04 Aug2009
I was pushing a shopping cart in the grocery a few weeks ago, when my cell phone beeped and Katrina asked if she could call. Katrina is a long-time reader, friend and one of a just a few folks who have attended all three of the marketmanila.com eyeballs I have hosted over the years. I immediately called her back, and she asked if I would consider participating in a Rogue Magazine feature on food bloggers for the August 2009 Food issue. I rarely agree to do these types of things, but for Katrina, I simply could not refuse. And since Katrina herself was doing the write-up, I was supremely confident it would be done well. A couple of email questionnaires and clarifications back and forth and everything seemed set. Then I was told a photo was needed (egads!) but Neal Oshima would be taking the shots (yahoo! I really like Neal’s photos), so I just waited for more information. Turns out I missed the originally scheduled photo shoot while I was in Hong Kong getting devoured by bed bugs. When I returned to Manila, the magazine editors snuck me into another photo shoot of Neal’s (the one with the chefs cooking at Bacchus) and in 5 minutes flat he snapped a few shots and I was done.
When I met Neal, he immediately asked if I would cover my head with a large colander, various mixing bowls, stainless spoons and other cooking utensils, or bite a large chef’s knife while he snapped a few shots. He probably took one look at me and with no help from make-up people or stylists nearby, decided it would be easier and faster to just hide my entire face… hahaha. I jest, of course. But just before finishing up, I told him I had brought along my favorite and well-worn copper fishpan (from E. Dehillerin in Paris, THE mecca of “elitist” cookware), and he agreed to take a couple more shots using the fishpan as the “face-covering” prop. That is the shot published in the magazine. :) I am mildly disappointed that I finally had a chance at a “free” portrait by Neal Oshima, but got a photo of the underside of my fishpan instead! Hahahaha! For regular readers of this blog, you will understand why this photo is just too precious for words. Fishpan indeed. And I am almost never in long-sleeved shirts these days, but I was trying to cover up my very raw bedbug bites on my arm, and if you look closely at the photograph in Rogue, you can see the bites!
Seven other bloggers are featured in the same article, including Joey of 80breakfasts, here above in a great photo that is both natural and ebullient. It made me smile that they coined her “The Cheerleader” to boot! Lori of Dessertcomesfirst.com. Ivan Henares, Spanky Enriquez, Anton Diaz, Christine Nunag of 100poundfoodie.com and the folks at Tableforthreeplease.com. Many thanks Katrina for such a fantastic write-up — short, accurate and amusing. And no, I don’t mind being labelled a “Perfectionist” at all. People seem to think that word has negative connotations, I choose to think of it as being totally positive… I mean, really, who wants to be known by the antonyms of a perfectionist? And everyone who reads marketmanila.com knows it is riddled with grammatical and spelling errors and mediocre photos, so if “perfectionism” primarily refers to my often dogged quests for uncompromising food, I’ll take that label any day, thank you. I’m sure Rogue does these features so bloggers will write about their magazine, but if you haven’t picked up an issue yet, and you are a foodie, this “Appetite” issue is, in my opinion, really worth the PHP180 price. And the gorgeous cover girl Alexandra Rocha? Yup, she’s a chef. :)
COMMENTS:
natie, United States says:
hehehe—this time, seems like ‘fishpan’ got the upper hand!
Aug 4, 2009 | 9:02 pm
Teresa, United States says:
Congratulations for the spread. I wish I can get a copy of the magazine, especially with that precious portrait of yours with the now famous fishpan :-) That shot is simply priceless! I’ll try to ask a cousin to get me a copy to be sent my way later. Good day MM!
Aug 4, 2009 | 9:03 pm
THELMA, United States says:
if only that fishpan coud talk…
it’s now famous as the owner! i hope
that i could get a copy of the
magazine when i go to philippines
in october…
Aug 4, 2009 | 9:37 pm
Netoy, United States says:
Hey MM – will it be possible for you to get a permission to reprint the article written about you here in your blog? Unfortunately us expats do not have access to purchasing the magazine short of asking our relatives to shell out precious money to buy and ship it over (of course we can always send the money but too much hassle!). Thanks much if you can….
Aug 4, 2009 | 10:17 pm
Tricia, Philippines says:
Love this!!!!!!!
I’m gonna buy Rogue tomorrow
Aug 4, 2009 | 10:30 pm
Rebecca, United States says:
The fishpan photo is priceless!!! :)
Aug 4, 2009 | 10:54 pm
GayeN, Philippines says:
You’re so funny, MM! haha
I’m going to get a copy of Rogue tomorrow =)
Aug 4, 2009 | 11:16 pm
millet, Philippines says:
how great is this..and how clever that the fish pan finally takes centerstage…again! joey looks cute between those watermelon slices! yeeeyyy!
Aug 4, 2009 | 11:26 pm
Bong, United States says:
Congrats! That’s a cool concept for your photo!!!
