Allan Out of Post

A lady cries while the blind man sings a beautiful rendition of a classic Filipino song. In the Philippines, it is not surprising to see people in the streets begging for alms. A sad reality for every Filipinos since not everyone has given the opportunity of a fortunate life. One sunny afternoon in the streets of Taft, Manila, my attention was caught by this emotional scenario. There was this blind man with his guitar, sang classic Filipino songs. He played the instrument very well and his voice gave me goosebumps as he heartily sang the songs. I couldn't imagine why in this present times, classic OPM (Original Pilipino Music) is being left behind. The influences of other races have emerged and dominated the airwaves. On the other hand, just few steps from the singing blind man was this lady who bursted in tears while listening to the music. No one attempted to approach her and she never minded everyone coming around. She was crying hard but the man remained on his powerfu

I was once fond of buying streetfoods. Turning back time, it was also one of the enjoyed past times I had with my friends. Street foods are ready to eat goodies sold in public places. Often, from a portable food booth, a cart or some in food trucks. According to a study from Food and Agriculture Organization, 2.5 billion people eat street food everyday. Today, people try and purchase street food for some reasons: It is sold for a reasonable price, it is flavorful, to experience an ethnic and authentic cuisines and some for a nostalgic experience. In the Philippines, street foods are very common too. Here are some of Pinoy favorite street foods to choose from: Calamares: deeply fried squid cut as rings covered dipped in egg and flour. Price: P3.00 Boiled banana, banana turon (banana on a lumpia wrapper topped with mascovado sugar) and banana fritters. Price: P10.00 - P15.00 Fried chicken: deeply fried crispy chicken. Best for lunch and an all time favorite for c

Seeing a kalesa in today's time is like a time machine bringing you to the rich culture of the Philippines' past. It is known as CARITELA/KARITELA which is a horse drawn calash commonly used in the Philippines way back in the 18th century. It was introduced by the Spanish colonizers and initially were reserved for the high-ranking officials and noble individuals during that era. To see such nowadays is an experience worth keeping for because who knows, several years from now it will be "just a part" of Pinoy history. I wonder how these horses stand the heat of the sun everyday. I salute them for a job well done. They traverse the busy roads of Manila and compete with other high-tech mode of transportation present in the Metro. Even in times of bad weather, the horses are still active to bring you an experience beyond compare. If you want to experience a Kalesa ride, come and pass by Malate, Manila in the Philippines. Some places include Luneta Par

It was a fair Tuesday morning and the "travelling mood" was on. I was with my batchmates in PGH and we were excited to visit our community exposure sites in Cavite, Philippines. It was a 2-4hour ride from Metro Manila depending on the traffic situation. After a long and fun travel, we arrived in a simple and culturally preserved province where the people are happy and accommodating. One of the Municipal Halls in Cavite. The architectural design depicts the spanish era's influences to the Philippines. A magnificent church altar. People remained their faith and live in a christian way of living. (St. Gregory Church) Part of the chruch that houses the Priests and other church staff. Tapsilog. An all time Filipino food. There are a lot of affodable restaurants around the province. Walk through the streets and discover every delicious food!  Our first complete group picture. Batch 1 of PGH Department of Family and Community Medicine Pre-Residents

I am from Iloilo, Philippines but I have to take chances for some better career opportunities in Metro Manila. Reality hurts and the fact is undeniable. Yes, I got the best opportunity for work in the Metro (because I was fortunate to be sent to school with higher degrees) but I got the worst things to see as I walked through it's streets. It wasn't new to you and me but let me share 3 different stories of lives that I got to observe in my 1st week of stay. Poverty is rampant in the Philippines and now is becoming to be one of the major concerns of the country. Solutions through laws passed by the government has been enough but corruption exhibited by the politicians and the people's uncooperative behavior are the hindrances that the country must overcome. Everytime I step out from my temporary residence, this is the picture of poverty that welcomes the very first minute of my day. They are siblings and I don't know where their parents are. With the piece of