Asim: Sourness, Memories and the Filipino-American Soul

Asim: Sourness, Memory, and the Filipino-American Soul

Food historians argue that sourness, asim is the true unifying flavor of Filipino cuisine. For me, that idea resonates far beyond the kitchen. It speaks to identity, memory, and what it means to grow older as a Filipino-American carrying two worlds inside one body.

When I look at a dish like kilaw fresh fish cured in vinegar or citrus, sharpened by chilies and softened by onions, I don’t just see food. I see a life lived between cultures. Sourness, after all, is not meant to be easy. It demands attention. It wakes you up. And perhaps that’s why it feels so deeply Filipino.

Sourness as Inheritance

As a Filipino-American, I grew up tasting asim before I understood it. Sinigang on rainy days. Paksiw that filled the house with vinegar’s unmistakable bite. Kinilaw at gatherings where elders spoke in Tagalog and Ilonggo while the younger ones answered in English.

Those flavors were never explained. They didn’t need to be. Sourness was simply there, a constant, like family itself. Even as language faded or customs softened, asim remained a bridge back to who we were and where we came from.

Aging and the Return of Taste

There’s something about aging that draws us back to strong, honest flavors. As the years accumulate, I find myself less interested in novelty and more in authenticity. Sour dishes don’t pretend. They don’t hide behind sweetness. They are direct, clear, and deeply comforting.

Perhaps that’s why asim feels more meaningful now than ever. Aging has taught me that life, like Filipino food, is about balance. Sweetness exists, yes but it is the sour moments that sharpen memory, define character, and give life its depth.

Nostalgia Served by the Spoonful

Paksiw Na Bangus( Milk Fish)- Pleasant Memories of My Younger Years

One spoonful of sinigang broth can collapse decades. Suddenly, I’m younger. I’m sitting at a crowded table. Someone is ladling soup, someone else is arguing politics, and laughter fills the room. These moments are gone now, but the flavor remains.

Sourness carries nostalgia in a way no other taste does. It doesn’t just remind you, it pulls you back. It reconnects you to people you’ve lost, places that no longer exist, and versions of yourself that only live in memory. For me, it reminds me of my childhood years, when annually my family would feast on bangus, after the harvest from our family small fish pond.  

A Flavor That Endures

Filipino cuisine doesn’t rely on extravagance. Its power lies in endurance. Like the Filipino-American experience itself, it has survived colonization, migration, adaptation, and time. Sourness is the through line practical, resilient, and quietly profound.

In many ways, asim mirrors our lives: shaped by hardship, balanced by hope, and enriched by memory.

As I grow older, I hold on to these flavors more tightly. They remind me that while time moves forward, identity does not disappear. It lingers sharp, familiar, and deeply rooted.

Food historians may call sourness the unifying flavor of Filipino cuisine. I call it the taste of home, the flavor of memory, and the seasoning of a life well lived.

Shrimp Sinigang with Mixed Vegetables( beans, okra, botchy and eggplant) 

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the above topic

"

Asim: Sourness, Memory, and the Filipino-American Soul" likely refers to the deep cultural significance of asim (sourness) in Filipino cuisine, particularly in dishes like sinigang, serving as a powerful sensory link to memory, identity, and the immigrant experience, evoking home, family, and ancestral roots for Filipino-Americans navigating diaspora and cultural preservation. It's a theme explored in Filipino literature and food writing, where asim symbolizes resilience, heritage, and the complex journey of belonging for those living far from the Philippines. 

Key Themes & Concepts:

• Asim (Sourness) as Cultural DNA: Sourness isn't just a taste; it's a carrier of history, emotion, and cultural identity, present in staples like adobo, sinigang, and kinilaw.
• Food as Memory & Home: The taste of asim instantly transports Filipino-Americans back to their childhood, triggering visceral memories of family, Lola (grandmother), and the Philippines.
• Diaspora & Belonging: For the Filipino-American soul, asim becomes a tangible connection to a homeland they may not always physically inhabit, helping to create a sense of "home" in new places.
• Cultural Preservation: Exploring asim is a way to resist cultural erasure and pass on Filipino roots to younger generations, making the unfamiliar familiar.
• Beyond the Plate: This concept extends to broader Filipino values of resilience, community, and finding meaning in shared cultural experiences, even amidst the challenges of migration and identity formation. 

