Living in a Forest in the City

Sweetening a Not-so-sweet Jackfruit

2012-01-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

Our jackfruit tree has yet again yielded a big fruit before the end of the year. It's the third and so far the best one. Problem is, it wasn't that sweet maybe because of the soil itself. I do remember planting a good seed some three or so years ago.Previous two were almost ended up in the trash coz of over ripened and goodness knows what.

It isn't the first time for me to make sweetened jackfruit but I couldn't seem very sure on how to do it last Friday that I had to check a recipe online. Blame it on a sleep-deprived night after coming home late from a party. The recipe that I first stumbled on started on making a sugar syrup by mixing it with water in a 1:2 ratio. The slow-functioning brain of mine simply followed even though there was a bit of hesitation. It turns out, there was really something really wrong. There was more water than it should be. My parents would surely be disappointed with this.

Upon realizing my mistake, here is how I should do next time.

Sweetened Jackfruit

Put the seeded jackfruit in a pot and heat in low fire slowly. (It will be a little watery depending on the water content of the jackfruit.)
After the jackfruit has lost enough water, mix in the sugar. (If thick consistency is preferred, remove some of the water before adding the sugar.)
Cook until you have reached the desired consistency of the sweetened jackfruit. (It can be very watery or thick syrupy.)

The whole fruit yield: a little more than 1/2 of the unseeded went to my Mom (50%)
40% seeded is in the fridge, packed in three ziplocks with approx. 1 kg each.)
10% sweetened in sugar syrup

NOTE:
Never mix water and sugar to make the syrup since there will be enough water from the jackfruit.

This I got to remember if I get to harvest another one some six months later. I spied three small fruits on the same tree again.

Teacher's License Renewal (Fast Track)

2011-12-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a short one on how I renewed the Teacher's License.

What to prepare:
- old ID if expired, or PRC license number (check the PRC website for details)
- the form (downloadable or available at right at PRC)
- P450 for non-expired card renewal
- pen

How to:
1. Go to the PRC office. Inquire at the first window on the left by the gate on where to get the renewal form for teachers license. The guy informed me to go to the third floor (Office of the Professional Teachers- OPT)
2. Take the stairs or opt for the lift if you can fit in the tiny and old machine. I did. :D (Take note: some buttons on the lift doesn't seem to work or light up, third floor and the open button I think but it will get you to the third floor nonetheless)

3rd Floor, after getting off the elevator, on the left are the stairs (not visible here though)

3. Upon entering the OPT, head on to the first window on the left. Ask for the renewal form and fill it up.
NOTE: If you want the express service, you may have to get two forms: regular renewal and EXPRESS renewal. There should be an "express" written on the upper right corner of the form. Give the forms back to the guy for double checking.

Inside the OPT
(there are some photocopiers, photo station by the door)

4. Pay the necessary fees at the cashier on the nearby window. (If you are renewing within the same year of your expiry, it would only cost 450. If you prefer to get the card on the same day, you have to fork out an additional 450. I processed mine at around 10 AM and it was available at 1:30 PM, same day.)

5. After payment, go to the MEGA DATA digital photo room located at the other building (Behind the elevator, near the small cafeteria, there's the entrance to the other building. Turn right and get in. As you stand on the main door, go straight ahead, there's a door on the right.) Note: The door may not be very visible from the main door so just ask the guard. :)

6. Prep yourself (double check you PRC number, retouch the make up, etc.) and wait for your turn for the digital photo. That look will be on your card for at least three years. :)

MEGADATA EXPRESS ROOM
(Digital Photo Room)

7. Bring the papers back to the third floor where you will be informed about the time the card will be available.

8. At the designated time, present the claim slip at the same window, and sign the log book to get your card.

(I can't remember if I had to put a photo on the renewal form. I may need to update this after checking the photos in my wallet.)

Worms: A Month Later

2011-12-24T22:48:00.000-08:00

We've harvested worm castings this week. It's not that much but it was a good start. It's been more or less a month since I got the worms in their new bins and ...

From kitchen food waste, paper, grass clippings and worms...to naturally fertilized soil a.k.a. vermicast ---

The small tub of ice cream (approx. 900ml) yielded a regular-sized jollybee plastic drinking cup.
The bigger worm bin yielded a bigger ice cream tub ((1.8L).

This little success has given me enough guts to totally fill up the bigger bin with worm and not just half of it. It's another wait and see how it turns out in a few weeks.

Worms WAVE: THE RETURN

2011-11-25T21:45:00.001-08:00

Lone worm on a cardboard surrounded with banana leaves.

It has been a while since I had bravely thought about getting my own pets of worms. I had previously mentioned this to my Mom but I had never got around to actually buying the starter worms. Alas! Mother took matters in her hands and enlisted brother to buy and deliver the worms at home. I can't procrastinate on the worm composting now as the woms life now depends on me.

We managed to make a bin made from sack of rice and an old grill stand. I can't say that it is well sealed but as long as it's comfy for the worms and they are well fed, I'm hoping they won't try to escape. I covered half of the bin with strips of wet newspaper and grass. Next, I buried some leftover food or organic waste, then poured most of the 1/4 kg of worms before covering them again with a few grass for good measure. The point is getting the worms wet, well-fed, cozy and accustomed to their new environment.

For another experiment, I decided to make another worm bin from an old ice cream container. This would have a limited number of worms and a more frequent monitoring. It's the one that I can easily check if the the worms are still alive, and the organic waste disappearing.

Fast forward a few days, I also visited and checked my Mom's own worms. It was so stinky and I don't think it is in good condition so I decided to bring it home and remedy the stench. As I have guessed, the food waste were not that reduced in size before throwing them in the old pail. I can even see big pomelo peels, as well as long stems and leaves. No wonder, it stinks that much.

As stinky as it was, I emptied out the giant water container and tried to separate the poor worms from the waste. And since it was almost impossible to chop the waste, my first idea was to start the whole thing with fresh kitchen waste in the bin. The other waste, I put them in an empty sack of rice -- "lasagna" style with grass. Starting with grass (browns), I added back the waste bit by bit. Alternating both until I've finally put away the rest of the stinking waste. But since it was stinky, the dog got to it (I thought it would be the street rats who will first.)

The next day, my remedy was to put them back and rearrange them, along with the worms in the deep water container. After cleaning out the container again, it's time to put the "lasagna" back. Some cardboard and newspaper were added as bedding, as well as another layer of grass for toppings. It's now ready for the worms get comfy on their neat beds. The bin was covered with a net, then a thin plyboard.

It's waiting time. How many weeks would it take to decompose in each worm bin?

a. in the water container?

b. in the rice sack?

c. in the ice cream container?

My best bet is approximately 3 to 6 months for the water container, a month for the rice sack and 2-3 weeks for the ice cream container.

Here's is how it looked inside the deep bin.

This the bigger one in the ice cream container.

Yoghurt Maker Rediscovered

2011-07-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

July 16, 2011

Dugged up the yoghurt maker and I am now working on my trial yoghurt made from powdered milk.

Aside from yoghurt, I would also like to explore the possibilities of using this to make daenjang. Here is where the search pages would start..

A blog about Korean food...mykoreandiet.com on making Daenjang paste the traditional way. I still have to read this thoroughly so I can have an idea about the making.

Lots of photos on bulk daenjang making here.

http://just-making-noise.blogspot.com/2009/06/yummy-fermented-bean-paste.html

For further browsing still..

Extra npr short recipes..

Miso http://www.npr.org/2011/04/20/135543251/miso-an-ancient-solution-for-modern-meals

healthy cupcakes http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130191177&ps=rs

Update on the yogurt: (July 17, 2011)

Just a quick yahoo on how the yoghurt turned out early Sunday morning. No chance to enjoy it yet 'coz of filled up Sunday.

Update on the yogurt: (July 18, 2011)

Enjoying one of the homemade yoghurt!!

Success on the trial cups..using Birch Tree Full Cream Milk Powder and a local plain yoghurt from the store.

It looked fine but just a bit grainy and not that smooth as I used to make using fresh milk. But this will do for now. I am happy that I can at least make use of the yoghurt-maker after all these years in storage.

Cough and cold..in the summer

2011-06-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

We had a bout of cold during the last part of the summer. Son and Father took that hit but the worse was mine. The cough that left me insomniac for nights drove me to go to the hospital for a prescription. Although I usually try to make do with natural remedies for occasional illness, this one really sent me over the roof to get tested on a lot of things. Everything turned out well after spending almost a thousand at PAMC. In return, I got peace of mind, a prescription and better night's sleep, along with a hot-pack routine for the back pains.

Since the lab test that I took need more sample taken at hours interval, I had to go to the hospital twice.

1st day: Initial Doc Talk. P300++

Lab tests. P500++

2nd Day: Lab tests result and

Final Doc Talk -

Prescription Medicine - P150 (bought in the hospital pharmacy)

I found very sweet pineapples being sold across from the hospital. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to buy a lot. Still have to check it out again sometime.

DFA Passport Renewal

2011-04-07T02:11:00.000-07:00

Summarized in 4 Steps (that would actually take more than two hours to do)

Step 1. Processing documents.

Step 2. Payment of Passport Fee.

Step 3. Data capturing. (digital photo, signature and thumbprint just like during the election registration or applying for a driver's license)

Step 4. (OPTIONAL) Payment and arranging for passport delivery.

Renewed my passport last week and this is how it went.

Coming from the airport, we, along with my son and a friend, took a taxi and headed straight to the DFA in Macapagal Hi-way. As described by other bloggers, there was a McDonalds across from the the building which we missed because we went on the right side which rightt on the part where the New DFA Bldg. is located. I guess, I forgot that it was on the corner of Macapagal and Bradco. McDo is on Macapagal Hi-way, opposite corner side. My best guess is that the taxi took the Bradco route coming from Roxas Blvd.

We got off the nearest gate, Gate 1 which turns out to be wrong. Passport Renewal is at Gate 2. Anybody who doesn't have any appointment is not allowed to get in except children who came with an adult who has an appointment. My friend and my son had to moved their address for the next two hours across at MCDo. I've seen children inside and I think they were also prioritized during the queue. ( Kids might be actually be an advantage, haha!) By the way, no food and drinks allowed inside so you might want to fill up your tummy before plunging into the passporting process.

12:40 PM

DFA Gate 2: Right on the corner of Bradco. (Sorry for the bad shot, didn't have the time to wait for the car to pass.)

The Appointment Counter

Step 1

I went to the appointment counter (the one with three gentlemen with pcs in front of them) and had them check my print out. The officer told me to fill up another application form since my printout may not be that clear because I printed it back to back. ( I was trying to be earth-friendly by saving paper and trees. It worked against me.) Make sure you have a pen coz you might just have to buy the pen that a guy standing beside the table was offering. The whole time that I was filling up the form, all I heard was "ballpen..baka kailangan nyo ng ballpen."

After filling up the form and getting verified, I was told to find the 1PM waiting area. There were plastic benches that filled up the area with different times schedule (1pm, 1:30 pm, 2 pm, 2:30 'til 4 pm). You have to figure out where does the line ends or you might just end up cutting the line and get some angry looks or worse. The wait starts here. Mind you, you're in for a long wait. The queue is really loong starting outside while seated and continues on as you actually get inside the building.

This is a shot taken at more than half-way to the windows as seen far back. More or less one-third of the actual chairs there.

Starting from the chairs by the door, take a look at all the people seated on aluminum chairs snaking all through the whole ground floor. There were about twelve rows of chairs, each with around 20-30 people filling up each row. Do your math, and take your time doing that as it will take more than an hour for you to get to the end of the queue for processing your documents.

If you're there for passport renewal, you may not need a lot but do prepare the necessary documents. (Please check the DFA passporting website for specifics.)

In my case, I had the necessary photocopies and wasn't even bothered for a second ID save for my SSS card. One of the people beside me wasn't able to complete hers because she doesn't have enough ID card presented. She had to come back the next day. There are about twenty or so windows to receive your documents. From the directions given in another blog, the window number where you will be displayed somewhere but I didn't notice it coz there was a DFA personnel (plus a man in a SG uniform) who informed us of the next available window. It took more than an hour for that first step of submitting the papers.

Step 2

The next one is to find your way upstairs, with a working escalator, and follow the signs that says CASHIER. When I was there, I think I saw three windows for the payment and there wasn't much line. Got a little lucky or payments really do take quicker than others. Hand in the application form, along with your P950, and they'll give you a printed out receipt.

A shot taken around the entrance of Step 2 and 3 Area. The windows on the left are where you pay.

Here's the shot in front of the cashier windows.

Another shot showing the three windows for cashier.

Step 3

Show your receipt to the guy that sits under the STEP 3 sign and he will give you your queue number for the digital photo and personal information capturing. There is actually a queue machine but I just don't understand why the guy still has to be there. This is PH and perhaps that machine is not that common yet, the government can afford to hire someone to operate that machine or just that a lot of people still are not familiar with it so human is still needed to gove out queue numbers. (Whew! That was a mouthful!)

The waiting area in front of the cashier, with Step 3 sign quite visible at the far back.

Blocked by a head here, the queue slip guy can found under this Step 3 sign.

The monitor on the upper left is where you can find the encoder number that you need to go to when your number is flashed.

The ladies in black pants above are the ones shouting out the "passport delivery service".

Once you get your receipt, you will finally take notice of the ladies standing around that area offering passport delivery at P120. While waiting for your "digital turn", you may opt to arrange and pay for your passport to be delivered to you. From what I've heard, this will take a day or two from the official release date of your new passport.

Since I live quite far, I handed my cash to the lady and she ripped off a piece from her pad of receipts which has already been filled out. Then, I was told to head to the delivery area for encoding the address etc. I'm not sure what courier companies were there but I'm hoping that mine would be LBC. Based from previous experience, their local delivery men are better at finding my place than 2GO.

Encoding area for the passport delivery service.

Last part is your second to the last wait for you to get your passport. If your queue number is still far, you may choose a bit far place near the windows which may not be that crowded. Keep an eye on the flashing number and if it is less than 20 to go before your number, park your butt somewhere in front of the queue guy and study the maze. There is some sort of a map on the table with numbers of the location of the computers.

Sad thing is that I wasn't able to take a photo of this. I lost my chance coz I was so disturbed and annoyed by the guy I happen to sat beside who was yapping with a girl on the phone. I guess he was on the phone for more than 30 minutes! I had to move somewhere else.

Around past 2:30 PM

Finally, my number was flashed and I tried to find my way through the maze of computers. It was quite fun and wished that there were more encoding stations, haha!

The lady encoded my personal info while I looked over and double checked whatever she was doing. Then, I signed on the digital sign pad, did the thumbprint and prepared to take my passport photo. As much as I want to take a couple more just to really get the best shot, I had to refrain from doing that coz I do realize that there are still a lot of people waiting for their turn. At this point, I kinda wish that they still have the non-digital photo system. At least I can choose the best photo that I want to put on my passport. ^,^

That's it! You may start counting the days to receive your passport, roughly after more than a month. Worry about if the courier will find your address as you follow the EXIT sign going downstairs (different staircase from where you entered) into the passporting area (for travel agents I think.)

Exit from DFA gate at 3:35 PM.

For a more technically written steps, please refer below.

(This is what I prepared for myself. Take note that more specific requirements may be needed depending on your case so please check the DFA Passporting website)

Passport Renewal:

Green Passport or issued after 01 May 1995

• Present passport and photocopy of pages 1,2,3 (amendment) and last page.

• The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.

Supporting Docs (this is what I have available)

• Digitized SSS-ID

• School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with Dry Seal

Passport Fees

* Regular Processing: Php 950.00 (20 working days)

Rush Processing: Php 1,200.00 (10 working days)

An additional fee of Php 200.00 will be charged for processing of Lost Passports if it is still valid.

1) On your appointment date, proceed to the DFA Consular Office located at ASEANA Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City (see locator map).

You must be at the DFA Consular Office 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Early/Late comers will not be entertained.

2) Present your printed application form to the Appointment Counter.

3) Get your queue number at the Information Counter and sit on the waiting section of the Processing Area.

Wait for your queue number to appear on the monitor indicating what processing window you will go to.

4) After processing, proceed to the Passport Enrollment Section located at the 2nd Floor.

5) Pay the applicable passport processing fees (see passport fees).

6) After payment, go to the Encoding Section for data capturing.

7) If availing of the delivery, proceed to the Delivery Counter to pay for delivery fee.

I might be able to use this information again when I process my son's passport next year. At least, I know where it is located, how long it will take, and so on and so forth. I just hope that there won't be much changes by then.

I hope this helps. Ive met some people who were still fooled to take printed-out photos to the tune of P650 by dishonest kabayans at the old Libertad office of DFA. One thing that I've learned whenever I had to do transactions in government offices: Better come prepared and armed with knowledge before you go to the offices to avoid getting fooled, and be taken advantaged by some dishonest people.

Things to remember:

1. Only people with appointment are allowed inside. Minors without appointments coming with you may be permitted. Bringing children is highly discouraged as it would take really long time to wait unless they are the ones that need the passport, that is.

