Norfolk Island Pine Tree

 Norfolk Island Pine Tree can grow up 65 meters but the usual available height in nurseries are 4 ft to 6 ft tall.

It can grow well in the Philippines.  I wanted to have one of these pine tree to have a Christmas feel in our frontyard.

By the way, the scientific name of this tall tree is Araucaria heterophylla and is called Norfolk Island Pine because it is an endemic tree of Norfolk Island which is a small island between Australia, New Zealand and New Celadonia

Philippine Banks Acquired Assets Bank Foreclosure

With my desire to save on having a real estate property, I researched online and fund out that one way to save is to look for foreclosed properties in bank. You can negotiate with the bank or attend a bidding to acquire the foreclosed property

Here are some references

BPI

BDO
https://www.bdo.com.ph/properties-for-sale

Metrobank
http://www.metrobank.com.ph/assets_for_sale.asp#

Philippine National Bank
http://www.pnb.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119&Itemid=291

Unionbank

EastWest Bank
http://www.eastwestbanker.com/tool/prop4sale_main.asp

UCPB
http://www.ucpb.com/UCPB_Assets_Index.php


Allied bank

Graduation songs for High School

Here is a list of graduation Songs that can be used by graduating high school students and even college students.

There You'll be
I'll be there
Farewell
Journey
I will go the Distance

Birthday and Baptism Gift Away Ideas

1.Decorations
2.Cupcakes
3.Small Photo frame
4.Chocolates or personalized chocolate bars
5.Refrigerator Magnets
6.Small Chime
7.Keychain
8.Tiny Scrolls

You'll appreciate the list more when you see the pictures
http://www.papemelroti.com/baptism.htm

Monfort Bat Cave in Samal Island, Davao (Videos)

Samal bat cave serves as a home of around 1.8 million bats.
Our guide told us that bats have different faces but it seems that they appear all the same.

Sagada Food Trip

Where to eat in Sagada


During off season, there are less open restaurants in Sagada. But you can expect that most of the best and biggest restaurants are still open.

Some of the places that we tried are
Lemon Pie House
Strawberry House



You'll appreciate the serving size of foods in Sagada.  A single meal that they intend for one is good for two people.  If you are into healthy options, you'll love Sagada because most of the menu are loaded with vegetables.  The price is not expensive. :)

There's a curfew hours in Sagada. During our visit, I think stores remain open only until 9PM.. It is better to schedule your meals earlier at night.

Laguna private pool for rent

Laguna is a good choice for family event and company team building because of its proximity to Manila.

Here are some  private pool for rent and resort in Laguna together with their website. Most of them are found in Pansol

Laguna's Little Paradise Resort  http://www.lagunalittleparadise.com/
Joremi Private Resort
Mountain Peak
Emerald Villa Resort
Villa Camille
Infinitus HotSpring
Villa Adela

Tagalog Wedding Messages, Wedding wish para sa Bagong kasal

Do you have a friend or a family member who will celebrate their wedding day? If someone asks you a message for them, what will you say?

I attended several  Filipino wedding events and I listened carefully to every guests who shares advice regarding a married life.  I even heard some cliche tagalog quotes related to wedding.

Common advice or not, each one of them contains an important message in maintaining a loving relationship.  Here are some examples:

Maging mapagmahal kayo sa Diyos
Mahalin nyo isa't isa

Kapag may problema, palagi nyong pag-uusapan.
Walang problemang di naayos, sa mabuting usapan
Huwag ka ng _______________________, __________________
Kapag may problema, wag mahihiya lumapit sa amin


Ang kasal ay di parang mainit na kanin
na iluluwa na lang kapag napaso

Karaniwang payo sa lalaki ang ganitong mga linya..
Alagaan mo si....
Di ka na binata, iwasang dumikit sa ibang mga babae

Palagi kayong magtitiwala sa isa't isa

Hindi sa lahat ng panahon kayo ay magkakasundo
Kung mayroong di pagkakaunawaan ay pagusapan kaagad

Marame na kayong pinagdaanan
Alam kong kakayanin nyong malampasan
anuman pa man dumating sa inyong buhay

Bigyan ng oras ang isa't isa
Alalahanin ang nararamdaman ng asawa

Huwag magbabago ngayong kayo ay kasal na

Huwag palilipasin ang gabi nang di napaguusapan ang problema

Magpasalamat lagi sa Pangionoon


Sana'y maging maligaya kayo..
Magkaroon kayo ng mga mgagandang anak (tulad ko)
Bigyan nyo kami agad ng mga apo..


