MOVIE: SUPER TYPHOON

Warning

AS A RESULT OF GLOBAL WARMING, A SUPERTYPHOON WILL BE SHAPED IN THE PACIFIC AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE IN THE CITY FACE A GREAT DANGER

THERE IS NO ESCAPE

SUPER TYPHOON

Yesterday, I was skimming the titles of the 99ers( cheap DVDs sold for 99 pesos) DVDs in  the music and movie store at SM Skywalk in Cubao.  99ers are usually either B-Movies or long-time ago releases. In the wake of Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan's devastations last November, a  DVD entitled “Super Typhoon” immediately caught my attention. It turns out to be a Chinese film. Reading the synopsis at the back, got me very interested:

A mammoth storm threatens to level a major city in this thriller advertised as China's first disaster movie. Xu (Wu Gang) is the mayor of a large city off the south coast of China, and one day he receives disturbing news from Cheng (Song Xiaoying), a trusted scientific advisor who was one of his teachers when Xu was a schoolboy. A powerful and rapidly growing typhoon nicknamed "Blue Whale" is heading towards the city, and Xu and Cheng must formulate a strategy to protect the city and its citizens before the storm reaches the shore. Cheng has had experience with world-class storms before; her father was a storm chaser who died in a typhoon in 1956, and as he deals with the current crisis, she can't help but think of the disaster of fifty years earlier. Meanwhile, a handful of people in the city are struggling to deal with their personal issues as they prepare to meet the storm, including a visiting meteorologist from the United States, a politician in town for the wedding of his daughter, a thief on the run from the cops, and a man who lives on a small island nearby trying to get back to protect his wife, who is expecting a baby.

I was totally engrossed with this film which revolves around the inspiring  exploits of the upright, compassionate and courageous  mayor who was determined to save the lives of his  constituents from the ravages of the super typhoon to the point of sacrificing his very own; and was steadfast in making difficult decisions  that can jeopardize even his own position as long as it will  lead the people to safety. I was moved to near tears in several scenes depicting bravery and heroism,  and as the super typhoon was ushering its destructive powers. Thanks to the indomitable spirit of the mayor, his aides, the preparedness of the military to act and to the accurate analysis  and unflinching conviction of the weather expert,  despite the epic magnitude of destruction, nobody  actually died in the story.

After viewing, I researched about it and read several reviews. It was shown in the Tokyo Film Festival in 2008 and was a box office hit in China.

Since this was shown five years ago,I wish  our leaders had seen this film. 

It was, however,  panned by most of professional critics and bloggers I’ve read to the point of finding the film hilarious; in particular the reviewers observed  the poor acting, the excessive melodrama,  bad  musical scoring and production glitches.(  I did not notice any as I was focused on the story)

“The special effects in the big typhoon set pieces are almost convincing, but loses its effect when the audience notices that this city only has one type of SUV (in three colors), one compact car (red), one crane, one police car, and one fuel truck, all being knocked around repeatedly” said Clickcity.com’s Philbert Ortiz Dy in his review in April 2009.

Nonito Donaire vs Vic Darchinyan II: Donaire escapes via 9th round TKO ( but will need a ton of a heart to beat Rigondeaux in a rematch)

Down by 4 points on two of the three judge’s scoresheets with only  two rounds remaining in a 10 round-non-title fight; implored by his cornermen to throw more punches,the 30 year old  Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire,   finally  connected with his vaunted left-hook midway into the 9^th round sending Vic ”The Raging Bull” Darchinyan down hard on the mat. The Armenian-born Australian former multi-division titlist, was able to beat the count but was in wobbly legs.  A series of powerful punches by “The Filipino Flash” had the badly-hurt  “Raging Bull” staggering at a corner where he was at the receiving end of  more serious battering  before  the referee wisely  called a halt to the fight. 

I had the fight even going into the fateful  9th round but I do not question the 2  judges who had Darchinyan ahead by 4 points after eight rounds. The fight was close; a technical and tactical fight with the more aggressive Aussie seems to be connecting with the more telling blows especially near the end of the 5^th round when he clearly hurt Donaire,  sending him in trouble at the ropes; fortunately for Donaire the round ended before the power-punching Darchinyan could inflict more damage. 

Coming after a one-sided  unanimous decision  lost to Cuban master-boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux last April, where   the previous year’s Boxing Writer Association Of America (BWAA) boxer of the year awardee was sent crashing  back to the ground by way of  a neat boxing clinic, I was intent in observing  how Donaire would fight against a 37 year old  opponent though he already TKOed  seven years before( whereby,  jumpstarting his pound-for-pound career),  is still   formidable  and is still  a very dangerous challenge. (Especially with vengeance in Darchinyan’s mind.)

Photos (from boxingscene.com) 

Donaire stated in the press releases before the fight  that he will look for a knockout,but after the Rigondeux setback, I was expecting him to showcase more of his boxing skills— using his height and  reach advantages by constantly jabbing, using combinations,  utilizing his quickness and  movements, especially side to side; and to demonstrate an improved defense.

But alas, what I saw was the same Nonito Donaire who showed up against Rigondeux. He doesn’t seem to be well-motivated. He was (again)  overly cautious, was not busy enough,  was getting tagged often, and was  out boxed in some of the exchanges  by an opponent who is not a slick boxer but  more  of an awkward slugger.

During the post-fight interview, Donaire gave  a glimpse of  his inner psyche; something I have long suspected or thought of-- He doesn’t have   a big-heart or the tenacity needed to fulfill whatever potential he really has in boxing . After he got hit, he said,   “I felt like he broke my cheek. Is this it for me? Is this it for me? ” He was doubting himself and was already contemplating on losing;  although, he concluded, he is not a quitter and got the job done.