Where You Might Find This Idea:

• Filipino Literature & Food Writing: Authors and food writers often delve into these themes, using food as a lens to explore identity.
• Online Communities: Social media groups for Filipino-Americans frequently share stories and experiences centered around asim and dishes like sinigang.
• Cultural Events: Discussions around Filipino food and heritage often highlight the role of asim in connecting people to their culture. 
  
  Popular Souring Agents of Filipino Cuisine 

My Food For Thought For Today:

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Lastly, here are the top🗞️ Major Global & Political News for Today

1. Mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney — Gunmen opened fire during a Jewish holiday event at Bondi Beach, killing and injuring multiple people. This is being treated as a major terror attack with broad international concern and investigations underway. Reuters+1

2. Trump-era tensions and international fallout — Multiple developments involving former President Trump, including global criticism of U.S. actions like the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and domestic political controversies, are drawing scrutiny. The Guardian

🏅 Sports & Entertainment

3. WWE legend John Cena retires after final match — One of WWE’s biggest stars, John Cena, wrestled his final match in an emotional farewell event, marking the end of a storied career. Yahoo Sports

4. Jordan Stolz dominates at World Cup speed skating — American speed skating star Jordan Stolz added two more gold medals on the final day of the Hamar World Cup, continuing an exceptional season. Olympics

🗺️ Other Key Headlines

5. International headlines roundup — Morning and midday global news bulletins highlight the biggest stories from Europe and around the world, including political, economic, and social developments. Yahoo News UK

   
   

A Summary Of the First Eleven Months of Trump 2nd Presidency

Here’s a clear, concise summary of the first 11 months of Donald Trump’s presidency (his second term, Jan 2025–Nov 2025) alongside context for the recent low approval rating (≈37%) as of this writing date.  

Latest on Trump’s Approval & Political Climate (Dec 2025)

Axios

Trump's approval rating on the economy hits record low 31%

Today

The Guardian

House Republicans release last-minute healthcare plan; TSA defends sharing traveler names with ICE - as it happened

Today

The Washington Post

Trump leans into isolation as challenges mount at home

Today

AP News

Trump's handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling

2 days ago

📉 Approval Rating Context (2025)

• Recent polls show President Trump’s overall approval around 36 %–37 %, one of the lowest points of his second term, with particularly weak marks on the economy and immigration. Disapproval is over 60 %. Axios+1

• Ratings on economic handling recently hit a record low (~31 %), reflecting public frustration with affordability and inflation. Axios

• Some polls show slight short-term upticks tied to GOP messaging on cost-of-living, but approval remains well below majorities. Reuters

 Key Themes & Events in the First 11 Months of Trump’s Second Term

1) Second Inauguration & Early Executive Actions (Jan 2025)

• Trump was inaugurated on Jan 20, 2025, emphasizing border security, economic revival, and rolling back many Biden administration policies. New York Post

• On Day 1 and in the first two weeks, he issued a flurry of executive orders reversing Biden-era initiatives on climate, DEI programs, and gender identity policies, and pardoned many January 6 rioters. Vox+1

• He also fired several inspectors general and senior officials, signaling a broader reshaping of the federal bureaucracy early in his term. Wikipedia

2) Immigration & Border Enforcement

• Central to Trump’s agenda has been aggressive immigration enforcement: expanding travel bans, halting immigration from multiple countries, and pushing deportations. The Washington Post

• Legal challenges and public backlash accompanied many immigration moves, contributing to contentious political battles throughout the year.