2. Food and drinks are not allowed inside.

3. Bring a pen in case you might need one.

4. Make sure that you have photocopied all the necessary pages in your passport.

5. Come prepared for supporting documents and copies of each in case you might also need.

6. Be prepared to wait. Bring a book, audio player with earphones, a rubix cube or a candy for you to survive the wait.

And last but not the least---

You don't need to pay for photos or whatnots outside the DFA Macapagal Office since the only place that you have to pay for the passport is INSIDE the building.

http://www.passport.com.ph/

US-based family opts for homeschooling - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2011-04-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

US-based family opts for homeschooling - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Celebrities speak out against bullying - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2011-03-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Celebrities speak out against bullying - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Along the National Hi-way (As of March 23 '10)

2011-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

A morning errand was spiced up with a few shots of current structures jutting out of the use-to-be-flat hi-way side. It starts on the corner of Junction 1, around the Provincial Capitol.

P.C. Arcade

Junction 1, National Hi-way

Puerto Princesa City

Right beside is the Ardent Suites Bldg. (right side, front shot here)

The Junction 1 fruit stand area.

Farther down, right on the corners National Hi-way and Wescom Rd. are the sister buildings:

A & A Plaza Hotel

and ATC Plaza

Around the corner is a Mercury Drug branch and an interesting bookstore sandwiched between an Ukay joint, and snack bar.

The Mabel's Bookstore which has kids storybooks, workbooks, educational but fun toys and cutesy things for kiddos. Small but in a place where there aren't a lot of bookstore for kids, this can be a possible goldmine.

Last shot for the "right side" of the road (if heading outward the city's current downtown) is one of the newly opened Hotel Centro.

Going back into the downtown are these not-so-new buildings.

Karldale Square, in front of Cost Plus (almost near Junction 2, Adventist Hospital).

Near the Run-way is the San Juan Bldg., which has Shiela's Flower Shop, St. Ive's Baked goodies and Global Alliance office.

Until my next errand!!

PALECO BILLS

2011-01-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Before the year 2010 closed, the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) has a new general manager. A lady CPA-Lawyer from what I've heard. I just hope that with a new person in charge, we would feel some changes and improvement with the services being provided by the only electric provider in the city.

I happen to pay my bills last Dec. 28th at the BDO and it took me an hour queuing to pay the bill. Good thing is I was holding 3 bills. If only it would be possible to pay PALECO online or thru atm or at NCCC next time, it would be better. Why they cannot do like the PPCWD (Puerto Princesa City Water District) where I can pay my bills before doing my grocery at the same place?

And to top it all, the service itself has gone awry again as the power eating Christmas lights has been lit up again. We have an average of an hour power outage again these past few weeks. That is one downside of this city.

City Wet Market

2010-12-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

As someone who is in charge of the household, I do frequent the market and the grocery at least once a week at each place. Grocery would mean "the NCCC" and market would usually be the Public Market for my vegetables, eggs and fishes. They're produce is more fresh at the latter than the former. The rest of the kitchen/food needs are from the air conditioned store, NCCC.

One fine early morning, I chanced upon pigs/pork being delivered inside the meat section. It was quite hideous for me to see that as I don't eat pork but seeing the guy delivering it with such pleasure made me take a picture.

Another interesting find (although taken months apart) is this one. I hope to show to Hubby what possible finds for him at the market which he seldom dare to go. Has this photo enticed him enough to go? Not yet so far.

Vermicomposting

2010-04-03T11:07:00.001-07:00

Getting rid of the food waste in the house has been one of my constant holy grail. I know I can do better than to throw it out for the garbage collector to pick up. My journey still continues for my search on how to get rid of the trash. From garbage cans, green and brown composting, to worms.

So far, I've learned that I can buy a kilo of worms for 500 peso at the WPU. Thanks to the people at City Demo Bee Farm for the reference.

Before I get around to buying those worms, got to do more research.

Here's one fun/funny and informative video I've found on youtube.

Setting up a vermicomposting bin.

reBlog from blogs.inquirer.net: Unleash Filipino authors abroad through e-books

2010-03-18T19:03:00.001-07:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

But going beyond the business aspects of publishing is the real reason why we need to do this. You cannot talk of a Philippine diaspora, if all we read are foreign authors, if we read at all. We may number in the millions out there, but if our thinking is fractured, then it really makes no difference how many we are.blogs.inquirer.net, Unleash Filipino authors abroad through e-books, Mar 2010

On the last part of the paragraph "makes no difference on how many", I'd like to add " or where we are."

Home Appliances Repairs in Palawan

2010-03-13T07:15:00.001-08:00

In every house where there are appliances, there will come a time that these gadgets will need a repair or check. In some cases, it might be better to buy a new one. But for the pricey ones, one should really check on the after sales service of the brand. It is not only the price, functionality and features that a buyer should check before buying.

For a possible thief out there, these are basic brands of appliances that is in my house.

Samsung - washing machine
- VHS player (currently out of order and I really don't want to buy any DVD player)
LG - refrigerator
Dowell a.3-in-1 vacuum cleaner
b. water dispenser
JVC - TV
Electrolux - Gas Range/Oven
GE - microwave oven
Hanabishi and Standard - electric fans
Carrier - aircon

I usually do my research before deciding to buy appliances nowadays. As much as I want, I cannot have any sole brand preference based on this list. Although I try to get some same brands, I still end up with these varied list.

A brief history on these purchases.

Electrolux-

There is already a possible product that I had wanted except that when I went to the local appliance center, I have a very limited choice. The one closest to what I wanted is this one. Beforehand, this brand is totally unheard of during my online research. I guess they don't have a good working website at that time. But it was the only one that I liked, (and the only brand available at that time) so I ended up buying this. I was a bit skeptical.

So far, it has served its purpose despite a non-functioning ignition on some burners and the awful clean-up routine because of the design of the unit I got.

Samsung-

As it is a Korean brand, I have high hopes on the after-sales service (AS Service). The washing machine unit that I've chosen might require a special service since it has a digital control panel. It's not that common round here at that time. I was told by the sales agent that there is a service center in town so it will be lesser worry if ever it needed fixing.

LG

Same reason for buying Samsung. This was one of our first purchases after moving to our own place. Hubby was with me and with so many choices of brands and features on that particular store, we decided on this. Luckily, it seems that the company is strengthening its Philippine business through their website, marketing campaigns and even possible AS services. I still have to experience the latter though.

Dowell

As the usual case, I have no other choice but this brand. More or less within the first year, I had to have it fixed and it wasn't easy. It was a bit stressful.

Let me start with water dispenser. This was a better case since I only had to have it fixed after I tried to clean the receptacle inside. I guess I cleaned too much that when it's time to fill it up, the water seeped through the inside of the unit. We had to bring it to the place where we bought it and picked it up in a day or two. I don't remember if we paid for the service.

As for the 3 in 1 vacuum cleaner, this is the more stressful one. Hubby broke the main handle of the unit, connecting to the flexible tube. Upon bringing it back to the store, we were told that this isn't fixable. They have to change the part which will still be ordered from Manila. That's cool with me, except that it will cost around 1300 pesos. The brand new unit cost just somewhere around 3K. To pay a third of the amount of the unit for fixing is insane. No thank you. I AM NOT GOING TO BUY ANOTHER DOWELL.

Hanabishi-

I grew up using this brand. The efan brands at that time are 3D, Standard and Hanabishi. Well, in this part of this Philippines at least. I remember having our fan since I was a kid until I have a brother almost a decade later. When it was time for me make my own purchases on efans, I went for this. Unfortunately, the quality is a bit less. Of our two units, one is now ready for another repair and the other one is not in it's perfect state anymore. Both has already been repaired coz of electrical problems.

Standard -

Our unit was purchased back in late 2002 . It has undergone repair service a few months after, still within the warranty period. That was the last known repair done on it. The inner working of the fan, as well as the remote control that came with it, still works. But the cover and outer parts have already seen "war." It's open and broken. It's like it has a broken upper body and decent lower body. The whole thing looks like an old, worn-out soldier but still standing strong and tall.

*** *** **** **** *****
I'm compiling a list that might come in handy in the future in case my dear "helpers" would need after-sales service.

LG (tricky loading website)

JAROS
108 ROXAS STREET
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
PALAWAN
Contact # ___

Repairable Product : Television Monitor Video, Freezer Multi-Zone Window Type,
Microwave Oven, Commercial air conditioner, Split Type Refrigerator, Portable Home Audio, Washing Machine

SAMSUNG (fastloading website)

ORNILLO MANPOWER SERVICES
New Buncag Brgy. Madaragat Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Cellphone No. 0916-908-1690

ELECTROLUX (slow loading website but functional nonetheless)

Customer agent: (02)845 - 4548
****
Update on Electrolux.

Got an ignition malfunction with two of my burners and I emailed the company website Sunday night. The following day, I got a call from a customer agent around lunch. A reply on the email I've sent and a promise on referring me to the local service center in town. Let's see if this would turn out to be a good after sales service on the part of the company.

Airconditioning and Refrigeration

2010-03-13T01:53:00.000-08:00

With the increasing Celsius of mercury in the thermometer comes the need to for aircons and well functioning fridge. We finally got around to fixing the our unit and I also had to fix a torn wire for my almost-7-yr-old fridge. Good thing nobody got grounded or worse, electrocuted with it.

It's been weeks since I had been looking for a decent aircon specialist for general cleaning. While riding around a few weeks ago, my eyes happen to land on a signboard which might be the answer for what I was searching for. We finally dropped by yesterday and scheduled the cleaning.

KRAMS Aircon and Refrigeration located at Manalo St. (formerly located at National Hi-way)

Here's the quick job assessment.

Pros-
a. professional service in terms of equipment and manpower services
b. quick and easy dealing specially in terms of rate (no line such as "we have to check first before we give you our price", etc.)

Cons- (based on this particular experience)
a. the servicemen showed up almost an hour late (there was no advice that they will be late or something of that sort)

Generally, it was good doing business with them. We didn't feel that we were cheated or given a foreigner rate. Well, we were given a March promo as far as I was informed. ;)

Rates for cleaning:
350 - 1HP, window-type (200 for the Promo)
850 - for the split-type aircons

I'm sure they have other services included that I have no knowledge of. Perhaps they also do fridges and car aircons. For contact details, (48) 434-1491 or cel # 0920920721.
The business card also claims that they are the authorized service center installer for Carrier, Condura, Kelvinator, LG and Mitsubishi Electric.

City Library: Children Section

2010-03-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

This is one of our favorite places nowadays. Or maybe even when I was younger. We can spend hours here. It didn't look this way before as it has changed location and arrangement through the years.

The City Library Children Section is located upstairs way back of the 2nd floor. It has 10 mini-tables and chairs and a couple of regular sized ones. The best part is it's air-conditioning unit is functioning as of this year. It has been out of order for a time and it was quite warm place.

The librarian's desk upon entering the area. You have to log in upon entering, although we would sometimes skip this coz we'll end up finding our names more than once on the same page. Go figure if we come there too often or there aren't really a lot of users of this place. Sad if it's the latter.

The heart of the children's books collection: a number of different story books, encyclopedias, atlases and other interesting books.

The area for the biggies. Bigger kids.

Quite a lot of these books are donated by Palaweno's of NYC (as stamped on the books). Let me take this chance to express my appreciation for these. I just hope that more kids will discover these treasures they've donated.

Here are some textbooks for gradeschoolers, as well as a high schools. Although some are a bit old.

A sad thing to read on the wall. Why? Books can only be photocopied. I just wish that the storybooks can be taken out for a day or two, at least allowed to be taken home, even if it would need a "deposit."

Driver's License in the City

2010-02-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

When we got here a few years ago, hubby needed to have a local driver's license. We had to convert his previous driver's license to a Philippine one. I really don't remember much how we did it but we had to renew it after two years. The two years expired last year and we just realized this month.

So when we got the chance, we beat it to the LTO. It turned out very fast and efficient.

1:30 - Headed to the LTO
started checking out the how-to on the wall outside the office
got the form from the small hut and filled it up

2:00 - secured the attachments: medical certificate and drug test cert both from nearby sources costing 200 and 300 respectively
2:30 - submitted the form and attachments to the customer service rep
2:45 - photo for the ID was taken digitally
3:00 - paid at the cashier (roughly around 493)
350 - renewal fee
75 - penalty (late renewal)
60.? - comp fee
3:30 - ID released

Off we go to get some ice cream after a sunny day outdoor. We were really surprised that it didn't take long to get do the renewal process. Last time I've heard, the office ran out of the forms, and even license plate for the motor vehicle registrations. Even our previous transactions has not been something to look forward to. It usually take a long time to get the papers. Requirement-wise or the offline-online thing with the LTO computer system. Luckily, things have since improved very well.

Ah! If only all government transactions will be like this. If only BI would have a more speedy system on their ACR Card release. I wonder if it would be possible for a courier service on ID delivery. Something like a NSO paper for delivery. That's for another post.

Yukejang, but not quite 6

2010-02-07T23:47:00.000-08:00

As I've learned in a cooking class a few years ago, Yukejang comes from a word Hyuk -- meaning six. It has six different vegetables with beef and gochu karo-oil mix. It includes kosari, beansprouts, and other things I don't remember anymore. When we moved here, I tried to bring some of these vegies which are not locally available. I never quite got around to using it. sigh.

But alas! I found Maangchi has an adapted version. Well, not exactly but some comments left gave me hope to try it out despite the fact that I dont' have all the ingredients. After gathering it all up, I made this around the end of last month. Hah! My hubby really enjoyed it. It's been a few years since we had tasted this fave dish. Of course, my version was less spicy but I heard no complain on the spiciness level. It was consumed by lunch the next day. A request for a repeat was in but I already have the Pinoy beef stew lined up.

With the cold/flu hitting the household last week, we badly need some nice hot liquid dish. It's time for another take on the yukejang. And I am doing it now without notes. ;)

Here are what I needed to find in the market;
beansprouts (P20),
green onion (P20),
garlic (5),
onion (5),
and celery (which is not quite cheap round here at 400/kg, got 50 for mine).

The sirloin beef that I used would be around P50. We're not so big on the meat, we just have it for taste basically. Roughly around P150 for the whole dish, using 2-3 L of water for stock. Mid-range fee for a dish which we can eat for three meals.

The secret mix for this is the red pepper flakes and sesame oil. Head on to Maangchi.com for the whole mix.

Ah! Some dreams do come true.

Home repair problems

2010-01-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

news clip on appliances repairs

The Consumer
Who do you call when an appliance isn’t working?
By Linda Bolido
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:15:00 10/20/2009

Filed Under: Lifestyle (House & Home), Flood, Consumer Issues

MANILA, Philippines—Before you throw away those appliances and other household tools that were submerged in floodwaters, make sure they are no longer salvageable by getting a trained technician to look at them.

As mentioned in last week’s column, some gadgets may not have just collected water but mud and debris, too. So, even if you think they have dried completely, there might be stuff stuck to crevices that need to be removed and the appliance cleaned thoroughly to get it working at optimum level again.

You would not want to add the purchase of new appliances to the already high cost of having your house repaired because of damage caused by the floods.

I do not know how well you are able to let your fingers do the walking and find the things you need in the yellow pages. How they arrived at their classifications befuddles me. I still do not know where to look for what. Last week, for instance, I was looking for the local office of the Italian stove manufacturer Elba. I looked it up in just about every category listed in the yellow pages and could not find it anywhere. Fortunately, the alphabetical listing yielded the information I needed.

To help readers who may also find it difficult to get the information they need about their appliances’ service centers, here are contact numbers provided by Robinsons Appliances. Actually, they also gave the addresses but listing them would take up so much space so I will just give you the phone numbers and you can call them up for their addresses.

Whirlpool/Fujidenzo Service Centers-Aserco Affiliated Electronics Service, Mandaluyong, 6314492, 7460441; Global Airtech Inc., Mandaluyong, 6356652, 7471685; Goldhomes Enterprises, Quezon City, 9132043, 9130835, 9122042; R. Acosta Enterprises, QC, 4549786; JP Jacinto Enterprises, Makati City, 7510387; Ramecon Industries Corp., Pasay City, 8525195

Sanyo Service Centers, Head Office, Makati, 8921493; Quezon City branch, tel. 4149647, 3741349, telefax (033) 3371313

Sony Customer Contact Center (They have a centralized system. When you call or fax, they will refer you to the service center nearest to you), tel. 8787600, telefax 8603398.

