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tanminaaeisha · 5 years ago

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Foodie-goody-licious

(Food Writing)

Food. And if I put up my own blog on food, this is definitely my first write-up. A lot of people have been travelling and blogging about their experiences in different places. The sights. The people. And the Food. So you see, food is one thing that is very much spoken of. Because aside from music, this is one of those that is “universal”. Everyone loves food. Including me. And although I haven’t travelled much, there are two things I am sure will stick with me my whole life. Both of which have grown with me over the years. NO ONE can beat HOME COOKING & JOLLIBEE. Seriously. If you’d notice most chefs on TV would, one time or more, feature a cooking that came from their own kitchen. Either cooked by their mother or grandmother. Sometimes they give it just a little twist but most of the time, they tried to copy the original with, of course, the secret ingredient. As for Jollibee, one of the most featured reactions by vloggers. Commercial and actual taste of their Chicken Joy! And just to be real, who hasn't heard of Jollibee’s Chicken Joy?! Though I am definitely not a chef. I will always be excited to try different dishes or different versions of the same dishes from different places or different people. They may or may not fall under my list of favorites, but they can never be on top of the dishes and cooking that I have grown with. No one can beat my Mom’s Sinigang, Dad’s Pares, my Tita Mabel’s Kare-kare, my Tito Yong’s Pork Adobo, my Ate Yang-Yang’s Carbonara, my Uncle Omey’s Chicken Macaroni Salad and of course, my Lola’s Mechado. I can still remember how my Dad cooked Pares over and over and over again, just to get the texture, consistency and taste just right. So you see, it is that good. My Tita’s Kare-kare with natural peanut sauce never fails to empty out no matter how much she cooks. My Ate’s Carbonara is repeatedly requested each time we have a home celebration. My Lola’s Mechado which everyone tries to copy but never goes even near to how good it tasted. And so on. Now Jollibee, on the other hand. My home kitchen away from home. I can’t remember a time that my family went out without stopping over at Jollibee either for dine-in or take-outs. My first burger and first fries were from Jollibee. And Chicken Joy is a constant companion whenever my friends and I have bonding moments. Too sinful I say because I always go for no less than 2 pieces of those! And like what I said in my YouTube Vlog, the “skin” comes last! So you see, these are the dishes and the cooking that I so love. Home Cooking that our friends and neighbors keep on requesting and expecting each time we open our doors for a celebration or just a `get together’. And Jollibee, which is the first thing that comes to my mind whenever I’m not home. Time allows, I will be a professional. Have work. Have money of my own. And even if I have my “own money” to spend and can afford all those fancy restaurants and all. I know I will always go back to these two special places. Dishes I have grown up with, that I will never get tired of. Maybe not that exquisite but definitely “heart melting”. So good to the taste but most importantly, with all the countless memories I had with them. And that for me deserves to go straight right into the books and on the top of my list. What can I say? I love HOME and I love JOLLIBEE.

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tanminaaeisha · 5 years ago

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Go North… Go Baguio!

(Travel writing)

Baguio is one of the most visited places in the Philippines, if not the most. A place so urban yet so close to nature. A place so small yet with so much to see every day of your stay. A place of comfort and culture. From the modern hotels and rest houses to the old ruins and villas, you will feel as though you’re in between two different eras. Like a time traveler, you can go from one era to the other. Quite amazing actually. And so off I went to Baguio even if it’s just for only a “2-day-1-night” stay. Well actually it was a 1-day exploration. We need to attend a wedding the next day, which is the reason why we took this trip. But 1-day is better than waiting for that free-time I need to be able to go there.

When we arrived, I literally dropped my bags near my assigned bed, grabbed my jacket and begged everyone to do the same. I wanted to get an early start because there’s so much to see with so little time. Excited to see the villagers as they were before, my first stop was the famous Tam-awan Village. Found in the hilly mountains of Baguio is an unsuspecting art village. At the entrance you would see natives dressed in their colorful traditional clothing, smiling and more than willing to take pictures with you for a few bucks. The village is designed to look and feel like a traditional Cordilleran village. At a glance, you only notice traditional huts with grass roofs scattered on different levels of elevation throughout the forest. But going into these huts you’ll realize that each of them is actually a mini-art gallery. Nature and art in one spot. Again, amazing.

