tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535337204113431082024-03-21T06:00:49.198-07:00foydi findsfoydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-59851024223382157102014-12-31T06:13:00.001-08:002015-01-06T19:35:18.296-08:0010 Things I am Thankful for this #Stronger2014<br />
Ilang oras na lang 2015 na! And at this time of the year, I can't help but look back and reflect on what happened in the last year and look forward for the next. <br />
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I could say it's been a good 2015. During this time last year, I forged the personal battle cry of #Stronger2014. Coming from a bloody but victorious 2013 (#Win2013), I just felt I ought to be stronger this year. And I think I was able to accomplish that through the help of our boss up there, family, true friends and dependable colleagues. <br />
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So let me thank them one by one.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>1. Baby Gio & Famies</b><br />
You are God's gift to your parents, to your sister, to us. You brought the family together. You're delight to everyone in the family. Your sunny smile, your infectious laughter and your hyper energetic dance moves make us crazy for you! :) Ako, being ninong, tito and kuya to many kids, I thought I've mastered the skill of taking care of kids. But you raised the bar boy! As your parents are in Dubai, mama and I made sure to connect the care to you. Weekends are precious to me as it's time for me to unwind and catch up with my sleep. But when I'm home in Malolos, it's okay to forego of those because I couldn't resist taking care of you. Just imagine me trying to get some sleep at around 1 am and you waking up to talk and play at around 3 or 4 am. I am always sleepless and restless but it's okay. I couldn't resist you smiling and calling me "D" (short for Tito Ferdie) at the wee hours of the day. As you grow up, I know you will be together with your family and we will surely miss you. It will break our hearts but we know it's better for you to grow up with your daddy, mommy and ate. I'm still thankful that we were given the chance to take care, spend time and bond with you. And we'll treasure all the moments. <br />
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And of course I'm also thankful for my famies and the rest of our relatives who have been supportive of us, helping take care of baby Gio, making our family much bigger one. Thank you to my superstar mama, Kuya Tojo, Te Flor, Chelsea, Mags as well as Ta Malou, To Rio, Ta Weng, Alan, Ruth, CK, Nina and Jessa, among others!<br />
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<b>2. Feasties</b><br />
In high school, I was called by some as Defender of Faith as I've mastered salient points in Catholic doctrine and explained it with conviction to classmate non-believers. But decades after, I still feel I'm in baby steps in my spiritual journey because before, everything is cerebral. But thank you to my Feast brothers and sisters, I've started to embrace the faith by heart. Thank you Feasties for being patient with me, for joining me in my spiritual journey. Thank you Brother Jan, Lawrence, JP, Gladys, Connie, Shekinah, Richard, Dearden, and Jacob among others.<br />
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<b>3. Besties</b><br />
My work requires me to be extrovert but to be honest, I really am introvert by nature. That means I only have few friends but the good thing is, they're all real. As what I've said many times, di bale ng konti, wag lang peke! :) It's a waste of time to keep people who can't be your friends in the first place. So I thank all my besties for staying with me through the years. <br />
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<i><u>Jandy Alien</u></i> - I'm home to Singapore because of you and the Quichos. Thank you for the hospitality, generosity and friendship. Thank you for staying connected. I'm looking forward to our great travels!<br />
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<i><u>Alina Mayekokak</u></i> - Our past is so precious that our every exchange of message is just like yesterday. For sure, we're still the best of friends until old age. I'm excited on your visit to the Philippines! Let's make it last a lifetime! :)<br />
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<i><u>Leah Violeta</u></i> - You just know every detail of my life even if we don't see each other often (parang greeting lang ng celebs sa TV hehe). Just like Mae, I'm so honored to have you in my life. Tayo na lang nasa Pinas, we should see each other more often, and Skype Mae all the time! (KakaoTalk na lang, client ko sila hehe).<br />
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<i><u>Nonoy Yero</u></i> - You and your family are family and blessing to me. Thank you for opening your home to me. I love Gwen and Yuri! Mahal ko kayo, hanggang sa pagtanda! :)<br />
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<i><u>Dustbin</u></i> - Thank you for everything. I miss our long chats. With the technology around, we hope we can talk more in 2015. Salamat din sa pag-unawa. Bawi ako sa'yo pagdating mo! :)<br />
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<b>4. GenExCaprilians and Buwis Buhay Gang</b><br />
When I started working, I was a reluctant PR practitioner (even if I'm one of the scholars of PRSP or the Public Relations Society of the Philippines). But my perspective changed when I started working in Campaigns & Grey PR / CaPRI. I consider my stint in CaPRI as the prime of my career. It's hard work but our team was able to make it not just bearable but worthwhile and fun! So Gen ExCaprilians, thank you for the wonderful years and staying connected - Fearless Richard, Ampy, Jiejie Jane, Romina, Rach, Diet and Henry. Our batch is like my work alma mater. :)<br />
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And when a new team was forged, our Buwis Buhay Gang was created! Thank you Tricia Tuneknek and Carlychingching for being part of the core team! As we've shared more accounts together, I consider you my first padawans. :) I wish you all the best in your careers and life! Make me proud! :)<br />
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<b>5. Fleishies</b><br />
If my previous work was the prime of my career, I consider my current stint in FleishmanHillard as a legacy. My work career goals are slowly turning into reality here in FH. My work playground has been expanded from the Philippines to Asia Pacific. Aside from working with my APAC counterparts for some projects, I was also sent to Singapore for Win It training and to Hong Kong for Selling Go Beyond conference (and Social Media Roadshow in 2012). These experiences widened my horizons and it inspired me more to create and roll-out more meaningful campaigns and groundbreaking projects. Thank you Cosette Romero, Beth Boswel and Lyn Anne Davis and to all the FH APAC executives for all the opportunities. My team and I will continue to make you proud. :)<br />
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<b>5. Tulay Alambre Gang</b><br />
Tony, Ali and Anna, you're a fulfillment of a vision for the Consumer Marketing, Brand Communications and Digital practice group. You may not realize it but I really am proud of your inclusion in my team. As I told you, it won't be easy but it's going to be worth it. :) Brace yourselves for a #Groundbreaking2015 and you will take and be proud of the experience for the rest of your lives. We'll continue to make history. :)<br />
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<b>6. Pressies</b><br />
I never expected that I'll meet some good friends as I do my work. As a reluctant extrovert, it was not easy for me. But I met good people along the way. And that changed me a lot. Lucky me!<br />
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<i><u>Em Guevarra and Jeff Valisno</u></i> - I'm honored that our friendship is beyond work. :) Thank you! It means a lot to me. Let's spend more time this year! :)<br />
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To all my media friends who supported us - <i>Tina, Tita Corrie, Kenneth, Ruth Navarra, Ms. Rica, Ms. Ching, Sir Roman, Kathy, Mai, Owen, Sir Art, Badong, Irene, Tricia, Ms. Armin, Tita F, Sir Gerard, Ms. Lali, Jo, Thea, Edwin, Trixie, Ira, Jo M., Ms. Dinah, Ms. Tessa, Sir Jojo, Sir AA, Ms. Thelma, Ms. Millet, Ms. Linda, Ms. Chelo, Ms. Leah, Ms. Bhaby, Vans, Peter, Kat, Sheila, Euden, Deni Rose, Ms. Gianna, Sir Isah, Carla, Ben, Paolo, Tisha, Peejo, Ms. Virginia and Ms. Che, among many others, </i>thank you from the bottom of my heart! :)<br />
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<b>7. Bloggies</b><br />
To my new found friends <i>EdLou</i> - Thank you! I never thought another friendship can be forged in this showbiz like circle! Thank you for the friendship, honesty and all the help. :) <br />
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To <i>Barbie </i>- I'm happy that we're able to catch up, patch up and reconnect :) Thank you! :) 'Hope to see more of you in 2015! :)<br />
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To all the loyal and supportive bloggies - Cristelle, Rey, Richard, Chuckie, Yen, Vince G., Mae, Angeline, JR, Vince N., David, Sumi, Laureen, FPJ, John Michael, Rodel, Earth, Ruthilicious, Az, Enzo, Raffy, Ted, Myke, Jen A, Jeffrey A., Iris P., Iris A., Mauie, Teacher Jo, Teacher Julie, Rain, Sella, Edsel, Jeng, Dale, MJ, Flow, Richard P., Ning, Marjorie, Olga, Gretchen, Paul, Dianne, Gian, Jam, Mervin, Melo, Ferdz, Ramil, Edgar, Naprey, Jane, Ria, Sinjin, Miong, Doyzki, Lui, Marco, Dean, Enrico, Vanj, Ruby, Melandria, Cath, Jing, Arvin, Rod and Jessie, among many others, big thanks to all of you!<br />
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<b>8. Don Anderson</b><br />
Anderson knows! :) Digital is one complicated world but navigating it become more fun and fulfilling since I started working with you and the rest of our team in FH Asia Pacific. Thank you for the confidence and mentorship. I really look up to you. I'm proud to have been under your wing. 'Hope to catch up with you soon! :)<br />
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<b>9. Clients</b><br />
You're only as good as your last campaign. PR is not just one of the most stressful jobs in the world, it's also one of the toughest. Proving yourself, you skills and your worth is a day to day thing. And it could really kill you. But I faced it not with fear but with fun so I guess that's the reason why things went well. I am deeply honored with all the brands and organizations who gave me and my team their trust and their confidence - Electrolux, SM Lifestyle & Entertainment, KakaoTalk, Anytime Fitness, 51Talk, Krem-Top and WWF. I'm already excited to roll out our plans for the year! Here's to a #Groundbreaking2015!<br />
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<b>10. Blog Partners and Sponsors</b><br />
To My Philippines Lifestyle Shirts, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Columbia Pictures, Pioneer Films, Solar Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, AirAsia, Canon, Wrangler, Sony Channel, Papa John's, and Tipsy Pig, among others, thank you for believing in my blog Tatak Digitista! :) I really appreciate it. Expect more meaningful and relevant content this year. :)<br />
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So that's why I'm thankful for #Stronger2014 and excited for #Groundbreaking2015! And that's my Treasure Find 39!<br />
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Happy New Year folks! See you all in 2015! :) Cheers!<br />
<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-56008156559303519852014-12-06T08:14:00.003-08:002014-12-06T08:14:53.173-08:00foydi's Catch 38 - Brown Christmas<div style="text-align: left;">
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Like many of you, Christmas is also the most wonderful time of the year for me. The moment the calendar hits the 1st of September, I can't help but get excited with the coming of the holiday season. I bet you've heard many times that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season or celebration in the world as we start it at the on-set of the ber months (September 1) up to the second week of January the following year (the week of 3 Kings celebration).</div>
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But what I particularly like about our Christmas celebration is that we were able to put local color to something that is shared by the west. So just like US army jeeps turned into the festive Philippine jeepney, western outfits turned into elegant but cool Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya, and ceremonial feasts of saints transformed to colorful fiestas, we were able to tweak White Christmas to Brown Christmas!<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I also enjoy the view of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and fruitcakes but I am also mesmerized by the beauty of parols (Christmas lanterns), simbang gabi and the food stalls of bibingka and puto bumbong. It made me realize how creative Pinoys are. Give something totally alien to us and we’ll make something out of it, and make it our own. <br />
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In our neighborhood, my Tita Ruby sets up her bibingka stall every December. This is to cater to mass goers of Simbang and to other town folks as well. I could say our Christmas wouldn’t be complete without these delicacies. <br />
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We don’t have snow to make our Christmas white but we have something else to make it brown – make it festive, meaningful and warm. And for me, the greatest representation and manifestation of that is our simple but delicious bibingka as well as the parol, belen, simbang gabi, puto bumbong and salabat. And then we also have our own Christmas carols and songs Pasko Na Sinta Ko, Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit, Sa May Bahay, Christmas in our Hearts, Sana Ngayong Pasko, Kumukutikutitap and many more.<br />
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While I’m happy and proud of our ways, I am not saying I’m not thankful with what our western brothers have shared with us. I super enjoy it as well! I’m just happy to see how our brown spirit have added flavor to this most celebrated occasion in the world. <br />
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So I guess while the world is dreaming of a white Christmas, here in the Philippines, let's also wake up and savor the aroma of Brown Christmas! Let’s experience it all! After all, Christmas is not about the color. It's about Jesus and how his birthday has been shared and celebrated by His people and how it changed, touched and moved families, friends, communities and nations. <br />
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Brown Christmas. This makes Christmas more fun in the Philippines and this is the 38th foydi's Catch. :)<br />
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Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!<br />
<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-43942232094788750192014-08-22T10:21:00.000-07:002014-08-22T10:24:39.593-07:00Treasure Find 37 - Why I prefer HILOT than other massage treatments<br />
I must admit, I'm a massage addict. Well, it's probably because of the regular stress I get from work, blogging and a lot of other things. But don't get me wrong, I know stress is part and parcel of our lives. That's why my remedy for it is a regular massage. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Before my hilot therapy session :)</i></td></tr>
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I usually have a backpain because of the laptop and all the gadgets I carry. If you'll comment why bring it regularly as if it's the solution to the problem, then I would say it's not. As someone who's in the digital practice, my gadgets are my tools. So I can't leave them behind. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>With that, I've been on the hunt for the best massage that would give me a real relief. I initially tried Shiatsu, Swedish and Thai.<br />
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I like Shiatsu. This is usually the style of our blind folks at the airport and the barbers at the neighborhood. It's good enough when you are sitting but when at spas, it's not comfortable. When shiatsu is done while the towel is at your back, I can feel the rough texture of the towel. So I would prefer shiatsu for quick stopovers not only and not in a real spa session.<br />
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I tried Swedish. I like the strokes but it's not therapeutic enough for me. I feel na if hindi okay yung therapist, parang tinatapik lang ang likod ko. And besides, I really don't like too much oil. I fell that it's too messy for me.<br />
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I tried Thai and I feel that it's not too relaxing. During massage, I just want to be comforted and not to be stretched in all directions. I want something that will put me into sleep.<br />
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I usually visit Mont Albo Massage Hut because it's reasonably priced, its place is relaxing, they use nature sound as background which is more relaxing for me (I really don't like instrumental or love songs for a spa), and they use virgin coconut oil which is not too greasy. I like their original Mont Albo signature massage because the strokes are combination of shiatsu and swedish. The finger strokes can relieve the pressure points at the back. However, it's just about 25% of the entire massage. And now, the Mont Albo massage uses oil only at the back. Well it's good enough for me, but others liked to be oiled in other parts of the body during massage.<br />
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So then, I looked for another body therapy options and fortunately, I saw "hilot" from Mont Albo's list of services.<br />
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I was surprised because I thought of hilot not as a massage but as a Filipino traditional medicine . When I was a child, I am sometimes brought to a hilot if I have pilay (muscle strain). I even looked at hilots as albularyos (faith healers or ancient medicine men). Back then, although the strokes are quite painful, I like undergoing a treatment from a hilot. I like the scent of the oil, the leaves and the therapeutic result of the hand strokes. So whenever I have pilay, I was quite happy because I'll be seeing again the hilots in our neighborhood - Mang Domeng and Mang Max! Hehe<br />
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So when I saw hilot from Mont Albo's list, I requested for it expecting that it could probably the same hilot I enjoyed and benefited from. Mont Albo describes it as "The ancient Filipino healing method practiced for thousands of years. Hilot refers to both the technique and the practitioner. Characterized by slow deliberate strokes and removal of blockages or "Lamig". Banana leaves and Virgin coconut oil are key elements in this treatment. Highly recommended for individuals with upper back aches and stress related pains and anxiety. Bentosa or placement of suctioning cups is recommended."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from Mont Albo site</i></td></tr>
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And I'm glad I tried hilot and shifted to it! Aside from Mont Albo's music, place and oil, I like the entire package of hilot. It's just the right massage I've been looking for and what I really need. Somehow, I felt it has the same strokes as the hilots I know. The finger pressure is between pain and relief, pressing the "lamig" hard enough until it's broken down. And the therapist won't stop until madurog niya talaga yung lamig! I like the heated banana leaves, it gives a soothing relief. Well I don't know if it's just psychological but I still do like it! I feel that it makes the pressing to the lamig much easier. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from Mont Albo site</i></td></tr>
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Now, the routine is much easier. The receptionist instantly know what I want, and need. I've been looking around but what I need is something that I've been familiar with since I was a child. And... it's Filipino! It's our own! Call me native and I'll be proud of it!<br />
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I guess our forefathers know what our people really need that's why hilot was created. And to our ancestors, thank you for developing it. And to Mont Albo, thank you for nurturing this Filipino treasure.<br />
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And with that, Hilot is my 37th treasure find! :)<br />
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<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-57919768828849937352014-03-22T23:16:00.000-07:002014-07-13T11:11:24.876-07:00Treasure Find 36 - Feast Time!<br />
Hi folks! I know I left you hanging because foydi's Treasure Hunt was in hybernation last year. There's no excuse and all I want to do now is catch up. :)<br />
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But for the curious ones, here's a snapshot of what happened last year: http://digitista.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-places-tadified-in-2013.html<br />
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Ok, let me start this post with a question given to me by a friend: "What's your biggest blessing last year, 2013?"<br />
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I immediately responded but ran out of words when I was zeroing in to my point, in to what I really want to say. In my mind, 2013 like 2012, was a roller coaster ride. But unlike 2012 where there were fixed wins like a new job, great travels and a swan song, 2013 was a stable up and down (ironic right?!). In 2013, I did have good travels, but so as bad ones. I made a mark at work but it was also the first time I was strongly challenged by office politics. I made new friends but lost some as well. Clan bond is slowly getting back but the blacksheeps are still there. So what exactly was the biggest blessing in 2013? It couldn't be a zero!<br />
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Yes, it couldn't be a zero because I realized that my biggest blessing in 2013 is something life changing, something that really matters. That is the FEAST. That is the Makati Feast.<br />
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But then I realized, I've known about Feast not just last year.<br />
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When I was in college and when I was still a part of our theater group Teatro Intramuros, we staged Noli at the Aguinaldo Theater in QC. Our call time then was early so I got to see people at the theater who were cheerfully and youthfully attending a faith gathering. And I believe it's Feast. And I felt that was the community I wanted to be part of because it demonstrated the same youthful spirit as the World Youth Day Celebration in Manila where I actively participated. And it became the benchmark for me. And wait, there's more. :) I think I also saw Brother Bo Sanchez at that time, the same person who was in our Kerygma magazine subscription in Paco Catholic School! I actually got a Feast card (green one) from them. So there you go, it was my chance to be part of it but it didn't happen. But I guess it was not yet the time as my sched and Feast's service were in conflict then.<br />
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And then around a decade passed. Yes, it's a long 10 years folks. In 2008 or 2009, my media friend Donnell talked to me about Feast. Right then, I still didn't recall that it's the same Feast I admired in college. But I was also on the look for a faith community at that time because I've been praying that I'll be a better Christian and I can't do it by myself. But our industry, the communications agency business, demands long hours from us. I usually go home at 10 pm, everyday. Donnell eventually left the country and I wasn't able to attend even one Feast prayer meeting. He gave me the contact person I can reach out to. But I told him in Facebook that I'll just fix my schedule and make sure to attend. But again, it didn't happen.<br />
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Then I started blogging. And it helped me fix my schedule. :) I told myself, if I can do it for my hobby, then I should be able to do it for my faith. And in 2012, there was a big answered prayer and I felt I need to reciprocate God's love and fulfill my promise. Then I searched online. And I finally found Feast one more through Makati Feasts's Facebook page. I messaged them inquiring how I can be part of it. And they replied nicely that I just need to go there. <br />
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And in January 2013, I ended the procastination and finally attended Feast for the first time! And I'm glad I did. <br />
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I love my work and I'm passionate about my craft but it drains me a lot of times. I love and care for my family and I will always be strong for them but sometimes, I need someone stronger to hold on to. I value my friends but I know we can't be together all the time as we explore our own lives and fulfill our lives' missions. So when I felt my life's pillars and myself are not that strong enough, Feast was there and led me back to Jesus, introduced me to brothers and sisters who are willing to join me in the journey and showed me how life could be much better, happier and fulfilling. Every prayer meeting, every talk by Feast builder is a life therapy session that makes me a better person each day. Every CG meeting is an opportunity to talk without being judged, a step to creating new bonds. Every activity is a chance to be closer to God, to be a better Christian.<br />
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With that said, it doesn't mean I'm completely much better now. I still go through the challenges. I still get into my boiling point. Sometimes I become delinquent by being away from the group for a long time. It's a struggle. It's a journey. But I won't give up. And I guess, my Feast brothers and sisters won't give up on me as well. I'm taking it slowly but I'll get there. But definitely what Feast offered me is the opportunity to live a more meaningful life with the support of a very welcoming and inspiring community. As I also joke to my close friends, with Feast, it's now cool to be Catholic hehe (same feeling I feel with JP2, Pope Francis and World Youth Day celebrations). <br />
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Thank you Brother Randy, Brother Jan, Gladys, Lawrence, Connie, Cai, Richard, Jay-R, Jericho, Pat, JP, my Love Life 7 batchmates, the greeters, and all the wounded healers in Makati Feast. I'm so looking forward to growing my relationship with God with you. I know it will be more fun, and of course meaningful! :) Indeed with Feast, becoming blessed 24/7 is possible. Till the next Feast Time folks! :)<br />
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So my 36th treasure find, my biggest blessing of 2013 is nothing less but the Feast. :)<br />
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<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-72684838020974376342013-01-04T19:59:00.001-08:002013-06-22T10:12:58.673-07:00Treasure Find 35 -- Cash and Coins to Welcome the New Year!<br />
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<i><b>Treasure Find 35:</b></i></div>
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Another thing we do before the new year arrives is do a general cleaning of our house and our room, to as what other folks believe, make more room for the entry of financial blessings! :)</div>
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That's not my motivation though. I just want to start 2013 year with a new, clean and fresh outlook. So come December 29 (after 12 mn!) and upon waking up on December 30, I cleaned and re-arranged the fixtures in my room. It was a tiring time because I have plenty of stuffs to fix. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>But a blessing came in! I found Treasure No. 35! :) Now, I might believe that cleaning your place may lead to financial blessings! Haha! :D Why? While cleaning my room, I found PhP 12,000 which I kept so it won't be spent (and I completely forgot!) and two bowls of coins in my old cabinet! What a way to welcome the new year right? <br />
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I discovered the coins on December 29 while I found the cash on January 1! :)<br />
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I don't know if this is the effect of watching John en Marsha in the 80s where money can be found anywhere in Delya Atayatayan's house: under the carpet, inside the flower vase etc! Haha :D
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Well, some financial advisors may be unhappy with this as they would say those money should have been invested and earned interest. But this was really accidental savings! :D But I guess, that's a lesson and something I should improve on this year, to work on my personal accounting! :) I took the Accounting for Non-Accountants course anyway! :)<br />
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But what is the real Treasure Find 35? Is it the money? Well, yes, it's a bonus! But more than that, it's the idea of preparing and welcoming the change in our lives. It's a very healthy exercise, literally and figuratively speaking! :)<br />
<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-82624566375586884002012-12-31T04:17:00.001-08:002012-12-31T09:19:04.647-08:00Treasure Find 34 -- From New World in 2012 to Win 2013<br />
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<i><b>Treasure Find 34:</b></i></div>
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It's a few hours before the clock hits 12 mn and we welcome the new year. It's the time of the year (during alone time of course) when people get to reflect on how the past year has been.<br />
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For 2012, my battle cry was New World in 2012 (from Get Even in 2011, Golden 2010, Shine in 2009 and 2008 will be Great). I can't remember though what's in my mind then but all I know is I want to conquer "new worlds" in 2012; go beyond limits and explore new grounds. It's a bold goal I guess but I'd rather do it now than wait for the time that I might be unable to do new things anymore.