Dowell Service Centers, QC, 9119052; Mandaluyong, 5310837

Sharp Service Centers, Muntinlupa, 8074991-94, 0922-8045318, 0922-8045301, call center 8427777, telefax 8079184; QC—9294208, 4967664, 0922-8045304, fax 9294208; Manila—7402513, 4961483, 0922-8045305, fax 7402513

GE-Quality Circuits Services Inc., Pasig City, 6433456, fax 6436562; Centigrade Appliance and Service, QC, 4396146, fax 4388752; Fedmark Enterprises, QC, 9394399, 4554754; Danc’s Repair Services, Caloocan City, 9385467, 4525286, 4616381; Araquel Ref. & Aircon Appliance Service Co., QC, 3710376, 3722352; Extreme Aire Refrigeration & Air-conditioning, Malabon, 4483784; Raycon Aircon & Refrigeration Services, Marikina City, 6459591-92, fax 6451078 or 9358803; BEA Thermo Tech Services, Antipolo City, 6960927; Techno Edge Service Center, Las Piñas City, 8057718; Gentic Appliance Center & Service, Muntinlupa City, 7738495, 8422607

Condura/Kelvinator Service Center (for customer unit) 8126751, 0922-8704580; (service center hotline) 8923583, 0922-8704581.

More numbers next week. I hope readers find the information helpful.

Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793-94; or e-mail lbolido@inquirer.com.ph.

Palawan-related News -- tsunamis, earthquakes etc.

2010-01-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Palawan safest, no earthquake faults

RP Fault Zone one of world’s longest at 1,200 km

By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Posted date: January 16, 2010

APART from the profusion of spectacular landscapes and seascapes that has made it the favorite of many travelers, it would seem that the paradise island of Palawan also offers the safest haven for those fearful of a Haiti-like tremor occurring in the country.

Compared to other parts of the Philippines, Palawan is “relatively stable” geologically, according to Mahar Lagmay, a professor of the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS).

“There are hardly any earthquakes in Palawan and certainly none strong enough to cause major damage. The whole island is probably the most stable area of land in the country,” Lagmay said.

An expert on earthquake faults, Lagmay has constructed a map of earthquake epicenters which he plotted using information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from 1929 to 2009.

Lagmay said there were hardly any active faults under the island compared to the rest of the country. (A fault or fault line is a fracture in the rock within the earth’s crust that is the causal location of most earthquakes.)

Continental, not oceanic, rock

While Palawan does have fault lines, these are “old” and experts are still debating whether these fault lines are active or not, Lagmay said.

For instance, there is an ongoing and heated debate on whether the Ulugan Bay fault near the famed Palawan Underground River is active, Lagmay said.

Lagmay believes Palawan is stable largely because the island was once part of continental Asia which separated around 100 million years ago and drifted toward the Philippines.

“The rock of the island is continental and different from other parts of the country, which is made of oceanic rock,” he said.

Hence, the crust of the island is thicker at 30 kilometers, compared to the oceanic rock’s 12 km, having derived from the Pacific seabed.

“The crust of the island is thicker and older and, therefore, not as prone to earthquakes,” said Lagmay.

No major faults

The island is also not bordered by any major trench or fault line, he said.

“The South China Sea area is more stable tectonically. Combined with the continental material, there is little chance for the development of active faults in Palawan,” he said.

Also, the movement of the ground in the South China Sea is not as fast as the eastern side of Luzon, which is moving toward the Asian mainland at the rate of 7 centimeters a year, and the eastern side of Mindanao, which is moving toward the Asian mainland at 10 cm a year.

“Because of the slow movement, there is no compression of forces in the island,” Lagmay said.

On the other hand, large parts of the Philippine archipelago are sandwiched between two trenches, the Manila Trench in the west and the Philippine Trench in the east.

“Movements in these trenches generate stress in the faults. That is why there are so many earthquakes in the mainland [Philippines],” he said.

“If you ask me where I would build a house in the country, I’d say Palawan,” he said.

Longest fault system

According to Lagmay, the Philippines is encased in an intricate network of trenches and faults that is one of the most, if not the most complex in the world in terms of tectonics and geology.

The centerpiece of the country’s fault system is the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ) which is one of the longest in the world at around 1,200 km.

The PFZ starts in Aparri and snakes past the Cordilleras, passing through Nueva Ecija, down to Quezon and the Bondoc Peninsula into Leyte, and from there skipping into northern Mindanao to the southern end of the island into Davao.

The PFZ, Lagmay explained, is a left-lateral strike slip fault. This means that if you were to put one foot on one side of the fault and the other foot on the other side of the fault, the left side of the fault would be moving toward you while the right side would be moving away from you. Also, the right side, or block, would be more advanced than the left block.

A strike-slip fault means the two blocks are moving against each other horizontally.

Lagmay explained that the length of the fault is related to its capacity to generate a large- magnitude earthquake.

“The larger the fault, the greater its potential to produce a strong earthquake,” he said.

In 1990, the PFZ generated a 7.9-magnitude quake that shook Metro Manila and Luzon.

Underwater trenches

Other earthquake fault lines are the trenches running underwater on the western and eastern sides of the country.

There is the Manila Trench on the west of the country which runs from the Batanes islands, curving through the waters off the Ilocos region, Pangasinan, Zambales and into Mindoro island.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), movement in the Manila Trench caused the Jan. 12 magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Olongapo City that was felt in Metro Manila.

There is also the longer Philippine Trench located underwater east of the country. It runs roughly from waters off Aurora down to Samar, and past Mindanao.

Other underwater trenches in the country include the East Luzon Trough, the Negros Trench that is connected to the Sulu Trench, and the Cotabato Trench.

Smaller faults

In addition, there are also the smaller faults. Notable of the smaller fault lines is the Valley Fault System, also known as the Western Marikina Valley Fault System, which is nearest to Metro Manila.

According to Lagmay, Metro Manila was damaged heavily six times in the last 400 years by earthquakes. But the source of these earthquakes is uncertain.

A study by the USGS and the Phivolcs in 2000 showed that the Valley Fault experienced four large surface rupture events since 600 AD, occurring over a period separated by between 200 and 400 years. The study also said the last fault event in the Valley Fault occurred in the past 200 years.

Lagmay said the Valley Fault is capable of generating an earthquake with a magnitude of between 6 and 7.

Luzon, Mindanao faults

Besides the Valley Fault system, other faults in Luzon include the West Ilocos Fault System, the Dummon River Fault System in Cagayan, the East Zambales Fault, the Iba Fault and the Lubang Fault.

Fault systems in the Visayas include the West Panay Fault, the Southern Samar Lineament, the Central Negros Fault, the Cebu Lineament and the East Bohol Fault.

In Mindanao, there is the Mindanao Fault, the Lanao Fault System, the Davao River Fault, the Central Mindanao Fault and the Tangbulan Fault.

The result of all these faults is that between 5,000 and 7,000 earthquakes occur in the country each year, or an average of between 200 and 250 quakes a day, according to Phivolcs. But most of these earthquakes are not felt. Last year, Phivolcs tallied around 210 earthquakes in the country.

“As we are talking right now, there is a small earthquake occurring somewhere in the country,” Lagmay said.

Tsunami early warning system sought in Palawan

By Redempto Anda
Inquirer
First Posted 18:45:00 09/04/2007

Filed Under: Earthquake, Warnings

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday asked the Palawan provincial government to approve the installation by the Malaysian government of a tsunami early warning sensor near Cagayancillo southwest of the province's mainland.

The sensor is a buoy that will be moored in the seabed and be part of a regional network of sensors designed to detect tectonic movements in the
area.

Leo Tito Ausan, acting executive director of the DFA's Maritime and Ocean
Affairs, told the provincial board the permission of the province to install the buoy will complete the network of sensors established by the Malaysians in other parts of the region.

Other sensors have been installed off Indonesia and in the South China Sea. The sensor planned to be installed in Palawan will complete the network of three main sensors in the region, according to Ausan.

He explained that the Malaysians had initially proposed that the third sensor be located off the Zamboanga peninsula and Sulu but heeded the advice of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to relocate it to Palawan.

"The availability of these tectonic data will give enough lead time for early warning on tsunamis to Malaysia as well as Palawan, the Zamboanga peninsula and the islands of Negros and Panay," Ausan said.

The provincial legislators said they will endorse the request as soon as consultations are made with the municipal government of Cagayancillo.

Condominiums in Palawan?

2010-01-13T02:59:00.000-08:00

News article in Inquirer today about possible ten-story condominium in Palawan in the near future. They're starting in CDO now, target date of 2011. Makes me wonder where in Palawan this might end up? In the capital city, somewhere in the smaller islands, or in San Vicente? As far as I know, the tallest building in town is the 5 level admin bldg. of PSU. LoL. Interesting. I may not be that optimistic about it, though. Some people still prefer house and lot that's all yours and there still is a vast area of places to develop for that. It's a wait and see.

Snippets..

MANILA, Philippines—Developer ItalPinas Inc. is pouring in hundred millions of investment in five provinces in the country this year by constructing eco-friendly buildings.

Romolo Nati, chief executive officer of ItalPinas, said his company already started the construction of a ten-story condominium in Cagayan De Oro City which is expected to be completed in 14 months or by early 2011.

The more than 1,000-square meter property in Cagayan has a total investment of P180 million and the first Green building to be constructed in Asia and in the entire province of Mindanao.

Nati said his company is also targeting to build the same facility in Palawan, Mindoro, General Santos, and Davao, which shows great potential for property development.*

***

Nati said his company targets the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) market and the migrants abroad.

***

ItalPinas is a partnership between an Italian firm and the Constellation Energy Corp. headed by its chairman Jose P. Leviste Jr.

Nati said that for future projects, the company plans to enter into joint venture agreements with other companies in the country.

ItalPinas also plans to tap local banks for their funding requirements should its other survey yield positive results.

Body Music vs. Sassa -- What's the difference, anyway?

2010-01-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

If one's looking for a not-so-thrift buys when it comes to active wears in Palawan, these two are basically the two most things available at the local department store. Of course, there are other brands, or should I say non-branded ones and the real "branded"ones. These two, I believe will fall somewhere in between. Upon buying some of these, here is what I found out.
as
a. BM cups has lesser quality than Sassa. It looks so unfinished.
b. Sassa has better quality of manufacturing. The fit is almost right.

Next time I'll go for a shopping spree for sporty wear, I'm buying Sassa.

Why will I possibly move my business from my current WRS?

2010-01-07T18:30:00.001-08:00

As a potential client, here's my POV on this.

I am currently a loyal patron of the refill station around the busy street of Rizal Ave.
We get our refill delivered every week, two bottles of 5 gal. The station is open on Mon-Sat.

There's one place that I've come across.
Personal experience from it is not that good. I didn't like the taste of their water. Water should be tasteless, theirs had.
We ended up buying there because of the location and availability on a Sunday. Price wise, it's also quite competitive at 35, if my memory serves me right.

Why will I possibly move my business from my current WRS?

1. They are closed on Sundays.
I had to go as far as Malvar (boho stores area) to find one if I ever ran out of water on a Sunday.
2. They change their delivery boys quite so often. 2-3 times a year.
Security reason. I am just a bit paranoid of letting in strangers in the house every week.
3. Delivery mishaps.
Becoz of no. 2, or perhaps another reason, they would get confused in delivering my orders to my father's house and vice versa, with us having the same surnames still.
4. Higher standard cleanliness all the time.
I am not sure exactly if this happens all the time, but food handlers (in this case Water) are the same hands that will get the cash. Remember the dirty ice cream vendor before?
5. And finally, better quality of services with a smile. Everybody in business should really have "the smile" for everyone. This applies to everyone.

Love wrapping gifts!

2009-12-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

This yearend holiday season, I got the chance to indulge myself in gift wrapping. I have never really done any regular gift giving every season since I grew up without technically observing the season. However, I do enjoy every chance I get to wrap some gifts all the time.

We decided to give away a few of P's books that he has outgrown ;) and wrapped them up for added fun. I honestly feel that we ought to share the love of reading to everyone.

2009 was into japanese paper and cords. Goodbye nice and funky prints for now (which I love btw).

The Local Post Office

2009-12-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

Through the years of living in my town, I am regular patron of the post office. The postal service is really wanting but I had seldom encountered big problems. This is perhaps because I know how their system (or non-system works) or just my expectations of their services are not THAT high. I've heard of stories of missing cash, goods etc. in the mail and nothing would really surprise me anymore. Anything can happen. You can get a picture of how "nice" the reputation of the office is. I like mails and the services it provides but I wouldn't want to be working in this local one. I myself hadn't had a nasty experience, so to speak, but the reputation of the place still remains.

I can quote a lot of things based form my experience like the how fast my mail would get to the receiver and back again, the hodgepodge of parcels that we shipped thru it from small ones to giant ones, and others. That would have to be in another entry.

Here's a recent scene seen and overheard this week. Not exact words but to the effect as I've heard it. I'm sure I've missed some more part but the gist is here.

Mid-month of December

MAN: Good afternoon. I am here to get my letter. It was sent last September and still wasn't delivered to me until now.
P.O. CLERK: Where do you live, Sir?
MAN: Bgy. *********. But I have the number here. How come it wasn't delivered still? I can't believe it. (Counting off Sept.,Oct., Nov., Dec.) Four months.
P.O. CLERK: Sorry, Sir, but we don't have mail delivery in that area since last month. You must understand that it is a wide Bgy. with not so big population. We don't have enough postmen to deliver letters everyday.
MAN: What? Why how many people work here?
P.O. CLERK: You mean here? (Clerk gesturing to her window) I am only one, Sir.
MAN: No, how many postmen do you have. That Bgy. has ___ (mentions a figure) people and yet the mails don't get delivered?
P.O. CLERK: It's really hard to do that,Sir. We don't have enough fuel and people for that.
MAN: I can't believe it. That's stup**! In other place, they have 50 states and the mails get to be delivered within 2 days. Things here were better back in the 50's. At that time, national mail gets delivered withing 5 days.
P.O. CLERK: I'm sorry Sir. Can I have your number, Sir? And please sit down Sir while I check the list for your letter.
MAN: You don't tell when to sit down. I'll take a seat when I want to. This is really STU***!

~ ~ ~ ~

Additional info or explanations about the Post Office services based from previous interviews and experiences.

1. They don't hand deliver in outskirts of the City. These places a either too far to cover for their fuel expenses to deliver one letter or they don't have enough manpower. In such cases, they usually send the packets of letters to the Bgy. Captain's at least once a month and their part is done.
2. If your address is downtown, and you are friendly with your postman, you'll get your mails and parcels in a decent time. You may have to keep tabs on your expected deliveries though, but I cannot say the same for the unexpected ones. Stuff that you have knowledge that it is coming. No surprise gifts to be safe. Better inform the receiver that there's something in the mail to look out for. ;(

A Shooting Star! How to do an Impromptu Stargazing at Home

2009-12-13T23:00:00.000-08:00

How to do an impromptu stargazing at home:

1. DO an initial sky roam. Make sure that it is a clear sky night. Not cloudy, and the presence of the moon can be good either way. I love watching the moon at its fullest personally but its brightness can eclipse the other stars luminance.
2. Turn off all the house lights. Make sure that the surrounding area for stargazing is dark enough to easily see the stars. No distracting lights from the neighbors nor your own house.
3. Prepare the Gear. Bring out the mat, blanket/jacket, insect repellant, laptop or skynight map printout along with a flashlight. This latter sure makes you sound so serious about stargazing but it can be fun looking for these constellations from your hand to the real ones above.
4. Set the time. 30 minutes to an hour can be good enough for light astronomy for the night. It can be very interesting just lying down and looking up at the stars but of course, you might have to get up early the next day so better catch those zzz'zzz.

Happy stargazing!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
THE BACKSTORY ON THE STARGAZING NIGHT

Out of the blue, hubby suggested that we go star gazing on our yard as he feeds the dog after dinner. After P and me did a QnA trivia about the planets while the little boy was finishing up his food. And so we did.

I brought out the picnic mat, jacket, the laptop and turned off the lights. I just missed the insect repellant thinking that its quite windy for the mosquitoes to roam around. Hubby was surprised with these thinking that his stargazing only meant craning up your neck while standing. Duh! He has never done stargazing ever.

It was a good night to pick to go stargazing. Even if the only thing that I can name out the millions of stars above is the Orion's belt. Why? We got lucky to catch a shooting star. A quite bright but fast one. I haven't seen such in a while and it was just great!

With the help of the online tools, we tried to feel around the constellations but the shooting star was enough, I think.

AstroViewer - Sky Map
www.astroviewer.com
Location:
Manila
121.0° East 14.6° North
Local time:
Dec 13, 2009 21:50 UT+8
Universal Time:
Dec 13, 2009 13:50 UT

Today is Gimbap Day!

2009-12-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

After almost three years of living over here, we were finally able to eat gimbap. Thanks to Tita C., for coming up with the possibility and making it happen. Thank you Tita!

We managed to get the ingredients together, from the local market and "imported" from outside the island.

1 medium pc. carrot
1 medium pc. cucumber
4 pcs. eggs, scrambled
kangkong or watercress (in place of the locally unavailable spinach)
2 cans of tuna (135 g each)
yellow raddish

We tried to follow the recipe from Maangchi's blogsite but got lost on the rice. Since the pinoy rice is usually long grain and not the typical Korean (and Japanese) short grain rice, I decided to add some glutinous rice. This turned out to be a big mistake since I put more than I should and the taste of the glutinous rice greatly affected the whole thing. It was a little bit too sweet. Nonetheless, after adding more vinegar than what was needed, and a few more teaspoons of salt, it did taste like a gimbap in the end.