Just like in the Rigondeux fight,  he became  overly cautious and  hesitant , was thrown-off his rhythm, and lapsed  into periods of  seemingly ‘carefree’  inactivity (  this despite the egging of his cornermen to do more) after he got tagged or  hurt in the early exchanges.  More than looking for a one-punch KO,  his inactivity is really about taking less chances or a lack of  confidence to fully engage an opponent who can fire back;  because he is more concerned  of not getting hurt or hit-- rather than effecting  his  game plane. This  allowed  Darchinyan to dictate the tempo of  fight.

I saw this tendency of  Donaire to slack early in   2009 against Panamanian Rafael Concepcion who although he beat in a competitive decision, gave him a lot of unexpected  troubles. Faced against a slick boxer like 2- time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeux, Donaire was lost. He got tagged early in that fight and instead of banging both his gloves ( ala Pacquiao), he retreated; under the pretense of looking for a one punch KO. The truth (may be)is , he is  aware  that he’s  staring at someone he knows will out box  him or beat him to the punch; but rather than  showing tenacity (a hallmark of a great boxer), he folded-up instead. The 10^th round flash knockdown he scored was the  saving grace but even that is negligible as he was out boxed again after; and in  the 12^th round he was in survival mode from the supposedly light-punching Cuban.  

After the fight with Darchinyan, he stated that he wants a rematch with Rigondeux. I doubt it if he really means it. This may be  just for bravado; needed to enhance more his credibility and marketability.

But assuming he is sincere and the fight happens sooner, can he beat Rigondeux? Of course he can. With a killer-left  he possesses, there is always the possibility he can hurt and knockout Rigondeux. But if I am going to   make a bet, the probability of him   beating Rigondeux will be slim. There is no question that Donaire has the size and the power; however,  there is no question either that Rigondeux has the overwhelming advantage in skills and natural physical  attributes . 

No matter how hard he trains,  Donaire  can never out box Rigondeux; and he doesn't have the 'hit and not be hit' skills of a Rigondeaux either. The only way he can beat Rigondeux is to impose his will (and his strength), hurt him early on,  sending  him retreating defensively through most of the fight by applying  constant pressure;  or  to knock him out.  To be able to do this, he will  need a lot of courage to fight through adversity; he should take more  chances and  be prepared both  physically and mentally to eat more leather in doing so. Sure , this is a tall order as Donaire is a counter-puncher, has difficulty leading a fight, and Rigondeux's level is way above all the other opponents he bamboozled before.

-- But win or lose, will he have (a ton of a)   the heart to do this?

Guilliermo Rigondeux

The saga of Freddie Aguilar's love story

It has been three weeks since the controversial relationship between the 60 year old singer/songwriter  music-icon  Freddie Aguilar and his 16 year old girlfriend went viral; this was generally, slammed by the netizens.

Is this a moral issue? Absolutely, yes. The girl is a 16 year old minor. As a father to two young daughters, I only have to imagine how I will  feel if I find out that Freddie Aguilar is having a relationship with my 16 year old daughter. I will definitely go ballistic and  shoot invectives; do everything I can,  to safeguard my  juvenile daughter.

But did I  join the bandwagon of bashing Freddie Aguilar in the net world? No, I did not and I will not.

First, this is not a new issue. We've seen  and probably have known someone in our neighborhood who is or was  in the same boat as Freddie Aguilar is now. We know the possible  reason/s why a 16 year old girl will 'fall' for a 60 year old man or vice versa--but  who am I to judge others when it comes to their affairs of the heart. As the popular sayings go, "age doesn't matter" and "love conquers all." They say they are in love and have the girl's parents blessing, so, let them be.

Second, in this case, I'm not   morally inclined  to aid the female minor nor condemn Freddie Aguilar because I am not the father nor a relative of the girl. I do not know them nor the actual circumstances of their relationship. It is the girl's parents who are morally responsible and obligated to look after the welfare of their  daughter. In addition, they may  have a different concept of morality as compared  to me and to the society.

Third,  I do  understand the concerned citizens who voiced out their indignation regarding this  affair  because they truly believe this  is a social issue. It's not just about this  affair they are up against but also the potential victims of  child abuse.  However, I don't see any abuse/s  being committed by Freddie Aguilar. It doesn't mean because the girl is a minor and their age difference  is 44 years,  makes it automatically  a case of 'abuse.' For all I know, the girl maybe precocious. It's even possible  that it is actually Freddie Aguilar that is being used...

But what is more important  is the legality or the legal issues involved. It's a diferent story if a relationship like this violate our laws and is therefore, ILLEGAL.

 Apparently, Freddie Aguilar  has been sued  for qualified seduction by a lawyer who claims to have been scandalized by his behavior or 'misbehavior.'

DSWD (Department of Social Welfare And Development) is currently investigating this case for possible violation of the law against child abuse. I read Freddie Aguilar is  liable under Article VI Section 10(b) of R.A. 7610

 If there's anything I can gain from this is,  at  least I've become aware of  certain legal issues and terms such as:  a minor, age of consent,  statutory rape, qualified seduction and child abuse.

***

For a better undestanding of this issue, I took  down these notes:

What is a minor (in the Philippines)?

Persons below eighteen years of age. 

Age of Consent

The age at which a person is considered legally competent to consent to sexual intercourse or the age at which a person can enter into a legally binding contract (the free dictionary)

Age of consent in the Philippines is 18.

Marrying age in the Philippines according to the Family Code is eighteen years (age of consent) or upwards.

"The age of consent, a term which rarely actually appears in legal statutes,^[1]is the minimum age of a person with whom another person is permitted to engage in certain sexual activities, though it sometimes is defined as the age at which a person is considered to be legally competent to consent to sexual acts." ( from Wikipedia)


Here in the Philippines the age of sexual consent is 12 .


The age of sexual consent is 12 , but sex with a minor (under 18) is  a crime, if the minor consents to the act for money, gain or any other remuneration or as the result of an influence of any adult person.

What is a Statutory Rape? 

"A statutory rape is commited by a man who shall have carnal knowledge(sexual intercourse) with a woman who is younger than the statutory age of consent. In the Philippines, under twelve years old is consedered below the age required to legally consent to the behavior as provided by Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code( as ammended by R.A.No. 8353)". (from lawreal.blogspot.com)

In short, any form of sex   with  a girl  under 12 years old ( even with consent or without the use force, threat, intimidation or grave abuse of authority or any other circumstances) is automatically a crime of rape.

