JOXBOX

Water Diet Can Help You Lose Weight

2012-01-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Many people look far and wide for the most effective weight loss plan available, but the truth is, there is no need to crash diet, to starve yourself, or to take the risk of diet pill side effects to lose weight. Yes, it is hard to exercise and to maintain a healthy diet, and even though they are effective, they make the road to weight loss a little too long. Thankfully, you can get help from the planet’s most abundant substance: water. So if you find yourself eating all the right foods and exercising right but still have a few pounds left to shed, you probably just need to increase your water intake.

photo credit: Greg Riegler Photography

We all know what health experts say: drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Most of us take this advice for granted, not knowing the full benefits the water diet has in store.

Water Diet Boosts Metabolism

Water hydrates the body and keeps your organs and muscles working at their peak states. It is basically the body’s fuel. Here’s just one example of how important water is to the body and how it can contribute to weight loss. Water is essential for the kidneys to work properly. If the kidneys do not get enough water, it won’t work well, leaving the liver to do all the work in metabolizing fats in the body. This makes it hard for the liver to do its job 100% right, so it doesn’t metabolize all the fats. Instead, the excess fats get stored up, resulting in weight gain.

In other words, water diet boosts your metabolism, helping your body convert fat into energy faster. Thus, water helps you lose unwanted weight and maintain your peak energy at the same time. According to studies, increased water intake can make your metabolism burn calories up to 3% faster.

Water Diet Keeps Hunger at Bay

When you feel thirsty, you also tend to feel hungry. So if you don’t get enough water, the more tempted you will be to binge and eat larger meals. But if you drink water regularly, you won’t feel hungry as often, making it easier for you to control your weight.

This is also why water diet advocates recommend drinking a glass of water 15 minutes before meals and taking a few sips in between bites. The extra water makes you feel full, so you won’t be tempted to overeat.

Reminders on How to Make Your Water Diet Successful

Drinking more water alone cannot help you lose weight. Remember that water only helps your body burn fat faster and helps you control your portions. But to really lose weight, you also need to eat the right foods and to exercise.

Also, drinking more water than you’re used to may at first be difficult to adjust to. You will probably find yourself running to the bathroom more often. Some people get discouraged by this, but instead of taking it negatively, you should actually welcome the change. After all, it’s not water leaving your body. Having to go to the bathroom more often means that your body is flushing out more toxins, those that your body has been storing all these years, as well as the extra water it’s been holding on to, those that accumulate around your ankles and thighs. So just hang in there; as your body gets used to your new water diet, you will be going to the bathroom less.

MANGYAN TRIBE

2012-01-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

Mangyan is the general name for the indigenous tribes who live in the provinces of Mindoro. Ten percent of the total population of the people who live in Mindoro are Mangyans. Before Spain conquered the Philippines, the Mangyans were already practicing the “barter trade” with the Chinese, who traveled to the shores of Mindoro using their ancient boats. The Mangyans traded their local products of cotton, root crops, medicinal plants and bees-wax for beads, gongs, plates and jars.

Anthropological studies revealed that the Mangyans have eight tribes that may look the same but have different cultures and traditions. They are:

THE ALANGANS

The name Alangan was derived from the name of a river and mountain slopes in the upper Alangan Valley.
They live in the tows of Baco, Naujan, San Teodoro and Victoria in Oriental Mindoro and Sablayan, which is located in Occidental Mindoro. The Alangan women, who still practice the old tradition, wears an upper garment called ulango. Some of them wear a red kerchief called limbutong, which is worn over the ulango. For their skirt, they wear the lingeb. It is made from woven cloth and is worn together with abayen - the Alangan’s version of the Aeta’s bahag. The men on the other hand, wear g-strings with fringes in front.
They practice swidden farming, but allow the clearing to be restored for a couple of years. Their practice of allowing the clearing to go back to its old form helped preserve the forests of Mindoro. Swidden farming is also practiced by the other seven tribes.
Betel nut chewing or the chewing of nga-nga is part of the Alangan men and women’s tradition. For them, chewing betel nut prolongs hunger. This practice has a social dimension too. The exchange of its ingredients signify social acceptance between the two parties who conduct the trade.

THE BANGONS

The Bangons have their own culture, language and writing system that is different from the other seven major Mangyan tribes in Oriental Mindoro. Because of thorough studies, anthropologists have proven that the Bangons should be classified as a different group and therefore should be separated from the Tau-buid Mangyans - the group where the Bangons used to belong.
They live along the Bongabon River and the surrounding mountains located within the towns of Bongabong, Bansud, and Gloria in Oriental Mindoro.

THE BUHIDS

The word Buhid, when translated to English, literally means mountain dwellers. They, together with the Hanunoo-Mangyans, posses a pre-Spanish syllabic form of writing system.
The Buhid Mangyans live in the towns of Roxas, Bansud, Bongabong and some parts of Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro, and in the municiplaities of San Jose and Rizal in Occidental Mindoro.
They are the best among the other seven tribes of Mangyan when it comes to pot making. And because of their expertise, the Alangans and Hanunoos purchase the products of the Buhids.
The women wear black and white upper garment called linagmon and a skirt they call abol. Women who are single put body ornaments such as braided nito belt, beaded headband, earrings with a blue thread, beaded bracelet and beaded long necklace.
The men, on the other hand, wear g-strings or bahag. They also put body ornaments like long beaded necklace, tight choker and beaded bracelets. They also carry an accessory bag called bayong, which shelters personal things like knife and comb. Both the males and females carry a bayong often.

THE HANUNOOS

The Hanunoo Mangyans live in the towns of Bulalacao, Mansalay and some parts of Bongabong in Oriental Mindoro, and in the town of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro.
They, like the Buhids and Hanunoo-Mangyans possess a pre-Spanish writing system, considered to be of Indic origin, with characters, expressing the open syllables of the language. This syllabic writing system, called Surat Mangyan, is still being taught in several Mangyan schools in Mansalay and Bulalacao.
Their clothing is similar to the other tribes of Mangyans. The male wears a bahag or loincloth and a shirt they call balukas, while the females wear ramit or indigo-dyed short skirt and a blouse they call lambung. They also carry the bayong that carries most of their personal belongings. The hagkos is their version of the belt bag.
The men sport long hair, which is tied with a cloth they call panyo. The women also sport long hair and accessorize it with headbands made of beads. They also wear necklaces and bracelets made of beads.
Like the Alangans, the Hanunoos also practice swidden farming. A study on the Mangyans’ way of farming was conducted in 1995 and it revealed that their practice prevented land deterioration.

THE IRAYAS

The Iraya is the tribe who lives in the beaches of Puerto Galera, San Teodoro and Baco in Oriental Mindoro. However, most of them live in Occidental Mindoro, in the towns of Mamburao, Sta. Cruz, Abra de Ilog and Paluan.
The Irayas look quite different from the other seven Mangyan tribes. They have curly to kinky hair and dark skin, but could easily be distinguished from the Aetas, who are the most predominant indigenous tribe of the Philippines.
Their ancient clothing is exactly the same as that of the Hanunoos. Today, most of the Irayas wear a civilized outfit.
The Irayas are expert in nito-weaving and other handicrafts that are derived from nito like trays, plates, jars and cups of different sizes.

THE RATAGNONS

Most of the Ratagnons live in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro. Like the Bangons, the Ratagnons have a unique language that is similar to the Cuyunon dialect that is spoken by the people who live in Cuyo Island in the northern part of Palawan.
The Ratagnon women wear a wrap-around cotton cloth from the waistline to the knees. Even if most of them are immersed to modern culture, there are still some males that wear the traditional g-string or bahag and wear a jacket with simple embroidery during gala festivities. The women’s breast covering is made of woven nito or vine. Like the Alangans, they also chew Betel nuts often. They always carry a flint, tinder and other paraphernalia that could produce fire.

