Tag Archives: Philippines

My dad, his kids and the Vespa (1960s)

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Yesterday, while browsing my FaceBook wall, I came across a photograph that my cousin shared from All About 1960 Facebook Page.  A closer look of the post, A red Volks Patrol Car cruising Dewey Blvd. by JC,” I realized that it was my Dad on the Vespa with 4 of my siblings.(Not yet born yet) Unbeknownst to my cousin, he did not realize it was his Uncle on the picture.  Back in the sixties, he had several Lambretta’s and Vespa’s. After work, he would take the kids for a ride.  Back then, Dewey Blvd. now Roxas Blvd., had no traffic and no strict enforcement on tandem rides with children. What a coincidence, ironic shot though as the police didn’t even stop my dad with his kids on the Vespa.  According to JC who posted the picture, it was Captain Hutchkins, an American Veteran, who gave him the well preserved picture to post. My sister-in-law emailed JC asking if Captain Hutchkins is still alive….so we are still waiting for an answer. Cannot wait to track him down and say our thank you’s.  What a beautiful memory of my father!

RIP Papa! Love you always…

My dad, his kids and the Vespa

My dad, his kids and the Vespa (1960s)

Carmelite Monastery

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The photos were taken during the morning off the family reunion last July 2012.

Thanks to Pepermint-Media.com, they made the memory of that day last forever.

A place so solemn, nothing but God’s peaceful presence.

If you are planning to visit Naga City, please feel free to stop by Carmelite Monastery

Camarines Sur Tourism Guide, please go here.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church

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Do not know much about architecture, but I am a big fun of NEO Classical Architecture in Churches. Its purest form in style was derived from Classical Greece and Rome – very Baroquish (Baroque in short). At the back of the church, also lies an old cemetery. Blast from the past!

Lovely day spent with my brother…

History of Peñafrancia Church, please go here.

Camarines Sur Tourism Guide, please go here.

Dear Santa Clause my biggest wish for 2013 is……………PART 1

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Source Photo: Chaz11 Blogspot

Dear Santa Clause,

Since the world did not end on the 21st of December and if I could have my hearts wish, I would like to travel a little more for the year 2013.  I see a lot of travel bloggers who get paid for doing the thing they love most write and travel.  It would be nice if someone or a company can sponsor me to grant my wish.  Yes, I might be pushing the limit here but who knows. This wish list to Santa Dearest will be a series of posts as their will be other parts of the Philippines and other places overseas I would like to see as well.   

For this post, first stop is Bicol.

I listed 3 big tourist attractions in this post that I have not seen yet but there are lesser known places in Bicol that I, Jenny, needs to visit.

1)      Check out Caramoan Island and stay in Gotta Beach

Out of the 7000 islands in the Philippines, Caramoan is probably known for its international exposure.  Caramoan has been the favorite site for international franchise – Survivor. The place has hosted the Serbian, Israel, Bulgarian, Swedish, India and lastly, US Survivor versions. Popular tourist destinations are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach, and popular activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking.

Please check them out for rates and travel info @: Caramoan Island

Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur, Philippines (Source Photo: Caramoanislands.com)

Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur (Source Photo: Caramoanislands.com) 

Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur, Philippines (Source Photo: Caramoanislands.com)

2)      Check out Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island– the luxury island playground!

Misibis Bay is a private tropical hideaway built on a pristine stretch of beach along the southern tip of Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay. Misibis Bay Resort is a wonderful place to visit for its relaxing atmosphere, the surroundings looks so fantastic and beautiful, and a haven afar the crowded and polluted cities elsewhere. However, looking at the prices of foods, drinks and room rates are pretty steep compared to other similar places and 5-star hotels in the big cities, nonetheless, it still does not stop me from wishing to visit Misibis Bay Resort one day.

Please check them out for rates and travel info @: Misibis Bay

Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

3)      Donsol, Sorsogon to see Butanding, Whale Shark

I visited Sorsogon once but only came there for a bit for my Pili Oil Blog but did not have the time to check Donsol out. 

