[Video] – MUST Have Rice; Into the Storm

“If I don’t have rice.. I think I will DIE.”  I think I’ve heard at least three Filipinos tell me this since I’ve arrived.  Rice is a big deal around here.  Not just because it’s inexpensive either.  It’s about as much the culture as beans are to the Latinos, potatoes to the Irish or pasta to the Italians.  Since my arrival in July of 2012 I can safely say that EVERY day I have been here I have had rice at least once every day.  

I was off the plane at my arrival and within 3 hours I was sitting down to my first meal here in the Philippines which included rice.  Every day I make up a fresh batch of rice in the morning using my miniature rice-cooker.  It only makes about 2 cups of rice at a time.. almost looks like some toy gadget, but it’s perfect for me since I live alone here at my apartment.  Fresh rice.. every day.

Usually I’ll make it for breakfast, with some eggs and Tocino, SPAM, Corned Beef or fried Ham.  If not for breakfast then.. guaranteed, I’ll have rice for lunch or dinner.

On this particular day, just as Typhoon Pablo was ripping through the island next door.. I was all set to make dinner when I realized; I was OUT OF RICE!!  I had prepped everything to make Kung Pao Pork by the time I realized this and there was just no way it was a complete meal without rice.  I looked out my front door and the typhoon was dumping some major water along with some fairly decent winds through the day up to 35mph.

But I had to have that rice.

I also got it into my head that it was a great night to make some veggie soup.  (Which it was.) But as you’ll see in the video below.. that was not gonna happen.  The city was shutting down.. people were going for shelter at home and now getting some rice turned into a not so simple task..