changing seasons

We Filipinos enjoy only 2 seasons in the Philippines… the wet and the dry seasons. Basically, dry season is from October to June and for the rest of the year, that is where the wet season falls. Wet season which is more popularly known as the rainy season is good for the country-side because it is mostly agricultural. But it is a drawback mostly in the bustling cities because of flood. [To view Philippine flood photos… click here and here.]

Normally, the Philippines experience an average of 20 storms a year due to its geographical location in the Pacific Ocean. [Don’t ask me to explain that one because I can’t, I’m not a science teacher. Hahahaha.] Anyways, these storms or hurricanes as what they call it here in the US can cause lots of destructions and natural calamity in the country.

Photo courtesy of Buhay Pinoy

Seasons in the Philippines are also unpredictable like here in Maine. That is why sometimes, we don’t exactly know if it is really dry or wet season because it also rains or worse we experience signal #3 storms during the dry season. While in other parts of the country it never rains at all during wet season. So maybe we can also consider that there is only one season in the Philippines – one crazy season, that is.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Flood

If you live where I live, the seasonal time frame is not applicable. My hometown experiences ”one crazy season”. It never follows what the weatherman says. You can’t count on the weather forecast there. Oh well, maybe you can. Just believe the opposite. When the weatherman said it will be sunny today… that’s your clue… bring umbrella because it will surely rain today. When he says there will be scattered showers and thunderstorm… it’s time to bring out the laundry and hang them in the clothesline.

This time of the year is supposedly dry season now in the Philippines, but my brother is complaining about rains, flood and traffic. Of course when there is flood there will surely be traffic. The rainy season despite its negative undertone is a fun season for me. My brothers and I had fun childhood memories of rainy days. We enjoyed the rain shower in our garden. We loved walking around town in the flood to buy my favorite banana cue [a snack made of deep-fried caramelized banana in a stick]. And we enjoyed staying at home just playing because there was no school.

Rainy season may not be the best season neither it is the worse. But I had to admit I prefer it than dry season because I hate warm weather. It’s so hot, sticky and sweaty. I like rainy season because it sometimes brings unscheduled holidays from work or school. Rainy season gives me valid alibis to play hooky. And rainy season is the best time to sleep all day or worse eat all day.

Additional Information:
Inquirer.net
USA Today

Credits:
Philippine Flood and Buhay Pinoy - Filipino Life in Pictures for the Photos

For some reason I woke up quite early this morning. And as usual I turned on my computer first before I made my first trip to the bathroom. After the computer, I turned on the TV next to check on the weather. That’s how I started my day normally.

“We are going to have a nice day today!”… that is according to the meteorologist. I trust him. Hubby trusts him too but he is jealous of him because he knows that I find him cute and I have a crush on him. Hahahaha. After giving the weather forecast he said… “it’s the start of the Autumnal equinox“. I don’t know about the equinox but I know that autumn means that summer finally ends and winter is just around the corner. It means that Fall is finally here.

This is my second autumn or fall here in Maine so I know what to expect now. I know that the nights will be longer now. I know that 8 pm is already dark. I know that we will have cooler or lower temperatures. I know that the maple leaves will start to change its color and will soon fall from the trees. I know that I will be raking a lot now and that will replace running as my exercise. I know too that I need to cover up now and my sexy clothes are no longer appropriate to wear.

This is my second fall and I know exactly what to do. I have to organize my closet again to make room for our fall and winter clothes. I have to sort out my summer clothes… keep those that still fit and throw or give away those that don’t. I have to put all my summer clothes in totes and keep them in the cellar. And I have to bring up the fall/winter totes to give way for the spring/summer totes. It’s the start of a new season and it’ all about the totes now.

This is my second fall and it means that Maine landscape will be changing dramatically into mono-chromatic red-orange-brown hue. When it happens I will be enjoying Maine foliage again. When it happens I know for sure that I will be anticipating the beautiful sights of Maine. When it happens I will be swept away by the breathtaking view of the countryside. When it happens I will be again awed by the colorful palette of the horizon. When it happens it will feel like I am living in a life-size canvas again.

