Updates and Changes

        Hello, hello! I'm so glad to be back! No, I did not go on a vacation, but my allergies acted up after sun exposure during the Kadayawan and I was puffy and itchy all the way up to my ears and eyelids. I had to sleep in a couple of days, for the antihistamines to do their wonders against the itch, but my skin is still trying to recover. Good thing, a friend visited me and gave me a sample jar of her all-natural skin care products from Australia. We had been talking about it for some time and this time, she had finally taken the plunge, and went into business selling these products that she so loved.

SKIN CARE AND ALERGIES

       Anyway, to alleviate the itch, I lathered up with sulfur soap and dried my skin with a towel and immediately applied her Centella Gel  ( extract from Centella asiatica ) on my face, neck, arms, thighs and legs. It was light and non-sticky and yes, very soothing. Seconds later, I completely forgot I had allergies, and spent the rest of the day chatting with her. The next couple of days, I repeated the process twice a day and there is a marked improvement in my skin, the puffiness is gone, so has the thickened, scaly skin that formed. She laughed when I said that I felt like the crinkle cookie because smiling and speaking made me feel my skin was cracking up due to the thick scale that formed on my skin as a result of the allergy. All that is gone now, and I have observed a softer, moisturized feel on my skin. Finally, my skin is on its way to full recovery. Question is, has she found a convert to natural skin care in me? The answer is, YES! I actually tried to pluck stray eyebrow hairs so I could prove how Centella gel can soothe after plucking and shaving, and yes, though there was a temporary sting on contact, I completely forgot my eyelid areas were supposed to be sore for one whole day from plucking. I'm impressed.

Centella asiatica

ACNE AND DENGUE
       

Acne

         I'm so impressed, I also let my 18 year old daughter try the product on her acne. After cleansing, she smoothed tiny amounts on her acne and all over her face. I really did not expect much because, my daughter has probably tried every natural treatment under the sun and within the internet. This time, her cystic acne dried up quickly, forming a dark, dry, scaly bump, and then falling off without a scar. Now, for an all-natural product, THAT is awesome. Don't you think? So, here's what I'm thinking; I'm planning to purchase a domain name and create a website to market and distribute these all-natural skincare products from Australia and see where it goes. I have been going the natural route for years and it is exciting to see that already, natural products have overtaken some of the more expensive, branded products in effectivity and reliability. Am also thinking of marketing some of my trusted natural products for health and vitality. Because, you see, though Dengue, a deadly mosquito borne disease has ravaged my country for the last five years, and victimized almost every one of my neighbors, NOT ONE of my family members have ever fallen victim. Five years, and no Dengue, not once,  is quite a feat in my country. Thanks to high-quality, and delicious, natural products which I will share with you really soon. However, if you cannot wait, or you know someone who needs help now, message me in Facebook, and I will respond to your query.

WEIGHT AND INCH LOSS

Don't you just love this inspiration?

        I also lost 2 kilos, roughly 5 pounds and two inches on my waist and hips, HOORAY! For the very first time since high school, my hips is 37 inches, YAY! You see, I have battled with the bulge in high school, went as far as having a 40 inch waistline after graduation, UGH! But, now, I am quite happy with my figure at 43. I have a very simple work-out routine, mainly targeting problem areas. Exercise moves that are so basic, so elementary, it might bore you. BUT! I have a breathing technique which multiplies the slimming effect some gazillion times over, so you can lose 2 inches or more in two weeks or less. How's that for a mom of 3?  I know I am camera-shy, that's why I haven't posted a profile picture even to this day, BUT! I am willing to have shots of me taken while doing my exercise routine so you can copy them, hopefully this week, how's that? I actually drafted that exercise post, I just needed the pics to illustrate, so am keeping my fingers crossed. Do not expect a hardcore abs type of a person, though,  I'm just happy to be slim and fit for now. hope this week turns out great for you and me guys!

        Thank you for visiting my blog, please leave your comments, questions or suggestions below.

Kadayawan 2013 Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan Festival Performances

Finally, it's here!  the YouTube Videos of performances during the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan.

Despite the near cancellation of the highlight activities, and the cancellation of bookings by tourists, those who trusted the capability of the City to protect its residents and guests to its festival did not get disappointed. Not only was the celebration festive as ever, but no untoward incident happened. Thank goodness to the intensified intelligence operations and force multipliers for the police force assigned to secure the city during this crucial event, the vigilance of the residents and of course, God's protection.