THE TADYAWANS

The Tadyawan Mangyans live in the towns of Naujan, Victoria, Socorro, Pola, Gloria, Pinamalayan, and Bansud.
Their ancient clothing is similar to the other Mangyan tribes. Most of them used to wear accessories like bracelets and necklaces made of beads. But today, most of the Irayas wear a civilized outfit. The Tadyawan, like the other Mangyan tribes, depend on swidden farming. And like the Irayas, their steady diet consists of rice, banana, sweet potato, and other root crops.

THE TAU-BUIDS

Most of the Taubuid Mangyans live in Occidental Mindoro, but there are some who live in the towns of Socorro, Pinamalayan and Gloria, Oriental Mindoro. The Bangon Mangyans used to be part of the Tau-buid tribe before anthropologists found out that the Bangons have a separate culture, language and writing system in 1996.
If the Alangans are known to chew Betel nuts throughout the day, the Tau-buids, on the other hand, are known to smoke in pipes all day! Teenagers of the tribe can smoke anytime they want to.

The tribe’s men and women wear loincloth that is made by extracting, pounding and drying the inner bark of several trees. Some of the women who live in the lower part of the mountains wrap a knee-length cloth around their bark bra-string, while the men wear cloth instead of bark. However, bark cloth is still worn by both men and women in the interior. It is also used as breast covers, headbands and blankets.

Bago Ito: An Income Opportunity for 2012

2011-12-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

Ang Text Cash Network ay isang opportunity para kumita ng extra income online. Paano? Alam po natin na multi-billion dollar business ang mobile communications lalo na ang text. Bukod sa mura ang pagsend ng text ay alam naman natin na halos lahat ng tao sa mundo ay mayroon ng cellphone, lalo na tayong mga Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan ng Text Cash Network (TCN), ang mga advertisers ay pwede magsend ng text ads sa inyong cellphone. Minimum of 5 ads lang po per day ang pwede nyong mareceive so no need na mag-alala na matatambakan ng texts ang inyong phone. Para kumita po, imbitahan nyo ang mga kakilala nyo na magsign-up sa TCN para makareceive din sila ng Ads. Sa ganoon matutulungan nyo din sila kumita ng extra pati na din ang mga kaibigan nila. Ayos diba?

So paano ba sumali sa TCN?

1. Register sa TextCashNetwork

Magregister dito: http://joxcaoli.textcashnetwork.com/
Fill-up nyo lang po yung form. Tapos dun sa may option for Mobile Carriers, piliin ang Digitel/Suncellular. Although walang nakalagay na option for Globe or Smart, pwede mo pa rin i-register ang Globe/Smart number mo. Piliin mo lang *** Digitel/Sun Cellular sa drop down box at ilagay ang cell no. mo na hindi kasali ang zero sa unahan. Halimbawa 09271234567 ang no. mo, ilalagay mo lang dapat ay 9271234567. Kuha mo?

2. I-activate ang iyong Membership

May marereceive kang confirmation sa e-mail mo. May ipapadala silang Verification Code sa email mo na kailangan mong i-enter sa TCN page kung saan ka nag-register. O diba? Referral agent ka na!

May marereceive ka ding text message from TCN sa cellphone number na nilagay mo sa registration form, magreply ka lang ng YES.
Kailangan may at least P15 pesos ka sa load mo para makapagreply ka. Don't worry kasi one time ka lang naman mababawasan ng load na yun since kailangan mo lang i-verify ang number mo. After, verified member ka na! Congrats!

3. Agree to Receive Text Messages

Ito na ang reason kung bakit ginawa ang TCN. Babayaran ang TCN ng iba't ibang kumpanya para isend ang kanilang text ads about their products/services to as many people as possible.
Ilang messages ba ang marereceive mo araw-araw? Depende yun sayo. Pwedeng 0-5 pero okay na kahit hanggang 5. Pwede mo naman burahin yun after eh. Wala pong charge ang text ads na ipapadala nila.

4. Help Spread the Word Out!

Ibig sabihin po, kailangan tayo mag-advertise about TCN sa iba't ibang sites para mas maraming tao ang makaalam tungkol dito. Pandagdag din po ito ng referral nyo. Bakit? May 10-levels po ang referral system ng TCN. Magrefer kayo ng magrefer - Lalaki ng lalaki ang kita nyo. Ayos ba? Isang ad lang naman ang kailangan mo i-post araw-araw.
Paano ba gawin yun?
Hanapin ang "My Ad Platform" sa iyong account.
Mamili ka lang ng kahit anong format ng ads na ipopost mo sa kahit anong site. Pwedeng pwede na ipost sa Facebook wall mo para makita ng mga kakilala mo.
Where else?
Pwede mo din sya i-post sa blog mo, sa sulit.com, pwede din dito sa pinoyexchange at sa ibang pang forum sites. Malalaman ba ng TCN na totoong nagpost ka? Yes of course. Kasi kailangan mong ilagay yung URL ng pinost mo dun sa "My Ad Platform" na iveverify nila bago ka makareceive ng incentive mo.

5. Share and Earn
Papano ka nga ba kikita? Remember you have to help spread the word? Maraming magsisign-up nyan sakali. Sila na ang magiging permanent downline. Mag-refer ka ng at least 10 people. Sila ang Level 1 downline mo. Pwede din naman more than 10. Mas marami mas ok. AND, yung Level 1 mo, dapat mag-refer din ng at least 10 na magiging Level 2 mo. AND SO ON hanggang Level 10.
UNLIMITED ang pwede mong kitain basta magrefer ka lang ng magrefer.
Kung 2 x 10, pwede kang kumita ng around 2,000 dollars. Laki no?
Check nyo yung website for the complete computation of how much you can earn:

http://joxcaoli.textcashnetwork.com/

One important point pala na kailangan mong tandaan is nasa prelaunch pa lang ito. Ang official launching ay sa January 6,2012. Ano ibig sabihin nun? Halos may isang buwan ka pa para magrefer at magrefer ng tao bago maglaunch ang site. That means, kaunti pa lang ang taong nakakaalam tungkol dito. Kung pagsisipagan mo lang magrefer habang prelaunching stage pa lang, pwede ka nang umupo na parang Hari/Reyna na walang gagawin kahit na ano pagdating ng panahon. Ikaw na ang nasa tuktok ng Referral system kumbaga. So ano pa hinihintay mo? Register na at i-spread ang good news - TCN!

Free lang ang registration okay? Para magregister, click here:

http://joxcaoli.textcashnetwork.com/

Happy Earning!!

Top 10 New Years Resolutions for 2012

2011-12-27T00:30:00.000-08:00

With the coming of a fresh year people always strive hard to have a good beginning. Every year most of us make unique and new resolutions. We plan it well and stay determined to fulfill those resolutions. But somehow only a few have the relentlessness to keep up their resolutions.

With the coming of 2012, many people made various resolutions. Some of them might have succeeded and others couldn’t because of the simple reason that they did not try hard enough to fulfill them. No matter how successful you were in 2010, the new year, 2011 will be your year to have a new beginning and start with a fresh zeal. If you haven’t made your list of resolutions yet, here are the top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2012 to see if they can be applied to your life.

1. Lose Weight

This is probably one of the resolutions which are common to many people who always dream of having a beautiful and lean body. Was this one of your resolutions from past year? If so, be encouraged this year to follow it until you see positive results. Make a plan of what you will give up (late night snacks, that extra meal) in exchange for a lean body. You only have to make this shift once in your lifetime to get lasting results.

2. Getting Organized

Punctuality and organization is very crucial in a man’s life. People should always organize things accordingly and never delay any work what so ever. Work planning is very important both in office and also in home. The 2012 resolution must also include being organized and well planned. This will not only help in becoming a disciplined person but can also help in earning appreciation. In life problems are inevitable but handling these problems in planned and organized way is the main thing. Therefore a person’s resolution must include being disciplined. Simple things such as making a daily goal list before you start the day can go a long way.

