The hands have it

A sociologist was once asked by a nincompoop about what Pinoy culture is. The sociologist answered, "A Filipino eats using his hands." The nincompoop was taken aback. He wasn’t sure if the sociologist was serious or was a nincompoop like him. But come to think of it, Pinoys love to eat using their hands. I do.

There is nothing wrong with eating with clean bare hands. Some foods taste better when eaten with bare hands. The use of knives, spoons and forks is something we learned from the Westerners. Truth to tell, I still don’t know which spoon is for soup, which knife is for beef, which glass is for water or wine, which plate is for appetizer or main course, which napkin is...God, formal Western dining drives me crazy. The rest you can actually wing with ease. Early on in my social climbing career, I learned about "watch and pick" technique during formal dinners. Of course these occasions would start with conversations about politics, fashion, gays, guys and mistresses. I would intently watch the persons in front and beside me. When they picked the butter knife, I would pick mine. When they would wipe their mouth with napkin, I would follow what I saw was being done. And I relish all these mimicking with studied laughter and a million "oh yeah," "sure," "really", "ha-ha-ha". It was tedious but fun. And social climbers have no right to be tired.

We Pinoys love to eat. Just look at the mushrooming of restaurants in malls and turo-turos in your neighborhood or the food stalls in the Metropolis. Even cosmopolitan Makati has its own share of street food stalls that sell "kwek-kwek" (a day old chick wrapped in flour and deep fried), isaw, fish balls, balut and penoy, etc. Balut for instance, is not eaten with fork and spoon. And balut is now a gastronomic specialty offered by top restaurants in Metro Manila.

The latest food destination among food lovers is Dampa sa Farmers Market in Araneta Center. It opened last December 2005, occupying same spot where the old carinderia stalls of the renowned Farmers Market used to stand. Under its roof are 10 "paluto" stores with seasoned cooks ready to receive customers’ cooking instructions on dishes they want. They are Asian Flavors, Barangay Sisig, Ineng’s Special BBQ, KEL’s Eatery, Kainan ni Aling Cadiang, Lola Ina’s Grill, Ofelia Fastfood, SIS Seafood Paluto, Trinity Ihaw-Ihaw and Food House.

Dampa sa Farmers Market has a clean, spacious dining area with a seating capacity of up to 450. It has a bar that serves refreshments from softdrinks, tea, bottled water and fresh fruit juices. Right in the middle of Dampa is an activity center where acoustic bands play live every Friday and Saturday night. Dampa sa Farmers Market has two air-conditioned function rooms equipped with videoke machines and dining setup for private parties and corporate functions. Aside from easy parking inside Araneta Center, Dampa sa Farmers Market is accessible from various traffic points – EDSA, MRT and LRT. Dampa opens as early as 5 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m.

And the best part is, you can eat with your clean reliable hands!

Christine loves Robbie Rabbit

Robbie Rabbit, the most lovable rabbit, unveils its newest designs and collections of bags for moms and kids in time for school. Items are stylish, cool and modern, with bright colors that perfectly embody Robby Rabbit’s fun and lively personality. Robbie Rabbit has also a wide selection of apparels, tumblers, lunch boxes, food keepers, umbrellas, raincoats and a lot more.

Robby Rabbit has attracted a huge following that includes celebrity mom Christine Bersola-Babao. Christine is the endorser of Robby Rabbit.

"I want Robby Rabbit to be Antonia’s friend," says Christine. Christine is known for her child-friendly endeavors and her choice as Robby Rabbit’s endorser is apt. She topped Anak TV Seal’s nationwide top-of-the-mind survey for the most wholesome and child-friendly celebrity. Christine used to appear in Batibot, and has performed in a number of child-friendly productions from Bulwagang Gantimpala and Repertory Philippines. She also played an important part in the educational TV series Sineskwela which is endorsed by the Department of Education.

As one of the hosts of Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Christine has her own segment called Parentin. And soon, she will have another segment entitled TsikitinTIN. A reading advocate, she released the children’s book, Bryan Learns His Lesson, and will release another one entitled Basura Monster.

Tintin has a lovely daughter Antonia. She is married to broadcast journalist Julius Babao.

Robby Rabbit is available at all Characters Unlimited outlets in Festival Supermall, Riverbanks Center, Tutuban Centermall, Magic Starmall in Tarlac, and Juan Luna St., Binondo, SM Dept. Stores, Sta. Lucia East Dept. Stores, Ever and selected Robinsons Dept. Stores and other retail stores nationwide.