Chapter 30: Blood, Sweat and Tears

"Here drink this tea. It will help you recover some of your strength for the fight tomorrow."

Ling handed me a small cup of tea. She made me drink the same bitter tea back when I fainted during the camp. It provided warmth that returned me back to my senses. My body slumped lifeless on the couch by the fireplace. It was not long ago since I came back to the dormitory and caught William in a daze. Seeing him at that state ripped my heart slowly. The confident chef who just tasted defeat was in shambles. I wanted to talk to him but he just went to his room the moment he saw me.

"Thanks Ling. Ayako was pretty much surprised as well. It looks like the defeat of William and Usami took a toll on everyone."

"Yes, it did. It was a brutal loss for your team on the second round."

For some reason, Ling was being a little talkative than usual. Her hands were clenched the whole time and I felt her frustration of the result of the match as well.

"You can't afford to lose a single match tomorrow." she said. "You would be taking on the vice president first and if you manage to win there is still the president."

"So Chef Taki's younger brother would be the last boss…"

"That misplaced optimism of your should be reined once in a while."

A little laugh followed by a sigh escaped my lips. I set down the small cup on the table but my hand wouldn't let go.

"Huh? What's happening?"

A tear dropped from my left eye. I felt like crying and was about to until Ling delivered a chop at the top of my head. Her face was full of worry, the first time she showed such an expression.

"You can't lose your grip yet. Your team just suffered a heavy blow but you are still standing. It is you who should carry where they left off."

"…"

"I'm heading off to bed now. Rest up and don't stay late."

The pain I felt was hampered by Ling's words. What she said was true but I couldn't help feeling guilty. I wasn't there to support them. I wondered if my presence could have made a difference. I wiped my eyes and strengthened my resolve.

"Yo!"

A hand slapped my back. I jolted upwards due to the shock.

"Yuzu!"

"What's the matter? You look so gloomy right now."

"You should know the reason for that." I answered.

Takeuchi's head tilted to the side as if he was confused by what I just said.

"Why? Didn't you win your first and second match?"

"We won during the first round, didn't we? We worked as a team during the second round, didn't we? Then how come things ended this way?" My irritation started to build.

"It's not like everything is over, is it not? All you need to do is to win." Takeuchi encouraged. "I remember my first win. It was some unknown girl I challenged so that she would accept my confession."

Cooking really was everything in the academy. I guess even romantic feelings could be involved in Shokugeki as well.

"Then how come you don't have a girlfriend?" I asked.

"She rejected me even though I won. Can you believe that?" He laughed. "I guess, the thought of cooking for someone I liked made my dish suuuuper tasty! That's what I saw in your face this afternoon."

He paused and jumped next to me in the couch.

"For a second, I envied you. I have never stepped in a Shokugeki of that scale since entering this school. I told myself 'Takeuchi, just imagine how much satisfaction you'd feel if you win in that stage!' Despite what happened, you still have to carry the team's flag. So drown yourself in that pain now, but make sure that they'd clench their teeth tight when you deliver the counter blow."

Ling's worries and Takeuchi's sincerity were sides that I have never seen. They knew that giving some advice would only sound superficial so they supported me in their own way. The pain in my heart started to subside a little bit and was slowly being replaced by an intensifying fire to face tomorrow's match.

"Thanks. For everything."

"Don't worry! That's what friends are for."

He rested his head on my shoulder.

"Yuzu..."

"Yes?"

"Too close."

A ray of light entered a gap from between the curtains and landed on my closed eyes prompting me to wake up. It was the second day of the match. An unforeseeable event even in the eyes of the organizers and they had to push back other Shokugeki matches to conclude ours.

"Oi Alex, your match is in the newspaper now!" Takeuchi shoved the paper in his hand to mine.

On the cover was Terunori Kuga's face and the promotion of the Chinese Cuisine Research Society's participation in the upcoming Moon Banquet Festival. At the second page was an article of our match yesterday.

"The fiery battle between Spanish Cuisine RS and the Filipino Cuisine RS," I read the first part of the article. "A match that was supposed to be dominated by the Spanish Cuisine RS was overturned as the members of the opposing club showed their strength and prowess."

My eyes drifted around the article that was full of praises for the Spanish club. I looked at the last paragraph.

"An exciting match between a rookie who travelled all the way from Philippines between the pillars of the prestigious Spanish Cuisine Research Society will decide the fate of whose cooking is supreme."

