No Filipino lunchtime is complete without a daily dose of noontime variety show. Unlike US television, which is dominated by talk shows and soaps during midday, we Filipinos would prefer to watch actors and actresses trying to sing to go with our lunch. It has become a tradition of sorts.

That being said, here's a quick list of some of my favorites:

Eat Bulaga - The longest-running, and most beloved noontime variety show in the Philippines. Its history is as colorful as a variety show can get. Eat Bulaga has switched networks a couple of times; from RPN to ABS-CBN to GMA. Also, it has seen numerous change of hosts and co-hosts. One thing that remained constant is the show's main hosts, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon.

Kwarta O Kahon? - Although aired only on Sundays, this show deserves to be on the list for being a pioneer. During its haydays, everybody knows Tito Pepe. The beat of Yakult: Roleta ng Kapalaran is still stuck inside my head. But as time wears on, the outdated jokes, run-of-the-mill games, mediocre entertainment, and low production value brought Kwarta O Kahon? down.

'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila - Is ABS-CBN's answer to GMA's Eat Bulaga. It is hosted by OPM legends Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Buboy Garovillo, better known as the APO Hiking Society. The show was a hit when it started, entertainment was top-notch and refreshing due to APO's talent. But its novelty wore out and soon it was canceled.

Magandang Tanghali Bayan - Or MTB, replaced APO. It was hosted by Roderick Paulate, Amy Perez, and the trio of Randy Santiago, John Estrada and Willie Revillame. This is my personal choice of noontime show back then, because I really like Randy on Chibugan Na! (more on this later). The show gained notoriety because of their naughty (read green) jokes especially on their Calendar Girl contest.

Wowowee - Currently running on ABS-CBN, and is quite popular among Pinoys abroad due to TFC (The Filipino Channel). Its main star and host is Willie Revillame, co-hosted by Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, and Pokwang among others. In its 3-year or so existence, the show has been marred by several controversies including the Philsports Arena stampede, rigging of games, and a teen star's wardrobe malfunction.

Chibugan Na! - My favorite noontime variety show of all time, Chibugan Na! was hosted by Rico J. Puno, Arnel Ignacio, and Hadji Alejandro. The show was up against Eat Bulaga and, if my memory serves me right, APO. They invented the multiple-choice game format, where contestants were to physically fall in line behind the answer of their choice. Why are they my favorite? One stormy day, Arnel pointed the camera to the audience, showing a bucket of water sitting among them because their studio's roof is leaking. Despite all of their shows shortcomings (probably due to low-budget) the hosts just laugh and move on. They even make fun of their ratings, compared to the giants that they are up against. I guess that's what made them stand-out for me. I love underdogs.

Today is our National Flag Day. You didn't know? Me neither. I just heard it on the radio earlier. May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day) are flag days. Everyone is encourage to display their patriotism by displaying our national flag.

To commemorate this day, here's a couple of facts about the Philippine flag.

• As all elemetary graduates should know, the modern Philippine flag was conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo, and was brought to life by Dona Marcela Marino de Agoncillo.
• All government buildings, public plazas, and schools are required to display the flag everyday.
• As declared by law, the Philippine flag must be permanently displayed at the Malacanang Palace, Congress of the Philippines, Supreme Court of the Philippines, and all other places designated by the National Historical Institue.
• The flag is flown half-mast as a sign of mourning. If the President, or any former President, dies, the flag should be flown half-mast for ten days.

There's no escaping heavy traffic in the Phillipines. Whatever time of day you choose to travel, you'll get stuck in one. Wherever you're going, everybody's going there too. Pinoys can't do anything but accept it. Or rather, they won't do anything. I've seen it a hundred times, and you probably have too. Here's the top 4 reasons why we can't solve our traffic problems.

Inconsiderate Drivers - Public buses and jeepneys are the most famous violators of decent road conduct. For once I would like to see a bus not park itself sideways in the middle of the road while waiting for passengers. They are also lightning quick, especially if racing for the next stop. Jeepneys on the other hand likes to touch every lane of the road.

Undisciplined Pedestrians - Driving in Manila is like a huge obstacle course. Aside from trying not to be plowed by buses, you have to dodge people darting from one side of the road to another. Sidewalks, walkways, and overpasses are made for a reason, but this reason escapes too many Pinoys. Although to their defense, sidewalks and overpasses are oftentimes too crowded because of vendors and peddlers. At worst, it is a hive for cutpurses and other small time thieves.
Road Constructions - Every God-given day there's a construction going on. And I mean everyday. A construction along C5 will put traffic to a crawl from Ortigas to Cubao.

Narrow Roads - As a friend of mine once said, the pioneers of our country did not expect Manila's population to grow this much, thus they made our roads too small and narrow. And now we are paying for it.

Another staple merienda of a typical Pinoy are fishballs. And I don't mean the type that you buy on malls or on those rolling glass stands. I'm talking about old-school, classic fishballs that your mother told you not to eat. Those that are peddled on busy streets, cooked with last week's coconut oil (those are the best).

Fish balls are made of fish meat rolled in a ball. There are many variants all over Asia, but there's no mistaking Philippine fish ball. It starts out as somewhat flat and will expand as it cooks. Filipinos enjoy this treat dipped in either sweet, chilli, or vinegar sauce.

As with all Filipino street foods, proceed with caution if your vaccinations are not complete. Hepatitis, diarrhea, and a slew more of diseases are being attributed to dirty foods. So choose well when buying! Me and my friends have our own fish ball vendor. We know him and we know he takes good care of his customers :)

The public transportation of choice for most Filipinos, jeepneys or jeeps has been around ever since the end of World War 2. For (as of this post) P7.50/4 km., it's affordable enough for an average Pinoy.

Jeepneys' history dates back right after World War 2, when American soldiers gave or sold their extra military jeeps to local Filipinos. Roofs, seats, bright decals, and several hood ornaments were added to make this truly unique Pinoy symbol.

Lately jeeps are evolving. I saw an air-conditioned one over at Ayala the other day. Loud sound systems are not uncommon either. I even rode one with on-board DVD, playing Ironman just last week. But whatever modifications or additions a jeep may have, it won't lose its traces of traditional jeepneys that the Philippines has been known for.

Mangga and bagoong. One of Pinoys' favorite snack. It can be eaten anyplace any day. Small children love it, and girls of all ages crave for it. And who can blame them? This Filipino treat has an acquired taste but once you catch the bug, you'll want to have more.

Bagoong is basically fermented fish. And like all things fermented, it has a unique odor that only fans can appreciate. Actually, part of bagoong's charm is its smell. Waiting for it to cook while peeling mangoes is priceless. Team it up with hilaw na mangga (unripened mangoes) and you have the perfect treat.

There's no shortage of it too. Manila is littered with vendors and hawkers selling mangoes with bagoong. Be wary, though, you may need a strong stomach and stronger immune system to survive eating one of those.

Sure there are bottled/canned/jarred variations you can buy off a supermarket aisle, but there's nothing like good old homemade bagoong like mom used to make.

[Pic via Carinderia.net]

I have been living in the Philippines all my life. Born and raised in Pasig, I've never even been out of the country yet. I have plenty of friends and family, though, that are scattered all over the world. And every time they come home to visit they always say one thing. They miss Manila.

This blog is dedicated to them, and all Filipinos abroad that are homesick, nostalgic, and just plain lonely and looking for a good read and a good laugh. I will feature all things Filipino that are (almost) unique to our beloved country.

Please bookmark this blog or subscribe to my RSS feed and don't forget to drop me a comment and say hi.