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Pancit Bihon Take 1

I don't care what anyone says, Pancit is harder to make that it actually looks. Above is the result of probably 3 to 3 1/2 hours of cooking for Easter lunch. I usually assist my mom, an amazing Pilipino cuisine cook, in the kitchen on the holidays. I've cut all the ingredients before, and helped out with a few steps here and there, but this was the first time I did it all my own. My main goal was to NOT burn the noodles! (Been there, done that). But as a result, I think I just over-thought the entire process. What resulted was a somewhat mushy Pancit Bihon that my brother-in-law called Chopped Pancit! LOL.

It actually tasted pretty decent, but I really couldn't get over the consistency of it. By no means should you have to "scoop" a plate of pancit for yourself. It should fall gently and effortlessly onto plates with a fork. I know with a lot of practice, I can make this a lot better. Someday, I'll be able to spend 1 hour in the kitchen and not 3-4 hours. I'll prepare all the ingredients ahead of time instead of racing against a hot pot of browning shrimp. And I'll take it easy on the chicken broth that my mom usually adds to soften the bihon.

But I just wanted to share the recipe. Here are the directions to making my Mom's pancit bihon. There are likely dozens of variations. Feel free to let me know how you cook yours, too!

-The Filipina Chicagoan

Sunny's Pancit Bihon (aka my Mom's Bihon)
1) Sautee 3 cloves garlic and 1 large white, chopped onion in a huge pot
2) Add achuete until it is a reddish color
3) Add peeled, uncooked shrimp and brown
4) Add shredded cooked chicken - use anything from chicken tenders to the rotisserie chicken you have from the grocery store
5) Add 1 package of Excellent brand rice noodles from the Pilipino store. Note: This has to be softened in a pot/tray of lukewarm water at least a half hour before cooking. Drain very, very well in a colander.
6) Add a splash -- do not douse -- of chicken stock to the pot. (Don't be like me!)
7) Add in chopped green cabbage, shredded or julienne carrots, finely chopped mushrooms and finely sliced celery.
8) Mix noodles, meat and veggies all together on medium heat.
9) If you are on a time constraint, add in a Rice Sticks packet to flavor pancit. Find flavoring packets at the Pilipino store for under $1. Speeds up the flavoring process.
10) Add cilantro and peapods - remove the ends off first.
11) Sprinkle with lemon, soy sauce and garlic.
12) Serve hot with slices of lemon, cilantro, shrimp or egg, if you'd like.
13) Always have LOTS of leftovers to fill in tupper ware.

I hope to cook just like my mom someday soon!

Chicago Asian Americans Rally in Washington for Immigration Rally

From the Asian American Institute:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact:
Saturday, March 20, 2010	Sung Yeon Choi-Morrow
	Community Organizer
	Asian American Institute
	Phone: 630. 615. 9551
	E-mail:sungyeon@aaichicago.org Web: www.aaichicago.org

CHICAGO ASIAN AMERICANS DESCEND UPON WASHINGTON FOR
MARCH FOR AMERICA RALLY TOMORROW

CHICAGO, IL -The Asian American Institute (AAI) has sent 49 local people to Washington, D.C., to gather for tomorrow's March for America rally for comprehensive immigration reform. The group left Chicago by bus on Saturday night, and will arrive in Washington on Sunday morning, where they will join an anticipated crowd of 100,000 supporters of immigration reform.

Almost 2/3 of immigrants from Asia came to the U.S. through family immigration. But those from Asian countries have to endure some of the worst immigration backlogs in the world. "Every day is an eternity when you long for family - and some in our community wait 22 years to be reunited with loved ones," said Tuyet Le, executive director for AAI, who will be one of the speakers at the rally. The March for America rally is held to show elected officials how many people are affected by the immigration system, and demand that they prioritize comprehensive immigration reform. In addition, community members from across the nation will be sharing their own personal stories with the broken immigration system.

Several attendees from AAI's group have experienced the broken immigration system first-hand, or have experienced how it separated their families. Liuan Chen of Wheaton, Illinois is rallying in DC to bring her family back together. Her stepfather, Mr. Huang, left the United States voluntarily in June after being detained by the Department of Homeland Security, facing deportation unable to get documentation. Chen's mother still faces deportation after her permanent residency application was dropped, because she divorced her previous husband, who was her visa sponsor. However, her mother remains here legally, having been granted a temporary stay to care for her children, ages 9 and 11, who are citizens. "They are separated by an ocean and a system, when all they are trying to do is make a living," Chen said.

