Author: sherwin

Posted on

Episode 16: Pasalubong (Souvenir) – More Than Just Souvenirs (Filipino Gift-Giving Tradition)

My Pasalubong to You: Episode 16!

Welcome back to the Sherwin M Podcast! I’m Sherwin. After mentioning my long break in the last episode (“Anong Balita?”), I figured this episode could be my Pasalubong to you all for sticking around!

Defining Pasalubong: A Filipino Tradition of Gifts

What exactly is Pasalubong? The closest English translation is souvenir or gift, but it’s a deeply ingrained Filipino tradition of bringing something back for family and friends whenever you’ve been away – whether on a long trip abroad or just out for the day.

Growing up in the Philippines, it was almost expected. An aunt goes somewhere? “Auntie, don’t forget my pasalubong!” It didn’t matter how small it was; it truly was the thought that counts. Receiving pasalubong meant someone remembered you while they were busy or having fun elsewhere. To me, it feels like it signifies more than just a simple souvenir.

Memories of Receiving Pasalubong as a Kid

Some pasalubong I remember getting:

  • Mani: Peanuts! Often deep-fried with garlic and salt, sold hot in little paper bags by street vendors. Simple, but delicious and appreciated.
  • T-Shirts: My uncle was an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) seaman and would bring back shirts from different countries he visited.
  • Treats: Things like Pastillas (milk candies) or Polvoron (that powdery shortbread candy that crumbles easily – pulbo means powder). (We didn’t have many store-bought toys back then; we often made our own!)

Craving Pasalubong from the Homeland: Dried Pusit & Kasoy

Even now, living in the US, there are specific pasalubong I crave and ask for whenever friends or family visit the Philippines:

  1. Dried Pusit (Squid): Especially from my dad’s home province, Palawan (that long island strip on the west side). It’s dried squid that I love to fry up and eat with eggs for breakfast (almusal). Yes, it stinks up the house and travelers have to wrap it super well (in jario – newspaper, plastic bags, tape!) to contain the smell, but it’s SO good!
  2. Kasoy (Cashews): Specifically, deep-fried with garlic (skin still on!) and a little salt. My aunt in Palawan used to make the best kind. I even remember helping make it as a kid – it’s incredibly labor-intensive!

The Labor of Love: Making Fried Kasoy in Palawan

Quick detour on how that kasoy is made traditionally:

  • You pick the raw cashews (which grow on a fruit).
  • You sit on a kabayo (literally ‘horse’ – a low wooden bench/tool you straddle).
  • Using a blade mechanism on the kabayo, you carefully crack open the hard outer shell of each cashew nut. The shell secretes an oil that can burn or stain your skin, so you have to be cautious.
  • Then, you use a small tool (like a flathead screwdriver) to pry the nut kernel out of the cracked shell halves.
  • The raw nuts are then dried (for days, I think?) to remove residual oils.
  • Finally, they’re deep-fried with garlic and salt, then dried again. It’s a ton of work, which is probably why my aunt doesn’t make it for me anymore (she’s a busy grandma now!), but man, it’s the best. It’s also great pulutan (food eaten while drinking – maybe a future episode topic!).

Forgetting and Remembering: Pasalubong for My Own Kids

Interestingly, I realized I’d kind of lost the daily pasalubong habit myself. My wife would ask, “What pasalubong should we bring the kids?” after we’d just been out running errands 20 miles away, and my initial thought was, “Why? We weren’t on a big trip!” I had mentally shifted pasalubong to only mean things brought back from far away, like the Philippines.

But thinking back to my own childhood joy over even simple things like peanuts reminded me how important that small gesture of remembrance is. So now, we make an effort again. If my wife and I go out, we try to bring back something small for the kids – a treat from Red Ribbon or 85°C Bakery, a Starbucks cake pop. Seeing their excitement mirrors exactly how I felt receiving pasalubong back then.

Let’s Keep the Pasalubong Spirit Going!

I encourage you all – Filipino or not – to embrace the spirit of pasalubong! If you see your nieces/nephews/kids, bring them a little something, even if you just saw them yesterday. If you have friends/family going to the Philippines, ask for pasalubong! And remember, if you’re visiting the Philippines from abroad, people there will likely be expecting pasalubong from you too! Let’s spread the thoughtful gift-giving!

Thoughts on Recording Solo & Listener Feedback

That’s it for the topic! Just wanted to add, I’m happy to be recording again (“on a roll!”). Recording solo is definitely harder than having a guest; sometimes I feel like I’m just rambling into a microphone without feedback! That’s why your messages and feedback mean so much – they really get me going. Please keep reaching out!

Tagalog Words

  • OFW – overseas Filipino worker (not really tagalog but is commonly used)
  • mani – peanuts
  • pastillas – dairy type of snack
  • polvoron – powdered sweet snack
  • pusit – squid
  • almosal – breakfast
  • jaryo – newspaper
  • kasoy – cashew
  • kabayo – horse, here’s a picture, but the end is different. This picture is for coconuts not cashew.
  • pulutan – food you eat while drinking alcohol

Intro/Outro music by Emapea – Lofi https://emapea.bandcamp.com/

Posted on

Episode 15: Anong Balita (What’s New) – Back After a Year + We Bought a House!

I’m Back! Catching Up After a Year Off

Welcome back to the Sherwin M Podcast! Wow, it has been a minute – actually, over a year! Looking back, Episode 14 dropped in October 2017, and here we are near the end of October 2018. Time flies!

I thought about doing a specific topic, but decided this episode would just be a catch-up, sharing what’s been going on during the long break.

What Does “Anong Balita?” Mean?

So, I’m calling this Episode 15: Anong Balita?

  • Anong / Ano: What
  • Balita: News

It literally translates to “What’s the news?” but it’s a very common Filipino greeting, basically our way of saying, “What’s up?” or “What’s been going on?”. When cousins or friends call, that’s often how we start the conversation. So, Anong Balita with me?

The Biggest News: We Bought Our First House!

