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26/365: When In Iloilo: The El Dorado Waterpark in Westown Hotel

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Let’s talk about family hang-out this time!

Iloilo is known for its famous beaches which mostly are located outside the city.  If you wish to have a fun-filled swim-water-fun I am highly suggesting the inland resort El Dorado Water Park!

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The El Dorado Waterpark is located inside the Smallville Complex and is also a part of the MO2 complex adjacent to the Westown Hotel along Diversion Road in Mandurriao District.

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El Dorado is an ancient South American legend about a lost city of gold which is also the theme of this resort - Pre-Spanish American and Mayan.

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El Dorado became one of the most visited waterpark in Iloilo City since it started operations in 2010.  It became popular due to its great Mayan temple inspired pools. 

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Relying on my personal experience with this water park I can also say that is quite maintained and clean.

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One good thing about this water park is that you can bring your own food.  But if you wish, you can also order from them freshly-cooked foods at reasonable prices.   The entrance fee during our visit in 2011 is at Php 100.00 (US$ 2.50) per person.

It also offers fine poolside rooms that you can use for relaxing or overnight stay. Room rate starts at PhP2,000.00 (US$47.00).

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Since it is adjacent to the Westown Hotel and the Mo2 bar you can enjoy both fine dining or a drink while listening to one great live band!

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We had one great day (and night) with family and friends at the El Dorado Waterpark!

27/365: When In Iloilo: Going Korean and Dimsum

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When you are done trying all the must eat Ilonggo foods and looking for some authentic cuisine, you might want to try going Korean and Chinese.

With that you may want to hear again my two cents worth of opinion when it comes to Korean and Dimsum dishes.

KOREAN

I’m not a Korean food lover for two reasons:
1st - I feel that all their foods smells the same (LOL)
2nd – I can’t remember their name’s (more LOL)

Not that I hate them.  It’s just that they are not the first on my list when dining out.   I usually dine Korean when a group of friends invited me and I can’t say no ha ha.  I do however discovered the best time to eat Korean food is – when you are drunk!  LOL but true!  I can assure you it’ll make you feel sober afterwards.

Well I discovered this one time coming from a bar-hopping-cocktail-mixing-on-our-throat-night.  We have real shots of whatever and leading home but feeling hungry while bottle of beers still on our hands.  It was again on a Dinagyang night and most foodie houseS in Smallvile was jam packed with people.  Suddenly this signage caught our eyes.

Catchy eh?
KGB = Korean Grill Barbeque located at Smallville Complex
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The owner of this Korean resto was so accommodating that she personally supervised her crew while serving our table and even assisted in cooking the super spicy noodles right on our table.

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The equally spicy “food” that for me just smells the same. 

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By the time that we are done slurping our super hot/heat soup we are also all blowing our noses (LOL) and we all turned SOBER!  Try it!

DIMSUM/CHINESE

Contrary however to how I consider Chinese food .  For me they taste how they smell and look.

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I believed in the popular joke that Chinese food have lots of MSG (and seasoning) on them.  I thought that maybe that is the reason why they taste so yummy. 

But this Dimsum place inside the Robinson’s Mall claimed that they are authentic and their food is said to be “NO MSG”.   So we did try them. 

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We discovered this place after meeting some people in the bank and doing some documentations in this area and we are so feeling hungry and we wanted to eat something heavy that will last until dinner because we have a full itinerary on that day.

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The food that we had didn’t fail us –we were full after dining.  However we can’t tell if there’s really no MSG on the food because we don’t know how to do that ha ha.  But they are definitely are all delicious and the service is just fine. 

What I like most about Chinese food houses is that they always have a pot of tea to offer.  Drinking tea after a heavy dimsum meal makes you feel lighter.  For me it is better than desert!

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There!  Two foodie house that you may want to try after you’re done trying all the delicious Ilonggo food!

Burp!

28/365: When In Iloilo: The Jaro Cathedral, The Jaro Belfry and Nuestra Seňora dela Candelaria

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Your Iloilo trip is not complete unless you experienced the 3Cs!
The Cathedral
The Campanario
The Candelaria
THE CATHEDRAL

This cathedral is the first church I visited in Iloilo City during my first trip some ten more years back. Thus I am wondering why I don’t have a photograph of this church that I purposely took.  Most of the photographs on this post were randomly taken by my hubby while we roam around the church vicinity.  I might have one from my old photographs (prints) probably taken when digital is not yet in.  I’m planning to take a look at these old photographs one time and compare it to these new ones.
The Jaro (Metropolitan) Cathedral is also knows as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles.  It is the cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro is under the original patronage of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.  It is located in Jaro Plaza, Iloilo City Philippines.  The shrine is constructed of Romanesque revival architecture. (Source: Wikipedia)
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THE CAMPANARIO

The bell tower or belfry is one of the most important part of a Catholic church.   It houses the bells which toll the hours such as the angelus and it also call the people to mass.   During the Spanish times the “campanario” (belfry) also served as watch tower against invaders – the Jaro belfry served as one.

However most belfries are typically built next to their churches unlike the Jaro Belfry - it is located across the street at the heart of the Jaro plaza.  The reason is that  this belfry was originally built adjacent to a church but an earthquake destroyed the church and the tower was left.

I also gathered from several research and heard from the old people from Jaro that the original belfry has life size statues that stood in every corner of the belfry.  There was also a huge clock.  Both statues and the huge clock were not restored when renovations are done in the 80’s.
The Jaro belfry is made of bricks and limestone blocks that was built around 1744.  It was a three-story tower 29 meters high.  On July 1877, the “campanario” was heavily damaged by a strong earthquake.  Reconstruction only began in 1833 under the supervision of an Augustinian friar, Fr. Jesse Alvarez.  Records show that between 1933-1881, another earthquake damaged this belfry. Msgr. Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro, had this completely restored in 1881. However, the Jaro belfry suffered its third major destruction on January 25, 1948, when the earthquake named Lady Caycay swept through the entire Panay region. (Source: Wikipedia)
My next goal is to conquer this bell tower.
(Photo taken while roaming around the plaza on board a moving car)
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View of the “Campanario” from the second level of the “Cathedral” at the shrine of the “Candelaria”

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Another unique feature of the Jaro Cathedral is the stairs attached to the front façade of the church over the main entrance.  This stairs lead to the shrine of Our Lady of the Candles (Nuestra Seňora dela Candelaria).

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THE CANDELARIA
Filipino folktale recounts the statue's first appearance in 1587, where a group of fishermen found the statue floating in the Iloilo river yet could not lift it due to its heavy weight. Upon the decision of the fishermen to bring it to Jaro, the image became bearable to carry. In 1865, Jaro became an official diocese and a cathedral was constructed under the patronage of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
The statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus had been recorded to grow in size through the ages. The statue had been placed at a small niche near the apex of the Church's middle spire, but as time passed by, the statue grew so large that it had to be relocated to the Church's balcony. Pope John Paul II personally crowned the Marian statue during his visit to Iloilo. Its the first and only Marian statue in the Philippines, personally crowned by a Pope (and a future saint). (Source: Wikipedia)
It’s quite challenging to take photo of the image of “Our Lady”.  There are usually people near/at the front of the image.   The sun was shining against the image when I had the chance to take photos thus the quality of this photo is not that good.