In addition to AAI's group, more than 100 Asian Americans from the Chicagoland area will attend the March for America. Other local organizations sending participants by bus include: Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, Korean American Resource and Cultural Center, and Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment.

Several rally-goers from the local area will use social networking to boost awareness of March for America, and to share their personal experience from this symbolic journey to Washington. Find post updates on Facebook and tweets on Twitter.

Follow the group on Twitter from now until Sunday as it marches through Washington, then to the rally held on the National Mall beginning at 2 p.m. EST.

Available for Media Interviews:
Tuyet Le, Executive Director of AAI, 773-456-3589
Liuan Chen, 409-223-8606

Links on the Web:

March For America

Lent: Week One

What exactly is a meat pie? And more so, what is a Guiness-based Shepherd's Meat Pie? That was an item on the menu of the bar and grill I lunched at in between work Friday. Four days ago, I gave up red meat for Lent. I also gave up white rice and greasy food -- period. For 36 more days, I plan to keep these three things out of my diet. I know it won't be easy, but I hope you'll follow along with me to catch if I survive or fail, but mainly, if I've learned anything.

The funny thing is, I didn't have any desire to eat this meat pie, and that surprised me. I was more curious as to why someone would need/want/even create a meat pie. Is it wrapped in a doughy crust? If that's the case then I really don't feel like eating it. So because it was Friday and meat was not allowed in my diet at all that day, I went for the next best thing I could find on the menu. It was not easy and I partly feel like I've failed.

My lunch? A tuna melt on multigrain bread with a broccoli and cheese soup. I can just hear the grease and butter bubbling in those very words. The tuna was in some kind of mayo mix, the multigrain bread didn't exactly look like it came out of a wood fire oven and for cheese to melt that softly in your mouth, you better believe it's not the healthiest. And we all know broccoli and cheese soup is laden with all sorts of cream and buttah. That's when I knew these next few weeks would be a work in progress for me.

As for red meat, it's not like I ate it all the time, or so I thought. But as I take a look in my fridge and another look into my freezer, I shock myself. I honestly thought I ate red meat three times a month at most. Yeah, not so much. The spaghetti I made over the weekend is in a meat sauce. The beef steak prepared so meticulously by my mom won't get a taste from me, even as it sits so perfectly on a platter. Forget about those amazing carne asada tacos from one of my favorite taquerias, Los Gallos. And I can say goodbye to delicious char-grilled beef burgers on any happy hour menu. (Especially those darn cute mini burgers. And those savory Kobe burgers, too. Beef is oh-so-good sometimes, isn't it?)

But giving up red meat is going to be a good thing in the end, and I'm not going to complain about something I proposed for myself in the first place. (Same goes for white rice and greasy food). So when you mix those three sacrifices together, my limits seem to be adding up by the day. So far, I'm enjoying the challenge.

What I'm doing is supposed to be life-changing, as my pastor has said, meaning whatever changes I do make, I should live them out and continue them. I've already started to open my eyes to a lot of things, and I hope you'll follow me to see how I do 36 days from now. I also hope to not make this about myself, but rather a transformation and a realization that internal changes make you a better person. We don't celebrate and practice Lent to make life all about us, but we do it to look deep within ourselves to become better people. Our lives are always, always, always about us already, remember?

And that's a good reminder to us all. But seriously, can anyone tell me what a meat pie is? And why would you ever want to eat one?

~Rowie V

UIC's Filipinos in Alliance host 7th annual BATTLE OF THE BAMBOO

Let's get ready to Rrrrumble!

This Saturday night (Feb. 20) @ the UIC Forum, Filipinos in Alliance at the Univ. of Illinois at Chicago will host its 7th annual Battle of the Bamboo. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. The event is completely free!

You will not want to miss this year's event, which is welcoming a record-number of participants -- some 250 dancers from colleges and high schools in Chicago, including 1 out-of-state cultural group from St. Louis University.

Tonight, I chatted with Mark Ezpeleta, FIA Vice President of External, and this year's Battle of the Bamboo coordinator. Mark tells me that all groups have been practicing since last year, so competition is expected to be fierce.