"You see! Underdogs usually win the fight! Just imagine all of the protagonists in anime and novels."

"EHHH? What kind of logic is that?"

William appeared in the doorway while we were talking. The atmosphere immediately changed. I wanted to tell him to not mind their loss but I couldn't find the right words. He looked at the side and just mumbled words I could not understand.

"What's that?" I asked William.

"I'm sorry for losing yesterday. I gave it my best but…" he said in a hushed volume.

"I can't understand what you are saying."

His complexion blushed as he shouted the words that were stuck in his throat.

"I'M SORRY FOR LOSING YESTERDAY!" tears formed in his eyes. "I really gave everything in that ma-"

"Oh! The mighty William has finally admitted that he is below me." I teased.

"WHAT?!"

I knew exactly the feeling he had and no words of comfort could take away the pain hanging in his heart. I wanted to encourage him the same way all of my dorm mates did for me. After all, he has established himself as an integral member of North Lake dormitory.

"FUWAHAHAHAHAHA!" I forced a brave laugh while pointing at him. "This is the decision of the heavens to proclaim me as the president of the club. I alone will fight against the odds-"

"Stop messing around!" William insisted.

"-to avenge your loss and bring the victory to our club!"

His mouth was wide open in surprise at my statement. He wiped his tears and started to laugh, the loudest I heard him. Takeuchi followed by giving a forced hearty laugh and I as well, not knowing why they were doing so, joined them. The kitchen of North Lake was surrounded by the noise of three idiots laughing.

"That was so corny! Still, I'll be supporting you on the sidelines from now on," William paused. "…President!"

My heart skipped a beat and was filled with renewed vigor upon hearing those words. Takeuchi huddled us together and gave his fool proof victory advice.

"Okay, listen closely. What I am about to say to you is the best strategy against the enemy. Are you ready?"

"What is it?"

"You serve your dish after she does. I repeat, not before, serve it after!" he said in full confidence.

I could only give him a look of pity. I never knew that his mind had already shriveled beyond saving.

"What kind of logic is that?!" William commented.

"Oi! Why are you looking at me like that, Alex? Think of it, almost 80% of the winners of Shokugeki matches are those who served after…"

"William, I need to prepare my knives for the match later."

I felt the urge to leave Takeuchi in his useless ramblings.

"Oi! I'm still talking here!"

"I'm going to help you with that, Alex."

"Oi! Oi! Don't leave me here. We are still planning your winning strategy!"

An early morning walk would surely clear my mind. I didn't want to feel the weight and pressure of the afternoon match since worrying would do nothing good for me. With all the knives given to me by Gerd, I went ahead for a slow stroll towards the stadium.

"Good Morning Alex-kun!"

The voice came from a person who was essentially naked, only wearing a traditional undergarment and boots. It was the seventh seat of the Elite Ten, Satoshi Isshiki.

"Isshiki-senpai?!"

I still couldn't get used to his attire.

"I was strolling down the road to pick up some firewood from Yamamori-san." Isshiki's eyes open wide. "I know! As an honorary member of the Polar Star Dormitory, why don't you join us in setting our booth."

"Huh?"

"Young men and women coming together to create something singular! The most spectacular event to celebrate student life! Indeed, this is youth. It is student life! Join us, Alex-kun!"

He seemed so enthusiastic but I had to decline the offer. I ended up explaining to him my present predicament.

"So you are the one fighting later. Sorry if I am not up to date. I have heard of this for quite some time, a new club facing a strong one. Never did I imagine that it would be you who is participating. Please remember my warning before, regarding your absence during the Autumn Election. This may have been an effect of annoying some of the Elite Ten."

"This was a deliberate attack against me? A freshman?"

"Who knows? But always know that I am here for you, Terunori-kun as well." He smiled reassuringly. "Now! All I can do is wish you luck as you forge your way ahead to the battle ahead. No matter the result, treasure this moment of youth!"

"Uhhhh… thanks, I guess?"

We went separate ways as he headed towards North Lake.

"T-That was surreal."

"Thank you for your patience, everyone. I am Kawashima Urara, once again giving to you the most awaited fight of the day!"

Men in pink holding banners were yelling how cute she was. It looked like she has a fan club of her own. The match was on its way and the stadium was packed like yesterday. I could hear their excited screams bursting in the building.