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The feast of Our Lady of the Candles is every second of February.   It would be fun to experience the town fiesta and experience the 3C!

29/365: When In Iloilo: Road Trip To Janiuay Iloilo and Three Churches (Part 1 of 2)

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Today’s destination is Janiuay Iloilo City!
Janiuay is a first-class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it had a population of 63,031 people.  The municipality is located 33 kilometres (21 mi) north-west of Iloilo City. It was created in 1769.
Two rivers coming from the north-west cuts in parallel through Janiuay. One is the Suage River and the other is the Magapa River which provide natural irrigation supporting the mainly agricultural town of Janiuay. The Suage river bridge was once witness to fierce fighting between Japanese Imperial forces and the combined Filipino and American troops including the recognized Ilonggo guerrilla fighters. The Magapa river bridge was built after WWII. 
While there is no certainty, there are several legends of how the place got its name. One is that it came from the ruling Datu's sons named "Han" and "Oway". Another is that the words "hani" (whisper) and "oway" (rattan) were combined. (Source: Wikipedia)

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Remember the road trip to cemetery post?  This is our real destination – the town of Janniuay!  That cemetery experience was just a side trip or what I call a bonus experience. This is what I like most about road trip.  You will experience more than what you expected and most of them are fun and worth remembering.

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Anyway, we did this road trip because a very close family friend and neighbor whom I met in Manila is also at the town for Dinagyang and for his hometown’s town fiesta.  My friend invited me and my in-laws for lunch at their home.  We were laughing about while on the trip because Janiuay is quite far from the city. We were joking about why we need to travel such miles just to eat lunch while in fact we could eat anywhere at the cost of the gasoline that we are going to consume on this road trip ha ha.  But that’s the magic of friendship and adventure- you travel miles just to have special moments with them plus the chance to explore.

The other purpose of this trip apart from meeting my friend’s family is for me to see more churches which my in-laws are aware that I am passionate about.  They are so supportive of me to see as many churches as we can from this trip.

The other challenge is that we need to be back home early for me to have some rest time and also a time to pack my things because the next day is my flight back to Manila on an early morning flight – 4AM!  Whew!  The adventurer in me never wasted any time.

I remember it was a Monday and I’m expecting that the churches that we will be visiting are close.  But nevertheless I am excited.   I know that I will still enjoy the beauty of them from the front façade alone.  There were still be more time to go back and explore the inner structure of the church some other time.

The plan was that there will be no stop over on the way to Janiuay so we will arrive just in time for lunch.  The stop over will be done on the way back.  What we did was that we marked all that places that we will be stopping over. 

We arrived at Janiuay just  around lunch time and we were welcomed by a sumptuous lunch table.  There were lots of food and fresh fruits on the table but I forgot about all of them because of one dish that they call KBL (Kadyos-Baboy-Langka)/(Pigeon Pea/Pork/Unripe Jackfruit). 

I remember how hubby always brags about how Ilonggo cooked the “KBL” dish (OMG!  I failed to include this in my Iloilo must eat food list). Now I know what he meant after tasting it from my friend’s mom recipe.  My friend’s mom is such a good cook.  It was soooo deliciously good that we were still talking about it on our way back home.

The coming Saturday on that week is the town’s fiesta and my friend was insisting for me to extend my stay so that I can experience the fiesta which I kindly begged off because my trip has been over extended from a weekend trip to a two-week trip (LOL).

I was kidding my friend that  we don’t need to wait for the fiesta because the food they prepared for us is like “fiesta” day ha ha. 

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My in laws and my friends parents shared stories about how the places in Iloilo changed while we younger ones shared our Dinagyang adventures.  My friend was kidding that he haven’t experienced Iloilo and Dinagyang the way I experienced it while in fact he’s the true-blooded Ilonggo ha ha.

It was a fun and quick but meaningful visit that we enjoyed a lot.  My only regret about this trip was that we were not able to explore the Janiuay church and cemetery which both known for their historical features.  The church was enclosed with temporary safety fences due to the on going urgent repairs that they were trying to finish before the town fiesta.  While the cemetery is located one kilometer further from my friend’s home. We don’t have the time to travel the distance.

View of Janiuay church across the street from our moving vehicle.

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Anyway, we headed on our way back home to the city and started our church hopping!

30/365: When In Iloilo: Road Trip To Janiuay Iloilo and Three Churches (Part 2 of 2)

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With a full tummy from that sumptuous lunch we are now ready to invade the churches that we marked on the way to Janiuay while we were driving back home.  As expected on a Monday the churches that we visited were closed so most photos that you will be seeing here were taken from the outside structures of the churches.

CABATUAN CHURCH

St. Nicolas of Tolentino or Cabatuan Church is about 23 kilometers from Iloilo City.  It is said to be built in 1834, Neoclassical in style but the front façade is Tuscan particularly its pilasters.  It is also ornated with Augustinian symbols. 

It is the only church in Iloilo that has 6 belfries four of which were destroyed by an earthquake in 1948.  The belfries are Byzantine in style.  The central structure of the church is in the shape of the cross which is about 50 meters long and about 20 meters wide.


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Photo shoot concept by my brother in law at Cabatuan Church

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Before World War II. there was a rectory of convent at the right side of the church that can accommodate 3,000 people but it was burned down by the guerrillas.  It was then demolished by the Japanese Imperial Army and the bricks were used for the Tiring Landing Field.  

The old structure of Cabatuan Church

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Every side of the church is a façade in itself because its walls are overlaid in bricks.  It is said to be the first and the largest brick structure in the Visayas. 

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While I was feeding my eyes with the beauty of this church which is located near the town plaza, my companions were enjoying the “sa malamig” (cold drinks) and other street foods at the town plaza.  They don’t normally do that but they said that it should be part of the trip ha ha.  After this trip is when we explored the Cabatuan Cemetery.

STA. BARBARA CHURCH

Off we go to the next church which is about 20 kilometers away from the city - the Sta. Barbara Church!
This is one church that I am frustrated for not being able to explore fully and witness the marks of one important part of Philippine history.  This is the church where General Martin T. Delgado of the Visayan Revolutionary Government convened the junta that raised the first cry of revolution against the Spaniards in Iloilo.  Thus the Sta. Barbara Church is famously known as the Historic Cradle of Independence in the Visayas.

According to history most religious construction on this era were done through “forced labor”. That is all males over the age of 16 is required to do mandatory labor on any Spanish-owned construction on a slave-like condition.

There are other more historical stories about this church but lets reserved them at the moment until I totally explore this church.   Anyway I am adding this church to my list of further exploration.  I am so eager to see the historical “freedom bell” that tolled the signal of final victory.   For now let’s enjoy the front façade of this historical church.

The façade of the church is simple but classical.   There are four sets of pilasters that divide the church into three sections which are the main entrance, and the two walls that houses the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart.  This reminds me of the façade of The Church of St. Anthony de Padua in Barotac Nuevo also in Iloilo City.  On the upper most niche at the center also is the statute of Sta. Barbara.