3. Spend Less, Save More

How did you do financially in 2010? Many people spend money on unnecessary things without any justification. Money is an important thing in life and should be spent very carefully no matter how rich a person may be. Here’s a simple rule for you to follow in 2012. Before you buy something, always spend some time justifying the reason. You should spend the same amount of time it took you to earn that money on reasoning before you buy. If you do this, you will be able to cut most of the impulse purchases and you will be drawn to a better deal elsewhere.

4. Enjoy life to the Fullest

Life comes once and should be enjoyed as much as possible in the right way. Staying alone and isolated, and staying morose does not help. It is an individual’s duty to motivate oneself more and more so that they can reach the goal that they intend for. As the years are passing by, you are moving closer to the end of life. This should be seen as a positive aspect in life, because it encourages you to enjoy what you have in your life right now. Therefore make a resolution to find a reason everyday to enjoy life, enjoy everything that you do and enjoy every little moment in life, and then the life becomes worth living.

5. Staying Fit and Healthy

There are many people who lead a much undisciplined life and do not take care of their health. Staying physically and mentally fit should be another important resolution which can change your life positively and effectively. Regular exercise for half an hour everyday can help a lot in keeping mental peace.

6. Learn Something Exciting

Time waits for none and it should never be wasted. There are so many things that a person might engage himself or herself into apart from what they do. Where do you waste most of your time everyday? Do you spend idle time during waiting for the bus or train? Carry a book or an audio book on your career or profession every time you travel. Can you cut down on the time you spend watching TV, and learn a new skill? You’re never too young or old to learn a new skill. Therefore, make a resolution to upgrade your skills.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking is injurious to health and it is known to all. Many people cannot give up smoking even after trying a lot. If you’re still addicted, your 2011 resolution should be to quit smoking. It will not only help you, but it will help everyone else whom you see everyday.

8. Helping Others in Their Dreams

Everybody thinks about oneself but there are few people who care for others. A great resolution is to help others. It always feels very nice to know that our actions can make other people smile and this is something to be proud about. You don’t need to be rich to help others. You can help others in 2011 with your time and skills. The more you help others, later you will also receive favors from other people because of the law of reciprocity.

9. Fall in Love

Love is a wonderful feeling, a feeling that comes from within. Are you in a relationship and is it the time to get engaged?, or is it the time to find someone in your life to share your experiences with? It’s never too late to fall in love.

10. Spend More Time with Family

Your 2012 resolutions should include loving family members. Every family member is dependent on each other and so spending time with family is very essential. An individual stays with its family for most of the time and should devote as much time as possible. Something that most successful businessmen and women regret is not spending enough time with their families when they could’ve. Spending time with the family gives a person a chance to know each other, share feelings with each other, share joy and sorrow. This is indeed an important resolution that will give you fulfillment in life.

These were some of the top 10 chosen resolution for year 2012. Some of them may be applicable for your and some may not. However, 2012 is a new beginning in your life. Create your own list of resolutions and make a quantum leap in your life this new year!

Paskong Pinoy (Christmas in the Philippines)

2011-12-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my my friend to tell my readers why Christmas is best spent here in the Philippines.

And since I have not so lots or readers from other countries, I want to share with you how we celebrate Christmas here!

1. Christmas Starts in September!

The 31st of August is the Eve of Christmas Season (not day) here in the Country.
And every year, when the clock strikes 12:01 of September 1, you’ll hear radio stations playing Christmas Carols.. signaling the start of the Holiday Season here in the Philippines.
And you’ll hear some people already greeting each other “Merry Christmas!”

2. Christmas Parties!!!!

Christmas Parties are everywhere.
You have a party at school, faculty; with friends - even online friends; batch mates (which also coincides with your reunion); Company party – Division Party, Department Party; Organization – YFC, CFC; neighborhood association; clan reunion cum Christmas party; and of course, your “party” with your family during Christmas Day

3. Pinoy Christmas Food!

Even the poorest of the poor here in the Philippines sees to it that they have something on their table to celebrate Christmas!
Those who “can afford” would prepare a feast where the food would usually last for 2 to 3 days!

4. Christmas Carols!

You’ll hear a lot of Carolers singing Christmas tunes even if they’re not in tune! hahahhaha
And during Christmas day, you’ll hear them sing just one line of a Christmas song and say “namamasko po” – asking for some Holiday goodies.

5. Holiday crowd and traffic

Holiday season is Peak season for business. So its normal to see flocks and herds of people at the Malls or in Quiapo and Divisoria (where there are lots of Chinese and Muslim traders) doing their Christmas shopping.
During Christmas time, expect heavy traffic! Why? Coz a lot of inaanaks (God child) would go to their ninong and ninang (God Parents in english – right? – in a wedding, you call them male and female sponsors) to get their holiday gifts!

I will be spending the Holidays in Calapan City- together with my family. But its still within the Philippines.

Hey, I hope to read “Christmas in…” from my dear readers from other countries as well. Please post your links on the comments section! Thanks!

The victims on "Bagyong Sendong" need help!

2011-12-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything,

but still I can do something; and because I cannot do

everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do"

-Hellen Keller

Cagayan de Oro City, along with other nearby towns and cities got stormed by Bagyong Sendong last night. It was just an ordinary day yesterday when it rained. It just seemed like an ordinary drizzle because usually, we only get downpour that lasts for about 3-6 hrs/day.

This is one of the images I have seen on my Facebook timeline

that broke my heart into pieces.

Bagyong Sendong left our brothers and sisters in Mindanao and other affected areas in a state of devastation. This made me felt sad upon looking the victim pictures of typhoon sendong hit down particularly in Northern Mindanao. If you’d like to help, you can check out the list below the hotline numbers and establishments that accommodate relief goods for Bagyong Sendong victims in the Philippines.

This is the Aerial View of Cagayan de Oro City

during the wrath of Typhoon Sendong

Here are some ways to help them:

1. Donate to Philippine Red Cross for relief efforts. Just text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

2. Donate to Xavier University Ateneo Relief Center, BPI account number 9331-0133-63. Volunteers are also needed, call (+6388) 858-3116 for inquiries.

3. Donate to Iligan City's Trust Fund
Account Name:City Treasurer’s Office Iligan City
Trust Fund # 0820-016201-030
Bank Name: DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines), Iligan City

4. Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro needs donations in CASH, FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.), BOTTLED WATER, and CLEAN CLOTHES. Details here

5. Iligan Bloggers Society is asking for cash donations, canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers. Details here

6. ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya. Donations accepted in cash and in kind. Details here

7. Globe G-Cash. Text DONATE(space)AMOUNT(space)MPIN(space)SLB and send to 2882

3. Volunteers are also needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro. Call 09066150095.

4. For donations on Paypal, your names and initials here

We Filipinos are known for “bayanihan” – a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. This is one of those times that we really need to put “bayanihan” into practice. We need to put aside all our differences and work together to help the victims of Bagyong Sendong.

Any type of help you can give – cash, food, clothes, etc. will help ease the burden of the poor victims of these recent calamity. I also pray for the countless families who were displaced and affected by Bagyong Sendong and hope that they’d get the help that they need and be able to recover as soon as possible.

Always pray everyone!

Philippines 8 Great Destinations

2011-12-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

1. Palawan

El Nido, Palawan

Dubbed as the country’s last frontier, Palawan has maintained its fascinating natural habitat through the years. Situated north of Mindoro and north of Malaysia’s Sabah Island, Palawan is the country’s largest province spanning 1.5 million hectares. An ideal breeding ground for tropical flora and fauna, Palawan has more than a thousand islands and islets where monkeys, squirrels, bear cats and zebras thrive with wild tropical plants and corals.

Palawan’s population follows the same pattern. The province has attracted peoples of all backgrounds and it is said that today’s Palawenos are a fusion of 81 different cultural groups. Foreigners, too, have grown to love this quaint province.