And hence, it shaped the year that was. And I realized "New World" can mean many things.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>New World meant new places for me. Some of it are places people rarely visit, a number of them are frequented but not fully appreciated. I started with a Chinese New Year celebration in Bindono, Manila! In February, my colleagues and I went to Tokyo, Japan and experienced winter for the first time! It was our team's 4th (after Singapore, Shanghai and Asian Cruise) but we always get excited when we go on a trip. We went to Mount Fuji, explored Akihabara, shopped at Tsinjuku and Shibuya, visited Tokyo National Museum and Zoo, walked though the Meiji Shrine and manu more! And in March, after years of waiting, I finally landed on Batanes! It was a dream come true as I witnessed God's best creation in the northern province of the Philippines. In March, I went back to Davao this time to stage WWF's Earth Hour 2012 Switch-off Ceremony in Mindanao. And together with WWF Team and our Ambassador Marc Nelson, we had some aqua fun in Samal Island! :) In April, my family and I had a different kind of Visita Iglesia as we did it province-wide in Bulacan, one station per church. From Malolos, we visited Plaridel, San Rafael, San Miguel, Calumpit, Hagonoy and several other Bulacan towns. In May, it's an entirely new world once more as I explored the underwater world of Tubbataha in Sulu Sea! In August, I was in Hamilo Coast in Batangas for the International Coastal Clean-up! In October, I went back to Palawan this time in Quezon, Palawan to facilitate the coverage of WWF's Live Reef Fish Food Trade program with BDO. We also went to Tabon Cave, which is an important place in our history as it nestled the first people in the Philippines thousands of years ago, the Tabon Men. In December, I went back to Hong Kong for the third time and explored the train system myself. :) Also in December, I went to Aklan for the first time with my family to attend my cousin's wedding and have a vacation too! :)<br />
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New World also meant the new people who come in and out of our lives. Each person who arrives and leaves our lives affect our world. I am so thankful with the new friends I met and got closer with this year and the good old friends I kept through the years. It was a sad experience to see people close to me leave one by one. When my Kuya Jojo left for Dubai, it changed my family's world. When my Senior Account Manager and close friend Tricia left our firm, it changed the world of our team. When my colleagues Luigi and Ampy left, it further changed the set-up. When my dearest cousin Jelly got married and lived in Aklan permanently, it also changed the world of my family and relatives in Bulacan.
But if there's one thing that helped me get through, it's the realization that they're happy where they are right now. And besides, aside from the fact that we shared many good times together, there's Facebook or Twitter which can somehow keep the connection right? :) While many left, I didn't expect that I myself will say goodbye to the people I've been with for almost five years. I consider that 5 years as the prime of my career but I guess it's the time to go the next level. And now, I'm very much happy with the the entirely new world I embraced.<br />
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New World also meant new experiences as each experience can entirely or partially change the world we currently live. It was my first time to do zipline (Tagaytay), play in snow (in Tokyo, Japan), do the solo jumpshot (Marlboro Hills, Batanes), and witness the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City! In May during our Tubbataha expedition, it was also my first time to live in the sea for 3 straight days and explore an open sea water environment. And when I say experiences, it doesn't mean they're all good. :) Yes, bad experiences can also change our world but it's up to us how we want it to be modified, whether positive or negative. I've been through challenges in the past and I thought experienced the worst but I guess each situation is an entirely new experience, lesson and change. I consider July to September as the dark ages :) I had sleepless nights, I had many questions in my head, I was knocked out emotionally but I never gave up. I fought. I stayed. I prayed. And as God listens to our hearts inner most desires, he led me to a bright new path. <br />
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After two years of waiting, two of the projects I led also won the prestigious Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators. WWF's Earth Hour and Electrolux's Clothes and Hugs to those who need it most were recognized by the award giving. And that moment made a significant change in our world. <br />
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2012 is indeed a New World and that's my 34th Treasure Find! So I hope you also discovered your New World in 2012. <br />
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As we now wait and face the turn of the new year, of course it's high time I define a new goal to shape 2013. Some friends waited for this earlier but as promised, here's what I crafted. From New World in 2012, it will be Win 2013! :<br />
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And with that, let's all Win 2013! :)
That has been the TaDi Way, Have a Happy New Year in your own way! :)<br />
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<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-29318680861342381632012-10-11T10:57:00.000-07:002012-10-11T23:25:21.286-07:00Treasure Find 33 -- Going OA is a lot OK! <br />
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Yes, you read it right. Going OA is a lot OK! But before you get confused, it's a different OA I'm referring to. It's not over acting but Organic Farming or Organic Agriculture!<br />
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Why did I say that? Well for someone who is in constant search and struggle for healthy eating and hunt for our country's rarest treasures, OA is something that really opened my eyes.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>The treasure was found in Costales Nature Farm at Brgy. Gagalot in Majayjay, Laguna. It's about two to three hours drive away from Manila. </div>
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As soon as I entered the compound of Costales Nature Farm, the calming view of green leaves and the relaxing scent of fresh air already welcomed me. And then I was led to the main dining hall where lunch was served. And while eating, Costales Nature Farm staff shared that all the food served were organic.<br />
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So what do they mean by Organic? Well, they said that organic means simply natural -- no chemicals, no insecticides, no pesticides. So it's a farming method that uses a variety of natural yet scientific techniques to come up with quality and healthy produce. So when we eat organic stuff, we definitely eat healthy food. And experts say that such healthy eating lifestyle can prevent diseases, even cancer. <br />
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So why are we talking about Organic in this Treasure Find? Well, the place I went to is a lead proponent of OA or Organic Agriculture. In fact, Costales Nature Farm is the first agro-tourism destination in the Philippines accredited by the Department of Tourism. Well, I bet agro-tourism is a new term for us as most of us are most likely just aware of our country's eco-tourism destinations. Agro-tourism is a form of tourism that highlights the agricultural attractions and experience of a place. It conducts ecological and balanced farming techniques that promote sustainable agriculture, healthy lifestyle and environment biodiversity through integrated natural farming. For Costales Nature Farm, guests are able to experience real "Farmville" adventure as they do and learn actual agricultural activities themselves, experience beauty of nature in its purest form, eat sumptuous yet healthy organic meals, feed the animals with fresh farm produce, pick and pay organic vegetables, catch and pay organically grown tilapia, learn OA from agro-specialist and enjoy reinvigorating shower of beneficial negative ions from Majayjay Falls!<br />
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But how do Costales Nature Farm maintain agricultural sustainability? Costales Nature Farm owner Mr. Ronald Costales shared that it starts with organically raising various livestock such as free-range chickens, smiley pigs and rabbits. The free range chickens are grass / vegetable fed, not given anti-biotic / vaccines, and growth hormones,
and are fed not with commercial feeds but with fermented organic feeds. Smiley pigs have no anti-biotics, growth hormones and mortality. They don't take a bath but they don't have foul odor, they are fed with fermented EM organic feeds and EM is mixed with their drinking water as probiotic. Aside from keeping the rabbits as pet, their meat has the highest protein content but the lowest cholesterol level. Its manure on the other hand has the highest nitrogen content!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYcrGyCaNZr3e14AxJaGn1rMHUnENagMvl1IB3JjnNdUtamDX6S3VrF8vYGPcGpUoSrD1JqCasQ4X4fYZRqaA1OPmgPwXU1mDEHerLkUOCXWLT-wmp0t4XlqS9bmo8-iKvB5flRulMnI/s1600/costales+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYcrGyCaNZr3e14AxJaGn1rMHUnENagMvl1IB3JjnNdUtamDX6S3VrF8vYGPcGpUoSrD1JqCasQ4X4fYZRqaA1OPmgPwXU1mDEHerLkUOCXWLT-wmp0t4XlqS9bmo8-iKvB5flRulMnI/s400/costales+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ronald Costales of Costales Nature Farm</i></td></tr>
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Their manures are gathered to become the best fertilizer by feeding them into African Night Crawler (ANC) worms! The worms' manure called "vermicast" and often times called "black gold" is the primary fertilizer for the crops. By brewing these black gold together with the concoctions of beneficial and effective micro organisms, the soil is enriched and in turn feed the plants of all the nutrients it needs. Excess vegetable harvest and farm rejects are fed back to livestock hence completing the cycle and achieving zero-waste farming.<br />
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Some of their biggest customers are Makati Shangri-La, Italliani's and SM Supermarket! <br />
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Because of the process and labor involved, organic produce are more expensive than the regular ones. But to address that concern, the Department of Agriculture together with its private partners like Costales Nature Farm and SOAP (Spread Organic Agriculture in the Philippines) promotes OA to create the need and the market and hence convince more people to invest in organic farming, and eventually bring down the cost of quality produce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBmIHNLra0TObFw3JNAg16Erlrk-Wczwm9VuHBVP-anP7UWh8j_AAHF5-VOEKmBjaRjkXcD5JCpouxTOJSOoCxO6SdjJba_Imcg0fyAap0F9S9b2DRAphg2lBelJkkBfIR9jWAl8b6Ow/s1600/costales+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBmIHNLra0TObFw3JNAg16Erlrk-Wczwm9VuHBVP-anP7UWh8j_AAHF5-VOEKmBjaRjkXcD5JCpouxTOJSOoCxO6SdjJba_Imcg0fyAap0F9S9b2DRAphg2lBelJkkBfIR9jWAl8b6Ow/s400/costales+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a long shot but why not give it a try right? With health, and environment, at stake, going OA is a lot OK! And I think it's inevitable that we invest on our health and on our planet!<br />
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OA. Advanced yet basic. Modern yet rural. Science based yet easy to understand. Good for health and good for Earth. And that's foydi's 33rd Treasure Find! :)<br />
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(Watch out for foydi's other Treasure Finds in his visit in Costales Nature Farm!)</div>
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foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-86988986804958487662012-08-21T11:55:00.000-07:002012-08-21T11:55:03.911-07:00Congratulations to Melandria for Winning the Pasalubong from Treasure Find 25!First and foremost, foydi's Treasure Hunt would like to express its apology for the delay of the announcement of the winner due to some technical glitches. But now, it can be revealed, the winner of the Pasalubong from Treasure Find 25 is Melandria Romero from Naga City! :) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkfdHSFXfreTYUwx_H6VwxJfW8ou9iVTGqP9PNHWYBuIfjrihBkl94hoyfooj4xJ8dETCX0ymTZRNERHT9pWW3WTi7CPqQR019KsPwmjpYi1eGmR59MJkyQzJVIADIMFgA-oRanqt10E/s1600/Melandria+Romero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkfdHSFXfreTYUwx_H6VwxJfW8ou9iVTGqP9PNHWYBuIfjrihBkl94hoyfooj4xJ8dETCX0ymTZRNERHT9pWW3WTi7CPqQR019KsPwmjpYi1eGmR59MJkyQzJVIADIMFgA-oRanqt10E/s320/Melandria+Romero.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo c/o Melandria's Facebook Page</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Melandria won these souvenir shirts from Batanes! :) <br />
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Congratulations Melandria! foydi's Treasure Hunt will contact you on how to get your prize! :) <br />
<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-81054312505663436382012-08-21T11:44:00.001-07:002013-04-06T09:51:35.253-07:00Treasure Find 25 -- Pasalubong (and you can get some from foydi's Treasure Hunt!) foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-64684690903808836902012-07-03T12:07:00.000-07:002012-10-02T12:04:32.093-07:00Treasure Find 32 -- There's More in Ivana's Honesty Store<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b></div>
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Honesty
Store. At first, it sounds strange to me. But when I saw it on TV,
heard it on radio and read it on newspapers, it fired up my soul to
pursue my life long dream of going to Batanes and search for that
wonderful place. </div>
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And
when I finally made it to this heavenly place, I made sure that
visiting the "legendary" Honesty Store will be part of the itinerary!
So right after my journey to Sabtang Island, we went to Radiwan, Ivana
where the said store was located. And finally, I found the Honesty Store!</div>
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The
Honesty Store / Coffee Shop is owned by Ms. Elena Gabilo. The
difference of this store with the rest of the sari-sari stores in the
Philippines is that the customers can buy from the store without the
storekeeper / owner. The customer just needs to serve himself, either
prepare his own coffee, buy goods and put his money in a box. In fact,
he can even make a change himself. He just needs to write down on a
notebook what he bought from the store. </div>
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This
concept was started a few years ago. Before, fishermen would knock the door of her house / coffee shop to ask her for an early morning breakfast before they go to the sea. And since Ms. Elena believes in the honesty of her
kababayan (fellow townsmen), she thought of opening the store and
letting the fishermen serve themselves while they leave their payment in
a jar so that she won't be disturbed while she's sleeping And since Ivatans are known to be honest people, (in fact, our
guide even said they have almost zero crime rate!) she decided to come up
with the idea of Honesty Coffee Shop, which eventually became a store as well (and which was accepted by the locals and praised by everyone)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTqLKDjqKSfviJJVyemO_EjyjXhiLsRKkeCqTHqaKtLjAaIX3GHSTHEIjPgwxgKui6lZXstQ_5Evwen4CZtE2D-FRCDZbK1iIVd49IMKDC7rFjQdSHNzgikxgVG8sqbsSAm84kqYkXAQ/s1600/da+best+honesty+table.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTqLKDjqKSfviJJVyemO_EjyjXhiLsRKkeCqTHqaKtLjAaIX3GHSTHEIjPgwxgKui6lZXstQ_5Evwen4CZtE2D-FRCDZbK1iIVd49IMKDC7rFjQdSHNzgikxgVG8sqbsSAm84kqYkXAQ/s400/da+best+honesty+table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now,
aside from coffee, customers can buy pasalubong, softdrinks, snack
foods, etc. One just have to look at the board where the prices are
listed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KQigvGb4hgl3wp02uJXP6SkxljluazdKtADM7u8V946rH2CgGq5IGvz9NHSK8br77Q_s7NYEGjfIVuVbrMSYUsqWlNgdQaQzNbeqhCE4XCISpL9J9RBu3-E6gqksm69XC7o7j3NQ3co/s1600/da+best+honesty+ad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KQigvGb4hgl3wp02uJXP6SkxljluazdKtADM7u8V946rH2CgGq5IGvz9NHSK8br77Q_s7NYEGjfIVuVbrMSYUsqWlNgdQaQzNbeqhCE4XCISpL9J9RBu3-E6gqksm69XC7o7j3NQ3co/s400/da+best+honesty+ad.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5YUCDArYRufvzzLQvLrMZ0M5ohLvPwLmYAHR8Jodf1Lk1IesHVOJnZNmUnnsX_pSs4Q9QranSr-DhIICBaJHtG3Q-chggJjxj-ygwKMSZtIaLLt0q0nZ2ejzA371XyKKvFj9zCeW8QM/s1600/da+best+honesty+buyer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5YUCDArYRufvzzLQvLrMZ0M5ohLvPwLmYAHR8Jodf1Lk1IesHVOJnZNmUnnsX_pSs4Q9QranSr-DhIICBaJHtG3Q-chggJjxj-ygwKMSZtIaLLt0q0nZ2ejzA371XyKKvFj9zCeW8QM/s400/da+best+honesty+buyer.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt-KSUMkBgQ15TBa5b0bQ3J1x1N1uOLigIhyFnQvPknhPXQ0DQdTDMl1X4fWc9DUUIWbbxES7IfE7imcP2waKqxOYwCYr7m5U7tV_aHUtNQPb__FVY5JMFe3WkfGYASey4jfz7fG9eRc/s1600/da+best+honestu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt-KSUMkBgQ15TBa5b0bQ3J1x1N1uOLigIhyFnQvPknhPXQ0DQdTDMl1X4fWc9DUUIWbbxES7IfE7imcP2waKqxOYwCYr7m5U7tV_aHUtNQPb__FVY5JMFe3WkfGYASey4jfz7fG9eRc/s400/da+best+honestu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The
store is simple and it doesn't have much to sell but only the basic
things that the fishermen and some travelers need. But while the store
may be plain and small, it houses more valuable things. It keeps
Ivatans valuable traits such as honesty, it reminds us that there's a
chance in man's goodness, it brings pride among us Filipinos, and it
stirs happiness with everyone for realizing that such laudable thing
actually exists. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58CN2YQ2s4vbIEmwRGgHHpk-OXtVdIv9jIfMYGnt9ujbX0EBg9n5Ip510ENB5rw-DQMwflrfuPjRKQ-8FG1_iNqxCq3HH_mtQlvZcrDPera6E_l9pgFpkPHzJDmuKR5vjZ2W36xwmKJQ/s1600/da+best+honesty+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58CN2YQ2s4vbIEmwRGgHHpk-OXtVdIv9jIfMYGnt9ujbX0EBg9n5Ip510ENB5rw-DQMwflrfuPjRKQ-8FG1_iNqxCq3HH_mtQlvZcrDPera6E_l9pgFpkPHzJDmuKR5vjZ2W36xwmKJQ/s400/da+best+honesty+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
And
that for me is my 32nd treasure find. :) So when you go up there in
Batanes, please make sure that you'll pass by the Honesty Cafe because
what you'll get is surely more than than the sip of a relaxing coffee
but a joy of life. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcY7M2uJUQ8e0EHi-H8jXaOgwKGseCVI-b0nUzEo2nfNSX7u5-eievDqs-mT3Y_6WwFPEC35BendPkpZaQdPO9psWIdUuRV7zXjaMtf62HaEuV25AxhCFT8spYR_QGCTag2kNHWnglPs/s1600/da+best+honesty+store.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcY7M2uJUQ8e0EHi-H8jXaOgwKGseCVI-b0nUzEo2nfNSX7u5-eievDqs-mT3Y_6WwFPEC35BendPkpZaQdPO9psWIdUuRV7zXjaMtf62HaEuV25AxhCFT8spYR_QGCTag2kNHWnglPs/s400/da+best+honesty+store.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">foydi with Nanay Elena</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-37135532127038898502012-06-28T11:34:00.003-07:002014-03-23T09:48:26.146-07:00Treasure Find 31 -- The Brown Bag<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>JUST AROUND THE CORNER:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Recently,
my colleagues and I have been going home from work at around 12
midnight to 1 am. Yes, you just read it right. In fact, call center
agents have better situation than us since after their night shift, they
can sleep in the morning. But for us, we still report in the morning.
Oh well, this post is not about my blood draining work life. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When
I go home, I sometimes pass by at convenience stores to buy water or
milk or anything refreshing. That's the least I could do to treat
myself. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
Earlier,
I dropped by at a 7-11 store. Then upon paying the goods I got, I saw
the cashier putting what I bought inside a brown paper bag! While the
lady behind me sarcastically said "bawal na din ba plastic sa 7-11", I
was however got amused and felt happy with what I saw!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The
last time I saw a store having this kind packaging was in the bakery
where I usually buy from when I was a child and in US movies and TV
shows where there are settings in groceries or supermarkets. But more
than the fascination of the classic way of packing goods, I felt happy
and hopeful about what we, including businesses, can do for the
environment. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It
may be a little harder for me to carry on the goods with just a paper
bag but I would rather do that sacrifice than lose our only planet; yes,
in the long run, we will if we do not reverse the bad we're doing. (By
the way, WWF is holding a Reverse Run for its Reverse the Bad Student
Program. <a href="http://digitista.blogspot.com/2012/06/help-reverse-bad-in-our-planet-join-wwf.html" target="_blank">Click here to know more about it.)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I guess, this is my 31st treasure find. Kudos to 7-11 for making this change. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-7642441830451618422012-06-10T11:32:00.000-07:002014-03-23T09:48:08.907-07:00Treasure Find 30 -- The Quest for Deep Sleep Indulgence and The Discovery of Remington Hotel<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>JUST AROUND THE CORNER (JATC): </i></b></div>
<br />
With my job, long quality sleep / rest has already been a much desired luxury for me. In fact, I even need to plan for it. No kidding, I myself am surprised. Oh well, I guess that already is the reality I have to face each day. With lots of thought and pseudo-planning, I finally came up with a decision -- take a break and get that much needed sleep / rest. After long hours at work (often until 12 midnight!) and several weekends sacrificed, I guess I deserve a day-off on a Monday right? :) Sometimes you just need that different environment to destress, unwind and recharge. And it doesn't have to be
far or out-of-town. I'll check-in and sleep in a hotel right
here in Manila! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55TXPTSYXXaQgoMz1tfMJI5EVWz-tT6fGKIGXDZntKbt9_aai2l5r0b6ceKFFO3w77IXdkRuT03ODKDssCb1aEQI2TWweI4VbF3SJ3TcGFoaYE_eaa5PS5r_XN5BHvLpVOLlKqxQH22c/s1600/remington+foydi+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55TXPTSYXXaQgoMz1tfMJI5EVWz-tT6fGKIGXDZntKbt9_aai2l5r0b6ceKFFO3w77IXdkRuT03ODKDssCb1aEQI2TWweI4VbF3SJ3TcGFoaYE_eaa5PS5r_XN5BHvLpVOLlKqxQH22c/s400/remington+foydi+bed.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So I planned for that quest for deep sleep indulgence. But since I've been nice since birth (haha), something much nicer came up! I, together with the rest of my Bloggies Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV, Ruth Floresca of Write Breathe Live, Rod Magaru of The Rod Magaru Show, Myke Soon of Mix of Everything, Enrico Dee of Byahilo, Enzo Luna of Juan Manila, Alex Dizon of Recycle Bin of a Middle Child and John Michael Toress Bueno of Kumagcow just got an invite from Remington Hotel in Resorts World Manila to try their rooms! How could I say no to that right? So without much further ado, I gave my sweet yes and planned for that stay! :)<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WzVgDLjOA54jXYWvcpSq3vVIX4VIDirsuYr90OokVwHqUR9r4A2sWJ8tNf7fk0wudFmBDgHB0a3hTkMuT-O-Zs0S8uDon7AT93yyTKlfXfc7DNgJIFsravPUV839eWPBLBXDVeY_tmI/s1600/remington+signage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WzVgDLjOA54jXYWvcpSq3vVIX4VIDirsuYr90OokVwHqUR9r4A2sWJ8tNf7fk0wudFmBDgHB0a3hTkMuT-O-Zs0S8uDon7AT93yyTKlfXfc7DNgJIFsravPUV839eWPBLBXDVeY_tmI/s400/remington+signage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4Vg72VUg32EIF5BL4eEwSVbks3k0EZElNFjkSo2jKqIjgfnYr5lr-Yc_J0e188Kr0gjgKaEU0efhNjjYyG_y6zl2GIZ99LuxobfR53te3sCQ-qGulHeOJiyFAtFjvyQQQ3r1LRiRWYQ/s1600/remington+bloggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4Vg72VUg32EIF5BL4eEwSVbks3k0EZElNFjkSo2jKqIjgfnYr5lr-Yc_J0e188Kr0gjgKaEU0efhNjjYyG_y6zl2GIZ99LuxobfR53te3sCQ-qGulHeOJiyFAtFjvyQQQ3r1LRiRWYQ/s400/remington+bloggies.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was the first one to get into Remington on that day. So at around 11:00 am, Remington Hotel's Front Office Manager Paolo Sumera assisted me in checking in. Lolo Myke Soon was the second to arrive so I led him to the Reception as well. We then proceed to our rooms (yes each Bloggie had his own room!), freshened up and waited for the rest to come before we go to a lunch presscon in Resorts World.