"There are only two results waiting for us today. Will the Spanish Cuisine Research Society continue to dominate by finishing off the remainder of the Filipino Cuisine Research Society or will Alex Ramos-san continue to defy the odds with his unbeaten record?"

An unexplainable surge of energy flowed through me at that moment. It was really happening. I was walking out of a tunnel where many students facing the same fears and hopes I had passed as well but unlike yesterday, I was all alone.

"Entering from the right is the only remaining member of the Filipino Cuisine Research Society! Alex Ramos!"

I never expected anyone to cheer for me, an unknown student in the school but what I heard shocked me to my core.

"UOOOOHHHHH! ALEX RAMOS, GO FOR THE WIN!"

Continued and repeated chants of manly voices echoed throughout the stadium. I searched around to find the source of the loud cheers until I saw a whole area of bald students raising a banner with 'Alex Gambatte!' written on it. I immediately recognized their faces. In the front of everyone was Kuga sitting casually. He raised a peace sign while smirking and in return, I raised my fist high in the air. The entirety of the Chinese Cuisine Research Society gave a roar that drowned all of the cheers inside the stadium

"Kuga-senpai!"

"Alex-chin! Win this one for me, okay? I don't care about the final match but make sure to win this one!"

'What does that even mean?'

"What is this? It seems that Alex-san has the support of the Chinese Cuisine Research Society! What an amazing development!" the emcee cleared her throat "And now, on the left are the leaders of the Spanish Cuisine Research Society; the president, Tsunozaki Tamaki and vice president, Goto Marina!"

The cheers of men were replaced by women as they showed support for their team. It was an exchange of cheers between two opposite genders. I was just glad that there were people supporting me. Ayako, Takeuchi, Ling were on the stands while William and Usami appeared on the ringside.

"We are right behind you!"

"Avenge our defeat, Alex!"

Contrary to the noise and heated atmosphere, The words of my teammates made me feel calm and at peace.

"So I see you haven't lost your will to fight yet. It would be too boring if you just gave up easily." Goto mocked.

"Today is a new day senpai!" I answered back. "You made my teammates suffer yesterday, I'm just here to repay the favor. Don't cry too much after our fight or you won't see my name displayed as the winner on the big screen above us, okay?"

"Kkhhkk… Let's see about that!"

She drew the theme ingredient for our match and handed the paper to the emcee after a peek. She smiled instantly.

"The ingredient for today is Pork! Folks, it looks like an easy choice but don't let it fool you. Having something as easy as this one opens up a broad variety of dishes." She announced.

My opponent headed to my side and extended a handshake before starting. For sportsmanship's sake, I shook her hand as well. Her grip tightened as if to tell me that she had no plans of losing.

"I will show you how a first rate chef makes an easy ingredient like pork shine. I doubt you can even come close to the dish I will prepare."

"Of course! My dish will be in a league way higher than yours, senpai!"

Her taunt backfired as she found herself walking back more annoyed than ever while I had every confidence in me.

I looked around the crowd once more and basked in the intense energy of the crowd to psyche myself up. On audience seat, I saw Taki with her arms crossed. Seeing her up there confused me a lot.

"May I call everybody's attention!" Urara called. "Due to conflict of interest, the Shokugeki committee board decided to invite a different set of judges. To commence the upcoming Moon Banquet Festival, a special set of judges have volunteered their services."

The new set of judges have walked out and proceeded to their respective seats. The emcee introduced the first two but they were easily forgettable in the presence of the director himself… Nakiri Senzaemon. A loud uproar ensued as he entered the stage. If anyone was more qualified to be a judge then it was the director himself. Following him was a person I was familiar with. He was Dojima Gin's sous chef in the Totsuki Resort. A memory flashed back to me when he judged the orange egg tempura I made during the 'Hell Camp'.

"I now present to you our judges for the day. Everyone here already know who the first judge is. He is none other than the most respected culinary expert in the world and also our school's director, Nakiri Senzaemon-sama! For our second judge, he is the Sous Chef of Totsuki Resort, Hiromi Sena-san. Last but not the least, our final judge is the host of the popular cooking show 'Moe Moe Kyun', Kobayashi Kurihara-san."

The last judge seemed to be popular among the men who were roused as she entered. She looked like she was in her mid twenties and had a very cute aura surrounding her. All of them took their seats except the director in the middle. He gazed upon the crowd slowly and looked at both Goto Marina and me.

