Anthony Bourdain's Manila show captures Filipino struggle

Trust Anthony Bourdain to come up with creative ways to surprise his audience. His second and latest feature on the Philippines dealt less about food and captured more of the Filipino spirit as embodied in the heart of millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It is a tearjerker, to say the least.

His subject was an interesting one. She had worked in Hong Kong and the United States before deciding to retire in Philippines in her senior years. It was true that at that point, she was reconnecting with her family and getting to know them again. When she sang the song Edelweiss, it touched many heartstrings.

Bourdain’s story reminded me of a book that was written by Ma. Lourdes Arellano-Carandang et al, “Nawala and Ilaw ng Tahanan.” She talks about the growing number of Filipino mothers who leave their families to find work abroad.

“The feminization of overseas employment is a trend that can be expected to continue in years to come because of increased demand in industrialized countries for workers in sectors traditionally associated with women – domestic work, care-giving, entertainment, and the sex trade as well as retailing and labor intensive manufacturing….

But a major hidden human cost of the feminization of overseas employment is the impact on the families these women leave behind. 

Earlier studies of families of Filipino OFWs saw the women left behind usually taking charge, caring for home and children, being a stronger force in the family and community. But what happens when it is the mother who leaves for abroad?”

A UNICEF-funded study confirmed the serious social consequences of mothers who leave their families. Following is a summary that I wrote, as published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/119575/when-a-good-mother-leaves


"Reyes further reported that children may have varied reactions to a mother’s absence, depending on the age. For children who were left behind from infancy to 5 years old, the separation is easier compared with children who were left behind from 6 to 16 years old because at this point, the mother and child have already formed a bond and have gotten to know each other.

It appears that children of migrant mothers are also most affected compared to others. “On a sad note, the children of migrant mothers reported being lonely, angry, unloved, unfeeling, afraid, different from the other children and worried compared with all groups of children, including non-OFW (overseas Filipino worker) children,” the report continues.

Reyes further noted that despite the remittances coming from abroad, they do not necessarily translate to substantial improvement in the lives of the families.

The long absence of parents also gives the child an experience similar to orphans or abandoned children."

Hopefully, this story featured by Bourdain makes Filipinos think twice about leaving their families.

Professional advice on buying designer bags

American fashion consultant and corporate trainer Mary Sheehan Warren shares a few tips on coordinating bags and shoes, purchasing your first designer bag, and considering bags for investment purposes:

What are the basic bag colors to keep in your wardrobe?

Your handbags should be in the neutrals that you love! Black, tan, and white are the most versatile, but navy or even a periwinkle blue can work well with many color schemes. Of course, “pops” of color (red, pink, yellow) are nice to add with a handbag to an outfit that might be muted or neutral.

Since I can’t make up my own mind, I tend to choose black and tan or black and white in a single bag.

Are there new rules in matching bags and shoes? 

There really aren’t any rules for matching bags to shoes but there are rules for coordination. For example, if a bag has a dressy feeling, the bag should be at least as dressy.  If a bag has a lot of silver hardware, the shoes should either have no hardware or silver as well.

Are there particular personality types that match certain bag designs? 

Yes! Relaxed fashion personalities tend to choose backpacks, cross body bags, and formless satchels and totes. Classics like bags with structure such as clutches and well-formed satchels. Romantics tend to choose bags with soft touches such as lace or quilting and Expressives often choose bags for their artistic qualities.

What do you think about the trend in mini designer bags? 

It’s a predictable trend (after all fashion is a big business which must make profits) but I think a savvy consumer will avoid it. You need to choose a bag that works well for your lifestyle and leave the advertising of fashion labels to television and billboards.

Do you think designer bags are worth what you pay for? 

It depends upon the designer. Generally,no. 

Any advice for shoppers who are about to purchase their first designer bag? 

On a real solid piece of paper, write down the amount of money you think you will need to spend. Then, look at the number a few times over a few days. If you honestly can afford the price and can’t come up with other things to spend this amount on, then go for the bag. 

Choose a bag that you absolutely love and choose leather over fabric. Going for a neutral color is probably a good idea but you will, most likely, be tired of the bag before too long.

Some people purchase expensive bags for investment purposes, so they can re-sell later. Do you think bags are a wise investment?

No. I know several people who are very frustrated about unloading these kinds of bags.  Buy stocks and bonds instead. Or, invest in an up and coming small company that has a great mission in the world.


Mary Sheehan Warren works as a fashion consultant and corporate trainer in the United States. She shows individuals, schools, and businesses how to use fashion to reflect their brands.

