A most phenomenal speaker

KRIPOTKIN (The Philippine Star) Updated July 12, 2010 12:00 AM

Heartbroken for Cleveland: that’s how I feel. It’ll take time to get over the disappointment of seeing how a hero’s feet are made out of clay. No, I won’t burn all my Cavs No. 23 jerseys and tees the way some fellows are doing in Ohio as I write this on Friday noon, hours after LeBron James’ primetime ego stunt on ESPN billed as “The Decision.” It’ll always be known as “The Defection” — with his legacy taking a big hit even as he dons No. 6 for the Miami Heat.

Will he ever live this down? Too early to tell, with so many flame threads and spins for the moment on this sorry affair. Too much to dwell on here and now, but I agree that he just carved out his own home state’s heart, not just a city’s — and he didn’t have to do it on national TV. Witless.

Okay, at least he didn’t go to the Big Apple, as our buddy Luis Francia was hoping for, as all New Yorkers were yearning and fantasizing. Not much consolation for us Cavs fans.

For Luis — poet, journalist, editor, educator, and freshly-minted historian — he’ll forget about it by tomorrow, his big day in Cubao when his latest title, History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos, is launched starting at 6:30 p.m. at National Book Store at Araneta Center, across Gateway.

A brief talk by the author who’s on a home visit will lead to a Q & A session, followed by the book signing and a reception hosted by Anvil and NBS. The book is published by The Overlook Press of New York and London.

“The Philippines is a country in its adolescence, struggling in fits and starts to emerge from its rich, troubled and multi-layered past. History of the Philippines presents various Philippine narratives — familiar and unfamiliar — and summarizes the different forces that have transformed an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands into a republic over the course of five centuries.

“Author Luis Francia, professor of creative writing and Asian-Pacific American Studies at New York University, skillfully describes the key turning points in modern Philippine history — from the period of Americanization (1899-1946) to Independence and its aftermath (1946-1972) to the tumultuous reign of President Ferdinand Marcos (1972-1986), and on through the modern era dominated by economic and political uncertainties.”

Luis starts his account with a chapter on the discovery in 1989 of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription (“the oldest known document of pre-Spanish times in the Philippine archipelago”), drawn up in 900 CE, which means it antedates Muslim Maynilad by a good half-millennium. It ends contemporaneously, with the expected end of the Arroyo administration and likely ascent of a President Noynoy Aquino.

Unlike most history books, this one carries no footnotes — a deliberate decision, said the author last Tuesday evening when Trix Syjuco and I interviewed him in our GNN TV talk show Illuminati on Destiny cable. Indeed, his poet’s eye and acumen may be trusted to thread through the back stories and historical leitmotifs he has selected to illuminate his narrative of a country/nation still in the making.

Some readers of this space may be wondering whatever happened to the International Public Speaking Competition held by the English Speaking Union in London last May, to which we sent our 18-year-old student-representative, Ervin Charles Orbase of Asia-Pacific College.

My regrets for failing to report on the outcome weeks ago, but here it is: Ervin emerged as the “unofficial” winner, it may be said, albeit a quirk in the judging might have deprived him of the official title as Best Speaker.

Every year we of the ESU-Philippines chapter receive an account from our grand lady in London, Madame Loline Reed, the most gracious and knowledgeable Filipina in that city, especially when it comes to Philippine-British relations. Here’s her report, in parts:

“Dear ESU-Philippines Friends,

“This year’s Competition had the largest number of competitors — a total of 80 participants (from over 50 countries) … Albania, Brazil, Cyprus, France, Ghana, Lithuania, Mauritius, Moldova, New Zealand, Philippines, Serbia and Tajikistan sent 1 participant each. The rest sent two.

“The rules for the competition were changed. Rather than have judges from the established academicians and English experts and the BBC etc. that the Competition used to have, the judges were all quite young — former IPSC competitors from 2000, which included the IPSC 2000 competitor from Brazil who judged Ervim’s group (together with) an HSBC Communications Assistant and an ESU Speech/ Debate mentor.

