My Cursed foot and the Angono Petroglyphs

The Companions : Mommy, Abby, Kelly (Yes Kelly's a dude)

TRAVEL

I was prepared to travel and go around Luzon last super long weekend break. Eid 'l Fitr and Ninoy Aquino day fell on a Monday and a Tuesday respectively plus it was a No Work Saturday. Perfect! I spent the whole week before that planning. Should I go and visit Polillo Island? Maybe Our Lady of Penafrancia in Bicol? Baguio perhaps? There were a lot of options and I was really ready to just jump into my car and drive.

But, with all things very promising, My left foot had to act up. Sometimes I feel as if it's my curse. My feet really knows when to attack to make sure I don't enjoy my trips. All my dreams for that weekend suddenly went down the drain and I had to lie down and drowse myself up with meds to prepare for my Wednesday-Saturday Brand Planning trip at Tagaytay.

That Monday afternoon, I suddenly got an urge to go and visit Taal and see Our Lady of Caysasay so I called up my ever faithful cousin Abby. The day after (Tuesday), we would make the trip with my Mom and Dad. And just like my cursed foot, the weather had to act up. Typhoon Igme entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was causing some disturbance with the southwest monsoon. Shucks. Everything was against a trip.

Tuesday Morning, I learned that one of my Best buddies in Bacolod figured in a car accident. His car tumbled three times but he was lucky enough to get out with just minor wounds. The TV also announced that the body of DILG Sec Jesse Robredo had already been found 180ft underwater. I told my mom I had to go to a church and pray and she suggested Antipolo. I bought the idea and called my cousin Abby and prepared for the trip. I didn't care if my foot still hurt a bit but I just really had to go and offer a prayer for them. 

The Parking Area

On the way to Antipolo, we suddenly decided to visit the Angono Petroglyphs which can be found inside the vicinity of Thunderbird Resorts in Binangonan. We passed by my Lola's house in Maia Alta to pick up our trusty guide Kelly. Kelly then showed the easier way to Thunderbird. The last time we went to the Petroglyphs I went down Antipolo to Taytay then drove to Angono and then up that very very steep mountain. That mountain road was scary, as if the climb was never-ending. I felt my engine starting to feel the stress of climbing in 1st gear all throughout that 2km rise. When we got there, we were surprised to find out that the petroglyphs was just a little bit past the Resort. I made a mental note to never pass there again and the easier route through Antipolo was better. Coming from the Sumulong highway, you go straight a bit and past the Ynares Center (Rizal Capitol), and then when you see Shopwise turn right towards Lores. Just drive straight and find your way to Thunderbird. Easier way, no climbs, just a straight drive. Tons better.

The Tunnel Entrance

Watch out for that small marker on the road that leads you to the tunnel entrance to the petrogylphs, It's very easy to miss. We parked near the bushes and  walked towards the cave entrance. The way to the site is easier now as you pass by a man-made cave. You can see on the ground parts of the big blue pipe that winds its way towards the Resort. Before, if you wanted to get to the petroglyphs you had to pass through the mountain route. Might be more scenic and exciting, but dangerous as well. Inside the tunnel/cave, the air was really cool. The wind blowing echoes as you walk towards "the light" at the far end of the tunnel.

The "Light" at the end of the Tunnel

What Lies Beyond the "Light"

Paradise

The view at the end of the tunnel is spectacular, as if you're in a tribal settlement waiting for the indigenous Tabon people to jump out. You walk down that path and find yourself in a small structure that serves as a satellite of the National Museum. It was a Holiday that day so the entrance fee was waived, but then the museum was closed. We found only the guard there without the curator. We still gave him the equivalent of the entrance fee "pang-kape" and I just took the helm and toured my cousin and mom. Normally the fee is just P25 per person which includes the curator touring you.

Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan? Huh?

National Musem Satellite

 

The Viewdeck

Kelly looking for the Resident Owl pair.

Must be cool to go inside that small cave

The Rock Shelter

The Old Way to the Site. (Pass of Cirith Ungol harhar LOTR Geek)

The Angono petroglyphs was discovered by the late National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco. During the 1950's when he was out with Boy Scouts, they took refuge underneath a rock shelter inside the Angono, Binangonan mountains that was a known shelter for the World War 2 Filipino Guerillas. When he looked up, he saw scratches on the wall and realized that they were humanoid images with stick drawing hands and feet with a primitive quality. He immediately reported it to the authorities and asked around. The old locals knew there were drawings on a rockshelter inside the hills but did not give it any significance. After verification by the National Museum, it was then declared as the earliest form of Art in the Philippines. Dated to 3000bc, it showed lizard-like and frog-like Humanoid figures in some ritual. According to the tour guide, these Prehistoric people lived near the lake and only went there for rituals and offerings to their Gods. There are a total of 127 figures there and sadly some vandals also took advantage of the lack of security. The Angono Petroglyphs is already recognized and listed under the World Inventory of Rock Art under UNESCO and was declared as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.