Aug 4, 2009 | 11:30 pm
odie, Philippines says:
As expected, your photo is soooo You, funny in a nice respectable way. Congratulations again MM!!
Aug 4, 2009 | 11:48 pm
Vicky Go, United States says:
How I wish this article were available online! Don’t knock yourself dowm MM! I watched Bourdain’s Phil Lechon episode & you look like a teenager! Too young to be a retired wall-streeter & father of a teen, or food blogger par excellence!
Aug 4, 2009 | 11:58 pm
esubijano, United States says:
‘May just have to wait till they post the article on their website. That is, if they even decide to post it :). Nice to see some beautiful photos of beautiful pinays though … man, I sure miss seeing more of them pinay beauties.
Aug 5, 2009 | 12:57 am
The Steak Lady, Philippines says:
love the pic! and using the fishpan is just genius!! :)) can’t wait to get my copy. Congrats MM! :-)
Aug 5, 2009 | 1:10 am
Maria Clara, United States says:
I can see the magazine flying off the shelves and want to take a glimpse of the face of fishpan oh boy I mean Marketmanila.com and they see you in your anecdotal fishpan. Who knows you – your fishpan face could be the next famous cartoon character like Homer Simpson in a national sitcom based on varietal facts of life market finds, kitchen musing, and the one that I find interesting your rants which sound to me like the collective voice of Juan dela Cruz!
Aug 5, 2009 | 1:51 am
sanojmd, Australia says:
hahaha! this is a good laugh! the famous MM and his very famous fishpan.. hahaha.. how i wish i can get a copy of that magazine with your famous fishpan.. hahaha
Aug 5, 2009 | 4:24 am
Maki, United States says:
it gave me a laugh sir… ehehehe…
you should’ve shown your face instead.. ehehe
Aug 5, 2009 | 7:16 am
Artisan Chocolatier, Philippines says:
Now I have an excuse to buy Rogue without my spouse raising an eyebrow!!! hahahaha.
MM, now that we have seen your famous fishpan, I think everyone that is given your “fishpan award” should be honored!!! hehehehehe
Aug 5, 2009 | 8:07 am
sister, United States says:
You didn’t polish your fish pan?
Aug 5, 2009 | 8:16 am
Marketman, says:
sister, hahaha. Took it out of the cupboards and rushed to the photo shoot. Too much grime on the pan, but at least it looks real, unlike those outrageously polished versions in Architectural Digest articles with fabulous million dollar kitchens for folks who don’t really cook very much. :)
Aug 5, 2009 | 8:22 am
joey, Philippines says:
Have yet to go out and buy my copy…will do soon! I can’t wait to read all the write-ups by Katrina! I think Rogue is one of our best magazines so of course I’m super tickled to be included…plus meeting Neal Oshima!!! That fishpan shot is an absolute CLASSIC! I love it!
I’m also happy the watermelon covered most of over-enthusiastic cheeks!
Aug 5, 2009 | 9:12 am
alicia, Philippines says:
that photo is way cool!
Aug 5, 2009 | 9:30 am
Sheryl, Philippines says:
I love Rogue magazine!!! I’m glad you’re featured there, MM & Joey. I follow both your sites. I’m gonna get me a copy today :-)))
Aug 5, 2009 | 10:04 am
Mike, Philippines says:
Photo is just classic!
Aug 5, 2009 | 10:10 am
joyce, China says:
congrats on your neil oshima photo. funny and apt since your “fishpan” posts are one of the more unforgettable ones ive read on your blog.
Aug 5, 2009 | 10:34 am
Jun b, United States says:
watch out fish pan star in the making !!!! The mega one :)
Aug 5, 2009 | 10:44 am
izang, Philippines says:
hahaha!…fish pan na naman…shy ka yata talaga MM….
Aug 5, 2009 | 11:09 am
bagito, United States says:
Ay, Joey’s a girl pala! (and very pretty to boot!) I’ve been to the 80 breakfasts blog but didn’t realize Joey and Chichajo are one and the same. Duh! :)
Fishpan takes center stage yet again. LOL! I love it.
Aug 5, 2009 | 11:44 am
marissewalangkaparis, Philippines says:
Sister is aghast you didn’t polish your pan bottom..hahaha…my same initial reaction but that’s a well used pan…fed a lot of happy tummys…great pan..it’s happy to be your “face”. Great job MM!!
Aug 5, 2009 | 12:59 pm
sometime_lurker, Singapore says:
Sister’s comment made me giggle because I was expecting that from her! Nice. I feel like I’m already part of MM’s fam now :p
And yes, MM, it looked great unpolished. Very ‘keeping-it-real.’ You should have that reprinted, framed (upsized! ha!), and be in your kitchen. :)
Aug 5, 2009 | 1:15 pm
wysgal, Philippines says:
Wow MM! Can’t believe it’s been a year since Rogue’s last culinary/food issue. Great to see they’ve gone all out on featuring food bloggers this year … with Neil Oshima no less!
