Dream home

CEBU, Philippines – There have been several concepts about man’s basic needs. I choose to stick to the simplest: food, shelter and clothing. But shelter has since taken on a meaning that is anything but simple.

In yesteryears, people entertained at home. They had large families and had to hire house helps to assist in running the household (such services was inexpensive then). A car was a luxury; people’s mobility was limited.

My uncle bought a house in Lahug, which at the time seemed very far. A cousin lived in Talisay and that was like near the moon! Another uncle, who had four children, built a house with seven bedrooms, including guest room and maids’ quarters. When the children eventually got married and left, their home became a boarding house.

These days, searching for a home is a long and difficult undertaking, especially for a person with only an average income. Owning a home usually entails loans to finance it, and you are stuck paying for it for the rest of your life. For those who are blessed, excuse me, with a large basket of currencies, there are several real estate options to choose from in Cebu.

I recently joined media colleagues to the exclusive premiere of Buri and Solihiya Towers at 32 Sanson by Rockwell Land Corporation, an important commercial-residential development project in the city. Cocktails began at 5:30 p.m., featuring a curated menu by Chef Sandy Daza of Rockwell’s “Wooden Spoon” and prepared at the kitchens of Café Laguna.

The dishes were served at two food stations at the garden party – Century Egg Salad, Pancit Langlang, Steamed Prawns served with Taba ng Talanka sauce, Chicken Dinakdakan, Lumpia Sotanghon with Tinapa, Seafood Balls with Chili Dip Sauce and Pork Bicol Express.

The original recipe of Pancit Langlang, which comes from the Tagalog regions (particularly Batangas) has been modified and one of the versions use a combination of egg noodles and sotanghon, then topped with adobo flakes or bits of chicharon. I know of an Ilocano dish, Pork Dinakdakan, where the meat is cut into cubes and is similar to Sisig (where meat is finely chopped). Chef Sandy Daza’s version is Chicken Dinakdakan and it is good.

Lechon de Cebu was served using Peking Duck Wraps. It was a nice way of serving the lechon, but it had to be freshly prepared and eaten quickly because the crispy skin and meat releases moisture which, trapped in the wrap, quickly takes away the crunchiness.

Rockwell Land promises to “deliver its distinctive lifestyle to Cebu with 32 Sanson… a charming garden development that will embody the Cebuanos’ relaxed lifestyle and warmth.”

It’s a dream for many people to live in such an enclave with modern amenities and secured surroundings. And that’s my dream too. If any of my beloved readers please share a winning number combination of the lotto!