We paired it with a daenjang guk (still with Kangkong) and it went well together. Even without bothering for a kimchi. ' . ' Ah..but it sure took 3 hours to make 16 rolls. Time to put our feet up now.

Why I am looking for another Sat TV provider?

2009-11-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

Living in an island has its drawbacks. Here's another downside of living here.

Why I chose Dream Sat TV?
1. The choice of packages that they offer. Family-oriented progamming is still sound.
2. The reasonable price of the package that I prefer.
3. The flexibility of monthly fees. It doesn't matter much if I chose not to load for a month or so, except for the initial year or promo ties. This of course, placed me in a "white list.' Can't blame 'em. It business. hahaha!

Why I am looking for other Sat TV provider? OR
The things that I've encountered when I tried to reload the TV subscription.

1. There seems to be the constant upgrade or migration or whatever going on. Licky if it was just over-the-air software upgrade but if it means changing some hardware component, ah..pretty inconvenient. Here's what happened.

a. After buying the regular one month load, I tried to call in my load (coz I usually make the call myself, saves 30 peso.) The agent informed me that I need to call their business office before I can do that.

b. It took me three days before I can get in their line. I was using my celfon this whole time so this is a tricky part, I guess.

c. I was finally informed to go to their local affiliate and bring my card and decoder box unit. The card needs to be changed into a green one and the unit is for software upgrade.
ON top of that, I need to purchase a three-month load in advance. These things I can try to understand. They need to recoup their expenses on their recent upgrades and keep the "thieves" from hacking their satellite for free. Fine. That was just my wild guess.

d. After filling up the form and attaching the 3month load card plus ID, I get to bring home my decoder box sans any card.

d. Now, here's the last one. I (not only me but no. 51 and more subscribers as well!) will have to wait weeks to get the new smartcard!

Good thing, the clerk at the local distributor here was nice.

As for the Dream Sat TV Service, it's another story.

Mid-year of 2007, we decided to subscribe to Dream SaTV due to rare programs for children provided by the local cable operators. There used to be a healthy cable companies competition round here a few years ago but the remaining one at that time provided almost none for children. The channels list was not for our family. Even the local TV broadcasting companies, which one might get to watch without cable, doesn't really offer quality TV programs for kids. It's all just soap operas and game shows with swirling semi-clad girls.

Enter the Dream Sat TV. They were the only one that has the Nick TV and Disney's at that time. So we signed up for the 10 months-all-in, inclusive of Sat dish and free installation. Shortly after signing up, the Disney channel was gone, and when I asked about it, I was told that the contract with the channel expired or something to that effect and didn't or cannot renew it anymore. Hmm..good thing there was still the Nick TV. At least, there's still something left for my son to watch. After downsizing to the cheapest package, which luckily still contains Nick TV, we finally got tired of Yogabagaba. I mean, I got tired of it. hahha! The new programs of Nick wasn't so much to our liking. We quit buying the monthly load.

Until this month. I did live without any TV for more or less a year and it wasn't so bad. I can still watch Bro and Sis thru the net and we got plenty of audiobooks and ebooks to consume. But it seems that it's high time for a TV comeback. It isn't because of the bosing hulabaloo that has invaded the country this past few weeks, mind you. Not at all. It's partly educational and entertainment purposes. News and ed, and not sports.

Going back to the satellite TV provider, they have recently migrated to a new card. Meaning that the subscribers need to change their" smartcards" and for others, their decoder box units as well. The trade ins for the units were free for a certain period of time (May - Aug, if my memory serves me right) but after that, the local affiliate is now charging 500 for the unit. As for the "smartcard," I had to purchase a 3-month advance load to get my new smartcard. But here's the catch, this will be available probably after two weeks later. That is my earliest HOPE but given the info that there are still roughly 200 people on the waiting list since August, I might have to resign myself to get the card next year. That's the worse case scenario. Sure, I have not been a regular this past few months but should I be happy with that? If I think of the regulars who also have to wait for the smartcards, then maybe yes. Still, it's not very amusing. I'm crossing my fingers that I will get it soon before the year ends or I might just give up TV altogether.

With this predicament, ;0, I checked if there other players now in the market. There is Cignal and GSat and a bit pricey. Why I say pricey? The channel line up was not as good as Dream considering the prices that it command. Dream has still the products that I prefer, save for the services that I am not exactly a big fan.

Along Rizal Ave., Part 1

2009-10-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

I took an unplanned walk one morning when I woke up earlier than usual and cannot manage to go back to sleep anymore. Whew! That's one mouthful for a single sentence.

The weather was a bit sunny before I went out, but with hints of clouds and raindrops along the way. This is how the main street looks like. The buildings that take so much space becoz their size (Puerto scaled, that is), and other stuff. This just the first part of the set of pics I took.

I had enough guts and started taking photos at the corner where a hardware store stand. I mean, the street was still a bit deserted and I do feel quite self-conscious to take pictures coz I am a local. I'm sure it would be different if I was a tourist, really. ;)

This the Budget Home Depot, one of the biggest (if not the biggest as of September '09) hardware in town. Located at the corner of Rizal Ave. and Baltan St. (the street visible on the right).
Still on the right side of the street, Chowking PPC. It is on the corner of Rizal Ave. and Lacao St. The lot adjacent to the left of this is still empty. It can be a good biz place in the future since across from it is a Tiangge area for souvenir items where most tourists drop by.

Across the street of Chowking is another fastfood chain, Jollibee. (Corner Rizal Ave. and Lacao St. going to the NCCC, the biggest department store/Mall in the city for more or less 15 years. We really HOPE to have a new one soon.

Anyway, this PSBank branch is pretty new. Sometime around the 3rd quarter of this year. New banks are sure sign of progress, I believe.
This is almost across from the PSBank. Metrobank has moved here for quite a time already but I do remember the bank located beside the Ramtan Store when I was a kid. The Orix Metro used to be LBC Rizal (courier service), which has recently moved just across the street in a more spacious area.

New place of LBC beside a local appliance center. Behind this is the Palawan Times Newspaper Office.
Here is the Garcellano Commercial Center. One of the oldest commercial complex in town. I don't know exactly since when but it was already "old" even back in the mid 80's. It covers quite a long expanse of this part of the street and still houses various commercial establishments.

I still went down the market area and took some pics. But that's it for now. Still got a lot more to come next time...;)

What's in the market this month?

2009-10-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

A few days after the back-to-back typhoons that struck the country, here are the products I've found in the wet market. Since most of the "imported" vegies are obviously affected, I checked out the seafood. Didn't buy anything since I'm clueless on these but the photos looks interesting enough. (Oct. 11, 2009)

Ima's Gulay Bar on the Web!

2009-10-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

Ima's Gulay Bar is one of top ten Vegetarian restaurants in the Philippines.(PETA, Aug. 12, 2009)

Yes! Just found out today that my fave local vegie restaurant is now online. Not much yet on the site but would love to see it grow in the following months. At least I can now view their menu sans the picture. ;0

I haven't been there for a while and would really have to drop by soon. When something is good, it's really nice to share and pass it around.

Trying the Map Going to the Aloha House

2009-10-12T03:48:00.000-07:00

From the Jeepney/multicab points to the Aloha House. Of course, the cabs usually just ply thru the hi-way and does not go into the Mitra Rd.

What a nice Sunday!

2009-10-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

After two weeks of mostly rainy days, the sun is finally for the day!

Sure it did shine very hard on some days specially like last Tuesday when we went to the organic farm but it did rain at one point of those days. But so far today, it seems that all the rain clouds are totally out of sight. It's such a clear, blue sky with fluffy clouds about.

As I've mentioned, I had the chance to finally visit the Aloha House around the hilly part of the city. It's been on my mind to drop by there in search of not-so common vegetables, not to mention organically grown. I'm sort of a "couch gardener." Hahaha!

I was in search of green onions yesterday (Monday) at the old public market but didn't find enough for the kimchi. I dropped by at NC to look for chives only to find three packs of tarragons on the shelf. And since I had planned to go "uptown south," why not go to the source itself? So we did.

From what I've read on their website (which I checked when I got home), the place is actually an orphanage with growing organic vegetables for their own consumption and source of income. The house can be viewed from the road but the farm is quite hidden as it is located in a little steep slope behind the house. I almost had to watch my step going down. Anyway, the area on the left part of the property is not that steep anymore, as I found out when we got the chance to walk around the vegetable garden. We found passion fruit, corns, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and the one I came looking for, garlic chives, among others. I was told that they have just harvested yesterday, packed them Tuesday and will deliver to the local store tomorrow. So much for my timing. Good thing there were still about 200g that I was able to get which cost me 20 pesos. I also wasn't able to resist the newly harvested cucumbers. I got three pieces and the total amount that I had to pay at the cashier was 50 pesos.

Here's the system. Since there was a seminar going on, we were told to use the lower entrance, father down. We told the lady named Rose what we were looking for. She got some shears and a tray, called on Amos, who in turn went out to find and cut remaining chives available for us. We followed all along and would have taken some pics if only my cel battery didn't ran out. Tsk, tsk. Anyway, there were lots of pics on their website, I found out later. Afterwhich, we followed them back to the covered working place and weighed the vegies. They gave me a piece of paper with the produce itemized with their weights. We brought and presented this paper to the office back at the ground floor of the house and paid.

Amidst the scorching sun, we went home excitedly as we've got the freshest and healthiest food for the day!

Reading Advocacy: Two Articles on Reading in the Philippines

2009-10-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

"How reading builds family ties" Repost from PDI

"Publishing in the Philippines" Repost from Business Mirror

The Library

2009-10-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places in the City, as a citizen, is the Library. I remember that was in High School when started going there. At that time, it was still located in front of the Provincial Capitol. It was a bit far from my school so I only go there when we have plenty of free time from school. The building was quite small, and sunny specially in the afternoon. (I also remember losing 50 pesos there, as it fell off my pocket while I was looking around the bookshelves. )

After a few years later, they moved to their own building which was near my school. Almost everytime that we have a No Classes declared, I would oftentimes drop by at the library. It is a two-story building, air-conditioned (although sometimes the units are out of order) and relatively very accessible.

I was told of the history of the air conditioning one time. There wasn't any air conditioning unit at first but when the Mayor brought some foreign guests in the Library, it was so hot that everybody, specially the guests, was sweating buckets. After that incident, the aircon units were installed almost right away.

Through the years, the layout has been rearranged. The magazine/newpapers area used to be in the first floor. Recently, the first floor has the general references mostly for the students to use. I remember doing my reading homeworks here during High School and University days. Added to this in recent years is the computer room which provide free internet (for research purposes only). I had never used this yet, though. The second floor has the encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers and the children's section. This is where we frequent nowadays as I am not in school now.

More on children's section and reading/literacy advocacy next time.

Do-gooders’ do’s, don’t’s - A repost from PDI

2009-10-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 03:23:00 10/05/2009Filed Under: Disasters (general), Corporate social responsibility

MANILA, Philippines—Good Samaritans who initiate relief operations in disaster-stricken communities must keep in mind a few important things to ensure that their efforts will make the most impact on the people who need them, a disaster response executive said.
The Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR), a nongovernment organization involved in large-scale disaster-risk reduction and emergency-relief work, recently shared some do’s and don’t’s it learned over the years.
“In extending emergency relief, there’s a lot of science to it, too,” said Alberto Lim, president of the CNDR and executive director of the Makati Business Club.
“There are many do-gooders who come into a community then end up being chased out. You don’t just dump goods on disaster-stricken areas. The last thing you want to happen is to cause riots or [a situation in which] the barangay captain opens a sari-sari store. These things happen all the time. Sometimes you end up with another disaster,” Lim said.
Through the years, the CNDR has developed a practical handbook for relief work, striving to make operations more effective, while ensuring accountability to donors.
The following are some of CNDR’s tips.
• Do the groundwork first. Get the number of individuals and families affected, as well as the number of fatalities, the injured or those ill, and of houses damaged or destroyed. Also gather data on crop damage, condition of critical facilities and estimated cost of damage.
• Identify the worst hit and least served communities.
• Coordinate with the Department of Social Work and Development and the National Disaster Coordinating Council.
• Identify targets and prepare assistance based on immediate needs, usually medicine and rescue. Consult with other NGOs so that efforts don’t overlap and “over-serve” certain communities.
• In preparing food assistance, try to give families what can cover their basic caloric needs for one week. Avoid giving foodstuffs that are low in nutrients like noodles. A standard package that can sustain a family of five for a week includes eight kilos of rice, half a kilo of fish (or dried fish), half a kilo of mongo, three cans of sardines or corned beef (or any food containing protein), some salt and sugar, and water.
Cash donations
• The best way to help is to give cash donations. Old clothes may help but they are usually not the immediate requirements. Calamity victims have no use for high-heeled shoes or ball gowns.
• In extending relief to urban poor communities, don’t go into the middle of a community. Go to the community church and enlist the help of the parish priest for the orderly distribution of relief goods.
• Don’t destroy the local economy by flooding the disaster-stricken area with consumer goods that are readily available in the community.
• To avoid crowding out local businesses and save on transportation costs, bring only the goods that local entrepreneurs don’t sell.
• For large-scale purchases of relief goods, bid out the procurement to get the best deal.
• To ensure transparency and accountability to beneficiaries and to the donors, document the disaster response in all stages.
Documentation
Using a grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation in 2004, the CNDR has developed some forms for the documentation of its disaster response.
For instance, the Damage, Needs and Capacities Assessment (DNCA) form is used by field staff that validate requests for assistance and the criteria for selecting beneficiaries.
A receipt serves to monetize non-cash donations to establish how much goods were received
When the CNDR mobilizes assistance, it disseminates an emergency response appeal to guide groups that want to launch an appeal for assistance.
The appeal contains information that donors would like to know. During relief operations, each family receiving a pack will have to sign a form to help establish where the donations went.
A checklist is also needed to speed up the preparation of materials, and the identification of things to be done during distribution and what should be done after.
Disaster prevention
But disaster relief operation is just one part of the spectrum, according to Lim.
The more crucial advocacy of the CNDR is disaster prevention. “Preparedness is really the way to go—building up the capacity of communities. This is what we’ve been advocating since 1995,” he said.
The CNDR obtained a grant from the US Agency for International Development in the 1990s to promote disaster preparedness.
It continues its work using funding from the European Union. Through the years, it has been giving seminars on the subject.
“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” Lim said.
For instance, he said drills must be conducted to prepare people for the real thing, like an earthquake, volcanic eruption or flash floods.
He added that regional planning across political boundaries was also needed.
“In the disaster management circle, prevention is very expensive because it needs infrastructure,” Lim said. “But we should invest in preparedness. That’s the best disaster response, instead of paying for it later when disaster strikes.”
Hazard mapping
Learning from the flooding caused by Tropical Storm “Ondoy” (international codename: Ketsana) in Metro Manila, Lim said hazard mapping must be included in land-use planning.
“We should do hazard mapping for all kinds of hazards, such as floods and earthquake,” he said. “What some building owners can do is to retrofit buildings to make them more disaster-proof.”
More preparations, he said, were badly needed in Metro Manila. If a strong earthquake hits a dense area, such as Makati City on a working day, open areas must be identified so that people would know where to go.
Subdivisions on fault line
Lim also noted that subdivisions were sitting on the Marikina Valley fault line. “It’s not a question of if. It’s a question of when [a disaster will happen],” he said.
The CNDR was founded initially to assist in emergency relief work after the series of disasters that hit the country, such as the 7.2-intensity earthquake in northern Luzon, the Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruptions and a number of killer typhoons.
“At that time, though companies were already responding, we found out that they have a lot of assets they can lend like helicopters and digging equipment,” Lim said.
“Like in Baguio then, we were bringing medical teams to rescue people. In rescuing people trapped in buildings, we used [the staff of] mining companies,” he said.
In another relief operation, Manila Water Co. brought water treatment equipment to Iloilo.
The CNDR started with 20 members, including corporate founders San Miguel Corp., Sycip, Gorres and Velayo, and Petron Corp.
To date, it has some 40 institutional members, including the 400-member MBC and the 150-member American Chamber of Commerce. The ABS-CBN Foundation, Smart Communications and Globe Telecom are also part of the network.

(Original article)

Typhoon Ondoy in Ph

2009-09-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

A very strong typhoon hit the country's capital city this weekend. Even though PPC is an hour's flight away from Manila, we still felt the strong winds specially early in the morning. There was not much rain compared to what they have experienced in the Greater Manila Area.

