Popular Culinary Uses of Cassava in the Philippines

Here’s a list of popular culinary uses of cassava in the Philippines.

There are two kinds of cassava; the bitter and the sweet. Bitter cassava are used as source of flour that are use to make tapioca, bread, cakes and pasta. It is also the source of ethanol for fuel and animal feeds. It has some medicinal uses too.

Cassava is the third largest source of carbohydrates for human food in the world. This article will focus on the culinary uses of sweet cassava. Especially now that the price of rice had gone so high and some countries are experiencing rice crisis, like the Philippines. Cassava is the best alternative. Cassava is much cheaper than rice and can be prepared in several ways as a food.

Cassava Cake

Grated cassava are mixed with condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, sugar, eggs and grated coconut and then baked for about 25 minutes. Toppings are added consist of egg yolks, condensed milk, coconut milk and coconut cream and then baked again for another 25 minutes. This is a Filipino favorite desert.

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Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao: The Greatest Asian Boxer

He is the all-time greatest Philippine boxer and the greatest Asian Professional boxer. At present, he is the only boxing champion who became a world champion in 7 different weight categories.

Once again, Manny “The Destroyer” Pacquiao, of the Philippines, a soon to be Hall of Fame Awardee in boxing, had proven to the world that he is the undisputed king in his weight division – super feather weight.

He demolished Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez of Mexico in a split decision during their second encounter tagged as Marquez-Pacquiao the unfinished business on March 16, 2008 (Eastern Time).

Four years ago, these two ring gladiators faced each other. Pacquiao sent Marquez to the canvass three times during the first round but he (Marquez) were able to recover on the succeeding rounds and a controversial split draw was declared after 12 rounds of boxing.

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Chicken: A Miracle Food?

Let’s find out why chicken is considered as a miracle food and exotic food as well in the Philippines.

Within a period of 45 days, chicken are already full grown and ready for consumption. In the Philippines, it is the one of the most important sources of foods aside from fishes. Literally speaking, it is considered as a miracle food because almost all part of the chicken is eaten in the Philippines. Nothing is wasted except the feathers, the beak and nails. You will also notice on this article that Filipinos are very fond of barbecue.

Proben or chicken proventiculus barbecue or deep fried

Proventiculus is the internal organ of the chicken that connects the gizzard and the crop. It can be barbecued or coated w/ flour and seasoning before frying.

IUD or Isaw – Chicken intestine barbecue

It was named IUD because it looks like the contraceptive material used by women in order not to get pregnant. These are boiled and seasoned before grilled.

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All-Time Greatest Filipino Professional Boxers

Professional boxing is one of the most entertaining sports in the world since its introduction more than a hundred years ago. It is also a sport where one can be famous and rich like Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), Rocky Marciano, Oscar Dela Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Hagler, Hearns, Julio Cesar Chaves, Lennox Lewis, and many others.

Filipino boxers had also made a great impact on this sport. Scores of Filipino boxers were able to capture numerous championship belts in different weight categories. Here’s a list of All-Time Greatest Filipino boxers.

Gabriel “Flash” Elorde (1935-1985)

Gabriel “Flash” Elorde is regarded “the greatest world junior lightweight boxing champion in WBC history in 1974”; for defending his title in 10 bouts for seven years, making him the longest reigning world junior lightweight champion ever; and for being inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.He won a total of 79 bouts in his professional boxing career.

Elorde became a world champion in the 130-pound division on March 16, 1960 when he knocked out American Harold Gomes at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. Since then, he has defended his title in 10 bouts for seven years, making him the longest reigning world junior lightweight champion ever. He finally lost to Japanese Yoshiaki Numata in a 15-round match in Tokyo on June 15, 1967.

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Amazing Facts About Jose Rizal: The Philippine National Hero

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via Amazing Facts About Jose Rizal: The Philippine National Hero.

Jose Rizal was a man of exceptional talent and intelligence. He was considered a Universal Genius. Jose P. Rizal is the National Hero of the Philippines.

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1.) Jose Rizal could write and read at age two and grew up to speak 22 languages including Latin, Spanish, Catalan, German, French, English, Chinese and Japanese.
2.) Three animal species were named after Rizal; Draco rizali, a species of flying dragon, Rachophorous rizali, a species of toad and Apogonia rizali, a beetle species.

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Jose Rizal: The Last Renaissance Man

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via Jose Rizal: The Last Renaissance Man.

Who is Jose Rizal? Why is he called a Renaissance man?

A Renaissance man is a well educated person and one who excels in a wide variety of subjects or fields. There are only 28 men in the history of mankind who are recognized as such and Jose Rizal is the most recent and the last on the line.

If India has Mahatma Gandhi, the Philippines has its own Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero.  He is a man of exceptional intelligence and gifted with extraordinary talents. Let’s learn more about this amazing person of Malay roots.

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Here’s a long list of interesting facts about Jose Rizal.

1.) Rizal was a Filipino nationalist and one of the few recognized Renaissance men in the world.