The main reason for the long hiatus and the biggest update is… my wife and I bought our first home! We became homeowners a few months ago (prior to this recording).

It feels amazing, and honestly, a bit unbelievable. We bought a brand new build after months of searching, saving like crazy (picking up extra projects), researching the home-buying process, and talking to friends who’d already done it. It was definitely an adventure, scary at times, but we finally pulled the trigger.

I’m actually recording this from our new house, in our much bigger bedroom! Most of the past year was focused on saving and then the whole process of finding and buying the place. I’m incredibly happy and proud. Even paying the mortgage feels good right now!

I’m looking forward to sharing more homeowner stories in future episodes – like the joy (and frustration!) of telling the kids, “Go to your room!” or “Clean your room!” now that they actually have their own rooms. Although, my oldest (panganay) still likes sneaking into our bed in the middle of the night. My wife says we should enjoy it while he still thinks we’re cool!

Listener Mailbag: Shout Outs to Errol & Arthur!

Even during the break, I heard from some of you, which was awesome!

  • Errol: She messaged me on Facebook a few months back asking about new episodes. I explained I’d just been super busy with life (mostly the house stuff!). She mentioned enjoying the podcast, especially Episode 8 (Kain Tayo Part 2), and appreciated hearing about shared experiences. Thanks so much for reaching out, Errol! Sorry for the delay, but here’s a new episode!
  • Arthur: He also messaged via the Facebook page, saying he likes the episodes and how I explain Filipino culture and phrases. Thank you, Arthur! I really do try my best to explain things based on my own experiences, and I love hearing that it connects with listeners.

Feedback like this is fantastic, so please keep it coming via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, wherever!

Quick Hello to Ronnie

Also, a quick shout-out to my friend Ronnie – glad you’re back in the state, man. Hopefully, we can chill soon!

Recording Again from the New Digs!

It feels great to be recording again, especially from the new house. Finding the time has been the biggest challenge, but I’m happy to be back behind the mic.

Wrapping Up This Update & Looking Ahead

So that’s the balita from my end! Just a quick update episode to let you know I’m still here and share the big news. I have plans for another episode soon, so stay tuned for that.

Thanks so much for listening, especially to those who reached out during the break. I’ll see you all on the internet!

Tagalog Words

  • anong balita – what’s new

Intro/Outro music by Emapea – Lofi https://emapea.bandcamp.com/

Posted on

Episode 14: Takot Ako (I’m Scurred) – Filipino Monsters (Manananggal, Kapre) & Ghosts

Charles Returns for a Spooky Episode!

Welcome back to the Sherwin M Podcast! I’m Sherwin, and I’m not alone today – my buddy Charles (from the basketball episode, Ep 3) is back! How’s it going, Charles? (Charles: Hello, it’s going good, going good!)

Glad to have you here for Episode 14, which I’ve titled “Takot Ako” – Tagalog for “I’m Scared.”

Setting the Scene: Halloween vs. All Saints’/Souls’ Day in the Philippines

Since we recorded this in early October, I wanted to do a Halloween-themed episode. But it’s interesting because Halloween isn’t really officially celebrated in the Philippines. Why?

  • Religious Context: The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, and Halloween is often viewed as a pagan holiday.
  • Focus on Nov 1st & 2nd: Instead of trick-or-treating on Oct 31st, Filipinos focus on remembering the dead during All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). This is a huge observance. People travel long distances, often back to their home provinces via bus or ferry, to visit cemeteries and honor deceased relatives.
  • Cost: Imported chocolate candy (M&Ms, Hershey’s, etc.) is very expensive in the Philippines – too pricey to just give away! Costumes are also an added expense. (Though westernization is making Halloween slightly more known now).

So, instead of Halloween costumes and candy, this episode delves into the other side of Filipino spooky season: the ghosts and monsters of folklore!

Meet the Monsters: Filipino Folklore Deep Dive

In Tagalog, ghosts, monsters, and spirits are often generally called Multo or, more commonly used especially with kids, Mumo. You know, the classic “Don’t go there, the mumo will get you!” tactic parents use!

But there are specific creatures in Filipino folklore. I had to do some research (and admit I’m a scaredy-cat about this stuff – writing these notes gave me chills!). Here are a few famous ones:

  1. The Manananggal:
    • What it is: A terrifying, usually female creature capable of severing its upper torso from its lower half. The upper part sprouts giant bat-like wings and flies off to hunt. (Manananggal comes from the Tagalog word tanggal, meaning “to remove” or “separate”).
    • Victims: It’s said to prey on sleeping pregnant women, using a long, proboscis-like tongue to suck out the fetus’s heart or a sleeper’s blood.
    • Weakness: The lower torso left standing is vulnerable. Sprinkling salt, crushed garlic, or ash on it prevents the upper half from rejoining, and the creature dies at sunrise. (I knew the basic idea, but the details about the weakness and targeting fetuses were new and creepy!)
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manananggal
  2. The White Lady:
    • What it is: A female ghost, always dressed in white. Typically associated with rural areas, local legends, or tragic events.
    • Encounters: Sometimes reportedly seen briefly in the rearview mirror by lone drivers late at night before vanishing. Some accidents on certain roads are blamed on her appearance. (Just reading this gives me the creeps!)
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Lady_(ghost)
  3. The Kapre:
    • What it is: A mythical tree giant. Described as tall (7-9 ft), big, black, hairy, and muscular. Often depicted smoking a large cigar.
    • Origins?: The name might come from the Arabic word kafir (non-believer). Some historians theorize the Spanish spread the legend to discourage Filipinos from helping escaped African slaves brought from Latin America. (That historical connection is fascinating and something I didn’t know).
    • Pop Culture: Charles mentioned it might be the creature featured on the TV show Grimm.
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapre

Final Thoughts on Filipino Frights

Learning about these creatures is both fascinating and spooky! It’s interesting how cultures develop these stories and how they reflect history and anxieties. Even though Halloween isn’t traditionally celebrated, the Philippines definitely has its share of scary folklore perfect for this time of year!