Right after that presscon, where all of us finally gathered, we went back to our rooms in Remington Hotel for a quick rest and then to main lobby of the hotel where we had talk with Resorts World Manila AVP for Hotel Sales & Marketing Christine Ibarreta, Sales Coordinator Lisa Dianne Delfin and Paolo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Irq55rS9w7vcj-LPc9tB8YRWB9dVsdkPIDz66R34jXOSkoYNqPpublijpIIUIZULNZw2c7suGF8Cj19jnswXLDz0f4ZEs4ewE7Vh4YCb0OFIA-HT5RQtIJH0YT2ESXsIzJB55hQZnI8/s1600/remington+officers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Irq55rS9w7vcj-LPc9tB8YRWB9dVsdkPIDz66R34jXOSkoYNqPpublijpIIUIZULNZw2c7suGF8Cj19jnswXLDz0f4ZEs4ewE7Vh4YCb0OFIA-HT5RQtIJH0YT2ESXsIzJB55hQZnI8/s400/remington+officers.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Remington Hotel is the newest addition to RWM's lodging brands for the discerning traveler. Remington Hotel offers guests a comfortable and affordable stay right in the heart of Asia’s hottest playground, Resorts World Manila. The hotel offers top quality, value-for-money accommodations within RWM’s 24/7 entertainment and lifestyle facilities. Remington Hotel has 623 standard rooms and 89 units of serviced apartments.<br />
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<br />
With an average room size of 21 square meters, the standard rooms have two queen-sized beds, air-conditioning, in-room WiFi, in-room safety box, shower and bathroom, hot and cold water, power sockets on the wall, electronic keylock, telephone, luggage storage and daily housekeeping services. When you go to the lobby of Remington Hotel, you wouldn’t expect that it’s a value hotel as the floor area is too big with several couches and seats. Ms. Ibarreta explained that Remington Hotel, which is really an “egg roll” away from the airport, is designed for travelers and transient passengers, especially those in big groups. So the lobby is structured that way so they can accommodate all of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvMWxkzndtweARIOtaq-HGCu9Fs4X9kShhmgWW-p4l2CpsBwXXzot3wrQLHSzBO0Qs0ry5fojxYdXLwZt2p1xfT0xT0ZvJppilatCU4PEAeIyrahJT2lJbLr1NaEi_DqinAtwexADGsQ/s1600/remington+twin+beds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvMWxkzndtweARIOtaq-HGCu9Fs4X9kShhmgWW-p4l2CpsBwXXzot3wrQLHSzBO0Qs0ry5fojxYdXLwZt2p1xfT0xT0ZvJppilatCU4PEAeIyrahJT2lJbLr1NaEi_DqinAtwexADGsQ/s400/remington+twin+beds.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The serviced apartments, on the other hand, features a one queen size bed, sofa bed, dining table, cooking facilities, microwave oven, and refrigerator. The hotel is also equipped with electronic access key room cards, CCTV cameras, and trained round-the-clock staff. Meanwhile, high-quality mattresses and linen ensures a restful sleep, making Remington Hotel a home away from home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxr9srBZNzHmxD6zejusE86-pB7trj3mA4kxs07HIjVbullveIIzOJapYf7h6TbS5DJsk0EBSd79r5s-nFTBo3t5PP0EZJOSNFozqGBxkjfsBOGHRKVt76XAPgvDlK2K0muE542_S624/s1600/20110301_121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxr9srBZNzHmxD6zejusE86-pB7trj3mA4kxs07HIjVbullveIIzOJapYf7h6TbS5DJsk0EBSd79r5s-nFTBo3t5PP0EZJOSNFozqGBxkjfsBOGHRKVt76XAPgvDlK2K0muE542_S624/s400/20110301_121.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Remington Hotel is RWM’s third lodging brand, along with the all-suite Maxims Hotel, and the 5-star Marriott Hotel. It is a great option for the savvy and cost-conscious traveller either for business or leisure. At the same time it is also ideal for family and friends, both here and abroad, who desire affordable hotel accommodations without compromising on quality and service.<br />
<br />
Right after that talk, I am determined to get that elusive quality sleep but it has to wait for a while as we were up for an exciting tour! How can I resist that again right? I so love Resorts World because I feel like I traveled outside the country every time I visit the place! It was just both relaxing and overwhelming! We went to GameZoo and tried 4D, toured Maxims Hotel, ate gelato, had buffet dinner at Mercado and went to bar 360 for music trip and beer! How’s that for a Monday right? Haha, lucky me, lucky Bloggies!<br />
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So after that awesome day, we all headed back to Remington Hotel and savored what our rooms have to offer. Well, we may have been in separate rooms but the gang continued to chat and joked around as we are all connected in Facebook and Twitter! Thanks to the strong wi-fi! For me, I just want that sleep I’ve been talking about so what this value hotel is offering is just right for me! From what I heard, my room is priced at PhP3,900++ and that’s for good for two already! A serviced apartment on the other hand is at PhP4,900++. For buffet breakfast, a guest should just pay for PhP 420 net. There’s no ref inside my room but there are vendo machines in each floor which offer goods that are way cheaper compared to those you find in your room but won’t dare touch because it’s expensive haha. So at the middle of the night, with my shirt, shorts and sneakers, I went to the vendo and enjoyed that trip! Forgive me for my geekiness, but I wowed with the vendo I used, it moves like a robot! :D And after all those treats, finally, I got the sleep I desired. My room's bed, pillows, dim light, air conditioning and a play of nature sounds from my laptop put me into a good night sleep. <br />
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So just when we thought we had enough of this cool experience, we had another great time at the buffet breakfast!<br />
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Paulo Sumera said that the hotel is basic, simple but the service is five-star. And I can attest to that. In that short but sweet overnight, I felt really good with my stay. That experience rejuvenated and recharged me, and restored the energy I need to face again the demands of my work. But this time, I could say, "Bring it on!" :) But when the time comes that I'll need again that break, for sure, I’ll come back to Remington Hotel and get that sleep indulgence once again. :) <br />
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<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-64525729919097387542012-06-03T02:35:00.000-07:002013-04-06T11:00:03.359-07:00Treasure Find 29 -- Sabik sa Subic and the Commodore's Cup 2012 International Regatta<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b></div>
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After the US military left Subic, no one knows what will happen to the place. A lot were skeptical but there are also hopeful individuals. But now, after several years, Subic has been turned into one of our tourist and economic attractions. </div>
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Tourism wise, it has now adventure based theme parks such as Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari and Treetop Adventure. It has several tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants, spas and casinos. It is one of Central Luzon's premier eco-tourism destinations, thanks to Pamulaklakin Traits, JEST Camp, Triboa Mangrove and several beach resorts, dive sites and bird watching spots. It is also a top destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and cruise ships as it has natural deep harbor, modern passenger terminal and unique combination of tourist attractions and terminals. And if you think you are already drowned with these attractions then try to get a life vest and hold on to your breath and Subic has a lot more to offer. It is also a premier sports tourism destination having hosted the 23rd South East Asian Games for archery, kayaking / canoeing, sailing and triathlon; Le Tour de Filipinas; Philippine Olympic Festival, and many more. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>Lastly, Subic is ideal for sailing and other water sports as it's in a strategic location and has a magnificent natural setting. It has a strong wind condition with calm water, it's mostly hot and sunny with occasional rain showers and thunder storms, it has a real holiday weather and scenic deep blue bay and sea. And that's why the Commodore's Cup Regatta 2012 successfully took place at Subic Bay!<br />
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The Bloggies Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV, Myke Soon of Mix of Everything, Ruth Floresca of Write Breathe Live, Rod Magaru of The Rod Magaru Show and myself (of foydi's Treasure Hunt and Tatak Digitista) were invited to this event and witness the beauty of Subic's water once more. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(from L-R): Renjie Tolentino, The Rod Magaru, foydi and Lolo Myke.</i></td></tr>
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The Commodore’s Cup Regatta 2012 comes right after the prestigious Rolex China Sea Race 2012, Asia’s blue water racing offshore sailing event which is a 565-nautical mile race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay, Philippines.<br />
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The four-day event officially started with the registration and skippers briefing, followed by a welcome party for participants and guests to be hosted by the Lighthouse Marina Resort. The race was participated by some 30 international boats from the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.<br />
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Daily awards and socials took place at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, which culminated to the Awards Night at the poolside of the Subic Bay Yacht Club. Apart from the exhilarating competition, this year’s Commodore’s Cup gathered some of the country’s top celebrities and personalities and witnessed a one-of-a-kind sea adventure in one of the world’s top sailing destinations. Guests were treated to a special summer-themed soiree to be held at the Subic Bay Yacht Club Piazza Boardwalk that brings to mind the relaxing, laidback allure of the yacht lifestyle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Subic Bay Yacht Club</i></td></tr>
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The Commodore’s Cup Regatta was first convened in 2008 by then Subic Bay Yacht Club Commodore Ricky Sandoval. It has since grown in following and prestige, eventually becoming part of the Asian Yachting Circuit in 2010. It has since become one of the most anticipated regatta events in the country and one of the world’s top offshore racing competitions.<br />
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Past winners include JO De Ros with skipper George Hackett in 2008 and 2009; Hi Fi with skipper Neil Pryde in 2010; and Subic Centennial in 2011.
With this year’s race happening on Subic Bay, the event is expected to draw not only sailing enthusiast but also tourists who want to experience a world-class regatta event on local shores. Sandoval shared, “This year’s Commodore’s Cup is truly a momentous event." He added that there's a lot of potential in sailing and Filipinos can grab this opportunity. He and his group are planning to set-up sailing / maritime educational opportunities to reach out to more Filipino youth. "Sailing is not just pang-mayaman. Anyone who are equipped to sail can enjoy beauty of the sport," Sandoval added.<br />
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With Subic Bay playing this year’s host, we aim to showcase the Philippines as among the world’s top sailing destinations with its clear waters and fine sand beaches.”
The Commodore’s Cup Regatta 2012 was presented by main event PLDT Alpha Enterprise, with Mr. Jovy Hernandez, PLDT VP and Head for Corporate Business Group, and Mr. Dennis Magbatoc, President of Subictel and Clarktel. The event is organized by the Subic Bay Yacht Club, headed by Mr. Jose Maria Vargas, General Manager; Mr. Thomas Eirween Davis, Head of Commodore’s Cup 2012 Organizing Committee; in conjuction with Mr. Jesus Avecilla, President of the Lighthouse Marina Resort and representative of Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing Club; Mr. Federico Sandoval II, President of Watercraft Ventures, Inc.; and Mr. Roberto Garcia, Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association. <br />
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The event was also sponsored by Double Haven, BusinessMirror, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Rogue Magazine, Sperry Topsider, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Broadwater Marine, Frontier Wish, SM, Casino Filipino, Stradcom Corporation, Cebu Pacific, ETC, Philippine Graphic, Health and Fitness, Jack TV, 2nd Avenue, Fragrant Harbour, Asia Pacific Boating, and asianyachting.com. and Nivea & organized by LEN PLUS INC. <br />
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Indeed, sailing has been a much celebrated attraction in Subic; another reason why we can't resist to become "Sabik in Subic" (Excited of Subic)! And this is foydi's Treasure Find 29!<br />
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Thank you to the Lead PR, Apet Nunez and Renjie Tolentino for the invitation and hospitality. <br />
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<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-61347000850925350382012-06-02T12:01:00.000-07:002012-07-01T12:47:31.721-07:00Treasure Find 28 -- Expedition to the World of Tubbataha<br />
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<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b></div>
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When I went to the picture perfect Batanes, I thought nothing can surpass nor equal that experience anymore. But our Bayanihan Republic has a lot to offer. The Philippines is a paradise country and each corner of the archipelago offers something unique. And that is why we also need to be extra careful and responsible about taking care of our environment as majority of our country's attractions are gifts of nature. <br />
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I've been a wildlife enthusiast since I was a child. And that fascination led me to becoming more concerned about the environment. As most of the problems encountered by the wildlife is largely because of the loss of their homes. That same interest also made me dream of being part of National Geographic or Discovery Channel or Animal Planet and capture nature's spectacular moments myself. But destiny led me to a new direction. And that new direction led me to having a more pro-active work for the environment, it led me to helping out WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Philippines.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Sophia Dedace of WWF Philippines</i></td></tr>
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WWF Philippines manages various conservation programs in the Philippines. One of its most important project sites is the Tubbataha Reef which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered as the 8th best dive spot in the world according to CNN.<br />
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The Tubbataha Reefs lie in the middle of the Sulu Sea, approximately 160-kilometer southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, the most western province in the Philippines. The Philippines is at the apex of the Coral Triangle, the center of the world's marine biodiversity.<br />
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The Coral Triangle is the world epicenter of marine life abundance and diversity. Spanning from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji to Northern Australia, this extraordinary expanse of ocean covers some 5.7 million square kilometers. If Amazon is for rain forest, Coral Triangle is for the coral reef. <br />
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And this is what WWF Philippines want every Filipino to know, the importance of the Tubbataha Reefs and the need for its conservation. That's why WWF Philippines organized an expedition to the Tubbataha Reefs. The expedition team is composed of WWF Philippines (Mayj, Sophie and Marie), WWF Puerto Princesa (Ms.Vel), Tubbataha Management Office (Ms. Angelique), Dive Master Romel, M/Y Navorca crew, ABS-CBN's Patrol ng Pilipino (Atom Araullo, Neil and Dong), GMA's I-Witness (Kara David, Sunshine and Gibson) and myself. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(from Right to Left, para maiba naman hehe): Atom Araullo of ABS-CBN's Patrol ng Pilipino, Kara David of GMA's I-Witness and Ferdie Bondoy of foydi's Treasure Hunt and Tatak Digitista... naks leveling! hahaha :D</i></td></tr>
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<b>Day 01</b><br />
We were at the airport at 6 am to ride a plane going to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Via Cebu Pacific Air, we landed in Puerto Princesa at around 8 in the morning. We stayed in Palawan's capital at daytime to rent dive gears, buy things needed for the navigation and conduct briefing about rules inside the boat and at the Tubbataha Marine Natural Park. M/Y Navorca, WWF Philippines research vessel, will be our home for 3 1/2 days in Sulu Sea. M/Y Navorca was donated to WWF Philippines and was transformed into research vessel to aid scientists in their conservation work not just in Tubbataha but in Apo Reef as well. The ship may look plain and simple but it's complete and fully geared for its mission. <br />
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Travel time from Puerto Princesa to Tubbataha is about 10 to 12 hours so we really ought to gear up for all the things we need. Roughly at 8 pm, the entire expedition team boarded M/Y Navorca and headed to Tubbataha. The first two hours were good, we still had mobile phone connection and Internet signal and the water is largely calm. But after a couple of hours, the wave became too shaky and most of use got dizzy. We moved around (though it was really difficult to move, it is as if you got tipsy from a round of drinks lol) and looked for more comfortable spots were we can rest and manage our dizziness. Kara and I even found a spot at the back of the boat where the air is much cooler and the shake is a little tolerable. Then eventually, we learned to dance with the waves, went back to our cabin and were able to get some sleep.<br />
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<b>Day 02</b><br />
By morning of our second day, we finally found ourselves at the middle of Sulu Sea, right at the heart of Tubbataha! We were welcomed with Filipinos' favorite breakfast dish and an on-site orientation to guide us as we explore the sites. As soon as the diving and snorkling teams geared up, we transferred to smaller boats and went to the actual sites. First in the itinerary was Wall Street. I'll be honest with you folks. At first, I tried to swim but I felt the current is quite strong for me (and my goggles were not working well) so I went back to the boat.<br />
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As soon as we went back to Navorca, we had a debriefing. And I envied everyone who already saw the beauty of Tubbataha. So after that, I promised myself to swim in all the sites. I won't let this chance and learning opportunity pass. I told myself, how can I find the treasure I am bound to find here and help educate the people if I won't take the challenge. <br />
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And so at our next dive / swim, I faced the challenge and swam the waters of Tubbataha! Our next site was at the Malayan Wreck. The water was still a bit strong but I managed to swim and witness the wonder in this part of Tubbataha. These were the scenes I only see in movies, corals which thrived at the remnants of the sunken ship and marine creatures who nestled in this part of the sea. And I felt victorious after that swim.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>foydi's catch: brown booby resting / hunting for food at the middle of Tubbataha</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>foydi's catch: turtle breathing some air</i></td></tr>
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After swimming the wreck, our next dive / swim was a site called Sharks' Airport. Why is it
named as such? Your guess is as good as mine. It's a sharks den! We
were however told that the sharks there, mostly white tip, black tip and nurse
sharks, don't attack humans. The sharks we should be extra cautious with
are the tiger sharks! So for the snorkeling team, we were given a rope to
hold on to so that we will be able to swim together and look like a big
fish. In this way, the tiger shark won't go near us. If swimming alone, the
tiger shark may think you are a dead fish, and yes, he will attack and bite you!