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Photo shoot concept by my brother in law at Sta. Barbara Church
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The Sta. Barbara Church is one among the Augustinian Church in the Philippines proven by the Augustinian seal located just above the central front door and window.

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The Sta. Barbara Church is considered one of the better restored and preserved neoclassical churches in the province.  It is also an excellent example of the Filipino baroque colonial architecture.

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Since we can not further explore this church off we go to the next church exploration

PAVIA CHURCH

Simple! 
That was the first thought that came into my mind (and eyes) when I first saw this structure.  I consider this church as the simplest by far in design compared to all the churches that I have been into in Iloilo City.  It is as simple as its town which is one among the second class municipality in the province of Iloilo.

The Sta. Monica Church is said to be similar in Pavia Italy where this town got its name as well.  According to history this Byzantine-styles church made from red bricks and coral windows cases were used by the Japanese as a garrison. 

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It is a century-old church built by the Spanish Augustinian Fathers sometime in 1862.  The walls both exteriors and interiors are made entirely of red bricks.  Its façade is decorated with semi-circular arched windows and entrances with three wooden doors, one at the main entrance and two at each sides.

The six panel windows at the center are decorated with stained glasses depicting the events in Christ’s life on earth – The Annunciation; The Baptism; The Last Supper;  The Crucifixion; The Assumption and the Ascension.
Photo shoot concept by my brother in law at Pavia Church

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By the way, Pavia town is just 8 kilometers away from the city.  Ahh we are near home and my tired but happy eyes and spirit are now ready to hit the bed while mentally calculating how I’m going to pack my things that I accumulated during the two-week stay on my over-the-weekend-bag. LOL.

But if you think were done with this trip – nope.  We passed by the Jaro Plaza and enjoy the “tiange”, “bargains”  and all the things that one enjoy at the town plaza during the fiesta which was just few days away from that date.  My in-laws were once again encouraging me to extend my stay until fiesta day but I sweetly declined (though I was very tempted ha ha).  I  gained a lot of weight during this trip but no regrets!

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31/365: When In Iloilo: The Trappist Abbey and Pasalubong

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As the  month of January ends this also ends my series of “When In Iloilo” posts.    But this does not mean that I will not feature Iloilo anymore.   If something new and exciting comes along I will definitely share them.  

Buying “PASALUBONG” is of course the perfect way to end a trip.  During my early visits to Iloilo the first memory that comes into my mind are the pasalubong houses located around the city.  Not until we had an unplanned trip to Iloilo's paradise island of Guimaras.  This gives me a warm memory of a place that we accidentally discovered – the Trappist Abbey located in Bgy. San Miguel, Jordan Town in Guimaras Island.

We found this place while rushing back to home after enjoying the white and beautiful beach of Guimaras Island. We want to reach the Jordan Port so that we can take the pump boat that will bring us back to the city proper before it gest dark. I saw some signage and a chapel.

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I immediately asked our hired service about it and our driver said some things a bout a chapel, monks and a souvenir store.  We forgot about reaching the port before it gets dark. It was a quick decision from the whole family to make a stopover at the chapel to say a thanksgiving prayer. By the time the service stopped we are all running out of the car heading to the chapel while visually auditing the vicinity. We all find it amusing to find such a place.  SERENE and PEACEFUL are the perfect words to describe the place.

The place has three major parts. The Guesthouse, The Abbey Church and The Factory.

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The sign says:
“Welcome to Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey.  We welcome you as CHRIST would because you are in fact the person of CHRIST.  When you come into this place we receive God’s mercy and love in you.  Please feel free to join us in our prayers.
Thank you,
The Monks of O.L.P.

The very simple structure of the chapel.

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The chapel’s main entrance.

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The very modest church interior that gives more meaning to the serenity of the place.
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The Trappist Monastery grounds is a peaceful and sacred enclave in Guimaras Island run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. These monks follow the rule of St. Benedict and are best known for the extreme austerity or strictness that characterizes their discipline.
The monks earn a living by selling souvenir items and processed foods such as jellies, jams, candies, piyaya and more.  They sold it in a small shop within the monastery grounds.  All the products are from ingredients grown in the Trappist ground.
People are allowed to tour the monastery grounds, visit their prayer areas and can talk with the monks.  There are also available guest houses at reasonable prices.  A good place for a retreat. (From various sources)
We saw some monks  but they seem to be in meditation so we did not bother them.  After praying at the chapel we proceeded to the souvenir store.

Amazing!  I only see this kind of place in movies and I am feeling so amused that I am actually experiencing it.

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I know that it will not be often that  we will be in Guimaras so I took  the opportunity to give my share to this Abbey.  We bought all our pasalubong here in Trappist. 
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Aside from the historical churches Iloilo is also famous as the origin of delicious delicacies.  Biscocho, Piyaya, Barquillos, Bayi-bayi, Butter Scotch, Pinasugbo and a lot more.


Pasalubong

Wewin’s and Biscocho Haus are two of the popular pasalubong stores in Iloilo City.

The “Biscocho Haus” located in Jaro, Iloilo City has a very nice waiting area.  I remember the time when my family was eating some delicacies inside this store/house while seated in a beautiful family bench. 
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Which among this “pasalubong from Iloilo do you like best?

32/365: The 30-Day Milestone

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I’m nuts!

That’s what I thought about myself while working on the final drafts of my posts during the times that I was three-day behind from my 365 Blogging Challenge. It happened two to three times but I’m glad (and so proud) to tell that I was still able to update just in time before it gets too far behind.

What could I expect when I took this challenge without any change in my crazy schedule?
  • I’m still a mother and wife of a hyper-active family of  four without a housemaid so…
  • I still do the laundry, cook, wash dishes, tidy the house and the likes.
  • I ‘m still running
  • I still have a regular job.
  • I still maintain three active blogs
  • I still have LOTS and DIFFERENT set of friends
  • In short I still don’t have an extra time when I took this challenge!  That’s why I’m nuts!
So why did I took this challenge.  The reason is here!  And to add - this is not a challenge against anyone.  Just like my running I am racing against myself.

Oh yeah I’m nuts!  But hurray I’m still on with the challenge!


hurray hurray

So what’s happening so far on my blog after reaching the 30-day milestone?
  • The views (more than) doubled.
  • I’m receiving more emails,  inquiries and the likes on my contact page.
  • It makes me extra happy when I see my fellow bloggers religiously following and commentating on my blog.
And with this I would like to say my sincerest THANK YOU!!!  You know who you are adorable people and friends.  I hope that you stay till the end of this challenge.

So lets get it on and work on the next milestone!  I'm nuts!

33/365: Philippine Festivities in the Month of February

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february
2nd of February

Whoops!
I’m so into with my 30-Day Milestone  post that I almost forgot that I promised to provide a monthly schedule of the Philippine Feast and Festivals for the month of February.