This is my second fall season and I know it will not be the same as the first. And just like every changing seasons my life is constantly changing too. Maybe this fall, things will turn as colorful as the maple leaves. And as they fall on the ground I hope my life will also find the beauty of being free and well-grounded, literally and figuratively.

[Note: All the Photos here are from my 2007 Fall Collection… my first Fall in Maine.]

Additional Information:
Maine Foliage
Fall in Maine for Maine Office of Tourism
New England Foliage Tour

“Maybe I was just over-confident with my driving skill that’s why I failed.” That thought keeps me awake until now since that DMV disaster last Friday. I still can’t imagine that I failed in that one important test of my life. You see, when you are a teacher, you are used to giving test and not taking it. It’s a different situation when you are the one being tested. But knowing myself, I am also good at exams whether written or oral. The written test that I took last May prior to the road test was a-ok. I didn’t even sweat. Hubby was more nervous for me because he was constantly scolding me that he never saw me open the book [the Driver’s Manual]. Of course, I did. I opened the book. I only opened the book but never really read it. Hahaha. But I was confident that I can pass the written test because I know for a fact that the exam is only a test of common sense. And I did pass it… with flying colors.

The 3-wheel pedicab (Photo courtesy of Chris Gregerson of cgstock.com)

Maybe I was really too confident that’s why I failed in my road test. You see, back in the Philippines, I already have my Driver’s License long before I was able to learn how to drive. Yes, it may sound ridiculous but that is how it was. I did take the test too… but for some reason the guy who handed out the questionnaire also handed out the answers to the questionnaire. I thought he just liked me [*wink] but apparently all those people who took the same written test was also given the answers to the questionnaire. We were just told not to make the test perfect and leave out 2 or 3 wrong answers. Don’t ask me why because I don’t know the answer too.

The carabao-drawn paragos (Photo courtesy of  Coy-Coy of My Firstborn blog)

Maybe I was too confident because I had a different experience back in the Philippines. For one thing, when I filed my application for the driver’s license, I didn’t even have to fall in line while waiting for my turn to be served because it so happened that one of my former students works in that Land Transportation Office and when she saw me she immediately approached me and took my document and went inside to process it. So I didn’t even have to wait in long queue to be served. I was sitting comfortably in the air-conditioned office of my former student while she was doing the paper works for me. And in 10 minutes time I got my driver’s license without lifting a finger. Yes, I got my driver’s license that instant and I didn’t even have to take the road test. It may sounds unreasonable but I just didn’t take the road test. Good thing I didn’t have to because I don’t know how to drive a car that time when I got my driver’s license. I only learned how to drive the car after 5 years of having my driver’s license. My Hubby thinks it’s ridiculous but that is how it is in the Philippines. We only take the written test and that’s it.

The horse-driven kalesa or karitela (Photo courtesy of JEP: Staff Weblog - Melody blog)

Maybe my experience in the Philippines is somewhat different because not all those people who are getting a driver’s license own a car. So maybe that is one of the reasons why they don’t give road test anymore. And those people who are getting the driver’s license just need it to be able to work as public utility vehicle drivers for public transportation operators. You see, car is a luxury from where I came from that is why only the rich people can afford it. And for us who don’t own a car we have lots of choices to get around. We have the buses… the taxis… the jeepneys… the motorcycles… the tricycles… the pedicabs [a 3-wheeled bicycle or pedalled rickshaw]… the kalesa [a horse-driven carriage] and even the kariton[push cart made of wood material] or better yet the paragos [a carabao-drawn sledge made of wood] in some far-flung dirt roads in the barrios. You see, unlike here in Maine not all people in my country need a driver’s license. Only those drivers of buses, taxis, jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, and tricycles need them. But for the pedicabs, kalesa, kariton and paragos you don’t need one to drive one. And yes you can drive them in the local road side by side with all those means of transportations that I mentioned earlier.