:) But with or without that tiger shark, my dive here was one great adventure! I saw sharks everywhere, sleeping, swimming and one big one approaching me before I quickly went back to our boat. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8-L4-VrTx0FH6JMy_yMich_a8Twq7K9c_ZS5TUGX9rHdAo8S-QCG-PuNddRLKifki8J8md3GOHTQwHu4nmb7MVqKfOPI-F6LDi5YBaOMjH2SqLNWfzQguP-5PZcMqLcq3z4aH_qa9rc/s1600/562092_10150928462804618_154386154617_9272094_1462854691_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8-L4-VrTx0FH6JMy_yMich_a8Twq7K9c_ZS5TUGX9rHdAo8S-QCG-PuNddRLKifki8J8md3GOHTQwHu4nmb7MVqKfOPI-F6LDi5YBaOMjH2SqLNWfzQguP-5PZcMqLcq3z4aH_qa9rc/s400/562092_10150928462804618_154386154617_9272094_1462854691_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With our three swims, we deserve to have a great snack! And
Navorca's chef didn't fail us with his Fried Banana Surprise! It became
the team's instant favorite! But while we are enjoying the snack, we
heard shouts from the rest of the team and crew. And these shouts were:
"Dolphins!" And we were amazed as they swim with Navorca! It's too
many of them! And they keep on jumping as if they're doing a show for
us!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeNe7tygFLOMfHwFiQoORZl_3m1akezYTXeyQQB2LQtHyQ4phl9GLOjbFo_2Xr1ob_fz8VURfL_QY9Ov8SrxW9QOWI4W8ChWUt0-Av_FKU8K3nERMkCP8EbPi8DlW71vY04HGOx68Tyw/s1600/tuba+foydi+looking+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeNe7tygFLOMfHwFiQoORZl_3m1akezYTXeyQQB2LQtHyQ4phl9GLOjbFo_2Xr1ob_fz8VURfL_QY9Ov8SrxW9QOWI4W8ChWUt0-Av_FKU8K3nERMkCP8EbPi8DlW71vY04HGOx68Tyw/s400/tuba+foydi+looking+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xq4bYbary9SVahMG7jxvXE2P9omCqJpo7EEj75QK4nIToAt1hyphenhyphenJHTcJ1gMraVgbglAd4oda9KpwRoWwFH1V9AIUo9qv2mGDU-A87nRtuNRnWFX7kwjSed7rSm0fedjT2IUyw-rjBH_s/s1600/tuba+kara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xq4bYbary9SVahMG7jxvXE2P9omCqJpo7EEj75QK4nIToAt1hyphenhyphenJHTcJ1gMraVgbglAd4oda9KpwRoWwFH1V9AIUo9qv2mGDU-A87nRtuNRnWFX7kwjSed7rSm0fedjT2IUyw-rjBH_s/s400/tuba+kara.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuZTt0hN_P_2aJ96Hpa6tQBilSYsdKOkQT4pbOpIbbKNjwcYnUbSL4AGSjsPrhZCu1Omft9z7sqBumsBNkBBmftLOMkRa_82RsM49qr9i6ACOczj3aRoue4Cdhf5JZSV0axqC8YzDIfI/s1600/tuba+dolphin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuZTt0hN_P_2aJ96Hpa6tQBilSYsdKOkQT4pbOpIbbKNjwcYnUbSL4AGSjsPrhZCu1Omft9z7sqBumsBNkBBmftLOMkRa_82RsM49qr9i6ACOczj3aRoue4Cdhf5JZSV0axqC8YzDIfI/s400/tuba+dolphin+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The presence of dolphins also indicate how healthy the water is. It means Tubbataha is abundant with fish, which is dolphin's primary food.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVg7Cc2G-aGw984wyxHUFujYuFpHCq2flC2FumSNbH5oCDO0PmK9Jy-eMnRsz6vnHKcxus9LL4cq6qT7uXmudiU24Odd2qbEczGl7YoSduT0IIQ1tctQrNfBpa9GujyqOz7k-vxJwcVw/s1600/tuba+dolphin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVg7Cc2G-aGw984wyxHUFujYuFpHCq2flC2FumSNbH5oCDO0PmK9Jy-eMnRsz6vnHKcxus9LL4cq6qT7uXmudiU24Odd2qbEczGl7YoSduT0IIQ1tctQrNfBpa9GujyqOz7k-vxJwcVw/s400/tuba+dolphin+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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After that, I got ready for our next mission. Tubbataha is a stretch of kilometers of water but there a few islets which play a significant role in the place. We were brought to the Tubbataha Rangers Station which is situated at the middle of the sea. During low tide, the islet is visible and walkable but come high tide, the station's feet are a little submerged. In fact, the rangers even shared that a nurse shark frequents their station. But don't worry, nurse sharks don't attack humans :) At the station, we learned how rangers protect Tubbataha and survive the isolation. They showed us their tracking device which they use to patrol the waters of Tubbataha. Guarding the marine park is really a big challenge among the rangers but this is a task they welcome and are committed to do. Their assignment last for two months and then they are assigned in the main land for another couple of months. But every after two months they come back to Tubbataha. During down time, they read books and watch TV, good thing they have signal at the middle of the sea!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP23So2fJfto9Xd-vmQjh9P7vDe4Ehym50lzHTYZL5G_2bHFejq53b18c2NYCtX3VUscUMI-dzaYm77vN-WkqF52exU66eAVR31eBnkcHVNyNLuawsMjIpMp1aked0dCxDAX7pLaz4Rng/s1600/tuba+day+3+rangers+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP23So2fJfto9Xd-vmQjh9P7vDe4Ehym50lzHTYZL5G_2bHFejq53b18c2NYCtX3VUscUMI-dzaYm77vN-WkqF52exU66eAVR31eBnkcHVNyNLuawsMjIpMp1aked0dCxDAX7pLaz4Rng/s400/tuba+day+3+rangers+station.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Rangers Station at the heart of Tubbataha</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z8C5YO3cZYwhCTWzPrjwDqch0awoZAI50vA6B1jCjVZ7Be6EUMqRcg__F2WiatiPhvmxqI81F6S4_J9XFA0xw6L_WWuX9-bW9AtIgBNnImhdVVt2koRJ9XOjCKohRXluewJYPsTQxMk/s1600/tuba+day+3+ranger+patrol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z8C5YO3cZYwhCTWzPrjwDqch0awoZAI50vA6B1jCjVZ7Be6EUMqRcg__F2WiatiPhvmxqI81F6S4_J9XFA0xw6L_WWuX9-bW9AtIgBNnImhdVVt2koRJ9XOjCKohRXluewJYPsTQxMk/s400/tuba+day+3+ranger+patrol.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaHEb-hmSV8RwFjN1bUpvx6yCeguIDXWWltI_VNkPHApwDIcLrb8NjOvPEgGITZszmH-B1xeDXZ34eqiRzBmdtgYtUzxfsGyUsnoYKAc_RMASY12fVrFfaqQTm1oVoBFuTBp7alu0E1k/s1600/tuba+foydi+with+rangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaHEb-hmSV8RwFjN1bUpvx6yCeguIDXWWltI_VNkPHApwDIcLrb8NjOvPEgGITZszmH-B1xeDXZ34eqiRzBmdtgYtUzxfsGyUsnoYKAc_RMASY12fVrFfaqQTm1oVoBFuTBp7alu0E1k/s400/tuba+foydi+with+rangers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>foydi with Tubbataha rangers</i></td></tr>
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We were fortunate enough to have witnessed the sunset at the Rangers Station. While the station's dry land depends on the movement of water, there is a sand bar which is just across the place which remains above sea water 24/7. So we decided to have barbecue dinner there. The place was shared by another set of guests who are marine biologists / conservation experts from American Samoa. And yes, we enjoyed the dinner / chat with them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQXEqr5AWD8mi8roRAFyo0v_XTZiGK6UcChvtEcMdAIGxCqgmRWJPyQwv3krUuOgFP2U-WSbBl5yp2_t8WGZ48H1SFrQuX_GTYTzV2e-CLuu0uCZ1MajRyqSUICSS46pokoAjkO8jlMQ/s1600/tuba+rangers+station+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQXEqr5AWD8mi8roRAFyo0v_XTZiGK6UcChvtEcMdAIGxCqgmRWJPyQwv3krUuOgFP2U-WSbBl5yp2_t8WGZ48H1SFrQuX_GTYTzV2e-CLuu0uCZ1MajRyqSUICSS46pokoAjkO8jlMQ/s400/tuba+rangers+station+sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk0lAOyZE5dGoE5gWwg1Jh4v4NTRQUTWjg_mJ5xdd2SRxw6zwK6MsfJane61tNYKxgUEDxU5NNeDOYuYlHsee2VNSQsigp10GrUgl4WRktuikwUdqHVimdQaPPi32V8g5biQunZtkWVc/s1600/tubba+day+2+sandbar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk0lAOyZE5dGoE5gWwg1Jh4v4NTRQUTWjg_mJ5xdd2SRxw6zwK6MsfJane61tNYKxgUEDxU5NNeDOYuYlHsee2VNSQsigp10GrUgl4WRktuikwUdqHVimdQaPPi32V8g5biQunZtkWVc/s400/tubba+day+2+sandbar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The sandbar at Rangers' Station</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffyGuK7iWCTV7PH0nVU8gqdlVS7pBJfcC1e5LciJhmh_NA-wLFCBRG2O3uDOvcOrK9a2WZxmiGC5b-GPJk58YlGqqmirLXpaaOqSWDirxywSfDGWGulQ7ryvQn_gvyN21rKcLiEUq87o/s1600/tuba+foydi+dryland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffyGuK7iWCTV7PH0nVU8gqdlVS7pBJfcC1e5LciJhmh_NA-wLFCBRG2O3uDOvcOrK9a2WZxmiGC5b-GPJk58YlGqqmirLXpaaOqSWDirxywSfDGWGulQ7ryvQn_gvyN21rKcLiEUq87o/s400/tuba+foydi+dryland.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dry land at last! :D</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7s20JzO3QNvaiymwQWNRIyRFEAONTyV9cMBjaGCnxuuHLYdi2I3VDzqguO_Q-ZhculkIVpWMhdyrNY4-jJl_48cMTmVbu-I1zoOeH-8jkeH0He52ebuWOYnfb-8Dv64HPhJ-XMBm0zY/s1600/tuba+mayj+fil+singles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7s20JzO3QNvaiymwQWNRIyRFEAONTyV9cMBjaGCnxuuHLYdi2I3VDzqguO_Q-ZhculkIVpWMhdyrNY4-jJl_48cMTmVbu-I1zoOeH-8jkeH0He52ebuWOYnfb-8Dv64HPhJ-XMBm0zY/s400/tuba+mayj+fil+singles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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At around 9 or 10 pm, we went back to our small boat to head to Navorca. It was dark at the sea so I felt a little nervous with that ride. Well, that's how my imagination works :D I felt like we are navy seals who are up to a secret mission. Anyway, as soon as we reached Navorca, we unpacked and had some fun word games. And then we went to sleep. <br />
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<b>Day 03</b><br />
After a long time, finally I had a good night sleep. I still don't want to get up and I want to enjoy the bed and the cool wind of Tubbataha but I realized, I need to witness that magnificent sunrise view. So with no much further ado, I stood up, had my quick morning rituals, picked up my camera and headed to the deck. And I finally saw the sunrise they are all raving about. I was mesmerized. From north to south, the Philippines is truly blessed with spectacular natural beauty.<br />
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And while everyone are focused capturing shots at the front side of the ship, I moved at the back side of Navorca and got this awesome shot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YAbE6Uw2rlSlimpoISEM6FvtkCz8Fw0_fY-4IPNQf0JFuv625bbo6PY9gSinDmruc3WHn9aDrsmppvqObSBtBnk4anoLbbOEWuIVusVLIk0_iltJvGKFTfoJCS4l1AXR2AmfkuFBU8/s1600/tuba+sunrise+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YAbE6Uw2rlSlimpoISEM6FvtkCz8Fw0_fY-4IPNQf0JFuv625bbo6PY9gSinDmruc3WHn9aDrsmppvqObSBtBnk4anoLbbOEWuIVusVLIk0_iltJvGKFTfoJCS4l1AXR2AmfkuFBU8/s640/tuba+sunrise+birds.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>foydi's catch: the magnificent sunrise of Tubbataha</i></td></tr>
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After having breakfast, the team geared up and went to the bird islet. The water we passed thru is so calm and the clouds' formation is like a crystal view. And as we are sailing, one bird approached our boat. It as if we are being surveyed if we are friendly visitors. And then there were two, and then three, and then they're everywhere. The islet is not just a sanctuary for these sea and migratory birds, they are indicator of how healthy life is at the bottom of Tubbataha. The birds stay here because their food is here. We went around the islet and was amazed with this nature's wonder. I am blessed to have witnessed how life thrive in this part of the world. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLDYkfPROemsISe79lEBmBO4qws96rSf4sWaMhLsxSCwkwCE04yV80sZ3qf2G915Nd1EyoWLS7xFV1bd5einsov7hzWz7KCNqPNt9OjYDz7oiwuW6FaHyiRI3OSx69SuixcCmpBMduCI/s1600/480552_10150928465534618_154386154617_9272124_1635899838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLDYkfPROemsISe79lEBmBO4qws96rSf4sWaMhLsxSCwkwCE04yV80sZ3qf2G915Nd1EyoWLS7xFV1bd5einsov7hzWz7KCNqPNt9OjYDz7oiwuW6FaHyiRI3OSx69SuixcCmpBMduCI/s400/480552_10150928465534618_154386154617_9272124_1635899838_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo courtesy of WWF Philippines</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UYuDi_2RQgsx-trAsBq-TR5hL1d_JFR0HIuw1SfoU9ffvdABlKWslUpL7-ugy5MvQw9mjm7b9QhKnhI3gknrg9ADuif8svzi4CsE1_wfolxDRk6xJ4uq7B3OnoZOLhHYw-UKzsa62jw/s1600/tubba+day+3+islet+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UYuDi_2RQgsx-trAsBq-TR5hL1d_JFR0HIuw1SfoU9ffvdABlKWslUpL7-ugy5MvQw9mjm7b9QhKnhI3gknrg9ADuif8svzi4CsE1_wfolxDRk6xJ4uq7B3OnoZOLhHYw-UKzsa62jw/s400/tubba+day+3+islet+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bird islet</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ1e358qdzRwYzHmSOI0wTCaIW2xLWdh_fLGjMOOhbmpVIRpdKAOVK_AZ_v9mAdAiQz92BcoRHZKvv57SA8NjRpjqM6jrekcZvng-5riVpLZdmKoBQ8r8RZaYL88UFW-CKXR7NOjpZEY/s1600/tuba+day+3+bird+islet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ1e358qdzRwYzHmSOI0wTCaIW2xLWdh_fLGjMOOhbmpVIRpdKAOVK_AZ_v9mAdAiQz92BcoRHZKvv57SA8NjRpjqM6jrekcZvng-5riVpLZdmKoBQ8r8RZaYL88UFW-CKXR7NOjpZEY/s400/tuba+day+3+bird+islet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa4q0WEnabOAUgzJHN_EfZg7lUVpFiHz6V7rJE0GH8mvidl_UTnU-asHR7tmkHORStLJMFnG1aB8bJ9xDr-6k1usf9nY6BcW94Kdwd6CI3lfGhXVD8xQC02_D6o7PrR8EayMEtp_icbE/s1600/tuba+atom+bird+islet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa4q0WEnabOAUgzJHN_EfZg7lUVpFiHz6V7rJE0GH8mvidl_UTnU-asHR7tmkHORStLJMFnG1aB8bJ9xDr-6k1usf9nY6BcW94Kdwd6CI3lfGhXVD8xQC02_D6o7PrR8EayMEtp_icbE/s400/tuba+atom+bird+islet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Atom enjoys bird watching!</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_dNQI1zcTT_evlRhnF6uelDQRAvW-j01FznTz-EgvCUe3Dbq7UguzNqTFCHTtgBVxJBIHADsz57r7CXrk1nzNabbamwU0CiFA2zNSt_fB2VPRBljZEZEQsOPoPfcAVLL0ckOZ8owdCo/s1600/tuba+birds+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_dNQI1zcTT_evlRhnF6uelDQRAvW-j01FznTz-EgvCUe3Dbq7UguzNqTFCHTtgBVxJBIHADsz57r7CXrk1nzNabbamwU0CiFA2zNSt_fB2VPRBljZEZEQsOPoPfcAVLL0ckOZ8owdCo/s400/tuba+birds+face.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6DHQi11R6jQ3CrOhgx8NGLEfuDQtuzE742l4NIZp6Dkm1k3yr-bPtTt7d2cwaCtz5lpvVdGuH23SFTWdECj2yMoFkTJg30P9c0ILhZQ7wgFjlKw4N_TqAmwnKvYU2pTQbNuLbwzKQZM/s1600/tuba+birds+of+feather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6DHQi11R6jQ3CrOhgx8NGLEfuDQtuzE742l4NIZp6Dkm1k3yr-bPtTt7d2cwaCtz5lpvVdGuH23SFTWdECj2yMoFkTJg30P9c0ILhZQ7wgFjlKw4N_TqAmwnKvYU2pTQbNuLbwzKQZM/s400/tuba+birds+of+feather.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFSFpem5WqxkFejkrw6_nxBLUKGSrzrmfOXBjskZpVqrIx4pA7WjONv4GvOz3jcc0Lj9u_LE_3RHCDVKP2P64thF7dRe8AWB2qiNvtE7lZwAUk6XAPZ-Hzv43Drkq5pkvEulbEiTIaCw/s1600/tuba+white+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFSFpem5WqxkFejkrw6_nxBLUKGSrzrmfOXBjskZpVqrIx4pA7WjONv4GvOz3jcc0Lj9u_LE_3RHCDVKP2P64thF7dRe8AWB2qiNvtE7lZwAUk6XAPZ-Hzv43Drkq5pkvEulbEiTIaCw/s400/tuba+white+bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rDm8bzqiXHG5yS6b60qWtQYTQ3cUbdpTbaEIu7VeaU91HlploI3Sk5x2QhLpAe5U9zW12Lt7ZqRm1PjkReEPm4PnarrKwp6UMrK8CuTXs3c65t8KkSHALOVl1RNIt7Dkup3IKabsipI/s1600/tuba+tsamba+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rDm8bzqiXHG5yS6b60qWtQYTQ3cUbdpTbaEIu7VeaU91HlploI3Sk5x2QhLpAe5U9zW12Lt7ZqRm1PjkReEPm4PnarrKwp6UMrK8CuTXs3c65t8KkSHALOVl1RNIt7Dkup3IKabsipI/s400/tuba+tsamba+birds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While we are mesmerized by what's on the island and sky, we were also
amazed with what's moving under water. Turtles are everywhere! And
contrary to old belief, they move fast in water, they really swim with
speed!!! In fact, I saw two turtles swam as fast as dolphins!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXRWnQHebLUGsJU94Z6NFOSVN5Ly_B2l5kup-sRChBX7AnmAllfELwDrt-YC8vM3pUMVkOUc809CuJfJCWR7MTlF9He-RZE7inKPHcIdAH_BBBH8UzWJSopKKF-EktJ9_J3Z-dIGHe-k/s1600/tuba+day+3+bird+turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXRWnQHebLUGsJU94Z6NFOSVN5Ly_B2l5kup-sRChBX7AnmAllfELwDrt-YC8vM3pUMVkOUc809CuJfJCWR7MTlF9He-RZE7inKPHcIdAH_BBBH8UzWJSopKKF-EktJ9_J3Z-dIGHe-k/s400/tuba+day+3+bird+turtle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>one of the turtles we saw at the waters surrounding the bird islet</i></td></tr>
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After that fascinating bird watching, we went back to the Rangers' Station to get some more photos and buy souvenirs. Proceeds from the souvenir items sold go to the Tubbataha Management Office which fund the Rangers' Station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECzTQAlVhFgIA787xn8GnhH1_58GC6Oc0Ge_Ue8XEChMO6VeeynqqKJhEjB_UA-3LCtZ_PwswGb4odr9kpNPz5TH-A5mic3Cynn6BtErQnRZWVH1GN8Nh1Ill8GGW6-geg1Q2pOyTHRk/s1600/tuba+rangers+pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECzTQAlVhFgIA787xn8GnhH1_58GC6Oc0Ge_Ue8XEChMO6VeeynqqKJhEjB_UA-3LCtZ_PwswGb4odr9kpNPz5TH-A5mic3Cynn6BtErQnRZWVH1GN8Nh1Ill8GGW6-geg1Q2pOyTHRk/s400/tuba+rangers+pose.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Tubbataha Expedition Team with the Rangers</i></td></tr>
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After that, we went back to Navorca to have lunch and then head to our first dive / swim of the day. It was at Delsan. This time, I had difficulty with my snorkeling gear as water goes in to my mask. But that didn't prevent to continue with the journey. I saw the vast and rich coral reef in this site, small and big fishes! In fact, there was even a manta ray! I saw mameng, tulingan, clown fish and a lot more marine species! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYP3hHKL9jlufu1lHOsEDke1RIHhXWwRligdQ6M-C4U1p_hveqpL6-El2dl5A1BPP2PSeFDvjXLKWseNktADzQSh9ZFBPTwdd7whg3Alushj163RcxJhXzlD2mE5yggvERPKrbQA05krM/s1600/577001_10150928462579618_154386154617_9272093_1526003953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYP3hHKL9jlufu1lHOsEDke1RIHhXWwRligdQ6M-C4U1p_hveqpL6-El2dl5A1BPP2PSeFDvjXLKWseNktADzQSh9ZFBPTwdd7whg3Alushj163RcxJhXzlD2mE5yggvERPKrbQA05krM/s400/577001_10150928462579618_154386154617_9272093_1526003953_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shine Matutina of I-Witness following a manta ray! </i></td></tr>
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After that swim / dive, we went back to M/Y Navorca to re-energize and move to the last site, Staghorn at the South Atoll. With clear and still water, we were challenged by our guides to explore. And good thing I followed their advice. For me, this is the best site among the places we've been through. The marine kingdom here is colorful, diverse and fascinating. Giant clams, colorful corals, schools of fishes, varied species living together... these are just some of the underwater magnificence I saw. I kept on swimming and looking at this marine wonder to the point that I really was far from our boat! And while the rest are following a giant turtle, I saw him swimming towards me! He was looking at me when he was approaching my direction and swam under me which is about three feet away. He was so cute! Oh, I wish I had a sophisticated underwater camera to capture that but I could ask for more with that experience. With that, I'll call him Tubbi, and he will be foydi's turtle. :) And then I continued swimming this different world of Tubbataha until I saw another turtle who's sleeping at the bottom of the sea, which is surrounded by beautiful and colorful corals. It was an amazing view! I can't find the right words to describe the place but all I can say is the place is a different world, it's truly fascinating and captivating. It's like swimming the kingdoms of mermaids and underwater worlds. It was really good that it was our last swim / dive because it was the best!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ51-lIVJyT1CFos6ShTogQV2eLVJFjq8qApWkxXyrWUlW41wCDkhco068az_IW29ybqXrnp6nGgZVGF47W2B1UDcGvV4NhgES1-acxRxXGV70mmpLv8FL4H-9e4p7zNBPQiqAx-1r-M/s1600/577486_10150928465949618_154386154617_9272127_2114731293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ51-lIVJyT1CFos6ShTogQV2eLVJFjq8qApWkxXyrWUlW41wCDkhco068az_IW29ybqXrnp6nGgZVGF47W2B1UDcGvV4NhgES1-acxRxXGV70mmpLv8FL4H-9e4p7zNBPQiqAx-1r-M/s400/577486_10150928465949618_154386154617_9272127_2114731293_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My Tubbi! :D Photo courtesy of Sophia Dedace of WWF Philippines</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUupa92DhfsVYQlajD4jc50ItbQ6apjSZ11RiS6kGNobfuu6qtL_WllxhIPT6ZQp7DqCrWsBctB76_iCT5erxaSzqpsETmUATsrkryeECPypYI8PJEuUdVLegblohyS2bjhWQGXF2XzME/s1600/tuba+victory+shot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUupa92DhfsVYQlajD4jc50ItbQ6apjSZ11RiS6kGNobfuu6qtL_WllxhIPT6ZQp7DqCrWsBctB76_iCT5erxaSzqpsETmUATsrkryeECPypYI8PJEuUdVLegblohyS2bjhWQGXF2XzME/s400/tuba+victory+shot+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The snorkeling team's victory shot!</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWRB8LbviCX-X9rdaNU2hUcHweXk3dhq-ThDwTBdApuugyxRB1hEpWMvGQjmPDNwJquRD5W1C1K7GJ1DNTOde6lpQeSYTmlopBaowSGhVUy5k6Wsm7bcsL7-eG6me7Kot2WtsNWWJJrM/s1600/tuba+day+3+yellow+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWRB8LbviCX-X9rdaNU2hUcHweXk3dhq-ThDwTBdApuugyxRB1hEpWMvGQjmPDNwJquRD5W1C1K7GJ1DNTOde6lpQeSYTmlopBaowSGhVUy5k6Wsm7bcsL7-eG6me7Kot2WtsNWWJJrM/s400/tuba+day+3+yellow+fish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After that, we went back to our mother ship, changed up, stayed for a while to bask on Tubbataha's beauty before we sail back to Puerto Princesa. It was an amazing experience. Since it's our last night, we made our dinner extra special and event called it our Captain's Night! We had fun singing, dancing and laughing together. But after that, we stayed at the ship's deck and did some star gazing. Oh, Tubbataha has just a lot to offer, from sky, to sea, and to even pieces of land. <br />
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But while I share with you my fantastic journey to Tubbataha, you may ask why is it relevant to you if you don't plan to dive or swim there? Oh well, Tubbataha may be enjoyed by divers and snorkelers but it has a far more important role not just in our environment, but in our food security and economy as well. Tubbataha which spans more than 97,00 hectares, is home to 360 species which is approximately half of the coral species in the world. And these corals provide home and nursery to 600 fish species, 14 species of sharks including tiger sharks, white tip sharks, and black tip sharks, 12 species of dolphins and whales, a nestling population of endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles, and over 100 species of birds, including rare migratory birds. The Tubbataha Reefs’ twin atolls produce at least 200 tons of seafood
per square kilometer. This is five times greater than the productivity
of a healthy reef. Tubbataha is the seeding and growth area of the fish
stocks of Palawan and the Visayas, generating enough marine resources to feed more than 40 million Filipinos yearly.<br />
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Before Tubbataha became a protected site, fishing folks had a lot of illegal and overfishing because they want to win back the expenses they had in going to Tubbataha. Its distance made it really costly for them. And in 1980s there was an alarm with the decline of Tubbataha's spectacular coral reef so a small group of divers and environmentalists launched a campaign to save Tubbataha. In 1988, the provincial government of Palawan endorsed the idea, and President Cory Aquino declared Tubbataha a National Marine Park. In 1992, the site was ofiicially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!<br />
<br />
Closing Tubbataha from fishing is not an easy task. It was a bitter pill everyone has to take so that life in Tubbataha can flourish and continue to provide food to people. Many were opposed to it especially the people in Cagayancillo, which is the municipality that covers Tubbataha. WWF Philippines Tubbataha Project Manager Marivel Dygico said that while the fishermen were prevented from harvesting in Tubbataha, TMO and WWF Philippines launched cooperative programs that could help provide alternative sources of living to the community. Tubbataha Reefs Park Manger Angelique Songco mentioned that the local government of Cagayancillo also benefits from the proceeds derived from park fees and other funds raised by TMO. Ms. Angelique said that if someone is caught, the penalty is really heavy but it has to be executed so everyone will respect the law. "It's hard but someone has to do it," said Ms. Angelique.<br />
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Illegal fishing is not the only problem that face Tubbataha. Plastic wastes have arrived in Tubbataha and it's dangerous for the the sea animals and birds. They may think they are food and they could die with it. In fact, some animals have been found dead because of these plastics. Aside from that, climate change also affect the coral reefs and result into bleaching. And this is really dangerous! Without these coral reefs, fish
would not have the opportunity to grow to maturity and repopulate other
areas.