“I must admit that I was very surprised to see how young the judges were, but of course, the idea of both the ESU and the HSBC must have been for young judges to judge their peers…

“In Group 6, where Ervim competed, the speakers were all very good, especially the ones from Belgium, Russia-St. Petersburg, Australia, Iceland, Yemen and the Philippines. The weakest speakers that the audience agreed on at the break period were Chile and Ghana. Ervim’s competition we thought would be Australia, Russia, the amusing and entertaining Yemeni girl who spoke about men being future dinosaurs, and Iceland except that he had note cards he was reading from…

“You would have been all so proud of Ervim. He was transformed! Wearing his colorful barong Tagalog in gradated blue, embroidered with coconut trees and a bahay kubo in black outline and with carefully coifed hair, he did not look like the Ervim we listened to at our training sessions at home. On his right lapel, he proudly pinned the British and Philippines flag pin, which he told me was given to him by Ambassador Stephen Lillie (in Manila), and on the left lapel was pinned the Philippine flag and the Shell logo pin which he said was given to him by Mr. Ed Chua (of Pilipinas Shell which sponsored Ervin’s airfare).

“He spoke very well and the young audience reacted to him, laughing at the right moments, and I could see that they were enjoying his speech. At the end of his speech, he received an ovation. He also did very well in answering the questions, four in all that he managed to receive and reply to, in the two minutes allotted for questions. One tricky question came from a lady from Iceland: ‘Since joblessness is a main problem in your country and the reason why so many leave to seek jobs abroad, will you, in two years time when you are older, change your mind and be tempted to go abroad too?’

“He smiled at her and replied, ‘Thank you for your question, but Ma’am, I will remain in my country where people know me rather than go abroad where no one knows me, as I am determined to use whatever skills and talents I have to share them with my own people.’ He added, ‘Should I go abroad to study or train, I will definitely come back.’ That was the last question and the lady smiled at Ervim kindly…

“During the break, while we were all waiting for the announcements as to who got through to the main Finals to be held at the HSBC, there was Ervim being surrounded by his new friends from Group 6. DCM Ray Catapang talked to the elders from the countries in Ervim’s group and they told him how Ervim did well. We felt that Ervim had a great chance to be in the main Finals; judging from what we saw of his performance, he had the edge.

“When Mark Tulip, HSBC Communications Assistant, announced the finalists from Group 6, he said very clearly and loudly, ‘The entry from the Philippines, Ervim Charles Orbase, is a most phenomenal speaker.’ The Group 6 people clapped and cheered!

“But then, we learned that the rules had been changed so that from the 80 participants, only six were chosen to go into the main Finals at the HSBC — one from each group instead of the previous two per group when the contestants were fewer. When the cheering subsided, Mark continued that, due to a very narrow margin, the girl from Chile was the one going to the Finals instead of Ervim. There were groans of ‘NO!’ and ‘Can’t be!’”

The Icelanders and others from Group 6 who were standing with us at the back of the room were all very vocal about their disagreement with the judging results. But the announcements quickly concluded and people were told to leave the room and go to the HSBC in Canary Wharf immediately. To my astonishment, Ervim’s group mates rushed to him and congratulated him profusely for being ‘a most phenomenal speaker’ while the girl who became the finalist was ignored…

“I overheard people saying: ‘How could that be? Politics or what?’… Chile just joined the ESU last year and of course the Philippines already had two champions, in 2004 and 2008. DCM Ray Catapang and I just consoled Ervim and told him that we felt that his group’s choice as the finalist was him, and did he not receive the title of being ‘A most phenomenal speaker’? I told him that I have been attending the competitions since 2002 when we had our first participants and had two champions since, and I never heard of such an accolade paid to a speaker. Ervim was very gracious in defeat, but of course felt happy to get his accolade. A pity though because everyone from the other groups who heard what the Judge told them about Ervim being a ‘most phenomenal speaker’ would have all liked to hear his speech at the grand finals.

“I did not go to the HSBC for the grand finals anymore but instead I went to the Royal Over-Seas League to ‘cool down.’ As you can imagine, I was very bemused and bewildered by it all. Ervim phoned Ken and me in the evening and he told us that the girl from Chile did not do well. The boy from Lebanon won while the girl from Hong Kong came out in second place.

