THE ROOKIES

AFTER forty five minutes of being cooped up in a van, we arrive at this dusty little village and everything seems to be normal. Make-shift stalls houses lined both sides of the main road. Stray dogs were walking around aimlessly while kids in their school uniforms commenced their afternoon play time. And off in the distance, the roaring sounds of tricycles swelled and disappeared. Nothing out of the blue. All I really noticed at first was how stony it was as we strategically dodged our way through the rough roads. It was embarrassing how difficult it was for me to maneuver myself around the rocks while the people who lived there did so with such ease and agility, even with sacks of coal hoisted on their backs. But it wasn’t until a little further along the journey that I realized that place was not ordinary at all. 

We start hearing this faint sound of rushing water and it only gets louder as we walk. This great, majestic dam then pops up over the horizon and we knew then why we had dragged ourselves out of bed that morning on a school holiday to come to this place. The sight of this overflowing dam against the backdrop of lush greenery had us all taking a pause from the walking to get snapshots of it. We then learn about the legend behind it from our tour guide, Michael. There was said to be this giant called Bernardo Carpio who in the struggle to break free pushed the mountains apart and caused water to run in between them. We then also find out that this dam is a source of fresh water but because of the lack of upkeep, the reservoir has become home to moss and silt. The Wawa dam was actually the main source of water in Metro Manila before the La Mesa dam was built. But today, it is being used merely as a tambayan –you can actually rent one of those little shacks at the bottom of the dam for P150 and just drink the day away. The locals have also come to make it their own and personal bath tub –the sight of people working up a lather in the water made me cringe.  It is quite sad to think of how the precious water in this dam is not being put to good use and that the necessary maintenance to preserve the reservoir is not being implemented. 

1) Fancylog

As the name would have you guessing, this open-faced sandwich is nothing short of fancy. Slathered generously with special homemade French pesto, then topped off with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, peanuts, and eggs, it makes for a treat that not only appeals to the eyes but also gets the taste buds going. It’s one concoction no one would think of putting together but it actually does work –the saltiness of the pesto is complemented by the freshness of the olives and tomatoes, the peanuts give it that extra crunch, and the eggs add a velvety richness to its overall texture. The sophisticated ingredients combined with all the effort put into it is what has gotten people fancying for the Fancylog.

2) Fili(pino) Cheesesteak

The usual Phili Cheesesteak is a sandwich made up of thinly sliced beef topped with melted cheese, fried onions, and peppers. But because this is the Filipino version, it’s way simpler and it has gotten more of a homemade feel to it. The warm pandesal packed with chunky longganisa and hot and gooey Holland cheese makes for a sandwich that would be great for satisfying any hungry soul craving for a hearty breakfast. The soft textures of the ingredients give it a comforting quality as well. However, it would have been much more interesting if they incorporated toppings or condiments that would give it more of a three-dimensional feel. Contrasting textures and flavors could give it that extra boost of excitement.

3) The Breakfast Club

This sandwich has got it made. It’s overloaded with varying tastes and textures and when you take that first bite, you get so excited you immediately want to take another one. The bacon gives it its crunchiness, the cheddar cheese adds richness and a little bit of a salty bite, the avocado provides for a sweet surprise, the lemon gives it that tanginess, and the salt and pepper make all the difference in its overall flavor. Who knew bacon and avocado would go together but they actually make a good tandem in my opinion. The creativity put into this sandwich  gives it that unique quality that makes it so very refreshing.

4) Red Light District

            This sandwich has the makings of what you would think is an ordinary burger. It’s got the beef patty, the bacon, and the cheese. But then it goes in for a total twist with its bread –instead of the regular burger buns, it uses an Original Glaze Krispy Kreme doughnut cut in half to hold together its contents. When you bite into it, the first thing you’d taste is the sweetness of the doughtnut but when you’re tounge takes in the beef and the bacon and the cheese, you’d then wonder if the flavors and the textures actually go together. Maybe it’s just me but this sandwich might just be a bit too much. I would’ve gone with the whole sweet plus salty concept as well but I would’ve made done without the bacon and the cheese. Just the doughtnut and the beef patty alone would’ve maybe been a more successful attempt at a sweet and savory sandwich.