At higit sa lahat, Congratulations! Mabuhay ang bagong kasal

Message for 18 candles and Message for 18 treasures

Most guests are shy when it comes to giving birthday messages.  But this can be avoided if you are prepared

Here are some of my tips on giving your birthday message whether you belong to 18 candles, 18 treasures, or 18 dances 

1. Be yourself, be genuine

   Don't imitate messages from others. You don't want to sound as her parent by saying 

   'Dalaga ka na. Wag munang magaasawa ha'. :) 

2. Avoid cliches 

    Forget the lines like Study hard. Be more creative. Say "I hope we'll be the best accountants after 3       years"

    

 "Huwag kang magbabago" ??

3. Choose the language where you are comfortable

   You can speak in English or Filipino as long as your message is understandable by the debutante    and the guests

   You can also try Spanish or Japanese :)

4. Remind her with the first day that you met.

5. Tell her why she is your best friend.. Tell her why you love her. 

    The latter is more difficult.. Hmm.Ok. You can just tell what are the things that you love with her

6. Recall your sad, happy moments together and tell her how    special she is to         you

7. Thank her..  State some specific kindness that she extended to you and offer your help also

    Ikaw lang yung taong nagpasaya sa 'kin nung may problema sa ...

8.  Here comes personal development.  Put constructive criticisms.

     This is a good line 'Mas maganda kung..." when giving feedback

    

9. Put in some sense of humor. (We'll this depend on your own style and personality)

    Pwede bang pahiram ng gown mo sa debut ko? Ang ganda eh

10. Make wishes for her future


Why don't you practice your message with songs for 18th Birthday playing on the backgound? Hahaha
Visit the list of debut songs on this page: Songs for Debut

    

    

   

Where to buy Jalapenos in Manila

I confirmed only one place , S&R




How about these items? Do you know where to buy these?

Wild arugula
Beets
Endive
Saffron
Marca El Rey chorizos bilbao
vanilla beans
whole wheat flour
cilantro / wansoy

Bugtong na may Sagot

Bugtong are riddles from the Philippines. Here are some examples of 'Bugtong'

1.Hayan na si Kaka, Pabuka buka
  Sagot: Gunting

2.Hayan na, hayan na, Di mo pa nakikita
   Sagot: Hangin




Kaya mo pa bang sumagot ng mga bugtong?  Can you continue answering ? Do you want some more riddles?  Level 2 will be available Soon

Langgam

1. Maliit pa si kumpare, nakakaakyat na sa tore
Sagot: Langgam

2.Sa paggising ay nauuna, wala namang pasok sa umaga
Sagot: Tandang




3.Hayan na Hayan Na, Malayo pa ay humahalakhak na
  Sagot: Alon

4.Bugtong bugtong, magkakarugtong
  Sagot:Kadena

5.Kaisa-isang plato, Kita sa buong mundo
   Sagot: Buwan

6.Limang punong niyog, iisa ang matayog
  Sagot: Niyog

7.Buto't Balat, Lumilipad
  Sagot: Saranggola

8.Dalawang balong malalim, malayo ang nararating
  Sagot: Mata

9.Maliit pa si Nene. Marunong nang manahi
   Sagot: Gagamba

10.Isang butil na palay, abot sa buong bahay
Sagot: Ilaw



Mga Bagong Bugtong

Kutsarang kayliit liit
Kapag sumabit, pagkasakit sakit
Sagot: Ear pick, ear scoop, ear spoon