Before you missed out an event here’s the list!
(Source: Department of Tourism Website)

SALAKAYAN FESTIVALFebruary 1- February 6 | Miag-ao, Iloilo
The festival is a week-long cultural presentation of Miag-ao shown through various activities like food fair, agro-industrial, and trade fair, photo exhibit literary and musical program, beauty pageant, street and ballroom dancing, sports events and many others.

PABIRIK FESTIVAL
February 1- February 2 | Paracale, Camarines Norte
Held in the town of Paracale, the festival is highlighted by “pabirik” street dancing, depicting the gold mining industry in the province.

BICOL ARTS FESTIVAL
February 1- February 28 | Legazpi City
A week-long festival showcasing the region’s arts and culture, crafts and agro-industrial products coming from the six (6) provinces and three (3) cities of Bicol. It coincides with the celebration of the National Arts Month every February.

FESTIVAL OF HEARTS
February 1- February 14 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Wedding/Renewal of Vows and coronation of SK''s search for Miss Valentines.
LAVANDERO FESTIVALFebruary 1- February 6 | Mandaluyong
As part of the week-long Mandaluyong Day celebration, the
unique festival focused on the city’s ancient tradition of washing clothes in the once clean and clear waters of the Pasig River. Amusingly, focal point of the festival is the men participants washing clothes instead of women.

FESTIVALS OF HEART
February 1- February 28 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Wedding/Renewal of vows and coronation of SK’s Search for Miss Valentines.

SUROY SA SURIGAOFebruary 1- February 28 | Surigao City
An activity initiated by the City Tourism Office that provides opportunities for participating groups to explore Surigao’s best thru island-hopping adventure, cave exploration and canoeing to the lush mangrove areas and other interesting sites.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES
February 2 | Jaro, Iloilo City
The biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas with the blessing of candles and a procession of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria and the Fiesta Queen and her court.

PAMULINAWEN
February 2- February 10 | Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
The word means "Ilocano Maiden"; a festival showing Ilocano Customs and Virtues.

THE 30TH INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO ORGAN FESTIVALFebruary 3- February 11 | Las Piñas
A ten-day series of cultural events, with a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ made by Fray Diego de la Cera found only in Las Piñas.

GULING-GULING FESTIVAL (STREET DANCING)
February 5 | Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Exciting and calendrical rites in Paoay where townsfolk and
their guests participate in singing and dancing in the street, dressed in their native costume, the antique and attractive "Abel paoay Kimona" with matching tapis or pandiling, adorned with century old jewelries

KALI-KALIHAN HARVEST FESTIVAL
February 6 | Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental
A harvest festival with a street dance showing their cultural heritage the art of "kali" otherwise known as "arnis" or "escrima", the traditional martial arts of the Filipino people since the 7th century.

FIESTA TSINOY
February 6 | Legaspi City
Chinese New Year Celebration featuring activities like Dragon / Lion Dance, Chinese Cultural Program and others.

TINAPAY FESTIVAL
February 7- February 13 | Cuenca, Batangas
An annual activity conceived by the town as thanksgiving to their patron saint, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for a bountiful life.

FISTAHAN
February 9- February 15 | Davao City
A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled tuna specialties such as "panga and buntot".

BULANG-BULANG FESTIVAL
February 9 | San Enrique, Negros Occidental
A cultural identity moving high spirited, resilient, an interlude with the life of a cock or rooster, in unity with the nature, an icon of the sportive game of chance and arguably not as a gambling promotion, but basically Filipino Tinobaganon.

PABALHAS SA TABLAS
February 11 | Candoni, Negros Occidental
The concept of “Pabalhas sa Tablas” originated from the actual history of Candoni, where a group of settlers (composed of Isabeleños, Hinigaranon, Ilonggo, etc.) decided to look for a land in which they can call their own.

TINAGBA FESTIVAL (BOUNTIFUL HARVEST)
February 11 | Iriga City, Camarines Sur
A tradition of the first harvest offering coinciding on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. Derived from the early rituals of the ancient Bicolanos offering their harvest to their own gods as a form of thanksgiving and to seek favor for a more bountiful harvest throughout the year. A long parade of colorfully and grandiosely decorated bull and carabao carts, carrying newly harvested crops, ending with a mass before the Emerald Grotto at Calvary Hills. Here all the offerings are blessed, then distributed to indigent families.

TIBURIN HORSE RACE
February 12 | Libertad, Pasay City, Metro Manila
One of the highlights of the Sta. Clara Feast Day, about 100 horses have been trained to participate in this exciting and thrilling horse race.

PAMAYPAY NG CALOOCAN FESTIVAL
February 12 | Caloocan City
One of the highlights of the city''s Foundation Day, showcasing the use of the "Pamaypay"/fan as traditional tool to the surging heat as exhibited in techno-modern folk street dancing competition.

“SAMBALILO” HAT FESTIVAL
February 13 | Paranaque City, Metro Manila

FEAST DAY OF STA. CLARA
February 13 | Pasay City
Different activities are lined up in celebration of Sta. Clara’s Feast Day. Some of the highlights include the Serenata and The Tiburin Race. Serenata is a series of rondalla and brass band concerts and a revival of open-air musical performances held at the Sta. Clara patio, while the Tiburin Race is an exciting and thrilling horse-racing at Cementina and Libertad streets. About 100 horses have been trained solely for this event.

FESTIVAL OF HEARTS
February 14 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Weddings/Renewal of Vows and coronation of Search for Miss Valentines

SERENATA
February 14 | Pasay City
A series of rondalla and brass band concerts. A revival of open-air concerts held at the patio of Sta. Clara Church.

2ND ANNUAL “HARANA: KARANTAHAN NIN PAGRANGA” (A MUSIC FESTIVAL)
February 14 | San Jose, Camarines Sur
The festival feature local talents and young artists in its effortsa to promote cultural awareness, tourism development and youth empowerment in the District of partido. Highlighted by the Bicol Love Song Choral Competition. Other activities are lined up to drumbeat the affair.

BLOOMING HEARTS DAY
February 14 | Baguio City
Mass Wedding with longest kissing scene to be held in Baguio City in celebration of Valentine''s Day

AURORA DAY AND SUMAN FESTIVAL
February 14- February 19 | Baler, Aurora
Celebration of the foundation of the province of Aurora which celebrated on the very day of birth of the Late Lady Aurora Quezon that coincide with the grandest festival, the Suman Festival.

KAP’YAAN FESTIVALFebruary 18- February 20 | Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur
Founding Anniversary of the creation of the municipality; agri-trade fair and civic military parade

PASAYAW FESTIVAL
February 19 | Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
A combined word of "Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw" (a thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God

BABAYLAN FESTIVAL (RITUALS)February 19 | Bago City, Negros Occidental
A festival newly conceptualized by the City of Bago and celebrated during the Charter Anniversary every 19th of February. Babaylan Festival is based on the rituals performed by the Babaylans, like rituals on marriage, baptism, healing, harvest and others. Babaylans get their healing powers from the unseen spirits.