The motorless Kariton or cart is an effective means of transportation during flood season.(Photo courtesy of John Javellana of Pitikmata blog)

Maybe I was too confident that I will pass the road test because I already know how to drive. I learned to drive in just 5 days. I learned to drive the standard type of car. I was good in driving. Somebody told me… if you learned how to drive in the Philippines… you can drive anywhere. Apparently it’s not true. Well, yes I can drive here but I need to follow traffic rules. It’s not that I don’t need to follow traffic rules in the Philippines. I just need to be careful and never ever under any circumstances get caught. But if you do… you only have to pay the price or the bribe. Hahahaha. The traffic rules in the Philippines are basic and almost the same as anywhere in the world. But we have a little unwritten rule… your own rule. Driving in the Philippines is the survival of the fittest, so to speak. You need a lot of common sense because some motorists don’t. You need to drive both offensively and defensive because you do not know when a tricycle will cut you in the middle of the traffic or if the bus will stop to pick up passengers in the middle of the road or a cigarette/candy/sampaguita [our national flower] vendor will knock on your window. And since Philippine traffic is somewhat legendary you have to expect that the heat of the situation will go straight up to some of the drivers’ head and with that you might find yourself in a bad situation. Bumper-to-bumper means just that. You can experience 3 hours traffic on regular days and don’t ask me about days when we have storms and flooded roads. However, in some busy intersections you can get amused by the dancing policemen while waiting for the green light. And this I know is something unique in our country. At least LTO was able to come up with a good idea to entertain the motorists. [To view video of city traffice… click here and for the dancing policeman… click here.]

A typical rush hour traffic in Manila (Photo courtesy of Getty Images).

Oh well, maybe I was just too edgy about the whole road test thingy. I will mail my request for re-exam today [after I post this] so that I can have the new schedule for the road test by next week. Meantime, I’m brushing up on my backing and practice more on my parallel parking to perfect it. And unlike the first time… I feel more at ease now because somehow I already know what to expect. It helps a lot knowing what to expect because I already have an idea what to do. And I am confident that I will pass the next test. If not, there is a third… a forth… and Nth time for me to take it. But if I will go back to the Philippines in few years time from now, I know I will not be able to drive there anymore because it will surely scare me out of my wits to be out on the road with those Kings of the Road.

Additional Information on Philippines Means of Transportation:
The Jeepney: Automotive Icon of the Philippines
Philippine Transportation
Buhay Pinoy: Filipino Life in Pictures

Photo And Video Credits:
Melody for kalesa
Chris Gregerson for pedicab
John Javellana for kariton
Getty Images for traffic
Coy-Coy for the paragos
Srovets for traffic video
itsrenjithb for the dancing policeman video

I could have written and posted this yesterday but I was not in the mood. I was not feeling too well yesterday. Yesterday was a special day for me. I was waiting for that day to come since May. It was one of the most important events in my life here in Maine for this year and I was so prepared to handle everything whatever the situation may bring.

I was prepared for it. I came all equipped with the knowledge and skill that I need to be able to do it. I was so excited yet so nervous at the same time but I know it is just normal. I was so thrilled yet edgy at the same time but I know it is just natural. I was so keyed up yet jittery at the same time but I know it is just typical.

As I entered the door of the building, I could feel my hands were so cold and my knees were shaking. The receptionist sensed my predicament and told me to relax and make myself comfortable while I wait for my call. And in no time the officer called me and asked for the documents. He processed everything right away and handed me a piece of paper and asked me to read it and go straight to the parking lot.

As I sat in my car I was praying hard. After 10 minutes the “drill sergeant” [that’s what Hubby named the lady officer] approached my car looking so strict and serious. I prayed harder that the lady won’t drive me crazy. She asked me to turn the headlights on and I did… turn the lights to high beam… then low beam. She asked me to turn on the windshield wiper and I also did. Honk the horn… step on the break… turn on the blinker to the left and to the right. I did them all. And she said… good! She slid into the passenger seat beside me, buckled up and I handed her the paper. She asked me if I have any questions. I said none. Then, she asked me to drive to the exit.