Tagalog Words

  • multo, aswang, or mumo – ghosts, monsters, spirits
  • takot – scared
  • manananggal – vampire
  • panglawin – easily gets scared, I looked it up but didn’t find anything. It could be a local slang term in different areas.
Posted on

Episode 13: Ber Month – The Early Filipino Christmas Season (Starts in September!)

Catching Up: YouTube Relaunch & Podcast Tech Talk

Welcome back to the Sherwin M Podcast! I’m Sherwin. It’s been a few weeks – work projects have kept me busy (hoping to launch one in July!). But I found some time, so let’s get into Episode 13!

Quick updates:

  • YouTube Channel Relaunch! I’ve started creating videos again after a long break (like, since 2008 with sporadic videos, then nothing for 2+ years!). Got a new camera, trying different styles, and finally using my “Dad Cave” studio instead of recording on top of the washing machine! Check it out at youtube.com (search for username w1n78) or find the link on my site/show notes. Let me know what you think!
  • Podcast URL Changes: My podcast host, Simplecast, recently changed how they format episode URLs. It used to be easy to predict (like podcast.sherwinm.com/13), but now it’s different, possibly to prepare for iOS 11’s new podcast features (like seasons). This makes it harder for me to give out simple links in the audio. I might set up redirects, but the best way to get episodes and show notes is still to subscribe via your favorite podcast app, or follow me on social media where I post links (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – @W1N78).

Episode Focus: Understanding the Filipino “Ber Months”

Alright, Episode 13 is titled “Burmonths” (or more commonly spelled “Ber Months”).

Why “Ber”? Explaining the Name

What are the “Ber Months”? If you’re Filipino, you likely know this signals the start of the very long Christmas season. Why “Ber”? It’s simple! It refers to the months ending in “-ber”:

  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

As soon as September 1st hits, the Philippines unofficially kicks off Christmas celebrations. I couldn’t find any deeper meaning besides the “-ber” connection and the fact that Filipinos absolutely love Christmas and want to celebrate it for as long as possible! (Initially, I thought “Burr” meant cold weather, but nope!)

September 1st: Let the Christmas Decorating Begin!

What happens during the Ber Months?

  • Decorations Galore: Starting September 1st, Christmas decorations pop up everywhere.
  • Christmas Music: Radio stations begin playing Christmas songs.
  • Malls & Stores: Get decked out for the holidays incredibly early.
  • Christmas Spirit: People genuinely start getting into the Christmas mood.

The Iconic Parol Lantern

One of the most common and beautiful Filipino Christmas decorations you’ll see starting in September is the Parol.

  • It’s a star-shaped lantern, traditionally made from bamboo and paper.
  • The name comes from the Spanish word farol, meaning lantern.
  • Modern parols often include intricate designs and lights inside or outside. (Do a Google Image search – they’re gorgeous!)
  • You could think of them as the Filipino equivalent of Christmas wreaths.

How Does This Compare to US Holiday Seasons?

It’s fascinating to contrast this ultra-early start with the US holiday buildup:

  • September: We have Labor Day, then… not much until maybe Thanksgiving. No Christmas vibe yet.
  • October: Focus shifts to Halloween. Pumpkin patches appear, but typically only in October and disappear right after.
  • November/December: Christmas Tree farms replace pumpkin patches, usually after Thanksgiving.

I feel like the Christmas spirit in the US doesn’t really kick in for most people until Thanksgiving weekend or Black Friday. Seeing Christmas decorations and hearing carols in September, as happens in the Philippines (even in friends’ photos online), still feels a bit strange to me, even though I know about the Ber Months tradition.

Wrapping Up the Ber Months Discussion

So, that’s the Ber Months phenomenon – a four-month Christmas celebration! It highlights the unique cultural importance of Christmas in the Philippines.

Posted on

Episode 12: Manuod Tayo (Let’s Watch) – Movie Experiences: Philippines vs US Theaters

First Day of Preschool Jitters (Mine, Not His!)

Welcome to the Sherwin M Podcast, Episode 12! I’m Sherwin. Today (when I recorded this, end of August ’17) was a big day – the first day of preschool for my youngest son, my bunso! I took the day off work, not really for him, but more for my nerves. I did the same thing when my oldest, my panganay, started school. Even though he’s my second kid going through this, you’d think I’d be used to it, but nope! They have such different personalities. Being away from them always makes me anxious.

Puyo Power: The Mischievous Cowlick Theory

Speaking of personalities, my bunso is definitely the more confrontational one. He loves to instigate things with his older brother, who usually ends up being pikon (easily annoyed/loses patience). There’s this Filipino superstition about kids born with two puyo (cowlicks) – they say those kids are mischievous and love starting trouble. Well, my youngest has two puyo, and honestly, it seems pretty accurate for his personality! He’s a good kid, just very… curious and likes to push buttons. That’s partly why I needed the day off – just to be available in case pre-school chaos ensued!

Don’t Mess With Big Brother!

He might be an instigator with his brother, but he’s also fiercely protective. I remember a time at a party jumper when some bully kid was picking on my oldest. My youngest, who was only three then and much smaller, stepped right in and made the bully cry! It wasn’t just protective instinct; knowing him, it was more like, “Hey! I’m the only one allowed to mess with my brother!” It seems common among my friends too – the youngest sibling often ends up being the tougher one.

Studio Update: Welcome to the Dad Cave!

On a different note, I’ve revamped my recording space! I cleared out a spare bedroom and turned it into a “Dad Cave” – a place for me to work and, importantly, a dedicated spot for both my kids to do homework right next to me. The only potential downside is my microphone is now closer to a window facing a busy street, so apologies if the background noise is worse than before! I’m still organizing, but excited about the potential to create more content here. Maybe even revive my YouTube channel (after 2+ years!) with a Dad Cave theme? We’ll see.

Episode Focus: Manood Tayo (Let’s Watch Movies!)