When you are coming from Albay, it is one hour drive south of Sorsogon. Donsol is a host to one of the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world. These creatures have been frequenting the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon for many generations.

 Although Whale Sharks, or ”Butanding” as they are locally known, are enormous in size and power, reaching lengths greater than 15 meters, they are remarkably gentle and docile enough that it is generally safe to swim among them. Swimming among the whale sharks is a captivating experience. Generally, the whale sharks at Donsol swim very close to the surface of the water. I am not a daring person but I don’t mind doing basic snorkeling in order to get closer to the gentle giant. My biggest wish!

The Lonely Planet Guidebook describes the Donsol experience as the “quintessential Philippine adventure.” The Time Magazine called swimming with whale sharks the “Best Animal Encounter in Asia,” in one of their issues in year 2004.

Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

Genie, in the bottle! Please grant all my wishes……….

Source Photo: Treasure Trove Blog

 

 

 

Taste like Baileys – Palmera Coco Crème Liqueur!

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Today, I got a call from the Emall Trade Show organizers saying I won a price. It felt like a million dollars but it was just a small token from one of the native handicraft vendors. Thank you Bidibidi for the wonderful token of appreciation!

While I was there claiming my prize, I stumbled upon a new coconut liqueur called Palmera Coco Crème Liqueur. As you know on my several posts, I am a big fan of Don Ramon’s Tropical Wine. According to Yolanda Buena Oliva of YML Health Food Products, it tastes like Baileys so I got it. I am checking it now while writing this post, it really does taste like Baileys.  Pretty strong drink I say.  Feels like Lambanog so go easy on it, it is a kicker.

Palmera Coco Crème Liqueur

She is the only sole distributor of the product so if you are in Bicol and is curious on checking out Palmera’s Coconut Coco Crème Liqueur, give her a call.

YML Health Food Products

CP#09228648708

Email: yollyoliva@yahoo.com

She also makes tea and herbs from Moringa leaves (Or, Malungay Leaves for short). Moringa, also known as the Miracle Tree, is a multipurpose plant, as the leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark of the tree can be utilized. It is also referred to as Drumstick Tree by the Britishers.  In the Philippines, they are referred to as malunggay or malungay.  Others refer to moringa as horseradish tree, benzolive tree, kelor, marango, mlonge, moonga, nébéday, saijhan, sajna or Ben oil tree.  Scientific research confirms that these humble leaves are a powerhouse of nutritional value. Gram for gram, moringa leaves contain: SEVEN times the vitamin C in oranges, FOUR times the Calcium in milk, FOUR times the vitamin A in carrots, TWO times the protein in milk and THREE times the Potassium in bananas. (Source: Ed Lagman)

Moringa

I am a big fan of anything organic and I try to stay local most of the time if I can help them a bit……

Okay, this is it for now, have a happy and blessed weekend!!!!

 

Peñafrancia Grey Marble Artisan

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The pictures were taken during the last day of Peñafrancia Festival.  During the fiesta, you will see loads of artisans from all over Naga City and from other parts of Bicol selling their crafts. Fiesta’s is their busiest time.

I got myself a mortar & pestle and used it as a paper weight in my office to hold down my receipts. Not really a cook so I used it as an ornament. I think it’s pretty.

Gainza & 1st Bicol Travel and Food Expo Trade Fair

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Sorry, I have been busy in the home and work front but I did managed to stop by two trade shows during the Peñafrancia Festival. A happy place for me!

