Lifted from Saga Sphere The Heat of the Pugon: Ancient Filipino Clay and Stone Ovens Long before modern kitchens were filled with stainless steel gas stoves, ovens, and electric appliances, the heart of the Filipino household pulsed with the glow of the pugon—a clay or stone oven that once defined our ancestors’ way of cooking. The pugon was more than just a cooking tool; it was a bridge between cultures, a sign of resilience, and a centerpiece of community life. In this story, we’ll rediscover its history, its uses, and why it remains a powerful reminder of Filipino ingenuity. The Origins of the Pugon The earliest forms of the pugon were believed to have come from Asian neighbors like China and India, where clay ovens had long been used. When Spanish colonizers arrived, they brought their own version of brick and stone ovens for baking bread and pastries. Filipinos, as always, adapted. They combined native clay and volcanic stone with Spanish design, creating ovens that could handle b...

Lifted from Saga Sphere Banig: The Timeless Handwoven Sleeping Mat of the Filipino People Have you ever seen a simple mat made from colorful leaves, neatly spread on the floor, where the whole family gathers to sleep, rest, or simply talk together? That, my friends, is the banig—a traditional handwoven sleeping mat of the Filipino people. The banig is not just an ordinary mat. It carries with it the story of Filipino creativity, resilience, and connection to nature. It is made from pandan leaves, buri palm, or tikog grass, carefully cut, dried, dyed, and woven by hand. Each banig is unique, showing the artistry of the weaver who pours patience and love into every strand. 🌱 How the Banig is Made The making of a banig begins with nature. Leaves are harvested, then softened under the sun. Sometimes they are boiled or dyed with natural colors. Then, patiently, the weaver interlaces the strips to form intricate patterns—zigzags, diamonds, and colorful designs that reflect local culture. So...

11 September 2025 Thursday 

Pag-aakda ni Martha Carrera IN THE PHILIPPINES,  RIGHT NOW THE WORD OF EVERY HOUSEHOLD IS "CORRUPTION." THE ENDLESS INVESTIGATIONS RESULTS TO NOTHING. BUT MORE WASTING OF THE FILIPINO TAXPAYER'S MONEY. IN FEW WEEKS LAHAT NG INVESTIGATIONS NA YAN, WILL VANISH NA PARANG BULA. WALANG MAKUKULONG, WALANG KAHIT SINGKO NA PERANG NAIBABALIK SA MGA TAO. VOICELESS PA RIN SI JUAN DELACRUZ. POBRE PA RIN NA ISANG KAHIG ISANG TUKA. AND THESE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MAG KAAPO NA TAYO & THE GENERATIONS AFTER GENERATIONS OF POVERTY JUST GETS WORST.  ANONG GAGAWIN? 1. HWAG NA HWAG IPAGBILI ANG MGA BOTO NYO. 2. BANTAYAN ANG BOTO NYO. 3. BE SILENT KUNG SINONG IBOBOTO NYO. BUT MAKE SURE YOU DECIDE AS FAMILY. 4. HWAG NA HWAG IBOTO ANG MGA SOBRANG MATATANDA AT KINAKALAWANG NA SA GOVT.  LALO NA YUNG MAY BAHID NG CORRUPTION AT MAY MATINDI NA KAWALANG HIYAAN. YUNG MGA IMMORAL, MAYAYAMAN NG SOBRA SOBRA SA SUELDO NILA AS A GOVT EMPLOYEES.  5.  THERE IS NO MORE WORDS NA MAKAKAPAG PA GUILTY ...

Lifted from Saga Sphete The Forgotten Treasure: Banga – The Clay Water Jar of the Filipinos Have you ever wondered how our Filipino ancestors kept their water cool, fresh, and drinkable—long before refrigerators or bottled water ever existed? 🌊 The answer lies in one of the most valuable and forgotten household treasures of ancient times: the Banga, or the Clay Water Jar. This earthen jar was not just an ordinary container. It was a symbol of resourcefulness, sustainability, and community living. Today, let us journey back in time to discover the story of the banga—its purpose, its beauty, and why it still matters to us in the modern world. Part 1: What is a Banga? The Banga is a large clay jar traditionally used by Filipino households to store water. It was often made from red clay, carefully molded by hand, and baked in open fire until hardened. What makes it special? Unlike metal or plastic containers, the clay jar naturally kept water cool and refreshing, even on the hottest tropi...

10 September 2025 WHEN PANDORA'S BOX WAS OPENED IN THE PHILIPPINES, the HOUSE OF THE LAWLESS, CROCODILES, VULTURES AND DRACULAS were UNTAVELLED. "Pandora's box" refers to the literal box from a Greek myth that contained all the world's evils, which were released when Pandora opened it out of curiosity, leaving only hope inside. Figuratively, opening a Pandora's box means to do or start something that will cause many unforeseen and complex problems or troubles. It's a metaphor for any source of misfortune that, once set in motion, can't be easily undone.   The Origin Story The Gods' Punishment: According to Hesiod's epic poems, the gods created Pandora as a punishment for humanity after the Titan Prometheus stole fire.  The Gift: Zeus gave Pandora a jar (often depicted as a box) containing many evils and ailments but also hope.  Pandora's Curiosity: Pandora, driven by her curiosity, opened the jar, releasing all the world's troubles—such...