“He had an intriguing conversation though from the female judge from Brazil while he was enjoying the buffet lunch. She approached him to apologize and to tell him, ‘I think my colleagues and I made a mistake.’ He said he just smiled at her and did not say anything.

“So, Ervim deserves our thank-you for representing the Philippines at the competition. He was stoic and gracious in defeat, but I still imagine how it would have been — I did feel that he is ‘a most phenomenal speaker.’ DCM Catapang said that ‘Ervim should join us at the Foreign Office.’ You know what truly amused me while talking to Ervim over the phone? He told me, ‘Tita, when I go back before school starts, I will already investigate how I can join the Foreign Office.’”

So there. We here of the ESU-Philippines chapter heartily congratulate Ervim for his speech intriguingly titled “The Optimism of a Highly Sinister Thirteen-Year-Old Thief” — and for making a good account of himself. This genial boy of benign wit can only go far in representing our country as a future career.

On a final note, our ESU-Phil and Philippine STAR colleague Dr. Isagani Cruz reports that The English Speaking Union of the United States has donated a container van of more than 24,000 books, toys, and school supplies to the Department of Education through the ESU-Phil and Books for Philippine Schools Foundation, which Dr. Cruz heads. The beneficiaries were public schools in Malabon, Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, and Valenzuela. Why, thank you very much, ESU-U.S.

River rafting is at the top of the “to do” list among guests

Experts do not agree on the etymology of the “Cagayan” part of the Cagayan de Oro name. Local historian Dr.Antonio J. Montalvan II insists it means “place of the river,” as mentioned in the “Ulahing,” the local epic chant. Folk epics, according to Dr. Montalvan, are handed down from generation to generation through authorized chanters who are the only ones allowed to recite it. As such, the history it describes is authentic and free from error.

Others disagree.

Whatever the origin of “Cagayan” might be, one thing is certain: the “de oro” part is true. Cagayan de Oro is certified gold!

I know. I have been here ten years.

It was May 1997. I was then the newly-assigned branch manager of a company and I was checking out my new assignment for the first time. With me was my son, who was to enroll in sixth grade in a local Jesuit school, while I had to find a house for my family to move in.

As I am wont to do, I had a window seat, and it was through one that I first got a glimpse of this city in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. The one-and-half-hour flight from Manila was so smooth that I dozed off, to wake up at the sugary voice of the flight attendant asking me to straighten up my seat.

Then I saw her. An uneven carpet of green, punctuated by white sand traps with teeny-weeny tiny people walking, lugging golf bags. A golf course! A highway presented itself next and I espied—as in a silent movie – a slew of tiny cars going the same way the plane was heading, no doubt to the airport to meet the passengers of the plane I was in.

At the other side of the highway was more greenery: trees in a rolling terrain interrupted by magnificent houses. Then I saw an imposing Mediterranean structure with tennis courts and two deep-blue swimming pools. “Must be a club house,” I said to no one in particular.

As the plane made the final approach, and before the whole vista was swallowed up by hangars, I saw this huge farm house surrounded by at least a hundred lean-tos. Fighting cocks! Interesting.

As the plane taxied down the tarmac, I remember thinking: “If I would be staying here, at least the place looks good. I hope the locals are friendly.”

They were. To the max, at that.

I found out just how when I came back with my family two weeks later. We arrived in style, in a manner of speaking. Our well-appointed room was more like a deluxe room of a first-class hotel than a cabin of a ferry: two queen-sized beds, our own restroom, and a solicitous cabin attendant called Dodong. Why, even the bed covers were quilted and we had our own pocket veranda overlooking the water below!

We knew we were nearing port when the sound of the ship’s engine purred to a murmur and the harbor pilot clambered on board. That was when I noticed what to me, was a very nice touch on the part of the locals. Alongside our slowing behemoth materialized half a dozen jet skiers on their jet skis. I thought they were shooting a movie segment. Then I realized it was some sort of a welcoming committee. Soon, they broke into a ground version of the Paris Air Show with their precision zooming in and out, to the applause of the passengers. “I’m really going to like this place,” I whispered to my wife.