The defending champions are Philippine Student Association at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. UIUC and Loyola University's cultural dance group have been known to take the Bamboo title a few times each in the last six years.

In a few hours hopefully....you'll find a quick teaser video we made with Mark! Check it all out here and stay tuned.

Shout outs to Voltaire Roxas for producing the quick video, and Mark Ezpeleta for the great interview.

So don't miss Battle of the Bamboo. Saturday night. UIC Forum.

~ Rowie V / The Filipina Chicagoan

Tonight, I'll be proud

Four months ago, my older sister Vivika asked me if I wanted to help plan the Asian Lunar New Year Celebration in Chicago. My only knowledge of this event was from Vivika, who attended the new year five years ago. It was part-work and part-community outreach for her in her state government job.

I had never been to a Lunar New Year celebration myself, since I’m Filipina and do not celebrate the Lunar calendar. But when I found out the event actually switches off every year among 16 or so Asian ethnic groups and Filipinos were to host the 2010 dinner and celebration, I looked at it with open eyes. Plus, I had just volunteered with the same organization, Asian American Coalition of Chicago last May. At that time, it hosted the Chicago heritage festival at Daley Plaza, a very fun event.

Still, not knowing exactly what this function was all about – there are so many parts I had a hard time keeping track until it was drilled into my head. There’s a political forum, a silent auction, an awards ceremony, Keynote Speaker Euna Lee, dinner and many of the political figures who hold our state together on a daily basis …. phew…

But in these last two weeks, I finally figured out the point of this event.

It is more than just a Lunar New Year celebration and it is more than just an event that happens every year. It’s an event honoring the efforts, strides and achievements of the Asian community in Chicago and I’m so proud to say I played a little role in it. After months of planning, this celebration, potentially the largest of its kind in the Chicago area with some 900 guests, is finally happening today.

In the past two weeks I have learned:

-Northern Illinois has welcomed Young Kim as its new U.S. Magistrate Judge, and he is the first Korean-American ever to be appointed.

-There are at least five candidates running in the Primary Election of Asian American descent, with races for Attorney General, Illinois Comptroller and several state representative seats.

-Ping Tom was a pioneer for heightening the power and visibility of the Chicago Asian American community since the 1960s. He was the force behind the establishment of Chinatown and is considered Chinatown’s most civic leader. I knew he was a legend, but never heard his story until this past week.

I’ve always known, but never really explored the brevity of this statement– There is so much more to learn and understand about the work being done in the Asian American community. And from what I can tell, it’s endless. I feel clueless and a bit ashamed that I don’t know more about my own culture and coming from me, I think that says a lot.

I’d like to say that I’m already very proud to be Asian and a Filipina American and part of the culture that exists here in Chicago. I shop at local Asian-owned businesses, I go to the Filipino grocery stores and I definitely love authentic Asian restaurants, bakeries and even the one Filipino ice cream shop in the area, Village Creamery. I support the many Filipino artists and musicians here, too. Every now and then, I make my way out to a cultural event, but not to offend, the focus is usually on traditional dancing and singing.

I realize that there’s so much more to be proud of now. I realize that really, my own awareness has been limited, even a bit superficial. And maybe we can all do a little bit more to elevate our community, beyond the food, the dancing and the singing.
I have to admit, there was a ton of planning and time spent by all committee members on this event. I had a lot of late nights. I stayed up until hours I haven’t recognized since college. I got cranky, impatient and frustrated. I’ve been very pre-occupied. But then there’s the big picture I have to look at.

Tonight, I’ll enjoy celebrating the strides of my community, and I’ll only begin to be thankful for all of their efforts. Tonight, I’ll only begin to understand the power, vitality and potential of my community, that so many people have dedicated their lives to for decades.

What's up FACT!?

Hey FACT 2009 delegates! It is an honor and pleasure to be here presenting at FACT. Thank you for coming to our workshop and I hope you can keep in touch with me here!

Thanks for helping me re-energize this blog, which has been long overdue!

Stay tuned for more posts soon! I promise.

Rowena

Kamusta ka na? Okey ka lang?

