Ilavueso

Tag: childhood

  • Which Food, When You Eat It, Instantly Transports You To Childhood?

    Daily writing prompt
    Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?
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    It’s amazing how a simple bite of food can unlock a flood of memories, instantly whisking you away to a different time and place. For me, two dishes hold that magical power, acting as delicious portals to my childhood: chicken burgers and congee (rice porridge).


    Chicken Burgers: A Taste of Adventure


    The moment I bite into a chicken burger, I’m not just eating a meal; I’m reliving cherished moments. My mind immediately conjures images of KFC and McDonald’s, the iconic fast-food joints that were a staple of my childhood. But it’s more than just the taste of the burger itself. It’s the excitement of family road trips in the Philippines, the wind in my hair, the anticipation of a long journey, and the inevitable stop for a satisfying chicken burger meal. That first crispy bite, the savory patty, the soft bun – it’s an instant surge back to memory lane, a vivid recall of laughter, shared stories, and the simple joy of being with my family.


    Congee: Comfort and Care in Every Spoonful


    Then there’s congee, or rice porridge. This humble dish, so unassuming in its appearance, holds an equally powerful connection to my past. For me, congee is the taste of comfort and warmth. It instantly transports me to cozy afternoons at home on a rainy day, the rhythmic patter of rain against the windowpane, and the soothing warmth of a bowl of congee in my hands. It also brings back memories of being lovingly cared for by my parents whenever I was sick. The gentle texture, the subtle flavors – each spoonful is a reminder of their nurturing presence and the feeling of being safe and loved.


    These aren’t just foods; they’re anchors to my past, embodying the essence of family, adventure, comfort, and care. They’re a delicious reminder of where I came from, and I always look forward to savoring them, knowing they’ll always bring a little piece of my childhood back to me.


    What foods instantly transport you back to your childhood? I’d love to hear about your culinary memory lane!

  • Do you remember life before the internet?

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you remember life before the internet?
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    Life before the internet is a concept that might seem foreign to many, but for those of us who experienced it, it conjures a tapestry of vivid memories. I was fortunate enough to spend my formative years in the Philippines, specifically in the province of Pangasinan, during a time when digital connectivity was still a distant whisper. My childhood was not just wonderful; it was a masterclass in organic discovery, community, and the art of anticipation.

    Growing up, my days weren’t dictated by glowing screens or endless feeds. Instead, they unfolded outdoors, fueled by the boundless energy of youth and the simple joys of traditional games. Text and pogs weren’t digital messages or collectible discs, but rather the names of local street games, echoing with laughter and friendly competition. We played tumbang preso, a chaotic yet thrilling game of tag where an empty can was the coveted target, and piko, the Filipino version of hopscotch, drawn with chalk on dusty pathways. These weren’t just pastimes; they were rituals, forging bonds with neighbors and creating a shared understanding of fun that transcended language barriers.

    The world outside my home was a source of constant wonder, unmediated by algorithms. Information wasn’t at my fingertips; it was something to be sought out, discussed, and sometimes, patiently waited for. I vividly recall the exquisite agony and ultimate delight of waiting for my favorite songs to finally grace the airwaves. Radio waves carried not just music, but stories, news, and the collective heartbeat of the community. Similarly, television shows were events, not on-demand commodities. We planned our days around their broadcast times, gathering with family to watch, discuss, and sometimes, critique. This forced patience, this embrace of anticipation, instilled a deeper appreciation for content when it finally arrived.


    Contrast this with today’s instant gratification. Any piece of music, any film, any scrap of information is readily available with a few taps. While undeniably convenient, this constant accessibility can sometimes dull the edge of curiosity. Before the widespread use of the internet, if you wanted to know something, you had to actively pursue it. This often meant poring over encyclopedias, visiting libraries, or, most commonly, asking elders and experts in the community. Information was a journey, not a destination. This pursuit of knowledge often led to tangential discoveries, deepening understanding and fostering a genuine sense of intellectual exploration. The absence of readily searchable answers also left room for wonder and speculation, allowing our imaginations to fill in the blanks. There was a unique satisfaction in piecing together information, like solving a puzzle with limited clues.

    The internet has undeniably revolutionized our world, offering unprecedented access to information and connecting people across vast distances. Yet, there’s a part of me that deeply misses the slower pace, the tangible interactions, and the inherent magic of a world where discovery was a more deliberate and often communal experience. My childhood before the internet wasn’t lacking; it was rich with experiences that fostered creativity, resilience, and a profound appreciation for the present moment. It was a time when curiosity was a driving force, and the answers, when they finally came, felt all the more precious.