April 30, 1910 – April 2, 2002

He was named National Artist for Music because of his contributions… count them, more than 4,000 songs!

Guinness Book of World Records recognized him as the only leaf-player in the world. Er, that sounded strange. It means that he was the only person who could play music using a leaf. You know, those green things from plants.

He was buried with full military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Rightfully so.

What they say:

Levi Celerio was famous for his unusual leaf music, but I didn’t know that he wrote the immortal classics like Pasko na Naman, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Ang Pipit, and a whole bunch of other songs that even our great grandchildren will still be singing.

All eyes on the flying cue ball - well-timed photo by Cescil Castaneda

Nice to know:

Francisco “Django” Bustamante started playing billiards when he was 10. He owns one of the most powerful (if not the most powerful) break shots in the world.

“Sa wakas nakumpleto na din ang pagiging bilyarista natin. Lahat kasi, ito ang pangarap, maging WPA World 9-ball champion,” the Tarlac City native said after winning the 2010 World 9-Ball Pool championship. – from mb.com.ph

What others are saying:

I’ve been trying to mimic Django’s signature behind-the-back shot but I only end up embarrassing myself. He makes it look so easy,  so I’ll just leave it to the pro. – Alvin

"Diane, please turn on the electric fan, ang init eh!" - photo by Carina Altomonte

Nice to know:

There are 15 of these humongous 70-meter tall fans collectively and affectionately called a “wind farm”.

It’s a brilliant idea to take advantage of the strong winds blowing straight towards the shores of Ilocos Norte.

What they say:

These giant fans are so massive that quite honestly, they frighten me. What if the blades fly off?

It’s either malaki talaga yung windmills or maliit lang talaga ako. Or both. Yeah, both! Haha! – Diane Reyes

Classic Eugenio Torre at Bochum (1981), photo by Gerhard Hund (German mathematician)

Nice to know:

Eugenio, more popularly known as Eugene, Torre is one of the best Pinoy chess players of all time. This Iloilo-born chess genius is the first Asian to earn the title of International Grand Master.

What they say:

Eugene Torre was (and still is) a living legend during my chess-playing days in the 1980s. Thank you for letting me reveal my generation. – Anonymous Chess Dude

Stop taking photos and just get in!

View from the driver's seat. Or rather, peeking from behind the driver's seat.

Nice to know:

Similar to the MRT, time consumed between stations is roughly 2 minutes, which already includes loading and unloading time.  So, once you get in a train, you can fairly accurately predict your travel time.

What they’re saying:

I take the LRT to Gil Puyat because it’s a heck of a lot faster than a jeepney ride.

I’ve learned how to balance myself in a moving train without holding on to the handles. – Professional LRT Rider

Sure, use it as a straw if you wish. (photo by Rina Alcantara)

Nice to know:

Beef bone marrow in vegetable soup. The soup should be served hot!

Tap the marrow out of the bone, but you may suck it out if that’s how you prefer to eat it.

What people are saying:

Sabaw pa lang ulam na! Kahit sa inyo na yung buto. - Alvin

I like those crispy waffle edges! - photo contributed by "a Pinay in Singapore"

Nice to know:

It’s served hot, it’s affordable and it’s heavy on the belly. Perfect combination!

The waffles are filled with any of the following: hotdog, cheese, cheesedog, ham & cheese, and even chocolate. Mmmm.

What they’re saying:

This was my favorite pantawid-gutom during college. Can’t go wrong with a 10-peso waffle-dog. Aaah, memories! – Alvin

The raw fish pieces are in there somewhere, buried under the onions and garnishings.

What others are saying:

Raw fish “cooked” in vinegar? Waiter, three bottles of beer, please!

Blushing isaw, "redder" than usual

Nice to know:

This Pinoy street food’s main ingredient is intestine from either a chicken or a pig. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce, and grill to desired crispiness.

What others are saying:

Saraaaap ng tustadong isaw na babad sa suka yuuuum! – Neva Arboleda-Santos; founder, Manila Mommy

I love isaw, my two-year old son eats isaw. When we walk by the street and he sees the vendor, he goes ‘Isaw! Isaw!’ – Denise Gonzales; co-founder, Indigo Baby

A stern warning to establishment who refuse to grant discounts to senior Pinoys.

Nice to know:

Outright 20% discount on food, medicine, and public transportation fare for Pinoys who are willing to admit that they’re at least 60 years old. And now, seniors are exempted from VAT (value-added tax).

Subject to abuse though. Some enterprising seniors buy stuff at a discount, then sell them at “almost full price”, pocketing the difference. How’s that for quick cash?

What others are saying:

My husband and I get to watch movies for free, then we’d eat a hearty meal at at discounted rate. I love these benefits!  - Connie Lao, proud and happy senior citizen