As I approached the exit she pointed at the blue car on the side of the road and told me… I want you to parallel park behind that blue car. I looked to my left for clearance then drove straight to the blue car. I turned on my blinker to the right… looked to the rear over my right-hand shoulder… stirred the wheel and started backing up. I did it! She was impressed. I parallel park just as the way I did it before we left the house. You see… I took parallel parking seriously as if it was my professional career. I heard a lot of stories and urban legend about people flunking the driving test because of parallel parking. And so I practiced parallel parking every chance I get because I wanted to impress people on that particular aspect. And I did. I was just not expecting that that will be the first thing she will ask me to do. I thought it will be the last… the finale… the climax. I was wrong.

As I went on with the rest of the test, I thought I was doing alright. I thought the drill sergeant was giving me tips on driving. She was telling me the dos and don’ts in driving every now and then. As I went on with the rest of the test, I kept in mind all the tips that I get from people who are trying to help or warn me about the driving test. I was happy with the way my test went and thought the drill sergeant is better than my Hubby who is stricter than her. I finally concluded too that Hubby will not be a good driving instructor because he is grumpy and stringent.

As we went on with the rest of the test, she made me drove around the block… turning left and right… going straight… backing up… stopping on stop signs, on traffic lights, on 3-way crossing, on 4-way crossing, on pedestrian crossing… changing lanes… and on and on. After 30 minutes I saw we were heading back to the same parking lot where we pulled off. I parked the car… turned off the motor… and she gave the verdict – RE-EXAM! Mail the request for re-exam and pay $5 fee. Yes, I flunked my driving test. I failed and I have to re-take the road test. And that sucked. I badly need my driver’s license.

I hate that drill sergeant. I went back to the building. Searched for Hubby and when I saw him I couldn’t talk because I am choking. I just waved at him signaling that we need to leave that building now. He sensed it at once. He only said… you’ll be alright… you’ll pass it next time.

As I filled up my request form I read all the crossed out items on the list which obviously are the mistakes I committed that’s why I flunked the test. Here goes…

Mistakes Committed in the Road Test:

1. Disregard for traffic rules
a. Improper lane position (I stopped right on the Pedestrian lane, the gridded white lines on the road)

2. Lacks Backing Ability
a. Unable to properly back vehicle (She asked me to back up 50 yards straight. I didn’t do it straight. The only backing up I know is when I parallel park)
b. Backs into the traffic lane (Again, I wasn’t able to back up straight.)

3. Dangerous Acts
a. Must look over right-hand shoulder before vehicle moves to the rear. (I looked in the rear and side mirrors first)
b. Backing without looking to the rear (I looked in the rear mirror most of the time I was backing up.)
c. Must look over the left-shoulder before pulling from the curb. (I looked on the left side mirror only.)
d. Changed lane without checking R/L and L/R (Of course, I was looking on the left and right side mirrors and she wants me to look over my left or right shoulder.)
e. Exceeded Posted Speed. Posted: 15 miles; Speed: 20 miles; Street: Payson Park (I was already caught over-speeding.)

There you go. Those are the mistakes I committed. And those are the mistakes that I should not make again the next time I will take the road test again. So if you are reading this and you are in the same boat… read and learn! If you already passed it… good for you! If you pity me… I can’t blame you!

More Information on Driving Motor Vehicle:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle
Road Test Information
Proposed Motor Vehicle Rules
Maine DMV Guide

We don’t have apple trees in the Philippines and the apples that we buy locally are all imported from other countries like China [which is the most common], Japan [for Fuji apples but I was just guessing I just made the conclusion because Mt. Fuji is in Japan, hahahaha] and USA [for the delicious apples variety. But again I was just guessing… I am not an expert in fruits and have no friends who are into importing apples so I have no idea]. And you can find apples in the markets, groceries and fruit stalls all over the country… all year-round.