Palawan consists of about 1,769 islands: the Calamian group to the north, the Cuyo group to the northwest, and the Balabac-Bugsuk group to the southwest. For a leisure ttrip, Honda Bay is an ideal destination. From there, you can take your pick of your own little hideaway from Cowrie Island and Pandan, to La Isla Bonita and Isla de Nagusuan.

2. Boracay

Boracay Sand Castle

Boracay is paradise for certified sun worshippers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live in this haven.

Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay is on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan, a province on the Visayas island known for its colourful Ati-Atihan festival.

Boracay’s thousand-hectares boast of all the elements of a tropical paradise – crystal blue waters, powder white sand, swaying tropical palms, flowering plants, and a healthy and diverse marine life.

The culinary fare in Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Chinese, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Thai – are often fused into the native cuisine. Truly, Boracay has become the premiere destination of beach lovers around the globe.

3. Cebu – Bohol - Camiguin

Sinulog Festival in Cebu

Cebu, the country's second biggest metropolis, is the political, economic, educational, and cultural center of the Visayas. It is every traveler's dream of a tropical island paradise come true - balmy weather, pristine beaches and luxurious resorts equipped with modern facilities. Shopping malls, entertainment centers, casinos, and golf fairways abound to every tourist's whim.

East of Cebu is Bohol, the country's 10th largest island, with rolling hills, pplateaus and crystal springs and beaches. It is picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries old churches. Bohol for its relatively small size has much to offer in terms of history and natural attractions. Bohol is home to the world-famous Chocolate Hills and the world's smallest moneky, the Tarsier.

Camiguin, derived from the word "Kamagong", the name of a tree in the ebony family, is a pear shaped volcanic island in the Bohol Sea. Marvel at the island's wide array of flowers and taste the juciest "lanzones" in the yearly Lanzones Festival. Explore majestic volcanoes, hot springs, magnificent waterfalls and its famed underwater cemetery.

4. Davao

Philippine Eagle
(image source: Lakbay Pilipins)

Davao is an anchor tourist destination, a natural haven for both sedate and daring pursuits. It is the jump-off point to satellite destinations on the island of Mindanao.

Davao's topography dazzles with a variety of picturesque landscapes. Fruit plantations and orchid farms mantle volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife. Coral islands lie on mirror flat water. And the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo, magnificently lords over the hinterland.

Just as enchanting is its brilliant tapestry of harmony, woven from the diverse cultural threads of its people. In Davao, the contemporary fuses with the traditional as migrant settlers from all over the country peacefully co-exist with a sizeable expatriate community and numerous ethnic tribes who continue to live as they did centuries ago.

Davao is home to the majestic Philippine Eagle, the country's national bird and considered the largest eagle in the world. It also boasts the most prized Philippine orchid species like the Vanda sanderiana and some of the most exotic fruits like durian and mangosteen.

5. Metropolitan Manila and Environs

Ayala Triangle Garden during Christmas Nights
image source

The capital of the Philippines - its heart and soul - is Manila. It sets the archipelago's rhythm and is a pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary.

At the heart of Manila's history is Intramuros. It features the grand Manila Cathedral with its detailed stone carvings and stained glass mosaics: Fort Santiago, the site of torture chambers and dungeons; and the San Agustin Church, a favorite wedding venue.

Metropolitan Manila or the National Capital Region is a bustling megacity of 16 cities and one municipality where the country's most prestigious business addresses and the trendiest leisure establishments are located. Luxurious hotels, restaurants, discos, music bars, boutiques, and specialty shops are centered around the sleek Ayala and Ortigas Centers.

6. Subic and Clark

Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark, Pampanga

The Subic Bay Leisure Zone, a 37,000-acre virgin triple-canopy rainforest with wildlife and rare marine life, is a destination one should not miss. The former U.S. Navy Facility was vacated in 1992 and i now among Asia's emerging tourist destinations.

Trekking through the tropical rainforest on foot or on horseback accompanied by native guides is both a challenge and delight. One can enjoy the numerous beaches, or go camping, or just take a tour around the zone.

Similar to Subic, the Clark Special Economic Zone was a former U.S. Air Force Base and has long been the principal aviation center of the Philippines. Aside from popular Fontana and Mimosa Leisure Parks, duty-free shops, and excellent golf courses, Clark also hosts one of the largest annual hot-air balloon festivals in Asia.

7. Laoag and Vigan

Vigan
image captured by Leonardo Villasis

Ilocos Norte, the northwestern tip of Luzon, is wedged between the steep Gran Cordillera Central in the east, the rugged Ilocos Mountains in the northeast, and the Ilocos Range in the south.

The centuries old churches that dot every town of Ilocos are testimonies to the colonial past. They form part of the nucleus of the plaza complex town planning instituted by the Spanish colonizers.

With a coastline that stretches to 90 statute miles, Ilocos Norte is blessed with rich marine life - shells, giant turtles, seaweeds, starfishes, and a variety of fishes. Ilocos Sur is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bound by Abra on the northeast, Mt. Province on the east, Benguet on the southeast, La Union on the south, and the China Sea on the west, Ilocos Sur's topography has elevations ranging from 10 to 1,7000 meters above sea level.

8. Baguio and Banaue

Banaue Rice Terraces
image source: Our Awesome Planet

A mountainous topography of towering peaks, plateaus, and intermittent patches of valleys, the Cordillera mountain range has a history as vast and beautiful as its mountainous curves. Populated by the Ifugaos, a gentle yet fiercely proud ethnic community, the Cordillera enjoy abundant mineral reserves. Metallic ores such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, and non-metallic reserves are found in Abra, Benguet, Kalinga Apayao and Mountain Province.

The people in the region enjoy a cool climate throughout the year, particularly in highly elevated places like Benguet, Mt. Province, and Baguio City.

Oriental Mindoro: Merl's Suman sa Lihiya with Coco Jam from Calapan City

2011-12-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

Oriental Mindoro Original: Merl's Suman sa Lihiya also known as Mindoro Tamales

Making buzz from Calapan City, Mindoro - a native delicacy traditionally home-made by the locals of Calapan. A brand name Merl's came up with an idea to go mainstream, with a little hint of research and assistance from DOST-MIMAROPA [Science and Technology Innovations for MSME's] the native delicacies is now making a niche as a pasalubong industry of Calapan, Mindoro.

Suman sa Lihiya is typically square-shaped and individually hand-packed and intricately wrapped in palm leaves. Each piece weighs 50 grams, 1 bundle has 2 pieces with inclusion of pre-packed coco jam in a bite size plastic.

I recommend it as a Christmas gift suggestion, for those planning to buy in bulk, purchase directly at Merl's store. A box of 24 pieces can be bought at PhP200, for vacuum packed of 12 pieces for PhP100.

Some stalls in Calapan Mindoro sells by the piece at a jack-up price of PhP15 each.

The suman sa lihiya with coco jam is made up of glutinous rice, lye, salt and corn oil. When topped with coco jam, the rice cake is mouth-watering and addicting. An option to buy a separate coco jam in a bottle will make you suman sa lihiya more interesting. I have a habit of topping a rice cake like this with a Chiz Whiz, and it works so well with my taste buds, try it for those who needs a low down on sugars.

Merl's Suman sa Lihiya with Coco Jam
1 vacuum-pack [12 pieces] PhP100

The shelf life of Merl's Suman sa Lihiya last for a month I believe, the ones we have was brought home December 9, 2011 and will last until January 2012. The packaging say "Keep Refrigerated" but I doubt once you put it refrigeration, the texture and moisture will change. Although each pack has a small paper noting the heating procedures through a steamer or microwave oven.

