Being Josh Aviñante

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) To us Filipinos, Spanish cuisine shouldn’t be that alien. They are about us, around us and in us. In fact, some 99 percent of Filipino cuisine is probably of Spanish origin without us knowing it including the famous Bulalo! (It’s original name was pochero, which is how it is still called in heavily hispanized Dumaguete and Bacolod). Even the tuyo is probably of Spanish origin (referred to as Sardinas Secas during Rizal’s time). In fact, my first experience in an authentic Spanish restaurant didn’t thrill me as much with the dishes being heavily similar to Filipino –raw dilis in vinegar, lechon de leche, arroz valenciana but of course bearing its original Iberian names. In upland Cavite in the town of Silang, the fiestas are so filled with mechado, menudo and leche flan that in the innocence of my youth I thought anything Spanish was promdi. This shouldn’t be a surprise as majority of the European immigrants that settled in the islands during the colonial...

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) There is social relevance to skateboarding after all. Not only do they provide adrenalin but may soon reduce the number of pollutant vehicles as well. So let the children come to me in skateboards and forbid them not eh? Last Saturday, a large gathering of skaters held a race from Raja Sulayman Park in Manila to the Plaza Parking of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati. The race was spearheaded by Sector 9 and dubbed “Push Don’t Pollute”, relating the pushing action of the feet needed to thrust the skateboards in place of engines that have been contributing to the green house effect. The number of participants is estimated at more or less 100, their ages ranging from 15 to 42 years old. At the Plaza Parking, a temporary skating ramp was assembled to provide play for those who couldn’t get enough of the race. “Mixing Extreme sports with green movement is actually a logical mix”, asserts Freddy Gonzalez, President of Aloha Boardsports Philippines. He says ...

(Published in Manual Magazine, August 2008 issue)   CATS Motors recently launched the all-new Chrysler Town and Country Touring Edition at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.   “Staying true to Chrysler’s American heritage of innovation and luxury, the all-new Chrysler Town and Country stays true to the brand’s famed legacy of premium quality and styling for a first-class family experience”, says Felix Ang, President of CATS Motors, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Chrysler in the Philippines.   The Chrysler Town and Country Touring Edition boasts of the Industry-first fold-lat-to-the-floor seating and storage system for added space, power windows in both sliding doors, power rear lift gate and sliding doors, side curtain and front airbags, solid handling, very quiet interiors, and luxury seating of up to seven. “Introducing the new Chrysler Town and Country here today strengthens our commitment to deliver world-class products that will delight our customers and exc...

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) In the 1920s, the United States of America entered its version of Pax Romana, a period of peace and economic boom that enabled the prosperity of American culture and its art. World War I has just been won and the nation stayed away from global politics. It is during this period that the Philippines had been an American colony for some 20 years and thus shared the mother country’s period of greatness. The culture of this period is characterized by rebellious fashion. It was during this time that the U.S. Government enforced the Prohibition, an act that outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcohol. American high society indulged in illegal alcohol, women shortened their skirts to knee length (an abominable deed with the world just fresh from the Victorian age of innocence) and sported a hairstyle known as The Bob. The bob cut is a short hairstyle in which a weighted area is left to fall between the ears and chin notably the bangs. It is short enough at the...

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) If France has her French Revolution and Mexico its Creole revolutionaries to romanticize, the Philippines has her Ilustrados. Insulares fashion became popular during the centennial celebration of Philippine independence owing to that group’s role in the fight against the Spanish. Credited for sowing the seeds of Philippine nationalism and ultimately the Philippine Revolution, this group of Filipinos is what was to become Manila’s High Society. La Todeña Distillers is among the oldest companies in the Philippines dating back to Spanish colonial times. The distillery was founded by Don Carlos Palanca. The name itself would add romance to its drinks (let’s forget the colloquial term “bilog” and “long neck” in the meantime). Some years ago, La Todeña Distillers introduced the GSM Blue, the sweeter and more elegant version of its flagship gin brand Ginebra San Miguel. The GSM Blue is especially distilled for the party scene. The smell is somewhat finer and it...