This episode’s title is Manood Tayo, which means Let’s Watch. The idea came about because summer (blockbuster season!) was ending, and I realized that despite my busy schedule with kids and commuting, I actually managed to watch three movies in the theater over the summer – a rare feat! This got me thinking about comparing my movie-watching experiences here in the US versus back in the Philippines.

Starting Point: The US AMC Dine-In Experience

We recently watched Despicable Me 3 as a family. We went to an AMC Dine-In theater. If you haven’t been, it’s quite the experience:

  • It was a 3D showing (extra cost).
  • The theater itself felt smaller, more intimate.
  • The seats were amazing – big, leather, fully reclinable!

They have servers who come to your seat…

Tagalog Words

  • Puyo – cowlick
  • Sine or Pelikula – movie
  • Pikon – quick tempered, sensitive

Wrapping Up (For Now)

So, that’s the start of my thoughts on movie watching and a big update on family life with the first day of preschool!

Posted on

Episode 11: Bahaghari (Rainbow) – My Filipino American Experiences with LGBT Friends & Culture

Back After a Break & Some New Toys!

Welcome back to the Sherwin M Podcast! I’m Sherwin. It’s been a few weeks since the last episode – work projects have kept me super busy (hoping to deploy a big one in July!). But I found some time to record, so here we go with Episode 11!

Quick updates: I picked up a couple of new gadgets recently!

  • 12.9″ iPad Pro (2017): Got the new model with the Apple Pencil after seeing the WWDC demo. I’m hoping to use it for sketching out ideas in my web design/development workflow. So far, so good!
  • DJI Spark Drone: My friend Jeff (from JB Tech) “encouraged” me (haha), and I grabbed one. It’s incredibly fun and much easier to fly than the cheap drones I’ve tried before. Just starting to play with it.

I wrote a bit more about these on my blog if you’re interested: sherwinm.com.

Episode Focus: Bahaghari (Rainbow) & Pride Month

Today’s episode is called Bahaghari, which is Tagalog for Rainbow. I’m recording this in late June 2017, which is Pride Month, celebrating the LGBT community.

(Disclaimer: This episode isn’t about condemning or persuading anyone regarding LGBT issues. I just want to share some personal experiences and stories related to the community from my perspective as a Filipino American, hoping to foster understanding. If this topic isn’t for you, feel free to skip this episode.)

Understanding Pride Month & The Rainbow Flag

I got curious about the origins:

  • Why June? According to Wikipedia, June was chosen for Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which happened at the end of June 1969 and were a major turning point in the fight for LGBT rights.
  • The Rainbow Flag: Designed by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. His original flag had 8 stripes, each with a specific meaning:
    • Hot Pink: Sex
    • Red: Life
    • Orange: Healing
    • Yellow: Sunlight
    • Green: Nature
    • Turquoise: Magic/Art
    • Indigo: Serenity
    • Violet: Spirit (Modern flags typically have 6 stripes, but it’s cool to know the original symbolism!) 

My Filipino American Experiences with LGBT Friends & Culture

Growing up Catholic, I’m aware of the traditional religious views on homosexuality. However, I was fortunate to be raised without prejudice and always approached differences as learning opportunities. Here are some memories:

  • My Earliest Memory (The Sports Game): Around age 5 in Manila, my uncles had me watch a sports game (basketball or volleyball?) on TV. They were cracking up laughing. Looking back, I think the players were all gay men, and my uncles found their movements humorous or stereotypically “feminine.” I didn’t understand it then, but it was perhaps my first exposure.
  • Family Story: My Cousin Kuya Jong: One of the first people I knew personally who was gay is my cousin, maybe 10 years older than me. He hid it for a long time because, especially back then in the Philippines, being gay faced strong disapproval due to cultural and religious beliefs. I heard sad stories about his father (my uncle) being ashamed and trying to “beat the gay out of him.” Despite this, my cousin was always a kind, responsible, caring person, especially to his siblings. While some older relatives disapproved, my generation of cousins accepted him. Someone once yelled “Bakla” (Tagalog for gay, potentially derogatory) at him on the street, and the story goes my cousin chased him down and beat him up! Even though everyone knows him as “Jinky” now, I still call him “Kuya Jong” out of respect – he’ll always be my older cousin first. We still hang out and party when I visit. His story always makes me question the hate some people direct towards the community.
  • A Social Observation from My Single Days: Quick tip from my past: Gay men often have gorgeous female friends! Hanging out with my gay friends back in the day was always a blast – great people, fun times, and yes, often surrounded by beautiful women!
  • The Infamous Pre-Wedding Haircut Story: Right before marrying Abby, I met her cousin “Wat” in the Philippines. Needing a haircut, he insisted on taking me to his guy. He gave me a sly look and said something like, “Just roll with it.” We go in, and the barber is clearly gay. No big deal. But as he’s cutting my hair, he starts getting very flirty – massaging my shoulders, squeezing my arms, complimenting my physique. I look over at Wat, who’s just grinning. The barber’s hands start wandering lower… down my chest… Then, as he finishes, he playfully grabs my crotch area and declares the haircut is “on the house”! I just burst out laughing, totally caught off guard. Wat and his friends were cracking up too. It was such a bizarre, funny experience – reminded me of comedic scenes in Filipino movies! I wasn’t offended; it was all in good fun, though definitely memorable!

Reflecting on Acceptance and Discrimination

It’s disheartening to hear about discriminatory bills targeting the LGBT community (mentioned happening in some US states around the time of recording). Having known and loved gay friends and family, it just doesn’t make sense to me. To anyone facing discrimination, please keep your heads up.

Filipino Slang & Terms for LGBT Folks

Language reflects culture, and Tagalog has various terms, some neutral, some slangy, some potentially offensive depending on usage:

  • Bahaghari: Rainbow
  • Bakla: Gay (can sometimes be used derogatorily, like ‘[ __ ]’)
  • Becky: Common slang often used interchangeably with Bakla.
  • Tibo / Tomboy: Lesbian (I suspect Tibo derives from Tomboy).
  • Bading: Another term sometimes used for gay men (Google says ‘fairy’?).
  • Malande: Flirty, flamboyant (can apply to anyone, but sometimes used in this context).