A burgeoning Philippine population, escalating food prices, overfishing
and unmonitored unsustainable fishing practices put tremendous pressure
on the Tubbataha Reefs. With these threats, it is imperative that we
protect the reefs today.<br />
<br />
So how can we help? First and foremost, don't throw plastics and other wastes into the sea. Well, on the second thought, don't throw any waste anywhere at all. Put them in proper containers. Segregate them. Recycle. And for those who travel and fly frequently, there's another easy way to help. WWF Philippines and Cebu Pacific Air run the Bright Skies for Every Juan programme. By booking online at www.cebupacificair.com, the website generates a donation amount that corresponds to the distance of a traveler's flight and the estimates amount of carbon dioxide emitted. It is inevitable to fly but you can fly responsibly through this programme. Through the Bright Skies programme, airline passengers have the opportunity to minimize the ecological impacts of air travel and help protect not just the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan but the Apo Reef as well in Occidental Mindoro, the Great Reefs of the Philippines, which together generate enough food and livelihood for millions of Filipinos each year. <br />
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<b>Day 04 </b><br />
We arrived in Puerto Princesa at around 7 am. After breakfast, we had our quick farewell with crew, with the team and had some pictorials! :D And then we went just had a little city tour - WWF Palawan, TMO Headquarters, Crocodile Farm, Pasalubong Market, La Terrasse, KaLui and then to the airport! :)<br />
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From my "New World" battlecry in 2012, my "expedition" to Tubbataha is indeed a different and new world. But while it's new to me, I've learned its value to our day to day lives.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUTLfsANLFhKe05DZ6V2E50Q3MKh4irYwLZO6JiLWO43V0VkRu9qzuf_enUGREqPiMnwpKHgcR0sUNlx5mfmRH7C8sgeFYMy8_5eSzFAJ8-n3uw8hsvohVJwnoeMh3saL_FAuLD75kOU/s1600/The+Biodiversity+of+the+Tubbataha+Reefs+B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUTLfsANLFhKe05DZ6V2E50Q3MKh4irYwLZO6JiLWO43V0VkRu9qzuf_enUGREqPiMnwpKHgcR0sUNlx5mfmRH7C8sgeFYMy8_5eSzFAJ8-n3uw8hsvohVJwnoeMh3saL_FAuLD75kOU/s400/The+Biodiversity+of+the+Tubbataha+Reefs+B.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan/WWF-Philippines</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The World of Tubbataha... this is my 28th Treasure Find! <br />
<br />
<br />
foydi's Treasure Hunt would like to thank the following for making this expedition possible: WWF Philippines, Tubbataha Management Office, Cebu Pacific Air, ABS-CBN's Patrol ng Pilipino Team led by Atom Araullo, GMA's I-Witness Team led by Kara David, M/Y Navorca Captain Ronald de Roa and his crew and dive / swim masters (Lito Dagaraga, Jun Magbanua, Jeruel Magalona, Arnel Escobin, Dondon Cayanan, and Jun Gayoma), Tubbataha Marine Park Rangers: Over-all POIC PO2 Rod Patricio PN, PO3 Mariano Villamor PN, PO3 William D. Jompella PN, SN1 Gerondio M. Caballero PCC, Noel Ballena LGU, Narciso Cayao LGU, Manny Bundal TMO and Segundo Conales TMO, Tricia Cusi and Campaigns & Grey. <br />
<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-60731173166372597382012-05-02T18:33:00.001-07:002014-03-23T09:47:32.955-07:00Treasure Find 27 -- The Art and Science of "Letting Go"... Tokyo's Hi-Tech Toilets!<br />
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<b><i>HELLO WORLD: </i></b></div>
<br />
Warning: if you are eating, don't read this anymore or better yet, drop your food now! :D<br />
<br />
Food
blogging is such an enjoyable activity because we savor the taste of
the food we eat and share it with the rest. But while eating is such a
fun thing to do, don't you think "moving" or "letting go" is an
equally refreshing experience? :D Di ba, iba yung feeling once you let
it go? LOL :D So shouldn't there be another niche in blogging that deals on the last part of the digestive process? :D<br />
<br />
Well, this blog post is really not
actually about pooping. This is about my Treasure Hunt in Japan and the
marvelous thing that I found. And that is Tokyo's hi-tech toilets! :)<br />
<br />
Well,
I know, you may ask, why the hell am I blogging about toilets! Haha,
don't click away, let me explain first. Don't you think having a good
toilet is an essential aspect in traveling? As much as we enjoy the
places we go to and eat the most delicious food in town we visit, we
also need that amenity for our bathroom break that will keep us moving.
And I was fascinated to discover these hi-tech toilets!<br />
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I
first encountered this in Hotel Shinagawa where we spent our first few
days in Tokyo. I was amused that right after that "ceremony" I won't
need a toilet paper (or water and soap), as I just needed to press a
button to clean you know what. :) It sprays water in different ways
depending on how you want it! At Hotel Sakura, our second home in
Tokyo, an added option is available. This time, it can be like sprinkle
or shower or bazooka shots hahaha. Some of my colleagues were even
surprised when they tried the hi-tech toilet for the first time. Others
on the other hand joked that they stayed longer in the comfort room
because they enjoyed the water splash hahaha. Anyway, we were also able
to adjust the temperature of the water. And since we were there at
winter time, the warmer of the bowl, as it touches the thighs, is very
relieving. So right after moving, you just need that tissue paper and
you're done. <br />
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But
if you think you've heard it all, there's even more. We were told that
there are even more hi-tech toilets where it can splash foam (soap) and
dry the bottom. Wow! It's like a washing machine, it completes the
process and it's fully automated! Haha. How's that for our precious
behind! :D It's a VIP treatment indeed! :D With that kind of
amenities, letting go will be a more enjoyable ritual! :D<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi750tobnHJ48D6-XNv1FeV4D2PUKrK4pFrIcSyUuuixXD98Up8O5Up7zckMs5DyALaQ_JBkWVNh7W4ulvyQ3S68WK-iQKo3cnDv_IqoiQu6aaxGMlzEGwtslQYK3a3-iCPVd0iTA9szWk/s1600/poop+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi750tobnHJ48D6-XNv1FeV4D2PUKrK4pFrIcSyUuuixXD98Up8O5Up7zckMs5DyALaQ_JBkWVNh7W4ulvyQ3S68WK-iQKo3cnDv_IqoiQu6aaxGMlzEGwtslQYK3a3-iCPVd0iTA9szWk/s320/poop+5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKoOqaB_wTXWXTWevNS_zpSZbp_2_XEEZUDa3WcoIMCvy85A1JqnjYLVN0d6utWdcUKUM05Bji16peFxKZVweV1IWBEACIOIIb8bOmIeK16GaTRajA8HPLs838Pktqa3iTO4xqL62FPk/s1600/poop+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKoOqaB_wTXWXTWevNS_zpSZbp_2_XEEZUDa3WcoIMCvy85A1JqnjYLVN0d6utWdcUKUM05Bji16peFxKZVweV1IWBEACIOIIb8bOmIeK16GaTRajA8HPLs838Pktqa3iTO4xqL62FPk/s320/poop+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Well
aside from that, I also noticed that urinals in Japan are taller and
the bottom edge is a foot away from the floor, to accommodate men of all
heights. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rpyYpJ7UoFss9Rie7gW_9e-gRyvtkxHijFMVq5krzi61hl69eReRgTXBM-61le97BSyYw-B3VfuQGNSVF115syMSL87T_LrEBPOaj7VmAEJBknGXzKzjBXnP9oqjmyKRo7F2TkVym3s/s1600/poop+pee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rpyYpJ7UoFss9Rie7gW_9e-gRyvtkxHijFMVq5krzi61hl69eReRgTXBM-61le97BSyYw-B3VfuQGNSVF115syMSL87T_LrEBPOaj7VmAEJBknGXzKzjBXnP9oqjmyKRo7F2TkVym3s/s400/poop+pee.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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And
with that I declare that these hi-tech bowls and user-friendly urinals
as my 27th Treasure Find. I just feel happy how a comfort room is
really made comfortable with this kind of innovation in sanitation.
Perhaps many would not spend time thinking and improving things about a
"dirty" routine. But that dirty ritual is what we need to get clean and
get going. And Tokyo thought of that! So kudos to the Japanese people
for having this kind of invention! :)<br />
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So that goes my crack for poop blogging! How's that as a new niche in blogging? Hahaha :D <br />
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<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-62501751453659204502012-04-29T22:38:00.004-07:002014-03-23T09:47:48.182-07:00Treasure Find 26 -- Surviving The Heat<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>JUST AROUND THE CORNER:</i></b></div>
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I know the Philippines is a tropical country and the heat during summer season is something that we expect. But I'm sure you will agree with me that the heat right now is something that's unbearable, it's as if we are being cooked inside an oven!</div>
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Haist, actually, with my work for WWF Philippines, I candidly even said that I won't have a hard time explaining what Global Warming is! Just imagine experiencing 35++ and 36++ temperature right here in Manila? Goodness, this heat really will not just drive us crazy, it can actually kill us! </div>
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Anyway, I know Filipinos are very flexible and resourceful people. We adapt wherever we are, whatever the situation is. And with this scourging heat, I bet many have adapted, in a way, already. </div>
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For example, I myself treated the situation lightly, (whenever possible!) and joked at it with these pick-up lines:</div>
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Manila ka ba? Ang hot mo kase.</div>
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But when the temperature gets hotter the next day, I said:</div>
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Manila ka din ba? Kase, you're getting hotter and hotter each day.</div>
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And it was a surefire hit on Twitter and Facebook haha.</div>
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But more than that, while everybody go to our captivating beaches and resorts or go to a colder country at this time, some people looked for means how to get through. </div>
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And recently, I found two things that caught my attention and really made me wanting them all the time. </div>
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It's the back-to-back electric fan and the so-called Melona ice cream from Korea! The former is something I would really love owning! I know it wouldn't solve the heat but I think it can be of a little help. And besides, don't you find the fan so cool, that's literally and figuratively speaking! :)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz5vv2Z_xoUAt89u20VerjJAFtD8B1-y8DaAWAWLM-AYKvhbnPzVlA1PZL3FJJ7zGck8laZKLuvHjtk-1XMMBm3aAAeql6XsLD3_OYfIX0tvs2GahCxw04wnjtd8YNmPfv1AMxNe5UuI/s1600/fan+and+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz5vv2Z_xoUAt89u20VerjJAFtD8B1-y8DaAWAWLM-AYKvhbnPzVlA1PZL3FJJ7zGck8laZKLuvHjtk-1XMMBm3aAAeql6XsLD3_OYfIX0tvs2GahCxw04wnjtd8YNmPfv1AMxNe5UuI/s400/fan+and+ice+cream.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The back-to-back electric fan and Melona ice cream</i></td></tr>
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And the Melona ice cream, goodness, it just tastes so good! The fruitiness of the flavor just blends very right with the sweetness. Sorry though I don't know the actual retail price as I buy from my office mate who sells it. And I get it for only PhP30! So move over Magnum, Melona is taking your place! And it's much cheaper! :) </div>
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But aside from that, when you are outside, don't forget to bring water (not bottled as it will add up to our urban waste), wear comfy clothes and sun protection (shades, umbrella, sunblock). Well, if you don't need to go out and you can avoid it, I suggest you stay inside, and make your surrounding comfortable. </div>
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I know this too shall pass. We will survive the heat. And that I guess this has been my 26th Treasure Find! :)</div>
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But while we try to survive the heat, let's be mindful next time of what we do with the environment. You can log on to www.wwf-org.phils to know more about environmental sustainability. </div>
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foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-16552252663457880662012-04-29T06:07:00.001-07:002012-05-01T07:04:07.727-07:00Treasure Find 25 -- Pasalubong (and you can get some from foydi's Treasure Hunt!)<br />
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<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b></div>
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Pasalubong (Homecoming Present). It's in the blood, vein, heart, soul (and whatever body part you can think of) of every Filipino. So if a Pinoy came from elsewhere, abroad, or a distant province, or a nearby town, it's in his system to bring home something from that place. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_dxFAPRuyRo2-T5f6l8I4u6HJThACi6iRDsTShpcXKBOPtShOOTe2raqY8kkaOMnQpDHgDi9aelfZfx1luUNXZXZeIeRv6dtSlMDTjhP4i9FU4lhiHanLxuk2PiCJB1N4wqQwV9znJc/s1600/batanes+shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_dxFAPRuyRo2-T5f6l8I4u6HJThACi6iRDsTShpcXKBOPtShOOTe2raqY8kkaOMnQpDHgDi9aelfZfx1luUNXZXZeIeRv6dtSlMDTjhP4i9FU4lhiHanLxuk2PiCJB1N4wqQwV9znJc/s400/batanes+shirts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You can win these shirts! :)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And it need not be expensive. As what the cliche says, it's the thought that counts! :) So back off to those who want to ridicule Pinoys for spending (a little) despite the hard life! :)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpuV7xOT7L0jQNiDDAlE2QW64ymL98EZD4CXz8RPCvPHYbcnpO2wpZozO_dqkP4nxycIU69lZfrDMyZvrMG0QjmnojBxuR0rUfWmUcQrjd-pLWS5LEVxAww0bJZow61Gv2qGXcbq4Dsk/s1600/japan+kitkat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpuV7xOT7L0jQNiDDAlE2QW64ymL98EZD4CXz8RPCvPHYbcnpO2wpZozO_dqkP4nxycIU69lZfrDMyZvrMG0QjmnojBxuR0rUfWmUcQrjd-pLWS5LEVxAww0bJZow61Gv2qGXcbq4Dsk/s400/japan+kitkat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The KitKat chocolates I brought home from Japan for Mom, Trishteta and the rest of the Bloggies.</i></td></tr>
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Perhaps Filipinos are just that way, thoughtful and eager to share with their loved ones the joy of their trip. And isn't it cool to see your family and friends get excited on what you brought home for them? I for one am happy to see people happy so if I am able to do that, I would always do that. :) </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQppqiCrrpH-6mEozRdwx7pvoZheyt1j-7KVwAXOtcWAJzNAfEUO_jbpIA_xFLs1Qy5QJEGd295z9EyZY9xMREcLb22dCOJCpjhj8AOqgp4b6Q0Pq_ymO071vZzAjSl1rIfBao4XUsOZg/s1600/da+best+pasalubong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQppqiCrrpH-6mEozRdwx7pvoZheyt1j-7KVwAXOtcWAJzNAfEUO_jbpIA_xFLs1Qy5QJEGd295z9EyZY9xMREcLb22dCOJCpjhj8AOqgp4b6Q0Pq_ymO071vZzAjSl1rIfBao4XUsOZg/s400/da+best+pasalubong.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pasalubong from Batanes for home and Caprilians</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And that for me is my 25th Treasure Find! </div>
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But don't click away yet from this page as I have a surprise for all of you. </div>
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It's been a while since you first started to witness foydi's Treasure Hunt in Batanes. But more than the stories, foydi has another pasalubong for you! You can get three souvenir shirts (1 Large and 2 Medium) from Batanes! </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
How? Just comment on which of the first 24 Treasure Finds featured in foydi's Treasure Hunt do you like most and state why. You should comment on the specific blog post you like. Contest period is from April 29 to May 21, 9 pm. The winner will be announced on May 22 and the prize will be sent to his or her home on May 25. The contest is limited to foydi's Treasure Hunt readers residing in the Philippines. </div>
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Isn't that easy? So choose your favorite Treasure Hunt now and get a chance to win those awesome shirts! :)</div>
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<br /></div>foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-70898236529957644742012-04-29T02:37:00.003-07:002012-04-29T23:00:56.302-07:00Treasure Find 24 -- When God Created the World, He Gave His Best in Batanes (Da Best Sa Batanes part 5)<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>Treasure Find 24: </i></b></div>
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Two days have been spent... everyone else is tired... but Batanes is not yet through unfolding its mystique.<br />
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And on the third day of our exploration, our experience, I could say, reached an optimum high...<br />
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Batanes is indeed a living evidence how great God is...it's God's best creation! And let me quote once more (and use it as this blog post's title) Mandy Navasero: "When God created the world, He gave his best in Batanes." And I couldn't agree with her more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidukpSky2v_HoQInYr2OYfDgo-Bm7WZnERIuy6q6KvLKRz-o0Kz7N4Lc0q9Zo2AjVgaIhhFHEJDu-_Cvrri9m560dXJxrGuRUPDBazsNURnTo2DF2_PGJSpsSLaogltYFwCWiY6810-kI/s1600/da+best+day+3+rolling+hills+vertical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidukpSky2v_HoQInYr2OYfDgo-Bm7WZnERIuy6q6KvLKRz-o0Kz7N4Lc0q9Zo2AjVgaIhhFHEJDu-_Cvrri9m560dXJxrGuRUPDBazsNURnTo2DF2_PGJSpsSLaogltYFwCWiY6810-kI/s640/da+best+day+3+rolling+hills+vertical.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdORe3YvX8I-SZgY_yr2QAMQ8e3GTjWGx8J0nNdM3wGZBE5xWC9m5urvCF7NoeSg39AffxS0synYuW89P8O_Xl1jVst5haE6QFhBs40IowmbI0-oE3klUj6xtH1LYoT-Ro9g6ZqqfLPqs/s1600/da+best+day+3+mahataw+lh+hills+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdORe3YvX8I-SZgY_yr2QAMQ8e3GTjWGx8J0nNdM3wGZBE5xWC9m5urvCF7NoeSg39AffxS0synYuW89P8O_Xl1jVst5haE6QFhBs40IowmbI0-oE3klUj6xtH1LYoT-Ro9g6ZqqfLPqs/s400/da+best+day+3+mahataw+lh+hills+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the first treat on our third day is the window to the province's magnificent beauty. We stopped by and basked on the wonderful view provided by the San Carlos View Deck in Batan Island. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBDfiEITPNcYsd9PQpNUpW39t4317FxP96dOBpZTulJt9WBJ69vhigQhUvNVeeReovSoPDIpEZAqaLKHQ2OhAErVJeNdAkZ2ijedejcsL7KrmWKoQkmvcKlPbWt06cWSgRsEApEdBGRo/s1600/da+best+day+3+view+deck+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBDfiEITPNcYsd9PQpNUpW39t4317FxP96dOBpZTulJt9WBJ69vhigQhUvNVeeReovSoPDIpEZAqaLKHQ2OhAErVJeNdAkZ2ijedejcsL7KrmWKoQkmvcKlPbWt06cWSgRsEApEdBGRo/s640/da+best+day+3+view+deck+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDl5lL728C0Y6jaE412NnujywNBlz9M1_FyH9Dxg4P5NqtPaWWV9n-5N67dlcs0-z5wR0m-6V2JyMUM2pdExKZ4CzI2AbEvMEQ_Dsz8xi-RFuG1T1lJzQEVUJ81xK4lu9-tpA8D_DQjY/s1600/da+best+day+3+san+carlos+view+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDl5lL728C0Y6jaE412NnujywNBlz9M1_FyH9Dxg4P5NqtPaWWV9n-5N67dlcs0-z5wR0m-6V2JyMUM2pdExKZ4CzI2AbEvMEQ_Dsz8xi-RFuG1T1lJzQEVUJ81xK4lu9-tpA8D_DQjY/s400/da+best+day+3+san+carlos+view+deck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before heading on to our next stop, my travel mates Alex, Melds, Lilibeth and I went to the roof our jeepney (our ride) and stayed there on top during our journey to Mahatao. The other jeep also had some passengers at its roof and we had fun taking photos of each other! It was such an awesome ride! The last time I did this was more than 10 years ago when my college buddies and I shot our video documentary thesis in Ifugao.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJaEZcC11-maW2E-W_vxLJOAQrlMJPTkUyC9Y3H-aguJHPsPe7SRWK_oRuec5uTSBhGhlhzSn-8i14EH_oO3hfnLF_GodD8okrQcDELMsjg_Kzpy9qmXAUqGZqGX2PaJynwt7-cfZxgo/s1600/399233_10150874384192519_749037518_12789902_132017957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJaEZcC11-maW2E-W_vxLJOAQrlMJPTkUyC9Y3H-aguJHPsPe7SRWK_oRuec5uTSBhGhlhzSn-8i14EH_oO3hfnLF_GodD8okrQcDELMsjg_Kzpy9qmXAUqGZqGX2PaJynwt7-cfZxgo/s400/399233_10150874384192519_749037518_12789902_132017957_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Upon reaching Mahatao, we visited the old church that has been nestling the community for centuries and another marvelous house that has been attraction for many visitors!<br />