I am so excited to share with you this 4 hour video of the presentation of entries during the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan. There were two categories: Open and Davao-based categories. For the Open category: entries from neighboring provinces can join. While the second category is strictly for Davao participants. 

Action starts at 22 minutes after the video started, be patient with the inserted advertisements as a Telecom company put this together, but you will enjoy the performances, I guarantee that you will want to witness this in person next year! 

My personal favorite is Entry Number 7 or the third performer and also the winner of the Open Category. Performing after them is the Davao Based category winner. Without further ado: here's the link: Indak-Indak 2013 performances.

Winners for the open category are:

Champion: Panay National High School Hamugaway Performing Arts
1st runner up: Tribu sa Lalan from Polomolok, South Cotabato
2nd runner up: Tribu Talaingod
3rd runner up: Lumadnong Dibabawon: Sonlon National High School
4th runner up: Lemsnolon Elementary School - Madal Performing Arts Group

For the Davao-based category the winners are:

Champion - Holy Cross College of Calinan Davao
1st runner up -- Magallanes Elementary School
2nd runner up -- Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Elementary School Performing Arts Guild
3rd runner up -- Sta. Ana National High School Performing Arts Guild
4th runner up -- Crossing Bayabas National High School and Loyola Elementary School

And here are some of the action pics of the Kadayawan Indak-Indak: courtesy of Habagat Central

Kadayawan Festival Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan ( Street Dance Festival )

Happy Kadayawan Festival to Davao City and the Filipinos around the World. I will be personally witnessing the Street dancing Festival today and I might not be back until late in the afternoon so I am going to leave you guys a livestream link  so you can view the action as it unfolds. The street dancing is about to start and I want you to witness every part of it through this live coverage.

Click on this link www.gmanews.tv/livestream to watch the coverage! By the way for the timezones across the world: Right now in Davao City it is 8:02 AM so here are the timezone differences:

Germany : Frankfurt it is 1:56 AM Sat
Moscow : 3:56 AM Sat
Chicago :6:56 PM Fri
Montreal : 7:56 AM Sat
Los Angeles, USA: 4:56 PM Friday
Melbourne, Australia : 9:56 AM Sat
Toronto : 7:56 PM Friday
Seoul : 7:56 AM Sat
Sao Paulo Brazil: 8:56 PM Fri
Madrid : 1:56 AM Sat
London : 12:56 AM Sat


By the way, the winner for Hiyas ng Kadayawan is Miss Matigsalug Tribe! Will post pics later, bye, guys! Watch now! via livestreaming!

the performers for yesterday's Bankerohan River Festival.

Maruya ( Fried Battered Bananas) two ways

        I just found out I have the hives. This means I cannot go out into the sun to watch the Kadayawan festival without expecting to scratch my skin off my entire body. But, I will still go to the malls and cover what I can among the many activities lined up, so you can "see" them with me.

        I am still waiting for the results for the Sayaw Mindanao last night. But here's the Kadayawan official schedule of activities:

        Saba bananas are the most popular cooking bananas in my country. It is used as dessert, sweet, snack and as vegetable. I also happen to have tasted it as jam. If you're wondering what it looks like, here it is:

Saba bananas

        Today, we will be making the ubiquitous Maruya snack. It's a common sight in the afternoon in any neighborhood. Freshly fried, hot and delicious.

Maruya

Let's make Maruya!

INGREDIENTS:
7 pieces Saba Bananas siced lengthwise into haves or into fans ( two ways )
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
cooking oil for frying
brown or white sugar for sprinkling

PROCEDURE:

Bananas sliced into fans, you can slice them into 5 or 6, too

1. Mix all the dry ingredients. Add the rest of the ingredients except the bananas. Blend  until the batter is smooth.

2 Heat oil in a deep pan. Dip each banana half or fans into the batter, coating thoroughly.

3. Deep fry until golden. Drain and sprinkle granulated sugar before serving. Serve hot.

A big batch of Maruya for snacks

NOTE: This is a common street snack and usually available at your friendly neighborhood stalls. some people prefer to sweeten the batter as well, you may opt to do so.