Merl's Suman sa Lihiya with Coco Jam

a box with 2 vacuum-pack [24 pieces] PhP200

Manufactured by:

Merl's Native Delicacies

Lalud, Calapan City

Oriental Mindoro

[t] (043) 286-7684

[m] (0916) 356-6381 and (0922) 847-3458

Education Nation: Not the Philippines

2011-12-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

There’s a newly formed group very publicly calling for reforms in education. They call themselves the Education Nation coalition. On paper, it’s a powerful group comprising founders, senior executives and high level officers of top-tier organizations. Just how powerful a group will remain to be seen (on future government education policies) but the issue they’ve decided to take on is more significant. It is Philippine education, which is to say, Philippine public education. Private institutions - being relatively free from government control and funding - have largely remained globally competitive and hardly ailing. Although President Arroyo and the Commission on Higher Education have made initiatives to rock the otherwise smooth sailing boat of private institutions. But that’s a whole other bunch of issues (continuously taken up by Fr Joaquin Bernas).

Anyway, the coalition has come up with a 10-point agenda to uplift the current state of education. But the 10 points are mostly generalized so we’ll just tackle the least broad one which is: “[e]nhancing basic education by adding two more years to it.”

As already mentioned, the state of the Philippine education system is largely the state of our public school system. The UNESCO National Education Support Strategy (dated January 2009)reports that “[a]s of School Year (SY) 2007-200839, out of 44,471 elementary schools, around 85% were public while only 15% were private. On the other hand, 8,450 schools offer secondary education in SY 2007-2008, of which 60% were public and 40% were private.”

At present, our public school education only has 6 years of grade school and 4 years of high school, with not even a mandatory requirement for pre-school learning. So only 10 years of basic education.

K-12, K-10 and just 10

The international standard is K-12 education which is formal education from kindergarten to 12th grade (i.e., kindergarten plus 12 years of grade school and high school). A lower standard is K-10 which is kindergarten plus only 10 years of grade school and high school. But our public school system is short of even K-10 education (most of our students go straight to grade 1 and go through only 6 years of grade school plus 4 years of high school). Thus, most of our students start formal education only around the age of 6.

In a recent commentary (dated January 8, 2010), Former Secretary of Education, Edilberto C. de Jesus, referencing the resolution of the Education Committee of UNESCO’s Philippine National Commission notes that “among 155 Unesco member countries, only Djoubuti, Angola and the Philippines still fall below what has become the international norm” which is K-12 education. This is a triumvirate of shame. It is scary to inquire what other records we have that also puts us on the level of African countries. We’re not even on the same level as any Asian country, not even Bangladesh.

So we’re only 1 of 3 remaining in the world, and the only Asian country, to not follow international education standards. [Sigh] When one of our modern heroes is former street child Efren Peñaflorida, who was prompted to offer pushcart education to street children, it’s depressing and distressing.

Current State of Philippine Basic Education

The earlier mentioned UNESCO National Education Support Strategy (UNESS) reports that “[t]he quality of elementary education has deteriorated over the years as indicated by the low achievement rates of students in SY 2007 – 2008 which were around: 64.81% in Math, 63.89% in Science, 57.90% in English, 61.62% in HEKASI (Social Sciences) and 73.18% in Filipino. All scores were low compared to the desired 75% cut-off score. Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 41st in Science and 42nd in Mathematics from among 45 countries in the Trends in International Math and Science Survey."

As for secondary education, the UNESS says that the quality “is not far from that of the elementary level as indicated by the poor performance of 4th year students in the National Achievement Test (NAT) in SY 2005 – 2006, with Mean Percentage Scores in Math (44%), English (38%), Science (48%), Filipino (41%) and “Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) (48).51 The achievement rate (MPS) of second year students in 2007-2008 was equally dismal: 49.26% in Math; 42.85% in Science; 46.71% in English; 47.64% in Filipino; and, 55.63% in Araling Panlipunan.”

The UNESS blames the deteriorating quality of basic education to under investment in education which caused shortages of key educational resources like teachers, textbooks and classrooms. “Textbook shortages in 2006 reached 41.32 million books ... DepEd records showed that 11 schools were observing four shifts, 133 schools offering three shifts and about 900 schools providing two shifts a day to accommodate the every-increasing student enrolment ... cutting down class time … may also affect adversely education quality [and] overcrowded classrooms, which are unfavorable learning environment, also adversely affect quality.”

And these problems are on top of the deficiency in the international standard of K-12 or 13 years of formal education.

Relevant Laws and Government Policies

Education Act of 1953

Republic Act No. 896 (“An Act To Declare The Policy On Elementary Education In The Philippines” or the "Elementary Education Act of 1953” mandates that “[t]he primary course shall be composed of four grades (Grades I to IV) and the intermediate course of three grades (Grade V to VII).” This law has yet to be amended yet its mandate of 7 years of grade school has already been “amended” by the executive branch of government by making public elementary education only 6 years.

Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010

It is further telling of the Arroyo government’s priorities that in its MTPDP for 2004-2010, although already noting that “[t]he Philippines has one of the shortest basic education systems in Asia-Pacific, with six years of elementary and four years of high school”, the government did not include in its 8 goals for elementary education the latter’s increase from 6 to 7 years, thus perpetuating government policy of short basic education contrary to the Elementary Education Act of 1953 and the international norm for basic education.

To add further injury, the Arroyo government included as one of its goals: requiring preschool as a prerequisite to grade one.

Philippine Constitution

Article XIV, Sec 2, paragraph 3 of the Constitution obligates the government to “[e]stablish and maintain, a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels.” By not increasing elementary education from 6 to 7 years, Arroyo ingeniously saved government funds by taking these away from already poor students needing more basic education while potentially increasing the financial burden on their families by aiming to make preschool a prerequisite to entering grade school.

We definitely need an additional 2 years of basic education. The presidential elections are nearing. If you care about the state of our education, choose the candidate who prioritizes education (pursuant to the Constitution) and plans to implement K-12 education (pursuant to international standards).

Education inevitably affects the state of our country one way or another. Uneducated people make uneducated decisions (to put it mildly). And if they end up as leaders or even just the voting majority, we’ll always be doomed.

I know of an educator who wishes that the children of all government officials be mandated to go to public schools to ensure that our education system be given the rightful attention it needs. It seems like the sure-fire way of making us an Education Nation.

Fashionalismo!

2011-12-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

It's better than nothing. It’s better than stupid, oversized logos and pointlessly abstract prints. And it’s one of the most fascinating things to happen to Philippine RTW in years.

The question is: why didn’t they think of this earlier?

I’m referring to the recent proliferation of nationalistic and literary references in—I say the word with trepidation— fashion. I mean those T-shirts with colors of the Philippine flag, ironic images of Rizal with shades and oversized headphones, blouses and dresses emblazoned with quotes from the works of our National Artists for Literature.

They span the vast iconography of Philippine culture—everything from the Propagandistas of the 1800s to manggang hilaw with bagoong, from Rico J. Puno to tokwa’t baboy and logos of beloved consumer products like Choc Nut, from snippets of classic OPM lyrics to Marcos-Tolentino campaign posters. All these on a shirt, on a bag, on a dress, or a trucker’s cap. All these striking a charming note of familiarity that evokes smiles among people of a certain generation. Like when you say ‘Tom Babauta” or “Pagoda Cold Wave Lotion.” Symbols and signifiers—from the sublime to the pedestrian—you can wear. Never mind if most of the materials were most likely imported from China (Tell me: what in this ecosphere isn’t from China, anyway? That and the call for boycott of products is another story).

So how did Fashionalism start?

Beats me, though it is curious to note that this recent development may have unmistakably foreign roots. I refer, of course, to the commodification of the images of Mao and Che Guevarra (who, according to some very well-read jologs, is the lead vocalist of Rage Against the Machine). The Che shirts became very popular because of the aforementioned rap-metal band. The Mao arrived via Hong Kong, where a certain Mao craze swept the tourist souvenir market i.e. Micky Mao watches, messenger bags, pendants, bracelets. Before that, the only pieces of clothing that had the faces of Rizal and Bonifacio were usually worn by aktibistas or die-hard cultists. Or sold as souvenirs by museum shops. Maybe some wiseass thought, “Hey, if we can print Mao, why not… you know…. Rizal?” Or maybe why not Joma Sison?