Early morning of Saturday and Sunday, we were awakened by really strong winds. It isn't the rain that came with it that bothered me but the wind. There has been rain but as long as the roof above our heads are fixed, we can only hope that this doesn't get worse. Along with these came the occasional power outage. That is very much expected in a place where power lines sway along with the trees during windy days. It may be a bit inconvenient but it's better that having some people injured with these unstable electric lines. And what more, I might have to pay less for the next electric bill. :)

Up until now, even the main part of Ondoy (int'l name Ketsana) has already moved outside the country's area of responsibility, we can still feel the "tail end" of it. Strong winds and irregular rainshowers still prevail and there is still the feeling of a storm.

I had keenly followed this recent weather disturbance since this weekend because DH has been scheduled to fly to the Capital city on Tuesday. If the storm and flood have not really subsided in the area where he's planning to go, he might have a difficult trip or might have to cancel it altogether. From what I've heard, some part of GMA are still in dire situations but his destination is accessible.

I guess it's time to pack his stuff for tomorrow.

Family Week in the City

2009-09-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

This week has been declared as a Family Week in the City. Every barangay has activities in connection to this.

Brief background on the activity was shared by the Bgy. Captain. This was a first time event. I am not sure if it was done nationwide but from what I've seen, it seems it was done in the Barangays in the city. According to the Capt., this was the first time they were given the task to hold a Family Week activity and submit a report. I am simply qouting what I heard. Initially, the plan was to coordinate with school located in the area but due to the limited fund, they chose the smaller scale Day Care Center. They provided the food, which I think was the main point of the activity in everyone's mind, and basically, that's it. If there were any other part that the Bgy. did, aside from coordinating with the DCC, I am not in the privilege to know.

Since it was everybody's first time, whatever lacking to how it turned out can be forgiven. Here is the list of things that I had noticed. If ever I cross the line on someone, pardon me. I am merely trying to express my observation and opinion.

1. Based from the short talk given by the Capt., it seems that they have no idea on what exactly this event was targeted for. It seems that they were simply given this task, a fund and required report but no clear objective on why or what's the main objective of this activity. What's the essence?

2. From losing the main sense of the task, follows the loss of what exactly they should have done. Given that events would usually have food and refreshments, there should still be more concrete activity that the participants or constituents will take part in.

Since it was a rainy day, we came in a bit late. When we got there, the kids were playing statue dance along with the newly bought TV. (The TV was a recent acquisition of the Bgy. for the Center). I had this impression that it was what they had been doing since the activity started. I guess we didn't miss a lot, after all.

After quite while, the parents finally gave in since it seems that nobody will seat anytime soon, it was simply decided to declare the remaining kids as winners. Next was the banana eating contest. This I believe was the only legitimate activity fit for kids. Too bad they didn't have a lot of bananas and we didn't win. ;-)

Next came the videoke time. Several disks were ran as the kids try to sing along with them. Too bad the songs weren't that familiar with most of children. It was a collection of mostly Tagalog versions of popular English nursery ryhmes, along with original Filipino children's songs. I was almost afraid that there will be some popular novelty songs from one of my least favorite noontime show. There wasn't any that bad.

Finally, when everybody started to get hungry,generous refreshments were served.

3. This part is where I see a blatantly overlooked practice that go against the law on Waste Disposal.

Why? I had recently posted something about this law reaching the Bgy. level, and upon seeing the same Bgy. not following is quite like a slap in the face. The use of the disposable paper plates, plastic cups, and utensils that I saw (and guiltily used) was shouting this discrepancy.

Sigh, as I try to hold on to the paper plate in my hand. I would be willing to bring my own stuff if they only told us. But that is not the practice. It sure is very convenient for everyone to use the disposable, even I ,myself, am glad that I don't have to bring anything. This is where we lose our real power on following the rules. I am dreaming of the day when the Waste Disposal system or the Reduce, Recycle and Reuse will be properly in place not only in the constitution but in the practices of every citizen of the country.

Moving on to the hard core part. Bato-bato sa langit, ang tamaan hwag naman po sanang magalit. Ito'y aking kuru-kuro at opinyon lamang.

Whatever the initial or ultimate purpose of having this "Family Week" is still way to go to achieving. I haven't seen the official proposal or whatever document that came with the funds. Of course, there should be funds. That's what keep everybody going. If this would have anything to do with the coming election, I sure hope not.

Why do I have this feeling that this recent activity was just a way to butter up the citizenry for the coming election? Or maybe just to get rid some of the funds and make use of it in a "pretend" meaningful way? Whichever it was, I surely hope not.

Why did I have to hear or get the impression that Bgy. official job nowadays, sadly, is not "pabanjing-banjing lang" unlike before. Bgy. official work is more demanding now compared to before. It was stated in an "unfortunate-kind of air." Am I just reading too much between the words? I'll leave it at that.

I believe that this country really needs to breathe new life into the system that has been there since time immemorial. I would strongly support whoever can lead the pack to change.

Nonetheless, I'll try do my share better next time. Being different is not that bad, as long as it's for the better.

Health Service Providers in the City

2009-09-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

A few years ago (roughly at least 6 years), there weren't any CT scan available in the City. That was around the time that a cousin got a rare case of cancer and shortly succumbed to it. It has been very hard to lose a family at the the prime of his life.

Our family has been pretty normal, meaning we had our share of hospital/doctor visits. The longest time that I had to stay at a hospital was during my grandpa's illness on his last days. Typical stroke/heart disease case, along with the complications of old age. We had to keep watch on him for days or was it at least a week? Another recent one was an aunt who had to undergo a surgery. She only had to stay at the hospital for about five days.

And of course, there was also an instance when DH had to stay in the hospital for three to four days due to dengue fever. And another emergency room run when my son had an extremely high fever. The ER service cost us something around 4oo pesos, not counting the med. If we went for a check up on a regular hour, it would have been at the most three hundred I guess. But hey, I'm not complaining. At least there's an ER where you can ran to even at the darkest hour of the night.

Other chances that I had learned anything form any of the hospitals round here, were mainly from hospital visits. If ever I , myself, had been hospitalized, I cannot remember very well anymore because I was too young to remember at all.

On these instances, I will base my own opinion and impressions on the health services available in the city.

There are four hospitals; one state hospital (tertiary hospital, the biggest bed capacity), two private hospitals (one is Protestant Church ran and another is Cooperative ran) and a military hospital (which I know almost a little of since I am not at all in the military at all).

a. The "Ospital ng Palawan" or ONP is the cheapest place to go, so that would translate to it being crowded all the time. Even hallways are filled to the brim. Their maternity/ob ward is almost always brimming with patients (based from an inside source, that is).

After years of existence, I am told that their surgery quality is not that bad at all. Most of the local doctors would have a patient here at one time or another. They do have private rooms, I believe, but very limited number. There are bigger and air-conditioned rooms too. The only drawback here is the number of patients it admits and the bed capacity. You would be lucky to get an air conditioned room (3 or 5 beds in one) if you can even afford it. Assuming that you can, it won't be such a bad place to stay in considering the price that you have to pay which is quite minimal in a sense. It's a state hospital after all. The downside of it, being a state hospital, is the quality of food and accommodation hygiene. There wasn't anybody who will clean the room for you but the patients' caregivers themselves. I mean, it was only swept once a day, there wasn't a decent disposal bin (you gotta make up your own), the restroom means a bowl and a faucet but pretty spacious to add some more amenities :) .

As for the hospital food (me being the caregiver who eats the food and not the patient most of the time), I am not very happy with it. I am bound to look for other food other than that. Anyway, the hospital is located in one of the busiest places downtown and would have alternative food sources nearby. As for their HR, the staff (Doctors, nurses and others) are nice enough.

b. Palawan Adventist Hospital or PAH would have to the fanciest one in the city. It has been around for some time (since 1982) and it has been the partner of a couple of big companies operating in the city that needed fancy medical services. (READ: fancy means expensive)

Through these big companies (mainly oil/gas and mining companies), along with the Church and private donations, it has expanded and improved its facilities through the years. It now boasts of a decent ISO certification [sorry I'm not very good in remembering numbers, really :(] and other fancy suites for fancy people. They do have charity wards, of course, it being a church-affiliated hospital. As far I know, they have single, double, and five-bed air-conditioned rooms. Other rooms would have around six or so.

The rooms are cleaned everyday (swept, mopped etc.), as well as the toilets. It must be noted that the toilets are fitted with braces to hold on to for the incapacitated. They also provide disposal bins, which are emptied regularly, bathroom tissue, thermometer, and other fancy stuff which, of course, are part of what you pay for. It would be quite a bill that you'll have to pay upon check out. Be warned. The HR; some are nice, others need a little reminder on being one, but generally competent. What I truly appreciate is the cleaning service for keeping the floors clean everyday, as well as the bathroom. (You can actually take a shower in one of these). Its almost like a regular hotel; with housekeeping, room service and all. With the addition, of course, of constant rounds of nurses carrying steths and syringes. Makes you wanna lock the door sometimes. ;D As for my fave part, the food is good. I am not saying over-roof good but it's something that I won't mind eating. I usually assume that my patients doesn't have enough appetite to eat. haha! And if they do, I would sometimes order additional serving for the caregiver ;).

Hmm...I really don't want to be labeled "fancy girl" but if you want better services, you have to pay an arm and a leg to get one. The state health insurance in the country is not really the best, you know.

c. Cooperative Hospital of Palawan is somewhat in the middle of the previous two. I don't remember having the chance to be a caregiver for anybody in this hospital but perhaps visit someone. From those opportunities, I had this impression that it was a bit limited space. If PAH is a hotel, this is an inn. They also have a limited added medical services at that time. Though, I am not sure now. I've heard they have some new investors who might provide some more improvements in their facilities. That is all for now, since I have really a very limited chance to experience this hospital.

d. Military Hospital is located in oe of the sides of the city. Meaning it's boardering the waters, almost. It's totally off location for the local population. Only military personnel and their beneficiaries are allowed.

Other clinics/medical services company.

The number of private clinics are steadily growing. I have yet to really dig up the numbers on that.

Medical laboratories abound along Malvar St., mostly near the ONP (state hospital). There is also a company that has a group of Doctors who put their clinics together in one building, along with the laboratory services they offer on the ground floor. Most medlabs would have X-ray, serology, fecalysis, urinalysis, etc. Some also have CT scans services even though limited number as yet.

Also along the street is a lying-in maternity clinic. It seems that the city is finally facing the population growth in a fancy way (well, with one Lying-in Clinic, anyway). I haven't had the chance to see the place for myself yet but I'll keep it in mind. Other maternity clinics are basically for check-ups and things like that. Giving birth would still take place at one of the hospitals most probably. If the mother chooses another way, it's going to be a home delivery with a midwife. Most midwives are pretty able to provide these services since they do have to get license to practice. It's better than the traditional "komadrona".

Moving along to the log stretch of National Hi-way, I have noticed new additional buildings that are provide health care services. No, I am not including the spas and food supplements companies. Other branches of Medicine such as Ophthalmology, Optometry, Dermatology, ENT, Internal Med, etc. are located here and there. Stats will have to be researched more on these.

The final one that got me to start this entry about Health service providers is the Derm clinic along National Hi-way. It's an old clinic in a new building. And it was quite a neat building. Parking space is somewhat limited once their practice picks up, but it's pretty good right now. It's a three-story building, with a dental, derma and internal med clinic at the ground floor. They also provide a medical lab and a pharmacy. I didn't actually see these last two but the Bldg. Directory stated so.

There are two doors, one on the left and one on the right. Each door would lead to another door that proclaims whatever clinic is behind. The clinic we went into was on the left side which says Derma and Dental. I really don't see any more obvious connection why these two clinics are in one door except that both Doctors have similar last names. My guess was they must be a couple. :) Based from the framed Diplomas and Certificates on the wall, the wife is the Derma and the hubby is the Dentist. What a team if that's the case indeed.

The clinic shares one reception area, with four doors behind it. I have no idea what's on the first door, but the 2nd, 3rd and 4th doors are all connected. 2nd door on the left seems like a treatment room (very private looking), the 3rd one is where Dermatologist meets the client and the 4th one is (from my guess) the Dentist's. There were two doors on each side of the 3rd room so I presumed they are all connected to the rooms next door. Or it might be that the door on the right is just a storage room. It is a very interesting floor plan.

Now going back to the reception area, almost the whole wall facing the parking lot is lined with stainless chair; comfy, easy to clean, almost cold feeling. I have no complains on that except that I do some clinics I've been to in other places have leather chairs. Not the couchy type necessarily but leather nonetheless. It gives more warmth to the clinic. The place might consider adding a few potted plants to liven up the reception area. Hmm..it being a derm clinic in part might be tricky somehow? I hope not. The clinic shouts of spanking new but it must really try to soften the atmosphere a bit more.

As for the service, it was quite recommendable. I would outrightly say if the service is lacking if that is the case. But it isn't. They were nice enough. (I hope I.m not overusing the word, though.) The lady Doctor was kind. Next on the list, the fee. I sure hope the Doctor wouldn't mind me mentioning it here. The bill said 280, no receipt whatsoever but a prescription paper alone. Should they give a receipt, that I am not pretty sure. They also offered if we'd get the prescribed meds right in the clinic and this we did. I have no idea how their prices would compare with finding it at the local drugstore though.

These blog reminded me of previous clinic experiences I've had. Well, I am sure I've been to a number of clinics (Pedia, Dental, Ob-Gyne, etc.) I do appreciate the services these clinics have but as a client/patient waits in the reception area, one might not help but notice little things that each one has. Recently, whenever I we needed Doctor services, I had usually gone to the hospital. It could be ER or regular clinic hour check-up. I once tried the one-bldg. company Med City but it wasn't a pleasurable experience. Sure, the doctor was nice and all but the receptionist/reception office, where you will have to spend longer time than the Doctor's private room generally, is such another experience. I mean I wouldn't want to go back there anytime soon. Waiting time in the hospital that I usually go to can also be long but at least, the receptionists or whoever is in charge of your appointment is nice. Service really counts.

This entry would need a second part I think. I'll try to cover more on clinics I've seen before, locally and in other places. And if there will be time, I might scout a few more clinics round here. If some people love to go island-hopping and bar hopping, I'll have bank and clinic-hopping here.

Waste Disposal System

2009-09-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of Saturdays ago, the Bgy. Secretary went around the community to distribute Barangay Memo on Waste Management System. There has been a new law enacted a few years ago on proper household waste disposal and it is just now that it has reach the smallest unit of the Government round here. Sure, we (the city) were way ahead of legislation concerning garbage disposal, but the nitty gritty of facing the herculean task of educating the smallest houselhold in the country is still wanting. There isn't a system in place in terms of how to put away the biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste every house produces. Upon receiving and reading the memo, I was almost surprised on the extent it covers. I wonder if this will be implemented successfully because not everyone is concerned about the implications of improper waste disposal to us as human and to the world in general. I consider myself to be a little on the side of an environmentalist (I do try on my own little way most of the time) but after reading the whole thing, I was skeptical if I can actually pull it off.

Here are some important points of the law:

1. burning of anything is prohibited
2. non- bio degradable but recyclable waste will be collected twice a month
3. biodegradable waste will have to be every citizens responsibility to bury, or compost in a pit or flower pots

That's basically what it said. I have no qualms with separating the recyclable coz I've been doing that for awhile already. I try to put aside the cans, plastics, bottles, styro and paper which I try to sell or give to the junk collectors going around our neighborhood. Sad thing, though, is that nobody buys or cares for the styros like fruits and vegetable covers or even for papers. The junk collectors says that nobody buys them round here or if there is, it's very cheap compare to plastics, bottles and scrap iron. Hopefully, this new Bgy. system on waste will collect the papers as well. I hope they will also do the styro or there should be a ban on using styro instead. That might be a humongous endeavor.

As for the biodegradable, it's another story. I do find it a bit daunting. Imagine the food waste, dried leaves and twigs, grasses, etc.. I also tried that a year ago to a very hard failure. It's hard to keep up with the waste I accumulate everyday and the containers to compost it. I even have a small plot made for it, which I planned on planting on when it's ready, but it was not an easy task for me. After a set of pechay, green peppers, eggplant and green onions, the soil was not that good for a second cropping. The little heart that I have for organic planting almost died out with the plants. Now, with this current memo, I wonder if I can try it out again?

On the day that I got the memo, I still had some pile ready to be burned. Those are, of course, mostly dried leaves and branches waiting to dry out well to burn better. I tried to burn it for the last time minding of the No Burning Policy. The very next day morning, I heard my neighbor crackling fire after they trimmed one of their big trees. Hah! So much for NO BURNING. Sad. My pile of leftover unburned leaves are still there getting rained on, and dried out until it naturally decays.

A lot is wasted if a good law is not implemented properly. I do hope that even it might sound to be a daunting task, everyone will soon get around to doing it. We need some more help like training every household on how to actually do the composting successfully or it might just end to be another "urban legend".

Smoking Ban in Public Schools and Offices: Yahoo to the Pips of CSC who drafted this Circular!

2009-09-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Smoking ban is finally taking shape. Or is it another attempt of the government at it? With the numerous orders and circulars not being strictly observed about how a government employee should conduct himself, this one ought not to be one of them. This is a matter of health and death. I wonder if anybody had taken notice of it.