ILOILO PARAW REGATTAFebruary 19- February 20 | Iloilo City
An exciting race among outriggers in the strait between Guimaras and Iloilo City

BALSAHAN FESTIVALFebruary 20 | Sibunag, Guimaras
Balsahan is Sibunag’s way of immortalizing the mystical Sibunag river which snakes its way through most of the town’s barangays. A major geographical feature of the town, the river holds many interesting myths and legends that are sure to tickle one’s imagination, and whet one’s appetite to unravel its secrets. Use the balsa in your trek for some satisfying discoveries – you will be pleasantly rewarded.

ASINAN FESTIVALFebruary 20 | San Lorenzo, Guimaras
Marvel at how the ordinary salt has gravitated the people of San Lorenzo into an annual gathering with all the delicious trimmings of specialty products. Not everything in the Asinan festival is salty though, as there are the spicy seafoods, the juicy citrus, the crispy nuts. With the proper blend of the unique hospitality and the natural smiles of the people and one will hunger for more of the Asinan spectacle.

KALILANGAN FESTIVALFebruary 21 27 | General Santos City
Celebrates the "friendly co-existence with all the people of General Santos City". Activities include agro-industrial trade fair, cultural presentation, culinary arts contest, Pagana, Kulintangan, ethnic musical instrument competition and Kidig-Kidig sa Dalan.

SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL
February 23 | Zamboanga Sibugay
Highlighted by colorful ethnic street dancing with rituals depicting good harvest, wedding and healing rituals.

3RD MINDANAO DIVE CONGRESS/FIESTAFebruary 24- February 25 | Davao City Samal
A gathering of diving enthusiasts, promotion of dive areas, exhibits, fun dives, aqua sports competition, scubasura; discovery dive; scuba lessons; concert for a cause; dive safari


PANAGBENGA - BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVALFebruary 26- February 27 | Baguio City
Also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, it will be the 10th holding of this annual event which will showcase the City of Baguio as a City of Flowers. The Floral Street Parade will be held on February 26 and the Floral Float Parade on February 27.

DIA DELA CIUDAD DE ZAMBOANGAFebruary 26 | Zamboanga City
A celebration to honor the historical event when Zamboanga was converted into chartered city. Activities include street dancing, cultural dance festival and a regatta.

HIL-O - HIL-O FESTIVALFebruary 26- February 28 | Maayon, Capiz
A cultural and fiesta celebration.

ITIK-ITIK FESTIVAL
February 27 | Pasig City, Metro Manila
The Itik-Itik Festival is held every last Sunday of February in
Brgy. Kalawaan. Men, women and children take part in the activities and merrymaking. The significant event is not only limited to colorful activities, sumptuous food, revelry and fun, but also draws people closer to God and to one another. It is a rich showcase of Filipino culture and tradition usually celebrated on the Feasts of the barangay’s beloved patroness, St. Martha.

MANIAMBUS FESTIVAL
February 27 | Negros Occidental
"Maniambus" is a Visayan term meaning to strike with a club because its coastal waters were them beaming with fish that catching could be done simply by clubbing.

SAMBAYAN FESTIVAL
February 28- March 31 | Tobias Fornier, Antique
A celebration of rites called samba/paned. This describe two kinds of rituals, one held on the hills (or mountains) and other held along the seacoast perform to ask for rain, to thank the ancestral spirit for good harvest.

If you want to check on the January’s schedule of festivities for your next year adventure you can find it here.







34/365: Philippine Festivities in The Month of March

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3rd of February

March-MadnessMy previous entries for this series were posted during the first week of each month.  However I think it is better to post this series a month ahead so if you will be interested in joining or witnessing any of the festivals you still have an ample time to “save the date” and make necessary travel arrangements.


So I am posting this consecutively with the the month of February.  The festivities for the month of April will be posted in the first week of March and so on.

KAAMULAN TRIBAL FESTIVALMarch 1- March 6 | Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A spectacular yearly gathering of the seven (7) hilltribes featuring their traditional songs, dances, sports, crafts and rituals, clad in their traditional vibrant costumes and heirloom jewelry


RODEO MASBATEÑO (LOCAL COWBOYS)March 1- April 2 | Masbate City
Hold on to your horses, caballeros, its rodeo time in Masbate once again! Feel the excitement as our local cowboys pit their brains against bovine brawn in western style rodeo events like bull riding and sterr wrestling, apart from our local games like the good old carabao race. So put on them boots and saddle up – its gonna be a rope-slingin’, dust-kickin’, cowpunchibn’ affair.

ARAW NG ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS)March 1- March 7 | Island Garden City of Samal
Festival to showcase the natural bounty of the Island Garden City of Samal, includes water sports competition, horse fight, sand castle contest, cultural shows, etc.

PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVALMarch 1 31 | Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao
The festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes where the fisherfolks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing season and safety.


SUGBAHANMarch 2- March 14 | Davao City
A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled specialties such as tuna.

PACTO DE SANGRE OR BLOOD COMPACT OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN
March 3 | New Washington, Aklan
Katipuneros respectively wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document that formally expressed their grievances symbolizing their revolt against the Spanish authorities, which happened at Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington. From then on it is remembered as one of the historical places in the country.


COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENTMarch 4- March 5 | Culasi, Antique
It is a reenactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and renewal. The site of the reenactment overlooks the island of Mararison and the Majestic Mt. Madia-as home of Bulalakaw, their acclaimed God.

BANGKERO FESTIVAL
March 6 - 10 | Pagsanjan, Laguna
Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna will hold its “Bangkero Festival” on March 10 until March 14 with the theme: “Mamamayan Makilahok! Bayan Ko, Tutulungan Ko!”

ARYA! ABRA FESTIVAL (Bamboo rafting)March 07 - 11 | Bangued, Abra
Abra's biggest festival highlights of which are "Karerakit" bamboo rafting along Calaba River and Tinguan Festival of the tribal natives of Abra.


PANAGTAGBO FESTIVAL
March 7 | Tagum City
Coincides with the city of Tagum’s founding anniversary. It aptly describes a celebration in the city where Tagumeños met Tagumeños from all walks of life in one occasion and setting since the city of Tagum is a crossroad business center in the northern part of Southern Mindanao.

BANTAYAN FESTIVAL
March 9 15 | Guimbal, Iloilo
A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations.


STRAWBERRY FESTIVALMarch 14- March 20 | La Trinidad, Benguet
The municipality of La Trinindad in Benguet, known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines, will feature the baking of the largest strawberry cake including a trade fair on strawberry products and cutflowers.


PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVALMarch 13 | Passi City, Iloilo
A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados” as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name, as influenced by the Spanish regime. It also coincides with their Foundation Day commemorating the conversion of Passi as a component city. The festival’s main features include the parade and competition of Tribes, Carosa Parada, Pinta Carabao, Search for Bb. Pintados de Pasi, Laro ng Lahi, Binayle sa Kalye, Drum & Lyre Competition, Food Festival

HOMONHON LANDINGMarch 16 | Homonhon, Eastern Samar
Commemoration of the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.

SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS
March 16 23 | Iguig, Cagayan
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on an 11 hectare rolling terrain of the larger than life size 14 Stations of the Cross.