Final Thoughts for Pride Month

Just wanted to share some personal stories and perspectives during Pride Month. Everyone deserves respect and the right to be themselves.

Posted on

Episode 10: Sanggol Games (Baby Games)

Welcoming My Cousin Jake!

I’m not alone today! My cousin Jake is joining me for this episode. Say hi, Jake! (Jake: Hey how’s it going everyone) We’ve been cousins since he was born, haha. Thanks for being here, man!

Shout Out: Liliw Laguna Tsinelas Festival

Before we start, a shout-out to my mom’s side of the family and everyone in Liliw, Laguna! They just had their annual Tsinelas Festival at the end of April. Liliw is famous for making tsinelas (slippers/flip-flops). If you’re ever in Luzon (about 2 hours south of Manila), check them out!

How This Episode Came About (New Baby!)

Today’s topic, Sangol Games (Baby Games), was actually Jake’s idea! (Jake explains his wife’s brother recently had a baby boy, the family was overjoyed, and watching relatives play games like “close open” with the new baby sparked the idea for this segment, feeling these common Filipino interactions should be shared). I thought it was a great idea! It brought back funny memories, and it’s interesting how specific these games are to our culture.

What are Sangol (Baby) Games?

Sangol (S-A-N-G-O-L) is the Tagalog word for baby. These are the simple, interactive games and songs many Filipinos play with infants and young children. The goal is usually to make them laugh, create a bond, and sometimes help develop motor skills.

Let’s Play! Filipino Childhood Favorites

Jake and I put together a list of games we remembered:

  1. Close Open:
    • The classic! Gently guiding the baby’s hand to open and close while chanting “Close… open… close open!” often with varying speeds and pitches. Helps with hand motor skills. Jake mentioned his nephew mostly just flexes his wrist at this stage!
  2. Penpen de Sarapen:
    • A traditional Filipino counting rhyme/game, similar to “Eenie meenie miny mo.” I only remember the first line: “Pen pen de sarapen…” Jake recalls it involves tapping fingers on someone’s open palm while singing. Helps kids learn counting. (Neither of us claims to be the expert on the full lyrics/rules!)
  3. Sawsaw Suka (Dip Vinegar!):
    • You rhythmically dip your pointing finger into the baby’s open palm while chanting “Sawsaw suka, mahuli taya!” (Dip vinegar, the last one caught is ‘it’!). The baby tries to quickly close their hand to “catch” your finger. It sounds weird to non-Filipinos (dipping in vinegar?), but suka (vinegar) is a beloved condiment for things like dried fish (tuyo) or fried pork chops! It’s all about the anticipation and the catch. Making babies laugh with this one is priceless.
  4. Beautiful Eyes:
    • Often initiated by Titas or Lolas! Asking the baby, “Show me beautiful eyes!” encourages them to blink, flutter their eyelashes, or make a cute face. Teaches interaction and maybe some early flirting skills? Haha.
  5. It Bulaga (Peekaboo!):
    • The Filipino version of Peekaboo. Cover your eyes, draw out a long “Eeeeeeeeeeeet…”, then quickly uncover your eyes and say “Bulaga!” (Bulaga is like saying “Boo!”). It’s also the name of a super famous, long-running daytime TV show, Eat Bulaga (over 30 years!). Not sure if the game or show came first. People get really into the high-pitched “Eeeet” sound!
  6. Arunden / Arawendon? (Wrist Circles?):
    • I remember this one, but Jake didn’t. I’m not even sure of the spelling or if it’s a real word. You sing “Arawendon, arawendon…” repeatedly with changing pitch while making circular motions with your wrist (fist closed or palm open, like stirring). My oldest son hilariously did the motion with his feet when he first learned it!
  7. Pong Pong Galapong (Baby Circles!):
    • Another one Jake didn’t know, but I learned from my wife, Abby. With the baby lying down, you hold both their hands in one of yours and both their feet in the other, bringing them together over the baby’s tummy. While chanting “Pong pong…” you make gentle circular motions with their limbs, moving their whole body slightly. On the word “Galapong!” you let go, usually resulting in baby giggles.
  8. Mandang Marikit (The Poop Song?!):
    • Jake shared this gem his mom apparently made up to tease his sister Nikki after a potty accident as a kid! (Sorry Nikki!) The song translates roughly to: “It’s Nikki, beautiful pretty / Flies follow her around her booty / I thought it was glue / But it was poop!” Hilarious family folklore! (And congrats to Nikki on finishing the Ragnar Trail race!)
  9. Bonus Game: Tsinelas vs. The Can (Tumbang Preso?):
    • Jake remembered this classic Filipino street game (we couldn’t recall the exact name, maybe Tumbang Preso?). Played with an empty tin can and tsinelas (slippers). One person guards the can placed between their feet, while a group tries to knock it over by throwing their slippers (sidewinder/frisbee style!). Simple, fun, requires skill (and decent slippers!), and born out of making fun with whatever was available – no fancy toys needed! Jake had his American wedding party play it; they thought it was ghetto but had a blast.

Wrapping Up the Games

That’s our trip down memory lane with Sangol Games! It was fun reminiscing. Recording this episode was also a challenge – had some delays and that accidental deletion – but glad we got it done!

Plugs from Jake (Catalyst Events & Deja Creativ)

Jake, anything you want to plug? (Jake plugs his businesses):

  • Catalyst Events Company: Event planning for memorable events of any size (up to 2000 attendees managed!). Handles logistics, vendors, timelines. Find them on Instagram @CatalystEventsCo (with an ‘s’ on Events) and Facebook Catalyst Events Company.

Deja Creativ: Creative solutions consulting for branding, websites, marketing collateral, etc. Find him on Instagram and Facebook @DejaCreativ.

Links to Youtube videos

Shout out to my cousin Nikki for participating in the Ragnar Trail.

Shout out to my Mom’s hometown Liliw, Laguna for celebrating their annual Tsinelas Festival. It occurs every year at the end of April. Check them out if you’re in the area.

