A LEGEND IS BORN.

To stan something is “[to look up to it] and that you genuinely watch or truly love their content”, according to Urban Dictionary. In line with this colloquialism, as fans of comic book readers and movie-goers alike, it would not be far off to say that we all stan Stan Lee and the tremendous impact his creation has made to our culture today.

This article offers a tribute to a very strong contemporary legend, to who we can credit decades of entertainment, fantasy, and full-unadulterated enjoyment.

When Marvel first hit the presses (though it wasn’t called Marvel yet at that time) with their Captain America #1,  the world was introduced to the concept of superheroes, and what could arguably be one of the largest movements in media in history. Who could have then imagined, that just after more than fifty years, that single Captain America issue would branch out into more than tens of thousands of other stories, notable works would of course include the solo-runs for Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, Thor, and the like.

Stanley Martin Lieber, born December 28th, 1922 in Manhattan, New York, dreamed of nothing less than to work in the industry he would be famous for today. Known now as the Comic Book Legend and Pop Culture Creator, from this endeavor would result the hundreds of superheroes we know today, of which the Avengers and the X-Men are only a small part of.

Marvel Comics, originally started out as Timely Publications, of which Stanley Lieber, or as we know him better as Stan Lee, was a crucial part of. Established in the 1940’s, the comic publication would soon usher in the Golden Age of Comics, from which the modern heroes we find today would be created.

WHY IT MATTERS.

To newer and more recent fans of Marvel’s cinematic works, Stan Lee’s fame is only attributed to the old man he plays that appears in every single Marvel movie ever made.

But the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would not be possible if it were not built upon a vast and colorful universe that spanned decades in the making in that old man’s original masterwork: Marvel comics.

If you’re not a hardcore fan (or a casual or simply not a fan at all ), then perhaps Stan Lee’s passing would not hit you as hard as it should.

But we should not be deterred! For it was from his interview with Playboy Magazine that he said, “You know, my motto is ‘Excelsior.’ That’s an old word that means ‘upward and onward to greater glory.’ It’s on the seal of the state of New York. Keep moving forward, and if it’s time to go, it’s time. Nothing lasts forever.” Indeed, nothing lasts forever, even Lee. But what will continue on is the wondrous world he created, and all of the heroic characters that reside in it.

It’s important to note, throughout all this, that Lee was never alone. He may have been the mastermind behind the stories we love, but the rest of the ensemble can’t have functioned by his powers alone. It was through his collaboration with other artists such as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, both of whom really helped the company flourish during the Silver Age of Comics, around the 1950’s to 1970’s.

LEE AND HIS CREATION IS CULTURALLY ICONIC.

I can speak for more than myself when I say that Stan Lee’s works as they were originally depicted in the comics and as some were given a cinematic adaptation were key pieces of our childhood, well into our adolescence and until now.

The Comic Book Legend truly left an iconic piece of work that has grown and expanded over the more than half-century since its inception; and we can say it’s iconic because we can mention the name Spiderman and those around us will almost always immediately know we’re talking about Peter Parker, and not a mutant hybrid half-spider half-man. We can mention any names of the marvel superheroes out of context and people would just know about them. Stan Lee’s characters have inarguably become household names.

Of course this doesn’t even come close to the amount of detail and worldbuilding that has truly highlighted the scope of the universe that Stan Lee has created. It is not right to say that Stan Lee is solely responsible for all of Marvel Comics, as he was simply but also the most important first step, first domino, first push. Everything else quickly followed suit.

It is hard to imagine how different the world would be if the Avengers or the X-Men never existed. Of course, we are referring to works of fiction, but the concepts and stories have been ingrained so effectively into the nooks and crannies of our culture and society that we just can’t help but imagine that they are real, and that in itself is a great tribute to someone who devoted all his life creating comic content.

Personally as a fan, I see both the MCU and the Comics not only as very creative sources of inspiration and entertainment, but also as the ever-changing medium through which different artists and authors send a message. A message that although spoken now through a different voice and written with a different pen, all originated with that first stroke of ink that Stan Lee himself wrote on the first piece of paper when he was just starting out. That is to say, he may no longer be with us, but the essence of his work will continue to persist, no matter who is behind the visuals for the comic, or is directing the movie.