My response? Okay lang!
While it's been a really long time since I've posted, I haven't stopped for good. Actually, I'm hoping that with the new year upon us, I'll be able to bring back The Filipina Chicagoan in more exciting and relevant ways. Consider it my New Years resolution. There, I said it.
So, to start the new year off right, let's consider some resolutions we could all make here in the Filipino community.
The first is one you could consider easy or difficult depending on how you look at it:Get involved with a Filipino organization or event that's completely new to you. I am one to admit that I wish I could've done more to that effect in 2008, like when I couldn't attend a parole-making workshop in Skokie last month. Dozens showed up to make the beautiful Christmas lanterns, which were free to those who wanted to learn. Another group I hadn't heard of before was Believe International, a charity that raises money to educate children in the Philippines with books, supplies and transportation.
Second, let's give more support local businesses. I have a couple in mind that I'll keep my eyes on: a dee-licious bakery called Rowie's Bakery. Wonderful name in itself. And a grocery and eatery called Sari-Sari Store out by Naperville for the western suburbanites that has most of whar you need to cook up a Filipino dinner. There's got to be more businesses out there, and I'd like to find them.
And lastly, for now, keep asking about and re-learning the stories of our parents and grandparents. One of the best lessons I learned in 2008 was realizing how lucky I am to live with the world at my fingertips. We should all be extremely lucky.
Here's to a happy new year.
Maligong bagong taon!

Tag-lish

I decided to institute something new this summer, among the many goals I tend to set every year when we supposedly have a little more time on our hands. Sometimes it's cleaning the garage or the basement. Other times it's to run one to two miles a day. Or my all-time favorite, cook a new dish. Well, I think I came up with my best idea yet: one-hour Tagalog lessons at least once a week. It usually works when my mom and I are sharing a meal together. I ask her to talk only in Tagalog with me and I'm supposed to respond back.

Let's just say it hasn't been easy. I easily get frustrated and my brain just goes blank. I look at an object and I can't even begin to figure out what the word would be for it. But the minute I hear it, it's like a no-brainer. It's definitely strange. But the more I do it, I've gotten a tad better.

So here's just a sampling of what I've learned. And this is raw, so you'll have to forgive me for typographical errors:

-Kamusta ka na: How are you? (I used to always say Ku-musta, wrong).

-Walang anuman: Not a problem, that's nothing (in response to thank you)

-Biro mo: Not sure on the direct translation, but it kinda means, Could you believe that. Or, if you can believe that, a response.

I learned another word as well, but I won't share that one. I'll have a lot more to share as I get better hopefully.

What are some phrases you always use in Tagalog, for all my non-native speakers? And I'm talking real words not fun four letter words or dirty jokes. Seriously, what was helpful for you when you tried to learn the language? And yes, going to the Philippines for 6-12 months counts. I'd love to do that some day.

Where they make you feel like Jay-Z

The New York Times follows Gilbert Arenas during a three-day visit to Manila, where he's pretty much treated like a god. The writer talks about how the Philippines might not be China, Japan or India, but it's consistently among the top 4 countries raking in the sales of basketball shoes and gear in Asia.

And the best quote: “If you’re having a bad day or you’re having a bad career, go to Manila. They’ll bring your spirits up.”

On The Road

***

Note: I realize that my blog doesn't necessarily have to be perfect, but right off the bat, I guess I just expected it to be. So, with that said, I'd like to reintroduce myself. Hello and welcome AGAIN to my blog. The pressure is on now, I've noticed, so here goes. Thanks again to everyone for your encouragement!

***

I commute from Chicago to the far western suburbs every day for work. Most of the time, I work day side. My 45-50 minute drive gets me home by around 7:15 on a good day. At least once a week, I work nights, so this means I don't get home until 11 and I'm about ready to pass out. Needless to say, I've learned to make my commute exciting by watching everyone around me. When I really start to pay attention, I start to notice it.

Passing me on my left side today, I saw a red two-door Celica fly by. Underneath the tail light was the blue, yellow and red flag of the Philippines. How I caught that on this car going 75 mph, I have no clue. I was about to get mad at the guy because he was obviously speeding, and then, I took notice to his flag and automatically, my road rage disappeared.

"He's Filipino," I said to myself, as if it was the first time I've ever noticed another Filipino driving somewhere on a road throughout Chicago. But every time I spot even the slightest tinge of a Filipino symbol somewhere, I still get surprised. And I smile.