Simple Seduction

Art. 338. Simple seduction. — The seduction of a woman who is single or a widow of good reputation, over twelve but under eighteen years of age, committed by means of  deceit, shall be punished by arresto mayor.

  What is a Qualified Seduction?

Revised Penal Code Article 337 - The seduction of a virgin over twelve years and under eighteen years of age, committed by any person in public authority, priest, home-servant, domestic, guardian, teacher, or any person who, in any capacity, shall be entrusted with the education or custody of the woman seduced, shall be punished by prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods.

The penalty next higher in degree shall be imposed upon any person who shall seduce his sister or descendant, whether or not she be a virgin or over eighteen years of age.

Under the provisions of this Chapter, seduction is committed when the offender has carnal knowledge of any of the persons and under the circumstances described herein.


"MANILA, Philippines - A lawyer reportedly filed a qualified seduction complaint against famed folk singer Freddie Aguilar for having a 16-year-old girlfriend, a relationship that has courted controversy the past weeks.

The case was filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office on Thursday over Aguilar's purported violation of Article 337 of the Revised Penal Code. Aguilar is 60 years old.

According to the code, the elements of qualified seduction are the following:

1. The offended party is a virgin;

2. She must be over 12 and under 18 years of age;

3. The offender has sexual intercourse with her;

4. The offender is a person in public authority, priest, house servant, domestic, guardian, teacher, and one entrusted with the education or custody of the offended party, or a brother or ascendant of the latter."-- Philippine Star

The lawyer who filed the case said, Freddie Aguilar,  "is a person in public authority" by virtue of him being popular or an influencial person.

Two things that must be proven in this case: they have sexual intercourse and the girl was a virgin the first time they had sexual intercouse. From the looks of it, I think this case is headed for the garbage bin.  



Child Abuse under Republic Act 7610 Article VI  Section10(b) 

  Republic Act No. 7610             

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STRONGER DETERRENCE AND SPECIAL PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

ARTICLE VI
Other Acts of Abuse

Section 10. Other Acts of Neglect, Abuse, Cruelty or Exploitation and Other Conditions Prejudicial to the Child's Development. –

(b) Any person who shall keep or have in his company a minor, twelve (12) years or under or who in ten (10) years or more his junior in any public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint, discotheque, cabaret, pension house, sauna or massage parlor, beach and/or other tourist resort or similar places shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000): Provided, That this provision shall not apply to any person who is related within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity or any bond recognized by law, local custom and tradition or acts in the performance of a social, moral or legal duty.



Even if I am not a lawyer, it is clear from the provisions above  that the relationship of Freddie Aguilar and his 16 year old girlfriend is illegal. Unless, it can be proven that the whole time they're together, they are in the company of relatives or friends; this is of course highly unlikely. It is good that our lawmakers made such provisions to protect a minor's interest. 

Child abuse may still be filed againts Freddie Aguilar whether or not he is having  a sexual relationship with the 16 year old minor under Section 10 of the R.A. 7610.

From what I've read in the news( Rappler.com), according to a staff of  DSWD,  "there have already similar cases such as this" and, "either the adult was charged in court or both parties agreed to part ways until the child matures."   

Earthquake aftermath: The miracles of the two statues of Blessed Virgin Mary in Bohol (?)

MADONNA STATUE AMID RUBBLE A statue of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus is set at a makeshift altar   before a pile of stones that was the 180-year-old Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol province, a day after a 7.2-magnitude quake destroyed the church. - Inquirer News

A religious icon remains encased amid the rubble in Bohol province in central Philippines Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, a day after a 7.2-magnitude quake hit Bohol and Cebu provinces. The quake that struck the central Philippines and killed more than a hundred people also dealt a serious blow to the region's historical and religious legacy by heavily damaging a dozen or more churches, some of them hundreds of years old. --Philstar.com

Amidst the widespread devastation in  the provinces of Bohol and Cebu following the deadly  7.2 magnitude earthquake, two statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary remained not only standing but was unscathed or unblemished among the ruins of two churches in Maribojoc and Loon towns in Bohol.

From the Inquirer News: "The earthquake destroyed the church, but it spared our patron" said Fr. Tom Balatayo-- referring to the Our Lady of Light Parish Church in Barangay Napu in Loon Town.

Many people believed this was (literally) a miracle.

I was wondering-- aside from the two statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary  that were unscathed "amid the rubble," how may other statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary got destroyed?

And what about the statues of Jesus?

Surely, there are  scientific explanations to these two 'extraordinary occurrences' in the same way there are reasons why a  toilet bowl  remained  likewise standing amidst the ruins of a house. We certainly will not refer to this as the miracle of the toilet bowl.

 I probably would have believed in miracle  if despite the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu, no structures were damaged and most importantly, no lives were lost.

METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL (MMFF) 2012: SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL 14

                  It was my birthday. The kids were urging and begging me  for a   treat.   My two daughters, my niece, and my nephew ages  11, 8 , 7 and 6  respectively want to watch the movie   Si Agimat, Si Enteng at Si Ako in the still ongoing MMFF.  Fortunately for me , they  had  seen  this year  MMFF top grosser Sisterakas just after Christmas  with their aunt (they  enjoyed that  film very much). With  Sisterakas crossed out,  they will be bugging me only with one  movie and predictably so, it’s Si Agimat, Si Enteng at Si AKo.  Well actually,  Sossy Problems was also mentioned but I immediately shot it down using  “inappropriate for your age” as an excuse. 

                The kids love the Enteng character. We have  VCD copies of Enteng 1-4. I had also viewed  both  Enteng  Kabisote  4 and Si Agimat at Si Enteng  with the family when it was shown during previous  MMFF.  Admittedly, those movies have many moments of fun and laughter especially for kids but  overall for an adult like me, it  is tiring and really  burdensome to watch. I can’t remember what alibi I made not to watch  last year's Enteng rehash, Enteng Ng Ina Mo but for this year,I have the perfect excuse... 

