ALIBATA: The Lost Alphabet of the Philippines

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Philippines would also have their own letters and alphabet? A writing system distinctly unique and recognizable the world over? – That would be great!

While the Thais, the Khmers, the Burmese and the Laotians kept theirs…the Vietnamese “Chữ thuần nôm”, the Malay “Jawi”, the Javanese “Kawi” and the Filipino “Alibata” was lost in the colonial era.

This struck my curiosity when I and my friends visited a museum in Manila last weekend. There was this sheet of paper written in strange symbols that look like…well -- hearts and worms and sticks. LOL. This reminds me of a Filipino friend commenting that Thai letters looks like “wiggly worms” to him. Ha! There. You got worms too, dude!

Kidding aside, I was just wondering why the Philippines did not “revive” this writing system. A country of ultra-proud people aspiring cultural identity in the likes of the great Romulo, Magsaysay and Rizal – there won’t be any greater statement than to refuse the Western alphabet in those days.

The Alibata or sometimes called Baybayin is written like our Thai alphabet in the form of Abugida system – the combination of consonants and vowels with marks (placed up or down) for variations. But, of course the Thai alphabet system is totally different. The Alibata was used as early as the 1300s until the Spanish booted it out. I was also told it was derived from the Javanese “Kawi” alphabet of Indonesia.

The Roman letters we see today on the Philippine alphabet is actually the entire English alphabet plus the Spanish “Ñ” and the Tagalog “Ng” -- So there are 28.

Our own writing system is the ultimate national identity. These are evidences that we are already sophisticated civilizations before the westerners came. Some of us were able to keep it, but some wasn’t –
- but is it too late to revive it?


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-- Pisanu in Manila
11 Feb 2008

OUR CULINARY GEMS: Thai Chicken Basil

Here’s a taste of Thailand that would heat you up for your date tonight.

Gai Pad Gra Pao (Chicken Basil) is a classic Thai dish famous for its distinct sweet-tangy and intense flavor. The kicker is -- it is surprisingly easy to make. This is just about the only dish I can cook by myself *wink wink* aside from pop corn via microwave.

“Gai” means chicken (depending on how you pronounce it; it could also mean egg), “Pad” means fry/stir-fried and “Gra Pao” means Basil leaves (again, depending on how you pronounce it; it could also mean a bag!). LOL! An egg stir-fried with a bag? Whadda!?

This dish should be spicy, sweet and salty in perfect harmony. Don't be afraid to use what seems like too much Basil leaves - they make the dish.

Try it tonight! Here’s the recipe…

Preparation Time 5mins
Cooking Time 10mins
Servings 2

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground chicken breast (or chopped to tiny pieces)
4-7 Thai chili (or any hot chili), minced
1 cup of fresh basil leaves

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fish sauce
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

1. Sautee garlic and chili in oil over high heat.

2. When garlic starts to turn brown (not burnt), toss the ground chicken in. Stir constantly. The juice will start to come out. Keep stirring until all the juice is gone.

3. Add sugar, fish sauce and soy sauce. Stir, then add the fresh basil. It may appear like a lot of leaves, but the leaves will shrink when cooked and this dish's flavor comes from the leaves.

4. Stir a few times to mix the leaves with the meat and then remove from heat immediately.

5. Serve hot with rice.

Notes

In Thailand, we normally serve this with fried egg on top of the rice and fish sauce with chopped chilies as condiment. Fresh cucumbers on the side too! You can also substitute the ground chicken with ground pork, but I wouldn’t recommend it because it’s wrong! =)

Aroi mak!

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WOULD YOU WANT TO LIVE FOREVER?

Before you answer that question like a Miss Universe finalist determined to win, listen to my story first sweetie…

My friends and I went to this very interesting place called Narmada a few minutes away from our hotel. This is one of Lombok Island’s many Hindu temples.