It’s thanks to Stan Lee’s devotion and passion to his craft that he was able to give the world countless tales and mishaps of the many superheroes we know and love today. And we know and love them especially because they are superheroes: they are role-models who stand up for justice and fight for what’s right; perhaps more so than Stan Lee could have ever imagined, they became the creative source and inspiration for countless children all around the world.

But yet, fans and non-fans alike feel the world’s loss of a great icon: an icon who brought us more than a hundred diverse, unique, and very creative heroes, situated in a world built and cultivated over the longest time: and now time will continue on without him. It couldn’t have been done without him, but we have to see it through without him.

So here’s to Stan Lee. He may not have been able to fly or lift buildings, but he was blessed with the superpower to reach out to people by the millions, over many generations to come. He will surely be remembered as the one and only Comic Book Legend.

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“Ang Tomasinong gipit, sa siomai kumakapit!” This line has had reverberated through the minds of almost every Thomasians even up to date. However, had they chosen siomai as their meal solely for its cheap price alone?

Through the years, siomai has emerged as one of the staple foods that many Thomasians enjoy. From the options of having a pork, beef, or shrimp-based mince, up to the way it is cooked, whether fried or steamed — siomai has already become an acceptable rice meal wherein one’s starving appetite can certainly be satisfied.

Today, the competition amongst every siomai stall around UST has definitely gotten harder — with each of them vying to be the best among the rest. And in identifying which of these stalls serves the finest pieces of siomai in town, TomasinoWeb explored the streets of España, Padre Noval, Dapitan, and Lacson.

Angkong Dimsum House

Delos Reyes Street cor. Padre Noval Street | Asturias Street, Dapitan

Angkong’s fried dumpling, at times, may have been labelled as “mainstream.” Nonetheless, this siomai place has continuously proved that they were not labelled as one for nothing. Its highly acclaimed ‘fried dumpling’ has been loved by most Thomasian for its crispness in every bite. For only P55.00, one can enjoy four delectable dumplings and a cup of rice. With two stores located at Dapitan and P.Noval,satiate your dumpling cravings anytime, anywhere. However, only a few can enjoy the “dine in”  experience since the place is a bit small. Despite the limited space that it offers, Angkong has never failed in embedding its love and sapid flavors in every piece of siomai that they serve.

Recommendations:

• Quail Egg Siomai w/ rice (Php 55)
• Japanese Siomai w/ rice (Php 60)

Dimsum Treats

Besides “Starbucks”, Pacific Suites, Dapitan Street

Every Thomasian knows that what lies within the bustling streets of Dapitan is the long time rival of Angkong — that is Dimsum treats. At a price of only Php 55.00, students can feast on four huge pieces of siomai and a generous amount of rice. Although some of the siomai that they offer may at times be bland in taste, Dimsum Treats offers some array of sauces which will surely make ones meal more exciting. This siomai outlet offers a sweet and sour sauce as well as a hearty serving of Yang Chow rice—making it a perfect meal combination for a hungry tummy.

Recommendations:

• Chinese Chicken Siomai (Php 40)
• Meaty Mushroom Siomai (Php 40)
• Pork & Quail Egg Siomai (Php 40)
• Japanese Dumpling (Php 40)

D’Sons Dimsum

Stall near 7/11, Padre Noval Street

Standing only steps away from the gates of UST, along P. Noval Street, is D’Sons Dimsum. Even with just a small stall, D’Sons has still caught the attention and tastes of many Thomasians through offering wide varieties of siomai. The siomai that they are offering is jam-packed with luscious meat partnered with sweet and sour soy sauce, which is far different in comparison with the other siomai houses. To make it more meal-worthy, one can also incorporate it with rice, and surely it would be the best combo one can have either as lunch, snack or even dinner meal.

Recommendations:

• Pork (Steamed) Siomai (Php 28)
• Fried Siomai (Php 28)

*Additional Php 10 for a cup of rice.