The first one is the 2012 Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair (BFGTF). It includes traditional participants in food processing and handicraft producers as well as consolidators and franchise businesses. The Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair was organized by the Archdiocese of Caceres through the Caceres Social Action Foundation, Inc. (CASAFI). It’s origin traces back from Bishop Francisco Gainza who pioneered the First Agro-Industrial Fair in Bicol in 1875. The fair is geared towards alleviating poverty through entrepreneurship and solidarity that promotes integral development. (Cbanga360.net)

The second trade fair I attended is the first ever Bicol Travel and Food Expo (BITFEX).The 11th Regional Tourism Congress was held last September 12-16, 2012 at the fully air conditioned exhibit tent of the Avenue Plaza Hotel , the premiere boutique hotel in this city. The event was spearheaded by PBN TV5 and DZOK, in partnership with the City Government of Naga and Avenue Plaza Hotel, and in cooperation with the Department of Tourism V, the Department of Trade & Industry V, Department of Agriculture V, TESDA V, and the Bicol Regional Tourism Council (BRTC). (Bicol Mail)

A beautiful Lamp Stand

Bernadette De los Santos of La Huerta Organic Farm (An Agro Tourism in Cam Sur)

Me with Don Ramon of Bignay Wine (Gainza Trade Fair)

Me trying the chilled taho. He is also the one that made the furniture. He already exports furniture in Europe.

I enjoy going to trade shows that promote Filipino Products specifically Bicol Products. Always a passion of mine. I did meet a couple of vendors and traders who are of great talent. One even invited me to go to her organic farm in Baao (The La Huerta Organic & Leisure Farm) and also join her art group. I will do a post on a later date on each of this very talented vendors.

My home is slowly filling up with native handicraft from abaca, capiz, wooden, sweet tropical wines, bags, baskets, bauls and bayong. Even a walis! It is trully addicting for me. Besides a passion, I also like helping small artisans. With me buying their products, I get to help their business in a small way. When I have time, I also check the Naga City market, always hunting for products.  Plus, when I am in traveling within Bicol,  always make sure I check out the markets. It is a huge Cost Plus for me.

Me in Cebu Booth

Love the bag from Daraga!

Why I prefer freelancing?

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Please forgive me if I have not been following your blogs lately.  I have been busy with setting up with my new venture and the same time looking for freelance work.

Canarium, The First Virgin Kernel Oil is trading in Alibaba.com!!!

 

I have not found work yet but still positive that I will be able to find one soon while I pursue my passion of blogging and promoting Bicol’s flagship product “Pili Oil”.  So far, I have received several inquiries in Alibaba and through my Canarium, The First Virgin Blog.  I hope this will lead to some deal pretty soon.

The reason why I prefer telecommuting than working in an office setting because I do have obligations with my family and telecommuting will give me the time to check on my brother.  He is doing so much better now.  He is responding with the medication the doctor prescribed him.  He is starting to talk and slowly by slowly, he is gaining his independence back. He is disabled and healthcare in the Philippines is not off par so one has to be creative in searching for the right doctor especially in the province. I love my brother and this is so far one of the best thing I did in my life. Because of this, I refused to work in an office setting.  I am doing all I can to find work freelancing so I can help my brother and also, follow my passion.

Photo Credit: Empty Easle

Hoping for a miracle!

Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening.

Mahatma Gandhi

This is why I enjoy blogging and prefer to do freelance: 

Today I stopped by a Tropical Wine kiosk in the mall. I remembered blogging about the Bignay Tropical Wine (please click on the link) and immediately, the girl remembered me.  She said you’re the blogger in Jenny’s Serendipity. She was surprised to see me and she was following my site and knows what I was doing. I tried the Tamarind Wine and she asked me to come back to try there other products. I told her that my Bignay Wine post is one of my most viewed post and she was delighted when she heard that. Took some pictures of my serendipitous date with Don Ramon’s Sweet Tropical Wine Collection. If you are in Naga City, please stop by:  NAGALAND E-MALL, ELIAS ANGELES ST., NAGA CITY FROM AUGUST 28- SEPT 1, 2012.

Source Miracle Quote: Brainy Quote

 

 

R.I.P. DILG Sec Jesse Manalastas Robredo

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You will always be remembered for your country’s service

No longer in our life to share

but you will always be present in our hearts

You are a great politician

You speak of the people

Your legacy must be followed

For the betterment of the country

Good-bye DILG Sec Jesse Robredo

Source Photo: Jim Paredes