                "That movie is just like the previous  Entengs. It may be funny but it doesn’t really have a story to tell;  or I can tell you the story myself even without watching it;  and  anyway  six months or so from now it will be shown in  T.V,"  were among my excuses. But the clincher was, “ we  will watch instead   Shake, Rattle, and Roll 14 or  nothing, ” as I pretended to be firm. ( But at the same time sincere knowing it is a better  quality film.) It was directed by Chito Rono. The man who directed, Feng Shui, Sukob and The Healing.  All   those are good films.  My daughters and niece have seen and like  Feng Shui and Sukob and so,  reluctantly they relented. “Sige na nga,” they said.    

                We watched  the  5:20 P.M. showing at S.M. Cinema 4 in Calamba, Laguna.  The  first of only two screenings of the movie that day.  It actually  shared the venue with El  Presidente  which  only had  a single  viewing schedule,  opening the cinema  at around 2 . The venue was perhaps 90 percent full with only the front seats unoccupied...

                  I entered the venue with high expectations because  of the name  Chito Rono.  After mostly disappointing episodes since the Shake,  Rattle and Roll franchise  was revived in 2005, I was thinking  this one would give some credibility to this long running series or it would be satisfying at the least.

                   However, the moment the lights went back as The Unwanted, the  last of the movie trilogy ended,  the venue was filled with cries ,sighs, and whispers of disappointments. Many immediately stood up  and  hurriedly  walked  towards  the exit. I  felt shortchanged.  For me, the  saving grace among the trilogy was the first episode Pamana which was   very entertaining, with memorable performances by Arlene Muhlach and (especially) Janice De Belen,  until it went kaput towards the end.

                “Sinabi ko na na nga Enteng nalang dapat ang pinanuod natin,”  was what my 7 year old niece said. Referring to The Unwanted episode, my 8 year old daughter told me, " Ano ba yan ang weird.  Biglang me alien tapos the end of the world. “ “Even a brilliant director at the helm cannot save a movie with a bad script, ” I have read.   

                 Feeling somewhat guilty, I  contemplated and came close to telling them that we will watch Si Agimat, Si Enteng at Si Ako...but-- one thing I am certain  though is, I will no longer entertain the  idea of watching   El  Presidente just to satsify my curiosity or just to   support the MMFF.  Judging from the reviews I've read, I don’t want to subject myself with another disappointing MMFF  movie experience.

METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL(MMFF) 2012 : THY WOMB

                I was feeling  the pressure as my thin butt  constantly shifts from the left to the right half and to the front and back half of my seat.    My  feet  were constantly tapping gently on the floor in an alternating fashion. I was periodically looking at my watch. I was psyching  myself  not to buy another large popcorn. The ending of the movie would had  been a relief but instead, it   glued my butt motionless in my seat for some minutes, long enough to finish the credits. “That’s it?”, I heard a fellow movie watcher uttered  in disbelief amidst the clearly audible sigh of consternation among the many. The film suddenly ended at the time when  it was just starting to be interesting.

 The attendance at the Gateway Mall cinema that evening was good. Certainly more than half full.  Perhaps like me, buoyed  by the appeal of some film critics or movie personalities to watch a quality film in this  ongoing MMFF 2012. The film had already heaped several prestigious  awards internationally.  It is headlined by  no less than the come backing queen of Philippine drama,  Nora Aunor and directed by the  internationally recognized  Briliante Mendoza.

Is there something wrong with me? How can a critically   acclaimed great  movie bore me to death.  Do I belong to the majority of the  Metro Manila Film Festival  moviegoers who are stereotyped as  preferring a heartily laugh even if a movie is devoid of any sense or  value over a quality movie that seeks to convey an  important  or relevant  message. No, I don’t think so. Most of my favorite films are of great quality and timeless classics.  Be it an Indie or a big studio production,  foreign  or  local.  I  think it is not even fair to stereotype majority of Filipino moviegoers  as 'shallow' just because they prefer a “funny but hollow”  movie over a quality but non-commercial type. There are various factors why we watch a certain type of film. These factors  involve an interplay of what’s happening in our society, what the film makers feeds as, the personality and even the mood of a moviegoer, among many others;  however, I do not want to   delve on these matters. I just want an explanation to my confusion. How can an acclaimed quality movie-- bore me to death?

One  possible explanation is that the timing of the film is off. Holiday season is not for a serious  type of movie but I think this  has no relevance   because  this movie is the type that should be shown  in festivals and  just because it’s  a holiday season doesn’t mean I cannot appreciate a dramatic movie. What matter is the quality of the film, which leads me again to my confusion...  How can an   acclaimed quality movie-- bore me to death?

                                I think the answer to my question has to do with what type of film Thy Womb is? It is not an ordinary film and that is literally speaking.  It has been described as: a documentary type or an ethnographic presentation of Badjao’s cultur, a film with  less dialogue and relies more on implied gestures and expressions,  an open ended film, and  a film that seeks to   let the audience feel what the characters feels by focusing or spending a great deal of time in details, amongst others. In essence, it is  an art film.

 In a way  it’s like describing a  piece of painting. Say for example,   Juan Luna’s Spoliarium which I recently saw at the National Museum. I can appreciate the painting for all its beauty and  its significance in our history but not the technical aspects of it  such as the style or the type of paint used or the medium which I know nothing about.

                In this film, I was able to appreciate the great visuals, the simple yet very meaningful plot   and the realistic approach used in portraying the Badjao’s  culture  and way of life;  nevertheless, the  style or the manner by which it was presented was just simply too dragging  for my taste.

                 



THE STORY OF THE OLD MAGNOLIA ICE CREAM HOUSE BUILDING

                What’s in a place that makes it cherished is like asking what’s in a house that makes it a home? Filipinos are by nature sentimental and it is the intangible sentiments that give priceless value to an inanimate object or place.  From time to time we love to relive those magical moments of our childhood and those happy memories we had with our family and friends.  Those happy memories   are always intertwined with places.

