Some of Cebu's favorite flavors

Down with some sort of super bug (plagued with cough and colds for one entire week), I’ve had some time to think about many things—from the more complicated current issues, to the simpler constants we’re blessed enjoy. Complicated issues? There’s North Korea’s failed rocket launch (Praise God!), the power crisis in Mindanao (why’d it come to this? Is this where privatization has brought us? PPP’s promise gone sour?), the Scarborough Shoal tussle (are we on the brink of war with China?), and Donald Trump’s decision to allow transgendered women to compete in the Miss Universe (a milestone indeed, but why not create a ‘Mixed Universe’ pageant where all women—transgender or not, tall or short, skinny or chubby—can compete and try to win the crown?).

And the simpler joys in life: family, friends, and food. I’ve had many conversations with Cebuano friends that centered on food, the comfort food we’ve all grown up with, the kind of food we so miss when we’re away in Manila or abroad:

Orange Brutus: Don’t you just love their burger steak (with extra egg!)? YUM! Never mind that you leave the place smelling like smoke, the delightful sizzling platter at less than a hundred bucks can rival the pricey Salisbury steak at your fave fine dining resto in the metro!

Brutus is the only fast food joint where I end up ordering more than just my burger steak staple. Other favorites include Choco Monster (their signature delectable and decadent chocolate cake), Sizzling Chicken (so tasty and filling), and their hotdog-on-a-stick (friend and writer Orly Cajegas just recently discovered how appetizing Brutus’ hotdog is, and this coming from someone who’s tasted practically all hotdogs in town!).

Suffice it to say, if there’s one fast food chain I never think twice endorsing to friends, it’s Orange Brutus, hands down. Proudly homegrown and serving the best, tastiest food!

McJoy/ MyJoy: As a kid who grew up hanging out in our optical branches in the downtown area, aside from Brutus, the take out I always crave for either lunch or merienda is another homegrown fast food restaurant—McJoy (the one across the Luym building, to be more exact). Their juicy fried chicken smells so good (and I swear, the taste and aroma have remained the same after all these years) and their tacos, ahh, to die for! Super sarap!And don’t get me started on their halo-halo! The amalgamation of tropical fruits and flavors with the soft, shaved ice is simply heaven to one’s palate!

It really pissed me off when they had to change their name to MyJoy from McJoy a few years ago, purportedly because McDonald’s filed a trademark case against them. I mean, hello, it’s obviously a different brand. I love McDonald’s but are they so insecure, after years of expensive marketing and advertising efforts, to think that consumers in Cebu can still get confused between the two? Or is it because they think Cebuanos aren’t bright enough to know the difference?

Carcar lechon: The succulent and tender meat, coupled with the oh-so-tasty drippings (it’s where you saw-saw your puso), make a road trip to this city, or town, or city, or whatever it is now, so worth it!

Larsian Barbeque: Even Boy Abunda insists on dropping by Larsian when he’s in town. “Mike, I’ll be in Cebu next month; oi, let’s eat in Larsian ha!”

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Tonight on The Bottomline (the Asian Television Awards 2011 ‘Best Talk Show)’:

Remember Angelina Jolie in The Tourist? Know more about the difference between the NBI and the PNP, the life of an Interpol agent (and other matters concerning the ‘Bureau’) with NBI Interpol Chief Atty. Claro de Castro on the hot seat this evening.

Watch it later after Banana Split on ABS-CBN Channel 2. Encore cable telecast on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Sunday, 1:00 PM.

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