LUGAHAIT FESTIVALMarch 16 | Lugait, Misamis Oriental
A local festival celebrating the rich history and the founding of the municipality of Lugait through native street dancing, showcase of agricultural products, and other colorful cultural performances


SOLI-SOLI FESTIVALMarch 18 | San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu
Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao, its freestyle street dancing competition uses soli-soli plant as its dominants material.


BANANA FESTIVALMarch 18- March 19 | Baco, Mindoro Oriental
A celebration of its abundance of banana. It features banana cook fest and a banana (saba) inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. this coincides with the town fiestain honor of St. Joseph.

MAYON CONQUESTMarch 18- March 20 | Albay
A mountain expedition to the country’s most popular volcano, MT. MAYON to be participated in by mountain-climbing enthusiast aimed to develop mountain climbing as a safe, enjoyable and environment-friendly activity.


SULYOG FESTIVALMarch 19 | Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental
A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph celebrated by way of a Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival done through dances, flats and cultural shows.

TABAK FESTIVAL
March 19- March 22 | Tabaco City, Albay
Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st Foundation Anniversary. The festival derived its name from a local word “tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco) was taken from. It’s highlight is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the City. Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.

SINIGAYAN FESTIVALMarch 19 | Sagay City
An annual celebration & thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay - - the arts, culture, products, and its people. Sinigayan concocted from the spherical shell “sigay” which abounds many islets and shores of the city.


PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN)March 20 21 | Bantayan, Cebu
A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration in Bantayan Island where friends of the residents and tourists experience the scenic rites and cool off the summer heat in beautiful white sandy beaches.


PANAADMarch 20 21 | Camiguin
A yearly trek of devotees coming from the neighboring municipalities, cities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao to Camiguin's walkway considered the Region's famous Holy Week site


CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL)
March 21- March 26 | Cainta, Rizal
Passion plays called cenaculo are held in various places all over the Philippines during Holy Week. However in Cainta, Rizal, people take to the streets to witness passion plays participated in by the town folks.

LENTEN OBSERVANCE (SAN PABLO CITY)
March 21- March 26 | Sn Pablo City, Laguna
An impressive array of centuries old religious images owned by Don Escudero. These images are borne by their silver carrozas as an expression of faith of the citizens of San Pablo.

MORIONES FESTIVALMarch 21- March 27 | Marinduque
A festival of the moriones, colorfuly garbed and masked soldiers and centurions; culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds.

TURUMBAMarch 21- March 26 | Pakil, Laguna
The largest religious activity consisting of 7 fiestas or lupi to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba, starting before the Holy Week every nine days thereafter and ends in the month of June and in celebrated with dancing procession.


PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS
March 21 | Jordan, Guimaras
Lenten Presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergau Passion Play has been attracting locals and tourists whose visit usually culminates in the trek to "Balaan Bukid".


ALIMANGO FESTIVALMarch 22 | Lala, Lanao del Norte
A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes, dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.


TORUGPO
March 22 | Carigara, Leyte
Carabao and horse fights.


BIRTHDAY OF GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO
March 22 | Cavite
A celebration commemorating the birth of the First President of the Philippine Republic.


19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN
March 23 | Kalibo, Aklan
Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.

KABANHAWAN FESTIVAL
March 23 | Minglanilla, Cebu
Showcases the "SUGAT" in which the town is known for many years since. This year, the celebration will be more grand followed by a day long games and entertainment the highlights the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.

KISI-KISI FESTIVAL
March 27- March 31 | Negros Occidental
Kisi Kisi Dance Parade is a dance parade which stands for the way fishes flip-flops and twitches as they are hauled during the bountiful harvest. It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon where participating groups wear costumes and headdresses adorned with multi-colored shells & fish nets while props include bamboo poles and baskets used for fishing. Before the dance parade a re-enactment of the Sinulod is being shown wherein the town’s patron Sr. Sto. Niño saved the village from the moro raids.


MANOK NI SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL
March 27 | San Pedro, Laguna
Grand parade of various and colorful floats participated in by both government and private sectors while the tribal groups aggressively partakes on street dancing with numerous tribal participants lined-up alternately with floats.


HALADAYA FESTIVAL
March 27- April 3 | Daan Bantayan, Cebu
Is celebrated every Easter Sunday and ends with a streetdancing on the seventh day after Easter. Haladaya means "Halad kang Datu Daya", the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daan Bantayan.

TABACCO FESTIVAL
March 28- March 29 | Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Annual festival to promote major industry of the city "Tobacco."

KATKAT SA DIPOLOG
March 28- April 3 | Dipolog City
An annual activity at the mountain ranges of Dipolog City’s Linabo Peak and the Sungkilaw Falls area. This is participated in by mountaineers and nature trekkers, which is to be held every summer season in Dipolog City.

There you go the festivities for the merry month of March!  However don’t forget the most important event in the month of March ok?
***

Source: Website of the Department of  Tourism


35/365: Dedicating Back A Shoot and Ponder Post (And I Thought It Would Be Easy)

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4th of February

I think I had mentioned several times how I feel when a fellow blogger tagged me in a post.  Be it an award, a holiday-related tagging or just any simple mention of my name on their blogs – it makes me feel very special.  Just to think that your name crossed their mind while writing – it’s simply awesome!

That’s why I always make sure to properly acknowledge my fellow bloggers when they mention me on their blog posts.  My actions may be delayed some times but it is just because  I always try to find a perfect time (and post) to sincerely express my appreciation. 

So the more I feel special when a fellow blogger made a post titled FINDING SUBJECTS: Shoot and Ponder and one of the photos/subjects is dedicated for my name.  I feel so very special that it took me some time to acknowledge this dedication because I wanted to thank the author, my blogger friend Jonathan of Metaphorically Speaking by dedicating also a “Shoot and Ponder”  post.  And I thought it would be easy ha ha.

It took me sometime because I can’t find an ideal subject to dedicate to Jonathan. It also took me several times to shoot a subject but when I tried to connect or dedicate it to Jonathan it doesn’t seem to fit… several frustrating attempts! 

Until yesterday while I was writing and got hungry and looking for something to eat. I picked an apple from our fruit tray but the apple doesn’t seem to fit as to what my taste bud is looking for that particular moment. It was the second day that the sun decided to shine at its fullest and the unusual cold (lower than 25 degrees) Manila weather is suddenly gone.   I suddenly had a craving for tropical fruits so hubby and I decided to have a quick trip to the fruit market and pick some local fruits.

I was back home enjoying the water melon that we just bought while contemplating if I will also have a taste of the other local fruits on the tray when a thought suddenly struck me. This is it! I grabbed my camera and took some random shots of the fruits at the table.

Yes this is Jonathan!   This variety of local fruits!  A single fruit will not fit his personality.  It must be a variety!

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Just like Jonathan – these fruits are homegrown but when it comes to taste and quality they are world class.  Jonathan is locally breed and educated but his qualities is at par with a world class personality.  He writes well – read his blog and you will know what I mean.  He spreads his knowledge, talents, fruitful experiences that he got from his  well travelled life  - by being a teacher to other nationalities.  He is also a competitive person and has proven that racism can’t bring him down.  He looks so simple but behind the simplicity is a persona full of extra-ordinary talents.  He looks and speaks so humble and yet his achievements are countless.

