been there, done that. During the first five years of my stay in the US, I cringed every time I wrote out a check to pay for the dreaded phone bill. It pains me now to realize that I could have gone home twice a year for the amount I spent at that time.

I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there who’ve been through the same experience. Despite the costs, I doubt if they ever regret the minutes spent on the phone with their loved ones. Those moments are what’s keeping us motivated and inspired to make a better life on a strange land. Hearing about our family’s predicament and financial dilemmas is what’s keeping us appreciative of the opportunities we are blessed with despite our own quandaries and tribulations. We work harder and save whatever money we can to dispatch it back to those who need it more. That’s when remittance services come in handy.

For those unschooled in the ways of the Filipino expats, a remittance is a transfer of funds or money through a variety of methods available. I’m sure most of you have tried and tested these amenities and are using whatever works well for your purpose. Some may send money regularly or intermittently or on a dire need basis. For instance, those with elderly parents might send a monthly fixed stipend enough to cover for their upkeep and medicines. Those who are sponsoring relatives or siblings to school might have to send an extra amount (for books, projects, etc) from time to time aside from the usual allowance for tuition, board and lodging. Some might have to wire money only in emergency situations such as a sudden illness, hospitalization or death of a family member. The list can go on and on. There are numerous reasons why we Filipinos find ourselves conveying financial aid. Kenny found it peculiar at first when I enlightened him of this practice. He wasn’t opposed to it but became more understanding and supportive especially after his first visit to the Philippines and saw for himself the huge disparity in our lifestyles. He is probably more of a giver than I am, if truth be told.

Lest I’m misunderstood, not all Filipino expats have to provide financial aid to their families. Some may only choose to do it during special occasions such as birthdays, graduations and fiestas (for an extra lechon). Some people might never want or need to do it at all. But for those who do for whatever reasons and frequency, there are a lot more reliable means and options now to expedite the transaction compared to 10 years ago. With the increasing use and availability of the Internet in the Philippines, these remittances are indeed getting there even more rapidly than anyone can say "Show me the money!". All the better to make our loved ones breath a of relief once they receive it. So, just out of curiosity, how do you remit and why? Feel free to share in the comment section if you want. I’m sure people would appreciate some fresh ideas or suggestions.

As I’m typing this entry, I can hear the strong wind howl and beat against my office’s window. I am just so glad that I’m home, safe and away from the cold elements out there. Out of curiosity, I checked the  current weather forecast in our area. The temperature is at 7 degrees Fahrenheit but feels like -12 degrees especially with the wind blowing at 21 mph. I’d better make sure my dogs don’t stay out too long at the backyard. I wouldn’t want any of them to turn into frozen delights .

Despite the severe weather warning, I wish I made a quick trip to the Filipino store to grab some chicken or pork adobo from their fast food section. Adobo always seem to make me feel warm and cozy especially on chilly days, even back in the Philippines. One of my fondest memory was of my mother when she cooked pork adobo for us whenever we had a stretch of rainy days and we can’t go out to play. I didn’t even bother to use the utensils as it seemed more appetizing to eat the dish with my bare hands and licking the morsels off from my greasy fingers after a satisfying meal. Just last weekend, I scrapped my plan on sticking to a healthy diet and succumbed to a craving for Filipino cuisine. I went to the OBD Carry Out at Uni-mart and bought their double entree express lunch consisting of chicken adobo, bopis and rice for $5.99. Because of the generous portions, I was able to make three meals out of it. It was indeed my kind of food for the soul. 

In America, the term "soul food" simply means African-American cuisine or food typically associated with African Americans of the Southern United States. Nevertheless, every ethnic group has what it calls "soul food" - soothing, comfort food that brings back warm memories of family dinners. Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of cuisines from different cultures. There are some that became instant favorites and some that I developed a taste for eventually. In fact, I can’t really think of anything that I won’t eat again unless of course if it was badly cooked or prepared. I think my palate has no difficulty adjusting to different or strange flavors and to some unfamiliar methods of cooking. There are times that I might even prefer non-Filipino food but when my taste buds start being tickled by even the mere thought of a Pinoy home cooked meal, I just have to have it, pronto. Thankfully, there are a few local Filipino restos and carry out places in the vicinity that I can run to.

When I went home to visit my family a few months ago, I went to some nice eateries and indulged in some impressive good food. They are just so authentic and the flavors were more like how I remembered them to be. Anyway, it wasn’t just the fine dining food that left me wanting for more. Eating at home, being surrounded by my family and sharing a simple meal together was more heart warming and nourishing to my soul. The meals didn’t cost much but I was sated like they were gastronomical creations. I took a few pictures of some of the food items I was lucky enough to gratify myself with during my trip. Some might not be to your liking but some might just make your mouth water and will make you bundle up and go to the nearest Filipino establishment near you.