3) Trade, Tariffs, and Protectionism

• Trump expanded tariffs on imports from countries such as Canada and Brazil as part of his “economic nationalism” and anti-drug/industrial strategy. Holland & Knight

• Some exemptions and modifications to these tariffs were later enacted, showing ongoing adjustments to the trade agenda. NCSL

4) Civil Rights & Domestic Policy Rollbacks

• The Department of Justice rescinded decades-old disparate impact anti-discrimination rules, narrowing civil rights enforcement. Politico

• Federal protections for monarch butterflies were delayed, part of broader environmental deregulatory moves. AP News

5) AI & Regulatory Policy

• Trump signed an executive order aiming to preempt state-level AI regulations, signaling a federal effort to centralize tech oversight. The Guardian

6) Foreign Affairs

• On the world stage, Trump brokered or announced a renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia—a notable diplomatic milestone. AP News

• Relations with traditional allies showed strain in some areas amid protectionist and isolationist rhetoric. The Washington Post

• U.S. sanctions policy also shifted, with sanctions on a Brazilian judge being lifted to ease diplomatic tensions. Reuters

7) Large-Scale Protests & Public Response

• Mass protests like the June and October “No Kings” demonstrations mobilized millions across the U.S. against perceived authoritarianism and centralization of power. Wikipedia+1

• Earlier “Hands Off” protests added to a year marked by broad civic opposition from multiple demographic groups. Wikipedia

8) Political Fallout & GOP Dynamics

• Internal GOP and MAGA movement divisions grew over strategy and policy priorities, weakening pushback coordination. Axios

• Republican control of Congress faced tensions over expenditures, healthcare, and spending bills as the 2026 midterm cycle nears.

Why Approval Ratings Are Down

The decline in Trump’s approval rating reflects a combination of factors:

Policy Backlash

• Voters disapprove of economic conditions and cost-of-living concerns. Axios

• Immigration enforcement policies are unpopular with many independents and minority voters. The Washington Post

• Civil rights and environmental rollbacks sparked broad criticism.

Polarized Public Opinion

• While Republicans and loyalists remain supportive, independents and minority supporters who backed Trump in 2024 have shifted away. The Washington Post

Protests & Civic Mobilization

• Nationwide protests signify sustained public resistance to Trump’s agenda and governing style. Wikipedia

Governance Challenges

• Disputes over budget, tariffs, executive authority, and lawsuits have fueled perceptions of instability in governance.

📌 In Summary

Across his first 11 months (Jan–Nov 2025), President Trump’s second term has been defined by:

• Rapid executive action on immigration, deregulation, trade, and civil rights.

• Controversial domestic and economic policies unpopular with broad segments of the public.

• Strong GOP base support, but weakening approval among independents and minority voters.

• Large grassroots opposition and protests reflecting polarization.

• Low approval ratings (around 36–37%) that mirror public frustration with the economy and divisive policies. Axios

Meanwhile, 

I received the following posting from a Fellow THD Resident today:

 Hello All -I had hoped to send you a copy of Heather Cox Richardson's summary of this from :

<heathercoxrichardson@subtrack.com>, but being a sloppy researcher,  I found the document first - 33 pages long.  You can find the document on Google - maybe HCR summary too - or where "subtracts" are found!  Take your pick -- I'll try to digest the entire document

Just when you thought things couldn't get worse.  This actually makes me sick, and we must get rid of Trump and his crew asap.  Realizing the damage he has done to us in 1 year pales when reading what they plan to do now.  Trump is a maniac, along with too many equally deranged people actually running the show.

It seems as things stand now that the worst is yet to come.

Happy Holidays!!!  Phyllis Morical

What to Expect From the Epstein Files Release

What To Expect From the Epstein Files Release: Hype, Hope, and the Hard Truth

As the nation counts down to December 19, 2025, all eyes turn toward one of the most anticipated document releases in recent memory, the long-awaited Epstein Files. For years, these files have lived in the shadows of rumor, politics, speculation, and internet sensationalism. Now, thanks to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice has been ordered to release all unclassified records connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s investigations.

That means: flight logs, emails, internal memos, travel records, property data, and thousands of pages of investigative material that have never seen the light of day. But what exactly should the public expect?

After reviewing what has already been released and what the law actually requires, here’s a realistic picture of what is likely ahead.