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After Mahatao, we had another jeepney ride to the Tayid Light House. Some roads were closed so we walked from a certain point and somehow "climbed" the hill. It was a bit challenging, some of us walked up backwards, to lessen the pressure on our knees. And it was fun! Good thing that we were all fun and game to walk that challenging part. And as we reach the hilltop, we felt like singing Climb Every Mountain from Sound of Music. :D But, there's more! As we approached the light house, we again saw a magnificent view. If I could just fly and roll and lay down all day, I would. I never expected such view can be found right here in our country.<br />
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And as we thought we already saw the best in the day, we were led to the Diura Fishing Village to trek the Fountain of Youth! As our feet will be submerged in water, I changed my footwear from rubber shoes to aqua shoes. But, it was early for me to change up as we will be walking to a path of limestones! Oh yeah, it was real challenging for me. But it didn't prevent from trekking the place to see its hidden beauty. And after more than 30 minutes, I guess, we found the Fountain of Youth! :)<br />
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And complementing the rejuvenation given by the water of the Fountain of Youth are the freshness of buko juice and the healthy carbo load c/o Batanes camote. And since we regained our youth, we packed up and went on to continue our journey.<br />
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This time, we walked the beach of Racuh-A-Idi. I felt like walking on water as the toe high part of the beach is very wide due to the low tide. And of course, whether dry or wet, we captured each moment with photographs!<br />
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And then it was time for lunch! We went to another magical place but since everyone's hungry, we first feasted on the food before roaming around the place. But while we were eating at the side, we noticed our doctor travel mates Elton and Bob having their lunch at the hill! We got curious, so right after lunch, foregoing the supposed siesta time after meals, we immediately walked to where Elton and Bob were. And...we were mesmerized... we were put in a magic spell... we were speechless once more... as we witnessed the breathtaking view of Marlboro Hills. We walked slowly, embraced and kissed the wind, kept our eyes wide open and thank God for another wonderful creation. The velvet green grass, the charismatic herbivores, the calming light blue sky, the majestic blue water, the naturally carved hills make up this perfect panoramic view.<br />
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The meeting of the sky, the sea and the hills is nature's way of showing its visual artistry, while the blending of the sound of the wind and the waves its unmatched musicality.<br />
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And with the perfect view right in front of us, it's time to do the jump shot! :)<br />
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As the rain started to drop, we all went back to our jeepneys and headed to our hotel to change up have a short rest. I took a shower first before having that much needed power nap... and while I was starting to enjoy that quiet moment... I heard Mandy's whistle, meaning it's time to get up and pack up for another walk! As I again thought we already had the best of the place, Batanes showed us another secret... The Rolling Hills. What a way to end a lovely day...<br />
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But wait, there's more! :) Our trip wouldn't be complete without buying pasalubong! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneJbwBedpLPY6f-90ySrmoUfws1yxDUw9xvbT_I9-f-EYXRUFJe4o1RardaT9RpY86g7bHH3ux9Ddi0MWuwsMes78mncZkHFdIUs1GI15d3VSeRGRI0jwMh5Jcw2COoLQiE6qwNA2_WA/s1600/da+best+shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneJbwBedpLPY6f-90ySrmoUfws1yxDUw9xvbT_I9-f-EYXRUFJe4o1RardaT9RpY86g7bHH3ux9Ddi0MWuwsMes78mncZkHFdIUs1GI15d3VSeRGRI0jwMh5Jcw2COoLQiE6qwNA2_WA/s400/da+best+shirts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And good news! Three of these shirts will be raffled out! Watch out for the announcement coming soon! :)</i></td></tr>
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And finally, we ended the night with a wonderful fellowship where we were treated once more with the best of Batanes cuisine, Ivatan music and warm friendship of the people. Thank you once more to Mandy, Mang Rogers and his assistant, Ms. Lydia Barsana Roberto of Hiro's Cafe, Necitas Garcia Alconis and the Voyavuy (music group) composed of Dwight Castillo, Patrick Yael, Mylene Cabizon and Noel Viola. <br />
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Batanes, you really are Da Best! :) And that's foydi's Treasure Find 24! :)<br />
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Note: Please watch out for the special on the Ivatan dishes we tried during the trip. :)<br />
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<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-23191514387847528382012-04-28T10:40:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:51:19.083-07:00Stored Treasure: Juan Luna Decoded<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC: </i></b></div>
<br />
<b>Stored Treasure / 19 November 2011</b><br />
<b>http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/11/juan-luna-decoded.html </b><br />
<br />
Let's
face it. The moment we hear the word museum, we get bored or sleepy in
an instant. 'But I guess not for someone who loves History as he loves
the Internet. Okay, that's me haha. And recently, I got an invite to
be part of the Luna Walk organized by the GSIS Museum of Arts. Without a
doubt, I said yes. I know that my knowledge on Philippine History will
be enriched if I join this activity. And I was right.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjpqNiiqU96djdZimzCGPNalqZhAtnS2uotL3CDmEmkQhbWtg_5itMfNDVSzBmuzrMjERBWTGHSShB1DPyx66giXHH50aC9S8pzC_kPBBgv1Vas_DCc1OQP1fC5oOuuYKgbTIQnsiRJG0/s1600/juan+luna.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjpqNiiqU96djdZimzCGPNalqZhAtnS2uotL3CDmEmkQhbWtg_5itMfNDVSzBmuzrMjERBWTGHSShB1DPyx66giXHH50aC9S8pzC_kPBBgv1Vas_DCc1OQP1fC5oOuuYKgbTIQnsiRJG0/s400/juan+luna.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Juan Luna</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
But
first, for those who don't know exactly who Juan Luna is, let me give
you a glimpse of who he is. Juan Luna, born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte in
1857, is an icon in Philippine history, arts and culture. He is the
first Filipino International Achiever and one of the greatest Filipino
painters who have ever lived. In celebration of the birthday of Juan
Luna, on Oct. 23, GSIS organized the Luna Walk
to commemorate the special occasion and remember the contributions of a
great Filipino artist. The annual Luna Walk was initiated by Prof. Eric
Zerrudo in 2003. By 2006, GSIS Museum took over, this time, it was
expanded to include Bahay Nakpil, National Museum, Luna Monument, San
Agustin Church, Metropolitan Museum and GSIS Museum. For this year, his
student Michael Charlton "Xiao" Chua, a professor in De La Salle
University, Vice President of National Historical Institute and Panelist
in ABS-CBN's Bottom Line, conducted the Luna walk and lecture.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYZp5LRFAP5xUDeRKBCyp4Tu8LLfWCQ1MQUKtOmeIk0IPhuvvcrMrYkqWZtP3drfM2u247Q1vMMvSfTFvMFWtMCRkKPbWH2n0u1Qs3rRoDKpd9Ox0d5j1jixAHQ3YZzsTkB1DXWCq9sdd/s1600/luna+xiao+lecture.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYZp5LRFAP5xUDeRKBCyp4Tu8LLfWCQ1MQUKtOmeIk0IPhuvvcrMrYkqWZtP3drfM2u247Q1vMMvSfTFvMFWtMCRkKPbWH2n0u1Qs3rRoDKpd9Ox0d5j1jixAHQ3YZzsTkB1DXWCq9sdd/s400/luna+xiao+lecture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Prof. Michael Charleston "Xiao" Chua</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
First
stop was in Bahay Nakpil (Nakpil House) in Quiapo, Manila. Sadly, I
was not able to
join this part but I've already been into that place in the past when I
worked in ABS-CBN. I think it was for the story of "Fiesta ng Quiapo"
as the house plays a significant role during the said occasion. But even
way back, Bahay Nakpil played a great role in our country's history.
It housed one of Luna's most notable and controversial paintings now
officially called the "Parisian Life". Later on, I'll share more
intriguing stories about this masterpiece. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m8khBOehUIW4S7w1wfEZmtlwJ-hKAWn5-dicO5tjenj3moOhh1thAaZURimYr3lUbtzeL5w3wPlPuj1cHQDZLrcbeC9HYdBVAUhbnjXJteDLNzDs0m5eXgvmkhO1PxQr1OCs3GW-UWLh/s1600/luna+nakpil+house.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m8khBOehUIW4S7w1wfEZmtlwJ-hKAWn5-dicO5tjenj3moOhh1thAaZURimYr3lUbtzeL5w3wPlPuj1cHQDZLrcbeC9HYdBVAUhbnjXJteDLNzDs0m5eXgvmkhO1PxQr1OCs3GW-UWLh/s400/luna+nakpil+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bahay Nakpil in Quiapo, Manila</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From
Nakpil House, I met the entire Luna Walk contingent at the National
Museum. A hall is dedicated to Luna here including the great
"Spoliarium". "Spoliarium", in May 1884, was awarded the first of the
three gold medals by the Jury of Honor of Exposicion Nacional de Bellas
Artes held in Madrid, Spain. It was a brutal depiction of dying and
dead gladiators being forcefully dragged to be despoiled of their armor
in the basement of Rome's Colosseum. Historians explain that what the
"Spoliarium" was actually telling is how the Spaniards treated us during
their colonial regime. The gladiators' plight symbolized the
Filipinos' suffering then. Professor Xiao Chua however explained that
the Prize of Honor was not bestowed to Juan Luna and a lot were
surprised about the result. It's the first international award won by a
Filipino and the European jurors may have not liked the idea of someone
from the Philippines winning the grand prize. This was however
rectified when no less than the Spanish King himself, King Alfonso XII,
in Luna's formal presentation to him, congratulated him and conveyed his
commiseration over the "Prize of Honor" issue. News of this spread and
eventually reached the Spanish Senate, which rectified the
situation by commissioning Luna to do a painting of the Battle of
Lepanto (Spanish victory against the Moors). The Queen
Regent Maria Cristina herself (widow of King Alfonso) unveiled his
painting at the Senate Hall in November 1887. Earlier, Spoliarium’s
success came full circle when the local government of Barcelona
purchased it from Luna.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35uyGqwQiqxd2zjIXkQCnR7ksUipfAM7kcZhqm3f-XkPN7buAUcqO4BCtbJk6DJda3Dm76GNwBD7khwIkR8YlPBXJLmUBIsHuLZY1wQUEcPyUHJcgm75mjvKnzKHzIFlE5tPC1f8Bmv1U/s1600/luna+spolarium+big.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35uyGqwQiqxd2zjIXkQCnR7ksUipfAM7kcZhqm3f-XkPN7buAUcqO4BCtbJk6DJda3Dm76GNwBD7khwIkR8YlPBXJLmUBIsHuLZY1wQUEcPyUHJcgm75mjvKnzKHzIFlE5tPC1f8Bmv1U/s400/luna+spolarium+big.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Great "Spoliarium" at the National Museum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We then proceeded to the Roundtable,
this is the entrance to Intramuros, Manila via Gen. Luna Street. I
somehow heard before that it was Juan Luna's monument standing at the middle of the
island but it didn't really scored well in my memory. Oh well, but
right there and then, I just realized that I've passed by this monument
for four years of my life and I've never realized how important the
person is standing there. The GSIS Team put a bouquet of flowers at the monument
and we all took our shots at the place. I somehow felt the importance
being given to one of our heroes and important personalities in our
history. And I somehow wished we could all do these with our heroes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwEPY58urOzLdrpQj-4Zdh9vctf9lKJnewKMtaEaRA-Gr_SVv9HU0qs8N7EkhkoDzInLt7SLGgloCkCaBCyepALn_6s9-iAGnMsyvFZ5ss-107Q6h1JwKdBMmx-yzyZqpkG98lJM9omM1/s1600/juan+luna+monument.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwEPY58urOzLdrpQj-4Zdh9vctf9lKJnewKMtaEaRA-Gr_SVv9HU0qs8N7EkhkoDzInLt7SLGgloCkCaBCyepALn_6s9-iAGnMsyvFZ5ss-107Q6h1JwKdBMmx-yzyZqpkG98lJM9omM1/s400/juan+luna+monument.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Juan Luna monument in front of Intramuros, Manila</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then
we entered the walls of Intramuros and proceeded to San Agustin Church
which is considered as the oldest standing Catholic structure in the
country. When I was in high school I knew that Juan Miguel de Legazpi's
remains, the Spanish conquistadores who conquered Manila lies there.
What I did not know is that our great artist was also buried there. And
we also paid respect to and offered prayer to Juan Luna.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML_6xNi4W6FAURbm4uMtR26N38mRsJ7GqF4XxvQjqU4A32xR4b2_BV74XOh0DiXp-Dx7VyAij0fg99NREY7jIjZmLnbXxLO3pB_mJFZCKxRqj-Wva8bse7N6_moTQcSkkYmMf3qmTFHDH/s1600/luna+juan+luna%2527s+remains.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML_6xNi4W6FAURbm4uMtR26N38mRsJ7GqF4XxvQjqU4A32xR4b2_BV74XOh0DiXp-Dx7VyAij0fg99NREY7jIjZmLnbXxLO3pB_mJFZCKxRqj-Wva8bse7N6_moTQcSkkYmMf3qmTFHDH/s400/luna+juan+luna%2527s+remains.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Juan Luna's remains in San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our next stop was in Metropolitan Museum
where a copy of Luna and Felix Resureccion Hidalgo's "Virgenes
Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho" (Christian Maidens Exposed to the
Populace) is housed. The original was destroyed in a fire at the
University of Villadolid in Spain. This painting won the ninth silver
among the 45 entries during the 1884 Exposicion General de Bellas Artes
in Madrid, Spain. This masterpiece depicted the persecution of
Christians in ancient Rome. The painting show how these pagan Roman men
undress and abuse the Christian women at that time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4VEyOTBEE4NiYftUYK-RsNV27smHo5_Xm8CZtvgvW3eLTmbxLoUYVJg_yhrvwDRtil8_E0dUqTjUCjtIEWUwnuCfiu_N9QXjOwrmeCPLBoZ6i8vKEIQxLGE17Vkv_M9rQtmOBug5Ltub/s1600/jl+hidalgo%2527s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4VEyOTBEE4NiYftUYK-RsNV27smHo5_Xm8CZtvgvW3eLTmbxLoUYVJg_yhrvwDRtil8_E0dUqTjUCjtIEWUwnuCfiu_N9QXjOwrmeCPLBoZ6i8vKEIQxLGE17Vkv_M9rQtmOBug5Ltub/s400/jl+hidalgo%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho" at the Metropolitan Museum </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And with the honors that Juan Luna and
Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo reaped, no less than our national hero Jose
Rizal delivered this famous line from his toast speech dedicated to
them: "Genius knows no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like
the light, the air. It is the heritage of all.<br />
<br />
Our
last stop then was in the GSIS Museo ng Sining (Museum of Arts) where
Professor Xiao Chua gave more than two hours of lecture about the
secrets and significance of Juan Luna and his artworks, most especially
"Parisian Life". "Parisian Life" also known as "Interior d'un Cafe",
was created in Paris, France in 1892. It bagged the silver medal award
at the St. Louis Exposition (World Fair) in 1904. Inaugurated in April
1996, The GSIS Museum or Museo ng Sining was created to pay tribute to
the creative endeavors of the contemporary Filipino by consolidating and
defining the best the country has produced in the field of contemporary
visual art. It collects, conserves, documents and exhibits Philippine
art and artistic expressions from the colonial period to the present,
which includes the "Parisian Life". <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbma7ktSlw7s7MucaLUQjgl_uQFAdHB9LOlo6ukdq8QFIbYElLghyphenhyphensjVR-XbaKWQe7iQb3bQAfXZ5O5Ks4x0HwmFW5tkfrL-eLecsHV-BzsgOWnV5bmZaesEgWrbln2ItcYRtZsT71g4HM/s1600/parisian+life+ito.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbma7ktSlw7s7MucaLUQjgl_uQFAdHB9LOlo6ukdq8QFIbYElLghyphenhyphensjVR-XbaKWQe7iQb3bQAfXZ5O5Ks4x0HwmFW5tkfrL-eLecsHV-BzsgOWnV5bmZaesEgWrbln2ItcYRtZsT71g4HM/s400/parisian+life+ito.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"The Parisian"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From the lecture of Prof. Eric Zerrudo,
where Professor Chua has been assimilated to, three interpretations were
made based on research and hidden messages dissected by historians,
educators and curators.<br />
<br />
The first interpretation is
literal. According to Prof. Chua, the setting in the painting features
three of our country's patriots: Dr. Ariston Bautista Lin (right), Juan
Luna (middle) and Dr. Jose Rizal (left). These three men are seated at a
corner and are looking at the woman. Prof. Chua candidly shared that
they may be talking to each other about the woman and each of them
proudly saying that he dated or went out with the lady. As to what kind
kind of a lady she is, was not revealed yet. She may be a prostitute
as Juan Luna paid such women to pose for his paintings or just another
lady whom Jose Rizal had a fling. 'But whatever the conversation may
be, it has a connection to the personalities of the three men, Bautista
Lin being a playboy, Luna being an admirer of female anatomy as depicted
in his paintings, and Rizal who has a taste for international women
which may be interpreted to as being a womanizer. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VB4d94eqZG7tndYZWmlE5H8C7rlDIMzJGrK0CLt-LjEYTBST_mfE4ivrjtYYAPhtTDhlW5cTVx_Ls6bVgjcQz_t7iPofTysGPl_gEhPB0ZkS1pO8gd2g6iGdLL__YVIPA6BIGq_5shgu/s1600/luna+parisian+life+banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VB4d94eqZG7tndYZWmlE5H8C7rlDIMzJGrK0CLt-LjEYTBST_mfE4ivrjtYYAPhtTDhlW5cTVx_Ls6bVgjcQz_t7iPofTysGPl_gEhPB0ZkS1pO8gd2g6iGdLL__YVIPA6BIGq_5shgu/s400/luna+parisian+life+banner.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The
second is biographical. At the time when Parisian Life was painted, in
1892, Juan Luna's personal life was in a bad state. His child died.
He suspected his wife Paz Pardo de Tavera of having an affair with
another man. He got engaged with the murder of his wife and in-laws,
and was imprisoned. The woman symbolized his wife and the painting
depicted his solace.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-4yn-z5cHQVLjUfucNku3aOtdxHZAuM3cijvwf9XjSoHTQ2yXN-TKRSP1XoaXkiIB_JsNZrJGmQL1lcKi-tw4AtmTiP9wI4yOE5KvqCPJiV3JwxynIYgRCQ-ZQ3YiVUyDuv3U3Wwoz5k/s1600/jl+wife.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-4yn-z5cHQVLjUfucNku3aOtdxHZAuM3cijvwf9XjSoHTQ2yXN-TKRSP1XoaXkiIB_JsNZrJGmQL1lcKi-tw4AtmTiP9wI4yOE5KvqCPJiV3JwxynIYgRCQ-ZQ3YiVUyDuv3U3Wwoz5k/s400/jl+wife.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paz Pardo de Tavera</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The third interpretation is historical and
symbolic. Professor Chua revealed that based on the review made my UP
Diliman's College of Fine Arts, the woman is not any ordinary lady, is
not Juan Luna's wife, but our Inang Bayan (Mother Country). The woman's
reflection on a mirror depicted the look of the Philippine map, with
the knees pointing to Cebu symbolizing when the country knelt down to
Christianity. It was in Cebu where the Spaniards introduced
Catholicism. The navel is pointed in Bulacan where the country's and
Asia's first republic was established (Barasoain Church in Malolos,
Bulacan).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIehZZTvRRBGsTZ_ZWGZi3Eq0DYXDvay8L0CwnZX0XgjWjTwlypuB59B5qcujz-DmLTKyoXKIdwI2U0ajvJ_2M9ICpWGdX54Rh9bO-yzHrIcJYeChf-_uKlTxDV4bRBncQ7YmeJkS8SFf/s1600/JL+-+Parisian+Life.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIehZZTvRRBGsTZ_ZWGZi3Eq0DYXDvay8L0CwnZX0XgjWjTwlypuB59B5qcujz-DmLTKyoXKIdwI2U0ajvJ_2M9ICpWGdX54Rh9bO-yzHrIcJYeChf-_uKlTxDV4bRBncQ7YmeJkS8SFf/s400/JL+-+Parisian+Life.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The
painting shows that the woman is with someone as what the hat and
trouser at the end of the seat suggest. The one she's with is no less
than our colonizer Spain. The woman is sitting in an awkward position
just like how our country is during the Spanish times. If you notice,
the woman's glass is half-filled while her companion's is full. This is
how we were treated then. Spain benefited from our country's resources
while we suffered (e.g. encomienda system, the galleon trade, forced
labor etc.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraITwLpGR3Qyi6qG1wWsVafzC1uk2zqeBczpkZ8upYvIvWG2KkzrIucobwvlQD5S1HJGeKdxsusFI_z8YmoNEH3c5c2vnkX-S1RmPkE6jfpqwJstdazb9ChhHrGdrcKNXi9iy1ZblbG9k/s1600/jl+-+hanged.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraITwLpGR3Qyi6qG1wWsVafzC1uk2zqeBczpkZ8upYvIvWG2KkzrIucobwvlQD5S1HJGeKdxsusFI_z8YmoNEH3c5c2vnkX-S1RmPkE6jfpqwJstdazb9ChhHrGdrcKNXi9iy1ZblbG9k/s320/jl+-+hanged.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's
also a no no that a subject (person) is photographed or sketched under a
line. And if you will look at the woman's neck, it only shows that she
is hanged to death. Just like how our mother country was at that time.