In the garden grounds, there’s this curious fountain called “the Fountain of Youth”. Hindu devotees believe that it would give longer life to anyone who drinks it. OMG sweetie! I felt excited! But not really…

As Morgan and Pisanu appeared to take a sip of the “enchanted” water, I took a step back – what if it’s true? What if I indeed live longer than I should? What if I drink too much than required – what’s the dosage? Would it keep me young or I’ll still go old but I won’t die for like 300 years?!! It was a fokken dilemma, I tell you. Not to mention it looks filthy, sweetheart.

So what I did was… I emptied my Evian bottle, refilled it with the "alleged" enchanted water…

....and keep it till I get my answers.

Who knows?


O'right sweeties... for those who can't wait to answer the question posted on the title; you may do so on the comment section. And don't forget your poise. Fokken out! LOL

LOMBOK ISLAND: Soothing Paradise on Earth

Sugary-sand beaches against lush forests… Sharp-vivid mornings and dramatic sunsets… And a looming active volcano right in the middle of it…it doesn’t get any better than this. Honeymooners… this is a great alternative to Bali.

Lombok is a paradise island just 30 mins away from Bali and an 1h55m away from Jakarta by flight. It has some of Indonesia’s most vivid and stunning landscape.

Others refer to it as Bali’s “baby sister”, well, maybe because it’s just nearby. Others call it as “the unspoiled Bali”, ha! And who says Bali is spoilt? Ha!

Although it looks almost exactly like Bali; the beaches, the sceneries, etc., etc., Lombok’s character is quite different. It’s quieter; more laid back, fewer tourists which add up to “less parties”. *good to some, not for me* This is mainly because Lombok has a predominant Muslim settlers as opposed to Bali’s Hindus – and this, again, adds up to “alcohol isn’t always available”. *Bugger!*

The most popular places here are:
Senggigi, an ultra-scenic and strikingly postcard-card-like beach area where coral reefs are just a few hundred meters from the shore. This is the most developed of all tourist areas in the island and most standard hotels are found. Kuta Beach (same name as the one in Bali) is known as one of Indonesia’s most scenic and picturesque beaches with surfing! Tanjung Aan is excellent for surfing beginners, it has strange colored sands! Batubolong Beach where you can bask in dramatic sunsets overlooking Mt. Agung in nearby Bali in the west.

Just like a proper paradise, Lombok is not just about beaches. There are lots of things to do here for the hardcore nature trippers. Trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, snorkeling, scuba diving… you can do it here as if you’re the only one in the island.

Lombok is home to the magnificent Rinjani Volcano (3,726m);Indonesia’s 2nd tallest volcano. The bad-ass Tambora Volcano can be seen in the east on Sumbawa.

Daily flights from Jakarta to Mataram (Lombok’s capital) and from Denpasar (Bali). Singapore’s SilkAir flies direct 3x weekly and Merpati Airlines from KL. Boat services from Bali are also available.

We suggest a fully-inclusive, all-arranged travel to Lombok Island to avoid inconveniences especially for first timers. Hotel suggestions? -- The Oberoi Hotel in Medan (US$300-1,000/night) for those who love themselves and/or Novotel Lombok in Mandalika (US$75-100) for those on a budget. Anything lower… head to the Gili Islands for backpackers hostels.

-- Pisanu in Lombok Island
07 Feb 2008

HAPPY VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR! | Chúc mừng năm mới

Today is the Giao Thừa (New Year’s Eve) of the most important festival of the Vietnamese people – the Tết Nguyên Đán or the Vietnamese New Year. It is also simply called Tết.

I guess not too many of us knew or even familiar with it -- Well, now you know. And mostly because it comes with the Chinese New Year (because they both use the Lunar Calendar), so we don't usually notice the Tết. But it is distinctly Vietnamese -- A nation with its own rich culture.

The actual date is different each year – there can be 12 months in the Vietnamese calendar and 13, the next. Celebration starts on the last day of the year – which is today -- would continue for the next 3 days, sometimes 10! Whoa!

Tết is a family celebration, first and foremost. This is the time for reunions and get together. They pay respect to their ancestors and homage to the kitchen god. Every family member, where ever they are in the world, would find ways to come back home to their family.

