Dinakdakan in Inuman

I started to like the taste of liquors when I was in High School. From the famous "Gin-Pom" to "The Bar" which is the current trend now in youth inuman sessions, name it and I have probably tasted it. But of course, nothing beats Red Horse. Sessionistas would most likely to cry out loud when Red Horse beer was taken out of the picture. I'll be one of those when that happens.

One important thing that you must have while drinking with friends is the "Pulutan" (Food over drinks). I still remember how "Boy Bawang" has flourished our taste buds, the fact that it only cost 1 peso and yet it's very tasty. I was a student then and I really know how to appreciate the value of 1 peso. "Munchers" green peas was also popular. "Lala" fish crackers is also one of the best mouth pleaser, applicable when the entire barkada would pledge 20 pesos each. Those were the good times! :)

Now that things have changed and somehow, everybody that I know have their own source of living, "Pulutans" are now upgraded. Who would not order "Sisig" or "Crispy Pata" over a bottle of Vodka? My personal favorite is "Baked Mussels and Scallops" that is over garnished with melted cheese. My taste buds are in a world wide feast with a parade of overflowing beer everytime they are touched by these delicious foods.

Then one night, October 30th, 2009, I was invited by a very special person to drink. We ordered MudShakes and a plate of Sisig plus an unfamiliar dish that is called Dinakdakan. My friend said that it is an Ilocano dish very similar to Sisig, only that it has Mayonnaise in it.

Dinakdakan consists of Pig Ears, Pig Tongue, Pig Liver, Calamansi or Lemon,White Onions, Salt, Ginger, Ground Pepper and Mayonaise. In short, it's Sisig plus Mayonnaise minus the Sizzling Plate. This tastes fantastic! Now, I am dreaming an inuman session with my close friends and for sure Dinakdakan will be on the table. I wonder what's the origin of its name? Again, I am bonded to my friends, with food.

My 25th Bday and food at work

One big influence on your appetite behavior is the appetite of your co-workers. You need to agree with me on that (lol). I have one officemate here in my current job, who loves to eat and never gets fat. We love to eat but we may need to feel guilt afterwards. I guess some people are just blessed with faster metabolism. That adds one frustration to my existence here in this unfair world. Kiddin'

I am our team's PALM card keeper. Yes, PALM card from the famous Pizza Hut. We now despise the taste of pizza because we order almost every week and I am blessed with generous friends here that shoulders the cost of our happiness, which is e-a-t-i-ng. Payday is really our favorite day.

Since we are done with pepperonies and cheese, I was in search of a different menu when I celebrated my birthday in the office. After a not so tedious hunt, we decided to settle with Amber's Pansit Malabon and Cheese Pichi-Pichi.

Pansit Malabon ( my forever favorite)

What makes this Pichi-Pichi special is the cheese, delightfully awesome!

This is me with three of my co-workers. They are certified table fighters :)

I was surprised when my teammates bought me cake from Contis. It was the classic Choco Mousse. Who doesn't love cake? If it weren't for cakes, there will be no place for candles that you can blow while chanting your wish on your mind. I didn't actually wished for any material thing but for my life to be more meaningful and worthy.

My mom said that when they were little, their Spanish blood Lola would slap them in the face when they utter even a single word while eating in their dining area. I can't imagine living a life such as that. Who would not want to talk about their boyfriend and girlfriends over plates of good food? Who would not want to taste the sweetest cake while gossiping about the a-holes in your workplace? lol These are the best things in life.

Thanks to my colleagues and I must say that we are really bonded.... by food.

It's only the beginning...

The first post on a brand new web blog is always the hardest to compose. Why? the writer should think of words that aims to capture the hearts of the readers. As for me, I am not new in the blog sphere. I have created several blogs in the past and because of my dissatisfaction, I deleted them in the web cache. Those are pretty good blogs I believe but I have come to realize that when you write, you should have an objective and a constant subject. It will not be casual if I enumerate my objectives. The only thing in my mind now is how to start collecting thoughts that were stuck on my mind and how to create a good legacy from now and this legacy should stay for good. As for the subject, it will be FOOD.

I want to start from when I have met the people that I now call "friends," and also my special someone who adores grinding and tasting FOOD. To add some doers of the subject, I can't exclude myself because I also love to eat, so as my family. This is an endless story of how we enjoy eating, how we enhance our relationships over eating and how we are bonded by FOOD.