The “show” had just ended when another opened. I saw a dozen boys, some of them just kids, bronzed and with orange hair motioning with their hands and shouting “labay.” I didn’t understand until I saw a passenger dig into his pocket and flick something into the water. A coin! In an instant, a kid dived and disappeared into the water, to surface after about three seconds, proudly holding up his trophy in one hand, motioning with the other for the passengers to drop some more. Soon, people were dipping into their pockets to a magnificent encore of piscine kids diving and retrieving the coins before these reach the bottom (the coins glisten underwater). Later, I learned what “labay” means: “throw.”

The pleasant surprises didn’t stop there. Even now I chuckle when I recall seeing the port of Cagayan de Oro for the first time. You see, I actually mistook the Cagayan de Oro seaport for a park! It is so vast and clean I thought they built their port right next to a park.

Another thing that surprised me was the discipline of the porters who stood in formation on the jetty. Readers will probably agree with me that porters are not the most pleasant of people. In Manila, one risks losing both arms, negotiating what is often a gauntlet of porters tugging at one’s arms. Not in Cagayan de Oro. These porters in yellow were surprisingly polite. They also have this long black belt not unlike the belts of karate players, which had me guessing as to what probably these are for, until I saw them carrying up to four bags on one side and another four on the other with two of these “belts.”

The more I saw of Cagayan de Oro, the more I liked what I saw.

The public markets, for instance. I grew up in a fish-producing part of the country and I’m no stranger to a market full of fish. But the first time I went to Cogon market, I gasped at the sight: rows upon rows of headless tuna so big it makes one wonder how so much fish can be consumed. Amazing.

The answer came the first time I attended a party. Seviche (kinilaw in the local dialect) – a dish of raw tuna cubes marinated in young coconut vinegar with lemon, coconut milk, chopped onions, ginger, pepper, and seasoning – is so popular that no party or dining table is ever without one.

Lechon (skewered pig roasted on a bed of charcoal) is also very popular. Not counting the celebrant, lechon is perhaps the only thing that’s never absent in any celebration. I witnessed a party once where a 25-lechon course was the piece de resistance!

Locals are also voracious consumers of roasted whole chicken or “lechon manok.” This ubiquitous staple is so popular one cannot drive 100 meters without passing an outlet selling one. Even the streets around public markets sprout tables and chairs at night when vehicular traffic slackens. That’s when the air fills with the mouth-watering smell of roasted chicken.

There is another Cagayan de Oro delicacy which should be mentioned. In other places, it’s called “Soup Number 5.” Here, it’s called by another name which has visitors invariably chuckling, especially after they learn what the dish is made of. It’s called “Remember Me.” Consisting of slices from a bull’s sex organs, it holds the distinction of being the only dish without a local name.

It doesn’t follow though that the less adventurous will not have a grand time trying out the city’s culinary repertoire. No, far from it. There are enough restaurants in Cagayan de Oro to cater to diverse palates. And always, visitors will swoon at the bargain prices. Always. You see, locals have mastered the art of wanting only the best —and getting it at the lowest price.

Thus, you can indulge in all the beef and chicken that you can hold and wash it down with all the iced tea that you care to drink for about the same amount you’d spend watching a movie. Turkish, Indian, Korean—whatever your taste buds crave for, there’s likely to be at least one restaurant here to indulge you.

This love of food is actually but a part (an inextricable part) of the total package called Filipino hospitality. In the same way that other cultures rub noses, hug and kiss, or smoke pipes to show their welcome, Filipinos (Cagayanons especially) show theirs by inviting even strangers not only into their homes but onto their dinner tables. Put together in a strange land two Filipinos who are complete strangers to each other and I bet you they will be sharing each other’s sandwiches inside five minutes.

Nor is this hospitality limited to fellow Filipinos. It extends to all, foreigners especially. Filipinos are characteristically modest and may not initiate a conversation, but engage them, and they will instantly warm up to you, like you were a long lost uncle. And don’t worry, almost everyone speaks fluent English.

The locals are especially friendly, calling every older male including total strangers and foreigners “kol” for “uncle” and every older female “te” for “auntie.” They put such a premium on friendship they even call their city “The City of Golden Friendship.” With such physiologically friendly people, it’s really no surprise that Night Café was born.