Everybody’s in a rush to buy new clothes, get a haircut, visit friends, clean the house for tonight’s celebration. "Mam Ngu Qua" on the center table, traditional foods like bunh chưng, măng, mut, and xai gấc must be present -- all symbols of gratitude and prosperity. The peach (in the North) and the apricot blossoms (in the South) are symbols of the Vietnamese Tet.

Most businesses are closed on the coming days. It’s because every one’s busy partying -- Parties on the street, parties at home, parties everywhere! Everybody’s smiling extra generous!

BISEAN celebrates the Tết Nguyên Đán with our Vietnamese brothers all over the world.


And we wish Vietnam An khang thịnh vượng and its people Vạn sự như ý.
Prosperity for 10,000 years!

Chúc mừng năm mới!

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*Special greetings to our friend Morgan, Nam, Preya and their family =)

PERFECT SPECIMEN: Eunice Olsen

Singapore's Most Gorgeous Woman is a Member of the Parliament.
Top that! Ha!

Eunice Elizabeth Olsen is Member of Parliament in Singapore. She is a Eurasian Singaporean and championing more representation of Eurasian community in the assembly.

She was born in Singapore on 24 October 1977 and in 2004, she became the youngest Member of Parliament in Singapore’s history at the age of 27.

Eunice is an active volunteer, providing counseling services at the Toa Payoh Girls' Home and the Andrew and Grace Home for troubled teens. She has also volunteered at the Eurasian Association of Singapore.

In the parliamentary debate on Integrated Resort in 2005, Olsen called for stronger measures to address social problems of compulsive gambling, including mandating a loss limit for casino patrons and to require the casino operator to provide responsible gambling counseling services.

She was Miss Singapore-Universe 2000.

*Source: Wikibio

YOUR GUIDE TO BALI’S BEST BEACHES

Whoever says the beaches of Bali is too touristy, too crowded and too busy can kiss my sun-tanned a*s through eternity. For all I know, they never been to Bali AT ALL! Ha!

And before we go on, one more thing – I have already told you the importance of knowing what kind of beach you are looking for before actually heading anywhere. This would ensure you’d enjoy it and won’t spoil somebody else’s holiday…

Anyways, enough of the bitchin’… here’s your guide to Bali’s best beaches according to 14 BISEANers. Let’s categorize it into 3:

[1] For watchin’ bronzed gods & goddesses / displaying yourself / Party Zone
[2] For the family oriented / Quiet solitude / Drama Queens (and kings!)
[3] For the rich & famous / nouveau riche / social climbers

Category 1

Kuta Beach – Absolutely the most popular beach on the island No shortage of beach babes and dudes, super party zone, Hard Rock. Kuta’s 5 km stretch is the longest beach in Bali. Even those who fancy Categories 2 & 3 comes here. Lots of surfing, water sports, activities and a beach culture of its own. Here is where the action you are looking for.

Dreamland Beach – Lots of action, very vibrant. 15 minutes from Kuta. Surfer dudes and babes galore. Lovely crowd.

Uluwatu & Padang Padang – Surfer god’s paradise + sunset parties + spectacular views + quiet lagoons.


Category 2

Sanur Beach – The center of it all; starting point to see the rest of the island, pale pink sands, white sands, fashion shops, boutique hotels, for thos who love culture.

Legian Beach – Comfy guest houses, boutique hotels, activities for the family, lots of kids, honeymooners, behaved but still has a wicked night life. A few minutes drive from Kuta.

Seminyak Beach - Very cosmopolitan but casual ambiance, classy restaurants, fine dining, local designer shops. Tanah Lot's is walking distance from here. Good for surfing in dramatic sunsets.

Candidasa – Well… not really the best. But what makes this special is the tranquility you’re looking for. For those who’d like to have some peace and quiet with the family. Or self-pity extravaganzas.

Category 3

Jimbaran Beach - Sterile, clean, organized and picturesque. Like the one’s on post cards. The Four Seasons, The Intercon and the Ritz Carlton dominate the beach.

Nusa Dua Beach - One word: Prestige. Another sterile beach where everything is in its proper place. International celebrities head here.

Bali’s 10 Best Beaches according to BISEAN.

2008 is Visit Indonesia Year. Come and visit.