Maja Blanca ( Coconut custard dessert )

        Happy to post the lineup of contestants for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan or "Bya'Neng". Tomorrow, August 15, 2013 will be the coronation night. Yesterday, they showcased their know how of their own cultures through dances, songs, playing their native instruments and making fire from two stones, and cooking dishes using the bamboo as cooking receptacle! Talk about indigenous talent! These girls were handpicked by their tribes to represent them in the contest. Here they are in their native costumes:

Official candidates to the Hiyas ng Kadayawan

        Another thing that caught my eye via Facebook is a pretty Russian girl singing a Visayan song with David DeMuzio, who is keen on promoting Visayan Songs. I must say that they are both fluent in Visayan as they flawlessly interpreted the song in unmistakable Visayan dialect. Watch their beautiful rendition here.

        I wanted to include the translation to the song so you guys can understand why they felt so much emotion while singing this song even though its foreign to them. Here are the lyrics:
English Translation by Sophia Lorene: 
I.
Forgetting you is not easy.
Until now I'm still waiting
For our yesterday to come back
Even if you've already forgotten me.

Chorus:
Even if you have someone else now
You're still the one I love
Even if I'll only get hurt
As long as you're happy, I'll accept everything

II.
I see your situation now
It's really different when you were with me
In his side you're so happy
And here I am hoping for you to come back

Bridge:
Until now I'm still hoping
That time will come that you'll come back

        The third thing I wanted to share with you guys is the fact that Davao City ranked Fourth safest among 349 cities with Abu Dhabi ranking first. This is huge relief even as the threat to terrorist attacks are being monitored by the Authorities. Mayor Duterte also said in a statement yesterday, that despite cancellations of bookings by tourists attending the Kadayawan Festival due to safety reasons, he says the Festival will be held with or without tourists as the festival was created to showcase and honor the 10 Tribes in Davao City and not for anything else. I will do my very best to capture some of the action this weekend despite my allergies. ( crossing my fingers, now)

The local daily headline yesterday, August 13, 2013

   
Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. Today we will be making a dessert which is best served cold. Maja Blanca. Its a coconut custard with sweet corn kernels, cooked in a pan and allowed to cool into solid form in a mold, sliced and served as is.

Let's make Maja Blanca!

Maja Blanca with toasted coconut, pics courtesy of  Google

INGREDIENTS:

4 c. coconut milk
3/4 c cornstarch
1 14 oz Condensed milk
3/4 c. fresh milk
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 15 oz. can sweet corn kernels
5 T. toasted, grated coconut or chopped peanuts ( topping )

Ingredients

PROCEDURE:

1. Pour coconut milk into a pot and bring to a boil.

2. Add sugar, condensed milk and sweet corn and simmer 8 minutes.

simmering

3. Combine fresh milk and cornstarch. Pour into the pot and stir to mix. Cook until thickened and the mixture heavily coats the spoon or laddle and separates from the pan. Quickly tansfer to a buttered metal or glass mould and level the top. Sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped peanuts and allow to set. Refrigerate for faster setting.

Setting the Maja

4. Slice and serve on individual plates. Here are two pics using different toppings:

Maja topped with chopped peanuts over banana leaf

Maja topped with toasted coconut served on banana leaf

Note: Refrigerate leftovers in a covered plastic container.

Durian Jam

        Durian Season has begun! And with it comes the great opportunity to stock up on this prized king of Fruits via jams, preserves, candies, etc. In time for the Kadayawan Festival, we expect the prices to go down even further.

        I am particularly not a big fan of eating Durian Fruit fresh from the pod, unlike most Davaoenos. But am a big fan of Durian pie, Durian cake, Durian candies and Durian jam. 

        Now that the prices have gone down from a regular high of PhP 70 -80/kilogram, each kilo now sells for PhP 35/kilogram. That means abundant feasting for every Juan. ( Juan is a common John Doe name for every Filipino ).

Durian

Creamy, yummy, thick meat

        So, I am sharing to you the simplest, most authentic tasting, no-fuss, easy to make Durian Jam to take you to Durian heaven, fast. But before that, allow me to share a few facts about Durian:

        Durian can cause weight gain. Why? because one seed contains as much as 68 calories, so if an individual finishes one whole fruit, which is about 1 kilogram, that would be around 1,680 calories. Though rich in nutrients, Durian has high caloric value and may be damaging to your waistline.