 What We Will Almost Certainly See

More Complete Flight Logs and Travel Records

If you’re looking for the least controversial but most revealing documents, this is it. We already know portions of these logs, but the full set should give us a wider view of who traveled with Epstein over the years: business leaders, academics, socialites, political figures, friends, and casual acquaintances. As always, names do not equal guilt, but they will draw attention.

Internal Communications From DOJ and FBI

Expect emails and memos showing how the 2019 investigation unfolded:

• Why certain evidence was held back

• How internal disagreements were handled

• What investigators thought about the camera gaps, the guards, and the broken procedures around Epstein’s final hours

These documents won’t answer every question, but they may shed light on the messy reality inside federal agencies.

More Emails and Papers From Epstein’s Estate

In recent months, Congress has already released more than 20,000 emails. The next wave may show more of Epstein’s social world invitations, favors, requests, odd communications, and connections with powerful people. Most of this will be embarrassing rather than incriminating.

More Pages From Epstein’s “Birthday Book”

This multi-volume guestbook, full of signatures and notes, has already stirred interest. We may see more of it new names, handwritten comments, old photos. Again, context matters. A signature is not a crime.

What We Might See — But Not Guaranteed

Additional Surveillance Footage or Still Images

Some footage from the jail cell corridor may appear, but privacy laws and national security restrictions will limit what can be shown. Portions may be blurred, redacted, or withheld entirely.

Mentions of Politically Exposed Persons

Under the new law, DOJ must tell Congress every time a public figure is mentioned in the files. What the public sees may be:

• Redacted names

• Initials

• Heavily edited context

It will create headlines, but not necessarily provide answers.

Evidence of Investigative Mistakes

Very likely we will see documentation of missteps, confusion, and internal criticism. This isn’t conspiracy, it’s bureaucracy, and it tends to show up in big investigations. It will reflect poorly on institutions, but not necessarily reveal wrongdoing by the powerful.

What We Should Not Expect

A “Client List”

Despite years of speculation, investigators have repeatedly said there is no single client list. The files may contain scattered names from logs or emails but not a master document.

Unredacted Victim Identities

These will remain protected. As they should.

A Complete, Unedited Video of Epstein’s Final Hours

Some surveillance exists, but:

• Cameras had blind spots

• Some footage was corrupted or missing

• Classified segments will remain sealed

Don’t expect a moment-by-moment answer to what happened.

Blackmail Videos or Explicit Material

There is no credible evidence such files exist. And if they did, they would be sealed forever.

Direct Criminal Evidence Against World Leaders

Mentions? Possibly.  Embarrassing associations? Likely.  Indictable evidence? Highly unlikely.

The Bottom Line

The Epstein Files will bring the largest release of information to date, tens of thousands of pages, all searchable and downloadable. Some of it will raise eyebrows. Some will disappoint conspiracy theorists. Some may provide long-overdue clarity. But a “smoking gun,” a dramatic unmasking of the powerful, or the kind of explosive revelations promised by sensational thumbnails online?

That is not what this release is built to deliver.

What we will get is a clearer, but still incomplete, picture of a decades-long story.
And like so many chapters of American life, it will raise as many questions as it answers.

Friday, December 12, Here are three photos of Trump and Epstein (redacted) released today:

So, Donald, if you and Jeff Epstein were not close, then why was he selling Donald Trump branded condoms with your face on the wrapper?

Finally, 

Countries with the MOST CHRISTIANS vs MOST MUSLIMS

A comparison of the world's largest Christian and Muslim populations reveals not just religious demographics, but also the global distribution of culture, migration, and historical influence. Christianity remains the world's largest faith by total numbers, with countries like the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines hosting massive Christian populations shaped by colonial legacies, missionary movements, and modern diasporas. Islam, meanwhile, is the fastest-growing major religion, with Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh forming the core of its demographic strength. Contrary to popular assumptions, the Middle East is not the region with the most Muslims, South and Southeast Asia are.

The comparison shows an intriguing overlap: Nigeria, and several other African nations rank among the largest populations of both Christians and Muslims, reflecting their multi-religious, rapidly growing societies. These demographic giants illustrate how religions evolve, mix, and coexist in the 21st century, often within the same borders.

