...a Tiger by the tail

I’ve been staring at my computer screen for the past 28 minutes, hoping to write something good before the year 2009 ends...

By this time, the two thin slices of pork belly (I purchased from Foodland), the chicken giblets (I collected from our previous grow), and the 280 grams of peeled green prawns (I bought from the local fish shop in town) have already been thawed on my caravan’s countertop.

The defrosting process was so quick due to the relatively hot temperature down south, which is expected to reach the maximum of 43’C in Port Wakefield today. I am hoping that the coldest setting of my out of date air-conditioning unit won’t fail me later especially in the early afternoon.

Right after publishing this post, I will start cooking valenciana so I could go to Aling Nati’s house ahead of time for a New Year’s Eve dinner with other Filipino friends who are living within the Wakefield Region.

Coming early to the said party doesn’t mean that I am very excited... Of course Sydney and Melbourne have prepared lots of pyrotechnic devices for the fireworks display tonight, but those who are living in the outback like us, welcoming the Year of the Tiger is definitely not as colourful and boisterous as in the major Australian cities.

This is my third New Year celebration Down Under, and just like in the two previous years, I am sure that the approaching media noche is another record-breaker—a night with a deafening silence!

A Filipino belief says that firecrackers and its noise drive the malevolent spirits away and make the new year prosperous and bountiful. I don’t know if I will still believe in this ‘belief’ after discovering that despite the muted air between December 31 and January 1 in Australia, this country remains to be wealthy and continuously booming!

I hate to mention something that is very obvious in this post... Does it simply means the Philippines needs to ignite more Rebentador, Super Lolo, Super Pla Pla, Triangulo, Bawang, Sinturon ni Judas, Jumbo Fountain, Whistle Bomb, Kuwitis, Lusis ,Watusi, or Bulalakaw during the New Year celebrations?

Honestly, if a firecracker factory in Bocaue or Sta. Maria, Bulacan could create an explosive device that can drive away dishonest and corrupt elected government officials I will fearlessly volunter to be the first one to detonate it this 2010!

Let us welcome the New Year with a complete set of fingers!

.