        Durian also has a heating effect. Eating Durian commonly causes the body to heat up. Some people react after just one seed, others after 3 or more. Some even sweat profusely as a result. So this is not recommended for Diabetics and those with high blood pressure. So, just for the heck of it, one seed should suffice to kill the urge. Please have the discipline to not go overboard. Your heart and health will thank you for it.

        Davao City's alter-ego is Durian City. There was a time in history when people wanted to rename the city of Davao into Durian City. The name became popular but now, it is considered a nickname.

         In Davao City, three premium varieties are Puyat, Arancillo and Chanee. The rest are second class and third class varieties. The premium varieties have really thick meat and almost yellow-orange in color, while the rest have off-white to cream colored meat. For this recipe, any variety will do. But you will still prefer to get the premium meaty kind simply because they are creamier.

         So, now onto our Durian Jam!

My Durian jam, didn't last one day!

INGREDIENTS:

Meat of all the seeds in one Kilogram of durian
8 Tablespoons white sugar
1/2 tsp salt.

PROCEDURE:

1. Place the Durian meat in a non-stick pot or pan. Add the sugar and salt and stir to mix.

2. Turn heat on to medium-low and stir constantly, making sure you don't scorch the Durian meat.  Durian jam is done when the consistency becomes thick and no longer spreads to the sides of the pan. Another test would be to cool a small amount and stick your finger into the jam, if it doesn't stick to the finger, it is done.

3. Durian jam maybe stored in glass or plastic containers and will  last up to one month. But I doubt if it will last one day in your kitchen. Those who abhor Durian smell will easily love this as a spread on toast, crackers or directly from a spoon.

Store-bought  Durian jam sells for PhP 120 and above

Note: Durian has a very pervasive smell and might stay in your kitchen for longer than you want. Simply boil lemons in a cup of water and allow the lemon scent to neutralize the strong odor.  This recipe allows you to enjoy the abundant fruit without needing to eat everything in one go. And you get to enjoy humongous savings because store-bought Durian jam sells for at least PhP 120 and up, while this entire recipe is less than PhP 50 or a little over a dollar.  Enjoy!

Inihaw na Panga at Tiyan ( Grilled Tuna Jaw and Belly )

        Great News! The City Mayor Rody Duterte has announced on Friday, August 9th that all the activities lined up for the Kadayawan Festival will push through. In this morning's news, he said in the press conference that his stringent requirements had been met for the security measures and safety of the city. He has ordered all the military and the local police force to have a lock down on the city, this includes all the other cities preceding Davao, for those travelling by land. The City council has also passed ordinances prohibiting vehicle parking along all the streets that will be the route of the two back-to-back parades, and the prohibition of carrying backpacks or sling bags. Information dissemination was done through radio, tv and print media. Everyone is requested to cooperate and carry belt bags or transparent bags only. Any suspicious looking items will be confiscated and resisting will only lead to arrest. The citizens are particularly aware, and amenable, that this info is spread via Facebook and Twitter. Well, better safe than sorry! Better to have the festivities with many strict rules than to have none!

        The opening Ceremonies was held at the People's Park with the City Mayor himself sounding off the Agong ( bronze gong ) and serving Durian fruit to the City Officials. Festivities then followed. The stage was an oversized basket of fruits showing off the bountiful harvest of the city.

Kadayawan Opening Ceremonies 2013 

        Now that the Festivities are in full swing, the rest of Davao City and the tourists pouring in from all over the world can rest assured that the show will go on! We can also enjoy some of Davao's freshest bounty.

        When only the best, the freshest will do, Inihaw na Tuna Belly or Panga ( Jaw ) will satisfy your cravings. Inihaw means Grilled. This is one of the dishes that people always request of their Filipino hosts. Though fairly simple to prepare, there are a few simple rules to make it like the pros do: moist, juicy and flavorful. These are some pics of grilled Tuna belly. Photo credits to Flickr and other sources.

        Aside from the belly and jaw, the tuna tail or Buntot also offers the same moist, juicy pieces. So the same procedure applies to the three different parts. 
So, if you're ready for a taste of Davao, bring on the hot coals!

Grilled Tuna Panga

INGREDIENTS:

1 whole Tuna belly or Jaw ( Panga ) around 800 g.
salt and pepper to taste
grated ginger or garlic
soy sauce
cooking oil
banana leaf ( optional )

PROCEDURE:

1. Wash the fresh tuna belly or panga, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub grated ginger or garlic or both to remove the fishy smell. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare basting sauce; dark soy sauce, kalamansi juice, pepper and 2 T. oil.