Playing A Musical Instrument is Good For Your Brain

his morning I posted on the power of vocal music. This afternoon's blog #2 of the day is about the power of playing a musical instrument to the neural growth in your brain.

Playing a musical instrument is not just a creative hobby, it’s one of the most powerful full-brain workouts known to science. Research shows that musicians engage more areas of the brain simultaneously than almost any other activity. When you play, multiple brain regions involved in hearing, movement, coordination, memory, emotion, and pattern recognition are activated and forced to communicate rapidly.

This intense neural activation leads to the creation of stronger and denser connections across both the left (logical) and right (creative) hemispheres of the brain. Over time, this enhances cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, emotional regulation, focus, and long-term memory. Studies have even found that consistent instrument practice increases the size of the corpus callosum, the bridge that connects the two brain hemispheres, improving communication speed across the brain.

Moreover, learning and performing music strengthens neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, making it easier to learn new skills even outside of music. This is why musicians often excel in language learning, pattern identification, and multitasking.

Playing an instrument can also protect the brain from age-related decline, improve mental health by reducing stress, and boost dopamine levels, which enhance motivation and joy.

In simple terms, making music doesn’t just sound good, it builds a smarter, stronger, and more resilient brain.

Meanwhile, 

Your Thoughts Are Rewiring Your Brain Right Now

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that self-talk, the way we speak to ourselves, can physically change the structure of the brain, for better or worse. This discovery proves that our inner dialogue isn’t just mental noise; it’s a powerful force shaping how we think, feel, and even heal.

Scientists found that positive self-talk can strengthen neural connections linked to confidence, focus, and emotional stability. When you encourage yourself, your brain responds by releasing chemicals that enhance learning, memory, and motivation. Over time, these repeated thoughts literally rewire your neural pathways, reinforcing optimism and resilience.

But there’s a darker side too. Negative self-talk, filled with criticism or fear, can activate stress circuits in the brain, increasing levels of cortisol and shrinking areas linked to emotional control. In other words, how you speak to yourself can either build your mind, or slowly break it down.

This research highlights a powerful truth: the brain listens. Every word you think or say becomes a signal your brain takes seriously, shaping your reality at the cellular level. It’s like sculpting your own mind with the chisel of thought.

The implications are profound. With mindful awareness and intentional positivity, we can literally train our brains to become calmer, stronger, and more compassionate. It’s not magic, it’s neuroscience.

So the next time you talk to yourself, remember: your brain is listening. Choose words that heal, not harm. Because the story you tell yourself today becomes the person you live as tomorrow.

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Meanwhile, Put this in Your Calendar:

The Three are My Favorite Music Performers of All Time...

Domingo, HAUSER & Dimash – World Premiere in Budapest, 18 April 2026 _ TICKET SALES FROM 10AM (CET), SATURDAY, 13 DECEMBER! https://broadway.hu/.../domingo-hauser-dimash-koncert.../

On 18 April 2026, Budapest will host an extraordinary musical event as Placido Domingo, HAUSER, and Dimash Qudaibergen share the stage for the first time. This one-night-only world premiere brings together three exceptional artists whose combined artistry represents a rare moment in contemporary music.

The evening will present exclusive new arrangements and special joint performances created specifically for this project. An international creative team is preparing a production built on innovative visual design and state-of-the-art acoustic technology to deliver an immersive concert experience.

We proudly present Eugene Kohn as a guest conductor for this event. With over 50 years of experience as a correpetitor and conductor, he has worked with legends such as Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, and Andrea Bocelli.

Musical direction is led by Péter Pejtsik, Liszt Award–winning composer and conductor, known for his work across classical, crossover, and symphonic rock. A full symphonic orchestra, supported by a rhythm section, will provide a rich foundation for the three artists’ unique musical identities.

Domingo brings unmatched operatic legacy, HAUSER his signature crossover style and electrifying presence, and Dimash Qudaibergen his extraordinary vocal range and global following. Their collaboration marks a meeting of distinctive artistic worlds, creating a performance of exceptional significance.

MVM Dome Budapest – 18 April 2026

A concert that will become part of musical history.

My Food For Thought For Today:

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