Yes, the Night Café. It was really supposed to be there just for the one-week fiesta celebrations in 2002. Giant multi-colored lights were installed in the four-block stretch of island between two major streets in the city’s equivalent of a public square. City hall allowed shopkeepers to set up tables and chairs between 4:00 PM and 2 AM weekends on streets emptied of vehicular traffic.

The people liked the idea so much that years after it started, the Night Café is still around, attracting even more and more people. And you’re right. Coffee is served, but it’s beer that flows. And since the Night Café is City Hall’s baby, guess who invariably drops by to chat with visitors? You’re right, the mayor.

Such personal touch is something that’s standard in Cagayan de Oro. Don’t be surprised if you go whitewater rafting and find the rafting service owner checking on your gear. A de rigueur for visitors, river rafting is at the top of the “to do” list among local and foreign guests. This local version of the Colorado adrenalin rush is just Class 2 to 4 rapids, but it packs enough wallop to make visitors want to do it all over again.

Visitors who come to Cagayan de Oro with an eye to possible retirement options will be delighted to know about the possibilities in neighboring Bukidnon especially at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad. There the temperature is 14 degrees Celsius in summer time, the air is pure, and the prices of land are what one may call pre-California Gold Rush. Those who prefer the convenience of in-place development may want to check out Mt. Pines Farm.

There’s much in terms of retirement (or even just weekend visit) options. Here is a post in TripAdvisor from an American now staying at Xavier Estates:

“Good day. Just happened across your post. I am a transplanted American now retired and living in …XAVIER ESTATES. It is without question the nicest and most secure residential subdivision in Cagayan de Oro City. However, it is far and away a residential development and not a commercial area. There is a very nice mall VERY nearby offering most anything you would want to purchase and comparable to U.S. malls.

“There are NO hotels within the confines of the Xavier Estates Subdivision as it is a place to build homes. [There is, in fact, a 32-room hotel—the Ridgeview Chalets. That the writer did not know it is there is perhaps because the hotel likes to be inconspicuous.] There is a very exclusive clubhouse with pool, etc that is available to residents of the subdivision. The security for Xavier Estates is similar to the White House in Washington, D.C. (to be a bit facetious). … The place is completely safe.

“There ARE a few villas for rent on a nightly basis I believe, but this is not the primary business of Xavier Estates. These villas are okay for spending the nite or even a few days, but they are there more for a last minute need more than a commercial endeavor.

“If you are a golfer, I can also recommend the Pueblo de Oro subdivision just down the road a mile or so. It has a REAL championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It is beautifully maintained and a very nice and comfortable environment to enjoy the day. If you are planning to stay permanently I can unequivocally recommend this area. Had I not gotten too old to play, I would have purchased a lot at Pueblo de Oro. It is almost as secure and well guarded as Xavier Estates.

“The real estate values in these areas are without question on the RISE. The great thing about this area is that your American dollar goes MUCH farther than it does in the U.S. I drove by a home in Xavier Estates a few days ago that would be worth several million ANYWHERE in the U.S., and MANY, MANY million on a valuable lot in an excellent location. It was built for a fraction of that cost here. It honestly looked more like a hotel in size than a single family home .. truly a mansion.

“If you are going to just be visiting a few days, I would recommend either the Pryce Plaza or the Marco Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. They are both comparable to nice hotels in the States. If you care to email me for more conversation you can reach me at: (e-mail address given).

“Since I’m retired, I’m happy to spend my time assisting visitors. -Paul”

Cagayan de Oro. Certified gold!

Make it your next Friday night pit stop

Banchetto, Italian for “feast,” has been abuzz among the foodies of the Metro as a must-visit for the adventurous and the thrifty. Originally organized for the loads of call center workers in the area, Banchetto is a night market held on the streets of Emerald Avenue in Ortigas, which is closed down from vehicular traffic, for the duration of the event. The market opens at midnight every Friday and runs through 6 o’clock, Saturday morning. For first timers, coming at midnight would be best, to enjoy the sights and sounds and glorious smells of some vendors actually cooking dishes on the spot. Obviously an al fresco set up of dining, customers take their treats to go and dine along the streets, on building steps and sidewalks, if not on the tables and chairs set up there for the lucky few who make it early enough to sit. Payment is strictly on cash basis, and the idea is for customers to possibly enjoy a full hearty, delicious meal with but a hundred Pesos (approx. USD2.00).