Tagalog Words

  • Sanggol – baby
  • Maganda/Marikit – beautiful, pretty
  • Bulaga – boo
  • Sawsaw – to dip
  • Suka – vinegar
  • Mahuli to be late or be the last one, or to get caught
  • Taya – “it” like in tag
  • Tsinelas – slipper

The show notes of this episode can be found at http://podcast.sherwinm.com/10.

We hope you enjoyed the show. Jake shared a few links to check out more about him.

Posted on

Episode 09: Filipino Holy Week (Semana Santa) Traditions – Visita Iglesia, Sabado de Gloria & More

Welcome back to the Sherwin M Podcast! I’m Sherwin, and Happy Easter to everyone celebrating! This is Episode 9: Holy Week.

Before we dive into Semana Santa, a quick recap: I recently went to a Filipino variety show in Glendale featuring Coco Martin and The Fantastic Four (Chocolate, Kiray, Pooh, Pokwang). It was a lot of fun – comedy, singing, entertainment – though some jokes went over my head! One pet peeve, though: people recording everything on their phones and bright tablets instead of just enjoying the live show they paid for! Please, folks, be considerate of those around you and experience the moment!

Deep Dive: Holy Week (Semana Santa) in the Philippines

Today’s topic is Holy Week, or Semana Santa, a hugely significant time in the predominantly Catholic Philippines. It’s the week leading up to Easter, starting with Palm Sunday.

A Week of Observance: Closures and Quiet

  • Nationwide Impact: Unlike the diverse religious landscape in the US (where maybe Thanksgiving feels like a more universal holiday), Holy Week deeply impacts daily life in the Philippines.
  • Closures: Most schools (especially Catholic ones) close for the entire week – their version of spring break. Many businesses also shut down, particularly from Wednesday or Maundy Thursday through Easter.
  • Media Changes: TV and radio stations often suspend regular programming, airing reruns or religious-themed shows and music instead. Many personalities take the week off for vacation or family time.

Visita Iglesia: The Seven Church Pilgrimage

A major tradition during Holy Week (usually Maundy Thursday or Good Friday) is Visita Iglesia (Spanish/Tagalog for “Visit Church”).

  • The Practice: Devotees visit seven different churches to pray the Stations of the Cross (there are 14 stations depicting Christ’s path to crucifixion).
  • Evolution: While people in the 70s might have prayed all 14 stations in one church, the more recent custom is to pray two stations at each of the seven churches visited.
  • The Sacrifice: This is a significant undertaking, especially outside major cities where churches can be far apart. Traveling between seven churches often takes an entire day and is considered part of the devotee’s sacrifice and penance.

Personal Memory: Stations of the Cross on Knees

I remember going to church with my mom and grandma during Holy Week as a kid. I didn’t do Visita Iglesia across multiple churches here in the US, but I vividly recall them praying the Stations of the Cross by kneeling and moving around the entire church on their knees from station to station. It looked incredibly painful, especially for my grandma. I tried joining them once but couldn’t handle the pain on my knees beyond a few stations. Witnessing their devotion and sacrifice was powerful.

Good Friday Reflections

Growing up, I also remember Good Friday afternoons being exceptionally quiet. Around 3 PM, the time associated with Jesus’ death, my brother and I would be made to sit still and silent for hours. Even as we got older, my mom would remind us not to play loud music in the car if we went out, respecting the solemnity of the day.

  • Key Day Names:
    • Maundy Thursday: Huwebes Santo
    • Good Friday: Biyernes Santo
    • Holy Saturday: Sabado de Gloria

Sabado de Gloria: Water, Gatherings, and Rituals

Holy Saturday, Sabado de Gloria, has its own unique set of traditions:

  • Water & Gatherings: It’s a day for family gatherings, often near water (beaches, pools, rivers). Picnics, swimming, and playfully splashing each other are common. Why water? A priest explained it symbolizes new beginnings, new life, and baptism, anticipating the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
  • Pagpuputol (Traditional Circumcision – Note: Sensitive Topic)(Listener discretion advised for this section)
    • Sabado de Gloria is also a traditional day for young boys to undergo circumcision (pagpuputol or tuli) in the Philippines. This is often not done at birth as is common in the US.
    • The Traditional Process: (Based on stories, not my experience!) Boys bathe early, then go to a secluded area (often forested, near water) away from girls (due to a belief that a girl seeing it causes swelling). An elder, sometimes an albularyo (traditional healer), performs the procedure. The boy often chews guava (bayabas) leaves. The foreskin is cut (traditionally with a razor/sharp tool). Afterward, the boy spits the chewed guava leaves onto the wound (believed to have antiseptic properties) and then jumps into the nearby body of water. It sounds unsanitary by modern standards, but it was a long-standing rite of passage.

Other Sabado de Gloria Beliefs (Jumping Tall?)

My mom also mentioned a belief from her town: having kids jump up and down on tables on Sabado de Gloria was thought to make them grow taller! Spoiler alert: If I did it, it didn’t work on me!

Easter Sunday: Salubong and Traditions (No Bunnies!)

  • Salubong: The main Easter Sunday event is the Salubong (welcoming/meeting), an early morning procession or parade reenacting the meeting of the Risen Christ and his mother, Mary.
  • No Bunnies/Eggs: Traditionally, Filipino Easter doesn’t involve Easter bunnies or egg hunts. These are largely Western commercialized additions. Chocolate is expensive in the Philippines, and coloring hard-boiled eggs wasn’t a typical practice. The focus remains primarily religious, celebrating the Resurrection.

Final Easter Thoughts

So that’s a glimpse into Holy Week traditions in the Philippines – a time of deep religious observance, unique cultural practices, and strong family connections. I hope everyone who celebrated had a meaningful Holy Week and a Happy Easter!

Posted on

Episode 08: Kain Tayo Part 2 (Let’s Eat) – More Filipino Food Habits (Rice, Salo-Salo & Paying the “Cheat”)

How’s that tagline sounding? Still testing it out! Welcome to Episode 8 of the podcast: Kain Tayo Part Two: Let’s Eat!