                There was once an old building located in Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City known as Magnolia Ice Cream House. It was built by a rich corporation known as San Miguel adjacent to its ice cream plant in 1970.  It was a time when the city was just developing and expanding.  There were not many malls, restaurants and other places of recreation there back then as it is now, more so, a stand-alone ice cream parlor. It was a novelty.

                Many people loved that place and came there not only for its delectable ice cream concoctions but also for the delicious sandwiches, shakes and ice cream cakes it served. These brought a lot of "smiles and priceless memories". For decades, the place was a witness to countless family bonding, friendships and even teen romance but nothing can compare to the joyous   magical feeling it imparts to  children.   Set amidst  a  colorful outdoor children’s playground and  a beautiful landscape topped with Bermuda grass, palm trees and sculpted bougainvilleas , to many who just passed by  especially  the kids, the site,    was  an enchanting place.  They often wondered what was like to be inside.   

                As the years passed, with the city’s landscapes and urban lifestyles changing, so too was the business climate... In the late 90s, faced with unfavorable condition of its Magnolia ice cream business, San Miguel sold it to its long- time partner, Nestle.  The ice cream plant and the old Magnolia Ice Cream House building were however, spared.  San Miguel instead, leased it to Nestle for a long- term basis.

                With the change in management, the place was eventually renamed to Nestle Creamery. Many missed the old Magnolia Ice Cream House logo but still continued to  patronize the place. After all, even with the name changed and the menu revamped, this was still the same old place that sheltered  those priceless memories.  Many who came there when it was already Nestle Creamery loved the place just the same. It  still served those   heavenly ice cream concoctions  that  satisfied  many peoples’ craving. The place still continued to witness  many family bonding, friendships,  teen dates and still imparted  that joyous magical feeling to children.

                Meanwhile in 2004, after a  five-year  hiatus  in the ice cream business, San Miguel reintroduced the Magnolia brand to the market. When the long-term lease  agreement between San Miguel and Nestle ended, it was anticipated that the name Nestle Creamery would revert to the original Magnolia Ice Cream House... but this was not so.  

In early 2010 many were surprised and saddened when unexpectedly the old building that housed the Nestlé Creamery and the original Magnolia Ice Cream House was  shutdown and subsequently,  torn  down. Many swore that had they known that it was going to close,  they would have visited the place for one last time,  for old times’ sake. Many who have dreamt of going there had to accept the fact that their dreams would forever be, just dreams for the ice cream house was no more...

                As it turned out, San Miguel had already constructed other ice cream plants  and had other idea for the place. They sold the place to a rich real estate developer, known as Robinsons in 2008.

                Fortunately,  Robinson has a golden heart and understood people feelings and sentiments. So in August 2012, in   place of the old  Magnolia Ice Cream House building, it inaugurated an upscale mall which it  named Robinsons Magnolia , paying homage to the significance of that  place. It will be part  of Magnolia  town square that will also include residential buildings called, Magnolia Residences.  More importantly, there is a new Magnolia ice cream parlor inside the complex  known as the , Magnolia Flavor House,  for "old stories to be continuously  retold and new memories to be formed. "

                Times have changed, the old building is gone but thanks to Robinsons and the new Magnolia Flavor House that   place will continue to have a spot in the hearts of  many.  It was a nice ending after all.

The new Magnolia Flavor House

WHAT’S THE FUSS – IT’S CHICKEN BON CHON

           Last night  my family and I were along Shopwise Arcade, Araneta Center, Cubao when I noticed some crowd gathered along in front of an establishment. I  found out they were waiting in line to dine at the newest restaurant in the area which was packed with customers.  It was Chicken Bon Chon.  My wife, who works at the SM Mall of Asia a couple of days a week, told me she is fascinated why everytime she passes by a branch in that mall, there are always full of  customers.

             From a flyer, I read, “Crispy Chicken Secret the World Craves For." We decided to have our dinner there to see for ourselves what’s this chicken many people craves for. We patiently waited in line for our turn to order and be seated. We tried its soy garlic and spicy flavored  wings, drum sticks and thighs as well as its Kimchi Coleslaw. For desert we had Banoffee  Pie and Blueberry Torte flavored yogurts. 

             I liked the Kimchi Coleslaw and enjoyed the deserts but it was for the chicken that I patiently waited in line . The fried chicken’s real crispy outer covering was good. It’s like eating fish crackers(chicharong lapad type) cooked in brown sugar. Inside, the meat is tender and moist but it was rather bland.

             Overall, from this middle-aged guy’s taste, it’s not something worth the long wait but it’s sure  good to have this popular restaurant along the area  as an alternative to KFC.

             The last  restaurant I remember that   created a fuss on its opening here at the Araneta Center few years ago was Go Nuts Donuts. I remember people waiting in line even a month after its opening along the coliseum. Guess what? If I'm not mistaken that branch folded within two years. 

               At the Shopwise  Arcade, the turnover of food establishments I noticed is fast. Restaurants there come and go with  many  closing within two years.  Even popular food establishments  like Mister Donuts and Aristocrat Restaurant did not last long. There are only four restaurants in that place that have stood the test of time.   Pancit ng taga Malabon and Wendy’s Hamburgers ( although much smaller now)  seem to be  permanent fixtures there.  Blackbeards Seafood Island and KFC have been there for many years. Well, only  time can tell  how long this latest  chicken craze will last there but I hope "Bon Chon" the restaurant does.                         

Dining at the 10 oldest restaurant in Metro Manila (Part 2) – Conclusion

         From my previous post, I wrote about my   visits in  nine out of the ten oldest restaurants in Metro Manila from January  to  March.  Since that was five months ago, instead of updating  my previous  post, I just thought  of writing  a new one about  Aristocrat Restaurant , the last  among the  ten oldest restaurants  in Metro Manila that I have been  to.