Most food served are pre-prepared to cater to its customers who enter the festivities simply to enjoy a quick break and resume work. There are also those incidental foreigners who’ve come to make their visits a habit in hopes of stocking up on cooked food as they vacation or work here. Vendors are more than happy to tell you everything about their wares and sometimes even let you indulge in a free taste because they know their dishes are so good, you’re definitely going to want to buy. Drinks are also available, but alcohol is not allowed. As the event is held to cater to the call center meal time rush, the human traffic that pile up on the rows that divide one column of aromatic stall from another are heavily packed but parking is pretty easy as it is allowed along the streets of the event; just some things to prepare yourself for. And of course, being in a tropical country where an umbrella is your next best accessory, you might also want to come armed with this, especially nowadays when the rains just come and go.

To give you a better idea of the cuisines to expect, here is a rundown of some popular favorites: Vigan Longganisa (cured sausages from the province of Vigan), all sorts of grilled meats and barbecues, rice toppings, burgers, Japanese Takoyaki, savory French favorites and desserts, and all the cookies, pastries and cupcakes you can eat!

I’m actually writing this as I wait for my next visit, and my mouth’s watering as I write. I can even smell those Angus Beef Skewers on the grill, just waiting for my fifty Pesos. Yes, Fifty! I admit, I was quite hesitant to share the secret, but it’s just too cool to not share. So yes, make it your next Friday night pit stop. Prior to going out, on your way home from work, whatever. Here’s hoping you don’t grab my parking slot or beat me to a table! It’s definitely a worthwhile foodie experience.

The sport that brings the world together

Location: Asia

For 31 Days, The World Comes Together… To Stand Apart. Excellent words by Visa, don’t you think? This year’s World Cup has garnered so much hype that makes even the most ignorant of audiences scream “Goal!” Football… Soccer… Whatever you call it, ‘the sport that brings the world together’ definitely lives up to its name with Asian member associations surprisingly making up more than half of its pool.

FIFA or the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, based in Zurich, was founded in 1904. Now with 208 member associations stretching from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, its mission to constantly improve the sport now involves reaching out and touching the world, using football as a symbol of hope and integration. By protecting its standards, encouraging competition and promoting solidarity in the world game, FIFA and football are ‘building a better future.’

Of the 46 Asian member associations, Australia, Japan, the Korean Republic, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iran and the Peoples Republic of China have made it to the top ranks of its regional zone since the Cup’s kick off last June 11.

In spite of all this, the love for the sport seems to be downplayed across the region, as with anything not basketball. Or anything not American, for that matter. So it is nice to know that there is, in fact, a governing body focused on the region that regulates the game, drafts new laws to improve the sport and implements them, boosts football among the youth, and conducts major competitions, which is the Asian Football Confederation or AFC, making up one of the six Confederations of FIFA. The AFC, originally formed in 1954 in Manila, Philippines now has 46 member associations and is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For the first time, the world came to Asia in 1985 as China hosted the FIFA U-17 World Championship and in 2002, the FIFA World Cup was successfully co-hosted by Korea and Japan. Hopefully more following and more funding finds its way to this understated sport, especially in the region so maybe in a year or so, we can cheer for more of our Asian counterparts as they make it to the finals.

Get your click and culture fix this first half of July from India

Get your click and culture fix this first half of July from the vibrant and mystical India, where almost every day is a holiday worthy of a snapshot and observant fascination.

On the 6th, celebrate with monks and thousands of other tourists as they pay a visit to the home of the 14th Dalai Lama who turns another year older. Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso or Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, is a spiritual leader revered among the people of Tibet. Running the government-in-exile based in Dharmashala, his followers believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors.

On the 7th, gain a better understanding of the relationship between Guru and disciple as devotees celebrate Guru Purnima, offering worship and reverence to their Gurus by remembering their lives and teachings. Stop by Tripura for Kharchi Puja, a week-long festival worshipping the earth, sustainer of all mankind. Join thousands in the temple premises as they offer sacrificial goats and pigeons in gratitude.