Next stop, Baguio Cathedral. It has been a known old saying that when you go to a place the very first time, you have to look for the church and make a wish. And so I did. Went to Baguio Cathedral just to do that but I didn’t know I needed to climb a 104-step staircase just to reach its doors. Had I done my research, I would have known that this Neo-Gothic Designed Cathedral rests on top of a hill. According to the residents, this used to serve as an evacuation camp during World War II. Now it’s a serene place where people attend mass and even exchange their vows. Anyways, after saying my prayers, I lit a candle, made a wish and went off to the next spot.

The ever-so-famous Mines View Park. Here you can eat, shop and go sight-seeing in one place. Since we only have two days, might as well go to a place where you can do and see more. I hurriedly bought a few souvenirs to finish the task. I must admit I spent quite a little longer buying stuff because there’s a lot of beautiful hand-made or hand-carved souvenirs that I tend to stop and just look sometimes. Everything was so colorful that I took a few steps back and took a shot at the lane of souvenir stalls. You won’t believe the many colors and hues my camera captured in just one shot. It was so beautiful. But nothing can be compared to the view just behind me. I turned around and there she was. The wide and enchanting view of the Cordillera Mountains. It was so magical. With the fog hovering over it, like a huge silky blanket protecting Mother Nature while she rests. I was staring at it when I suddenly felt a cool breeze brushed against my cheeks. I then just smiled. That moment and the feeling was too perfect; I don’t believe I can catch it on cam.

Now, we need to get some “shut-eye” to be ready for the wedding the next day. We definitely don’t want to look like zombies in the photos so we made our final stop. The Canto Bogchi Joint. Yup! Bogchi. Chibog! Filipino’s slang word for “eat” during the 70’s. This used to be one of the well-loved restaurants in The Ketchup Food Community. After the Community closed, it took them a while to set-up a new place along Kisad Road. And guys, the rumors are true. They serve finger-licking foods! And lucky for all of us who missed The Ketchup Food Community, Canto is back. Still offering the same best-seller Bar-B-Que Pork Ribs with their Homemade Bar-B-Que Sauce. Everyone loves it… and we did too!

The next day, we woke up a little late than we should. As expected, everyone was running nuts just to make it to the church. And luckily, we did. The wedding, with the cool morning breeze and the nature so close, was beautiful. But that’s another story. Anyways, we went straight to the hotel after the wedding. Got dressed and packed and off to the terminal bound for Manila. Yes. This was one crazy trip but was very much worth it! The sights, the weather and the people. All worth the crazy trip. Baguio. A place where you can have both worlds! Amazing.

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tanminaaeisha · 5 years ago

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Love to Come...

(Valentines Memoir)

Valentine’s Day, like Christmas, is quite hyped here in the Philippines. People exchange cards, chocolates, candies and flowers with people they love. Love. Such a strong word. I think this is one word which has been defined by thousands of people. Yet so many are still confused. Is love really blind? True love is when you care more about someone more than you care about yourself. Really? So what about “You have to love yourself first before you can truly love someone”? Confusing right? I remember when I first received flowers, chocolates and teddy bears during Valentines. I was in my 4th Grade then and as expected, still so young to appreciate those gifts. I was just so happy to have chocolates and stuff toys because those are my favorites. But quite confused on the flowers. My friends kept on convincing me that those came from boys who find me cute and/or pretty. I kept saying it isn’t true because they are my friends. As I grow old, I realize that this is true most of the time.

I know that you guys expect an unforgettable moment during Valentines. Well yes and no. I’ve had suitors since 4th Grade and even had one that became my constant companion. I have felt butterflies in my tummy and also had turned red on my cheeks a couple of times. Pounding heartbeat and lump on my throat. But no fireworks. You know what I mean? Either I’m not “there” yet or I just don’t know yet. Anyways, it was Valentine’s Day of 2015. Young as we were, I have friends who have their special someone’s. I don’t. So I was home the whole day. I wasn’t really sad that day because it was my choice to stay home. And because it was a Sunday, everyone was there plus a couple of Ate Yang’s friends. That afternoon, we were joking around about Valentines when my mom asked my dad, “Where is my gift?”. My dad then said, “Marami… maraming pasensya!�� And then we all laughed. While laughing, it then hits me! It is there right in front of me. Most answers to my questions are smacking me in the face!

