`Bangus’& Couple’s Yoga for Valentine’s

By: Aeron Lancero

 

Magandang araw sa inyong lahat, and hope you are staying warm and are excited for warmer weather. It is the month of February and the biggest holiday of the month is Valentine’s Day. The day we celebrate our love with our better-half, and what better way to do so than to eat great meals together.Not to mention to stay healthy, as I promised all of you on my last column.

The first item I will share is in regards to food, a way that both you and your better-half can do together to keep each other around for a long time which is exercise. First is food and one in particular that is great for health as it also helps your libido to provide that intimate experience that we all like to enjoy on that special time… So what is it?

Interestingly enough, seafood has the special nutrients to provide that. The popular item is Oysters, but there is another dish that you may not know that provides those nutrients as well and that is a popular item in the Filipino world. You ever heard of Bangus, aka “Milkfish”? I am sure you have, it is the fish that is very tasty but has a ton of bones in it. That’s why this particular fish is popularly used by Pinoys. If you look at almost all genre of cuisine, this particular fish is not on any menus or even enjoyed by any other cultures than the Pinoys.

This exemplifies the story of Pinoys that we have amazing work ethics because this is an item that you have to work for when you eat it. Although now with technology and culinary techniques, you can now enjoy this wonderful fish because you can get it deboned.

The most popular way this is served is the marinated, dried way, and then fried, called “Daing na Bangus,” marinated in vinegar and salt and all, I love this method; other popular ones are like “rellenong bangus,” or stuffed milkfish with its meat and vegetables, and the “sinigang na bangus,” the sour broth which is oh, so good, and many more.

The part that is my personal favorite and has those nutrients I talk about is the stomach of that fish. It’s nice and fatty and, oh so good. Just like most fish that part of the fish has great richness and nutrients, just don’t overdo it.

More about ”bangus” milkfish is that more culinarians, specifically FilAms, are using this protein more. Actually, in the Philippines, there is a whole restaurant chain called “Bangus” that showcases the versatility and the wonderful taste it brings to many. I had the lumpia stuffed with bangus, the sinigang belly of bangus, there is bangus pasta, and many other ways it is being served.

There is also a FilAm restaurant in New Orleans named Milkfish,” which has pretty good reviews and also showcases this wonderful fish on their menus in different ways.

What makes this fish so good? First, is the flavor of it, as like most typical white fish, it absorbs the flavor well of what you’re mixing it with. Next is the texture of it, regardless of how it’s prepared, the texture is nice and tender and is why it’s very craveable. The belly fat is outstanding in flavor. It is a meaty fish. The only thing that is not the greatest which is to be said for most fishes is that the skin is not something that is very good and also that this is a bony fish. Once you get through that, it’s an amazing fish to enjoy.

Nutritional value is a great source of lean protein, amino acids are great, large source of vitamin A, potassium and calcium is another good thing about the fish as well. And, yes, urban legend says that this provides added libido to your sex drive. So, go and eat up.

As for where you can get this fish, typically you can get this in most FilAm markets. Some Asian stores, especially Korean, would have this fish as well. As for restaurants, almost all carry them in some way. Again, the popular version is the deep fried daing na bangus.

Now for the activity that can enhance your relationship and improve your stamina, which we all want without having to take a pill is couples Yoga. Trust me, it works and keeps you in shape and improves you and your partner’s flexibility. There has always been a saying by other culture that the Pinoys make great lovers… Believe it!!!

Obviously, we have a natural talent but can improve it while we enjoy life… By eating right and taking care of our bodies.

About couple’s yoga, you do not have to attend an actual couple’s yoga class, but there are many of them, and studios I would recommend are Corepower or Barre Code. The reality though of couple’s yoga can be done at home as well. There are a few moves you can do and here are a few images. The reason why they say couples yoga is great because its pace is good, it shows teamwork with each other, it definitely helps the breathing and, more importantly, it brings you and your better-half closer because you touch each other, support one another and when poses are not done, you laugh together.

Information on Bangus Restaurants: Information on Milkfish

Bangus Greenhills
125 N. Carrollton Ave 106-A / 204
Connecticut Carpark New Orleans, LA 70119
Bldg. 1 Greenhills Commercial
504.267.4119
Shopping Center, San Juan City
Tel. no. (02) 725-3038 / (02) 584-
7441
Bangus SM Mall of Asia
Space no. 127- 128 North Parking Bldg. J.W. Diokno Blvd., Pasay City
Tel. no.: (02) 556-0386
Bangus Republic Head Office
392 P. Guevarra st. Brgy. Maytunas, San Juan City
Telefax no: (02) 722-1679
loc. 107
Tel. no.: (02) 725-1958
I hope you enjoyed what I have to offer and look forward to sharing with you all again soon.
Till next month…

A very meaningful quote:
Genuine Virtue consists of being charitable, loving one’s fellow men and being judicious in behavior, speech and deed.
–Emilio Jacinto