Aug 5, 2009 | 5:46 pm
Anna Scott, Philippines says:
Rogue Magazine is my favorite! So happy they featured you! I’m running to the bookstore NOW!!!
Aug 5, 2009 | 6:14 pm
Trisha, Australia says:
That photo is classic Marketman, you need to get a copy of that from neil!
Will take this moment to say hello to katrina! Great work missy, glad your writing (about food, no less) I MISS YOU. xx
Aug 5, 2009 | 8:21 pm
chinky, Philippines says:
love the photo–captures classic MM!
Aug 5, 2009 | 9:15 pm
eej, United States says:
MM’s pic. brought a smile to my face. That pan surely looks loved and well used in the kitchen — burnt spots and all!
Can’t wait for more fish pan episodes.
Aug 6, 2009 | 1:32 am
christine, Philippines says:
hi MM. you are so funny! and i was looking forward to “meeting” you “up close”! haven’t seen this issue but yes the fishpan shot is charming =)
Aug 6, 2009 | 8:47 am
chinachix, Canada says:
Can’t wait to see the issue…Rogue is one of my favorite padalas whenever someone visits me this side of the world…
Aug 6, 2009 | 9:13 am
Mila, China says:
Now that’s an edition of Rogue I can’t wait to get my hands on, Joey’s cheeks, your pan, Katrina’s words! Love the fishpan portrait MM, I think that would make for a great picture on an apron or the next MM canvas bag giveaway no???
Aug 6, 2009 | 9:41 am
Beng, United States says:
Crack me up…. you guys remember Home Improvement sitcom, Tim Allen’s neighbor Wilson who’s face was never shown.
Aug 6, 2009 | 11:56 am
Rogue Magazine, Philippines says:
It turned out to be one of our favorite portfolios. And yes, you can expect it to be online shortly after our September issues hit the stand. Meanwhile, check out the preview: http://rogue.ph/previews/entry/august_2009_preview_the_peoples_palate/
Aug 6, 2009 | 1:58 pm
Quillene, Philippines says:
PRICELESS!!!!!
CONGRATS, MM!!!
Aug 6, 2009 | 3:02 pm
consol, Philippines says:
MM! You look like the Gingerbread Man but with a chocolate chip cookie for your head! (run, run run as fast as you can/ you can’t catch me/ I’m the Gingerbread Man!)
Aug 6, 2009 | 4:28 pm
lori, Philippines says:
MM, why did you feel it necessary to cover your face with a pan when the world saw you on Anthony Bourdain’s show earlier this year? You have a pleasant face — why hide it?
Aug 7, 2009 | 10:27 am
Marketman, says:
lori, actually, I was prepared to show it, but Neal asked me to cover it. :) I brought the pan and other tiems along as the editors asked me to bring “props”… I also came out in the Yummy magazine spread with Joey, Katrina, Socky, Mila and Ian last March in a full frontal, so I do occasionally get photographed… :) The less people who recognize me, the better chance of NOT GETTING special treatment at restaurants, markets, food stores, etc. I rarely do restaurant reviews, but I think I prefer the idea of being less recognized, similar to the stance of the folks over at tableforthreeplease…
Aug 7, 2009 | 11:36 am
Katrina, Philippines says:
MM, I only read this now! I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had much time to read blogs, and in fact, have not even gotten a copy of this month’s Rogue. Mila and Joey told me you posted about it, so my first glimpse of the issue is on your blog.
To be honest, it’s more difficult for me to write about friends. So I’m SO VERY HAPPY you liked the write-up, MM! :-)
And I’m absolutely thrilled they chose the fish pan shot! I asked my editor about which picture they used, and he said I’d have to wait and see, so I was just as in suspense as you were. It’s perfect! And, yes, I prefer that it looks well-worn.
Aug 7, 2009 | 2:01 pm
michelle, Philippines says:
And the ‘fishpan’ takes center-stage — loved the humor and twist, the photo really put a big smile on my face, but was really looking forward to seeing a glimpse of you :) congratulations and more features to come!
Aug 7, 2009 | 10:12 pm
Mom-Friday, Philippines says:
And the ‘fishpan’ takes center-stage — loved the humor and twist, the photo really put a big smile on my face, but was really looking forward to seeing a glimpse of you :) congratulations and more features to come!
Aug 7, 2009 | 10:13 pm
corrine, says:
I think a large part of a blogger’s attraction is anonymity. but, MM, I’ve seen you in person, on tv, on mags so wala ka nang kawala! haha
Aug 8, 2009 | 12:21 am
Cecilia, United States says:
Cool,classic and hilarious! Love that the fishpan looks grimed. Not looking too fishpan-y(?)!
Aug 10, 2009 | 1:22 pm