The Chosen One

Building a reputation of a country is really important. One way of building it is through its capital city. From the former capital which is Quezon City, now it turned to be Manila. What is it all about? Is it because of popularity? Beautiful and attractive views? Hi-tech buildings? Well, that's just some of the qualities why Manila is the chosen capital of our country.

As of 2009, Manila ranks as the world's 11th largest metropolitan area and the 5th lergest urban are by population.

It is also ranked as one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city itself has more then a hundred parks scattered everywhere.

We can see that Manila is highly recommended by Filipinos whenever a "balikbayan" or a tourist visits our country. Because of its tremendous parks and entertaining views, we can proudly say that Manila is a place where a lot of people wants to dwell in.

"Manila occupies a total land area of 38.55 square kilometers and it is the second most populous city in the Philippines, with more than 1.6 million inhabitants."

Its enormous land area gives a greatr opportunity of building new structures that will be a great help for our country, especially to the citizens.

If we all base Manila according to criterias of choosing a capital for the Philippines, it is obviously qualified when it comes to being popular and known by everyone in the country. When we hear the word Manila or "Maynila", every person has a great story to tell.

When a person from province is given the choice to live in Manila, that person will feel so happy. Maybe he will jump all day and start to feel the excitement the moment he receives the invitation of living in Manila. One of the major reasons why people want to be in Manila is to study. High-quality education, from universities are given to students.

Manila opens a new door of hope to the Filipinos, because it offers a lot of places and beautiful sights that will satisfy the craving hearts of the people. Everyone will see how beautiful Manila is, as it represents our country.

Now we know what's the essence of being the capital of a country. It is the main identity of our country wherein a lot of people will know the uniqueness that is featured in the Philippines. Beautiful sights, overflowing population, entertaining hang-outs, well-known universities and an orderly city. That's what Manila is. Those are the qualities that make it truly deserving.

by Hananiah Paola Bianca Alix

How To Eat Balut

Balut, that much-loved, much-maligned Filipino delicacy. Favorite of beer-drinkers all over the country, degree zero for culinary nastiness. (Used as a stunt in Fear Factor, a reality show. The dreaded food test for the foreigner and the Filipino-American.

Say it about Balut, your lips gently pressed together as the tip of your tongue flicks up quickly towards your palate, your lips move as one in the shape of a narrow "o" and ends with your tongue teasingly poking behind your teeth.

This is, however, in contrast to how Balut is sold here in our country by ambulant vendors who yell at night, "Balut!" Sometimes, you will see a stall named "Balut Express". They don't need to shout, "Balut!", instead they make their product attractive to the buyer.

"Balut!, Balut Penoy!, Balut!, Balut Penoy!", shouts the vendor along the streets."

But there is nothing sensual about Balut. It is, after all, an aborted duck fetus, as opposed to say, eating ordinary chicken egg with yolk, the Balut is ready and fertilized. Actually, Balut is healthy too. Some say Balut can make your knees strong. (Baluts are incubated up to 18 days before hatchery.)

The Balut gets its notoriety: The duck really looks like a duck but in small size and has pink limbs, gray feathers, useless beak and all. Some say yolk burit is delicious and healthy, but don't eat too much of it because it can lead to hypertension.

Now, I will share to you the steps on how to eat Balut.

1. First, you must buy Balut for you to taste it. (If it's already hot, you don't need to boil it again.)
2. Ready some table salt, or other condiments that you want to go with your Balut.
3. Hold the Balut upright, and with the underside of a spoon, crack the top of the egg. However, Filipinos don't use a spoon to eat Balut. They use their hands instead.
4. Chip away pieces of the shell until you have a hole about the diameter of a finger.
5. Often, you will see some kind of gauzy membrane and you need to pierce it.
6. You can peek inside the Balut and see the broth. It is rich in protein and also known amniotic fluid.
7. Place the egg to your mouth and sip all the fluid.
8. Continue to chip away the remaining shell.
9. Start eating your Balut.
10. Enjoy!

by Mary Louise Rentoria