Ikinukusot kusot matapos iipot
Sagot:Shampoo


Abnormal na kutsara
parang pitsel kung umasta
Sagot: Tabo

Pabilog man o kwadrado
ang aking bato
pagkabango-bango
Sagot: Sabon

Ipot na di mo nga nahawakan
Iyo namang nalasahan
Sagot: Toothpaste


Kaharap kong mahangin
Wala nang ginawa kung di umiling
Sagot: Electric Fan


Masakit sa puwit
Pero pwede sa damit
Ano itong pagkainit-init
Sagot: Plantsa

Sa aking nabiling maliit na kuwarto
Kasyang-kasya maging sanlibong katao
Sagot: Telebisyon


Kumot ko sa bahay
Araw-araw nakasampay
Sagot: Kurtina

Buong bahay tumili at nagluksa
Nang sa gabi, sya ay nawala
Sagot: Kuryente

Katutubong Sayaw or Ethnic Dances of the Philippines

Katutubong sayaw is also known as Enthnic Dance or Folk Dance.  The Philippines is not only gifted by more than 7000 islands. Philippines is also rich with a diverse culture in arts, songs and dances.

This page will share some of the Folk Dances of the Philippines.

1. Tinikling


 2. Singkil


 3. Carinosa


 4. Maglalatik


5.Itik Itik

What is the taste of Balut?

What is the taste of Balut? 

Balut Taste

Balut tastes like an ordinary boiled egg but a lot juicier.  For me, balut has a little fishy taste.  There are some sweet and salty parts. The egg white taste saltier than the egg yolk. The egg white of balut is also harder to eat because of its hardness or crunchness . Unlike the egg yolk of ordinary boiled egg, balut egg yolk is softer and juicier.   Balut dont have a hot taste like chili but you can dip it on vinegar with chili.  Balut tastes better when served hot.  To add more flavor, you can add salt or vinegar.

How to eat Balut?

Crack the top of the oval egg shaped balut egg. Do not fully break the egg shell because you'll spill the juice or the liquid parts of the balut egg.  On the small opening that you created, sip the juice.

If you don't like this juicy stuff, you can crack the egg just like what you do on a boiled egg.
When you're done sipping all the juice, peel and throw out more of the balut shells.  Grab the chick or the egg yolk and eat it.

Sometimes, eating balut is messy. Balut juice may drip on your hands so you need to prepare lots of tissue before eating it.

How to eat Balut

Balut is commonly eaten with bare hands just like your eating a fruit.
But you can also use spoon and fork if you want to.


Wash your hands after eating because balut has a distinct strong smell.
The smell is not that bad but others may recognize smell and may or may not like it.


photo from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blu_pineappl3/6747545529/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/haynes/4177817725/

Where to buy Korean Ice Cream in the Philippines

Where to buy Korean Ice Cream in Manila

Korean Ice cream is more popular today. Check those refrigerators on the nearest supermarkt near you and might get lucky!

Anyway, here are some stores that sells korean ice cream as of 2013

Metro Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City

Super 8 Alphaland Southgate Mall in Magallanes


If you didn't find your favorite korean ice cream on these stores, check it on Makati Avenue.
There are lots of Korean grocery stores in Makati Av and they are selling those ice cream too.
Some of the stores even offers wholesale Korean ice creams.

Photos are from Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roseferrer/6810324041/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danes96/6699589671/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/4614565054/sizes/m/

Wedding Theme Songs used by Filipino Celebrities

Wedding Songs 

Here are some music and songs used by Filipino Celebrities on their wedding, pre-nuptial, or wedding videos, or love team songs


Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez - Iniibig Kita by Ryan Cayabyab
Oyo Boy and Kristine Hermosa      -  Collide by Howie Day
Jolina Magdangal - Mark Escueta   -  Im in love with you by Joy Williams,
                                                  - Tonight, tonight  by Passion Pit
Zoren Legazpi and Carmina Villaroel - Marry your daughter



Uploaded videos on youtube were used as reference of the wedding songs.
This aims to share bright ideas for wedding songs.  Please comment and correct the details  if we missed the song title/singer or anything

Where to buy Miracle Fruit in Philippines ?