Before we get to the food talk, some tech adventures:

  • Shout out to Jeff (@JeffBanas on Twitter)! He sent me a recording of my podcast playing on his Google Home – awesome!
  • Amazon Echo (Alexa): Got curious and tried Alexa… (audio clip of Alexa failing) …yeah, no luck initially. It seems Alexa uses the TuneIn directory. I’ve submitted the podcast there now, but Alexa still couldn’t find it when I tried again. Maybe I need to subscribe via the TuneIn app first? If you have an Echo, let me know if it works for you! (Apologies if I triggered your devices!)
  • Siri: Good news here! After a few tries (Siri can be quirky!), it successfully played the latest episode directly from the iOS Podcast app. (audio clip of Siri success) So, if you’re on iOS, just ask Siri!

Recording Challenges & Episode Topic Shift

This episode almost didn’t happen! I struggled with my original topic idea all week, decided to switch gears back to food (continuing from Episode 6), recorded this “Kain Tayo Part 2″… and then accidentally deleted the recording! Ugh. So, this is take two, fueled by a stout, hopefully, I don’t mess it up again!

Deeper Dive: Kain Tayo Part 2

Let’s continue exploring Filipino eating habits and culture!

Your Plate: Kanin, Ulam, and Maybe Soup?

A typical Filipino meal plate breaks down simply:

  • Kanin: Rice (the staple!)
  • Ulam: The dish(es) or viand(s) eaten with the rice. You can definitely have more than one ulam!

Sometimes, you’ll also have soup alongside your meal:

  • Sinigang: A delicious, distinctively sour soup (often with fish, shrimp, or pork).
  • Nilaga: Another type of soup, not sour. Often, you might just get the broth (sabaw) to pour over your rice.

From Field to Plate: The Journey of Rice (Palay, Bigas, Kanin)

There are three main stages in the life of rice:

  1. Palay: This is the harvested rice grain still in its yellowish-brown husk. After harvesting from the wet rice paddies, it needs to be dried. In the Philippines, lacking dedicated drying spaces, farmers often lay palay out on the roadsides (so drivers need to be careful!). Once dried, it’s placed in a bilao (woven tray) and tossed/shaken to loosen the husk and remove debris.
  2. Bigas: This is the uncooked rice grain after the husk has been removed – what you typically buy in a bag.
  3. Kanin: This is the final stage – cooked rice!

How We Cook Rice (Jo Koy & The Finger Trick)

Speaking of cooking rice (bigas to kanin), comedian Jo Koy has a hilarious bit about this (I’ll link it below). The typical “Filipino” way, even with a rice cooker, involves:

  • Washing the bigas several times (3-4 rinses) until the water runs mostly clear.
  • Measuring the water level using the lines on your finger! (Yes, it works! Takes practice to avoid soggy or crunchy rice, but I’m proud to say I can do it). Of course, back home, many people expertly cook rice in a pot over an open fire – true pros!

(Link Placeholder: [Insert Jo Koy Rice Video Link Here])

Appetizers: When Do They Arrive?

Unlike typical Western dining, appetizers in Filipino settings aren’t always served before the main course. Very often, they arrive with the ulam and kanin. My theories?

  1. Appetizers aren’t a standard part of the meal structure for us.
  2. It ties back to the salo-salo concept – the idea that everyone should start eating together. Serving appetizers first would mean some people eat while others wait. You can usually request appetizers first if you want them, though.

Must-Try Filipino Desserts

We love our sweets! Here are a few common Filipino desserts:

  • Halo-halo: A popular concoction of crushed ice, milk/cream, sweet beans, fruits, sago/boba, ice cream, and leche flan. So refreshing!
  • Leche Flan: Rich, creamy caramel custard. Also a component in halo-halo.
  • Ube: Purple yam, used as a popular flavor in ice cream, cakes, pastries, etc.
  • Turon: A deep-fried treat resembling an egg roll, but filled with banana and lanka (jackfruit). Sometimes dipped in sugar – so good! (Yes, our love for sweets might contribute to diabetes struggles in the community.)

Fast Food Perks: No Cleanup Needed!

Here’s a difference you’ll notice: In fast-food restaurants in the Philippines, you don’t typically clear your own table and throw away your trash. Staff will come and clean up after you leave.

Funny Story: On a trip back in 2005 with my friends Jeff and Irwin (their first time there), after eating at a fast-food place, Irwin got up and started wandering around looking for a trash can. Jeff and I just watched him, knowing the routine. After a good 30 seconds of confusion, he came back asking where the trash was, and we cracked up explaining he could just leave it!

Salo-Salo: Sharing is Caring (Literally!)

Revisiting salo-salo from Episode 6: It’s not just eating together, it’s often about sharing the food ordered. If a group orders different dishes (ulam), it’s very common to portion out servings from each dish onto everyone’s plates before anyone starts eating their main meal. It’s a great way to try everything! This communal sharing is a key part of the experience.

Paying Up: Mastering the “Cheat” Gesture

Finally, how do you ask for the check/bill in the Philippines? Forget the American “cut me off” gesture. We have our own unique hand signal! The word sounds like “Cheat” (maybe slang for ‘check’?).

How to do the “Cheat” gesture:

  1. Make loose fists with both hands.
  2. On each hand, extend your thumb and index finger to form a ‘C’ shape (left hand ‘C’, right hand backward ‘C’).
  3. Touch the tips of your index fingers together and the tips of your thumbs together, forming a rectangle shape in the air (representing the bill).
  4. Get your server’s attention while holding this shape.
  5. Slowly pull your hands apart horizontally (drawing the top/bottom lines).
  6. Move your thumb and index finger on each hand vertically downwards towards each other (drawing the sides). Basically, you’re drawing a rectangle in mid-air! Servers in the Philippines (and Filipino restaurants here) instantly recognize this. My friends Jeff and Irwin loved it so much on our trip they kept fighting to pay just so they could do the gesture! (Trying it at a non-Filipino US restaurant got them a to-go box once!). Pros can even do a one-handed version.