Love is so complex yet simple. Is there such a thing as forever? No but there is for a lifetime. My mom and dad have been married since they were in their sophomore years in College. They’ve had tough times I tell you… but they’re still together. My dad still looks at my mom the same way every day. And my mom still laughs at my dad’s wackiness just as hard as she did before. Like a couple who has yet to get married. Then my eyes caught my 2 older sisters who were laughing while tugging at each other. I have never seen two sisters so close as these two. They just seem to have more fun when they’re together. That includes watching over me or picking on little things that seem too girly for me. And then there was Ate Yang and her friends. Friends that she had since College and they are all boys!!! Now everyone is either married or about to. Yet here they still are. The same faces. All of them are loud and with different characters yet nothing seems to go in between them. Looking at all these pairs and groups, I realized love is never really just about couples. Love has so many faces and phases. There is love for family, which I can very much feel since I can remember. Love in friendships, which I think me and my friends have yet to earn through the years but we are definitely getting there. And the most difficult to determine and I still have yet to understand. The love for someone other than those I’ve mentioned. That someone. Seeing my Dad and Mom, I think I have an idea. It’s more than just the butterflies in my tummy or the fast beat of my heart each time I see him. It’s not just enjoying his company consistently. There’s a difference between saying, “I love being with you” and “I’m in love with you”. Just because you can be yourself with someone, that doesn’t mean love is in the air. Love is more than that. It’s when you never seem to grow tired. It’s when you look at that person and despite the years, you still see him like it was the first time. Most importantly, love is when he makes you feel “safe”. When you’re about to hit the pan yet when he looks at you and smiles… somehow you know you’ll be alright. Like my Dad to my Mom. And that kind of love I hope, one day I will find.

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tanminaaeisha · 5 years ago

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BORA UNDERNEATH ITS FAME

(Nature Writing)

Nature. Heard a lot of people talking about either places they’ve been or heard. Telling you all of its beauty and some earning million views, in return. Yet we still read and saw news about people really not caring. We see pictures of nature being abused and violated by people. And so from someone who doesn’t know much about vlogs and definitely not a writer, here is my piece of mind and heart. Here’s letting you look at a very famous place through my “eyes”.

Boracay. Known for its white sand, blue waters and, most especially, its wild parties. At night Station 2 is all loud all lighted. The stars continuously evaded by these streaks of man-made lights swaying and flashing to the beat of either a popular song or trance. You see people dancing. Others running around like crazy and some just taking a “dip” in the waters. Everyone seems “happy” and having fun. Walking through the crowded Station 2, you will smell the barbecues on the grill and the cigarettes from those who've been smoking in between booze. Then comes morning. Daytime is different. You will see families and friends this time. I have to say, the beach is quite just as colorful as in the party nights, only not as loud. You will see people dressed in various summer and beach wear. Some sleek while others traditional. The sand is literally cold despite the heat of summer and so fine, that it runs through your fingers when you scoop them. The food is crazy. Aside from Filipino, you will find European, Japanese and Korean among others. And as expected, some familiar and others different. But all tasteful. The sight is just as crazy, as you can see, feel and smell nature at its best yet see a “Mang Inasal” and “Starbucks” just by the beachfront. Boracay, really mind-blowing.

And so, I did some digging. An island in the Western Visayas of the Philippines that stretches 7km long and only 1km wide, Boracay is made of barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak in municipality of May in Aklan Province. It was awarded as the 2012 Best Island in the World. Was included in the list of Best islands in the World in 2014 and was literally on top of the list by 2016. All from renowned and well-known international Travel Magazines. Wow! No wonder it became so famous among tourists and travelers. Originally an island engages mainly on agriculture, it then branched into being what it is known for now. A major must-see tourist spot in the Philippines. Until it got shut down for rehabilitation last 2018. But let’s not go there.

With all that said, how do I see Boracay? There are a lot of things but for me, it’s “Haven”. It’s a place where you find happiness in simple things. You wake up to a sunny day with a cool breeze touching your face and a beautiful white sand and blue waters peeking through your window. I then realize this is one of those times when I felt really glad to wake up early. Not an everyday feeling in the city, to be honest. Then I get to spend the day marveling at the magical scenery before me. Greeting and nodding to those people I come across. Strangers and yet smiling back at me. And that’s how I know that the beauty I see is infectious. Everyone feels beautiful and content. I walk along the shore staring at its beauty. Amazed at the reflections in the water that sometimes even blinds me, each time the sun touches the water. Then I secretly smile as the water playfully touches my feet. Ticklish at times. But then as I watched the sea in its power and greatness, I then felt a tug in my heart. So powerful yet humble as it bows down and extends to touch my feet. This is when I start reflecting on life. My life.��

After that walk, I then look back. Trying to capture its perfection. Trying to memorize everything that I see, hear, smell and feel. Then closing my eyes, I somehow felt safe. I realized how blessed I am. With all those people who care for me and this beauty given to us to witness, God is truly kind. Life is truly good and somehow I know that everything is going to be alright. Boracay can mean a lot of things to different people. A hiding place. A party place. An adventure. But to me, Boracay is “Haven”. A place where you can take refuge. A place where I can be in awe as I reflect about life and its mystery. Just like the sea. I was expecting to learn more of this famous place and instead, ended up knowing more of myself. And that is how I see Boracay. So, what is Boracay in your eyes? Did you stop and really take a good look or were you just there for the fun of it?

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tanminaaeisha · 5 years ago

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That Started It All

(Memoir)

It all started. It was in my elementary days, I think I was in 5th grade that time, my school had an event in the auditorium. It was Valentine's Day to be exact. But before Valentine's Day, the teachers went room to room promoting an event for elementary students that was actually a talent competition with two categories namely singing and dancing. The teachers encouraged us to participate. Some of my friends were going crazy about the dance contest giving me a hint that they were interested in joining. They were so eager to join they started inviting others to join with them. It was a domino effect. Until they invited me. It was a one-time event, I thought to myself. It won’t be that bad since we were a group and so I joined them. But I also got myself enlisted for the singing category. For reasons still don’t up to this date, I didn’t tell my family about it. After all the recruiting and selecting, we were able to build a group called D Champ Kidz. A dance crew of five girls and five boys. Luckily, my friend’s mother knew someone who could really dance. That took care of the choreography. Practice was so fun that I didn’t mind the sweat. The laughter, the bloopers and the stories in between practices. These were all precious memories. Now on the other hand, unlike in dancing, I didn’t take singing seriously. But I did a few practice though. Well not that I was aiming to win. I just didn’t want to get laughed at. My song choice was Someone Like You by Adele. My father said it was not an easy song but the song matches my tone of voice. So Adelle Song it is. Days passed and the big day was close. We bought things that would make us look as one to give others the idea that we are a group. And I looked for a gown for my singing part. We were ready. I was ready… or so I thought. And so the big day came. It was mandatory for all Elementary students to watch the event at the auditorium. That gave me a scare. What? Mandatory? That means everybody will be there! My whole class section is going to be there! That was my very first “Stage Fright”. Butterflies in my tummy. Hands shaking, swelling... Weight on my chest. Then I heard my name. Wish I could stop time but there’s no turning back now. So I walked onto the stage and just SING! Thank God I survived. And thank God I didn’t forget the lyrics! All throughout the song all I ever thought about was to just finish the song, I didn’t even think about winning anymore. And then the dancing contest, the most awaited. Totally different! We were not nervous at all. We were so excited and hyped that we were even so eager to go on stage. We all felt so ready. Then we finally heard it. D’ Champ Kidz! We then rushed all to the stage. Danced our hearts out! We were all smiling (even laughing at times!) We had fun!

We were all still chatting and sharing each other’s thoughts and feelings when we heard that the winners are about to be announced. OMG! Here I go again. Butterflies. Shaking. Can’t breathe. First was the singing contest. I know I wasn’t going to win. I was just glad I made it through with no “off-keys”. You can just imagine how I looked when I heard my name. Yup! And the winner is… it’s me! All my classmates were going crazy in the audience! My dance peers were all jumping up and down screaming! I was … in shock! My eyes were wide open! My smile was hurting my cheeks. And I know my face was all red but I could feel my cheeks are warm. It was just so unreal! Then they announced the group winner for the dance competition. Everyone went quiet and I was still gasping for air because I was still in shock, actually. Then the teacher called out to our group. D’ Champ Kidz! We won! Everyone was again jumping and screaming and hugging! But this time it was louder than before because our section won both competitions! It was unbelievable! We then went all over the stage and took a picture with our trophies! And that moment. That pure joy! That made me realize what I want to keep on doing no matter who I’m going to be when I grow old. I want to keep on performing and keep having that kind of happiness. And that is where it all started.