She is the author of the book "It's So You! Fitting Fashion to Your Life" available at the Amazon.com website.

5 things the Philippine MRT can learn from Hong Kong's MTR system

The Hong Kong MTR is considered one of the best managed railway systems in the world.

The interior of the Hong Kong MTR (HK MTR) train looks similar to the Philippine MRT train. But whatever they have in common ends there. 

The HK MTR is an underground subway system that is considered the best in the world while the Philippine MRT is a railway system above ground that has been subject to ridicule and criticism.

Following are a few things the Philippines can learn from Hong Kong’s renowned subway system:

How to make a profit

According to a CNN Money report, the HK MTR earns around $2 billion yearly profit:

“Fares are notoriously cheap ($.50 to $3), but cover roughly 175% of the system’s operating costs…But the company’s real profits are derived from a lesser-known side of the business: property development. Some 50 major properties across Hong Kong are owned, developed or managed by MTR, including two of the city’s tallest skyscrapers.”

Invest in maintenance work

Another Straits Times Singapore article explained that the HK MTR invests substantially in maintenance work:

“Over HK$6 billion or 37 per cent of MTRC’s revenue in 2014 was spent on maintenance, renewals and service improvements on the rail network.”

Develop a central command office

According to the same article, the HK MTR has a high tech central command post and they try to address all issues immediately:

“Called the Super Operations Control Centre (OCC) and located inside the Tsing Yi MTR station, it was completed two years ago and is crucial for coordinating rapid responses when crises erupt…The aim is to resolve every issue within two minutes.”

Make sure trains arrive on time

CNN Money reports that the HK MTR trains almost never arrive late:

“Even with more than 5 million daily commuters, MTR trains boast a 99.9% on-time arrival rate.”

Hire expert consultants

Furthermore, the article cites that the HK MTR group plans to sell their expertise abroad:

“MTR is now exporting its model abroad. It’s already been commissioned to build and run lines in China, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia, and more projects are in the works.”

Perhaps, the Philippines should consider hiring HK MTR consultants to fix the current transportation mess. 

Sources:

CNN Money
“How Hong Kong’s subway turns a $2 billion annual profit”
March 30, 2015

The Straits Times Singapore
“Dubbed ‘the best in class’: 6 things about Hong Kong’s MTR rail system”
Oct 29, 2015

Things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK

Apart from bargain shopping that the Tsim Sha Tsui District in Hong Kong is known for, there are other things to discover.

First of all, finding a good noodle house seems appropriate. We just chanced upon the Aberdeen Fishball Restaurant as we exited from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR. Fortunately, we were happy with the dishes most especially the shrimp wonton noodle soup.

There are many noodle houses to choose from. The Kings' Lodge is located beside the Park Hotel. Their chicken noodle soup was delicious, albeit it took a long wait before the dishes were served.

You can also look for the Hello Kitty Restaurant to try their dimsum. Located along Canton Road, it is accessible from the Tsim Sha Tsui or Jordan exits, with some walking involved.

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2016/04/hks-hello-kitty-restaurant-sells.html

For Snoopy fans, the Charlie Brown Cafe is located near the Hello Kitty Restaurant. You can visit both places in one day.

After lunch, you can head to the HK Museum of Science. Entrance is free on Wednesdays.

The HK Museum of History sits right across the HK Museum of Science.

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2016/04/learning-more-about-ming-dynasty.html

Rosary Church is just across the street from the two museums. 

This is the Victoria Harbour view from the Tsim Sha Tsui side.

Learning more about the Ming dynasty

We had a chance to visit "The Radiant Ming" exhibition of the Min Chiu Society at the Hong Kong Museum of History.


Here are a few things we learned from the exhibit’s educational pamphlet:

“Emperor Yongle ordered the city known as Shuntian to be expanded in the fourth year of his reign (1406) in preparation for the relocation of the capital, which was formally moved to Beijing in the 19th year of his reign (1421). The original capital was renamed Nanjing, literally meaning “southern capital,” and Beijing became the de facto capital of the Ming dynasty from that time on.”

Many religions thrived during the Ming Dynasty such as Daoism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Islam. It was also the golden age for Chinese arts and crafts that included gold and silver wares, silk textiles, lacquerware, bamboo and wood carvings, blue and white porcelain, and jade. Religious influences found expression in these different art forms.