 

August 31, 2012 - Aristocrat Restaurant, San Andres  St. corner  Roxas  Blvd., Malate ,Manila

          Established in 1936 by Dona Engracia Cruz Reyes,  it is perhaps a  common knowledge that Aristocrat Restaurant is an  institution in the  country. It claims to be the most popular restaurant in the Philippines, maybe rightfully so. A detailed history can be read in their website. Although a very popular restaurant, unlike its contemporary Max's Restaurant which have sprouted all-over the country, I read it has only four branches in Manila, one in Makati, one in Quezon City as well as three branches in Northern Luzon.

            It used to have old branches in Cubao  and in Greenhills, San Juan which I have been to several times. My favorites are the usuals:   chicken barbecue (of course! ), pork barbecue and pancit canton.  Few years back, it made a comeback in Cubao by opening a small branch in Shopwise Arcade, Araneta Center. I remember  a time when we took our kids to avail of  Shopwise’s   free  gift certificates. Each certificate is good for  a single  Aristocrat pork barbecue with java rice. Well, instead of eating for free, we ended up ordering for more. Sadly, this branch folded-up as well.

             This is only my second time in this original branch located in Roxas Boulevard. My first time was way back when I was a kid,  so my recollection is spotty.  We got there at a little over 11 a.m.  Located just beside  Malate Church and a stone's throw away from Manila Bay, this spacious restaurant’s atmosphere is very enticing. There weren’t  that many people dining at that time but slowly customers were trickling in. We ordered pork barbecue, half of its highly recommended Chicken Honey and had Halo-halo for desert. What can I say? Everything was great. The fried chicken's glistening skin was perfectly crisp and delicious. The savory meat  was tender and moist.  I enjoyed the  halo-halo here more than those I’ve tried in their defunct  Cubao  branch. By the time we got out, close to 12 noon, there were already many people dining and coming in. The weather was fine. We walked towards Roxas Boulevard to view the serene-looking Manila Bay.  Afterwards I took photos of the Malate Church... I promised my kids that a one day I’ll bring them here for dinner after watching  Manila Bay's famous sunset.

Top 10 Aristocrat favorites

 

Chicken Honey- surely one of the best fried chicken in its class

 

Pork Barbecue -Excellent 

Halo-halo

Malate Church

 

 

          
Conclusion:

               Overall, completing my “mission” to dine at Metro Manila’s ten oldest restaurants was an exhilarating experienced for me.  Of  the ten, I was only familiar with four ( Max’s, Aristocrat, Savory and Ma Mon Luk ) and heard the other six  only for the first time. Most of the time, the  exciting part for me is  not the  dining per se but  in the planning which involves studying maps for directions and reading  pioneering blogs for more information,  the actual travel (the walks), and in retrospect, the anxieties when you are lost along the way.  Many of these  old restaurants in Manila are intertwined with history, historical anecdotes, and historical places. The past eight months I have been to  Intramuros  twice and toured the historic spots such as,  Calle Muralla, Manila Cathedral , San Agustin Church, and  Fort Santiago among others.    I have also been to Binondo Church,  Sta. Cruz Church, and Quiapo  Church and come to appreciate more the significance of these in our history and culture. I had my own Binondo food experience and had actually walk from Recto, Avenida to Tutuban and back. This adventure  as it turned out not only satisfied  my gastronomic  curiosity but it was  also a   highly enjoyable  and educational lesson  in history.

Dining at the 10 oldest restaurants in Metro Manila

              It was sometime in the fourth week of January 2012 , I had something to attend to in Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz , Manila. While googling Sta. Cruz district for directions, I came across an article about Ramon Lee's restaurant located in  Ronquillo St., Sta. Cruz , Manila. It was established in 1929 and is one of the oldest  existing restaurants in Manila. Naturally I searched about Manila's oldest existing restaurants and found out that there were already many articles, features and blogs written about them. Reading those blogs really  whetted my appetite. The thought of completing a 'mission', that is, to visit the top 10 oldest restaurants in Metro Manila (according to Spot.ph) really appealed to me. But why would a  health-conscious middle-aged man, with issues on cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid etc. would  even consider going out of  his way and plunging into these gastronomic temptations consisting mostly of Chinese cuisines that are rich  in  fats and oils , I asked myself. My answer to my question was another question, Why not? Just the thought of it really was  'excitingly' and 'sinfully'  delicious. Anyway, I did spaced my visits.
            
               It's not my purpose to review the foods or the restaurants I  have visited  but I will be describing  how I find  them, in the simplest terms. Food taste is  a subjective experience. What is great tasting for me may be just ordinary to others or vice versa. Together with my willing partner, my wife, we set-off  and  conquered  Manila's 10 oldest restaurants....  

1. January 28,2012 - Ma Mon Luk Restaurant in Quezon Avenue

                  Established in 1920 and named after its founder Ma Mon Luk. Famous for its steamed pork dumpling or siopao and noodle soup or mami. Just the mention of Ma Mon Luk evokes nostalgia in me as growing up in Cubao, near the Araneta Center,  I've visited their defunct branch in Cubao so many times, well not really to eat but (  those familiar with the area back then ) to pass-by or to take a short-cut from Aurora Blvd going to Queens Super Market.  

Special Siopao and Beef Mami

Beef  Mami

                  I've been visiting Ma Mom Luk's branch in Quezon Avenue and its so-called sibling,  Masuki in Greenhills at least twice a year since 2008. I've read many blogs about Ma Mon Luk and I hope to  add my own nostalgic affection with this restaurant one day. For me, Ma Mon Luk's and Masuki's  are the best  tasting siopao I've tried. At least for now,  as I plan to someday visit the restaurants serving those  top siopaos I've read such as Gloria Maris and  Emerald Garden amongst others.

                We ordered the usual: 2 special siopaos ( P60 each); large chicken mami (105)and beef mami (115). All I can say is, "it's sulit" or "you get more for what you pay for", as what Kris Aquino says in one of her commercials. 