Just take my city as an example. Littering and smoking are not allowed in public transports even a small tricycle but unless the passenger voices out any complain on this, some drivers would still keep at it. Personally, I try to avoid a ride that has a driver smoking. Sometimes, I would rather wait for another one than get into a death ride.

Now here are the things that every citizen should do, if ever put in a situation of having someone smoke in a public place.

1. Be aware that every citizen has a right to clean air. If you think somebody is trespassing that right, move on to no.2.
2. Be polite and inform/remind them that it is prohibited to smoke in that area. Do not be embarrass to do so. Keep in mind that your little embarrassment will have irreversible damages to your health. Sometimes, the offender will actually feel ashamed about it. Which is better than them getting angry about it. Remember, be polite. ;)
3. Let them know where the smoking area is.
4. And lastly, be polite and thank them for their consideration (even though you might be seething in anger at times).

In a public transportation specially the trics in my city.

Practically every legally franchised trics running in the city has these red or green stickers, with the Mayor's photo in it, that shows the penalties on littering and smoking in public utility vehicles. This one is really my favorite. Why? A few years ago, back in the late 90's, this city ordinance was virtually unknown specially to the drivers. This one almost came along almost at the same time with the anti- littering campaign but I guess it's too much for the public to care about at that time. Littering was more of the target back in those ages. I've read about this ordinance in one of the City's newsletter but no one actually follow, much know about it. It just one of those ordinances that rot in the filing cabinets of the government. So every time I bring it up to anybody I come across smoking in a PUV, I would be met with skepticism as if I am just making up a story or something to that effect.

Lo and behold! After a decade of that, I finally found my ally on the stickers placed right inside the tricycles. Now, I simply have to point to it to remind the erring citizen of that ordinance. Information dissemination is finally right in front of our face.

Fast forward to bigger picture. The enactment of the Clean Air Act brought some more attention to smoking in public places anew. But still, it seems that not a lot of people specially from the executive government, know how to put this into effect even in a minute way in their own offices. The country's Civil Service Commission finally did something lately with their Circular. I would love to know more about this one and perhaps another sticker campaign will do the trick again? Beware, though, with the ubiquitous photos of officials who puts their faces as big as the information that they are trying to convey. I am treading another territory now. I'll leave it at that. Here's the newspaper article about the CSC Smoking ban lifted from the Philippine Star.

Around the City: Baywalk sunset before a heavy rain

2009-09-18T04:33:00.001-07:00

Photos taken last Aug. 31, 2009 at Baywalk, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines.

We had to hurry home for our laundry upon seeing these clouds. They were fast approaching the bay and city area.

Tofu for Tomorrow

2009-09-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

I just found Maangchi's done the tofu recipes recently and I can't wait to try it myself. Although I have done something like those before, I am sure these versions will taste better. My own concoctions are not that stable and the turn out changes from time to time, from bad to worse usually. :D

We'll have tofu delivered at home tomorrow and I can't wait to try the recipes out. Till then!

Island Living After the Big Shipping Company was Suspended

2009-09-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

There has been another disaster on the sea a few weeks ago. This time, it's from the big shipping company plying the Pto.-Mnl route. Oops! I didn't mean that it was exactly the ship that sails here that sunk but another one that serves the Mindanao area. It sunk with a couple of casualties/fatalities, although most passengers were rescued.

Ah! I was sidetracked. At first, I thought it was good that the company was suspended after that, until today. I learned that it can actually affect the island. No passenger ship sailing to Manila for now, coz the other company (NN) has been off for sometime. Even though there are still other cargo shipping lines sailing, the suspension of the Superferry would somehow take its toll on cargoes. Just like the vegetables and other supplies that are transported through the ferry. Now, some vegies are shipped in thru the more expensive airway and the people who have to go to Manila will have no other less expensive option but to take a plane ride.

Some market price that I caught today:

garlic - 70
potato - 50
carrots - 90
chayote - 35

I just heard a ships "call"/ "buzz" tonight. (I really don't know what's it's really called.) I do hope it's an incoming one to bring vegies so I can check the market for bechu/chinese cabbage tomorrow.

Korean Pop Music in the local airwaves!

2009-09-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Caught up with some music interests in the local airwaves recently. There was an ad promoting the the home-grown Cuyono rock music and it mentions Western music, Pinoy pop and Korean pop music. International ones are, of course, staple in our ears. Sometimes, Filipinos prefer more songs from the U.S. artists than the Pinoys. There are also surprises at times when even if the songs are OPM, they can still be cool. I hope I am not trespassing onto anyone here. It could be just an opinion from me.

It came as a surprise that the Korean pop music was even mentioned to be in the current hots. I mean, sure there are the songs from the Korean soaps that run on TV, but outside that would be a bit not likely. But imagine when I heard about the Wonder Girls Nobody and a few more other Korean songs playing on the local station. Not just once in a day or an hour. Four in a row even! The DJ got a kick in playing the songs back-to-back. It was interesting.

It stuck to me and when I got the chance to get some info on these proliferating Korean pop music, I found out that I can actually like some of it. I admit, I do like the song "Nobody" by Wonder Girls and "I Don't Care" by 2NE1. After a few days of "youtubing":) for the latter groups' "reality-tv" thing in MNet (a Music channel in ROK), I am starting to like the group. They're not just lollipop candy group who are made to belt out songs in a shrill ;) . They do have talents after all. ;D

Hmm...I do like Sandara/Dara but I think she was the weakest in terms of singing and dancing. Her moves aren't that sharp, and her voice was not really at par with the rest of the group. I do think she still needs more to keep up with them. Park Bom will actually beat her when it comes to looks and voice quality. As for Minzy and CL, they are quite talented indeed. More luck to Dara coz she's still a darling in spite of everything and I'm sure Pinoy fans will still support her.

Surprise again when I found an English version of their song "I Don't Care." I just have to put it here. I wonder if it was released internationally or what. I am sure these girls can actually communicate with world and not be barred from interacting with the world because of language barrier. Wikipedia mentions that all girls (or most) had live outside Korea for a time and had learned other language. Japanese, French, English and perhaps Filipino, in case of Dara. Won't be like Rain's case where he has to be interviewed with a translator at one time in CNN. (On the side note, I do know that he's been learning English for awhile now. Haven't heard him speak lately though.)

This language thing also goes with the Wonder Girls, who I've heard is trying to break through the US music scene. Good luck to all of them.

Here's the romanized lyrics for the "I Don't Care". (Lifted from this site. Thank you.)

hey playboy,
its about itme, and your time's up
i had to do this for my girls, you know
sometimes you gonna act like you don't care
that's the way you boys gonna learn

...oh...
...oohooh woh oh ohh..
(yeah~yeah~yeah~yeah~yeah~2ne1)2x

ni otgise modeun ripseutigeun
naneun jeoldaero yongseomotae
maeil haruwe susipbeon
kkeojyeoinneun haendeupon
byeonhaji anheulgeotman gata oh oh

geujeo chinguraneun
sumanheun yojachingu
nal ttokgachi saenggak hajima
i won't let it fly
ije nimandaerohae
nan miryeoneul beorillae
hanttae jeongmal
saranghaenneundae oh~

gakkeumssik sure chwihae jeonhwalgeoro
jigeumeun saebyeok daseossiban
neun tto dareun yeojaui ireumeul bulleo no..

chorus:

i dont care
geumanhallae niga eodieseo
mwol haedon
ije jeongmal sanggwan anhalge bikyeojullae
ijewa ulgobulgo maedallijima
cause i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..

cause i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
(boy i dont care)
dareun yeojadeurui
darireul humchyeoboneum
niga neomuneomu hansimhae
maeil ppaenonneun
keopeulling na mollae han sogaeting
deoisang meotchameulgeotgata
oh oh oh

neon jeoldae
aniraneun sumanheun nauichingu
neon neukdaeran chingu deulkkaji
tailleotjiman
charari heolgabunhae
nohyege nan gwabunhae
nae sarangira
mideonneunde
oh oh oh

oneuldo bappeudago malhaneun
neo hokksina jeonhwanhaebwatjiman
yeoksi dwieseon yeoja eusomsoriga deullyo oh no

chorus:

i dont care
geumanhallae niga eodieseo
mwol haedon
ije jeongmal sanggwan anhalge bikyeojullae
ijewa ulgobulgo maedallijima
cause i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..

cause i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
(boy i dont care)

nan neottaeme ulmyeo
jisaedeon bameul gieokhae,boy
deo huheohal neol saenggak hani mami swiwonne, boy

sojagun geojitmalmanhaedo subaekbeon.
oneul ihuro nan namja ullineun, bad girl
ijen nunmul hanbangul eobsi neol biuseo
sarangiran geim sok loser
mureupkkurko jabeul su inni eojyeo
anim eunneun apeseo dangjang kkyeojjeo

(now clap your hand sfor this..)

chorus:

i dont care
geumanhallae niga eodieseo
mwol haedon
ije jeongmal sanggwan anhalge bikyeojullae
ijewa ulgobulgo maedallijima
cause i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..

(you know) i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh.. (oh no)
(you know i just) dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
i dont care -eh-eh-eh-eh-eh..
boy..... i dont care

Onli in da Pilipins

2009-08-29T01:17:00.000-07:00

Come to think of..I doubt if this happens only in the Philippines. I bet that it happens to every third world country existing in the world. With the progressive countries, there might also be some but not as much or as often as it is in the other side o the spectrum.

Personally, I really don't consider myself as a strict ethics follower but there are just times when one cannot help but feel slighted with how things go specially in dealing with government offices.

I've heard about corrupt policemen taking "oil" money to let a violator off the hook, an official taking a bribe to accept a proposal in favor of someone, and other classic stories. Again, I am not a stickler for anti-graft and corruption thing but sometimes it just gets to you.

If the client might offer then it's a little forgivable but if it was the official who actually mentioned it in the first place, that is another story. Sure, both are evil but let's just say go for the lesser evil.

I am talking riddles here maybe. Gotta figure out another place to spell it out.

My Forest, Not a Forest Anymore for NOW

2009-08-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

We finally had some nice people help us clean "our forest." It took us 300 bucks for someone to scrub all the window screens and doors. As for the weeds and things, I still have angels watching my back on that. ;)

Hmm..let me just note this one. We also had some plumbing repairs done on one of our bathroom sinks and kitchen sink and it cost us 500 for the labor. But not only that, I had to buy a new stainless cord and tubes which roughly cost about 300 plus.

Just for future reference.

Power Problem in the City --- STILL

2009-08-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

For whatever unknown reason, power failure has become more frequent again nowadays. It isn't bad weather or something to that effect. Like I mentioned, it is totally unknown for most people. Why oh why would the citizen just sit and wait for any reason or explanation given to us by the power producers/supplier/distributors or even worse, politicians? This is so damaging really to the citizens sanity.

For almost every weekend of this month, there has been more than 8 hours of power outage scheduled at least in one area of the city. The reason is always the repairs or changing of electrical posts, or something. Sure this might be legitimate reasons but aside from those scheduled power outages, there are still the unannounced ones. It has become frequent again like an hour in the morning, another in the evening, or who can ever guess. In these cases, I have never heard of any explanation nor formal complaints from any part.

On the side note on goings on in the city.

Just last week, the newly renovated Puerto Princesa City Airport was opened officially with no less than the President as the guest of horror. (Oops! -- Honor) The thing just ran for more or less an hour and off she went after the short program and lunch(?) behind closed doors.

It was covered by one of the local radio stations and I was just surprised as to what airport brought Her here. Going back to the coverage, the program was short but I did like the part where the President interviews two locals who were part of the building the airport and running it. She got a welder and a porter talk about how good this new airport to them. It was quite cheesy but I'm biting into that. Haven't I mentioned before that I love cheese? ;) I wouldn't start writing about the current political/moral issues circulating nowadays but really...all I can do is cluck, raise my eyebrows and pull my lips into a tight smile.

This brings me back to the electrical power problem that is still wrecking havoc in our town's reputation. We may be spared from natural disasters but this --. You can never really guess how this problem has, is, and will continue to affect us until we have a year of power failure-free. Onward Palawan, until then.

Tiger Spider in our Yard

2009-08-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

Found another set of inhabitants in our yard yesterday. Aside from the wasp/bee hive we've seen last week near our Rosal plants, I also noticed one colorful-looking spider in the yard. Since I didn't have any camera available at that time, I just kept it in mind. Yesterday, when my folks dropped by and pointed out the spider, I found out that there were two more of them. Two looks almost the same while the third has a red spot between the black and yellow stripes. It's just amazing how I haven't noticed any spider of sorts before when I was younger. But this time, I got myself a photo of it and it's quite convenient to simply google away for anything that interests us and find more information about it.

It might be a little embarrassing to find such things in my yard, (signs of untended yard, I guess ;0) but it's quite interesting nonetheless.

Here are some pics that I took for the sake of posterity and education. ;)

Aug. 20th, 2009; Net speed

2009-08-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Things that make me happy in the morning...

Waking up to see my boys sleeping beside me,
catching the rays of the early sun reflected onto the wall from the floor that catches the sun from the window,
(it only happens sometime around seven or so),

having the moment of being alone before the numerous tasks that have to be done gets rolling in,
and seeing the torrents speed hitting 40's up to 50's kbps. With our net service provider usually hovering around less than 10 kbps, this is something. Now, isn't that fast and enough to make you happy?

A Thousand's Splendid Sun by Khaled Hosseini

2009-08-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

My eyes are still red and puffed, my head is starting to throb but my mind and fingers are itching to write something. I started reading this book last Friday night after arguing with my husband who let me had the chance to get a hold of this one in the first place. I chose to read this first over another which I had no idea what it was exactly about as to a synopsis or something of that sort. For this book, hubby was able to, at least, tell me more like a sentence or a brief description about it. It wasn't just "it was top ten recommended books to read" or something to that effect. In order to for someone to start something to read, there should be at least a background or something of a pre-reading part before the actual reading. You just don't go bungee jumping without knowing what's below you. Err..is that too much of a comparison now? It was well late into the night and I seriously don't have any plans of turning on my laptop to check for the background of the story online.

That left me to start reading Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand's Splendid Sun". The setting started in an all-too-innocent backdrop of a place in a country far from civilization. Meaning, no electricity, a couple of farm pets in the scene, -- a very simple living. There was a girl. And an eccentric mother. A little girl of fifteen years of age, and strange words that signals the reader that this wasn't an average English written novel. It continues on with these local words, giving it some spice. It isn't straightforward English and sometimes, you'd get lost in some terms. Nonetheless, looking at the other side of the coin, it gives the reader a glimpse of the language and culture of where the story begins. From the innocent setting that it has started, the story unfurls into almost excruciatingly painful changes that takes place in the young life of the protagonist. As the story moves to the city of Khabul, I wonder what kept me reading it. If somebody has told me that most of the story takes place in Afghanistan, I am not sure if I would have the interest of finishing at all. I am not going to attempt to retell the storyline or much less give out spoilers, pray forgive me. Perhaps in another entry I might, or might not, after all.

This will only be my reaction. I cannot share this with my DH coz he hadn't finish it yet and I might give out some spoilers.

Reading the book made me thankful, again, that I was a girl born in a country where I have rights. I am not really one patriotic citizen, with all the shams going on in my country but for being born and brought up where women have more right, is more than a good fortune. It is a privilege. I don't think I can live in a culture where women are thought less of any more than a possible wife, mother or housekeeper. Don't get me wrong, all of those roles are beyond repproach but THAT isn't all. The author dedicated the book to two names and the women of Afghanistan. Women. Yes, women. Not to the scantily-clad women of tabloids, of TV's and movies but my guess would be to the burqa-clad women who have no choice but to live in their husbands shadows, along with the violence that women around the world endures. This I must reiterate. I am open to the fact that it much of the culture that some women in certain countries live that way. It is their culture. Yes, but if the women should have a choice if they wish to follow their culture or another. I perfectly understand women who have a great respect to their own culture and I DO ADMIRE them for that. I can only be be grateful that they have a heart like for I myself may not have any for such. Going back to the story, it tells of a tale of two young girls who later on grows up in front of the reader's eye's into women, made sterner through all of the wars, bloodshed and the simple ramifications of living a life in Khabul, during wars, and under the different political disturbances for a period of a decade or two. Or is it even three? I can only sigh. This is indeed a good read, not for the faint-hearted but for anybody who has a heart, a man or woman for that matter.

Let's give it a go for a belly-laugh...

2009-08-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

How a sad news turned into hilarious.

Give it to the Morbid Media fiasco regarding the late President Aquino internment media coverage.

Weirdest things I cannot find in my town

2009-07-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

The listing says, banana guards. Just what exactly is a banana guard? I mean, I see a lot of banana trees around and what on earth would a banana guard will be for? Hmm...upon further clicking...here it is. Tsk, tsk..

Is there any possibility that I'll find this in the local store around here in the near future? And here's another one.