Thanks again Jonathan for the dedication.  It is an honor to be in your thoughts while you pen your beautiful metaphors.  I feel so humbled every time you appreciate my writings while in fact you are one among the best writer that I know.   And as I’ve said on your birthday, I am one blessed person to be of friend to you.

***
The flower is very distinctive as it resembles hands reaching up. They are like dainty fingers extended as if dancing through the sound of the wind. When we can support others with whatever we can be it time, words of encouragement or a simple hello; we might be giving others a needed boost at that time. We have our sunsets and sunrises and when someone peeks through that window to say "How do you do?", it gives us an appreciation of our existence and the friendships we made with others. (dedicated to Ms. Balut)
By: Jonathan / Metaphorically Speaking

36/365: Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition

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5th of February
“How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!  Here will we sit and let the sounds of music creep in our ears: soft stillness and the night become the touches t harmony,
Sit, angels. Look how the floor of heaven is thick in laid with patines of bright gold:
There’s not the smallest orb which thou behold’st.  But in his motion like an angels sing, still quiring to the young-eyed cherubins;
Such harmony is in immortal souls; But whilts this muddy vesture of decay doth grossly clos it in, we can not hear it.”
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This spur-of-the-moment photography is a part of an spontaneous road trip that leads us to a beautiful beach south of the city.

Photo Credits: (my good friend) Ranie de Mesa
Subjects/Models: Young boys ages between 11-13 studying in a catholic school for boys.
Quote: Taken from William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” – Lorenzo, Act V, Scene 1

For the complete series:
Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition
Moonlight Models (part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Manila Edition

37/365: Moonlight Models (Part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition

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6th of February

“White in the moon the long road lies,
The moon stands blank above;
White in the moon the long road lies
That leads me from my love.

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Still hang the hedge without a gust,
Still, still the shadows stay:
My feet upon the moonlit dust
Pursue the ceaseless way.

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The world is round, so travelers tell,
And straight through reach the track,
Trudge on, trudge on, ‘twill all be well,
The way will guide one back.

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But ere the circle homeward hies
Far, far must it remove:
White in the moon the long road lies
That leads me from my love”

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Have you noticed something on the third photograph? (wink*)

This spur-of-the-moment photography is a part of an spontaneous road trip that leads us to a beautiful beach south of the city.

Photo Credits: (my good friend) Ranie de Mesa
Subjects/Models: Little Loiz in Red Hood
Poem:  A. E. Housman, A Shropshire Lad

For the complete series:
Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Manila Edition

38/365: Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Edition

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7th of February

A warm, slow breeze blows in over the dry reef,
Sweeps up the shoreline, dousing me in freshness.

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No daylight this, but a world of moonlight,
The heavens are spread with small points of light.

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Motionless; I watch the soldier crabs emerge.
Black, noise-some mud clings to the soles of my feet.

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My whole world is silent; the village is dark.
My hot soul is soothed and lulled by the sea-sound.

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Possessed of a sudden euphoria born of shore-ripples, of wind, of salt, of freedom,
I take up off up the bare slope, dodging crab holes…

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This spur-of-the-moment photography is a part of an spontaneous road trip that leads us to a beautiful beach south of the city.

Photo Credits: (my good friend) Ranie de Mesa
Subject/Model: Myself (Unprepared, without make-up not even wearing anything fancy or what not) 
Poem:  Excerpts from the poem “Nighwalking” from allpoetry.com

For the complete series:
Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Manila Edition

39/365: Random Talk and Birthday Greetings

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8th of February

If there is something that I am thankful about my doing the “365 Blogging Challenge” is that it gave me the opportunity to write about the things that I have been wanting to write and share and most of them in complete stories through a series of posts.  I am so engrossed of doing these series that I already drafted the skeleton of what I am going to post for April (LOL).

However it also seems like I am missing to share some random moments that is going around myself for the past few days so I thought of sharing them as well from time to time.  I’m not sure if you will be interested with my nonsense but heck I just want to do some random talks so bear with me.  If  you can’t bear please forget that you passed by this post.

Remember my post about my blogger friend Jonathan that was delayed and also caused the delay of the last three post prior to this one? (Jeez! that’s a mind boggling question phrase!).  Anyway apart from the reason that I edited that post for several times because I am writing about a blogger who is “one heck of a good writer”, the other reason was that  I have been out almost every night (and take note these are on week nights).  I’m not even sure how was I able to sneak on writing some of my updates on my daily post challenge while in fact I have been out most of the nights. (I’m nuts remember?).

IMG_20140203_011943For two straight nights hubby and I were out visiting an old-fashioned bar wherein we just leisurely enjoying a live band, soft music or whatever is playing on the wide screen of this bar over “three bottles”.

On one night we were just outside the house on a bench under the moonlight and enjoying “two bottles” that I picked from a convenience store together with the kid’s pasalubong. 

On another time we we found ourselves around midnight eating in a 24-hour Chinese fast food restaurant.   Burp!

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There was no occasion to celebrate.  These are just spontaneous moments that we enjoyed and found time to relax after battling a regular day of hard work.

And one of those week nights also I had a bonding time with my BFF Mac that ended in a stupidly hilarious incident wherein a fortune cookie is involved.  Hmn… I’m still contemplating if I will share the story of such stupidity hilarity.

Meanwhile, let me greet first two blogger friends who are celebrating their birthdays this month of February.
Firsts, a blogger friend whom I love following his blog and social media status because we have the same passion for adventure and running - Empi of  Kol Me Empi!

Happy happy birthday Empi!

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And a special greetings also to another blogger friend who is one among the first set of bloggers who welcomed me when I was just starting this blog.  He always passed by my blog,  leave a comment or any message on my chat page whenever he is not out exploring.

Happy happy birthday my dear blogger friend Marco -  The Soul Explorer

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Wishing you both more wonderful running, adventures and explorations!  I also wish for a longer friendship with you both in and out of the blogosphere.  Cheers!

40/365: Sunday Humor and Photograph: Laughter is the Best Medicine

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9th February

I rushed my son to the nearest hospital because of an allergy attack. After treatment from the emergency room I need to secure the doctor’s signature who’s clinic is located at the 6th floor. The hospital happened to be under renovation and the elevator is not working so I need to take the stairs.

Look what I found posted near the foot of the stairs !

ROFL!

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Whoever thought of this signage is a genius and I really restrained myself asking the hospital personnel who is the owner of this genius idea!   I feel like giving him some beating specially around the leg.  It would be a lot of fun watching him visit his Physical Therapist at the 5th floor with the same condition as the one on this signage! Ha ha ha!

41/365: Wok with Balut: The Prelude

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10th February

Just to let everybody know – I can COOK too!

And just a clarification also I don’t cook using my laptop as well as I don’t cook while running.  I cook in the kitchen like every normal human being.  I wear an apron using wok and ladle and not a magic wand.

busyThough sometimes I cook while still wearing my office outfit complete with heels  while editing something on my lappy while waiting for the water to boil while listening to the news (from the television) while helping the kids to their assignment while answering hubby’s question on what’s for dinner! (Whew!)

