Roasted tomato, mozzarella, spinach and basil pesto on whole wheat bread with nuts
Filipinos won’t hear of a sandwich that doesn’t have meat in it — ham, “spam”, sausage, bacon, etc., all processed and full of chemicals. We might change our mind — this sandwich (panini simply means sandwich that’s been pressed by a griller) is ensconced in melting mozzarella cheese, swirling in aroma and flavor — softly full-bodied. Happy weekend!
the blog is using the Filipino name, makopa. (or, if you want to amuse people, you can exaggerate your fake Americanized tongue and say, “mackow–ppa”. Like when i say, “ow–ckrah”, for okra, to make the vendor smile.).
The search engines show that it is also known as Malay apple; one site even provides several alternate English names: Malay rose-apple, mountain apple, water apple, etc.
the blog is using the Filipino name because the English names are obviously from the point of view of “discoverers” who, instead of adopting the local name where the fruit is endemic, just named it after the fruit that it looks like, the apple.
Have you ever tasted a makopa? it is infinitely more subtle in taste than an apple. The red skin cannot be separated from the white, succulent flesh inside, the small fruit being more delicately crunchier. And when you sink your teeth into it, there’s a primary note (scent) of small, fresh leaves, then a woodsy scent, and finally just a hint of slightly sweet flower sap in the end, the sap-taste clinging to your teeth and tongue for a few seconds.
Even for formal discussions, in summer, or under hot weather, or in a tropical country, you can get away with a sheath dress or light clothing material on anything. (i think) (Credits: freeze-frame of a video shot by “Showbiz Inside Report”, ABS-CBN Channel 2; 20-second video below snipped from a video shot by the same; clothes from Khrysta’sCollezione, chosen by friends).
(Shot at 15 lbs overweightedness. never owned a weighing scale before, refused to get one. got one after New Year’s day when i couldn’t fit in most clothes in the closet. lost 3 lbs in 2 months of running — one pound every 20 days very big deal — 8kms 3X a week but… every other week because i get complacent and slacken when i notice i’ve lost a little weight. won’t win any contest, friends are supportive, they say: you just lost water. Advice on TV from “Biggest Loser Pinoy edition” fitness instructor (paraphrase): It’s not about getting thin, it’s about getting fit. Don’t starve yourself but work your body. You should be able to do your regular work, climb flights of stairs, lift objects, have energy the entire day. )
My other paraphrase: You should be able to eat churrosand let the grainy sweet hot chocolate roll in your mouth; paella and taste a hint of coconut milk in it; sinigang and feel the tangy minced ginger in your tongue; spicy vegetarian power protein on pita bread and let the multi-aroma of the cilantro and herbs linger in your palate.