Chi: Authentic Dimsum House

Third floor of The One Torre De Santo Tomas, España Boulevard

In terms of variety, Chi: Authentic Dimsum House has, by far, topped all the other siomai stalls. Their gigantic “mega siomai”, wrapped in yellow wonton, definitely is one of the students’ favorite for it incorporates a savory mix of its minced pork and several other spices. In addition, this dimsum house has as well brought in to its menu ‘Kuchay Siomai’ — a must try for vegetable lovers! Although Chi offers one of the most expensive pieces of siomai, the different twists and varieties that they bring to the siomai community is still admirable.

Recommendations:

• Mega Siomai (Php 50)
• Kuchay (Vegetable) Siomai (Php 50)
• Sharksfin Dumpling (Php 30)

*Additional Php 10 for a cup of rice.

Siomai King

Barlin cor. Padre Noval Street

In this stall, one can feel that siomai truly is king for the sumptuous amount of servings that they offer. Unlike other stores, ‘Siomai King’ serves a total of 5 appetizing pieces of siomai for only 30 pesos. Known as the stall’s bestseller is its HongKong Siomai — a delicate mix of ground pork and shrimp with a dash of minced flavourings. Aside from that, the zestiness coming from the chilli-garlic is what sets ‘Siomai King’ apart from others.

Recommendations:

• HongKong Siomai (Php 30)
• Shanghai Siomai (Php 30)

*Additional Php 10 for a cup of rice.

Regardless of the diversifying flavors and varieties that each siomai stall offer, what they bring to us comes with only one goal — to satisfy our hunger and taste buds without expending too much money for a palatable meal.

Karl Efraim Duldao and Sheena Joy Emnace

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Our generation has always been curious about the great Greek myths with its fascinating – but rather dark tales. Persephone’s abduction by Hades, god of the underworld or Zeus’ escapades with fair maidens that lead to the birth of tons of demigods with exceptional strength like Hercules or intoxicating beauty like Helen of Troy.

Each country has their own share of myths. Scandinavians have their god of Thunder Thor, and the mischievous god and trickster, Loki. We are not talking about the MCU here obviously. Romans have a very similar adaptation of their myth to the Greeks and Egyptians have alien-looking gods and goddesses, these are only a few of what we actually know about.

We are all familiar with Bathala, but we always ignore the fact that our country is also rich in tales and myths. We also have a whole new lineage of deities, monsters, and other unearthly creatures. Ours is as fascinating as other myths if not, more.

Even Neil Gaiman, the author of Norse Mythology and American Gods, acknowledged the potential of Filipino Mythology to be shown to the world. Yet despite possessing the prowess to tell a story masterfully, he emphasized that the Filipino writers should be the one to retell the myth.

Mythology as our identity.

Each race has its own unique identity and mannerism. Though most of it are due to their own prejudice, these traits still set them aside from the others.

Here in the Philippines, our history, long before the Spaniards set foot on our shores, have always been different. Only our natives were able to recall the stories that were passed upon generations.

Have you read about Maria Makiling during your childhood? If yes, surely, you also know about Mt. Makiling being shaped like a woman which is believed to be Maria Makiling herself. The known fable can be the basis of our history or the other way around. The best way to know a culture is to understand it through their own as myths and stories.

There are enough characters for everyone to look into.

One of the many reasons why Philippine Mythology should be known is because of its variety. Due to the fact that our country is divided into different regions, a wide variety of culture and language is established. In the Tagalog region, the supreme being is called Bathala but Kaptan for the Bisaya.

These two characters are basically the same but they have different names and maybe even a slight alteration in their stories. There is a wide range of origin stories which involves giants, gods, and goddesses, but the best part about it is they all have different tales to tell.

Filipino writers are capable

Filipinos have always been one of those who excel in everything they pour their souls into. There are a lot of Filipino literary creators who are exceptional in their work. Who else will be good at retelling our own history? Of course, those who share the same blood lineage, for we know the hearts and minds of our ancestors.

We have a rich literary library that some foreigners also seek to come across with to further their knowledge. Filipino writers were able to establish their skills in the field of literature, though they are not given enough appreciation in our current setting.

Mythology is not just a part of literature that is there to entertain us. It also has a key role in civilization. Humans interpret their world through myths, it has always been a representation of one’s beliefs. If you can take time to gush about the Asgardians or the Olympians, why not start discovering our very own today?

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