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PERFECT SPECIMEN: Andrew Puricelli

Boyish charm.

Andrew is a print and commercial model in Thailand. He has also appered in numerous telly ads around Southeast Asia. Andrew was born in Bangkok to a Thai mother and an Italian father. Not much is known about him.

More photos of Andrew here...





Eurasians are the hottest people on Earth.


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*Thanks to HEADSHOT Magazine Thailand

EVERYBODY’S HAPPY, EXCEPT ME

Hello sweeties and thank you for dropping by our blog. I wasn’t blogging anything much lately so I decided to write something for the heck of it.

For those who didn’t know; Pisanu, Morgan, Tommy, Sucre et moi flew back home from Laos last Saturday for the annual Leela-Anont Family get together-slash-raffle-draw-slash-car-extravaganza. Fokken out!
Here…let me expound it for ya, sweetie…

Every first Sunday of February of every year, all of Pisanu’s relatives come to Bangkok because he gives away cars and SUVs he used in the past year. This year, he gives away 6! Gives away – did you hear me? G-i-v-e-s a-w-a-y! And what I’m upset about is I didn’t get any! Don’t laugh. I’m dead serious honey.

I have to fly back to Bangkok to witness this crazy event? For what? Nothing? Not even a stupid Expedition? Nothing for me?!

What I’m so upset about is…once Pisanu is on a car-buying-spree again, he’ll drag me with him to all the car dealers around the city. And what does it make me feel? He can buy and I can’t? That bast*rd!

Here’s a tip for those new friends of Pisanu. Never ever tell him your dream car. Because he’ll buy it and make you jealous till you throw up. What kind of human is he? B*tch!

Anyway, so much for the free cars. We’re off to Indonesia tomorrow till Friday. Then the Philippines for a few days then Malaysia and Vietnam. That is, if there won’t be anymore of that stupid car give away extravaganza. Pffft! What a show off.

SOUTHEAST ASIA'S PALACES OF POWER

The most powerful and influential houses of our region...

The Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan is where the handsome Sultan of Brunei lives. He also uses it as his office to run the country and receive dignitaries. It was built in 1984 and became the largest palace in the world.

The Khemarin Palace is the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni. It is located on the grounds of the Royal Palace Complex in Phnom Penh. The palace was built together with adjacent royal buildings in 1866 when the royal seat was transferred from Oudong.

The Istana Negara and Istana Merdeka is the seat of power of the Republic of Indonesia. Both are located in the same compound next to each other. Here is where the president holds office, receive dignitaries and execute his official duties. Located on Merdeka Street in Jakarta.

The Laotian President “officially” lives at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane. But he rarely goes here; except for state functions. It was originally built for the French Colonial governors in the 1900s and the Royal Family briefly lived here before they were deposed in the 1970s. Located at the base of Lane Xang Road.

The official residence of the Supreme King of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. It was built in 1928. The west wing is where the power of the whole of Malaysia concentrates. It is located along Jalan Syed Putra on Bukit Petaling. The Seri Perdana is where the Prime Minister lives.

The official residence of the President of the Philippines is the Malacañang Palace. It was originally built in 1802 but didn’t become an official presidential residence until 1935. It is located in the Malacañang Presidential Complex in Manila.

The Istana Singapore (总统府) is the official residence of the President of Singapore. But he doesn’t actually sleep there. They only use it for state functions and receiving dignitaries. Built in 1867 by the Brits and didn’t become a presidential residence until 1957. Located along the “shopping haven” Orchard Road.

His Majesty the King of Thailand lives at the Chitrlada Palace in Bangkok. It is around 4km away from the Grand Palace. The Baan Phitsanulok is where the Prime Minister lives.

The official residence of the President of Timor Leste is the Palacio Das Cinzas in Dili. The Prime Minister is at the Government Palace.

The Phủ Chủ tịch in Hanoi is the official residence of the President Nguyen Minh Triet of Vietnam. It was built by the French in 1906. Located along Bach Thao Road, Ba Dinh District in Hanoi.

Our palaces of power.

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*Photo credit: NGC et. al.