Grapes for long life

Ah, grapes! Symbols of sex, eroticism, fertility, and good luck.  When I think of grapes, I think of richness and wealth, of madness and enjoyment, and of the Roman god Bacchus (or Dionysus to you Greek lovers) swimming in grape wine, just like that scene in Fantasia.  Well, exactly like that scene in Fantasia.

Phytonutrients found in grapes have been found to play a role in longevity.  And according to this site, in aging and longevity research, our ability to get optimal nutrition for the fewest possible amount of calories is related to our longevity, and the more we can decrease our calories while staying optimally nourished, the better our chances of healthy aging and longevity.

World-renowned Filipino pediatrician and the first woman to be admitted to Harvard Medical School Dr. Fe Del Mundo also said in a TV interview that the secret to living longer is to eat less.  She lived for 100 years, so she must have known what she was talking about.

Last Day 8

Greek yogurt + honey + grapes

Mestisang yogart / Takaw sa taco

Mestisang Yogart

May matangkad na Greko
Na bumisita sa preso
Natipuhan ng isang Pilipino
At pinakilala sa kanyang apo
Na bumisita rin sa preso

Mahinhin na dalagita
Ang gusto ng banyaga
So nag-date sila sa Luneta
At nagholding-hands pa
Sa ilalim ng mangga

Isang taon ang lumipas
Nagpakasal din sa wakas
Ang nagmamahalang si Tomas
At si Annalyn Bagasbas
Sa simbahan sa Batangas

Isang araw, may naka-realize
Na pinsan ni Lynlyn na si Lyz
Na marami palang sinabing lies
Itong si Tomas na mukhang plays (English: "pliers")
Na minsan ay mukha 'ring katol

Pero bago sila maghiwalay
May isang araw na sila'y sumablay
Dahil itong si Lynlyn na mahalay
Ay gusto palang maging nanay
So nagpabuntis siya kay Tomay

Mestisong bata ang lumabas
Crush ng bayan itong si Kulas
Kaso di niya alam ang panglunas
Sa kanyang pusong butas
Na di kayang takpan maski ng bayabas

So nagtangka ang bonitong mestiso
Na pumunta sa kabilang dako
Nang sa kanya may nagpayo
Na isa ring mestisong gwapo
(Na anak ng maitim na Kano)

Sayang beauty mo sister, sabi niya
Sumama ka nalang sa akin sa Maynila
At doon tayo magpakaganda!
Di tayo bagay maging Shanna
Dahil, hello, mukha tayong artista!

Napangiti si Kulas ng malaki
Kasi finally sa kanya may nakaintindi
Na kapwang magandang lalaki
Na feel din na siya'y pwedeng-pwede
Maging isang BB Gandanghari!

So nagpaparty si Kulas sa kanila
Dahil sa wakas alam na niya
Na siya pala ay isang bakla
And buti cool din si Mama
Na ang anak nya'y maging mestisa


Last Day 3

Ang mestisang yogart: maganda sa mata, maganda sa tiyan.

* * *

Takaw sa taco

'Pag pagod ka na sa katatakbo

Posibleng makaubos ka ng taco 

Sa loob ng limang minuto

Gaya ko

('Yun lang!)

Last Day 4

Magpasalamat ka at sinakop tayo ng iba't ibang bansa.

Mad about Greek yogurt

I discovered this yummy Mediterranean staple at the justifiably-popular Greek restaurant Cyma.  After a heavy meaty dinner of grilled salmon and potatoes, I wanted something light and not too sweet.  Anything chocolate felt indulgent, so I chose yogurt.  It was one of the best dessert-ions* of my life!

Greek yogurt is yogurt that has been strained off its whey (the liquid part of curdled milk), so what's left is a delicious, thick creamy thing that has more protein than regular yogurt.  Plus it does not have fat or cholesterol, improves lactose intolerance, builds stronger bones, enhances immunity, lowers blood pressure, may even have anticancer and weight-loss effects, and even promotes intestinal and vaginal health!

After a bit of research, I learned that Rizal Dairy Farms sells Greek yogurt and other milk-derived goodies at Market! Market! in Taguig.  A large cup sells for 110 pesos, which is good for 2-3 servings.  I took home three cups, which I think is enough to sustain my new Greek obsession for a whole week.

Last Day 2

Greek yogurt + honey + pistachios

*dessert-ion = dessert decision