It might also be because I first saw the sign looking like this (there are signs in the more recognizable diamond shape). With this alone, the meaning of PED XING totally escaped me. First saw it in a province of Thailand. Hmmm with all the monks walking around it must mean a mosque or temple or chapel...or something. Of Asian culture. Why not?

Saw another one in Bangkok. See, it's a temple.

Saw another one in Hong Kong. Singapore.

The temple must be popular one among the Asians, I figured.

Then I see it on the road at TACLOBAN CITY!!! It was a long road. I thought quietly, finally I'd get to see what the temple/mosque/chapel of PED XING looks like.

"Ped Xing", I said softly.

"Pedestrian crossing", my friend, Pamie (yep, her, who was with us in Hong Kong) said as softly.

"What?", me.

"Pedestrian crossing. PED XING", Pamie.

DANG!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Familiar with "budbud"?

In most Asean restaurants it is called sticky rice.

In different parts of the Philippines it is called by different names but composition of sticky rice is the same.

My fave is the one made in my town in Leyte. Very sticky, wrapped in oily banana leaf. Many many ways to eat it. Of course in restaurants, it would either be laid out in your plate and garnished with mango slices. Or sugar. Now these are the 2 non-messy ways. But I prefer to do mine like I've always did since I was a little girl. How my cousins and relatives had been eating it.

Out of its leaf and sunk down into a mug of hot bitter native chocolate!!!

I let it sit for a minute or 2 for the chocolate to be absorbed well by the budbud.

DELICIOUS!!!

Just like so.

Messy to open the leaf, yes.

I have nailed cleanly opening the oily banana leaf with fork and knife right down to a science.

YUM!

If you by any chance know my number and house, you are most welcomed to come right over for some snacks!!! hehehehe...