The Petroglyphs

Lizard-Like Humanoid stick figures

Some visible Vandalisms.

The Angono Petroglyphs is proof of the rich History we Filipinos have. The site is just about 35km away from Central Manila and is highly accessible through the route i mentioned but it was sad though that we were the only people there on a Holiday when families are known to be outside exploring. The drawings are still exposed to the elements and could anytime be eroded unless the National Museum makes some serious effort to preserve it. Everyone should appreciate and see it while we still can. Before we start visiting other countries, and other islands even, I think it's just right that we get to know what's inside our own backyard.

Exiting the Viewdeck

Waiting Sheds on the way out

 Wag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan! (Don't be a Stranger in your own Country!)

Exiting through the tunnel -slash- cave

Ramen Cool : Modern Japanese Cuisine

Ramen Cool : Modern Japanese Cuisine

FOOD.

Yesterday was another work Saturday so lunch time had to be something extra special.

My constant eating friend, Bonsai, promised me that he'd come with me to the main branch of Michelle's Homemade Putong Ube (which i will write about). On our way out, 3 other officemates, LM (Logistics Master), MA (Master Artist) and SD (Sexy Doc) asked us where we're going. So we mentioned my quest for the Putong Ube and said Lunch after was still "wherever". So they hopped in the car and joined us. 

After buying and munching on the Putong Ube, the daunting task of selecting where to have lunch began. We found ourselves heading towards Greenhills for Balkan Express, and then someone wanted Mexican food so we took a turn somewhere and headed towards Ristra's. The thought of the extreme traffic (Edsa-Ortigas was closed due to the Anti-RH bill rally) had us mentioning Persian food at Persiana, and then someone wanted wings and burgers so we drove towards Charlie's. Anyway, it took us 30 minutes of driving around and around until we finally found ourself at the entrance of Ramen Cool.

The Interiors

The place was sleek, obviously minimalist and presented itself as a modern Japanese resto. We took one of the cubicled seats and immediately we were each handed a copy of their menu. 

The Menu

By default whenever I'd go to a new Japanese restaurant the first thing I will order is something that has to be good. A staple in any Japanese place, my test always falls to a decent order of Katsudon. This rice topped meal sounds simple enough but is actually quite hard to serve to a very discerning patron. The vegetables on top of the deep fried breaded pork should be crisp enough to indicate freshness. The egg should be cleanly placed on top, it should appear to have been cooked there because of the heat from the tonkatsu. The deep fried breaded pork should be crunchy, the soy based sauce should wet it a bit, but not too much for it to come out soggy. The rice should be perfectly cooked, each grain apart from the other, moist but not wet.

Me and MA both ordered Katsudon, Bonsai got the Gyudon. LM got the chicken teriyaki-don and SD got a Spicy Chicken-don. We also got an order of California Love sushi and Sukiyaki to share.

California Love Maki (P195)

The California Love first came out. Aside from the regular california maki, I think the "Love" part was the concoction of mango, kani, cucumber and kewpie mayo that they placed on top of each sushi. It was refreshing and put more flavor on the regular maki. Often we are served California Maki that seems to be lacking ingredients and could use a little more Japanese mayo, mango or crabstick. The additional topping eliminates that chance and makes sure that everyone gets a taste of the ingredients inside.

The sukiyaki came out next. It was surprisingly plenty for its price (P215). The server then placed the raw egg on top. . The sukiyaki tasted okay but then the glass noodles were just so long and we were having a hard time getting it in our bowls. The beef was plenty and tender. All 5 of us shared the sukiyaki and we all felt we got just the right amount. The soup could need a little toning down though. The flavor was so intense that after drinking a few spoonfuls of the soup, I felt I had enough.

Katsudon (P180)

The main dishes came out next and each of us had a bowl of rice and viand to enjoy. I enjoyed my katsudon. It tasted like what I would've wanted it to taste like. It was also nice that each table already had the different sauces and what-have-you that you would need. I usually ask for some chili oil and powder and I was glad to have it right beside me already and not ask the waiter to bring some over.