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) On October 3, 2008, the automobile that put the world on wheels, the Model T, will celebrate its 100th year anniversary. This iconic vehicle was the product of Henry Ford’s dream to put a “horseless carriage” in every American home. Back then, automobiles were too expensive for an ordinary American to afford, which is like buying a personal jet by a successful business tycoon. Today, automobiles are as common cell phones. Of course, signature vehicles are another story. The story of the automobile is one of the most exciting chapters in history. In its early development, automobiles were so strange that they were shown in circuses. Today, everyone reaching puberty aspires for one. Motoring enthusiasts with no academic background in mechanical engineering are now able to discuss the various functions and parts of the automobile which features have been made simpler in today’s models. Strange indeed, the first automobiles didn’t start stylish as we would c...

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) It’s literally a party – race drivers, party animals, bands, DJs and booze. Sort of like a rave party, street party and race in one like you’ve seen in the movie Fast and the Furious! Only this time, its real and using motor karts. Due to popular demand, the Manila 701 Crazy Race will be held for the second time at the City Kart Racing Track along South Luzon Express Way this July 19 and 20. The crazy race will endure overnight from 10PM all the way to sunrise that will surely challenge the competing teams and give spectators the party experience of a lifetime. Organizers are hoping a repeat of last year’s success. This is a race you can’t simply miss. The racing environment is unusual with interesting situations that one wouldn’t regularly find. According to Jean-Marc Freihuber, managing director of City Kart Racing Track, they have designed obstacles that will mimic several road conditions that is not experienced in the controlled environment of a race...

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) Drift aces gathered Sunday afternoon to compete in the 3rd elimination round of the 2008 Glade Sport Lateral Championship. The showcase of drifting skills was held at the parking grounds fronting The Promenade in Green Hills. Prominent drifters included actor Ryan Agoncillo and racing icon Pia Boren but the real winner came out as Alex Perez who bagged first place of the elimination round. San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito also graced the event who is said to be a gear head himself during his youth. Heavy rains halted just in time to give way to the event. James Deakin of C! Magazine hosted the event who gave enlightening pointers all throughout the elimination round. At some peak of the contest, San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito took the front passenger seat of a drift ace in a screeching round that left the place filled with white smoke. Strategic footage was taken by Hotwire using a remote controlled helicopter. The event was organized by Burnt Rubber Production. D...

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) C. Palanca is home to a couple of well known resto-bars including Gweilos, Bistro110, Toyz Bar and what used to be Six Underground. It is a gathering place of the Makati Commercial and Business District’s top and middle management executives. Tow trucks are quick to arrest illegally parked vehicles in a matter of seconds. Just a few steps away along De La Rosa Street, members of the Police eagerly waits for vehicles making an illegal left turn from Paseo de Roxas. On occasion, members of the police strut along the street hoping to catch some customers smoking inside the bar. C. Palanca was unusually busy for a Monday night as Kitchie Nadal was having a gig at Gweilos. At around 9:30 PM, the assailant used a stun gun to neutralize the driver of a brand new Land Cruiser and used a pistol to threaten the victim. His Japanese employer was unwinding over a few drinks in one of the resto-bars. The victim quickly reported the incident using the telephone of a n...

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) Heavy rains didn’t do much damage. The A-venue was packed by 11PM and had begun refusing entry including VIPs by close to 12mn. Bouncers went amok and begun showing some attitude which was quite a scene. Women fresh from powder rooms sat on the sidewalks waiting for their turns to get in. The Ministry of Sound has hit Manila with London DJ Jon O’ Bir. Like most rave parties, the venue resembled a warehouse with three corners fenced for VIP guests. Dancers in fashionable wear towered in ledges found on all corners and surrounding the DJ booth. The rave party was organized by Big Fish Manila, an events organizing firm that imports music talents from around the world. The next event should be a blast. For their schedule, visit http://www.bigfishmanila.com/