Classic Filipino breakfast during the Holy Week break

The Holy Week break allowed for some good breakfasts. On regular days, our breakfasts were quick, short meals. We had to leave early for school (to drop off our daughter) and then to our office afterwards. So we had to have something we could eat or drink in a short period of time. For me, that would be some cereal drink. And I frequently just get some rice and viand in a food container to have my full breakfast at the office. And so this break has provided a welcome change in pace and an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. Filipino breakfasts have some variety across regions but the more common ones involve local sausages, dried fish, eggs and, of course, rice.

Ingredients for a silog breakfast - longganisa, dried fish and eggs. Plus some sinamak for dip.

The longganisa (local sausage) from Tuguegarao, Cagayan was a pasalubong

Dried fish (tuyo and espada) and squid

 

Breaks like this are always welcome. These are re-energizing and allows for activities other than office or school related ones. Still, there is the specter of the resumption of the same come Monday after Easter so we have to make the most of the break including these breakfasts.

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A sad end to March 2026 - the passing of two great men

Last week, two great men passed away. Their accomplishments speak for themselves and they left their legacies for people to use and learn from even after they have passed. I just wanted to mark their passing as an important note here on my blog. 

Paalam Dr. Cornie Banaag, the Father of Child Psychiatry in the Philippines. I got to know of Doc Cornie as a neighbor whom I enjoyed a few walks with around our village. He loved to talk about life and shared his thoughts about the state of mental health especially among children or youth in general. We occasionally met in other cities where he happened to be a resource person in seminars and I happened to be working on projects.

Paalam Mr. Roger Murga, accomplished engineer whose accomplishments in the construction industry led to the realization of major infrastructure projects including the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). I came to know him as he was a childhood friend of my father. They grew up in Cabatuan, Iloilo and went to the same High School.

Our deepest sympathies go with their families.

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Sanggumay blooming at our home

I got a few sanggumay a couple of years ago and these were planted on several trees around our home. The ones easily visible and checked are the sanggumay growing around our mango tree, the central and perhaps focal tree at our home. There are also sanggumay on our narra, guyabano and palm trees.

The flower buds along one of the strands indicate blooms soon. Other strands have buds already growing out. These are from the same plant on our mango tree. 

Close-up of one of the strands and the buds

I will share some photos here again when the sanggumay are in full bloom.  

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