Convenient Condiments

I think the bottomline was all 5 of us enjoyed our meals and had nothing bad to say about anything. If you want Japanese food that tastes authentic and not fast-food-ish but with a pricetag that's not as expensive as the restaurants you would find in Makati, I think this Kapitolyo establishment can offer you something that you would like and enjoy. The service was good, I think I had 5 water refills and everytime I asked for it, the server would be back in a jiffy. All in all, eating at Ramen Cool was a good choice. All 5 of us agreed and left the place contented and a few pounds heavier.

Ramen Cool can be found in 25 East Capitol Drive, Brgy Kapitolyo Pasig City. When you enter through the Kapitolyo gate that passes in front of Cafe Juanita, just go straight and then make a left turn at the first crossing. It's the corner establishment on the left. ENJOY!

Tatay Freddie

Freddie Yulo - "Gradas" feature

SABONG

The man responsible for the proliferation of Lemons in Bacolod. This short description would always accompany any write-up or tribute to Freddie Yulo. This short sentence though doesn't encapsulate the giant of a man Tatay Freddie was in our world of Philippine Cockfighting.

His favorite table at the Araneta (Ray Alexander, Dong Lamoste, Me, Willie Pineda and Tatay Fred)

Early this year, I chanced upon Tatay Freddie at his usual spot at the Araneta Coliseum during the World Slasher's Cup. The first table on your left when you exit from the ruweda would usually have Tatay Freddie on one of the seats. He sat there holding his copy of the schedule and as his routine, he was marking the victor on his sheet and if the fight was in favor of the "llamado" or the "dehado" side. I went to him and tapped him on the shoulder and said "Gandang Gabi Tatay Fred" (Good Evening Sir Fred). He smiled and asked me to sit down beside him. I told him I had my copy of "Gradas" with me and I wanted him to sign it for me. He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face, smiled and said "Alright". I stood up, went to my car and got the book. When I got back, I sat beside him and opened the book to his page. He smiled again, got the pen I was holding and wrote "To my good friend Francis - My Best Wishes" and signed on top of his name. He looked at what he wrote, heaved and gave me back the book. I gave my thanks and said that I had to return to our booth at the red gate. I bade farewell and left. I never thought that would be the last time Tatay Fred will give me that warm smug smile he always had.

Deep Chickentalk with Ray Alexander, Tatay Fred was at a time the best source for local RA blood

I remember the first time Tatay Fred and I shared more than the usual Hi and Hellos. He was the representative for the NFGB during the 1st Thunderbird Challenge we held at Boracay. On the night of the Bikini Open and Fellowship, I was so stressed being the one in charge of ground activations for the event. I took a breather and sat on one of the benches at the beach to calm down and cool off. I saw from the direction of Station 1, the group of Nene Abello, Chito Tinsay and Tatay Fred walking towards the venue. I noticed that Tatay Fred was slowing down and was being left behind. I went to him and he put his hand on my shoulder. "Kapag nagkaka-edad na mabilis ka na talaga napapagod" (When you get older, you easily tire) he said, and we sat down. He asked me about how I was and we started talking about life. Here I was talking about myself to a man who I only used to read about in magazines. I would rather that Tatay Fred talk about his experiences, but he chose to listen to what I have to say and learn more about what I was. We walked with his hand on my arms, and when we got to the door of the venue, he patted me on the arms and said "Thank You".

Prepping up the Rooster for a photo, at his Hinigaran farm

Late last year, I was able to visit him in Bacolod and he indulged me by inviting me over. We drove to his conditioning area and then went to his cord area. We talked about his bloodlines, his chickens, and everything a very hearty Chickentalk would have. He imparted to me some tips that he has gained throughout the years. I had my camera with me and was snapping away with pictures in between our touring and talking. I asked for a solo picture of him holding a stag. He picked one chicken and professionally held it with care. Here was a man who could make holding a Rooster appear as if it was art. Classy and Professional.

Tatay Fred's Ray Alexander Roundhead

During the NFGB President's Cup, I went to his usual spot and didn't see him there. I heard from someone that he was sickly and couldn't make it. I texted him and said "Tatay Fred, Pagaling ka ha, Namiss ka tuloy namin dito!" (Sir Fred, Get well soon! We miss you here). He replied a simple "Ok, Will do. Thanks Francis".

That was the last text message I ever got from him. The last interaction we had. Now, it's nostalgic to think about that seat in Araneta which will forever be empty because of his passing. Here was a man who was meek and mild-mannered but is one of the reasons why we are so Proud of sabong right now. No matter how we met him, through tv guestings, pictures, stories, featured articles, he touched our lives.

Another Ray Alexander Roundhead Cock

He was not only the prime-mover of the Lemons in Bacolod. He was a Legend, He was my Tatay, He was my Friend.

Rest Well Tatay Freddie.

Alfredo "Freddie" Yulo, Jr. -- The Legend