"It is with great honor for me to be a judge in such rare events like this. The burning passion of students to improve their cooking has always been the top priority that I continue to nurture here in Totsuki Academy. I heard of the news yesterday and the feelings of both parties have reached me. Students of both side, this contest of skill is a test of all the things you have learned so far. No matter the result, polish the spirit of cooking within you. I will bear witness to your spirits, so…"

He inhaled deeply and what came next were the words everybody was waiting for

"Let the Shokugeki… BEGIN!"

The words Shokugeki blasted on the big screen above us then Marina pointed at me.

"I'll show you how little worth your club is. You will be crushed by my supe- Listen to me, damn it!"

I dashed to the pantry to search for the ingredients we would be using for the match. She immediately ran and took hold of the pork parts from the chiller while I looked around the tall shelves for the other ingredients I needed.

'Okay the best thing I can make is a crispy pig trotters. It would surely get me the win!'

I took some leeks and condiments that I would use in cooking my dish and went to the chiller. As I opened the big door, my eyes couldn't believe what it was seeing.

"Huh? What is this? There is no pork!"

I rummaged around and went to the freezer and still no signs of any part of the pork. A keeper passed by and I asked him about the missing ingredient. He went with me and was shocked as well to see that there was no stock of the meat in the chiller.

"I swear I properly restocked this. There can be no other explanation. It is pork for crying out loud. The basic of the basic." He scratched his head. "Can't you use any other meat?"

"No! The theme of the match is pork. I really need it!"

I suddenly remembered what Isshiki said about the possibility of some members of the Elite Ten trying to mess with me and they could be the mastermind behind this deliberate attack.

"Well if it is pork you need, I still kept some of the offals in the butchery station."

"Please take me there!"

A few turns into the wide labyrinth of shelves in the pantry and we finally arrived at the butchery station. There were only hacked pieces of pork that didn't look too great to be served and some of the parts that wouldn't be used for cooking. Some of these were the lungs, intestines and the head. There was no choice but to take it and change my plan.

"Alex-san has finally returned! What will he prepare?" the emcee said. "On the other side, Goto-san has already finished preparing her pork and placed it the oven after putting it in the pressure cooker.

I looked at the ingredients in front of me. I haven't tried working with offal before but I had a vague idea from the TV shows I've watched featuring extreme cuisines. I wanted to think of how unfair it was to attack me in such a way but my focus was already locked on to how I would cook the unconventional pork parts in front of me.

A crazy idea popped in my mind. It was the best option I had with the ingredients available. I sliced the lungs, liver and the small scraps of pork belly into bite sized pieces and placed them in a boiler. While waiting for everything to become tender, I prepared the deep fryer and a pot.

"Goto-san just deglazed the remaining pork jus in her skillet with white wine. Can everybody smell the fragrant aroma from the white wine? I am getting hungry myself!" Urara paused and turned her attention to me. "Oh! Alex-san has started cooking! But what is that in his hand?!"

Marina looked in my direction to confirm the item I had.

"Don't tell me…" her voice cracked.

"Oh this? This is pig's blood!"

The entire stadium went silent after I announced my ingredient. Some gave looks of disgust and some were horrified but it didn't matter, I knew what I was doing. William gave a nod of approval as if saying he understood what I was trying to pull off.

"He is stirring black goo inside the pot." Kurihara commented.

"Earlier he was playing with a white dough too." Sena continued.

There was nothing else to do but to continue cooking. Marina kept glancing while throwing out some taunts which I chose to ignore. I noticed that it was a recurring habit among those who participate in a Shokugeki. We continued cooking until the bell rang and the time for cooking was over.

"The time for cooking is over. I hope both contestants have finished their plating as we go to the judging round."

*Phew*

I felt great pride with what I accomplished given the situation I was placed into. It was time to go to the judges but my steps were stopped by someone who called my name. It was Takeuchi and he acted out gestures that I didn't understand. The memory of him telling me to serve my dish second came back to me.

'It's as if a reasoning like that will work. If I win, it will be with my skill.'

As I looked back to the judges, my opponent already went ahead and presented her dish.

"Esteemed judges, I can't wait to present you a dish worthy of your palette. A specialty of the Spanish Cuisine Research Society."

"This looks so wonderful. Can I ask you to be a guest chef for my show?" Kurihara asked.

"R-Really?"

"Of course! We will make it a Tostuki special!"