Since it is a tropical country, most fruits that are grown locally are tropical fruits, of course. We have lots of fruits that can be found in other countries too, most especially from our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. And most fruit trees we have in the country originated from these countries or vice versa.

During this time of the year… the most common fruit that you can find in the Philippines and most specifically in our little town in Liliw – is lanzones. It is a kind of fruit which is yellowish to brownish in color when it is ripe. They grow from lanzones trees, of course. They are round and grow in bunches like grapes. When you open it… the fruit’s white flesh is in section. It has seeds in it which is bitter when you bite, so don’t under any circumstances bite on it. It is odorless. It is sweet. And it is an anti-oxidant [that I found out only now when I googled it].

Lazones season in the Philippines is from August to October. But usually there are still some trees that bear the fruits as late as November. And they are only available in the market during those months. But unlike here in the US where you can pick your own fruits from the orchard, in the Philippines… you pick your fruits from the fruit stands or fruit section in the grocery. It is one of the most popular fruits in the Philippines and they can be costly. There are some places in the country where they celebrate Lazones Festival as a way of celebrating its abundance and as a tourist attraction. [To watch the video on the Festivals…click here]

We have lanzones trees in the garden around our house. They were planted by my grandparents so many years ago. According to them, the lanzones trees can only bear fruits when they reached 10 years old. But due to some modern technology and researches in the agriculture, they where able to make the bearing-age of these trees younger or lesser just like all the other fruit trees we have around to get the most benefit out of them.

When we were younger, my brothers and I would climb the trees ourselves and eat the fruits while sitting on its branches. Our mom hated it because we usually threw the fruit skin on the ground and she has to sweep the ground instead of having all the skin in one box so that it will be easier for her to put it out in the sun to dry.

My mom would dry the fruit skin in the sun until it dried up and we used it as insecticide. My mom would burn the dried lanzones skins and the smoke will fill our house to choke the mosquitoes away. And during that session we would be out of the house too because we didn’t want to have the same fate as the mosquitoes. Hahahaha.

Additional Information:
For Lanzones Festivals: Go to…. Cagayan de Oro
Go to… Ana Kalang Festival
Go to… Camiguin: A Tropical Island Paradise
Go to… Lakbay Pilipinas
Go to… Lanzones Production

Credits
For the Photos:
Wikipedia Image Download
Farl on Flickr
Ana Marie Amarga on Travel Blog
For the Video:
Camiguin Lanzones Festival

One of my favorite seasons here in Maine is the Apple Season. It’s yummy. It’s crunchy. It’s sweet. Hahahaha. It is still summer but Apple Season came early this year. It is now time to go to the orchard and pick the apples yourself.

There are lots of apple orchards around Maine. Most of these orchards are family-onwed and have been in the same families for generations. Most orchards are operated all year-round and they don’t just sell apples but produce a lot of products made of apples like cider vinegar, wine, juice, and jam just to name a few. And there are different varieties of apples that you can find here in Maine like the most famous McIntosh, red and yellow delicious, cortland, and empire just to name some.

Normally, these orchards are open to the public for apple picking. And apple picking is normally a family activity here in Maine. Kids enjoy this kind of activity because they can climb the trees and pick their own apples directly from the tree. But since most apple trees are low and can be reached from the ground you don’t have to climb them at all. But the most important part of apple picking is the part where you can eat as much apples as you can and you don’t have to pay for it. You only pay for the ones that you picked and you put in the bag. But for those apples that you put directly to your mouth down to your stomach… they are free and you don’t have to pay for it.

Additional Information in Apple Season In Maine:
To find the different Apple Orchards in Maine…

go to Apple Gazette
go to Northern New England
go to Apple Acres Farm and
go to All About Apples

Honestly speaking, Hunting Season is one of the many culture shocks that I have to endure and get over with since I came here in Maine. The first time I heard about it, I was shocked. I was shocked not because I am a member of the Animal Humane Society or what not. I was shocked because there is not such a thing as “deer hunting” in the Philippines. There could be some hunting activities happening around the country but it is not a real big deal because it is illegal there. And maybe, because there are not much deer around there because there is not much forest left too. Most of the forest and other agricultural lands were turned or converted into residential areas or worse… industrial and commercial zones.