Is it a lamp? Or a hanging plant holder?

A topsy-turvy tomato plant holder. It keeps snails out of the soil, and other insects. It makes me think a bit.

But this one is what I am eyeing to get. It's cool except that it goes against my pro-earth mind. I might still be going for a large wooden board most likely.

Hmm..some more online window shopping!

Baking on a Rainy Day

2009-07-21T04:12:00.001-07:00

This morning was slightly sunny as a made plans of going out for the day. Midday when it started to get dark and heavy rains started to fall. So much for going out.

I ended up baking some stuff that I had been wanting to make for weeks. I still skipped the whole wheat loaf bread but I did make the muffins, and some oatmeal cookies I decided to make at the last minute. Oh! I also tried the mini mango pie but the crust didn't taste that well. It was almost bitter. I'm the only one who tasted it so far and I'm waiting if there will be some stomachache later due to the taste. So far, there's none so I might just have to push myself to eat the remaining 4 minis and one half giant. The filling actually taste good. It was the leftover mango from ...March or April, I think. I had it frozen and I couldn't almost believe that it survived the power outages and other interruptions these past 3 months. It was a little over ripe but it still taste good. I can almost just eat the filling and not the crust at all.

The oatmeal and raisin cookie was almost perfect except that I didn't make enough. It was crispy as I liked it to be and since it was made from oatmeal and raisins, I felt less guilty about eating cookies. ;) Here is the tray (or what's left of it) , which yielded almost two dozen round ones if I strictly followed the measurement of one tablespoon. ;D The sizes and shapes were totally irregular.

Which way to San Vicente?

2009-07-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

An article worth reading in my opinion. Enlightening on what is all the recent hype about this certain town in the North of Palawan. I thought I'd share to whoever is interested.

Is Puerto Princesa ready for a Bike Park?

2009-07-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Came across this news article (Philstar, dated July 17, 2009) about a bike park in Antipolo, Rizal. It sounds so grand but is it possible to have this in Puerto Princesa? Even just a mini-park? With the thrust of the government as the sports capital of the nation, and environment friendly at that, I am sure this one would certainly fit the bill of recreational sports this place can offer.

But not only that, outdoor recreation should also be part of this. Well-equipped camping sites, hiking trails, and bike sites can also be a good attraction for those who doesn't really wanna get "wet" during their holidays. There are other things that the place can offer aside from the beach, don't you think so?

Stormy Week in my City

2009-07-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty much stormy for a great part. The sun was hardly seen at all, it was cloudy most of the time, windy and an occasional rain showers that usually occured at night. Other parts of the country had experienced really hard rain showers that disrupted classes and mostly everyday living because of the floods it brought.

In times like these, I really feel blessed to live in my town. Why? There are certain areas in this country that is usually in the storm path. I've lived in one at one point of my life. It seems that the storms around there hit harder and more often. Landslides, floods and alike are always dreaded whenever there's a typhoon.

Ah! Surely I'm not saying that my town is not typhoon-free, or by some magical wand, spared from all of these. We did have an occasional typhoon dropping by, even seaside calamities last December 2008. As for this week, I am not really sure how one of the town in the south succumbed to the devastating floods which resulted to some fatalities. But this on is a little different. From what I've heard on the local radio news, the victims are members of an indigenous group living across a river/sea. Most likely an estuary where it becomes hard or almost impossible to cross during extreme weather due to the rising water level. The victims were cut off from the rest of the town during the typhoon and had almost nothing to eat. They ended up eating some root crops around, and starved to death. Well, that was the headline. The real cause of death was not exactly nor officially reported except for the reports of them having starved to death due to the unavailability of rice to go with the root crop, which is also "rumored" to be poisonous if eaten by itself. I do hope that it wasn't really because of the root crop. Th root crop does not deserve such accusations unless proven guilty. :/ . I am sure it has served the indigenus group well long before the recent fatalities happened.

Going back to the recent weather, typical this week was cloudy, windy, cold and a little rainy days. It's a bit hard to dry clothes outside, unlike typically when I can just hang my laundry in the morning and have it ready for folding later that day. For most part of the city, there aren't a lot of flooding except for a few low-leveled area, and the seaside area where it can be a little dangerous when hard winds blow. It is generally forbidden to live on those areas because of that but you'll really be surprised how many people live there. Life!

So for most citizens of the city, we pretty much be on the lookout for fallen trees, flying roofs (a myth my Mother told me I think;)) and muddy roads. And of course the cumbersome use of umbrella during rainy days. It's not that the rain is such a big problem. Sometimes, we welcome it as a relief from the searing heat of the sun on typhoon-free days.

Ah! I almost forgot! One thing that I dread during windy, stormy days is the power failure which always happens because of fallen trees or electric posts or whatever typical reason the local power distributor can come up with. I got nothing against the individual people from the company coz it all goes back to the national system, in my own humble opinion. This power problem may need another entry though.

I gotta get this window of opportunity to get my supplies before the rain falls again.

Retro post; June 27 '09

2009-06-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

A recap of the Kitchen Activities this Week

After the market day last Tuesday, I finally tried to make pickled cucumber the next day. It wasn't that hard as with the cabbage. And it only needed a little green onion. I only used a bundle which cost me 10 pesos. How did it turn out? According to DH, it was fresh. Even if I thought I already put a lot of salt, it wasn't enough to remove lots of water from the cucumber. One good thing about it though was that I was able to taste it despite it being red. Unfortunately, I had a slight queasy feeling afterwards, which I hope is not because of the cucumber.

My supply is quite adequate and we just bought a new tank of LPG last Thursday so I had the urge to bake. (The LPG price is up again from the last time I bought. From 500 to 522. It was just in time though, coz from what I've heard from the news yesterday, the prices will
go up some more again today.) I had to get a new tray of eggs before unleashing myself in the kitchen, though.

So for my bread baking, I had to use up the kaong that I had stored for like the longest time. It was a little past the BB Date but it still worked, thank goodness. After doubling the recipe (used 4 C of AP, 2 T of BP), I finally managed to fill up my small loaf pan and turn out like how a real loaf bread would. I was delighted! The top was crusty and I couldn't help myself from peeling
off the top a little. Hahaha! DH actually liked the bread too. As for kiddo, he likes everything I dish up in the kitchen, even if it's my handicap, except something with vegetables.

The baking took like an hour since it's thick. So I had to make use of the gas more with a double recipe again of basic muffin from my black recipe book. It was almost the same as the one that I got somewhere on the net which are freezable. I decided to double it and was able to fill up the two muffin trays. That's 24 well-sized muffins all in all. If I had used one
recipe, I would only be able to make 15 or 16 smaller ones.

Looks like I am back in baking again. I still have a kilo of wheat flour (only cost 36 this time).
It's a little cheaper than last time of somewhere like 40 to 45. The AP and wheat flour only cost me less than 40 this time. I'll check out my list and maybe I can try something with wheat flour, condensed milk, and yeast perhaps. I have to use up my condensed milk soon.

Hmm..idea. Since we are "late uppers people", we seldom get the chance to buy pandesal. I might just give pandesal making a try if it isn't that hard. But of course, I will be making it anytime if the day except morning. =) That's one bread on my dreamlist.

Just a quick price thing from my purchases this week.

(From the local grocery)
baguettle bread - 8/pc at some chaolong houses rizal ave, 9 at nc and outskirt chaolong houses
AP flour - 36/kg (cost 40 somewhere at the market, Farmer's)
wheat flour -40 or 37? (cost 45/kg, still at Farmer's)
baking soda - 80/kg (bought 40 at Farmer's, they only have 1/4 per pack)
eggs medium size - 5.50/each at the market (price range this time was 5 to 6.50)
It was from 4.5 to 5.50 before)
plump kirby cucumbers - 20/kg (i chanced a 15/kg around mid-month of june)
green onion - 10/bundle (it's usually sold per bundle. I bought 5, which probably
weigh at least one to 1.5 kilos.
white onion - 60/kg
red onion - 50/kg
potato - 60/kg (the cheapest price before was at 30/35)

dried fish (bisugo) - 280/kg (from Taytay during the Baragatan, it was at 240/kg)
galunggong - 20/kg (price range is 15 - 50/kg, depending on the size, weather and moon phase)
tuna - 100/kg (ranges from 100-140/kg)
squid - 140/kg

other prices previously bought at one time and another
saba banana - 1P if you're a good hunter ;-), usually 1.5 to 2/pc
lakatan banana - 35-45/kg (sold per kilo at NC and around my place but usually sold at 2P/per piece)
mango - (25-120/kilo, peak season around march)

NOTE: Prices mentioned are from the old market, local grocery store NCCC and places downtown.

As I seldom go to the new market on the outskirts of the city. Sorry, I still consider anything beyond Malvar/Nat'l Hi-way outskirts. We do survive our daily life without going far beyond since we can shop, pay our bills, do our grocery and banking by simply traversing downtown main thoroughfare, Rizal Avenue. Life can be just great!

Grocery day

2009-06-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

After a few days of putting of the need to go to the market, I finally went today. It was supposed to be last Friday but since we
had a block of tofu delivered, we somehow survived the weekend, and a Monday. The tofu lasted until Tuesday morning as my son's
breakfast. But of course, we had to resort to tuna in cans as an alternate with the tofu.

I am not really that fond of buying at the wet market because of the inconvenience of carrying my kilos of purchases. I mean, considering my stick-thin
arms, it's really a challenge to drag at least a kilo each of sweet potato and potato, almost a kilo of onion and at least 3 kilos of cabbages or cucumber for the
kimchi and bundles of green onions. Add to that the 2 kinds of fishes that is usually a kilo each and half tray of eggs about once a month. It's about five to eight kilos that
I have to lunged around every time I go to the wet market. Hmm...if only the wet market can at least have a pushcart, even if it's not well-roofed and well ventilated.

The prices of the fish today has been pretty good due to the good weather and the moon phase, in my opinion. The galunggong, which I buy for our pets food this past
month has been at 15/kg unlike two weeks ago when it was around 50-70/kg even. Totally outrageous for it to hit 70! I mean 50 might be forgivable but ... Well,
there was some weather disturbance at that time so I may have to give some leeway for the fishermen. But today was just an ideal time to go to the wet market
and get some fishes. As usual, I got my favorite tuna at 100/kg, compared to 140, even 160/kg at times. I would seldom buy that at that price. For my omega 3
oil needs, 140 is my ceiling price. Last time, I forgo the tuna for a squid of almost the same price of 140/kg. Although, I only bought half at that time as I was not very
comfortable with the product and the price.

More about the city market next time.

After hurrying up to home to prepare for lunch, son and I left the house for the Baragatan street dancing activity. We were almost not able to
watch a thing coz of the expected too many people at the square. They really should consider holding this showdown event somewhere else where
more people will be able to watch more comfortably and safely. We ended up taking a block walk going to the biggest department store. That means, my all
time favorite place to do my dry grocery shopping (there isn't really much choice).

Grabbed some Zagu first after all the sun and walking before heading to the grocery area. On my list were bath soap, rugs, salt, and added some
wheat and all purpose flour. I wasn't also able to resist the chance to drop by at the hardware section and bought the needed light bulbs, rugs,
and a short wire. Good thing Bro was there to watch over kid while I browse the shelves for what I should buy.

That's the fun part of going to a one-stop shop. No need to go around every place to buy a lot of things. ALmost everything can be bought under one roof.
One downside of it is that there aren't a lot of choices available. Well, well,...any mall coming to town yet?

Grocery bag origami

2009-06-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Found a nice origami for me. Gone are the space eating plastics here!

Baragatan '09 Part 2

2009-06-19T00:57:00.000-07:00

It has been raining for three consecutive afternoons this week. By Thursday, the weather got better and it was just the perfect time to head out and see the on-going Festival in town.

After dropping by at the Granny's place and also paying the water bill due today, we headed on to the Capitol grounds. Hanging around while the day's activities wrapped up (awards for the Palarong Pinoy etc.) and some last minute rehearsals for tonight's performances. We caught a glimpse of "kadang-kadang" used for the games and drums scheduled to perform tonight.
We also bumped into some seldom seen friends and chatted for a while.

Hunger finally caught up on us and we waited for DH to follow so we can eat somewhere together. I secretly dared myself if I can do an eat-all-u-can thing at the Asturias Hotel stall. The food served at that time was chicken sotanghon soup, grilled fish, chicken something (I'm always lost with the names of food), adobong sitaw, and tiny banana cakes I think. The dessert disappeared pretty quickly of course. By the time I am ready for the it, there was another different one available which was like banana salad. Truth be told, I wasn't VERY full when we decided to sign off. I believe I could have still eaten some more if my partner was still at it. I stopped just when I had enough. Perhaps another time :).

With a full stomach, we to watch whatever interesting show we're in. The first ones were the Rondalla Group, and Little Violins of P.S.U., a local university. These groups were worthy to see every time.

The drums group followed. This was actually what got us interested to watch. I learned that it's only a two-year old group, and it's called Diwan, a Tagbanua word which means low-lander (according to the short clip shown before their performance). I am not exactly sure if they are in anyway connected to the tribe though. What I know was that I did see this group a year or so ago playing around Baywalk and they were good. We grealty enjoyed the music, sans the fire dance of sort. Honestly, that got me just a BIT worried. (I silently prayed that there was a fire extinguisher at hand if ever something goes wrong, which of course nothing went wrong. Thank goodness.)

A lot of dances followed starting with cultural dances which I thought were all new for me. Back in university days, I felt so fed up with these. Everytime there's a show at school or town, there's bound be one doing the lamp, the bamboo, or fan thing. I've never really appreciated it as much as I did now. My favorite with the show this time were the lamps. Beats me what it is really called. Poor me. It was such a wonderful sight as the lamps inside the red hankies twirl around with the dancers. I was just so enthralled to watch that I didn't bother to get a few vid clips.

There was also another favorite bamboo thing. It's not exactly "tinikling", but I can never be sure if it was anyway. Haha! Shame on me again. At least two dances had that, the muslim dance and another Filipino folk dance. They were both exciting to watch.

The last musical performer was the Tipano Band Mini-concert. This is a pretty new group, still in it's maiden period. It didn't turn out that bad. We enjoyed the sound and music. The "tipano" or bamboo flute was quite new to the ears. Some of the band members we're that very entertaining to watch but there were also a few who are. There were a couple of them that really looks like they enjoyed playing the bamboo flutes as they swayed a bit while they played. The group also have good vocal soloists.

That wrapped up the first part of the night. This was followed by the misnomer U.N. Night for the Expats. Hmm...it seemed that there weren't really a lot of expat who were there, saved for less than 5 or 6 souls. Maybe another time. We stayed on for the most part but finally gave it up after the part where it was supposed to be a dance from Latin America but the music used was a --pardon for the lack of more interesting word --- "cheap" Tagalog song. Come on, it's so easy to download a song with Spanish lyrics, even if it is Shakira or J. Lo. This was followed with some more of uhmm..not-so-my-thing-kind of dances. It was basically called Modern Dance, with the U.S. flag at the projector. Hah! The Britney Spears kind. So much for that. The only saving grace for this dance set was the Rhumbawhich was performed tastefully. If the previous less-clad dancers got some not-so-nice comments, the Rhumba was decently received by the audience. Good for Ms. Charry.

On that note, we stood up to leave and boy, we had our fill. It was a nice night out afterall.

Baragatan 2009, and the public transport

2009-06-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

The festival started a few weeks ago. I was able to check out some stuff last week before the grand opening week. Most business stalls where already open and there's one that I forgot to write about last time.

One of the business stalls offers an eat-all-you-can for 99. It's actually one of the biggest hotels in the city where a lot of functions are usually held: weddings, proms, birthday parties, etc. For a non-party goer like me, I myself had been there a couple of times. (Mostly out of requirement of sort.) The restaurant stall that they have now is quite well patronized. Not really if it was the food, but there sure a lot of hungry people when we happen to be there last time that they kept adding tables. In our case, we chose not to join the crowd and opted for take out and found ourselves some neat seat around the vicinity. Since we weren't that hungry at that time, we only opted for a taste of their sandwiches which did not turn out that bad. Their food choices that night was grilled fish, chicken pochero (Is there such a thing?), pinakbet, and pork liempo I think. Hmm..I can only eat the first two, plus lots of rice. I might just get myself hungry enough one of these days and try their EAUC with someone who can help me make our money worth it. ;)
The festival had the grand opening yesterday amidst the slightly rainy day. It was also my day to do grocery shopping so that left me no energy to stand on the street for hours just to watch the float parade and street dancing. Add the rainy weather to that and I chose to skip out on all the activities. Poor me and P.