2.) Documented studies show him to be a polymath with the ability to master various skills and subjects.

3.) This Renaissance man was an ophthalmologist, novelist, sculptor, painter, educator, farmer, historian, playwright and journalist.

4.) Besides poetry and creative writing, he dabbled, with varying degrees of expertise, in architecture, cartography, economics, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, dramatics, martial arts, fencing and pistol shooting.

5.) This polymath’s complete name is Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. He was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines.

6.) Jose Rizal was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan, Manila. Bagumbayan is now known as Luneta or Rizal Park.

7.) The anniversary of his death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday known as Rizal’s Day.

8.) This Renaissance man was the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era.

9.) Rizal’s 1896 military trial and execution made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution.

10.) At age two (2), this polymath can already read and write. Jose Rizal was the seventh of eleven children born to a wealthy family in Calamba, Laguna.

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Four of the World’s Healthiest Tropical Fruits

Philippines’ most delicious, nutritious and economically important fruits. These are the Philippines leading fruit exported worldwide.

Health benefits from these popular fruits are also included.

Pineapple

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Pineapple is one of the most popular fruits in the world. Large supply of pineapple comes from Southeast Asia. The Philippines is one of the world’s largest producers of fresh pineapple. It has wide plantations in Mindanao. Pineapple is endemic to Paraguay and Brazil. This fruit can be eaten fresh or canned. It is popularly used in salads and desserts.

For a popular recipe with pineapple, check this out

Pininyahang Manok (Chicken With Pineapple)

Health Benefits:

• Pineapple breaks down protein because it contains proteolytic enzyme bromelain
• It helps cure intestinal disorder
• It is believe that it serves as a pain reliever
• Pineapple helps induce childbirth when a baby is over due
• Pineapple is a good source of manganese
• It contains considerable amount of vitamin C and B1

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On Being Chosen as Ninong or Ninang (Wedding Principal Sponsor)

Well, let’s start with a bit of trivia. Do you know that the month of January was named after Janus, the god of gates and doorways hence; of openings and beginnings? It is the 11th month of the year in the ancient Roman calendar. In the 2nd century BC, however, it came to be regarded as the first month. Although the month of June is considered traditionally as the wedding month and February is regarded as love month, according to world statistics, most number of couples got married on the month of January. Amazing, isn’t it? Believe it or not, you better believe it, because I am convinced that this is true.

It was on this month (January) that I experienced to be a “ninong”(principal sponsor on a wedding) five times in a row within the month a couple of years back and it has just duplicated this year. And as a matter of fact, at this very young age of mine (I’m only in my late 30’s) I already have scores of “inaanak sa kasal”, most of it happened on the month of January,(aside from scores of “inaanak sa binyag”) because they have started getting or choosing me as wedding sponsor when I’m only in my early 20’s.
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Seven Natural Wonders of The Philippines

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via Seven Natural Wonders of The Philippines.

These Philippine “Geological Wonders” are the most visited spots in the country. These beautiful and rare wonders of nature where developed million of years ago through geological processes and other natural phenomena.

Come, visit and explore this island-country paradise in the Far East and see for yourself these breathtaking and truly captivating beauties of nature. Satisfaction guaranteed – 100%.

1.) Tubbataha Reef – Palawan

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The Philippines has the most diverse species of marine life as showcased by numerous diving sites in the archipelago.  Of the many magnificent diving sites in the country, like Apo Reef, Anilao and many others, Tubbataha Reef in the island of Palawan stands out to be the best and most beautiful. Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef located in the Sulu Sea. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. More than 1000 species inhabit in the reef. Manta rays, tortoise, clownfish, lionfish and sharks.

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Production of Popular Native Wines in the Philippines

Native wines produced in the Philippines are all 100% chemical-free because they are all produce in a natural process.

If one day you happen to pay visit in the Philippines, this article will be of help to you especially if you are a native liquor or wine drinker or collector.

Usually if we visit a certain place, we tend to get familiarize first with the kind of foods offered to us. Aside from the foods, the next thing that we get familiar with is the drinks. Food and drinks always go hand in hand.

The following are list of wines locally manufactured in the Philippines. These are 100% chemical-free because they are all produce in natural methods.

“Tapoy” or Rice Wine of Mountain Provinces

Tapoy is similar to the rice wine of Japan called sake. This kind of wine is widely produce in the provinces of Cordilleras, specifically by the Ifugaos, the builder of the world -famous Rice Terraces, by the Igorots, and other ethnic tribes in the Mountain Provinces.

This kind of wine is basically made by soaking raw glutinous rice in hot water for I hour. Drain and steam for 25 minutes and then spread in a tray to let it cool for 2 hours.

The yeast and rice is then combined by hand until blended (as you can see in the picture). The mixture is then transferred in a container covered tightly with a lid and stored in a dry place and allow to ferment for 1 month. Separate the liquid from the remaining rice mixture. The liquid is tapoy or rice wine and the residual is rice mash.

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