“Blue and white ware is a characteristic type of porcelain from the Ming dynasty. It is a king of ‘underglaze painted porcelain’ with blue designs painted on a thoughtfully reserved white ground, where the idea of the void, or blank space, is highly reminiscent of the artistic treatment adopted in traditional Chinese ink painting.”

In other research that I had done on Ming dynasty blue and white ceramics, I also learned that a characteristic design of the era included the reverse white on blue patterns and drawings that are outlined by thin lines. [see picture above]


According to the educational pamphlet, the word “china” was derived from the country’s name “China” as signifying the place where porcelain making originated.

Ming dynasty furniture is also very interesting.

“Typically made of various species of hardwood including huanghuali (yellow rosewood), zitan (red sandalwood), tieli (ironwood) and beech, it is characterized by a simple, succinct form and crisp and elegant lines.”

From 1368 to 1644, the Ming Dynasty had a total of 17 emperors, with the following reign titles: 

Hongwu (1368-1398), Jianwen (1399-1402), Yongle (1403-1424), Hongxi (1425), Xuande (1426-1435), Zhengtong (1436-1449), Jingtai (1450-1456), Tianshun (1457-1464), Chenghua (1465-1487), Hongzhi (1488-1505), Zhengde (1506-1521), Jiajing (1522-1566), Longqing (1567-1572), Wanli (1573-1620), Taichang (1620), Tianqi (1621-1627), Chongzhen (1628-1644).

American Restaurant (Peking Food) in Wanchai, HK

A friend brought us to this restaurant address in the Wanchai District to taste some peking duck. The restaurant got filled up with mostly foreigners.

I never expected that a place called American Restaurant could serve good Chinese food. Back in 2010, the Hong Kong Tatler rated the American Peking Restaurant as among the Top 5 restaurants for peking duck:

"A local landmark that's been around for nearly 50 years, ignore the misleading name originally coined to lure sailors into the restaurant back in the day. Even now, this establishment attracts a more international crowd than a local one."

One popular dish is the sizzling jumbo prawns. The sauce is sweet and a little spicy. The prawns are served on a sizzling plate much like the way American steak is served.

The peking duck is served without much ritual but is flavorful. It needs to be ordered in advance.

American comfort food at HK Disney

Upon entering Hong Kong Disneyland, the first section you will encounter is called Main Street where quaint shops are lined up selling mostly food or souvenir items. 

As you head towards the end of the road, you will find Corner Cafe (right side) that is a restaurant serving mainly American comfort food. 

It's one place to find burgers and fries, especially since the food stalls lining up the streets don't seem to offer them.

The roast chicken had a mild spicy sauce. The veggies and fries were good.

The lobster and steak platter would have fared better if the steak was not well done as it turned out quite dry.

The wagyu beef burger also lacked some juiciness. This was one dish that took a long time to arrive.

Anyway, this was just our experience on the day we visited. Perhaps, Corner Cafe also has better days when the restaurant is not too busy.

Latest Disney t-shirts pop out

Hong Kong Disneyland offers interesting apparel that includes character hats with ears that stand up on command or hats with sunglasses attached to them. The design team seems to come up with many creative ideas.

One of their new shirt designs include this Minnie Mouse that looks three dimensional. It's eye-catching, to say the least.

Cinderella also has her own stylized shirt. However, the question on many adult minds is whether these shirts will still look good after washing. I guess there's only one way to find out...

HK's Hello Kitty Restaurant sells cuteness

For discriminating foodies, the dimsum fare at Hong Kong's Hello Kitty Cafe along Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui District will probably be rated average. However, there is another reason diners go out of their way to visit the restaurant....

The cute cat is famous and has been a part of the childhood of many diners.

Oops, a news report says that Hello Kitty is not a cat, but that's another story:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2736392/Sanrio-shocker-Company-reveals-Hello-Kitty-not-actually-cat.html

The small restaurant features Hello Kitty decors at every turn.

Even the paintings look like Hello Kitty and the chop is signed Hello Kitty.

Hello Kitty Custard Bun is popular with kids.

This Hello Kitty Shrimp Dumpling looks a bit tired of being cute.

Hello Kitty Ribbon Dumpling has minced meat inside.

The Hello Kitty menu also includes tea service.

Right beside the restaurant is a store to buy Hello Kitty mementos.

A ten percent discount is given to diners who show their paid restaurant bill.

Even among millennial kids who didn't grow up with Hello Kitty, the character's cuteness eventually ends up making up for the cuisine's somewhat ordinary flavors.

The restaurant is accessible from the MTR Jordan C2 Exit, if you don't mind a little walking.