Where to buy Miracle Fruit in Philippines ?

Miracle Fruit

• Scientific name is Synsepalum dulcificum
• Originated from West Africa
• appears like a small red berry when ripe
• Turn sour foods to sweet tasting foods by tricking the taste buds
• Contains miraculin which is used as sugar substitute
• fruit size is close but is smaller than duhat
• Costs 10 pesos each in  one of the stalls in Manila Seedling Bank

Miracle Fruit and Miracle Tree is available on
1.Manila Seedling Bank near Quezon Avenue
2.Talisay, Batangas
3.Tagaytay near  Rotonda


I also found sellers on sulit.  Stores are located in Caloocan and Marikina.
You can also inquire on rare fruit society face book page.

Exotic Foods of the Philippines

Famous Exotic Foods in the Philippines

1. Balut
The number one exotic food in the Philippines is 'Balut' or 'Balot'.  It is a boiled  preserved fertilized duck egg.Its outside appearance is similar with ordinary duck egg or chicken egg but balut shells is slightly darker.

Why Balut is exotic?  Balut is very exotic because unlike ordinary boiled egg, balut or balot has a baby duckling or chick inside the shell.  The chick inside has some feathers, and you can also observed the beak and feet at its initial stages.  Some people can eat this chick without leftovers. They eat everything even the small duckling's beak, feet and hairy body.

Other's who don't enjoy the chick prefers to eat the other parts of the balut. The egg yolk of the balot is the most flavorful.  It is comparable to the taste of a normal egg yolk but balut is juicier. The egg white is known for its hardness.  Its more difficult to bite the hardened egg white part of the balut.

To add more flavor,  balot is eaten with salt or dipped on to vinegar with chili.

Balut is usually serve at noon or during the night. There are sellers on the streets that will yell 'Balut' to sell their products.  You can also buy 'Penoy' - another exotic food


What is the difference between Balut and Penoy?
Balut egg has a chick inside. There are no chick inside a Penoy. Penoy taste like a Balut minus the chick.  A Penoy is more similar to a  boiled ordinary egg.

2. Isaw
There are two types of isaw. Isaw manok and isaw baboy. Isaw manok is the intestines of chicken while isaw baboy is the intestine of pigs.

Intestines were piereced on a thin bamboo stick (the same with BBQ stick) and roasted on 'uling' or coal ember.  In short Isaw are Barbecue using the chicken intestine or pork intestine.

There are more people fond of isaw manok compared to isaw baboy.
You can avail delicious isaw around the University of the Philippines.


3. Betamax
Betamax is a grilled  chicked blood or pig's blood. It is also skewered on bamboo sticks

Betamax is also available from isaw sellers on the streets. You can also avail Betamax  around the University of the Philippines.

4. Dinuguan
A stew of pig's blood or offals usually pork intestines.  It has a dark color.

Dinuguan is available in some fine dining restaurants of the Philippines.

5. Chicharon
This is less exotic compared to the list above. Chicharon are body parts of pig (usually intestines) deep fried on cooking oil.

There are chicharons, packaged like junk foods, in supermarkets.
A better chicharon is being offered inside buses or bus stations.

6. Many more..

The list of Philippine exotic foods is still long. Philippines also have..
Cooked Farm rats, farm frogs, crickets, farm snails, Beetles, Snakes, Crocodiles, Ostrich meat, and Bats.

Note:
Not all Filipinos eat these exotic foods. Some of these foods are also banned for the protection of species.This is for educationals and sharing of information only.  We don't mean to offend or disrepect anyone.



Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/blu_pineappl3/6747545529/

List of Themes for Debut Party

Themes for 18th Birthday

Some ideas here are also mentioned on this page > Debut Themes

1. Fairy

Fairy Theme

Fairy is always a colorful and magical choice for eighteenth birthday celebration. You can opt to have wings or just require long dresses.

Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/gettysgirl/3481084323/

2. J-Pop
Same with K-Pop below.  Of course, you can have a more J-Pop looking theme if you can have japanese decorations on the venue like japanese lanterns, origami, zen garden, koi

For the food, you can include ramen or noodles, tempura, and sushi

3. K-Pop
Philippines was not spared from Korean culture invasion. Filipinos are fond of koreanovelas and most likely teenagers will welcome the idea of looking like their favorite Korean characters.

Kimchi !! You should never miss serving Kimchi  on your debut

4. Pirate

Fans of One Piece anime or Pirates of Carribean will be excited on this theme!
Decorate your venue with treasure chest, ropes.

Wear pirate hats!
Have drinks on big mugs! ( Not necessariy alcoholic)

5. Vampire
Vampire theme will put black colors on your event. It will look formal but at the same time it will appear dull or dead. You can make the place more alive by wearing red dresses and decorating the place with res decors.

I'll go for Red wine ! (and Red Ribbon Cakes?) haha

6. Venetian
Time to look elegant!

Calamondin Recipe or Calamansi Recipe

 Calamondin  or Calamansi is a native citrus tree of the Philippines. Calamondin  has various uses but
on this page, I will focus on compiling recipes with calamansi


Calamondin Juice and Calamansi Drinks

1. http://www.kawalingpinoy.com/2013/05/calamansi-juice-calamondin/
2.http://stirrednotshakenblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/calamondin-or-kalamansi/
3. http://lakitchenandthings.blogspot.com/2011/02/calamondin-little-known-treasure.html
4. http://www.apronandsneakers.com/2011/09/calamansi-juice-with-mint.html







Calamondin Pie Recipe

1. http://lizzybakesthings.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/calamansi-pie/
2. http://bakingbetweencities.wordpress.com/2011/09/16/calamansi-meringue-pie/




Calamondin Tart

1. http://blog.junbelen.com/2010/11/09/how-to-make-calamansi-tart-with-candied-calamansi/





Calamansi Meringue Recipe
1.http://sweetcherriepie.com/2011/03/09/kalamansi-meringue-pie/



Calamondin Recipe
http://sweetcherriepie.com/2013/05/27/ooey-gooey-calamansi-bars/

Philippine Endangered Animals

Philippine Endangered Species


Philippines is one of biologically richest country. Philippines serves as a home for thousands of animals. But some of these animals are in danger of extinction if not taken caren of.  Some of Philippine endangered and vulnerable animals are

1.Palawan hill mynahs (Gracula religiosa or kiyaw)

In the Philippines, this is also simply called as Mynah or Myna.  It is a popular bird because of its abilty to imitate speech.  Myna is good talking bird. To move around, mynah hops from tree branch to tree bracnh. They are active just before sunset.  Mynas are frugivorous or fruit-eater. But there are instances that mynas also eat insect making them under omnivores.

Mynah is also tagged as the best talking bird in the world!  Myna is also found in other tropical  Asian counties like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shankaronline/9162947509/
2. Blue-naped parrots (Tanygnathus lucionensis)

Blue-naped parrots  is also known as Blue Crowned greeen parrot or the Philipppine Green Parrot.
They eat seed, berries, nuts and grains.

 The reducing population of Blue-naped parrots in the Philippines. is attributed to the parrot's loss of natural habitat.  Trapping and illegal trade of blue-napped parrot is also a cited as a reason.


Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34328261@N02/3206973125/

3.Juvenile Indo-Pacific crocodiles or salt water crocodile(Crocodylus porosus)
Crocodylus porosus is a specie of crocodile that can live on salt water.

The flesh is eaten widely in the Philippine as an exotic food. Crocodile are also considered as a threat to humans or livelihood of humans(raising chickens) and humans turn on killing them.


