Noynoy, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa (You Are Not Alone)

This morning, Club Filipino was once again a stage for a Liberal Party gathering.  The historical Kalayaan (Freedom) Hall, named so after Corazon Aquino took oath of presidential office in 1986, was the venue for her son's declaration of candidacy for the 2010 presidential race.  Some 23 years ago, from that very room flowed hopes of a renewed and united nation.

As Noynoy was being convinced to run for president, after Cory died forty days ago, he was said to have been offered 1 million, no, 2 million signatures as a show of support.  And as he entered Kalayaan Hall, the chants of his name resounded, nearly discarding the ritual of the Philippine National Anthem, "Noynoy! Noynoy!"

What now impressed me about Noynoy, if he is truly earnest ( and he seems so), is that for him there was one signature of utmost importance; one person whose approval and urging he wanted first.  In a quiet convent in Zamboanga, he searched the voice of one who knew him most.

Having found what he sought, Noynoy categorically staked his claim - the first to do so; unlike the other presidentiable who remain vague yet obvious, if only to circumvent electoral rules that will be in effect once they make the jump.

If Noynoy gets elected, he will not cure all of our country's diseases.  Such task is impossible.  But Noynoy has started to show the way: he sought God first.

I am sinful and wicked but God has assured me of His love and I am being healed.  I know that each Filipino who prays for healing for our land will be answered, if we come to Him.

Allow me to share this portion of my favorite CD, My Utmost For His Highest.  I pray Noynoy's example becomes a standard for the country so that God can fulfill His promises to our people.
 

In our quiet times with God, His light reveals in us the places that need healing and forgiving. For our battles are never won or lost in the full view of the world, but in the hidden rooms of our lives

Have you ever met Him in that quiet place?  Have you ever been alone with God?  It's there He will show you the secrets of your heart.

Alone with You
No need to hide
Bringing my wants and leaving my pride

Alone with You
Broken by sin
Needing your grace and empty again

Alone with You
You speak my name
Drying my tears and taking my shame

Alone with You
Your healing starts
Your hand of peace on my hidden heart

And now Your light is revealing the places that Your love is healing

Alone with You
You make it clear
Your love for me will always be here

When I draw near to seek after your own heart

Ang Panday na Erap

An Estrada died making an Estrada film.

abs-cbnNEWS.com:
Fernando Estrada, the behind-the-scene cameraman (of Star Cinema), was among the nine fatalities in the tragic sinking of MV SuperFerry 9 off the Zamboanga Peninsula on Sunday.

The 29 crew of Star Cinema were in General Santos City to shoot some scenes for the film “Ang Tanging Pamilya.” They were on their way home to Manila when the tragedy occurred.

"Ang Tanging Pamilya" is the comeback movie of former president Joseph Estrada after almost 20 years.

The film's leading lady, Ai-Ai delas Alas, expressed her sadness and immediately leveraged the misfortune towards the movie, short of blatantly promoting it.

Expect publicists to generate buzz with Erap honoring the two deceased Ronnies - the cameraman and Panday.

Without any ulterior motive, I empathize with those affected by this tragedy.

Did you know that...
...the first Fernando Poe Jr. - Joseph Estrada starrer was the 1961 film Baril Sa Baril by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions, directed by Armando Garces.

I wonder when Panday and Erap will reunite.

Doon ay kaya kong ipunin lahat ng bituin
Doon ay kaya kong igapos ihip ng hangin
Doon ay kaya kong pagbawal buhos ng ulan
Sa panaginip lang kita mahahagkan t'wina
Doon lang
- Nonoy Zuñiga

Wagyu. Wagyu. Kumukulo Ang Bato.

I spent Sunday early at church and was off to the pool to do 30 50-metre laps of breast strokes. It was a perfect day for outdoor swimming: a light drizzle and the lanes were empty.

The extra effort wasn't excessive as i expected some exquisite eating in the evening.

Enter Wagyu Stone Grill at Eastwood Mall.

Savor the superb soup-salad-softbread set, the massive mussels and the garlicky gambas, which will take you a half hour to finish.  But the main entree is worth the wait.

You'll know it's coming when the waitress dons on you a large bib. Yes, it's going to be splashy as you will be cooking your 220 grams of new york strip (or another bovine part you may desire) on a block of sizzling igneous rock.

To prepare, the volcanic slab is heated to between 260 and 300 degrees for four to six hours. This allows you to cook your steak for 30 to 40 minutes, though medium rare will only need less than three minutes of searing.

Speaking of slicing, you'll be using a blunt knife - if only to underscore how soft the beef is. And when you place the hot pieces in your mouth, they melt like butter on toast.

There's a 19th century Swiss-German tale by Johann Peter Hebel entitled Der schlaue Pilgrim or The Clever Pilgrim - better known to us as The Stone Soup - where a tramp conned a lady into using up her ingredients to cook a "magical stew." 

Unfortunately for Hebel, he wasn't Japanese to know about stone grilling.


Boil stones in butter, and you may sip the broth.
- an English proverb