lugaw shortage

however Gloria Arroyo says that the country would not suffer rice shortage, still, the expected increase in its prices is enough for us to feel the crisis.

i woke up early this morning and found myself in dire need of congee (lugaw), an addiction i rediscovered these past few days. to alleviate my stomach's pain, i reeled off to the nearest Chowking food chain. it has been my habit to walk briskly to the market, especially when i need to cash-out on ATMs. i'd rather spend my precious coins for three sticks of... you know... than ride a jeepney. it's a good exercise, too. (yes, life works in irony. :p) so i did the same thing this time and it was after a 30-minute walk that, with my legs trembling, i finally reached the counter, waited for the person who came before me to finish, and gave nothing but a bitter nod when the lady told me, "Sorry, ma'am. Hindi po available ang congee ngayon." wow! what a grace!

it isn't even the 28th of the month. why am i in disgrace?! (for those who do not know, 28 is an unfortunate day for me)

i never stopped slipping through the holes of Kalentong market, asking if any eatery served a warm bowl of congee but as expected, NADA!

while walking back home, i was thinking of anything to ease my anger and to feel less unfortunate. why is there a shortage of "lugaw"? probabaly because the owners of Pinoy food corners, and also Chowking, would not gamble their capital for a casserole of this rice porridge when hot food are not in demand. remember, it's summer! they would rather have them for their tapsi and tocilog. again, how much does a kilo of rice cost?

anyway, i did not come home crying. the good heavens still has a room for my wishes. i found one... just a block away from us. ok, what a great walk!