4.Siebenrockiella leytensis 



5.Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi


Philippine Eagle is the national bird of the Philippines.  It is the largest bird of the Philippines and also one of the largest in the world. It can be found in Luzon, Samar, Leyte but the largest number of them is present in Mt. Apo and Mt. Kitanglad in Mindanao

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shankaronline/9103402533/


6.Hawksbill Sea Turtle



7.Tamaraw

Tamaraw looks like a small carabao or a dwarf buffalo. Tamaraw is endemic to the Philippines and can only be found in Mindoro

Here is a link that promotes saving Tamaraw from extinction
http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/01/30/902773/save-tamaraw


Trivia: Tamaraw is used by one of the schools in the Philippines, Far Eastern University, on thier logo .It is used also as a mascot in athletic events.

8. Palawan Bear Cat (Arctictis Binturong)

Palawan Bear Cat  is endemic to the Philippines. In the wild, it can only be found in Palawan and its local name  is Binturong.   It is a nocturnal animal and gets active at night.  Palawan Bear Cat is not a bear and it is also not a cat but is very furry animal.  It has a white fur on its head and other parts are covered with black or gray  fur. Like a cat, it has whiskers.  It is also called Malay Civet Cat because it has a gland that contains civet, a substance that was used as a base in making perfume.

Binturong is considered pest by some people because Palawan bear cat is an omnivorus and it can eat chickens being raised by farmers.  Palawan Bear Cat is also being traded illegal.

There is a Palawan Bear cat in Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park in Quezon City.

A long list of Philippine endangered animals are listed on http://www.animalinfo.org/country/philippi.htm
http://www.filipeanut.com/birds/

Alpabetong Filipino

Alpabetong Filipino or the alphabet of Filipinos is composed of the following letters

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Ññ NG ng Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz

The letters in Philippine alphabet are almost the same with the English with the exception of  'ñ' and 'ng'.  Filipino alphabet is originally composed by  21 letters from Filipino Abakada but afterwards the letters C, F, J, Ñ, Q, V, X and Z were added or borrowed from Spanish alphabet.

The Ñ or ñ was borrowed from the Spanish alphabet. A common example of words using  'Ñ' or 'ñ' is the Malacañang Palace.  It is also read as Malakanyang Palace. Ñ sounds like  'ny' in word 'Malakanyang' or in word 'canyon'.  In the Philippines, most words spelled with 'ñ' were also spelled as with 'ny'.

Still there are some nouns that retained using ñ like the word Sto. Niño. 

'Ng' or 'ng' is usually used in tagalog as 'ng' or of.  Other words with 'ng' are 'ngalan' or name, 'ngayon' or now.  There are also instances that 'ng' is used in a sentence but there is no direct english translation. 

Example: Nagbasa ako ng libro (I read a book)

Uminom(drank) ako(I)  ng tubig (water)  ( I drank water)

The use of 'ng' is usually confused with the word 'nang' as they are read alike. 'nang' is an adverb and should not be confused or interchanged with 'ng'.

Here are some correct example of how to use 'ng' and 'nang'

Nagbabasa ako nang bumuhos ang ulan (I'm reading when the rain fell)

I hope this give you a brief idea on how to use ng and how to use ñ in a sentence.

You can learn more about using ñ and ng in http://romeocayabyab.com/the-correct-use-of-ng-and-nang/

Debut Invitation, Debut Card Design

Invitation card is still the most common way of formally inviting someone to an 18th birthday part.

In your invitation, don't forget important details like
Date and Time
Venue
Dress Code, Attire
Map of the Venue
Instructions on how to get on the venue. Include directions for public transportation and private cars.
Additional instruction like bringing the invitation card to the event

Other itmes  that can be included are
Guest lists
Photos

I think you already know this stuffs above but I'll share also a list of suppliers of invitation
Debut Invitation

Landscaping and Garden of Trinoma

Trinoma is one of Philippine Malls with wide area for trees and plants.

You can get in touch with nature even if you are inside a mall. Here are some photos taken in Trinoma

Mangosteen Tree

The Uniqueness of Mangosteen Tree


Why Mangosteen Tree and mangosteen seedling  is expensive

It is difficult to propagate. It grows very very slowly. A 2-foot seedling may require years to grow.

