Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Normally, when we go out to eat in Chinese restaurants, what do we normally order? I personally go for the potstickers that are described as a fancy, looking fried dough with a meaty filing, served with soy sauce on the side. This pocket-like cuisine can also be prepared with a batter, pastry, or even leaves. It can be served with or without any designated filling. Popular fillings include Chinese cabbage, pork with celery, lamb with spring onion, or leeks with eggs. So what am I referring to? Dumplings, of course.

Although dumplings are incorporated in many British, Irish, Italian, and Scandinavian cuisines, it is one of the most common Asian cuisines that people consume. The definition derives from two categories: one sweet and one savory. The “sweet” definition is prepared with sweetened dough and filled with the fruit of your choice. Very common in the United States, dumplings are prepared as a tart with apples and are later baked to perfection. The “savory” approach is prepared with dough and minced meat and vegetable as its fillings, which is then cooked in boiling water or fried. Meats that are normally incorporated in this dish are pork, beef, shrimp and fish. However, among the variations of how dumplings are prepared, people don’t realize the significance of a typical Chinese dumpling.

Among the many assortments of dumplings, the Chinese dumplings are the most favorable. Dumplings are very important to the Chinese culture. Its history dates back in the ancient times when the Chinese first created the Jiaozi, or dumplings. The ingredients frequently used are meat and vegetable fillings and are very essential to holidays celebrated in Northern China. The Spring Festival is an important event, in which the Chinese prefer to eat dumplings to indicate their good fortunes for the New Year. Since the shape of Chinese dumplings is similar to ancient Chinese gold or silver bars, they symbolize wealth. Traditionally, the whole family gets involved when making dumplings during New Year's Eve. In most cases, they may hide coins in one of the dumplings and whoever stumbles upon it will have a good fortune in the New Year. Never hesitate to try a “lucky” dumpling.

Halo-Halo

When taking a vacation in the Philippines, you would most likely encounter many halo-halo stands this is because it is one of Philippines’ most iconic summer treats. Its condiments represent a diverse essence of the Philippine culture and its people. The term “halo-halo” derives from the meaning “mix-mix”, which is properly labeled considering the various mixtures incorporated in the dessert. This sweet concoction consists of a combination of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and preserved beans or fruits. The most commonly used ingredients are coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), prounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), and topped with ice cream. Halo-Halo is a very versatile dessert since you can create several versions with your own desired ingredients. Not only is it very pleasing to eat, but it is efficient to make.

Filipinos tend to make it a hobby to prepare this refreshing treat on any given occasion, but it is commonly eaten during the hot summer weather. It is usually served in a tall, clear glass that exhibits its colorful contents, or a simple bowl that can be easily consumed. Although the halo-halo can be prepared in any arrangement, Filipinos layer their condiments at the very bottom while filling the rest of the glass with shaved ice. Once the shaved ice is placed, evaporated milk is drizzled on top with a scoop of ice cream to heighten the surface of the dessert. Although regular milk is frequently used in American desserts, evaporated milk or condensed milk is used as another alternative in the Philippines considering its tropical climate.

Halo-Halo is also closely associated with the Filipino culture for its distinct and richly diverse characteristic. This refreshing concoction can be found in mostly any type of Filipino restaurant such as Goldilocks, Chow King, and Jollibee. Traditionally, it is eaten with a spoon and is mixed until all the appalling flavors combine. Once the ice has melted, it can be approached as a regular ice cold drink. Halo-Halo is a great refreshment to cool off on a hot summer day. The versatility of this dessert establishes a pleasing knowledge of the Philippine culture and what we consider our version of “ice cream.”

Information vs. Manipulation

Our society has been exposed to such negative advertisement throughout the years. I, personally, believe that advertising takes a more manipulative approach when it comes to informing their viewers. Among the logical fallacies, advertising appeals to people’s emotions since they tend to take a much liberal approach when showcasing their product. Once we think about it, they are not selling their product, rather manipulating their audience to false information. Most products are often bought and are often futile.

Children specifically are fooled and convinced by ads in general. The advertising industry wouldn’t be concerned if possibly harmful items are being bought by minorities. Many statistics show that there are many more ads for children than there are for adults. For instance, toy ads primarily allure children to buying violent video games that are not necessary for simple entertainment. Children are being used as the focal point for intense advertising since advertisers seek to acquire billions of dollars from their beloved parents. Marketing techniques have surely taken a toll on desperate promotion.

Although advertisements are quite hard to disregard, there are certain methods in which people can act cautiously when it comes to advertising persuasion. For example, when viewing billboards, infomercials, or just ads in general, try to picture yourself with or without the product and carefully determine if this product is necessary for your physiological needs. To prevent telemarketers from calling your house, you could do one of the following: Hang up on them, pretend they got the wrong number, or even speak a different language. No matter what we choose to do, it’s always good to take precautions when we are being fooled by useless ads.

If you happen to like a certain product and are considering purchasing it, it is best to do extensive research on its pros and cons. Something that could be helpful is exploring submitted reviews and ratings online from other past customers. Another approach is if you know someone that has used the product before, make sure to get their input as well. No matter what we do advertising is and will always be relatively deceiving in our eyes.