From the 8th to the 9th join many other tourists specially Buddhists from China, Japan, Tibet and Korea for Yuru Kabgyat Ladakh, a festival commemorating the day the Drigungpa monastery was founded. Watch colorfully dressed Buddhist monks join in the dance dramas and rituals, and lamas adorned with masks participate in the sacred plays.

On the 10th, celebrate Raksha Panchami in Orissa with the locals as they worship Lord Bhairava, one of the forms of Lord Shiva, for their deliverance from danger and evil.

Get entranced from the 11th to the 12th at Zanskar Karsha Gustor festival, also known as the fete of oracles. At the festival, a layman is formally selected, spiritually cleansed by the lamas, prepared for receiving the spirit of the Holy Deity and is then expected to predict the future. During the festival a hat dance is performed to ward off evil.

Pump up the shutterbug in you for Rath Yatra on the 13th. Also known as the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha, the festival is celebrated at Puri, a temple town in Orissa. Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel Sudarshana are taken out from the temple in an elaborate ritual procession and taken to their respective chariots. The huge, colorful chariots are drawn by hundreds and thousands of devotees to the Queen Gundicha’s temple, some two miles away.

From the 13th to the 14th, stop by Ladkh for the Phyang Tsedup festival featuring a pilgrimage to the huge painting of Skyabje Jigten Gombo, founder of the Dringungpa monastic order, exhibited for the event, among the performed sacred dance dramas.

Finally on the 14th is Bastille Day or National France Day at Pondicherry. It is after all, one of the most important colonies of France as it once was the center of all French transactions with India and the rest of Asia. Retired soldiers join in a parade and celebrate the day with Indian and French National Anthems while uniformed war soldiers march through the streets to honor the French soldiers who were killed in the battle.

Welcome to Sanya, the Hawaii of China!

What first comes to mind when you think of China? The Great Wall, The Yangtze River, and perhaps super-modern megacities, which have only recently hit the world stage. One image that probably doesn’t come to mind, or at least right away, includes beautiful beaches, palm trees, and baby blue water.

Welcome to Sanya, the Hawaii of China! After working in busy cities and taxiing around countless industrial zones, there is nothing more enjoyable than taking a week to enjoy this little-known, very affordable Chinese getaway. Hainan is an island province in southern China, which is historically referred to as the Tail of the Dragon and the Gateway to Hell. But don’t let the old nicknames fool you! The prosperity of Eastern Chinese cities has started hitting the shores of this little province.

At 100-600RMB ($15-$90) per night, depending on your taste, Sanya’s Da Dong Hai  is an inexpensive locale with great beaches. And don’t be surprised if local vendors greet you in Russian; Sanya welcomed 331,000 visitors in the first quarter of 2010 alone! That’s quite amazing considering about 40,000 came in the entire year of 2005. Although Russian language won’t be required, speaking Mandarin will take you a looong way.

My advice: Come now! With the World Expo in Shanghai attracting loads of holiday-makers until October, this is definitely the time to enjoy empty beaches, tropical dishes, and romantic sunsets. Explore this tiny enclave of Chinese beach culture before the big crowds come back. By the way, the Summer of 2010 is on track to becoming one of the coolest (weather-wise) on record, so there is no excuse to put off the time of your life!

Benjamin Piscopo is a seasoned professional in ESFL with over 5 years of teaching and consulting experience in South Korea and Mainland China. His blog Asianliving.me is a collection of lifestyle tips, easy cooking ideas, and medical remedies that he has collected during his life-changing journey in Asia.

Obon is one of the most important traditions to the Japanese

The perpetual search for balance between technology and tradition has more often than not been the heart of Asian issues. The region is, after all, blessed with a rich tapestry of histories accompanied by a dedicated fascination for all things new and ingenious. Take, for instance, Korea’s endorsement of the freeze-dry burial method, alongside Japan’s adherence and fervent celebration of Obon, topped off by Hong Kong’s virtual cemetery. Curious as they may be, they are as valid as recent developments may come and as lovely as traditions may live on.