Spiders of the Philippines

Collection of Spider from the Philippines

Spider of the Philippines

Philippine Spider

Star City Rides

Star City Ride Ferris Wheel

Where to buy nutella in the Philippines?

Where to buy Nutella in the Philippines?

Nutella is widely availabe in supermarkets like SM !

I also found Nutella in Metro Market Market!

Bili ka na ng Nutella! It's like melted chocolates for bread!

Star City Pirate Adventure

At the center of Star City, you'll see the Pirate Adventure ride along with various food stalls.
If I remember correctly, before, Star  City featured dinosaur and Lion King at the same spot.

Pirate Adventure is a long winding river adventure where you can see the characters of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean.  The closest ride that I can think of is Rio Grande of Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna.  Rio Grande mimics a natural river adventure while Pirate Adventure is a river tour with lots of
display to narrate a story about the Pirate world.

The Gigantic Pirate Ship at Star City Pirate Adventure

Pirate Adventure is somewhat similar to horror rides as you'll be stunned (at least for a moment) by hanging skeletons and scary, ghostly and  screeching sounds.

If you are going to Star City, I encourage you to visit this place no matter how many people are queuing on the entrance.  Discover a 'treasure' when you visit Pirate Adventure in Star City.

If you want to see more about this unique ride, you can view the youtube video below:

Spelunking and Caving in the Philippines

Spelunking is one of the hardest and fearful outdoor activity that I tried so far.
But at the same it gives you joy and fascination as you unfold more and more limestone formations.


Fear of height, fear of falling, fear of darkness, and fear bats are just some of the things that you need to conquer to see the true beauty of every cave.


I'm lucky that I was able to experience and survive Sumaguing cave adventure located in Sagada, Philippines.


Below are some cave photos that I found in Sagada, Philippines

Sagada was once under water. Can you see the shell fossils on these cave?

What is the best blogging niche topic in the Phillipines

I performed my research in Philippine Blogs and I found out that websites that deals with video streaming, showbiz and celebrities, Technology and Gadgets, Naruto (Anime), love quotes and Pinoy jokes are among of the most visited websites.  Of course, there are so many Food and Travel blogs that receive thousands of visitors.

Anyway, its hard to write on a topic that you are not interested in.  You'll ran of topic and ideas soon.
My advice is to follow your passion.

Landforms in the Philippines

Volcano:
Mayon
Taal
Mount Pinatubo

Mountain:
Mount Makiling
Sierra Madre
Kanlaon
Pulag
Mount Apo

Plateau:


Valley:
Cagayan Valley
Compostela Valley

If you want examples with pictures, visit http://www.squidoo.com/mga-anyong-lupa-sa-pilipinas

The Pinoy spirit in Bonsai and Penjing

I cannot remember the first time that saw a Bonsai.  I even can't remember how I knew the term bonsai.

My knowledge of Bonsai is limited to miniature trees. I do not know that there are many considerations in the art of doing a bonsai.  Probably, one of most important thing in bonsai making is identifying trees that will make a beautiful bonsai. The top characteristic that we must look for trees is their ability to produce smaller leaves.  Having a small tree trunk is easier but controlling the size of the leaves is difficult or impossible. We will lose proportion if we'll have the ordinary sized leaves for a miniature tree trunk.  In the Philippines, I found out that  Sampalok and some species of Molave are being used as Bonsai material.


Here are some Bonsai trees on display. I found them in in Manila Seedling bank and Quezon
City Circle

Cactus and Succulents

I am not aware of any native or endemic cactus in the Philippines.

But I'm familiar with the mini cactus being sold in stores.  I can't believe that there are so many of them and I'm amazed that they also produces flowers.

One type of cactus is being grown commercially in the Philippines and it is known as the Dragon Fruit.

My Favorite Anime

Gundam 00
*If you'll contemplate enough, you'll realize that the events in this anime is just a refection of old and current wars that we have

Macross Frontier
*Robots or mecha in here is similar to gundam. What amazes me most is the beatiful and touching songs

Naruto
*I think this one is the most popular anime in the Philippines nowadays.
It is the dragonball of this generation.