5) German Rolls

This sandwich might have been a little lost in translation. It’s got the usual things you’d put in a burger –the lettuce, the ham, and the cheese. But then to make use of coco jam with the said ingredients is a little uncanny. The attempt to be creative is very evident but the tastes and textures don’t exactly complement each other.

6) The Sissy Buff Dude Sandwich

The initial idea was to incorporate Sophia’s love for meaty, hearty burgers with my craving for sandwiches that are more on the sweet side –hence the name “Sissy Buff Dude.” We wanted to combine mustard, beef patties, spam, and bacon with cruncy MnMs, rose petals, peanut butter, and ketchup. But on the actual day of presentation, we were met with some difficulties and we had no choice but to scrap out the sweet and delicate part of the sandwich and just go with the meaty and heavy side of it. (It was just the “Buff Dude Sandwich” after that) However, it could’ve been a blessing in disguise that we had to forgo some of the said ingredients because it might have been too much.

It’s more fun in the Philippines because you won’t ever get to see warm, smiling faces amidst typhoons and traffic anywhere else.

—Denise Jose

“Rush hour. It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

You see a photo of a bunch of clustered sailboats heading towards the same direction. It’s a pretty picture, clear blue water and a beautiful sky, but rush hour in the Philippines is nothing like that. Rush hour in the Philippines is one of the most hectic, stressful hours any person driving will have to go through during the day. Come to think of it, rush hour traffic is only a little worse than the regular traffic in the Philippines. My point, traffic in the Philippines sucks. Anybody living here can tell you that. But that photo ad in the campaign makes you realize that even the ugliness of EDSA traffic on a friday night, we still have the beauty of the aquamarine beaches with the white sands and the sunny weather. In a funny way, this ad campaign shows us that it’s more fun in the Philippines because we, Filipinos, have it so good sometimes, even with the bad things.

— Sophia Kier

Spent Christmas at the beach with the family. Here are some photos taken during the day trip in Batangas. Enjoy! 

My brother went fishing and caught this amazing looking fish!

We brought along the dogs and Kanye (dog on the left) instantly fell in love with one of the stray dogs along the beach. LOL

My brother and our dog Kanye chilling along the beach. 

First sunset of the year in Boracay

While walking along the streets of an ancient town in Shanghai, the sight of this man stretching out weird, elastic, white stuff caught my eye. Seeing the baffled look on my face, he let me taste a chunk of what seemed to me like a giant rubber band. I have no idea what it’s called but I wish I could’ve brought home boxes of this sugary, melts-in-your-mouth goo.

I was biking with my sister in Shanghai when I looked up and saw the sky as I’ve never seen it before. I just had to stop and take a picture, much to the chagrin of the cars behind me. I bet they would’ve stopped too if they saw what I was marveling over. 

this photo was taken on the 26th of december at 7 in the morning, when my dad came home from a 2-day flight to Beijing. my dad is a pilot, and he’s been flying a lot lately. this christmas break he couldn’t spend christmas eve, christmas day, my birthday, or even new years eve with us because he was flying on all those days. when he got back from his flight on the 26th, my siblings and i surprised him by showing up at his place. this photo was taken as he entered the house.

By: de Rivera, Jose, Kier, Long

The issue on SMDC’s SM Blue Residences, it’s all over the Loyola Heights Community. For some, the issue’s still alive and growing while for others, the issue has subsided.  The infamous problem about the construction of the SM Blue Residences is more than just building an infrastructure greater than what is allowed by the government. Moreover, it is more than just what’s going on behind SM corporations and establishments. It is more than just the voicing out of different opinions regarding the Philippines’ government and the system as well. Beyond public insights and views, what’s sometimes taken for granted is the impact the issue is really bringing to the community. What do the people, other than those in position within the government and community, have to say about this? 

On the 8^th of March 2010, a 42-story exemption was granted to SM Blue. This happened within a few hours with the absence of consultation among the Loyola Heights community. Numerous issues arise. Issues regarding safety, the water and sewage system, Katipunan Avenue congestion, Katipunan Avenue as a fault line, the Quezon City government and much more were brought up. Katipunan traffic, one of the issues brought up as well, is probably what almost everyone’s concerned about.