3. When the hot coals have ashen, place the Tuna belly or Panga meat side down, sear for about 5 minutes. Then turn over skin side down,  basting every so often with basting sauce. You can cook longer on this side, as the skin is never eaten. Grilling time will depend on the thickness of the Belly or Panga. Do not overcook as this will result in a dry product.

Grilled Tuna Panga

4. Serve hot  with steamed rice, atchara and dipping sauce of grated ginger, minced onion, minced tomatoes, soy sauce and kalamansi juice. This dish is best eaten served on a basket weave plate with banana leaf lining and with your bare hands and great company.

Turon ( Banana Spring Rolls )

The morning news was a bit disconcerting, the city mayor, in his press conference yesterday expressed concerns about celebrating the culmination activities for Kadayawan Festival scheduled on the 17th, (  Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan ) Street Dancing and 18th, ( Pamulak Festival ) Floral Float Parade. This is largely due to the recent bombings that rocked Cagayan De Oro City, Cotabato City, Maguindanao and Midsayap in the last few days of July and early August. The Mayor is seriously mulling about scrapping the last two major events lined up for Kadayawan and says he will announce his final decision on August 13. Everything else hangs in the balance between now and August 13. So sad! But I also understand his concern for the safety and security of guests and tourists as well as residents of the city. Checkpoints are stricter in all the entry and exit points, ports and airports but still, we cannot be too careful,  even with the Hall of Famer Davao City Police Office and multi-awarded Senior Police Superintendent Ronald De La Rosa heading the police force.

P/Supt Ronald De la Rosa with City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte photo credit SunStar Davao

When I went downtown the other day and riding public transport called jeepneys, some passengers were talking about Kadayawan choreographers who practice their dances as soon as the last buntings of a recently concluded festival is swept away. Meaning; they prepare for one whole year for the dances and choreography. Some schools have participants practicing 4 to 8 pm daily until the actual competition. I was blown away at the lengths people would go to, to win these festival competitions. But realize though, that prizes run for hundreds of thousands of pesos.

Jeepneys

Also in the news was an elementary public school which won the Sayaw Mindanao competition during the Araw ng Dabaw. Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School showed the dance props and materials they were making for the Indak-indak entry of the school. They were actually making 7 paper mache horses, a paper mache coconut tree, and several other ethnic items. The school had spent a whopping 70 grand for the costumes and props alone. Whoa! talk about making a career in street dancing! On the other hand, you can also glean from these frantic preparations how Davaoenos value this festival and pull out all stops, to make it worth packing your bags and travelling thousands of miles to watch,doesn't it?

Sayaw Mindanao competitors

Today, we will be making Turon,  a common snack item usually peddled along the streets and usually seen in the afternoons only. Of course this can be served as dessert, but because of the prep time, you will want to do this for afternoon snacks still. There is a very big likelihood that you will get to eat these when you visit anyways, so here's your sampling.

Let's make Turon!

Turon

INGREDIENTS:

6 - 10 pieces ripe Saba bananas
spring roll wrapper ( lumpia wrapper )
strips of ripe jackfruit
brown sugar
1-2 inches of cooking oil in a deep fryer

PROCEDURE:

1. After peeling the bananas, slice them into halves lengthwise. Prepare the spring roll wrappers by separating them into individual sheets.

2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a plate, center a banana half, cut side up on it.  Put 1-2 strips of jackfruit, sprinkle sugar on top and cover with the other banana half.

3. Fold over the other end of the wrap on the banana and fold the sides toward the center, just like wrapping a spring roll. Seal with water towards the end. Do the same for the rest of the bananas.

4. Heat several inches of oil in a deep pan. When hot enough, lower to medium heat, deep-fry the banana spring rolls for about 5-7 minutes each side. At this point, you might want to sprinkle brown sugar onto the oil. When the brown sugar has melted and floated on top, swirl the Turon to coat with the sugar syrup. You may also choose to make the sugar syrup separately when making a big batch so the sugar doesn't burn.

Turon

5. Serve hot! Be careful, though, the inside part is hotter than the crispy outer wrap. Believe me when I say that this is one of the simplest, but most satisfying snacks you'll ever sink your teeth into. Leave a comment if you tried this and agree!