But if deer hunting is to Mainers… cockfighting is to Pinoys. If deer hunting is a big thing in Maine… cockfighting is the biggest thing in the Philippines. And if deer hunting is making big money for the State of Maine through the licensing fees and as one of the State’s tourist attractions… cockfighting is making big money for cockfighting betters, gamblers and cock-owners themselves.

Cockfighting or SABONG as it is popularly known in the Philippines is considered as a sport [a blood sport for that matter]. It is the only sport that no human being is accepted as athletes. Cockfighting is big in the Philippines because it is a popular pastime among men since pre-spanish time. It is big in the Philippines because of betting or gambling. It is big in the Philippines because cock-owners are breeding cocks for cockfighting and this is a big income-generating industry [if you can consider it as that] because high-breed fighting cocks can cost thousands of pesos a piece. And more importantly, cockfighting is a whole-year-round season in the Philippines. It is a sport for both the rich and the poor. It is a sport that don’t entertain discrimination or bounded by social status because you can play it as long as you have money to bet. And it is played mostly in cockfighting arenas or even in the dusty backyards for small-time cockfighting in the far-flung barrios.

Cockfighting and deer hunting share 3 basic and common denominators - animal… men… and the love for the sports. They may both seem inhumane especially for those animal lovers but both are here to stay. I may hate to see a dead deer or a bloody cock but there is not much I can do. And much that I hate seeing them killed, I have to admit… I love venison steak and fried chicken.

Additional Information:
Cockfighting Photos… go to Philippine Cockfighting
Other articles on Cockfighting… go to New America Media and The Philippines
And for Cockfighting Videos… go to Metacafe’s Sabong Rooster Fights and Pilipinas Sabong Sports

Summer is not officially over yet. But I woke up today to a morning frost. And having survived 4 seasons here in Maine… I know what it means. Summer is not yet over and autumn is not officially here too. But the leaves are already turning yellow. And being able to experience the 4 seasons here in Maine… I know what’s going to happen soon. But whatever season it is right now… it doesn’t actually matter to my Hubby. Being in Maine all his life… all these changing seasons are just seasons that will pass by. And if you will ask him what season is his favorite… you will receive the most unlikely answer – hunting season.

Yes, it’s officially hunting season here in Maine and Hubby is itching to go hunting since the opening day last Saturday. The problem is… his truck… his good old truck. His truck is still in his friend’s garage and undergoing major over-haul. The truck’s motor finally gave up on him last March after recording 300k miles on it speedometer and he was not so happy. He loves his truck so much but the good thing is… it is my only competition. Hahahaha. Without his truck he can’t go hunting because he needs to drive through the woods and if he gets lucky he will need his truck to drag the deer or [dreaming big] another big buck out of the wood to the weighing station.
Yes, it’s officially hunting season here in Maine and hunting season is just one of the most awaited seasons for all outdoor enthusiasts. Hunting season here in Maine is from September to December and you can hunt from Monday to Saturday. But here is the thing – hunting season here in Maine is taken seriously. This means that not anyone can just go hunting whenever they like… you need to be licensed to do so. And to obtain license you also need to undergo a workshop on handling firearms and basic first aid course. Hunting license or permit costs around $15 (for junior) to $55 for Maine residents and as much as $176 for non-residents. Hunting without license is punishable by law. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife of the State of Maine is the one responsible for issuing the Hunting License and the ones who implement the laws too. There are different kinds of animals to hunt around the state of Maine like deer, bear, moose, turkey [which is usually the training target for the young Mainers], rabbit, and even the stinky skunk. But the most famous among them is “deer” and that is what my Hubby is after. Aside from the animals there are also different kinds of hunting tools that they use like firearms (also different kinds), bow and arrow, and traps.

