My Grandma Mary’s House : The Final Farewell

Posted by Arlu on May 5, 2012 in Art, Culture, Featured, Thought Bubbles | 3 comments

It is hard to believe that this was the last time I’d be seeing my Grandma Mary’s house in Malabon – It had been years since it was last occupied, and its deterioration had accelerated due to frequent flooding and salt water damage. My mom and her siblings had to decide on its future immediately — It was best to sell — and in a matter of days, after months of negotiation, its new owners would come and dismantle it, piece by piece.  

Boy Ching Woo and His Battered Chicken

Posted by Arlu on Mar 30, 2012 in Featured, Food, Thought Bubbles | 1 comment

My initial impulse when I first heard about Boy Ching Woo’s battered chicken was to rescue it.  Thank heavens my cousins Riza and Miggy were quick to assure me that there was no sense of animal abuse here whatsoever. In fact, on the contrary, they suggested I simply sit back and relax, as we were about to have lunch in one of their favorite restaurants in Malabon, which has specialized in deep fried “battered” chicken since 1939.  

Cemetery Food // An All Saints’ Day Special

Posted by Arlu on Nov 2, 2011 in Culture, Featured, Food, Thought Bubbles | 10 comments

For as long as I can remember, our family has always joined the rest of the Catholic world in observing All Saints’ Day (November 1st) by visiting our departed relatives in the cemetery.  Last night, we dropped by the mausoleum of my mom’s side of the family in Malabon, and of course, I was happy to take along my camera to capture the mood, which is always fun and festive.

Our Ancestral Home : The Inside Tour

Posted by Hello Balloon on May 8, 2011 in Culture, Thought Bubbles, Video | 2 comments

In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought of sharing a vlog featuring the house my mom grew up in.

Join me for an intimate tour of our family’s ancestral home in Malabon, Philippines. You’ll meet my mom Dandy, learn a secret from her childhood, and explore my grandmother’s boudoir. Plus, see who I got my forehead from.