With the intention of not only saving space but ultimately being the greenest of all burial alternatives, the freeze-dry technique stood out at the recent Asian funeral expo. Formally called Promession, the technique uses liquid nitrogen to freeze a corpse, which is then shaken until it disintegrates into a pile of dust. The particles are then filtered of heavy metals and buried in a bio-degradable container, breaking down in 6-18mos to nourish the growth of a plant or tree in a memorial park. Pioneered by Swedish Biologist Susanne Wiigh-Masak, the technique, now supported by the Korean government and the Korean Christian Church, is due to launch in South Korea next year after many years of overcoming major ethical and legal detractors.

Then there is Obon; celebrated around the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar and one of the most important traditions to the Japanese. Families gather to pray for their dead in the Buddhist belief that their souls come back to their homes during this period to be reunited with their loved ones. Houses are cleaned and assorted foods are offered on their family altars decorated with incense, flowers and paper lanterns. The lanterns are then lit as families visit their graves and call to their ancestors to come back home. Fires are lit by the entrance to the houses to guide the spirits. Lanterns painted with the family crest are then carried by the families back to the graves to guide their spirits on the next day. Culminating the celebration is the lighting of paper lanterns set to float down the river leading to the ocean as families send off their ancestors’ spirits. A most fascinating sight indeed.

And finally, there’s Hong Kong’s virtual cemetery that’s sparked quite a curious buzz. The free service, not meant to replace traditional practices of paying tribute to their deceased, was created to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s modern society for a sustainable forms of mourning and burial, is a site enabling users to ‘visit’ their dead by creating an online memorial page with pictures and messages for them. Through the page, virtual flowers and offerings such as virtual chickens, fruits, roast suckling pig and paper money can be ‘sent.’ The website, www.memorial.gov.hk , however, only allows memorials for Hong Kong residents recorded to have been cremated at public crematoriums or buried at public cemeteries

How can this be healthy?

As the world turns its eyes on China, and all parts of developing Asia, increasing numbers of Westerners are traveling here and getting a taste of it for themselves, literally. As tasty as the dishes may be, foreign guests have started deciding for themselves that Chinese food might just be “a little too oily to be healthy.” I’m personally biased and in favor of Asian food traditions, but I do think the argument deserves a fair bout!

Round 1, Ding!

When friends visit China their #1 concern about the food is sanitation, but also the oiliness. To satisfy their curiosity, and mine, I decided to ask some Chinese friends what their take is on this matter. I’ve listed their responses to common concerns that are voiced by Westerners (American friends, specifically):

1. There is simply too much oil in the food. How can this be healthy? The initial response to this question is:  Yes, there is oil on the food, but we don’t eat it. It just sits in the dish. It’s not like soup you take or gravy that you might put on potatoes.
2. How do you avoid eating much of the oil? People here use chopsticks for food that is sitting in broth or oil. We just let most of the oil drip off of the food first. The portion of rice you eat is important too. The combination of roughly 30% staple and 50% main dish and 20% liquid (soup or water) are important to note here.
3. Doesn’t the oil get on your rice too? The oil can sometimes drip on the rice, but that is not how rice is consumed here. Normally people take pure, white, cooked rice with their food. This soaks up oil or other strong flavors from the food and protects your stomach. Fried rice is not a substitute for white rice either; and spooning the sauce of any dish into your rice is never done.
4. My friend went to China and gained weight. Why? The major reason Westerners gain weight in China is because of mixing food habits. We all try to assimilate to the local food culture at first, but we soon begin missing the dishes from home. Some people go back to convenient eating habits, like sandwiches for lunch. Others miss cheese and butter and other processed foods, so they might visit the foreign food store every few weeks or so. These actions have inescapable consequences.

Ben’s Opinion: Food culture is special and synergistic: more than the sum of its parts. Using American nutritional logic to understand how on earth the Chinese (Koreans, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc.) could be so healthy would be a mistake. We shouldn’t use a microscope to look at how a system works. We should be looking at the big picture here. From that perspective, I would say, whatever these food cultures are doing… they are doing it right!

Benjamin Piscopo is a seasoned professional in ESFL with over 5 years of teaching and consulting experience in South Korea and Mainland China. His blog Asianliving.me is a collection of lifestyle tips, easy cooking ideas, and medical remedies that he has collected during his life-changing journey in Asia!

Keep reading! Keep exploring! Asia is just awesome.

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