Yes, it’s officially hunting season here in Maine and I have to get used to not having early supper again. During this time of the year, Hubby usually comes home late because he goes hunting right after work. Last year, he came really really late… it was already past nine in the evening. I was already worried but I got a phone call that he was in the weighing station because he got a 250 lbs./14-pointer buck which made him 6th placer in the entire State of Maine and was featured at the Maine Sportsman Magazine.

My step-son Brandon checking out Daddy’s 250 lbs./14-pointer buck.

Hubby’s big buck which made him 6th Placer for the entire state of Maine last Hunting Season.

Hubby’s prized trophy.

This year, he is hoping to break his own record. But at the rate his truck is doing… I don’t know if he will get lucky. He already missed the first day and until now he is still working on his truck. Oh well, since he has not taken out his hunting clothes yet nor his hunting boots or even his bow and arrow… I can eat my supper on time for now.

Additional Information
Maine Hunting Season… go to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
For Hunting License Fee… go the The Maine Way
For News about Outdoor Activities in Maine… go to Maine Sportmans

There is no such thing as football season in the Philippines. In the Philippines, Football is off-season the whole year round. It’s off-season because football as I have mentioned earlier in my previous post is not as popular as basketball. Basketball is the best thing in the Philippines or perhaps the second best thing after Jollibee. That is why if most young American boys dream to become a football or baseball player when they grow up, most young Filipino boys grew up dreaming and hoping to be either a Basketball or a Movie star… but not a football star.

The Filipinos have different kinds of sports and pastimes that they enjoy. And having a different culture they also have some unique kinds of games that they play. One of them is SIPA which literal meaning is “kick” is the national and traditional native sport of the country. Though Sipa is the national sport of the Philippines not all Filipinos are familiar with the sport. And though it is played professionally the regional sports tournament among Asian countries under Sepak Takraw for the Asian Games, it is not popular enough to be included in the list of sports in the Olympics. However, Sipa and SepakTakraw is gaining popularity abroad now and has reached foreign soil like the Canada.

Sipa like football also uses a special kind of ball made of rattan. And like football, the ball is kicked or played using the foot. But unlike football, there are lots of variations on how to play the game. But like any other sports, both Sipa and Football are sports that can make any young boys dream of becoming big time stars.

[To view more photos and videos of Sipa click here and for Sepak Takraw click here.]

For more Information about SIPA:
Go to… Sports in the Philippines
Go to… The Art of the Matter
Go to… A Century of Challenge and Change:The Filipino American Story

One of the most awaited seasons here in Maine or perhaps for the entire United States, is Football Season. Well, I have to admit I don’t know anything about football. The game is not that popular from where I came from, basketball is. And even with basketball I know nothing about it too in terms of the technicalities and rules of the games. I am not the athletic type. I am more into indoor games because I hate getting sweaty. hahahaha

I was introduced to football by my Hubby. A typical American guy, he is a true-blooded football fan. And when it is football night, he monopolizes the remote so I don’t have any choice but to watch the game too. Eventually, I began to like the game. It didn’t take long for me to appreciate the game because it is exciting. Ultimately, I soon realized that I am beginning to be a real fan too and would watch the game way past my bedtime while Hubby was already snoring the night away. And I would also include in my grocery list some snacks [which I don’t usually do] for our football nights.

Being a Mainer, the New England Patriots is my favorite team. Sadly, they lost to the Giants last year during the Super Bowl despite their 16 straight-win season. And I am also sad that Tom Brady lost the MVP Title to Eli Manning.

This year’s Football Season started today with Kansas City and the Patriots as the first teams to play. The Patriots won their first game today. But the sad thing is… Tom Brady had a knee injury and was pulled out of the game. Oh well, good thing Randy Moss and the rest of the team did their best to win their first game. I hope that they will make it to the Super Bowl XLII again and win this time.

Credits:
Photos are courtesy of Microsoft Clip Arts
Additional Information:
The New England Patriots
NFL Super Bowl XLII