*Cough*

"I am sorry to interrupt but let us proceed with the judging." Sena intervened. "Pork might look like an everyday ingredient but because of that, every type of cuisine has explored its potential. What I see in front of me is a masterful display of plating. The caramelization of the meat is perfectly done so much that it shines. This is a feat already beyond a second year. And now for the taste…"

All of the judges took a bite consecutively.

"Oh my! What a lovely flavor. I can't even describe it clearly. How shameful for a host like me!"

"Simply marvellous! The sauce is hot and peppery but not too overbearing. It suits the tenderness of the meat as it whets up the appetite making me crave for more. All of the components of this dish is perfectly balanced."

The director stayed silent at first but it was evident that he immediately knew what was in front of him.

"Torreznos con Mojo Dulce. I have come across this dish but never interpreted like this one. The meat can only be tenderized to this degree by carefully braising the meat on the right temperature at an precise time. The result is the release of the fat content which gives a rich and overwhelming flavor of the pork. This taste can only be described as pure ivory of Spanish cuisine.

"It is as you say. I balanced the hotness of the chilli using sugar and added cumin and cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Thank you for your wonderful comments." She bowed in front of the judges and sneaked a look at me with a malicious grin.

Then it happened. The audience immediately took notice of what happened.

"Look at the director! His kimono is gone!"

"Yeah! That means that her dish is already considered master class!"

Everybody was amazed by the spectacle happening on the stage. Suddenly a very heavy weight was placed in my shoulders. Every step made my legs feel like lead. I resolved my courage and was finally in front of the imposing aura of the judges.

"Oh what is this? A white bowl?" Sena asked.

"I wonder what's inside." Kurihara added.

Three separate white bowls on a plate were served to each judge. They looked at the dish with utmost curiosity. Kurihara made the first comment I was waiting for.

"As I recall, you made use of pig's blood in your dish. If that is what's inside then I don't want it."

"So do I. So Alex-kun, please tell us what is inside."

Everybody was waiting for an answer as the whole stadium became silent. Ayako gave me a look like I was going to mess everything up. Takeuchi had his hand on the rails and Ling hunched forward eager to know as well. William and Usami were still on the ringside with full confidence in my abilities.

"Ummm yeah it is pig's blood. Oh there are kidneys, liver and lungs as well."

My remark came to a surprise to everyone as I started hearing insults, jeers and mocking from the crowd. Ayako, Takeuchi, and Usami had disappointed looks in their faces while Ling and William had their unwavering expressions. The audience started to boo and even the men of Kuga's group were disheartened by the development.

"You just made a huge mistake." Marina laughed. "What I served the judges is the best Spanish cuisine has to offer and you dare present something inedible and utterly grotesque to our esteemed judges. What you cooked can't even be called food; maybe people in your country only eat scraps like you do. Totsuki has no need for you."

I could see it in the judge's faces. They were unwilling to try what I made. When everything was about to fall apart, director Senzaemon opened the lid and the contents were revealed. The camera zoomed in and remarks of disgust once again filled the stadium. Disregarding the public opinion, he took a spoonful.

He stood up and released a deep howl, shutting up the collective noise of the audience. It was Urara, the emcee, who broke the silence.

"The director… The director's clothes… it is gone! Only his underwear remains!" she shouted.

"WHAT?!"

Everyone was baffled. It was considered as the highest degree of reaction he could show to gauge the level of cuisine. He sat down and once again proceeded to take another bite. Sena and Kurihara could not deny the director's taste and so they decided to try the dish as well.

"Wh-What is this?! How is it that rich umami bursts from every bite despite looking like this, a thick black stew? I-I can't hold back anymore… I am starting to drown in a black pool of umami… Noooooo!"

"This texture… Every piece has a different texture from the other. This dish is playing with me. A different feel in the mouth partnered with a new taste. This is so confusing!"

The headmaster looked at me straight in the eyes as if he was looking directly at my soul. An opportunity for me to shine rose and there was nothing else to do but to grab it.

"What I just served is a native pork blood stew dish in the Philippines called 'Dinuguan'. Translated, it literally means cooked with blood. It is rich in protein and that is why it adds umami to an already flavourful meat. The offals and meat scraps were cooked three ways. First was to make them tender by boiling, crisped up with deep frying and finally stewed with the sauce before being placed in a rice bowl."

Kurihara and Sena were left speechless after my explanation. The surprise it dealt them was incomprehensible. They were joined by everyone in their state of shock.