Enter the polo shirts with the Philippine map emblazoned on the upper right side where a horse and a mallet-wielding rider used to be. Enter the hiphop heads, with the late Francis Magalona and his clothing line persistently adorned with the three stars and the sun. Then came the multinational sports brands flattering us with tracksuits and shirts printed with “PILIPINAS.” Then came the T-shirt brands specializing in contemporary Filipiniana— soundbites and punchlines treated with unmistakably stylish fonts like Helvetica and solarized photographs. Rizal with aviator shades? Rizal with DJ headphones? Once upon a time, that would have been considered sacrilegious. But ours is a postmodern consumerist universe where Rizal collides with Justin Bieber, where Aguinaldo poses with Ninoy Aquino, where Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is portrayed with horns and a pitchfork (Oh, wait, that’s the province of the rabid Left), where the once lowly image of the dirty-ice cream cart or the taho assumes a iconic graphic status. The power of the image and the soundbite—with an unmistakably Pinoy sentiment.

But the seeds of “sacrilege” have been with us ever since. We’ve always been cheeky. It began as early as people chanting “Andres Bonifacio, a-tapang a-ato… a-putol a-titi…” or when they started turning Emilio Aguinaldo into Randy Santiago on the five-peso bill.

Does all this patriotic garb inspire a genuine sense of nationalism? I don’t know. But it’s a lot better than “Boy London” or “I Love NYC.” These shirts serve as massive public advertisements for nationalistic sentiments or whatever you might want to call it. Stuck for hours inside the train or the bus, a quote from Jose Garcia Villa better than staring at a blank shirt. Meditating on the image of Rizal is better than gazing at some silly crocodile logo. It’s the best way to arouse curiosity in a populace whose only source of history are the period telenovelas on primetime. Speaking of which, such ambitious production attempts are definitely a vast improvement over the usual komiks superhero crap.

Perhaps appreciation begins on the surface level. In the television programs I work in, we usually do man-on-the-street interviews and I tell you: you’ll be shocked by how abysmally uninformed people are—from vegetable vendors to even students—in terms of matters historical. Maybe from this surfeit of visual information, real, heartfelt knowledge might arise. Did that just make sense? Well, if local politicians could attempt the same strategy their tarpaulins and billboards…. But I’m pretty sure that the image of Rizal, with or without the aviator shades, would still come across as more trustworthy than your average councilor.

Which brings us to Rizal—still, after 150 years, the uber-Filipino. Screw the retraction issue. We excite ourselves over such never-ending controversies. Of course, Rizal is very much in right now. All the television networks are scrambling for the obligatory historical documentary, with strikingly funky visuals and the contemporary soupcon of irreverence. This has been an intensely busy week for historians and Rizal scholars whose monastic dormancy has been invaded by camera crews and interviewers, as well as invitations to the public affairs talk shows.

Certainly we’ve grown tired of hearing about Rizal the superhuman so we try to pull him down to earth by talking about his love life and stuff that is the usual discourse of weekend gossip shows. But let me repeat: talking about Rizal is better than talking about the dating developments of Phil Younghusband and Angel Locsin. Much better than talking about GMA and bunch of political matter.

Nonsense with Sense: Umasal Lamang Nang Ayon sa Ganda

2011-12-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

Q: Bakit kailangan nito sa mga panahon ngayon?

Dahil sa mundong pataas nang pataas ang stress levels, dala ng banta ng climate change, kriminalidad, trapik, polusyon. Wala nang mas nakakakulo ng dugo kesa sa isang taong hindi umaasal nang ayon sa kagandahan.

Q: Ano ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng pilosopiyang ito?

Ilang gabay, alituntunin, at halimbawa:
• Kung di naman kagandahan ang katawan (at lalo na kung tadtad ng kurikong ang balat), ‘wag mag-post ng mga Boracay pics sa Facebook. Polite lang ang mga kaibigan mo pero pinagtatawanan ka nilang lahat. ‘Yan ang mapait na katotohanan.
• ‘Wag artehan ang pananalita. Wag lagyan ng impit at kulot kung wala rin lang natural na impit at kulot ang dila mo—unless lumaki ka sa US, nag-aral sa mamahaling paaralaan, nakatira sa exclusive subdivision, o nanggaling sa pamilya ng mga panginoong may-lupa.
• ‘Wag magpumilit mag-Ingles kung di ka rin lang naman lumaki sa Forbes Park o nag-aral sa I.S. Mas lalong wag na wag kung mali-mali rin lang naman ang Ingles mo.
• ‘Wag mag-sleeveless kung maitim ang kili-kili. ‘Wag na ‘wag mag-sleeveless kung maitim na nga ang kili-kili, pamalo pa ng dalag ang mga braso mo. Mas na mas na ‘wag—nakikiusap kaming lahat lalo na ang mga tropa ko dito sa Project 2—lalo na’t lumalabas ka pa sa TV. Alam naming karapatan ng bawat tao sa mundong itong magsuot ng sleeveless, pero tandaang karapatan din naming laitin ka nang bonggang-bongga.
• Kung di rin lang naman kagandahan, wag magti-tweet ng “WALANG GUWAPO DITO” dahil masaklap ang tatalbog sa iyo na paghusga. Wag rin magti-tweet tungkol sa kalidad ng wine lalo na’t bisita ka lang. At kahit na may training ka sa oenology, ‘wag manglalait ng wine ng ibang tao—lalo na’t pinapasuweldo ka ng taong bayan.
• Kung ka-edad mo na si Madonna, wag nang labanan ang makinarya ng panahon at isipin na ikaw pa rin ang seksing haliparot noong 1985. Kahit cultural icon ka na. Ang pagsuway dito ay magdudulot lamang ng matinding bangungot sa mga milyong-milyong tao tulad ng sa latest mong music video.
• Kung ‘di rin naman talaga model, huwag tangkaing mag-model—maliban na lang kung ang produkto ay hollow blocks o kaya’y Pigrolac. Sinadya ng Diyos na bigyan ng angkop na tangkad at ganda ang ibang tao para sa trabahong ‘yun.

Q: Ano ang kinaiba nito sa “Kung ‘di rin lang kagandahan, wag mag-inarte?”

Wala masyado—magkamag-anak nga sila, in fact. Pero masyado namang garapal itong nasa itaas. Pero ‘yan ang masakit na katotohanan: marami talagang hindi umaasal nang ayon sa ganda.
“Things that are pure within themselves evoke pleasure, thus beauty,” ika nga ni Socrates. Sa Tagalog, naaalibadbaran tayo sa di-kagandahan. Lalo na’t nag-iinarte pa.
Ang di pagsunod sa batas na ito ay nagdudulot ng mga di-kanais-nais na pakiramdam sa mundo. Basic human courtesy lang dapat, di ba? Hindi tayo umuutot at pinapaamoy sa katabi natin. Hindi natin dinuduraan ang pagkain nila. Pag humihikab tayo, tinatakpan natin ang ating bunganga. Ang pag-ebs ay isang pribadong aktibidad at hindi natin ipinagmamalaki sa ibang tao.

Q: Bakit marami pa ring mga taong hindi kagandahan na hindi likas na sumusunod sa pilosopiyang ito?

Hindi ko rin alam. Bakit ba may mga taong nagnanakaw? Bakit may mga taong pumapatay? Bakit may mga mahilig manood ng child pornography o kaya bestiality? Bakit may mga opisyal sa gobyernong nakaw pa rin nang nakaw kahit na sobra-sobra na ang mga pera nila sa Switzerland?
“Good nature will always supply the absence of beauty; but beauty cannot supply the absence of good nature,”ika nga ng Briton na si Joseph Addison. Ang mahirap ay kung pangit ka na nga, maarte ka pa at masama pa ugali mo. Yung mga ganoon ay wala na talagang pag-asang lumigaya sa mundo kahit ilang hamster o pusa pa ang alagaan nila.