Here’s a link to a website I came across that might help you find these places wherever you are in the US or Canada. Those of you who might know of other links or sites, feel free to post / share them in the comment section. I’m sure there are a lot of hungry Pinoy souls out there.

Lately, I noticed I’ve been going to the local Filipino stores more frequently than usual. In the past, I’d be lucky if I get to go once or twice a month. It seems that as my vacation to the Philippines is drawing near, I’m increasingly craving for Filipino food and delicacies. It’s the same thing with international phone calls. I tend to call my family more often days before I leave for a visit. I am really trying not to do that this time as I don’t want to incur any more extra expenses. After all, I’ll be able to talk to them in person soon. If I tell myself that often enough, I just might be successful this time.

Anyway, going back to my original topic before I digress . When I first arrived in the US, it took me sometime before getting really homesick. I was very excited to be on the "greener pasture". Everything looked, smelled and tasted new and different. I grazed on the new grass like a newborn calf, just hungry and thirsty for the new life. Coming from a relatively small city, I was overwhelmed and impressed by the sights and sounds of Chicago. There was just so much to take in all at once. I didn’t have time to miss home at all. While my roommates were dealing with bouts of homesickness, I was busy exploring and experiencing the American life. That’s not to say that I didn’t miss my family at all. I was just totally immersed in the newness of everything that I didn’t have room to be sad and mope around. I made a conscious decision to leave home so I dealt with the repercussions my own way.

As I don’t cook at all, it was easy for me to transition to TV dinners, fast food and delivery . Not having used one before in my whole life, the microwave became my ally and savior. Working the hours I did, who got time to prepare dinners anyway? Although it was daunting at first, the trips to the Dominick’s familiarized me to the essentials such as water, bread, junk food and soda. Paying for stuff in dollars was quite a shock to the system. I can’t help converting the amount paid in pesos. I would then feel so guilty for spending that much money. What I paid for 5 food items could have already fed a family of five to ten in the Philippines. I found myself putting stuff back on the shelf once my mental currency converter started adding up the numbers. It took me almost a year to get rid of that habit. If I retained that line of mentality over these past years, I would have been unable to spend a dime for my needs and lifestyle. I have learned to reason out that I work and earn so I can spend. Well, not always a commendable rationale as there is always a tendency to spend more than you can afford. A different subject matter anyway.

I spent $8.06 for this recent purchase. I wonder how much I would have paid if I bought them in the Philippines. I will find out soon enough.

The first sign that homesickness had crept in was when I started longing for a typical home made Filipino dinner. For a few months, I was content not to eat any Filipino food for a while except that I lived with a couple of other Filipinas who can cook. How can you really ignore the smell of chicken adobo and steamed rice? Despite being unable to drive and with the nearest Filipino store almost 30 minutes away, they still managed to find some ingredients at a local Asian store. The result didn’t taste the same but it stave off a bit of that craving. There wasn’t a Filipino resto nearby either so the Chinese Buffet became a favorite. It became our go-to place after the Sunday mass and after work. Luckily, we got acquainted with other Filipino co-workers and they invited us over for their parties and impromptu dinners. We surely took advantage of those invitations. Those were the only times that we had glimpses of home. Despite the different dialects and accents, the camaraderie was shared just like the food. We looked forward to these events like our mini-fiestas.

Nowadays, the parties are becoming less frequent and far in between. My friends and I don’t live close to each other anymore. Our respective jobs make it difficult to get together spontaneously. This is where the local Filipino stores come to the rescue. As I’m still pretty useless in the kitchen, I get my Filipino food fix from their take-out (or turo-turo) section. In one store, I would usually buy pancit, seafood express and binagoongang baboy. At another one, I’d buy their sapin-sapin, cassava cake biko, buko juice and hopia for desserts and snacks. As my husband is not really a big fan of these suspicious looking fare, I have no competition .

Although I advocate assimilation and integration, I realize that our palates are a lot more nationalistic than I bargain for. As much as one would like to know what it’s like to live in a different country or place, it’s just a matter of time that her/his radar for the Filipino cuisine will start searching and detecting its source, the Filipino store. They’re much like the neighborhood sari-sari store but on a bigger scale. They offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat and seafood, dry goods, frozen food items and everything else a Pinoy might want in their homes.

While roaming around, I see familiar faces in search for the ingredients that would make their cooking taste like they’re back in their mother’s kitchen. They are the faces of people determined and eager to take home a piece of that old life. The sight, taste and smell of our local cuisine are what bind us to our homeland and families. Thank goodness for these Filipino stores. They are our refuge in a strange land, our beacon, a bit of home away from home.