2. January 31, 2012 - Ramon Lee's Panciteria , Ronquillo St., Sta. Cruz , Manila

                  Established in 1929, the place can be compared to a '50s Chinese restaurants like Ma Mon Luk , with no air conditioning,  laminated menu  and with newspaper  clippings fastened  to the wall amongst others. The  diner-type seat's upholstery is noticeably color pink which is  relaxing to the eye. As we prepare to order, I saw someone who looks like the owner or the manager personally attending to the orders. That was good... We ordered  what I've read as their best sellers or specialties which are the fried chicken (P330) and Pancit Canton (P180). We had the chicken cut into two halves, the other half  we had it wrapped for 'pasalubong'to our kids. From the plastic bag where the other half of the chicken was placed, I read," tender, juicy and tasty." The chicken was served hot. It sure was tender and juicy but I found the taste just fine and somewhat  bland. The Pancit Canton (good for 4-5 persons) was also served hot. It tasted just ok...  I've read many good reviews regarding Ramon Lee's fried chicken. It is always included in the top ten best fried chicken in Metro Manila list of many bloggers. I plan to visit it again in the future. By the way, Ramon Lee's Panciteria  is near Sta. Cruz Church.  

                 

Sta. Cruz Church

         

3. February 1, 2012 – Ambos Mundos, Floretino Torres St.,  Sta. Cruz , Manila.

              Established in 1888, together with the New Toho Food Center,  are the oldest existing restaurants in Manila. Getting there from Cubao was easy. We took the LRT and alighted at the Recto Station. From there we walked towards and crossed  Avenida Rizal. The first street after crossing Avenida Rizal would be Florentino St. Ambos Mundos is near the corner of Florentino St.and Recto Ave., at the left side. The restaurant’s varied menu offers both Filipino and Spanish dishes some of which I’ve read go back as far as 1888. We ordered their specialty, the Ambos Paella and had Leche Flan for desert . The Ambos Paella was laden with seafoods such as shrimps, clams, mussels and a large crab on top. My wife loved it! Well, I’m allergic to seafoods so I settled for the eggs, the pork and chicken  embedded inside. It was like eating Pork Menudo and Chicken  Afritada.  The Leche Flan was delicious. We brought the leftover paella home for the kids and they liked it! We promised the kids that we'll take them to Ambos Mundos in the future.

Furnitures are wooden  chairs and tables with glass top. The traditional menu written on a blackboard can be seen. Also,displayed is a poster of Spanish bull-fighting.

As you can see,the entrance is wide open without any hindrance.No doors or screen doors. So don't be surprise if you see stray cats going in and out.  

Ambos Paella

Seen at the  lower right corner is one of the two pigs "guarding" the entrance.

4. February 7, 2012 -  Manosa Noodles Seafood Chops, Banawe St.,Quezon City 

                  This is a branch of the original Ongpin Manosa established in 1940 and located in Binondo, Manila. I read there is also a branch in Makati. We ordered the foods that are popular among the   blogs I've read such as Chami or pancit guisado, large pork siomai, the thick and gelatinous soup called Maki and fresh lumpia. It was our first time to eat  Chami.  Everything was delicious but nothing really extra- special and a bit on the salty side. The ambience in this Banawe branch is nice, stylish  and comfortable. Well, there are a lot of gastronomic delights  in their menu that  are worth trying. I'm thinking of going back there when I happen to pass by the  Banawe area. Also, the original Ongpin Manosa in Chinatown is definitely on my list.

Entance

Nice and clean ambience

Buffet

Chami, siomai, fresh lumpia and Maki

Maki - an interesting soup with its thick and gelatinous consistency. 

5. February 8, 2012 – New Toho Food Center, Tomas  Pinpin St,. Binondo,Manila

              Established in 1888. Holds the distinction together with Ambos Mundos as the oldest existing restaurant in Manila. The 'New' in the restaurant’s name was added after the previous branch was burned down sometime in the eighties, I've read. As I have said, it’s not my purpose to review or pass judgement  on the food or the restaurants we've visited. I’m here for the experience but I must say our trip here was a very disappointing one. We got to the place at around two in the afternoon. Nobody other than us were eating. I don’t mind the place looking like it’s not being maintained or it’s (over)ripe for renovation as long as the food is good. We ordered their popular Toho Chicken, Pancit Canton and fried rice. Everything went wrong. The chicken tasted like  undercooked, the pancit seemed near spoilage and the fried rice was cold.

              I’ve read many positive remarks regarding this restaurant especially among old-timers. We might  have just  caught it on a bad day , an isolated case perhaps, although this is of course not a valid excuse. Consistency is the name of the game in  food business. But the fact that it has existed for many decades makes me want to give it the benefit of the doubt. I’ve also read many nice reviews about its  more modern branch in Paranaque known as Toho Antiqua. I definitely want to give it a try.     

Toho Chicken and Fried Rice

Pancit Canton

Facade

6. February 15, 2012 - Savory  Restaurant, Escolta St., Santa Cruz , Manila

                Established in 1950. Although  popular  for their fried chicken,  it  also offers a wide array of Chinese cuisines. Since it opened its doors for franchising about a  decade ago, it has now many branches along the metropolis and in various provinces of the country.

                I have been several times at some of their   branches already but for this 'mission',  we went to the still existing  original Savory Restaurant in Escolta St. near the foot of the Jones  bridge. I’ve read some blogs  professing  that the fried chicken here is tastier as compared to its franchises. 

                We got there at around  1pm.   From the outside, the building looks in need of some painting works.  Inside, it seems nothing has really changed here for the past  60 years. There were many customers   eating.  I wonder why  some old Chinese restaurants, despite being patronize  by many customers, don’t make the necessary maintenance.  Is it due to a  superstitious belief or perhaps they simply subscribe to the old adage, “if it ain't broke(the steady stream of customers), don’t fix it”.