Q: Ano ang karaniwang nangyayari kapag hindi umasal nang naayon sa ganda ang isang tao?

Wala naman sigurong direktang koneksyon ang stress at ang mga di-kagandahang billboards sa Edsa, pero tingin ko yung kay Joel Cruz Aficionado ay isang ehemplo ng hindi umaasal nang ayon sa ganda. Ang isa pa ay yung kay Ellen Lising ng Ellen’s Aesthetic Surgical Center (Naaalala ko bigla yung The Crow. O kaya yung Joker ni Heath Ledger sa Dark Knight). Naiintindihan ko na karapatan nila ang ilagay ang mga pagmumukha nila sa mga naglalakihang tarpaulin sa bawat sulok ng Maynila. Pero magkaiba yung pag-promote ng negosyo sa pananakot sa kapwa tao.

Q: Ibig sabihin ba nito: Ang mga pangit ay wala nang karapatan mag-inarte?

Kung magdudulot ng pagtatalo sa magkakaibigan, argumento sa magkaka-opisina, suntukan sa bar dala ng kaartehang ito— oo, wala silang karapatan.
Pero, nasa demokrasya pa rin naman tayo. Kaya, sorry na lang ako.

Q: Totoo bang pinagpapala o mas sinesuwerte ang mga taong umaastang sapat lamang sa kanilang natural na ganda?

Higit pa sa pagpapala ang ihahain sa iyo ng langit. Kabit-kabit kasi yan. Una, hindi maiismiran ang iyong dangal. Hindi ka pagbubulungan. Hindi ka pagpipyestahan ng kritisismo at tsismis. Kung walang maipipintas, walang papasok na panlalait sa aura mo, walang magnet ng negatibo. Despues, gagaan ang buhay. Tiyak na ang pagpasok ng swerte sa buhay.

Q: Magbigay ng mga halimbawa ng mga taong umaasal lang nang angkop sa kanilang ganda.

A. Buti na lang marami pa sila. Si Lucy Torres Gomez ay isang halimbawa nito. Kung tutuusin ay may karapatan siyang umasta sa anong paraang nais niya—dahil siya naman talaga’y diyosa ng kagandahan. Pero kahit na ganoon ang sitwasyon ay hindi niya kailanman inabuso ang pribelehiyong ito. Alam niya kung anong asta ang bagay sa kanya. Laging nakangiti, mabait ang pakikitungo sa tao. Hindi binabalandra sa madla ang kanyang mga mamahaling damit at pabango.
Shalani Soledad, maganda at sikat pero hindi rin nakitaan ng angas. Simple lang siya. In fact, siya pa rin ay larawan ng lumanay kahit sa gitna ng ingay at gulo ng game show. Masdan at pakinggan kung paano siya magbilang ng “…One… two… three… Goooow!”

Q: Bakit naman ito pa ang napili nating pag-usapan sa pagpasok ng bagong taon at hindi ang mga hula-hula at mga pampasuwerte sa buhay?

A: Dahil wala akong bolang kristal at wala ka ring makikitang turban sa ulo ko. Umaasal lang ako ayon sa aking ganda.

Pagkain sa Tabing-Kalsada, Kilala mo ba?

2011-12-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

Philippines, like other countries in Asia do have varieties of street foods. Most are very affordable and readily available at all streets and corners. The most popular and the longest running street food is the "Fishball". This are balls made with fish meat, most often from pollock fish, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce. Fishball vendors can be seen with their sidecars roving in the streets and town corners.

Kikiam, in my opinion, comes after with fishball based on its popularity. Kikiam is made of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets, deep-fried and served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce; those in the street are seafood-based, usually made of fish meat and cuttlefish. Kikiams and fishballs can be cooked at the same time. That is why, fishaball vendors also included kikiams on their roving sidecar store.

Next is Balut, balut is a hard-boiled duck egg with fetus. Simply irresistable.

Here is the list of the foods most commonly sold at the streets or simply street foods in the Philippines courtesy of Mang Pil.