One Piece
*The longest running anime.

Rain will come and it will go

As we continue to live, we'll face lots of challenges

Prepare as much as you can but don't worry too much about tomorrow

Enjoy the moment but planned ahead

Write what you think

Don't dwell too much with your problems. Never forget to wear your smile.

Alam mo may nalimutan ka today, yung ngiti mo.

What are you doing to resolve your problem?

For the past year, what are your focus?

Are you using your time wisely?

Wakeboarding in Republic Wake Park

Wakeboarding is for someone like me who wants to try a different outdoor acitivity.
I'm not into extreme sports but at least I don't want to experience wakeboarding.

There are two areas in Republic.  The one for beginners and the one for the advanced.
People in the beginners area makes  wake-boarding appear so hard while those in the advanced area makes wake-boarding to be so easy.

I tried the beginner's area. I felt nervous but I really think that I can do it until the end of the lane because it is about balancing and I'm riding bicycles since I was in grade school.  I also tried a board before but is a waveboard with wheels.  For me, waveboarding is more difficult than riding a bike.

And I really did reached the end of the wakeboarding lane. I let go of the rope and after few seconds I felt down on the waters.

After falling out of my board, I notice that I have a bigger problem. I don't know how to swim, I even don't know how to paddle to go at the sides. Hahaha. I trusted my height too much and I thought that I can walk.

You can't bring your own food and drinks but they are selling inside the Republic Wakeboard premises.
They will deliver the food that you ordered to your cottage.


Note, although the number of tries is 'unlimited' within the span of the time that you avail.
It is difficult to repeat your wakeboard experience because of the long lines specially in the beginner's area.

Most of the people who availed the 4 hours is disappointed because sometimes they just obtain the same number of tries to those who availed the 2 hour registration.

Take note that they also have breaks. 

A visit to Organic and Vermiculture Farm: Kahariam Farms

Kahariam is a vast farm located just in the boundary of Lipa and Ibaan.














How to go to Kahariam Farms:
Going to Kahariam Farms is easier when you have your own car
You can download a map of Kahariam Farms in here http://kahariamfarms.com/kahariam-map.pdf

What to see in Kahariam Farms:
African Night Crawlers or the vermiculture worms
Organic Fertilizer
Ducks
Chicken
Pond
Citrus trees
Dragon Fruit

How to go to Manila Seedling Bank

Manila Seedling Bank Foundation Building in Quezon City

Where is Manila Seedling bank

Manila Seedling bank is located in Quezon Avenue Extention Corner E. DeLos Santos Avenue, EDSA Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.


How to go to Manila Seedling Bank

Take the MRT and get off at Quezon Avenue station. You'll see the Eton Centris Mall and you have to cross the bridge (going to North Avenue/SM North direction).  Walk a few meters (still going to North Avenue/SM North direction) and you'll notice a wide open space  at your right side. This serves as the entrance and vehicle entramces for Manila Seedling Bank visitors.

There is another entrance but I'm familiar with that one.

What to see in Manila Seedling Bank
Plants, plants, and more plants. Manila Seedling Bank is the largest gathering of plant sellers. If you didn't find your desired plant here then it will be difficult to find somewhere else.

They have lots of ornamental plants like orchids. I also found passion fruit vine, Miracle tree and water plants

They also have gardening tools, fertilizer, vases, driftwood, pots, kois, natural stones and lots of gardening decoration.

Manila Seedling bank also offers Bonsai and Bonsai/Penjing materials.
Fruit bearing trees and Vegetable seeds are also available in Manila Seedling Bank.






Where to eat in Manila Seedling Bank
There are no food stalls inside MSBF but there are sellers of fresh fruits and dirty ice cream.
Anyway, Eton Centris is a short walk and SM north/Trinoma is just one ride away


What I need to look for next in Manila Seedling Bank
I'll inquire about Palawan Cherry (local name Balayong) which is counterpart of Cherry Blossoms in Japan I'lll ask around also for Vanilla plant seedling