                We ordered fried chicken and Pancit Canton. Both were served hot. The pancit is saucy and delicious. The chicken  tasted just  like those I’ve eaten in their other branches, great tasting  but not really that amazing.  The gravy is good , a bit on the extra- salty side for my taste.

                All in all I enjoyed our trip here and definitely I’ll be back here when the  opportunity presents. Just like in Ma Mon Luk, I really like the joyous feeling when you’re  dining in an old establishment with history in it,  specially if it still  is standing in its  original place.

                Afterwards, we decided to go to Quiapo Church.  As we walk along  Escolta,   we stopped at Polland’s Café  for some take out.  We bought  hopia ( mung bean cake)  and  tikoy (rice cake) for 'pasalubong' to our kids.

                Walking along the  unassuming and congested but historic street of  Escolta, once the center of commerce in the country in the 19^th century and in the American period,  I can’t help but think how it seems  unnoticeable, especially to those who are  ignorant of its glorious past,   are  those old Art-Deco  style buildings which  have  survived even  the ravages of the  second world war. High end stores  used to abound on this strip  up to the late sixties, I’ve read.

               

               

Savory Fried Chicken

Pancit Canton

 

We passed by the busy street market of Carriedo as we headed towards Quiapo Church.



 Late in the afternoon, before calling it a day, we had a merienda at the only other surviving branch of Ma Mon Luk in Quezon Blvd.

Special siopao



 7. February 25, 2012 - Little Quiapo, Malakas St., Barangay Pinyahan, Diliman , Quezon City

                 Established  in 1949. Like Ma Mon Luk,  just  mentioing of the name of this  restaurant   (sort of) evokes  a feeling of nostalgia in me because my mother once told  me and my siblings that she used to bring us at the defunct branch in Cubao  during the 70’s,  although I was too young to  remember. My mother in-law who studied in  U.S.T. during  the 60’s said that there was once a branch along  Espana  Avenue.

                This restaurant is really known for their great tasting Halo-halo. Personally, it is the best Halo-halo in town. The secrets  as revealed by one of its owners I saw in a  television feature lies in the fact that the ingredients   are always  fresh and  they do the preparation themselves. 

                I have been at its present location in Quezon City many times already and I must say that their various Filipino dishes such as Tokwa’t Baboy, Kare- Kare, and Lechon Kawali among others  never disappoints . The Tokwa’t  Baboy here is different from the traditional,  as the tender  pork is not fried.  Aside from their amazing Halo-halo, the pancit  palabok is also popular here .  This excellent  pancit  with its rich and thick sauce however, can easily make you  feel  satiated.        

                 With my wife and two kids, we celebrated my dad’s  birthday here. We ordered a bilao of pancit palabok,  Tokwa’t Baboy,  Black Gulaman and of course, the reason why we visit this place from  time to time, the Halo-halo.

Facade

Small Bilao of Pancit Palabok

Tokwa't Baboy

Special Halo-halo

Fiesta Halo-Halo

8. March 5, 2012 - Max's Restaurant

              Established  in 1945. Their advertising slogan say it best, “The house that fried chicken built”, (literally). They have many branches nationwide and just like many Filipinos  I’ve eaten at their different branches  countless times  already. What can I say about this restaurant that has not been  said.  Their amazing  “delicious to the bones” fried chicken paired of course with banana catsup is my favorite fried chicken.  It is crispy, tender, juicy (most of the time) and delicious.  Although famous for  its  signature fried chicken, it has many sumptuous local favorites in its menu such as Lechon Kawali , kare-kare,  sinigang, lumpia, and pancit  to name a few.

                We got here at their Gateway Mall, Cubao branch at lunch time. As expected the place was packed with customers eating. I ordered one of their combo meals consisting of one quarter fried chicken, macaroni salad, rice and a  piece of their delicious caramel bar. I also ordered Halo-halo.

                What can I say?    Everything was fine. The   Halo-halo, however, was just  average for my taste. 

Halo-halo



9.  March 9, 2012 -  Boy Ching Woo Restaurant, 103 BCW Building, J.Rodriquez St. corner Mabini Avenue, Caloocan City

               Established in 1939.   Among the oldest Chinese restaurants  in Metro Manila, it is the only one  that is not located in Manila. It is the oldest restaurant in Caloocan and is considered an institution there among the old-timers, I’ve read.

                It is less hassle to go there by commuting through  public transport.

                From  Cubao, I took the LRT- 2  and  alighted at the Recto station. I walked  towards  the LRT -1 station at  Doreteo  Jose   heading for   Monumento.  I alighted at the 5^th Ave. and crossed   the other  side.  I rode a tricycle going to Mabini stop light.  From Mabini Avenue , I took a jeepney  going to the Caloocan City Hall.   J. Rodriguez St. is just about  5 -10 minutes from the Mabini stop light. Land marks are the Diosdado  Macapagal  Memorial Hospital and  Caloocan General Hospital .  After I got off at J. Ruiz St., I just crossed the other side where Boy Ching Hoo can be found.

                There was an ongoing catering  services at the second floor when we got there. The staffs that greeted us were courteous. We ordered their popular  'battered  chicken' and pancit  canton. The 'battered chicken' is really spelled with an 'a', instead of the correct 'u' . It   has nothing to do with the dish known as 'pinikpikan manok' wherein the chicken is literally battered during  the  process of preparation . The curdled blood supposedly add flavor. Anyway, for what reason, they just spelled  it that way. I thought it had something to do with dipping the chicken into a batter before frying, hence called "battered chicken"  

                Both dishes  were  served  hot. The  pancit  canton is not  saucy as seen in many traditional  Chinese restaurants. It is however , great tasting. The chicken comes  in small servings. It is tender, juicy and delicious ( but not  that amazing). The sauce that goes with  the chicken, however,  is forgettable. It is  a thin viscous reddish-brown mixture that taste bland.  A banana catsup would have been perfect. I wish this place  is just near   because I would  love to try some of their other signature dishes such as Lechon Con Tokwa and their popular Shawarma  among others.

Mango Shake - Excellent

Pancit Canton

Battered chicken with the sauce