Abnoy - unhatched incubated duck egg or bugok which is mixed with flour and water and cooked like pancakes
Adidas - chicken feet, marinated and grilled or cooked adobo style
Arroz caldo - rice porridge or congee cooked with chicken and kasubha; see also Lugaw
Atay - grilled chicken liver
Baga - pig's or cow's lungs grilled or deep-fried and served with barbeque condiments
Balat ng manok - see Chicken skin and Chicharon manok
Balun-balunan - grilled chicken gizzard
Balut - hard-boiled duck egg with fetus
Banana cue - deep-fried saba (banana) covered with caramelized brown sugar
Barbeque - marinated pork or chicken pieces grilled on skewers
Batchoy - miki noodle soup garnished with pork innards (liver, kidney and heart), chicharon (pork skin cracklings), chicken breast, vegetables and topped with a raw egg; origin traced to La Paz, Iloilo
Betamax - curdled chicken or pork blood, cubed and grilled
Bibingka - glutinous rice flour pancakes grilled with charcoal above and below in a special clay pot
Biko (also Bico) - glutinous rice cake with grated coconut topping
Binatog - boiled white corn kernels, sugar, grated coconut and milk
Bopis - minced pig's heart and lungs sauteed with garlic and onion and seasoned with laurel, oregano, bell pepper and vinegar
Botsi - chicken esophagus, deep-fried or grilled
Calamares - deep-fried squid in batter
Calamay (also Kalamay) - glutinous rice cakes; varieties all over the country
Camote cue - deep-fried camote (sweet potato) covered with caramelized brown sugar
Carioca (also Karyoka, Karioka) - deep-fried glutinous rice flour cakes served on skewers
Cheese sticks - deep-fried cheese wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper
Chicharon baboy - pork skin cracklings, made from pork rind boiled and seasoned, sun-dried and deep-fried
Chicharon bituka - pork or chicken intestine boiled, seasoned and deep-fried
Chicharon bulaklak - pork omentum boiled, seasoned and deep-fried
Chicharon manok - chicken skin cracklings
Chicken balls - balls made with chicken meat, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Chicken skin - chicken skin battered and deep fried
Cutchinta - see Kutsinta
Day-old chicks - literally day-old chicks deep-fried to a crisp, served with sauce or vinegar
Empanada (Batac) - pork longganiza, egg and grated green papaya in a rice flour shell, deep-fried and served with vinegar
Fishballs - balls made with fish meat, most often from pollock, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Goto - rice porridge or congee cooked with beef tripe
Halo-halo - translated as "a mix of many things" or "an assortment," it is a dessert topped with shaved ice that may contain sweetened saba (banana), camote, macapuno (young coconut), kaong, nata de coco, pinipig (rice crispies), gulaman (agar), sago (tapioca balls), brown and white beans, garbanzos, ube (purple yam), and leche flan (creme brulee), with milk and sugar; Pampanga has three popular versions in Guagua, Arayat and Angeles which may include pastillas, crushed white beans and corn
Helmet - grilled chicken head
Hepalog (also Toknonong) - hard-boiled duck eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried
Isaw - collective term for different types of grilled chicken and pork innards; varieties include isaw manok, isaw baboy, atay, goto, botsi, balun-balunan, and tenga ng baboy
Isaw baboy - grilled or deep-fried pork intestines on a skewer, served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Isaw manok (aslo IUD) - grilled or deep-fried chicken intestines on a skewer, served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce; also referred to as IUD because it resembles an intra-uterine device
Iskrambol (also Scrambol) - frostees; shaved ice, diced gulaman, sago and condensed milk
IUD - see Isaw manok
Kakanin - collective term for snacks made with kanin (rice), particularly malagkit (glutinous) rice; varieties include puto, kutsinta, calamay, sapin-sapin, suman, palitaw, biko or sinukmani, and espasol among many others
Kalamay - see Kalamay
Kamote cue - see Camote cue
Kikiam - the special ones are made of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets, deep-fried and served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce; those in the street are seafood-based, usually made of fish meat and cuttlefish
Kudil - deep-fried pork skin
Kutsinta - steamed bahaw (boiled rice) with lye and brown sugar; has a gelatinous consistency
Kwek kwek - see Quek quek
Lomi - noodle soup made with thick fresh egg noodles or lomi
Longganiza - pork sausage grilled or fried on a skewer
Lugaw - rice porridge or congee; varieties include arroz caldo (with chicken and kasubha) and goto (with beef tripe)
Lumpia - spring rolls; varieties include lumpiang basa; lumpiang hubad - fresh spring rolls wothout the wrapper; lumpiang prito; lumpiang sariwa - fresh srping rolls; lumpiang shanghai; lumpiang ubod; and turon
Mais - boiled sweet corn seasoned with salt, butter or margarine
Mais con yelo - sweet corn, milk and sugar topped with shaved ice
Mami - noodle soup
Manggang hilaw - green mango served with bagoong (shrimp paste)
Mani - peanuts either boiled, roasted or deep-fried and seasoned with garlic and salt
Maruya - banana fritters
Nilupak - mashed kamoteng kahoy (cassava) or kamote (sweet potato) with brown sugar and served with butter or margarine
Palitaw - glutinous rice flour pancakes topped with grated young coconut, sugar and roasted sesame seeds
Panara - deep-fried crab and grated green papaya empanda sold in Pampanga during Christmas season
Pancit - noodles; varieties are batchoy (Iloilo) - see Batchoy; batil patung (Tuguegarao) - local noodles topped with hot dogs, chicharon, ground meat, fried egg, and vegetables; pancit bihon; pancit canton - a kind of pancit guisado flavored with ginger and soy sauce; pancit guisado, pancit habhab (Lucban) - sautéed miki noodles served on and eaten straight from banana leaf sans utensils; pancit lomi - see Lomi; pansit luglog (Pampanga and Tagalog Region) - it has a distinct orange shrimp-achuete sauce and is topped with chicharon, tinapa, wansoy and shrimp; pancit malabon (Malabon) - made with thick rice noodles tossed in shrimp-achuete oil topped with shelled oysters, squid rings, suaje or hipong puti and wansoy; pancit molo (Iloilo) - clear chicken broth with wonton, garlic and crushed chorizo; pancit palabok; pancit puti (Manila); and pancit sotanghon among many others
Pandesal (also Pan de sal) - breakfast roll; rounded bread
Pares - translated as "pair," means the pairing of rice with beef; beef pares is characterized by very tender meat, usually with a lot of litid (ligaments)
Penoy - hard-boiled duck egg without fetus
Proven - hard portion of chicken entrails that is either marinated and grilled, battered and fried or cooked adobo style
Pusit - squid grilled on skewer
Puto - steamed rice cake
Puto bumbong - purple glutinous rice snack cooked in a special steamer
Quikiam - see Kikiam
Quek quek (also Toknanay) - hard boiled chicken eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried; also used for quail eggs but some say the correct term for the quail egg version is tokneneng; the balut version is sometimes referred to as hepalog
Sapin-sapin - layered glutinous rice and coconut milk cake usually topped with grated coconut and latik (residue from coconut oil extraction); different flavor per layer such as ube (purple yam), macapuno (young coconut), kutsinta and langka (jackfruit)
Scrambol - see Iskrambol
Sinukmani - see Biko
Siomai - steamed pork dumplings
Siopao - steamed pork buns
Sisig - roasted pig's head, chicken liver, onions and chili, chopped and flavored with calamansi served on a hot metal plate
Sorbetes (also Dirty ice cream) - street ice cream made with local fruits and ingredients; common flavors include ube (purple yam), mango, avocado, queso (cheese), chocolate, langka (jackfruit), buko or macapuno (coconut); strawberry is common in Baguio City
Squid balls - balls made with squid or cuttlefish meat, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Suman - glutinous rice snack steamed in banana or coconut leaves; varieties include binagol (Leyte) made with glutinous rice, gabi (taro), coconut milk and chocolate; budbod sa kabog (Tanjay, Negros Oriental) which uses millet instead of glutinous rice; Taho - bean curd snack topped with arnibal (liquefied raw sugar similar to molasses) and sago (tapioca balls)
Tenga ng baboy (also Walkman) - marinated pig's ears grilled on skewers; see also Kudil
Toknanay - see Quek quek
Tokneneng - hard boiled quail eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried; also called kwek kwek by others
Toknonong - see Hepalog
Tupig (also Itemtem) - glutinous rice, grated mature coconut, coconut milk and molasses rolled in banana leaves and grilled; varieties in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte (Batac) and Isabela
Turon - saba (banana) with with sugar and sometimes langka (jackfruit) wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper and deep-fried
Walkman - see Tenga ng Baboy

Hope this post could give you enough information about Filipino food. More to come so stay tuned.

MAHALTA FESTIVAL: FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS

2011-12-11T23:15:00.000-08:00

The Mahalta Festival honors the three most famous landmarks of the province of Oriental Mindoro - Mount Halcon, the Tamaraw and the Mangyans.

With an elevation of 8,488 feet (2,586 meters), Mount Halcon ranks as the third highest mountain in the Philippines. Many mountaineers consider it as one of the most difficult mountains to climb because of its knife edge ridges.

Bahaghari Festival from Pinamalayan

The Tamaraw or Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo is endemic to the island of Mindoro and is the only endemic Philippine bovine. The tamaraw was originally found all over Mindoro, from sea level up to the mountains, but because of human habitation, hunting, and logging, it is now restricted to only a few remote grassy plains and is now an endangered species.

On the other hand, the Mangyans, photographed and featured in local and international publications as well as the beneficiaries of numerous aid groups, are the indigenous people of Mindoro. All eight tribes are scattered all over the island with their own distinct culture and language.

Banana Festival from Baco

Dubbed as the “festival of festivals” the Mahalta Festival is celebrated every year with all the 14 towns and 1 city of Oriental Mindoro gather together in one place for a whole day of merry-making highlighted by a street-dancing competition showcasing the different festivals from each town. These colorful festivals have as its focal point the relation of people to their environment, protection and conservation of forest, marine life and the natural resources.

The town of Mansalay took the grand champion title this year with their Pamugu-an Festival and received Php 300,000. Puerto Galera got the 2nd place and Php 200,000 cash with their De Galera Festival.

Sulyog Festival from Bongabong

Here are some of the different festivals of the towns of Oriental Mindoro:

Pamugu-an Festival or Mangyan Festival. Held every 3rd week of October in the town of Mansalay. It is a festive reunion of different Mangyan tribes. There are sports events such as Palaro ng Lahi, cultural presentations, products demonstrations and “Barakalan” or sale of native products.

De Galera Festival. This is a festival filled with activities and celebrated every May 10 to 13 in the town of Puerto Galera to honor Our Lady of Fatima. All barangays of Puerto Galera showcases their talents and creativity in street dance competition.

Kawayanan Festival from Gloria

Kapakyanan Festival. This is a fruit festival held every 18th of September in Victoria, highlighting the abundance of fruit produce in the town. Kapakyanan is a Mangyan term which means ‘kasaganaan” or abundance.

Pakapya-Agtike Festival. Held every 26th of July in Socorro is a ceremonial tradition practiced by Tadyawan Mangyans as a thanksgiving ritual to praise the Almighty for a bountiful harvest.

Sab-uyan Festival from Pola

Banana Festival. Held every March 18 in Baco, the festival is a celebration of the abundance of bananas.

Coco Festival. Held every 8th of December in San Teodoro. It is a religious festival honoring the Immaculate Conception. It features street dancing, a parade of floats and other activities centered on the town’s main agricultural bounty, the coconut.