One thing not only Quezon City is suffering from, but the whole of Metro Manila, is bad traffic. It’s probably part of the Filipino culture already but that doesn’t mean that it should be set aside and forgetten. Katipunan Avenue has been suffering from too much traffic already, what more could happen once an infrastructure such as SM Blue would arise? 

Students from the Ateneo have different views on the construction of SM Blue. Obviously, the Sanggunian have been working its way to fight for justice. Noise barrages, viral photos and videos, and other movements, organized by the Sanggunian with the help of volunteers from the community, have been constantly visible within the community. Dormers on the other hand though, not as active as the Sanggunian, have different ideas to shell out regarding the issue. They’re educated about the issue, yes. But they think of the impact of the construction of the condominium more rather than what’s really going in between the community and the Quezon City government. Kim Sanchez, an ADMU dormer says “I don’t think I’d be greatly affected as an ADMU dormer. But safety issues for prospective residents concern me, considering that katip’s along a fault line. “As a dormer kasi priority mo and ng parents yung safety and peace of mind” Mica Perreras, another dormer, focused on the impact, specifically trafiic, of the construction of SM Blue when asked about the issue. “As a dormer, I don’t think I’d be affected that much because I don’t need transportation to go to school. Pero as someone who goes home to the south regularly, I can imagine it taking up a lot more time because there’s going to be traffic everywhere.” She says.

Regular students from Ateneo, UP and Miriam spoke about traffic when asked about the issue. What’s interesting is that they’re not even aware that there is a 3 condominium units are to 1 parking slot ratio approved in the construction of SM Blue. “Iniisip ko palang napapagod na ako sa traffic na dadatnan ko pag anjan na ‘yung SM Blue” says Ssiala Azores a student from the University of the Philippines. “Mas mahirap siguro magcommute. Pero walang magagawa eh, ganun talaga. Pero kung kaya sana makaiwas sa traffic mas okay. Mahirap sa mga students yung mahassle pa sa transportation kung kalian marami nang iniisip about school” adds Kr Payong a student from Miriam College.

Other than the students from the different schools and universities, the Loyola Heights community consists of much more. Brit Romero who studies in DLS-CSB and lives in Loyola Grand Villas, right beside Miriam College, says her daily route from home to school would be affected just as much as those who are studying in the Katipunan area. “Kailangan ko rin siguro mag-adjust kung ganun nga kalala yung traffic na mangyayari pag anjan na SM Blue” she adds. “I think anyone who lives in the area would have to adjust narin not just students but kahit sino talaga” she further says.

Tricycle and Jeepney drivers have traffic in mind too. “Kung iisipin, mas ok nga yun para sa aming mga tricycle driver kasi mas marami kaming customer. Yung mga titira sa Blue siguradong mangangailangan ng sakay papunta sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Katipunan. Pero siyempre, mas lalo pang lalala ang trapik kaya hindi rin siya ok para sa ating lahat.” Manong Sonny, a tricycle driver answers when asked about the SM Blue issue. He adds that most of them tricycle drivers have the same sentiments. Business may do well but traffic would be really bad. It’s more or less a work more-pay more situation. However, Jeepney drivers only have traffic on their minds. “Hindi naman kami parang tricycle na solo ng pasahero ang jeep. Traffic lang abot namin jan. Hindi naman kasi lahat ng titira sa SM Blue ay siguradong pasahero na ng jeep” Mang Jun sadly answers.

Establishments and those earning a profit along Katipunan Avenue have something to say about the issue too. Most of them think that since SM is so commercial, competition would be tighter within the area. And then again, traffic is brought up. Transportation problems for those managing and working the said establishments would aggravate than what is already happening now.

The Loyola Heights community may be greatly affected by this construction issue but what do many not see is the fact that the whole of Metro Manila really is and will be affected by it. Traffic in Katipunan Avenue doesn’t stay in Katipunan Avenue. It will further affect Libis and c5, Balara to Fairview and other areas in metro manila. The issue may cause a lot of issues to rise but traffic is an issue indubitable. 