Another item featured in the painting is the newspaper L'Echo de Paris
which depicted the story of the French revolution. And as we all know,
the French Revolution is what inspired Andres Bonifacio to establish the
Katipunan and quest for our freedom. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwGJWExSFLEbXCoi4qwlpQ1zYHE1f1ijxxDkZM2O3tpIpodGVsFidrgBCfBp7MUrcC3gvO1xlZH5yYpo12zSyAaBdXS1e9p2YP_ISaT5CxGDyLLdfRZLNCeGu-HYF6Oi3JkmN4BNdjS_H/s1600/jl+lecho.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwGJWExSFLEbXCoi4qwlpQ1zYHE1f1ijxxDkZM2O3tpIpodGVsFidrgBCfBp7MUrcC3gvO1xlZH5yYpo12zSyAaBdXS1e9p2YP_ISaT5CxGDyLLdfRZLNCeGu-HYF6Oi3JkmN4BNdjS_H/s400/jl+lecho.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These
revelations reminded me once more of what our country went through and
what we should have been learning from our past. It also made me
realize how valuable the creations of our artists, past and present.
One of the participants even expressed her gratitude to the organizers
as it opened her eyes on how she can teach Philippine History in another
perspective, in a more interesting and engaging approach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjwWuWbRVQ24v60ecLaonaqUMUZyoO8zFVWRAMWtGJmrgX6DtEdl1ZhDLJ4eh9sYGkMOujhgfmkjbK4lXIX2CfXkG11PYZZbSYhBfTJMcN6-EwxnOHSrhDN-Pak9SA2fDCfZIHWhHpnTt/s1600/jl+himagsikan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjwWuWbRVQ24v60ecLaonaqUMUZyoO8zFVWRAMWtGJmrgX6DtEdl1ZhDLJ4eh9sYGkMOujhgfmkjbK4lXIX2CfXkG11PYZZbSYhBfTJMcN6-EwxnOHSrhDN-Pak9SA2fDCfZIHWhHpnTt/s400/jl+himagsikan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The GSIS Museum revealed that there are plans to sell Juan Luna's masterpiece "Parisian Life".
The government thinks the proceeds from this sale can help settle debts of
the country. To give you an idea how it's valued now, "Parisian Life"
was bought for PhP 46 million from Christie's in Hong Kong in 2002 by
GSIS.<br />
<br />
Well, before you react, here's how it ballooned that much. The
"Parisian Life" was given to Ariston Bautista Lin by Juan Luna and was
displayed in Bahay Nakpil for a long time. Ariston Bautista Lin and his
wife
Petrona Nakpil invited Julio Nakpil and his wife Gregoria de Jesus
(Andres' Bonifacio's widow) to live with them in their house. Because
the Nakpils were childless, the Nakpils inherited Bautista's house in
Quiapo including the Parisian Life and his other paintings. According
to the Philippine Daily Inquirer on October 26, 2002, the one who sold
the painting was a descendant of Ramon Nakpil,
Julio's brother, who said that the painting is part of his inheritance.
This was objected by Nakpil heirs Francisca Nakpil-de Lange and
Mercedes Nakpil Zialcita, daughters of Juan Nakpil and Gregoria de
Jesus. In the interview conducted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer
then, the Nakpil heirs expressed shock and sadness over the sale and
said that the painting should not be sold because it belongs to the
Nakpil clan and is part of the Filipino heritage. <br />
<br />
In
1980, then GSIS President and General Manager Roman Cruz recommended to
the GSIS Board of Trustees the purchase of selected paintings by
prestigious Filipino artists. Apart from its vision of helping define
the growth and of Philippine visual arts, the GSIS considered these art
pieces as some of the best investment vehicles available, believing that
protection of the Filipino public extends beyond insurance into
heritage.<br />
<br />
However, when GSIS acquired the "Parisian
Life" in 2002, the government
agency was highly criticized and the public protested against the
purchase.
Well, I don't want to dwell on politics, but from my point of view, it's
inevitable that our country buys back this priceless painting. Whether
it's through GSIS, who has the money, or another government institution
like for example, the National Museum, who struggles for funding, we
must get back
this Luna treasure. What I am disappointed about is the sale made my
Ramon Nakpil's heir to Christie's in Hong Kong. I am not fully
aware of the legalities of their inheritance, but if he really was the
legal owner of the "Parisian Life" and has all the right on the
painting,
was it difficult for him or her to spare a little concern for the
country and think what will happen if this treasure goes out of the
Philippines? Okay, granted
that nationalism is not in his or her vocabulary and he or she is in so
much need of the money that will come from the sale of the painting, was
it not possible for him or her to make the offer first
to the Philippine government, and perhaps came up with a price that is
beneficial to both parties, to the so-called inheritor of the artwork
and to the people of the Republic of the Philippines? My goodness, this
is a national treasure we are talking about. <br />
<br />
Anyway, that's water under the bridge and I guess we can't do
anything about it. I somehow witnessed how GSIS Museo ng Sining takes care and gives
importance to our country's significant artworks, which include the
"Parisian Life". I wish they can keep it, so they can really take good care
of it, and continue sharing the valuable lessons of this masterpiece to
the current and future generations. But if the government really needs
the fund, my appeal is to restrict the sale locally and require that
whoever may buy it, be it an individual or a corporation or an
institution, to keep it within Philippine shores, take good care of it
and share it with the rest of our countrymen as how the GSIS Museo ng Sining
does. <br />
<br />
I agree that <i>hindi nakakain ang painting </i>(Painting cannot
solve hunger.) but it's not only food that keep us alive. We also need our
souls to be full and enriched, so we can live life to the fullest. And this is what
the "Parisian Life" is for -- to help solve the puzzle of our nationhood
and keep the fire of the Filipino soul.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWhRIa26rpMMoUVwqUig0iIRTOZNOm5JJ6ZoJBHmxqvq3GmeLkyAhwC0ef_P-w7YXHFDTMpUA3T8c5NOQpeO2qULojJelkYFRZ3ZgNdXwBu5qLmtRnrmTq5Tf8a7jsfNv17UOD1qFmf-a/s1600/jl+decoded.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWhRIa26rpMMoUVwqUig0iIRTOZNOm5JJ6ZoJBHmxqvq3GmeLkyAhwC0ef_P-w7YXHFDTMpUA3T8c5NOQpeO2qULojJelkYFRZ3ZgNdXwBu5qLmtRnrmTq5Tf8a7jsfNv17UOD1qFmf-a/s400/jl+decoded.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Juan Luna</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've always envied other countries, like
our Asian neighbors, who give value to their cultural heritage. And
look where they are now? Look at how self worth benefits Korean
industries or the nationhood that keeps Japan on top amidst natural and
man-made calamities, or the love for culture that makes Chinese
everywhere influential. And look at us, who always debated to just
prioritize the current and the urgent, the rice we need to eat each day,
and set aside the long term benefits of preserving our cultural
heritage and enriching our national identity. It doesn't feed the
hungry body but it does nourish the hungry soul. There are other ways
to find food and this is not where it should be extracted from. It's
something to think about folks. <br />
<br />
Back to ><a href="http://www.digitista.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Tatak Digitista</a>foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-52219743624732655422012-04-27T14:00:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:51:19.090-07:00Stored Treasure: The Purple Taxi Cab<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Stored Treasure / 04 September 2011</b><br />
<b> http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-taxi-cab.html</b></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While
in Davao City, we saw this nice looking taxi cab. Actually it's Misagh
Bahadoran of Team Azkals who first saw this. Then I just took a shot
of the purple taxi cab as it's definitely a Scene Stealer for someone
who's in Davao City for the first time! My female colleagues at work
who are obsessed with anything purple (and pink) will definitely want to
ride this cab. Paging Romsy, Ampy, Lelen, Jiejie Jane, Rach, visit
Davao now girls! =) There are other colors as well! =D</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP17DDXL3aMyddaXzwiMBGiKYIVvLMLtihCBtsFsete_rtOP8h4A4DvbiZffZErbs22LPP_G4h66HA9dS3J2vqWb3h6Ziz4OCK0pXb1GUFkqzjUcp7HocW2hjR5NLOqNA4P3MiTlySxE/s1600/1+davao+purple+cab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP17DDXL3aMyddaXzwiMBGiKYIVvLMLtihCBtsFsete_rtOP8h4A4DvbiZffZErbs22LPP_G4h66HA9dS3J2vqWb3h6Ziz4OCK0pXb1GUFkqzjUcp7HocW2hjR5NLOqNA4P3MiTlySxE/s400/1+davao+purple+cab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-48594961546424908512012-04-27T13:00:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:51:19.087-07:00Stored Treasure: Yoohoo, Who Wants Crocodile Ice Cream?<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Stored Treasure / 04 September 2011</b><br />
<b> http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/09/yoohoo-who-wants-crocodile-ice-cream.html</b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Right
after the presscon of Team Cortal SQR - Azkals in Davao City, we took a
time off and headed to Crocodile Park. While having that afternoon
siesta, Azkals' Yannick Tuason, who is also from Davao, introduced us to
his brothers and friends including Chef Dino Dizon (also known as the
Crocodile Chef from Davao) who owns a different kind of ice cream brand
dubbed as the Sweet Spot!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just
in front of the Crocodile Park, Sweet Spot offers luscious flavors
with unique names such as Mt. Apo Coffee Crush, Mangomazing, Davao
Chololoco, Purple Pleasure, Peanut Brittle, Melon Madness, Crazy Monkey
Banana, and the new Dragon Fruit (which I usually encounter in FB's Cafe
World and Restaurant City! hehe) But what really caught my attention
is the Durian Dynamite! Why? 'Because that's the flavor we jokingly
dubbed as the Crocodile Ice Cream! Yes folks, Durian Dynamite, Davao's
local gem is mixed with another local treasure, the egg of a crocodile!
=D Perhaps, way back, I won't be as courageous to try new or exotic
dishes but I was enlightened with what Travel Time's Susan Calo Medina
said in one of her interviews. She said, on taking exotic food, "I'll
try it once. If I like it, I'll take it again. If not, then at least I
experienced it."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDKazD9XqWqecbxNOL3Ar5wAfSbjt41M9PumLl4J3Ykym09A_iOIkoF5dhj5xfl69LzrvROAReKGlh2ZNjFQ0TBPpVAGPObTyCctywM3qlUuqFm996oln0Fl54c44QQ_jQoftxpg5KPs/s1600/1+davao+crocodile+ice+cream.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDKazD9XqWqecbxNOL3Ar5wAfSbjt41M9PumLl4J3Ykym09A_iOIkoF5dhj5xfl69LzrvROAReKGlh2ZNjFQ0TBPpVAGPObTyCctywM3qlUuqFm996oln0Fl54c44QQ_jQoftxpg5KPs/s400/1+davao+crocodile+ice+cream.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Durian
Dynamite Ice Cream which we jokingly dubbed as the Crocodile Ice Cream
as it uses crocodile egg as ingredient. Sorry for the crater, Misagh
tried it first! Haha =D</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsYpAZd2U5K4LSgiy1J3_CFKR753WAHmah8-uJUwZAvKvp83xKkGxenKgLGSJhaLeL1BlH83E-a1I35yTNjXjikvxnPOL_wZ3BKKTkJNSBd30YgnA6kkga0sAkwplYFgiFxeAqOR5vxI/s1600/1+davao+misagh+icecream.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsYpAZd2U5K4LSgiy1J3_CFKR753WAHmah8-uJUwZAvKvp83xKkGxenKgLGSJhaLeL1BlH83E-a1I35yTNjXjikvxnPOL_wZ3BKKTkJNSBd30YgnA6kkga0sAkwplYFgiFxeAqOR5vxI/s400/1+davao+misagh+icecream.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Misagh
Bahadoran was not as adventurous so he opted for Crazy Monkey Banana.
But we joked at him and said that the flavor he chose was mixed with
monkey milk! And everyone laughed! =D</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The
rest of the flavors though do not use crocodile eggs. While the rest
are enjoying their ice creams, I asked the Sweet Spot staff why is the
Durian Dynamite the only flavor using the crocodile egg. He said that
the the one with crocodile egg is a little more pricey. All the
flavors are priced at PhP 35 per scoop but the Crocodile Ice Cream is at
PhP 70. Well, I guess we can assume why a crocodile is more expensive
than a chicken right? =D Anyway, Dino Dizon said that a crocodile egg
is 80% egg yolk, which means it has less cholesterol. And hence, a
crocodile egg gives more protein and energy than an ordinary egg! So
there's a premium added into it! =)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRgN_UELP77KKZu8O7CEp_aNR0Gyd-FvbIYnqDb1vUGqvXOXQ9calQopBoy1TRcGp6acAD-iwgQbcg_HO0XXQJ-4JGYQMim5BGHBlMC-Z5hGjLa1AtGP4dZGicW5GMMmeX9q7IeKkF9c/s1600/davao+banana+ice+cream.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRgN_UELP77KKZu8O7CEp_aNR0Gyd-FvbIYnqDb1vUGqvXOXQ9calQopBoy1TRcGp6acAD-iwgQbcg_HO0XXQJ-4JGYQMim5BGHBlMC-Z5hGjLa1AtGP4dZGicW5GMMmeX9q7IeKkF9c/s320/davao+banana+ice+cream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crazy Monkey Banana</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kz2EbN7W0AGAO8VvKmMKjN4JsqkgEIwi10FGhwOtsATa3ZAO-3zZZRo8lyEuuLTiRvy_hcT1-9k87iBUDrl3VwtZRKsaf0gw4PljVq4ZF3M74hKdAJcvgdv3BY85P-QaMyPGDoEN-3E/s1600/davao+melon+ic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kz2EbN7W0AGAO8VvKmMKjN4JsqkgEIwi10FGhwOtsATa3ZAO-3zZZRo8lyEuuLTiRvy_hcT1-9k87iBUDrl3VwtZRKsaf0gw4PljVq4ZF3M74hKdAJcvgdv3BY85P-QaMyPGDoEN-3E/s320/davao+melon+ic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Melon Madness</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHHiCQhE0Ql7Fqlwp-_o1EPD2yA_KAjl6_8F2erjGZootxQE46YtMhzO3BTLugrnF9MkUVI6TfsgjPSRzOh0O0-RfbRp_J646O-J11kZNs8zTTNiTqd85JOtsnE0zUEXJgHjWww4PhOg/s1600/davao+mango+icecream.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHHiCQhE0Ql7Fqlwp-_o1EPD2yA_KAjl6_8F2erjGZootxQE46YtMhzO3BTLugrnF9MkUVI6TfsgjPSRzOh0O0-RfbRp_J646O-J11kZNs8zTTNiTqd85JOtsnE0zUEXJgHjWww4PhOg/s320/davao+mango+icecream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mangomazing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E7DK8pEnIwUvKGo44wmnnAl30xnLG9VCGVIN4Uxjfgm9TSkchXGWZYfZLKDRj2gIROZWzkMnxBP0qVxxRYA7v0YWws5GhdPzCt_ats5479fF6n2t4O2aQquJjMxq8a90UFxF_bPwKlg/s1600/davao+ube+ic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E7DK8pEnIwUvKGo44wmnnAl30xnLG9VCGVIN4Uxjfgm9TSkchXGWZYfZLKDRj2gIROZWzkMnxBP0qVxxRYA7v0YWws5GhdPzCt_ats5479fF6n2t4O2aQquJjMxq8a90UFxF_bPwKlg/s320/davao+ube+ic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ube</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGvComyKQjQvpqEzW4UvCMssv7hyXrOrTvyBrugaqNpNgrAQlkv9Ur-5Wk11yxQlaWCiENg80Vaztdapv3bwO6UFTStIwo6TWBjUQynVn2QCAQTTN0K5K8FpuBTXhfZ-2RYmMEfamjdA/s1600/davao+durian+ic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGvComyKQjQvpqEzW4UvCMssv7hyXrOrTvyBrugaqNpNgrAQlkv9Ur-5Wk11yxQlaWCiENg80Vaztdapv3bwO6UFTStIwo6TWBjUQynVn2QCAQTTN0K5K8FpuBTXhfZ-2RYmMEfamjdA/s320/davao+durian+ic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Durian Dynamite</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Okay, I
guess you've been waiting for my verdict. My rating, it tastes like ice
cream, I did not taste anything "crocodiley" at all. Well of course,
it's Durian flavor, so that's still something rare for a visitor like
me. =) But sans the smell, I like Durian. Dino said that it's
actually their intention, to let people know that it tastes like any
other egg but with the added power and energy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbFF3TI_FqIEBlcbTmvb_cCeMyBEc6Vs4wf2XbBceMe3F4na-beuQ03brRru70c8TvUAEuM7fc-JfmcckrYF8M04P3riL28vMfYmpEn9UleCv0XoHp2VUma9ZmHeV5uThx14uLxD99cA/s1600/davao+sweet+spot+staff+with+azkals.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbFF3TI_FqIEBlcbTmvb_cCeMyBEc6Vs4wf2XbBceMe3F4na-beuQ03brRru70c8TvUAEuM7fc-JfmcckrYF8M04P3riL28vMfYmpEn9UleCv0XoHp2VUma9ZmHeV5uThx14uLxD99cA/s400/davao+sweet+spot+staff+with+azkals.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sweet Spot staff with Team Azkals</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGecnqnVjSsy_TjvJfiCOajc9z-v1dv3M7Wh0kPchuSnct05T9eafBx3GuykVjEhBXg3Xi86w0AYOmUEqIcXNArCSHrnBPnvi326FlxvD2zE3gAdbaY9AM8S1m2SEvGTKrTHwLR6S2TQ/s1600/1+final+davao+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGecnqnVjSsy_TjvJfiCOajc9z-v1dv3M7Wh0kPchuSnct05T9eafBx3GuykVjEhBXg3Xi86w0AYOmUEqIcXNArCSHrnBPnvi326FlxvD2zE3gAdbaY9AM8S1m2SEvGTKrTHwLR6S2TQ/s400/1+final+davao+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Team Cortal SQR - Azkals with friends</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After the Durian Dynamite, I also tried the Dragon Fruit, and I liked it as well. It tastes like strawberry and kiwi fruit. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO-nsWtPvAuIxYiv3n9kt_0ISCe7xgcphQKS7tPW9w2M9idMG3enktc30avwda78vNE2QSHYHNoTolvW2QDKjc_8vGCSnv-FyCq47Y4nvWEklREa13kPox6mLLPPqlyKZ1DulewPKhqw/s1600/1+davao+dragon+fruit+ice+cream.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO-nsWtPvAuIxYiv3n9kt_0ISCe7xgcphQKS7tPW9w2M9idMG3enktc30avwda78vNE2QSHYHNoTolvW2QDKjc_8vGCSnv-FyCq47Y4nvWEklREa13kPox6mLLPPqlyKZ1DulewPKhqw/s320/1+davao+dragon+fruit+ice+cream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dragon Fruit</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3r0J96HHg5SzFF7A7YPr0Uu7vdqwRqaOw9S63WLi0tsvqiakAnps8K0M1T9fUVpWYR0-rFJCscX38_iQEV8aNbHH551-91miiQcO4IIWiTvaqQU1Irm4nkidA0Nt_qsNValnryubhlA/s1600/davao+dragon+fruit+ic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3r0J96HHg5SzFF7A7YPr0Uu7vdqwRqaOw9S63WLi0tsvqiakAnps8K0M1T9fUVpWYR0-rFJCscX38_iQEV8aNbHH551-91miiQcO4IIWiTvaqQU1Irm4nkidA0Nt_qsNValnryubhlA/s320/davao+dragon+fruit+ic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well,
I guess that's the price of being adventurous, the chance to discover
new treasures! =) So the next time you go to Davao and visit Crocodile
Park, try the Durian Dynamite ice cream and judge it yourself. =)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmM_8fdktf-fxrLY_5XSzaJDQx6yhMctYssRk81Bp4_qAAMoVc9UxDhDO7yrTiaDTQ78YcQXDvTf2MWydfOV1UJxTuseJvIDKprNSrlWT6bZf5bd485z0NYjgmpX7Qlx-gYvO7SI_74M/s1600/davao+sweet+spot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmM_8fdktf-fxrLY_5XSzaJDQx6yhMctYssRk81Bp4_qAAMoVc9UxDhDO7yrTiaDTQ78YcQXDvTf2MWydfOV1UJxTuseJvIDKprNSrlWT6bZf5bd485z0NYjgmpX7Qlx-gYvO7SI_74M/s400/davao+sweet+spot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXtRf9_SI6waTSFza-7BbdC_emX_Pb8iEkCQkB3K7yehmblPy-nHnGYQY3KnRPY5PZmxhWVc7xJPVHU8eL1W18ZZuc_4iSTBdBBlbTrvsJMaws9N7B91ojA1dM6FdUlNdVsdLB-GzisE/s1600/267744_174799559254313_174799445920991_426182_7161604_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXtRf9_SI6waTSFza-7BbdC_emX_Pb8iEkCQkB3K7yehmblPy-nHnGYQY3KnRPY5PZmxhWVc7xJPVHU8eL1W18ZZuc_4iSTBdBBlbTrvsJMaws9N7B91ojA1dM6FdUlNdVsdLB-GzisE/s320/267744_174799559254313_174799445920991_426182_7161604_n.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-69418620827096692972012-04-27T12:30:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:51:19.101-07:00Stored Treasure: A Courtesy Call to Davao's Monarch, the Phlippine Eagle<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Stored Treasure / 20 September 2011</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/09/courtesy-call-to-phlippine-eagle.html</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've
frequented Luzon and Visayas but even if I hate to admit it, I've never
landed in Mindanao. The planned vacations (Davao City) and even work
related trips (Basilan, Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City) never pushed
through, whether they were always being rerouted to another location or
plainly canceled. But this time, I made sure the plan finally pushes
through. And lucky enough, I was Mindanao bound, via Davao City!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well,
the trip was primarily for work but I tried to look for a window of
opportunity to make a side trip, at least for what Davao is most famous
for since I really have a very limited time. And unfortunately, I can't
also extend this time around as I have something to do immediately the
day after my flight back to Manila.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After
a series of radio guestings (DZMM, Bombo Radyo and RMN) and lunch at
Harana, I headed to one of Davao's prides, the Philippine Eagle Center!