"What do you mean rice bowl?" Senzaemon asked.

"The bowl you are eating on is edible. I made it with using rice flour from the earlier round." I answered. "It is a hardened rice cake to hold the stew. Normally the rice cake is soft and partners well with the dish but since time has elapsed, I reckon that the insides have softened already. You will find it easy to eat now."

They did the only thing they could. Each of them tore off a piece of the bowl and ate it. Another blow has been dealt to them as I watched them finish the plate clean.

"This warm feeling that surrounds me… I have never eaten anything like this so why does this remind me of a home cooked meal?" she asked.

"It wasn't presentable at the least and yet it has this much of an impact with flavor… I just can't accept this!" Sena's balled up fist hit the table.

The headmaster didn't utter another word as a staff member dressed him up once again. They were going through a routine like a normal occurrence.

"S-So we have heard what the judges have to say. They are currently deliberating on who would be announced as the winner."

Beads of sweat trickled down the side of my face. My heart was beating loudly that I could almost hear it and the sensation of my arms and legs were virtually gone. Every second that passed felt like an eternity as I prayed and hoped for the best. My opponent's confidence has remained steady.

"This is me Urara-chan with the results of the match. If Goto-san is proclaimed the winner, then the Spanish Cuisine Research Society will be awarded the disputed booth in the Main Street Area. On the other hand, if Alex-san comes out victorious then he will face the club president Tsunozaki Tamaki."

Nakiri Senzaemon stood up once again and held a brush. The same staff brought a scroll then carefully flattened it in the table. With a few elegant strokes, he was finished. Even I could tell that what he wrote was the name of the winner.

"Now to announce the winner… With the vote of Hiromi-san and Nakiri-sama, the Battle of Pork's victor is…

I held my breath and closed my eyes.

"Filipino Cuisine Research Society's Alex Ramos-san!"

'What?'

William and Usami ran up to the stage and shook me from side to side. My ears couldn't believe what was announced. I looked at the scroll and saw my name written in cursive calligraphy. The screen above displayed my name as the winner.

"You did it!" William slapped my back.

"That was a close one Alex-dono." Usami's voice was filled with relief.

My heart was burning with excitement as the result finally sunk in me…

"Alex-san continues to defy the odds and won once again with the record of three wins and no losses; a genuine dark horse that all must be wary of. The impact he dealt with the flavor of his dish reigned triumphant over his opponent's."

…I won!

Marina approached me still filled with a hostile temperament. She was on the verge of crying but she held her composure still.

"Enjoy your victory for now because it literally won't last long. In a few hours, our club will be redeemed by our president. You will learn the taste of defeat in his hands, I promise you that."

She was right. The fight was on its final stretch. Tsunozaki Tamaki was a formidable foe that shouldn't be underestimated. In two hours, I would face him completely fresh while I have already exhausted my strength. But now was a time of glory, the intoxicating feeling of victory was something I could not resist.

"Alex-chin! I knew you could do it!" Kuga shouted through a paper megaphone. "You showed that pigtail punk that we are a team to be afraid of."

'Pigtail punk? Who is he referring to?'

A choreographed cheer was done by the members of his club. I looked around and saw the bright faces of my dorm mates, the support of my teammates. There was no way I could lose the final round. Tamaki was on the other side with a smile on his face as he clapped his hands.

"I hope we have a good match." he said. "Onee-chan, has told me a great deal about you."

"I owe Chef Taki a lot and I have nothing against you senpai, but prepare yourself because I'll come at you with full force."

"That is already expected. You have already proven yourself worthy so rest up. You will need every bit of strength you can muster. I have no intention of letting you win the final round."

I wondered when he would drop the good guy act. Behind his smile was a seriousness that sent chills in my spine.

"There is nothing to be afraid of anymore. Anything I need to say will be through my cooking so bring it on!"

A/N:

So many of you have recommended Dinuguan in the reviews and messages to appear and the circumstances felt right to introduce the dish, so here it is. True enough, the notion of eating something with blood was enough to made be gag when I was young but you cannot deny that it tastes good. Some of my foreign friends think that it is a dare or an "X-factor" thing that gives injustice to the dish. To my foreign readers, ask your nearest Filipino about this dish and you are in for a treat.

Alex managed to win already 3 matches, a long way from when he started. To be honest, i still have no idea on what to do for the final match so if feel free to recommend your favorite Filipino dish to decide his fate.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well...

Cheers! XD