Of death and dying

Angkong² at his favorite spot in Lido.

Today marks the 49th day¹ of my grandfather's passing. 

Never again will I see him sit at his usual place at Lido.Never again will he force me to order something to eat even though I've already said I've just eaten. Never again will he tell me to go and find myself a wife. Never again will those days as child where he'd take me everywhere he goes come back.

Sometimes I think I'd trade another minute in the hospital with him even though I know he's hurting, just to see him again, talk to him, but I know that's a selfish thing to ask for. It's a good these things aren't up to me. I'm sure the rest he find is better than the pain he's had to endure these last months. I'm not bitter and I'm not really complaining. He didn't leave any unfinished business. He's lived a full life at 80. He's had his share of successes and failures, and bounce backs from failures. His family is much much better off now than when he first set foot on the shores of this country that has been so good to him. A country he's learned to love back, never mind that he never did get the hang of Tagalog. 

I realize I'm rambling a bit. When people ask me how I was doing, I'd always said I'm feeling better. Now I realize it's not true. For some reason I kept it all bottled in. I still feel the longing as much as I did when I realize that he was forever gone. I still find it difficult to step in to the restaurant he made successful some 36 years ago--not without wishing he'd ask me if I've eaten . I still can't hold back the tears thinking about the times that are forever gone.

Angkong's birthday celebration some years ago

Short are the lives of men. We were never meant to tarry long in this world. This is but a pit stop for us to the grand adventure that is eternity. A gift of release from the torments of our physical frailty and imperfection. A gift we scorn and fear, but a wonderful gift of  respite nonetheless.

Goodbye angkong... gone you maybe in this world, but never in my heart. Never.

¹ 49 days is the traditional mourning period in most Filipino-Chinese cultures, at this time, none of the family members may wear red, get a haircut, a shave or cut their nails.

² Grandfather.

A visit to the heart of Chinatown: Panciteria Lido

It just occurred to me that few of the food blogs I've been to feature menus from one of the all-time treasure chest of the local cui-scene, Chinese food! So I've decided to go and introduce them (inasmuch as my budget allows me to) here! Where better to start than in Chinatown, and which better to feature than one that is closest to my heart. Permit me to begin this worthwhile endeavor by blogging about one of the oldest restaurant in Chinatown, Panciteria Lido!

麗都餐館 (lì dū cān guǎn) literally means a restaurant in a beautiful city. And Manila is indeed a beauty--maybe not in the way one sees beauty--the fierce and stout-hearted yet amusing and relaxed sort. Lido (as it's more popularly known) has had a long flavorful history as Manila waxed and wanned throughout the 20th century. It's been a silent witness to the changes sitting at the same address in Alonzo St. near the corner of Ongpin St. since the 1930's--moving with the times, flourishing during Manila's golden period and likewise struggling in periods of economic turmoils.

I've personally encountered many old timers who recount with fondess their daily coffee sessions on countless early mornings and middays spent with their friends. Even the current Father of Manila, Mayor Alfredo Lim is a fixture here on Sunday mornings! Boy, this is a fun place on Sundays. Some of the "young-once" reminisce going there on Sundays with their family when they were kids. I've even heard of love stories that began while sharing a plate of Pancit where else?

Last Sunday, me, my brother and his fiancee, and my sister met our dad for lunch at Lido. My brother and his fiancee ordered the Beef Brisket in Hotpot (P215). This is actually good for 2-3 people, and is unlike most of the beef brisket serve elsewhere. It's flavor enhanced by the hotpot it's served in.

My sister ordered Steamed fish fillet in soy sauce (P250), one of my all time favorites. Simple yet filling, this embodies the simplistic nature of Chinese dishes.

I of course ordered my favorite rice topping (of all time?), Portuguese Chicken Rice (P125)! This dish is reminiscent of the time when Lido was still owned by a Cantonese man from Macau. This photo can be deceiving, it's actually a huge bowl (hence my attraction to it hehe...)

It's a combination of carrots, celery, green peas, tomato and chicken fillet in a delectably thick tomato sauce on top of plain rice (or fried depending on your preference I guess).

Pwede bang puro pambara na lamang? Syempre dapat may panulak! (I can't very well just stuff my face with solids right? I chugged all it down with a tall glass of Papaya shake! (P75) Ain't that beautiful!

This is a photo of their Pugon Roasted Asado (arguably the best Asado in Chinatown) and Lechon Kawali. (P175 per order--that's good for 1/4th kg!)

And their claim to fame, their very own Siphon-brewed Coffee (which you can enjoy for only P55 a cup) that's been dubbed as The Best Coffee in Chinatown!

The word "panciteria" (and of course pansit) actually originated from a Chinese phrase that means "let's all eat in a big table" so how appropriate that I chanced upon one of the tables, all set and ready with no one was occupying it. I suppose you can't blame me if I decided to go over and steal... some shots.

(From the center going counterclockwise: Pata Tim, Sweet and Sour Pork, Fried Chicken, Chopsuey, Chami, and Yang Chow Fried Rice. Served on the side is the traditional Nido Soup.)

Go on, give them a visit. And when you do, don't forget to say hi to the owner, Mr. King.

Who I'm sure will be more than willing to say hi back.

You can also find Panciteria Lido at West Avenue , Quezon City at the Westlife Center just besides Starbucks.