Your Imaginary Friends 

It was a tuesday, another tuesday looked forward upon knowing that yet again another Journ101 class was to be held. After a few minutes of Sir Rick’s inspiring stories, a man with such aura of an artist enters with what seems to be a guitar case (or whatever you call it) He is the vocalist of the band, which I highly recommend you guys checking out, Your Imaginary Friends. 

It was an honor to hear four of their songs. (four of his songs, in this case) What’s great about the stint is that in a span of a few minutes and a few background stories of the songs, the mood was set. How he sang the songs made his passion of music come across to the room and beyond. I’m pretty sure the room beside ours heard what’s going on. Their kind of music isn’t the kind that you usually hear on radio or see on MYX. The music they play is more than just that. It’s passion, art and fun all tuned together to blow your eardrums away!

Mylo Xyloto: #nowplaying

Coldplay never gets old. Once Mylo Xyloto, their latest album, came out, I just couldn’t stop hitting the repeat button on my iTunes. It’s a given that once you listen to music, you internalize the lyrics of the song to get what’s hidden beneath the tunes. But in my case, I’ve been complacent to Coldplay’s awesome lyrics that I listen beyond the lyrics. 

I love how the album opens with their Track “Mylo Xyloto” it’s a few seconds to set the mood of the whole album that just lures me in every time. Even after memorizing the whole melody in my head, there’s just something that captures my ears. Each track makes me feel as if I’m in another realm or I’m in a higher place. (if you know what I mean. HAHA) Every track is just an adventure and a story to take place in my mind. Besides the other songs in the album that are pretty known now such as Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall and Paradise, there’s more to be hooked to! Check out Princess of China where Coldplay features Rihanna. It’s one of my favorite tracks in the bunch!

I can’t say that this is the best one yet that Coldplay’s come up with given the fact that all their albums are as awesome as can be. But Mylo Xyloto’s really something to listen to! Give it a shot and I’m sure you’ll be hooked to it as much as I did. ;) 

My Favorite Album 

My favorite album would have to be Lighthouse Family’s Greatest Hits released in 2006. Lighthouse Family isn’t my favorite band, but all the songs in that album remind me of my dad. My dad is one of the most interesting and entertaining people I know. He always has an amazing story to tell. Even though the story is one that I’ve heard a billion times before, its still as good as the first time I heard it, sometimes even better. It’s sad that I don’t get to see him as much anymore, after my parents divorced and with him being a pilot and all, traveling around world. I miss him everyday. Listening to the songs on this album like “Ocean Drive” and “There’s No Sunshine When She’s Gone” or “High” reminds me of the times when my dad would take my siblings and I for road trips (iPods weren’t invented yet, so everyone in the car was forced to not be anti-social) and he’d put on a Lighthouse Family CD and he’d sing along to it and sound exactly like the black guy singing. Now on rainy days or on days where I miss my dad a little more than usual, its always nice to play a Lighthouse Family song from their Greatest Hits album to keep my spirits up.

Performance Review of Lead Singer Ahmad Tanji of Your Imaginary Friends:

            Last Tuesday, December 6,  we had a very special guest come over to perform for the class. The lead singer of the indie band Your Imaginary Friends, Ahmad Tanji, gave a special live acoustic performance of a few songs he wrote himself. These songs include: “Oh Lisa”, “Baby, You’re Going to Hell”, “She’s All Sirens and I’m All Fiction”, and “Hey Rowena”. Ahmad strummed his guitar perfectly and with ease and sang like as if no one else was in the room. He exhibited the real difference of a true performer from a wannabe artist: he was not shy. Ahmad had a lot of stage presence, showing passion for his songs while he sang. If I were asked to sing a few songs to a small group of people I never met before, I would have choked in front of everyone. I do not think I could have done a performance as fine as his. The songs he performed were quite interesting. They were short, melodious and happy-sounding. The lyrics were well written. They carried meaning and made sense, unlike many of the songs we hear today. Ahmad was a very friendly guy. During the question and answer part he was open to all our questions. He cracked a few funny jokes proving to the class just how comfortable he was around us, which made the atmosphere of the classroom very casual and enjoyable. No one likes an awkward performer. Overall, his visit to the class was very entertaining. Though short, his performance was spot on and carried out perfectly.