Ah! Since the main thoroughfare is blocked for the parade, it was a bit tricky going around the small area. I even had hard time hailing a ride. It was just so annoying that when I try mention where I am heading, they completely ignore me. Even if I say that I'll pay for two. I was really, totally annoyed. It's a mere two blocks away from the store or a little more than 5 minutes ride and still I am met by the impression that they think it's like the 20 minutes ride out of downtown! Just because I have a box that I definitely cannot carry by myself if I choose to walk doesn't mean that I will succumb to their opportunist minds. I would perhaps end up walking home if it wasn't for the box and the drizzle than allow myself to be taken advantage of. It's simply duh...I ended up calling my hubby to pick me up. Good thing he shares the idea that these drivers are ridiculous in thinking our street as far. Come on, it's not like the place is at the end of the town, eh?

I just hate that guy yesterday after asking me where I am heading and completely ignoring when I mentioned the street. It reminds me of the Gaisano mall before, they also have a regular fare of 20 bucks. I am not sure though if that was fixed or what. Perhaps I should get myself educated on that matter of fare rates more.

My Week of Recycling Papers

2009-06-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Last week, I started cleaning up and arranging my piles of papers collected over the summer. I had the chance to arrange a few after new year, and had accumulated another set from the second semester. The piles has finally turned into files. Well, most of it anyway. This gave me a boxful of folders, all filed up, and a bit more decent file holder which cost me 375, plus the folders and fasteners, as well as a new puncher. The recent purchases reached a total of 500, give or take.

Not only did I started a more decent filing system (i still have to tie up the loose ends on that, got some more to categorize), I also "discovered"/decided to have an art box. I used to try the a craft box for my little one but it didn't work out. This time, I got a bigger one, enough to accommodate the different art supply that we have. It should have been ideally an art corner, but due to restricted area, it will have to do with a mere art box for now. I may have to decide a good place for the art corner next time.

My filing project left me with a lot of papers. As a pack rat that I am, I cannot bear to just throw out the papers. The ones that I should really be throwing out ended up into two category;one side and double side. The first one, I've decided to use for scratch papers for printing or writing, and the latter, my inspiration to start a paper mache craft project. This also led to magnetic craft, and a few more other s I've included in my list.

I find it really hard to simple throw those papers thinking that trees were cut down to produce those papers. I believe that I have at least to try to lengthen the trees lives by reusing those papers. My ideal project would really be making new paper, meaning paper to paper. That is still a dream for me. I will need a special equipment for that like the frame to sieve and dry the papers. I may have to figure that one out some more. For now, I am happy to settle for the paper mache.

My first project is a tissue holder. It sounds easy but I found myself challenged on how to make the cover. The base was a simple tissue cardboard glued together (using cornstarch mixture) around a 1 L juice can. After which, I simple have to put the paper layer by layer. The tricky part was the lid. It took me while to get around to put it together using the same materials. What stuck me was there has to be a hole in the middle. Hmm..after rummaging my brain and some unwanted stuff in the house, I decided to use a cd. I've been wondering how to recycle some cd's before and this seems like a good opportunity to try one.

Using a glue this time, I had the tissue cardboard stick to the cd, with glued papers as tapes. After a round of sticky papers, I only have to reinforce with some more papers. After at least three hours of trial and errors, it did turn out like a lid. Added some final touches such as top designs, and a string for handle. I found myself doing my favorite mosaic thing on the lid's design. Ah...this I discovered that I enjoyed doing back in sixth grade and continued on to high school. I still kept those finished ones that took my school time before. Ooops! I think doing mosaics deserve another entry later on.

Not getting enough of papers recycled still, I also tried to make a fridge magnetic container using the same materials. A small tuna can served as the shape holder. I finished both today.

Little one tried to help last time. The tissue holder took me two nights and 3 afternoons, each averaging 3 hours of work. A part of it was also used in the small container. Once I get started, it's really hard to quit and do other things. It's just so engrossing.

Ah! I also did the mini-garbage can last week. Just simply removed the whole top of the can, rinsed and dried it. I found some glossy magazine ready to throw out and wrap the can with it.

Other photos will have to follow this week.

The Cons of Having Teenage Neighbor

2009-06-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's technically middle of the night and the teenage neighbor is practically rocking the neighborhood down with his electric guitar. It makes me wonder if I really live in the province or somewhere like a big city with neighbors who has no sense of peaceful night. I myself is also alive late into the night but to make such sounds, I'd have to think twice even to run the vacuum cleaner. I did at least twice but that was sort of really pushing to the limits. So far, nobody threw any stones at our roof.

For more living in the city, weather. The weather has been very interesting lately.. There
s no report of any storm but we have occasional downpour every now and then throughout the day. And just like I've notice, the weather almost kept it's pace for 2 or 3 days. Usually, it's quite same. It takes 2 to 3 days before it changes. Since it was sunny this morning, and rained and cloudy later, I'm expecting it to be almost the same tomorrow.

I went to the provincial festival last Thursday to check out the stuff and so far, there are still a couple of empty stalls. The grand opening will be this Monday so I'm expecting most of the towns (if not all) will have their booths open. That is something that I have looked forward these past years. It gives me an idea of how are the other towns, near and far; their products, economy, drawbacks, people, etc.

There's also the regular ethnic stalls that is an enlightening place to see different imaginable products, locally made. I must take some photos this year and be able to compare it with the ones they'll have next year. Is it growing or is it just the same every year and is it just the same with other products from other part of the country? I sure hope not.

News Bits About the City ; Fisherman Saved by Dolphins

2009-06-06T03:13:00.000-07:00

Dolphins save Puerto Princesa fisherman

By Redempto Anda - Southern Luzon Bureau • December 16th, 2008

Ronnie Dabal needed a miracle to survive the cold and treacherous waters of Puerto Bay that fateful Monday, December 8.

Early in the morning while fishing for tuna in the choppy waters of Puerto Princesa Bay, a squall came upon him and turned his boat upside down.

After battling with punishing waves for the next 24 hours on top of a piece of styropor, Dabal survived the ordeal in the most astonishing manner — being saved not by human beings but by dolphins and whales.

“Nagdasal na ako kasi nawawalan na ako ng lakas. Hindi na ako makalangoy at nawawalan na ako ng malay,” he narrated. (I began praying because I was losing my energy. I couldn’t continue paddling with my hands because I was getting so tired and was about to pass out.)

Floating at sea the entire day, trying in vain to get closer to land while swimming against the waves, Dabal said his arms and legs had gone pale and soggy. A swarm of tiny crustaceans, locally called “bugto,” had begun nibbling on his softened limbs.

“There were too many of them that I couldn’t cope because I was running out of energy. I was bleeding and started to fear that sharks could appear any time, drawn by the smell of my blood,” he said in the vernacular.

Dusk came as Dabal’s hopes started to vanish and a creeping darkness began to envelope him. From out of nowhere, a pod of around 30 dolphins and a pair of whales measuring about 10 meters in length came and started to flank him on both sides.

“Dumating yung mga dolphins. Ang dami nila. Tapos may lumapit na dalawang balyena. Dun sila sa tigkabilang tabi ko lumalangoy,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. (There were dolphins, lots of them. Then a pair of whales started swimming on both sides)

Dabal, 35 and father of two kids, swore it was not his mind playing tricks on him even as his energy was starting to fail him.

As he lay still on top of his piece of plastic board, Ronnie narrated how the dolphins would alternately nudge his tiny life raft using their pectoral fins towards the direction of land.

“Palit palitan sila tinutulak ako gamit ang kanilang palikpik,” (They would push me alternately using their fins). Meanwhile, he said the rest of the pod stayed close to him to around just a meter away apparently trying to make sure no harm would come to him from any other animal.

The pair of whales, described by a local cetacean specialist as possibly male pilot whales based on the description provided by Dabal, kept to his side swimming along with the dolphins.

“Based on his description of the animals, the dolphins were probably spinners and the whales were most likely pilot whales,” Dr. Terry Aquino told the Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.

Dabal said he passed out while the dolphins were doing their slow chore of nudging him to shore, and woke up on the beach of Barangay (Village) Luzviminda where he was finally assisted by local residents there.

Dabal’s unique experience is made more special by the fact that aside from owning a small motorized boat which he uses mainly as his main source of livelihood catching tuna, he is a deputized dolphin warden on a part-time basis having been trained by the Palawan NGO Network and ABS CBN Bantay Kalikasan Foundation. The two groups are helping the city government in promoting dolphin and whale shark watching as a tourist attraction in Puerto Princesa.

“He is warden and a spotter, whom we tap to locate the presence of dolphins whenever there are guests on dolphin watching tours. He is also involved mainly in collecting garbage around the areas frequented by the dolphins to prevent the animals from eating them and being poisoned by plastics that float around,” Dr. Gerry Ortega of ABS CBN Foundation said.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn was so elated by Ronnie’s account that he vowed to ratchet up his administration’s support to the fishing communities around Puerto Bay that were helping promote dolphin and whales tourism by being volunteer wardens and spotters.

“Ronnie’s experience is the greatest proof that what we are doing to protect our marine environment is worth all the effort that we are putting into it. I’d like to think that this is the animals’ way of also thanking us for helping protect their habitat,” said Hagedorn.

Hagedorn’s administration has pumped in money to help train volunteers and tour guides in promoting the dolphins as one of the city’s newest tourist attractions, along with whale shark watching.

Dr. Aquino pointed out that the incident occurred on the very site where dolphin watching tours were being held, and that there was a possibility that the dolphins in the area were those commonly seen around there.

Aquino noted that more scientific researches would be needed to explain the occasional phenomenon of dolphins saving humans.

“There are at least three similar incidents that I know in the past that had happened here in Palawan. But overall, this phenomenon has been unstudied and the accounts were mostly narratives of the survivors,” Aquino said.

“Dolphins are very social creatures and they are known to be intelligent beings. Some scientists even believe they are capable of emotions,” she added.

Spinner dolphins are the species which Dr. Aquino said could have been involved in Dabal’s rescue. These are the types that frequently like to bow ride to wow tourists with their speed and grace while swimming, according to Dr. Aquino.

Rainy Season Feeling

2009-06-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

Rainy season was officially announced sometime mid-May this year. It was way too early than usual. When I was a kid, first rains of the year usually takes place around the last days of May. I do remember my birthdays as usually sunny, with a quick rain in the middle of the day.

Picture this: Me on a swing, slight rain while the sun is shining marvelously up in the sky, and my favorite Golden Shower tree at the back ground. That was just pure blissful memory. I was just a kid then with not much things to worry about, enjoying childhood life.

Ah..life. Just like the famous All the World's a Stage.

In recent years, the season has started changing. Wet and dry season are almost not following the months that they are supposed to occur. Summer started early this year, as early as February and rains sporadically occurred sometime in April and finally mid-May.

Hatha yoga

2009-06-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

A City in the Forest

2009-05-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

The City has been recently dubbed as a City in the Forest. I guess this is a shot at trying to be independent from the Province's tag line, the Last Frontier. It has slowly made a name for itself, and also recently categorized under HUC, (what it actually stands for escapes my mind at the moment). Ah! Highly Urbanized City! (hmmm...that would lead to some argument later.)

As someone who grew up here back in the 80's, I had seen tremendous difference with what it was before and today. And that is only twenty something years ago. How much more were the stories that I was told by my parents and grandparents who are originally from here. I hope I can dig up some pictures on that later on.

Before I dig up the years of long ago, let me just rant on how things are today.

The word "traffic" now exists here. Pardon the English misnomer of the word traffic to describe the streets overcrowded with vehicles. The streets are now too small for the growing population who can afford to buy cars, motorbikes, tricycles and other vehicles that needs a road. Early this summer, the city has again implemented the one-way scheme in the two major streets running along the town proper. Since it was a school break, less commuters were on the streets for the first two months. Nonetheless, tomorrow is the start of a new school year for most students and we sure are in for something on the street. This is not including the scheduled float parade tomorrow for the Provincial festival. It might be interesting, if not frustrating altogether, to see how it will turn out.

Blackout. Power outage leading to people outrage. There was another one tonight, quite short, relatively speaking. Took only more or less an hour, compared to two to six hours before. Come to think of it, there wasn't much this month compared to last quarter of last year and last March or this year. Oops! I'd better stop this one for now. This will need a whole entry next time.

Mall. Or a so-called one. I can never quite put that one on the only-existing-three-story department store in town. It could not quite qualify as a mall, really, even though it hosts other retail companies in the area. The word "mall" does not really come to my mind as I think of this place synonymous to SM, or even Gaisano.

That should be about it for now. I have yet to prepare myself for another adventure in the "City in the Forest" tomorrow.

A new beginning...

2009-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

This blog site was inspired by not-so-good things to write about the town where I live. Nonetheless, I do hope that it would also evolve to feature interesting and positive things about it.

For starters...the blog title is actually a remark from my brother when he recently saw our untended yard with papaya, weeds, and other plants all growing wildly. If the city has recently acquired the tag line "A City in the Forest," my place at this moment would be "a forest in the city".

The idea of writing as outlet of how I see my city has been playing on my mind for a while but never really acted on it 'til now. As much I would get the ideas of writing to certain people in town, I never got around to it. It was all in my head and this is where it can be possibly see some "ink".

The Tale of Second-hand Clothes

2009-05-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

This isn't a trail of a piece of clothing but a musing on how in the world these second hand items end up in here?

The second-hand clothes stores, or "ukay" as popularly known, are continually sprouting in every part of the city. There are more stores compared to twenty years or so ago. I do remember my grandmother always have these interesting finds whenever she comes home from the market. These stores are usually found near the market where every person from all walks of life would have to take notice somehow or the other, even if they really not very keen on buying one. There were mostly clothes where my grandma would get her church clothes. She sure hoarded a lot of it during her lifetime.

Fast forward to more than twenty-years, the number of stores have more than doubled, even tripled. These can be found around the market, along the high-way, the main streets and sometimes in surprising places. And some had also specialized into shoes and bags, aside from the common things like clothes. These make me wonder how these clothes ended up here. The labels would usually indicate that they were made in the China, Korea, Japan, U.S. and occasionally South Americas. These are really interesting finds for someone interested in geography. ;)

With a few hesitation before on the idea of diving into the mounds of "ukay", I found myself doing it every now and then. There was more than one occasion that I really scoured quite a number of stores in one whole sunny afternoon. It wasn't really a casual shopping but a dead on quest on making the most of my budget. Yet, sometimes, I wonder if am I really paying fair for the clothes? Some are almost new, with tags that shouts 1$ price but would sometimes be sold a quarter more or double the price even. This is really just ironic. I do have an idea that these products can actually be just donations or trash of other people from other land. Those who cannot live to wear a minutely-stained top or something of that sort, or those who really have no more space in their closets.

It reminded me more than once when we had to move and had to get rid of some clothes that we won't be bringing since we won't be using them in our destination. We put the stuff in a recyle bin late night and I really thought at that time who would end up using the stuff. Some of those were really heartbreaking to part with coz of quality but practicality means we won't be using it at all after the move. I was almost sure that some of those made its way to a second-hand clothes' shop. The same thing that recylcable items collected from every apartment every week. These are mix of kids clothes usually, along with bags, shoes, and even books. Must be very interesting really how one man's trash be another man's treasure.

This really make me wonder how these items travel and I stumbled on this NY TImes article on how a shirt from NY made it's way to Africa. Now, how about the going to Asia? Upon reading this article, I was "relieved" to found out Asia and South America gets the bettter ones compared to the ones going to Africa. Hmm..it leaves us some interesting thought.

Here is the article.

Ima's Vegetable Bar

2008-10-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

It's actually Ima's Gulayan Bar. Gulay is vegetable in Tagalog.

It's a fave vegetarian resto in Puerto Princesa City. Small but intimate setting which offers vegetarian dishes that will surely make you feel less guilty about how much you're eating. Why? Because, it's not like fastfood. You won't worry much about getting those extra pounds and fats even if you order all the stuff in their menu which includes rice dishes, pasta, pizza, quesadillas,sandwiches etc. --all meatless.

They have different fried rice kind with very interesting vegetables and spices. This is a new twist on "typical fried rice" which usually use a lot of meat and ginisa mix. And there's also the rice dishes mixed with tofu and other vegies like fajitas, vege tempura, among others.

If you're not a rice person, you can always have a sandwich which uses bread that is made from their own oven. I've only tasted the spicy bean burger and it didn't fail me. Who say's you can't have bread all the time? ;)

And if pizza is your thing, a 10-inch pizza might just be for you. From the P85 simple one to P150++ of total vegetarian mix will satisfy you tummy.

Aren't you getting hungry yet? Better check this place out if you're in town. You might just change your mind about non-tasting vegetarian food.

Happy eating without the guilt!

Getting Electrified

2008-02-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

I attended the required seminar for the name change of electric connection today. Most of the audience were new connection so I can only imagine how is it to go through the application process, and finally getting the line. Really, electricity has always been taken for granted. It was a bit enlightening to note that I am finally a mature adult in my hometown. Translation; I have a basic bill to my name now here in my own hometown. I mean I've lived in some places and of course paid bills but I never really felt any difference if paying under my own name or something of that sort. I would have to attend some meetings later on, which I may attend not just because I'm required but because I care as to what is happening. Not just paying everything all the time and complain when something goes wrong. Awareness of things.