Posted on

Episode 07: Bawal Umihi Dito (The PeePisode) – Funny Filipino Stories (Maybe TMI?)

Welcome to the Sherwin M Podcast, Episode 7! I’m Sherwin. Still pondering that tagline: “A podcast about the adventures of being Filipino American, a father, a developer, a retired sneaker head, and beer.” How does that sound? Still working on it!

Today’s episode is titled “Bawal Umihi Dito: The P Episode.” Yep, you read that right. I debated doing this topic, worried it might sound gross or offensive, but I have three stories related to this theme that I just had to share. Hopefully, you find them entertaining rather than disgusting! Let’s dive in.

Updates: Audio Glitches, Visitors, and Impulse Buys

A few things before the main topic:

  • Ep 6 Audio: If you listened closely to Episode 6 (especially with headphones), you might have heard some background traffic noise. I recorded it in the afternoon, and my mic picked up more than usual. I tried my best to edit it out! Recording this one earlier (8 AM) hopefully helps.
  • Aussie Relatives Visit: Abby’s relatives from Australia visited! It was great seeing them. Watching my two boys play calmly with their young daughter made me joke to Abby, “I think we need a girl!” They seem to have a calming influence.
  • Sneaker Relapse: While shopping with our visitors, I accidentally ended up in a shoe store and impulse-bought a pair of Metallic Foamposite Pros. I told myself I was retired from sneaker collecting! They didn’t have my exact size (9.5) in the Royals I also wanted, which maybe saved me $225, but I still walked out with the Metallics ($250). Abby gave me that look. The addiction is real!
  • That Kid Quote Moment: Learning from kids continues. My oldest son was taking a nap with me and had his hands down his pants. When I asked why, he matter-of-factly said, “My hands are cold and it’s warm down there.” I was speechless! You can’t prepare for moments like that. Being a dad is hilarious sometimes.

Episode Focus: Bawal Umihi Dito (The P Episode!)

Okay, onto the main topic: Bawal Umihi Dito.

  • Tagalog Breakdown:
    • Bawal: Not allowed / Forbidden
    • Umihi: To pee / Urinate
    • Dito: Here
  • Meaning: “Peeing here is not allowed” or simply “No Peeing Here.”

Understanding the “No Peeing Here” Signs

These signs used to be very common on walls throughout cities in the Philippines, especially Manila, particularly back in the 90s. Why? Because public urination (mostly by men and boys) was a significant problem.

You might think, “Isn’t it obvious you shouldn’t pee on a public wall?” But factors like lack of accessible public restrooms, poverty, and perhaps different cultural norms contributed to the issue. It seems less common now, and I think they’ve started installing more public urinal stalls in some areas.

Remembering Comedy Legend Dolphie

This topic reminds me of a joke from the legendary Filipino comedian, Dolphy (who I was lucky enough to meet briefly before he passed away – an amazing moment!). In one movie, his character visits America and, needing to pee, goes against a wall like he might back home. When confronted by police (“Sir, that’s against the law!”), his punchline was, “No, it’s against the wall!” Corny, but classic.

Story 1: The National Anthem Incident (First Grade)

My first “Bawal Umihi Dito”-related story takes place in first grade at San Beda school in the Philippines. During the morning flag ceremony (singing the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang – not Bayang Magiliw as I mistakenly thought for years!), I desperately needed to pee. The teacher insisted I wait respectfully. When I pleaded, she might have jokingly said, “If you gotta go, go there!” Being a literal first grader… I did. Right in my khaki shorts. My Tita Uning had to bring me a change of clothes!

(Philippine National Anthem Info: Composed by Julian Felipe (1898), lyrics from Jose Palma’s Spanish poem “Filipinas”, translated to Tagalog 1940s/50s. Source: Wikipedia)

Story 2: The “Jingling” Misunderstanding (Second Grade)

Fast forward to second grade in Chicago at St. Jerome’s, brand new to America. I asked the teacher (“Mom,” as we sometimes called female teachers respectfully) to use the restroom (“comfort room” is the common PH term, but I switched to “bathroom”). I had to go with a partner, per school rules. In the restroom, I encountered urinals for the first time and opted for a stall. The other kid climbed the stall wall to peek while I was peeing! I ran back to class, exclaiming, “Mom, mom! So-and-so was peeking while I was jingling!” “Jingling” is common Filipino slang for peeing. The teacher had no idea what I meant until I clarified with “urinating.” (Side note: Filipino education felt advanced; I actually tested into 4th grade but stayed in 2nd because the older kids looked huge!).

Story 3: A Late Night, An Uncle, and the Barangay Patrol (College Years)

My third story happened in my late teens/early college years during a trip back to the Philippines. I was bar hopping with my uncle, Tito Eric (just a few years older than me). After leaving the last bar around midnight, having had quite a bit to drink, I really had to go pee. No bars would let us back in without paying cover again. While waiting for a jeepney, I couldn’t hold it. My uncle said, “Just go right there” against a wall, figuring it was late and quiet. Famous last words. Three barangay (neighborhood watch/officials with some authority) officials rolled up while I was mid-stream. They took us in their vehicle. My uncle was stressed, worried about telling my dad. I was… well, drunk and relaxed. My uncle smoothly offered the officials the 200 pesos (~$40?) I had left, phrasing it not as a bribe, but as “coffee money” (pampakape) since they were working late. He mentioned I was visiting from California and had a flight to catch. It worked! They dropped us off on a random corner, warning us not to do it again.

Why This Topic? (Cultural Context)

So, three pee stories! Why share them? Partly because they’re funny memories, but also because the “Bawal Umihi Dito” sign reflects a real aspect of navigating public spaces and differing norms in the Philippines, tied to infrastructure, poverty, and cultural habits.

Final Thoughts & Connecting

Hopefully, this episode was more entertaining than gross! Thanks for sticking with me if you’re still listening.