On yet another occasion, I was literally parked for 10 minutes on the I-88 tollway, which is always under construction. There's not much else to do but stare off into space in such gridlock. So I dazed ahead at a silver Lexus SUV in front of me. The windows were tinted, but not enough for me to notice a dangling rosary and a Filipino flag. A friend of mine used to have the same flag, I thought. And that was yet another example. (This photo I found online is actually the same flag I was talking about. I didn't see if they had a My Shaldan air freshener, seen in the cup holder, but I wouldn't doubt it.)

This week, I'm driving my sister's car. Guess what's hanging from my rear view window? A baby blue rosary. I guess my family is very Filipino, I thought to myself today. Sure that could be the case, but really, there's got to be a reason for it, right? I grew up seeing these symbols and ornaments of national pride and religious respect fixed inside every family members' car. But why do we do it?

I can understand the flags, as well as the red, yellow and blue stickers, but how did we all end up placing rosaries and sometimes Santo Nino figurines onto our dashboards? Why is this such a "Filipino thing" to do?

Truthfully, I love how I can spot a Filipino by the car he or she drives. To some people, this may sound odd or even stereotypical, but I find nothing wrong with the fact that we all just so happen to honor this same habit, in some shape or form. In a small way, it brings me a sense of pride.

We may all be strangers, but at least I know there are Filipinos just about everywhere I go. To anyone that's ever moved away from a densely-populated Filipino area, you'll feel it, too. The day you spot a Philippines flag in a city or state where you never imagined you'd see one, you might just smile and say, Hey, they're Filipino, just like me.

At least for me, these symbols of our pride and devotion are what make my world feel a lot homier.

So Rowie...How's that blog going?

Good question! I've been MIA for a long time! This wasn't how i imagined I would start my blog, but my time has been swept up in a million other things. I am barely at home and at my laptop. Maybe I should take it with me, or maybe I need another device to help me jot down my thoughts. I haven't forgotten or given up and I'm not planning to. As with anything that has to make its debut, there are delays. So consider this very delayed. But under construction.

Wish me luck. Blogs to come soon soon soon. I promise!

Who's your lookalike?

Ok, my sister might kill me but I just had to share. Recently, I've been hearing I look like one of the chicks from Kaba Modern. I really don't think I look like any of them, but these days I feel like my sisters have been spotting my twins/look-alikes wherever they go. But I found one recently that I can't help but bring up.

Like I said, my sister might kill me. This is her in a bio photo on Fox Milwaukee's WITI web site. Next to her is Ramiel Malubay, the talented Filipina from Florida who was voted off American Idol.

Is it just the hair, or do they REALLY look alike?



Who is your celebrity look-alike?

Welcome!

To those of you who know me well, it's been a longtime dream of mine to freelance for a Filipino American publication and eventually start one of my own down the road. I'm delighted to say that I'm finally putting some action behind my words.

I've started to blog.

OK. So, that doesn't sound like the biggest thing I could possibly do right now, but for me, it's a way to get my thoughts out in a way that makes sense to me and hopefully to my readers. What you can expect from me is weekly columns---I really do hope to meet that goal--about issues, events, people, places, things that go around in the Filipino community, and as much as possible, in the Chicago area.

I've never done this before, at least not seriously. I'd really like to make a go at it, so please be patient with me. Hopefully this will lead to a real business venture in the future. If there's an issue you'd like me to address on my blog, leave me comments, send emails, contact me on AIM at msperfeccionista. I'd like to hear what you have to say!

What I do know is that I am very excited to get started! But I definitely need your input. Here's what I'm thinking you can expect from the Filipina Chicagoan:

-Topics related to the Filipino-American perspective. Remember, there are two words there.
-Opinion pieces
-News bits from across the nation and globe
-Events going on in the Chicago Filipino community
-A monthly spotlight on a musician, artist, leader, up and coming individual, etc. Suggestions are welcome!
-And a great idea from a good friend, "What's your pancit?": a weekly feature about how Fil-Ams may fit into both American and Filipino culture.
-Much much much more

So stay tuned. I believe I have a lot to say and a lot to educate others about. Please visit often, send The Filipina Chicagoan link around, and comment comment comment. If you'd like to learn more about why I'm doing this, click here.

And do let me know if you have a blog, too!

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The Filipina Chicagoan