Credits to Flickr and other sources for the pics. So sad, my camera phone still is in no condition to upload pics. Hope to get them up and going for the Kadayawan Festival, though.

By the way, the bananas to use are not your table bananas but the saba or cardava variety which needs cooking. Below is a picture of Cardava banana. These are usually boiled, or served as Minatamis na Saging ( sweetened with sugar ) as Maruya ( Fried bananas) and as Turon.

cooking bananas

KINILAW ( Fish Ceviche )

        Great, great day everyone! I apologize for not being able to post for the last 7 days, my cellphone cannot upload the pictures I took of the dishes I've made, and am still looking into the problem. Whenever I try to upload the pics, I get diverted to take a tour of some update or something and my pics get lost somewhere. So, please bear with me as I "borrow" pictures of dishes from Flickr and other sources.

        I have updates for the Kadayawan Festival though, the formal opening ceremonies will be held on August 10 at the People's Park;  the iconic central park smack right in the middle of the city. I also learned that the national government has declared August 16, 2013, Friday a special non-working holiday for the entire Davao City. The reason for this is a mind-blowing new thing for me: Kadayawan Festival is the King of Philippine Festivals: every other festival tries to rival it in magnitude and revelry. It is the one festival that draws international and local tourists for a month-long, all-around festivities and activities.

Kadayawan 2013 theme: Ensuring Continuing Good

        Other kings to look out for is Durian; the king of Philippine Fruits, with Davao region being the most prolific producer of the fruit. Some 3,000 hectares are planted to it and the Durian Council has happily announced that harvest is abundant and will last until December. Yesterday, when I went downtown, Durian sells for only P35 per kilo. That's less than a dollar or around  .70-75 US cents! Bring on the Durian binge! Durian Festival also starts on August 10 and the Durian afficionados are gearing up for  a helluva binge.

Durian King of Fruits

        Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle is the king of Philippine Skies and our national bird.  One of the Earth's largest eagles, measuring 2.8 to 3.4 feet and weighing anywhere from 3.5 to 8 kilograms. As the name suggests, it devours monkeys and also other prey. The "Haribon" or king bird is bred and cared for in the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary also located in Davao City. A visit to see him and his fellow eagles, raptors and other species in the conservatory is a must-do in Davao City. There will be souvenir items from plushies, to figurines and t-shirts showing him off, too.

Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle

        Waling-waling, the "Queen of Philippine Orchids" is now enjoying special attention from no less than the Philippine Senate, with two senators passing a bill to name it "national flower" alongside Sampaguita in February of this year. Almost wiped out in the 1980's, a Davao resident; amateur orchid breeder Charita Puentespina, mass-produced Waling-waling through embryo culture. Waling-waling is Vanda sanderiana and considered one of the most unique and most beautiful orchids in the world.

Waling-waling

        Now that you know why Kadayawan Festival is the go-to tourist attraction of Davao City, with 'kings' and 'queens' gracing the ocassion. There will be plenty of things to do, see, taste and experience in my city.

        So, in keeping with the local theme, today we will make Kinilaw or Fish Ceviche. This is one dish, you will not want to miss about Davao.
        
        Let's make Kinilaw!

Kinilaw

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo White Marlin fillet or Tuna fillet
2 cups white vinegar
1 tsp salt

For the MARINADE:
1 onion, diced
1 thumb-sized ginger, minced
1/2 cup calamansi ( lemon ) juice
1 cup vinegar
1 T. white sugar
salt to taste

For the GARNISH:
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 pcs. red bird's eye chili
1 large cucumber, sliced into rounds

PROCEDURE:

1. To prepare the marinade: Combine all the ingredients for the marinade. If possible plce in a blender for a smoother marinade. Strain and set aside.

2. Wash the White Marlin cubes. Place in a bowl and wash with white vinegar and salt. Discard the vinegar and salt after use.

3. Add the marinade to the White Marlin cubes and let stand. Remove excess liquid if desired.

4. Place in a serving dish and garnish with red bell pepper, bird's eye chili and cucumber. Serve chilled.

Kinilaw

Note: Kinilaw can take on different looks. Plating and the amount of garnish can add to the eye appeal. The taste is entirely up to you, though. You can make this spicy, or salty or just right. Enjoy!