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tanminaaeisha · 5 years ago

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A Slight Peek at my Life

(Autobiography)

It feels weird finally deciding to open myself up to the public. I’ve been continuously debating with myself since Creative Writing was put up to my load subjects, knowing that I’ll be forced into making things that I would slightly consider as punishment. Not used to bearing my thoughts nor past in public. You see, poetic phrases, imaginative essays, especially when I have to tell stories of myself, is not very much my cup of tea. Always felt uneasy expressing my feelings. Especially when I’m supposed to put them into words. When talking about me, I can’t seem to find the right words to explain what runs in my head. Or maybe there are no right words. Ugh, sucks right? Well that’s me.

Anyways, I think I should introduce myself now. Phew! Here it goes. Let’s start with the basics. I was given a unique name Mina Aeisha R. Tan, I have two older sisters and one younger brother and we all lived on one roof together with my father’s family. An extended family, yes. I was born on the 28th of May, Year of the Snake.

My father, Henry, is a very loving, caring and hardworking father. He loves music and is really good at fixing things. My mother, Alicia, is the one who takes care of the family. She is kind and sweet, a very modest person. And a very supportive mother too. Both are a little bit sensitive at times. But I guess all parents are especially when they realize that you’re not a kid anymore. Back when I was little, I was diagnosed with Primary Tuberculosis, a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium that usually attacks the lungs. Yep, you got that right. I was a weak baby. My parents did everything and almost anything just to make sure I get proper treatment. But since I was too little to understand, I was still unstoppable. I play, dance and sing a lot. I can still hear stories of me being everyone's “baby” in our street. I love dancing to every beat of the music I hear. My favorite? The so-famous “Otso-Otso” and “Spaghetting Pabab” by the Sex Bombs of Eat Bulaga. Yup! My family is a true-blue fan of TVJ. And even up to now. Now back to me being adorable. The whole neighborhood doesn’t just love me for being a “performer”, I was also witty. Doing the “ABC’s” when I was only 3 and counting 1 to 10 when I was only 8-month old.

Then came school. I was quite uneasy at first. Spending time in school was quite strange at first because it was totally different from the streets I grew up in. But then I got used to it and enjoyed being there. I enjoyed it so much that I became the consistent representative of the Timpalak Bigkasan Competition”.

Then came my Junior Year and became part of the Terpsichorean. Yup! Dancing again! Obviously my first love since I stayed for four (4) straight years until I became a Head Choreographer in my 10th Grade. Junior Year. Unforgettable. My first heartbreak. My first girl fight. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not a cat-fight or anything! But I did get betrayed, back-stabbed and bullied. I cried so much and so hard that year that I really thought my eyes are going to pop! But that’s over now. And I’m grateful because it did make me stronger. Yes… that line in the song? Heck it is so true!

And now in my Senior Year, my year as an adult. Just kidding! I look around those common faces that I grew up with and then I realized, time does fly so fast. I’m proud to say that there are things that I can now do on my own. Am happy with what I’ve become after all those experiences I had in the past. But a part of me misses a lot of things. Old stuff that I used to do. Old faces that I used to see. What do you call this feeling in between being happy and sad? Sometimes I do feel that way whenever I look back. If there’s anything I noticed about this age is that it means less play and more responsibilities. More tasks. More deliverables. Most of my time not studying, I do mall-performances, front acts and/or mini-events! Yep! Still sings… and dances! I think I will always be performing no matter what. Performing is my “first love”. Of course, I will choose dancing over singing but given that the opportunities being thrown my way is for me to sing ------ I can’t complain because that is still performing. Besides, I can still dance every time I get to sing fast songs. I’m so grateful I was given these talents. Performing makes me happy and the great part of it is that I make other people happy, my friends happy and my family proud. Anyways, if I’m not studying and have no engagements, which is quite rare, I try to do “catch-up” with friends or basically just “sleep”. Been so busy since 2018 but despite it all, I am very happy. And that for me is a blessing.

“Difficult roads often lead you to beautiful destinations” Life isn’t all about good stuff. But good and bad… These are the things that made you who you are right now. My Tita usually says this, “Shit happens no matter what. Worst is, it sometimes hits the fan”. That means no matter what you do or how careful you are, mistakes are bound to happen sometimes and they do for a reason. And worst is sometimes, it blows out of proportion just to teach you a lesson. So you just have to learn from it and deal with it. No matter how wrong things go… Life still goes on. AND SO SHOULD YOU.

“It is during the darkest moments that we just focus on the light” --- Aristotle Onassis

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