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Chicharon - Tsitsaron makers of Bulacan. 

Chicharon (Chicharrón) is a dish made of fried pork rinds. It is a popular finger-food in the Philippines. Tsitsaron, as it is spelled in Filipino is usually eaten with vinegar, chopped chillies in vinegar or with bagoong (fish paste), lechon liver sauce, or pickled papaya called atchara. Tsitsarong manok, made from chicken skin, is also popular.

I always wanted to know how chicharon was cooked. It was an interesting journey with an unexpected Belgian connection.

 

 
 

Earth Day / Nat Geo Run 2010.

 

 

 

 

Earth Day /Nat Geo Run 2010.

Illac Diaz of MyShelter Foundation. 

 

Singer and actress Karylle Padilla Tatlonghari was the second placer in the three-kilometer women’s division.

 

Twelve year-old girl Michelle de Vera completed the five-kilometer race in 21 minutes and won first place in the five-kilometer run for women.

 

 
 

Earth Day / Nat Geo Run 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earth Day / Nat Geo Run 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earth Day / Nat Geo Run 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

Earth Day / Nat Geo Run 2010.

 

  
Estan Caibigas, with number 1811 is a famous photographer, blogger and a former self-confessed couch potato who became a marathon junkie not so long ago. You can read about his running adventures here.

 

 

Earth Day /Nat Geo Run 2010.

 

Almost 5,500 runners participated in the National Geographic’s fun run on Sunday morning April 18 to raise awareness on climate change and help build disaster-resilient communities that can withstand catastrophes similar to tropical storm Ondoy.

Hundreds died and thousands lost their homes in the worst floods the country had seen in 40 years when tropical storm Ondoy struck the Philippines last year.

The event was held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City. It had six divisions — three, five, and 10-kilometer runs for men and women.

National Geographic will use the fun run’s proceeds to create a documentary for Design Against the Elements, a global contest for architects to design a green and disaster-resistant housing community in Taguig City.

Illac Diaz, founder of MyShelter Foundation, said the Earth Day run’s objective veers from the common initiatives against global warming, which usually call for the reduced carbon dioxide emissions. MyShelter is one of the proponents of Design Against the Elements.

"We want to address the cycle of destruction and reconstruction. It’s about how we build better homes, especially for the poor communities that find it harder to adapt to disasters. We’re not putting emphasis on carbon emission, but climate change adaptation," said Diaz, who was named a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland in 2008.

 

 

 

Pagtutuli - Circumcision in the Philippines.

This photo series contains explicit content.

It is estimated that 30 per cent of men globally are circumcised but in the Philippines, the number is closer to 98 per cent.

Despite a campaign, lead by a small group of Filipino doctors, advocating informed choice, the tradition is still as popular as ever.

The emphasis to circumcision in Philippines is really that of a rite of passage to manhood; that the pre-pubescent boys need to undergo. Circumcision is a test of ones resolve. And then there is pain, there is also that kind of test of pride, there is that test of bravery... and the culture is really such that it's impossible for these young boys to forgo circumcision.

The World Health Organisation and UNAIDS says circumcision can help protect against the spread of HIV when used as part of a programme which includes contraceptives and counselling. There are also arguments that it lowers the risk of cancer, and is more hygienic. Dr Romeo Lee, from De La Salle University, says, however, the risks associated with circumcision performed by those without medical training in the Philippines outweigh the benefits. He says the campaign to convince Filipinos to make an informed choice, however, needs to focus much deeper to have an impact.

The whole argument in the Philippines about circumcision has nothing to do with medical evidence, it has to do with culture, it has to do with beliefs about being a man. To change this is to modify the concept of Philippine men and also Philippine women regarding masculinity. That is also consistent with other campaigns including gender violence. That to be a man you should not be violent with your wife to show your power.

One of the beliefs that young boys have is that if you undergo circumcision you will be taller, you will be healthy and you will be more intelligent. These perceptions are neither real nor true, but nonetheless these are very, very powerful incentives for young boys.

(source: Circumcision season in the Philippines)

Visitor Hugh7 pointed to me that there was a support group for intact (uncircumcised, "supot") Filipinos that has been formed. It's a Yahoo group called uncircumcisedfilipinos. You can join it from this blog: uncircumcisedfilipinos.blogspot.com 

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

 

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pagtutuli - Circumcision in the Philippines.

This photo series contains explicit content.

In the rural Philippines, pagtutuli or circumcision is a pre-adolescent rite of passage, performed on small groups, traditionally on Holy Saturday (Sabado de Gloria). According to traditional beliefs, it would be less bloody than having it done on Good Friday. God suffered and died on Good Friday and parents wouldn't want that experience replicated during their sons' circumcision.

Most boys in the Philippines are circumcised at age nine, or when they get to the fourth grade.  It seems that the Filipinos put a lot of importance on this practice, which, for many males are their rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. The circumcised young man is now able to show off his cut dick, by being able to shower with the rest of the guys in public baths or having their first taste of sex. Filipino women know for a fact that a boy/man should be circumcised, so they definitely know what to expect when they see the male genitalia.  God help the guy who is not cut, for he will forever be the butt of jokes among his peers and lady friends.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.

Warning. Graphic content. Click to enlarge.