What I don’t usually cook?

I don’t usually cook food or dishes that needs long preparation because I don’t have the time to handle them.  I don’t normally cook the likes of “kare-kare”, “paella”, rice cakes and the likes.  For me these kind of food are best ordered from specialty restaurants.  Although from time to time I also do try cooking them.
What I usually cook?

I love to cook food that are easy to prepare.  Something that you can whip up in a bit but healthy and will turn out yummy.  I prepare foods during occasion according to the kind of occasion.  For birthdays I cook whatever is the request or favorite food of the celebrant.  I also don’t usually follow recipe or a menu list.

For daily cooking I cook whatever there is in the fridge from the week’s buy from the market and grocery store.  This is where I discovered some of my personal recipes.   And these personal recipe  is the reason why I am having this prelude post today. 

A friend has been bugging me to give her one of my personal recipes.  While I was typing the draft email an idea suddenly struck me (again? LOL).  I just thought that since I am sharing my personal recipe to my friend why not share it to everybody instead?

I don’t have the slightest interest of becoming a food blogger but you can expect some post here about food from time to time. 

Do you also cook?  What’s your specialty?

42/365: I Still Miss You Buddy…

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11th of February

Can’t believe that it has been a year ago since that very sad day.
I remember it was a Monday. I was at home absent from work because I was sick. And you were sick too. Every time I was sick you were sick too. Except that day you became too sick and went to cat heaven.

I still miss you buddy.

I miss your stubborn face and attitude.

I miss how you get irritated every time I touch your cropped (funny) tail.

I miss how you snob your cat food and beg for fish left over instead.

I miss how you annoy me every time you mess my work place.

I miss how much the family laugh every time you alertly turn your head like a dog when I call your name.

I miss how you respond to me in cat talk every time I talk to you like a human.

I miss how you stay at the foot of my swivel chair during the nights that I’m up  writing.  And when you feel cold you will climb and cuddle in my lap  and lay still there while I work.  How you seemed mindful that I don’t want to be disturbed.

I miss how you stay behind me like my personal guard when I do the laundry even you’re scared of the water coming out of the faucet.

I miss how you “meow” for help when you come back after you stow away and can’t come down from your escape hole from the roof.

I miss how you rub your fur on my legs when you want to have my attention and when you follow my every movement.

I miss how you quickly get up from your lazy leisure every time I come home from work.

I miss the mornings I feel your fur on my foot under my blanket.  I still wonder how were you able to sneak
to our room while the man of the house habitually whisked you out before we sleep.

It has been a year ago since I last play and cuddle you. I still miss you buddy…

My stubborn cat Timothy Mingz watching cat show while sitting on the family laptop.

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43/365: You Are Probably Wondering Why I’m Giving This Video A Special Post in My Home (Boyce Avenue)

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12th of  February

I like the band Boyce Avenue!  I like the way they cover popular songs.  I don’t just like the vocalist Alejandro but I actually have a HUGE crush on this guy! 

Well who would not have?  Great voice, soulful eyes, sweet smile, stands and looks great even in the simplest jeans and shirt, looks yummy in that unshaven look and a lot more reason BUT!  They are not the reasons why I am giving this video a special post.

Watch the video and find by yourself the reason why.  It’s worth watching and listening to anyway.

44/365: Jim Croce Songs (A Re-post and Prelude On My Thoughts About Lyrics and Music)

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13th of  February

It's the lover's month and there's no perfect time to talk about love songs and beautiful song lyrics than the time when everyone feels that "love is in the air" (corny boo!). LOL.

Seriously though, do you know that the very first blog title that I created is "Light To Lyrics and Music"?  It's another story as to what happened to that idea so I'll just make a separate post about that.

Meanwhile let me re-post this piece which I originally posted in January of last year to my other (deactivated) blog.  The idea of  re-posting this is part of the other drafts that I am writing and has something to do also why I came across the Boyce Avenue video.

***

I am supposed to write a product review today but unfortunately I’m sick.  I don’t think I would be effective in writing positive things while feeling low and sick.  So here I am in bed scribbling incomprehensibly of topics I’m not sure what about when suddenly the music floating in the house called my attention. album-the-definitve-collection-time-in-a-bottle

“Jim Croce is in the house!”  I have the habit of posting this status in my social media accounts every time an artist’s album is being played at home especially if I haven’t hear it for quite a while. 

Hubby has the habit of playing my favorite songs every time he feels I’m a bit down plus he’s one real music lover.  His vast collection of musical CDs and downloads can attest to this.  (This reminds me that I haven’t finished my series of post that I called Musical Exposure).

Jim Croce's music was introduced to me by one of my male best friends during high school.  I instantly fell in love with Croce’s songs.  How could I not?  I love literature and Jim Croce’s song lyrics are literature by itself.  They’re the kind of songs that stays in your head and in your heart.

There is so much poetry in Jim Croce’s songs.  It is just unfortunate that this talented singer and song writer died young.  But the beauty and mystery of his songs lives on.  They never fails to haunt me,  inspire me, entertain me.

Among my most favorite Jim Croce songs are Time in a Bottle, Photographs and Memories, Operator, Lover’s Cross, These Dreams, Alabama Rain, I Got A Name, I’ll Have to Say I Love You in A Song, These Dreams  and a lot more.  How I wish that I could make a post on each of these songs.

The song “Photographs and Memories” is one among my inspiration why I created a category in my (other) blog "Sunday and Photograph".

This is something I’m trying to find in today’s music genre - a Jim Croce kind of music.  No matter what generation you belong I suggest for you to try discovering these songs and you will understand what I’m trying to point here.

While reviewing Jim Croce’s biography while I'm writing this, I find it amusing that this artist crossed my mind on his birth month.  He was born January 10, 1943.  He died on September 20, 1973 from a plane crash together with his band mate. More details about his life, works and death here.

What is your favorite Jim Croce song?  If none because you don’t belong in his  genre (I don’t too), try checking them out and I promised you will thank me for leading you to these great songs.

***
… if I had a box just for wishes, and dreams that had never come true, the box would be empty except for the memory of how they were answered by you… Time in A Bottle

…cause tables are meant for turnin and people are bound to change. and bridges are meant for burnin’ when the people and mem’ries they join aren’t the same… Lover’s Cross

… summer skies and lullabies, nights we couldn’t say goodbye, and of all the things that we knew not a dream survived… Photographs and Memories

45/365: HV-Day! Just Want to Greet You All!

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♥14th of February♥
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! 

Happy Heart’s Day or Happy Feast Day of St. Valentine or whatever :)  I just want to peek here and greet you all! (Though this is posted later than the tagged date because I was out ;)

I’m roaming around the net and I’m seeing hearts everywhere!
So here I am holding mine out  :)

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How did your Valentine’s Day go?  Wanna share it here?

Mine was simple but definitely one lovely day (and night) and more importantly NOT stressful.

Just a piece of thought for all – “Learn to take care of your heart first before you expect someone to take care of it”.
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