=)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1c0DqwBpooUBpAxl-u4qZ75Pwj6lta8N57KdD-lCjyTWcwr8mneNINGyYb_rDoqHD36s8QT4wGlXJ671-sp6UPAS4lJek6PDcONRDOl4mg9I4hX3OcdR41Iac3okiI3cqtH9YRgkOjUU/s1600/1+eagle+mindanao+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1c0DqwBpooUBpAxl-u4qZ75Pwj6lta8N57KdD-lCjyTWcwr8mneNINGyYb_rDoqHD36s8QT4wGlXJ671-sp6UPAS4lJek6PDcONRDOl4mg9I4hX3OcdR41Iac3okiI3cqtH9YRgkOjUU/s400/1+eagle+mindanao+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a>First,
I was told that the Eagle Center was 30 to 45 minutes away from the
city proper. Well, I never learned my lesson when asking directions in a
province hehe. I think we always have a different metrics in terms of
how far a destination is. It actually took me 1 to 1/2 hours to get
there! But don't get me wrong, am determined to check the place. And
good thing I did because I got what I wanted. It's like marking a flag
at a newly reached territory, saying mission accomplished! When I said
kumpleto na ang pagiging Filipino ko when I had my photo taken at Rizal
Shrine in Manila, I realized that it still has a sequel because I
haven't been in Mindanao. But this time, a photo with the Philippine
Eagle finally sealed it! =) Kumpleto na talaga hehe. But that doesn't
mean I will stop exploring the country. The journey continues for
Tatak Digitista's Bayanihan Republic!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
As
we entered the gate of the park, a tribal group named Matig Salug
welcomed us and sold wooden bracelets that they made. I actually bought
5 of them, as a little help to our fellow countrymen from the tribe.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8aqX-1En7dYvr1A3NIBFxq0oqCxlw6qCombAf4SGFiaWob61OYEetOEKZNN84Dtaz2qaSZaa10OUr7uSYBHwKTfNxXWDFtJev_vnXOfGZi9rXNT3YKIPjOpCveRXLZymNnvGrstWLDw/s1600/1+davao+tribal+women.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8aqX-1En7dYvr1A3NIBFxq0oqCxlw6qCombAf4SGFiaWob61OYEetOEKZNN84Dtaz2qaSZaa10OUr7uSYBHwKTfNxXWDFtJev_vnXOfGZi9rXNT3YKIPjOpCveRXLZymNnvGrstWLDw/s400/1+davao+tribal+women.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
After
the tribeswomen, we were again welcomed by two raptors, the brahminy
kites. But don't worry, I think they're used to accepting visitors.
But just don't touch them please! =)<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1qGG_I7ssoeSHSW5fMDCvB536gyVVUiBXHkBXaVALAYJmrWyYuiRiqCgfT1V8htJZfUIm7rDYpEE4vawtJS8aFkOS-EtnV2jzcltXMO8SqxJLVUds6FKxINce1-itsiJ1oxFIzuD3n4/s1600/1+davao+lawin+front+shot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1qGG_I7ssoeSHSW5fMDCvB536gyVVUiBXHkBXaVALAYJmrWyYuiRiqCgfT1V8htJZfUIm7rDYpEE4vawtJS8aFkOS-EtnV2jzcltXMO8SqxJLVUds6FKxINce1-itsiJ1oxFIzuD3n4/s400/1+davao+lawin+front+shot.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy3tIfF7G5PTd1VrdZjZU6YVHF2YoHWyKNGXiyQKU7_OSgxyto-xH3XGEYa19TQoXd1OA0SX5C-Drqb3QeNokTuEiGsqDk47XATh_ABnOcxqFA4Vq02RZtMaBvBnXZa9erHPYW2CE4DY/s1600/1+davao+lawin+full+body.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy3tIfF7G5PTd1VrdZjZU6YVHF2YoHWyKNGXiyQKU7_OSgxyto-xH3XGEYa19TQoXd1OA0SX5C-Drqb3QeNokTuEiGsqDk47XATh_ABnOcxqFA4Vq02RZtMaBvBnXZa9erHPYW2CE4DY/s400/1+davao+lawin+full+body.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtHLtb2hQrGo8r2Veevz_22XQvdT_ppHvQAQcO7dKQWJOVU3V9Af9KNMVn7QACkV1UbVU5iVPERNaCqeDzfEQ9klaKceojSjogoXzhaVUB2IIwp9V_wSncNpd4vLJp0WBteD8AMrk02M/s1600/contest+P1010061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtHLtb2hQrGo8r2Veevz_22XQvdT_ppHvQAQcO7dKQWJOVU3V9Af9KNMVn7QACkV1UbVU5iVPERNaCqeDzfEQ9klaKceojSjogoXzhaVUB2IIwp9V_wSncNpd4vLJp0WBteD8AMrk02M/s400/contest+P1010061.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5H8fWAATlGFh5ATA3j-hJbsfALGX_f6YOA4_jzHU5HrCc0EUJLJKiRIZA8bPDiViQTJb8RTUA6OGQZmD8i6sq59u8P_8yHQw_7BKjW5GeAoJahX9rsj9g1CW6NXGEljeIHkzNqo2ekg/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+territorial.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5H8fWAATlGFh5ATA3j-hJbsfALGX_f6YOA4_jzHU5HrCc0EUJLJKiRIZA8bPDiViQTJb8RTUA6OGQZmD8i6sq59u8P_8yHQw_7BKjW5GeAoJahX9rsj9g1CW6NXGEljeIHkzNqo2ekg/s400/1+davao+mindanao+territorial.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then finally, I met one of the kings. His name is Mindanao!
Philippine Eagle (used to be called as Monkey Eating Eagle) can also be
called Haribon, derived from Haring Ibon (King of the Birds).</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhfNmwHGgQnpuNg8btLfko6o6fBSLHHuaoDSQoQfFU_c91_2VpzL_hJX97AuHoGKcMbMsGWi39fSQiLuRtGwUeEy5ZrogGRWnd1-3d6POFp5s5dA571S3FGgaUfriZIof3vFv9Tj_D_M/s1600/1+davao+foydi+with+mindanao+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhfNmwHGgQnpuNg8btLfko6o6fBSLHHuaoDSQoQfFU_c91_2VpzL_hJX97AuHoGKcMbMsGWi39fSQiLuRtGwUeEy5ZrogGRWnd1-3d6POFp5s5dA571S3FGgaUfriZIof3vFv9Tj_D_M/s320/1+davao+foydi+with+mindanao+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And with this shot, I could say I finally say, Mindanao, accomplished. Hehe</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Philippine Eagle Center takes care of
36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also home to
other animals like 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2
species of reptiles. It recreates a tropical rain forest environment
and offers tourists a quick look of the Philippines' forest ecosystem.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation takes care of the conservation of the
Philippine Eagle and through the Philippine Eagle Center, Filipinos are
thought of the importance of environmental sustainability.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTDDYAH9PqQEo0W9hj_sAqAgifVXyfpqcHrF90SC53Zg2jFtUhUWE3Hgm2UsyjPzij3taeOnfheX81L5AJGTUjoJgXfsCVICL1WQmMt1zoW8EI_FcNwNbNqoPJFY25V4KyYNHEU8qhJ4/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+cu+angry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTDDYAH9PqQEo0W9hj_sAqAgifVXyfpqcHrF90SC53Zg2jFtUhUWE3Hgm2UsyjPzij3taeOnfheX81L5AJGTUjoJgXfsCVICL1WQmMt1zoW8EI_FcNwNbNqoPJFY25V4KyYNHEU8qhJ4/s400/1+davao+mindanao+cu+angry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>When the
Haribon's feathers on his top stands, that means they're getting
territorial or they just don't like too much noise. So we just have to
be silent okay, the owner of the place is a quiet type of guy. =)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI-yI5L54LUr8VxWE1yKyNbbWts6oiwJYTRB88QWo4um611fmEEApPJsmwQtZ4NXhgwKVXU0jMag9m4iVjUrzI7EveFs__haJ2Zd3UsHqfmnG9Oa5EKLAHaA20-_mbn71rfnr0_9etbI/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+angry+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI-yI5L54LUr8VxWE1yKyNbbWts6oiwJYTRB88QWo4um611fmEEApPJsmwQtZ4NXhgwKVXU0jMag9m4iVjUrzI7EveFs__haJ2Zd3UsHqfmnG9Oa5EKLAHaA20-_mbn71rfnr0_9etbI/s400/1+davao+mindanao+angry+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wag nyong subukan si Mindanao, hindi nya kayo tatantanan! </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR_BTLdq4YqwI-22rYkmzzylfyIW62t5Ck_wYa8Z35p1fUb7ta3N2dRqZRTpbgopU1i5CYPnB9qOQU_3l0kN8G8jYETskxHMIWGil-Hf4pmnbxbhyN_sGefywwmLdfoYQKdLKYdkdzLs/s1600/1+davao+eagle+lands.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR_BTLdq4YqwI-22rYkmzzylfyIW62t5Ck_wYa8Z35p1fUb7ta3N2dRqZRTpbgopU1i5CYPnB9qOQU_3l0kN8G8jYETskxHMIWGil-Hf4pmnbxbhyN_sGefywwmLdfoYQKdLKYdkdzLs/s400/1+davao+eagle+lands.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then he flies!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjaIYG15WYh5y1BlfyvDksx6WV8Cj5T0aUFfWzCyAuSo_Ud0r-C5_IMZmU6RMVcqSMgWDLRoQi0nKVuZcWxXON9q_tGcxNdt52T-0l5_ey42M2sfOcS7gfXeK8k5B4m102996nlfYjAU/s1600/1+davao+mighty+mindanao.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjaIYG15WYh5y1BlfyvDksx6WV8Cj5T0aUFfWzCyAuSo_Ud0r-C5_IMZmU6RMVcqSMgWDLRoQi0nKVuZcWxXON9q_tGcxNdt52T-0l5_ey42M2sfOcS7gfXeK8k5B4m102996nlfYjAU/s400/1+davao+mighty+mindanao.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>He spreads his enormous wings!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1OX1RYeaJo3bfqOtnK-2AHF2E4F-GuUzrnY5vHZm9EYwgz8zwKmmPpXjZ5pkCif-ErbWMJXlZW3hrlXmwbSGTwYjeGDs6iPu0eqLS9-UWxYJH5xKGxK5wJGqzEC8T9nbnK-x4TXjmao/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+raptor+look.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1OX1RYeaJo3bfqOtnK-2AHF2E4F-GuUzrnY5vHZm9EYwgz8zwKmmPpXjZ5pkCif-ErbWMJXlZW3hrlXmwbSGTwYjeGDs6iPu0eqLS9-UWxYJH5xKGxK5wJGqzEC8T9nbnK-x4TXjmao/s400/1+davao+mindanao+raptor+look.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then he slows down, as if he's listeni</i>ng to us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfrVTYIYsR0DTfoppwBItZWkU29cQQWghydoIVReh81joS5DogFYR1fy9xozuk8mFEh7KXZp2bdtWsztjdqwEVZyzp5CKYS6GxB2OXffNy5hDxRmdve4UJv7ZP1wtPNXIM5taQFQM1Hc/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+furious.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfrVTYIYsR0DTfoppwBItZWkU29cQQWghydoIVReh81joS5DogFYR1fy9xozuk8mFEh7KXZp2bdtWsztjdqwEVZyzp5CKYS6GxB2OXffNy5hDxRmdve4UJv7ZP1wtPNXIM5taQFQM1Hc/s400/1+davao+mindanao+furious.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then Mindanao thinks.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoMZJiQ2y81Gyt6mvMXA79wgpbyh1_9W-PwFqkUYv1eIPyHarHTZAGUgSkAwzKFGQVqEhzx_vKAz9eYF1afkjPn6aDeW7kk3GAf1_v-8CtdH2K0a3FK_1kuQ48hfBHjfXAGp9OMCDdUE/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+eye+to+eye.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoMZJiQ2y81Gyt6mvMXA79wgpbyh1_9W-PwFqkUYv1eIPyHarHTZAGUgSkAwzKFGQVqEhzx_vKAz9eYF1afkjPn6aDeW7kk3GAf1_v-8CtdH2K0a3FK_1kuQ48hfBHjfXAGp9OMCDdUE/s400/1+davao+mindanao+eye+to+eye.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then he looks at us, as if saying my eyes are on you! </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvJ03TjXk64aylpYv8G__BrBjPgkPgOip9lGSXaBih3T923LMnEdLYvf0VX7XG-eVhdU_kALeEW57M-xW4dn_tB8-U45cNXiI9iyDcepKeY8l9zCnv660oSXm6jspHwLT1Nmn_onyzcs/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+pogi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvJ03TjXk64aylpYv8G__BrBjPgkPgOip9lGSXaBih3T923LMnEdLYvf0VX7XG-eVhdU_kALeEW57M-xW4dn_tB8-U45cNXiI9iyDcepKeY8l9zCnv660oSXm6jspHwLT1Nmn_onyzcs/s400/1+davao+mindanao+pogi.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then he lets us pass! Haha =D</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJfmVHnMXP0fYmmIieW_Q0nqsO_x9-BQtJ5zrUoOzUPYKc7LQ3_JpTz2YJBtLouxzbWKaEDKnUOt2wV9rb4W7LoIwxHnOU5A1dXrrIAA6TUGYAIEqddn_uYDPTpoNe1QQeEy6NeyzMws/s400/1+davao+waling+waling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then as we leave Mindanao, I saw another Mindanao and Philippine gem, our very own orchid dubbed as Waling-Waling.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFFdwW8BZxWZn523AA5Erwddc4_YFuvTOyFIE4AFn0ZZ-C1QHZKUiuRG-jS2NjMTkOc8xyNA79F6NKLGWHMnaZindSU_Ovt26yMSgad4rM7SEX-6foGdddqtCAaOmqpD1YM-O8OL8MFg/s1600/1+davao+durian+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFFdwW8BZxWZn523AA5Erwddc4_YFuvTOyFIE4AFn0ZZ-C1QHZKUiuRG-jS2NjMTkOc8xyNA79F6NKLGWHMnaZindSU_Ovt26yMSgad4rM7SEX-6foGdddqtCAaOmqpD1YM-O8OL8MFg/s400/1+davao+durian+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then
here comes another southern royalty, the fruit called durian. If they
say "Don't judge the book by its cover", here the saying is "Don't judge
the fruit by its smell!". Yup, it smells bad, really really bad, like
rotten mangoes but it tastes yummy! =)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u4yx7zkNpCCNVZ3MRItqlfPznFLZ52N3N9zFrZqZ3Ff2dP0bKniW2NtkOhan2_g7SYj9zuFDlV0YkpYNLX0zSNmH8VjmyYPjhhZDIH3hztL6iXnBQTqAOaUmzehyphenhyphen0HNtLd-bDTJFfbI/s1600/1+davao+caged+eagle+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u4yx7zkNpCCNVZ3MRItqlfPznFLZ52N3N9zFrZqZ3Ff2dP0bKniW2NtkOhan2_g7SYj9zuFDlV0YkpYNLX0zSNmH8VjmyYPjhhZDIH3hztL6iXnBQTqAOaUmzehyphenhyphen0HNtLd-bDTJFfbI/s320/1+davao+caged+eagle+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9syKqajw-bKBrgIMACS73f-GO6tEz3Ppw8YqF27ehgiGJViwgR-4PN0O4IPm30xDEcgraKRW1WYVRKADHAffx4eTfl8K_aa7VrghffO1IBoBaVSSAarQxqGI7iQUKh0c7FWje1sjg45g/s1600/1+davao+eagle+couple.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9syKqajw-bKBrgIMACS73f-GO6tEz3Ppw8YqF27ehgiGJViwgR-4PN0O4IPm30xDEcgraKRW1WYVRKADHAffx4eTfl8K_aa7VrghffO1IBoBaVSSAarQxqGI7iQUKh0c7FWje1sjg45g/s320/1+davao+eagle+couple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pair of
Philippine eagle. They say Philippine Eagles are monogamous, they keep
one partner for lifetime. Well, who says humans are the most
intelligent creatures? Haha. A Philippine eagle changes partner only
when his or her mate dies.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DienER6oyLLQTDvTABU9sgylJaado_jKLlX_gfafwPTFAih7KZ7E8PgNrT0Q6RzHmqXeGejGkIUjomADPQqUVLpkjgvQaPf6HuLKiFLk_jZolzciVhaIK2Lqzl9aCNEbKduMgD0zRxY/s1600/1+davao+brown+deer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DienER6oyLLQTDvTABU9sgylJaado_jKLlX_gfafwPTFAih7KZ7E8PgNrT0Q6RzHmqXeGejGkIUjomADPQqUVLpkjgvQaPf6HuLKiFLk_jZolzciVhaIK2Lqzl9aCNEbKduMgD0zRxY/s320/1+davao+brown+deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some Philippine Brown Deers also reside in the Philippine Eagle Center.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiErkKvVPT2xCIwh2e2lL9hs4-GB_sUPlvHZBC3xcHXKAKFr3bbohk81ElfophYSXnkZasUVjXFPOMHL3XsI-_0hCgxcUtBlc2_J_HV_lGmHYTbpl9n3w64hApE1aPxyKa9RtRPK9WO8g/s1600/1+davao+caged+lawin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiErkKvVPT2xCIwh2e2lL9hs4-GB_sUPlvHZBC3xcHXKAKFr3bbohk81ElfophYSXnkZasUVjXFPOMHL3XsI-_0hCgxcUtBlc2_J_HV_lGmHYTbpl9n3w64hApE1aPxyKa9RtRPK9WO8g/s400/1+davao+caged+lawin.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love this shot! Although, I do hope that the Philippine Eagle Center will soon be like Singapore's </i><i><a href="http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/mark-of-jurong-bird-park-explore.html">Jurong Bird Park</a>.
Our birds deserve that kind of facility and those really big cages.
Well of course, they deserve to be flying freely on our forests but as
long as humans won't learn the lessons well, they should be protected
and conserved.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQn25OHGXdXL4vM0xAPjjxmPQB2aaEqpJr7z0GgE5jzn-XETcKiAoq3PkWFkP9MC_HY4weRW6tT7__wUUlnHj3mchstiNyNnmOBmoSAVz2C7M3Ad5qASJLlu_XlYnY3XkSokLA_vDmXw/s1600/1+davao+dakila.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQn25OHGXdXL4vM0xAPjjxmPQB2aaEqpJr7z0GgE5jzn-XETcKiAoq3PkWFkP9MC_HY4weRW6tT7__wUUlnHj3mchstiNyNnmOBmoSAVz2C7M3Ad5qASJLlu_XlYnY3XkSokLA_vDmXw/s320/1+davao+dakila.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This Philippine Eagle is Dakila.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV2AInJoX_qULsl60ZIhNhfKRt5Vdnzfjx9AYPBZoXOmTTvRITkNOklYvnBiUil8pj9qWPvnw_iRfFGx4a5d6g4oR5VhuK39Ef7ge0GetAniIcNagFpX4Nxe_CDT6pct1oWJriK2wwpU/s1600/1+davao+monkey+in+the+middle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV2AInJoX_qULsl60ZIhNhfKRt5Vdnzfjx9AYPBZoXOmTTvRITkNOklYvnBiUil8pj9qWPvnw_iRfFGx4a5d6g4oR5VhuK39Ef7ge0GetAniIcNagFpX4Nxe_CDT6pct1oWJriK2wwpU/s320/1+davao+monkey+in+the+middle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Long Tailed Macaque who seems to be serving as the look out of the facility hehe.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUo8DYPkh4cmQjlRYh6lZGDvJpW_DrulVBI5yOYih-uHiiBc4M-4Z_hAN7nZjzdSV1aiWAgea2FuXD3ljIaMvA9KOXgCufC4dEPDcfjm28y1DBgM4DPahmV8qRzNva9cq5NffvXqNADo/s1600/1+davao+monkey+tulay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUo8DYPkh4cmQjlRYh6lZGDvJpW_DrulVBI5yOYih-uHiiBc4M-4Z_hAN7nZjzdSV1aiWAgea2FuXD3ljIaMvA9KOXgCufC4dEPDcfjm28y1DBgM4DPahmV8qRzNva9cq5NffvXqNADo/s320/1+davao+monkey+tulay.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5NdaivmPQchIJ2wYr8I0-e8kzHBrhsypNrzlXNuMyJWM8-9WtVwEUFb8pmvyGkHMZ2mqr_ZlDlo-40OQhrcvM7qoBtKVoOkBhlPsJuWHOlQSBJRqqFdFn6K_4hgHJ0nADmbCI3GTTMY/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+wide+shot+cu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5NdaivmPQchIJ2wYr8I0-e8kzHBrhsypNrzlXNuMyJWM8-9WtVwEUFb8pmvyGkHMZ2mqr_ZlDlo-40OQhrcvM7qoBtKVoOkBhlPsJuWHOlQSBJRqqFdFn6K_4hgHJ0nADmbCI3GTTMY/s400/1+davao+mindanao+wide+shot+cu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And then back to Mindanao to say goodbye. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKbyEmMNRdXOKDdkYJkhIqUzjKhCJdiqyOYSV9mcNWGGo_-ObUW2LRuuRaHPz5iRA5f5KOe1j5ZWtRoPQwkh6cEf9LVH18XwOvS5_haJeDOox2FsGFvZDUmHDE1K2EG6bgG14xfjtsZQ/s1600/1+davao+mindanao+cu+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKbyEmMNRdXOKDdkYJkhIqUzjKhCJdiqyOYSV9mcNWGGo_-ObUW2LRuuRaHPz5iRA5f5KOe1j5ZWtRoPQwkh6cEf9LVH18XwOvS5_haJeDOox2FsGFvZDUmHDE1K2EG6bgG14xfjtsZQ/s400/1+davao+mindanao+cu+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well,
it was just a quick trip, as if a courtesy call to Davao's kings and
queens of the forests. I wasn't able to catch the educational programs
slated for visitors. But for sure, I'll be back there. And that I
promise.<br />
<br />
The Philippine Eagle, known to be among the
biggest eagles in the world, is considered not just a natural pride but
a cultural treasure as well. The Philippine Eagle symbolizes our
strength as a country rich with natural resources. And if they will be
gone, it simply tells a lot how we value our treasures as a nation. So
we have to protect the Philippine Eagle at all cost and we must conserve
the species so that they will still be around to teach the next
generation of Filipinos the value each life and how it is connected to
one other. To help in the conservation efforts of the Philippine Eagle,
you may visit <a href="http://www.philippineeagle.org/index?pageval=help">http://www.philippineeagle.org/index?pageval=help.</a><br />
<br /></div>
foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-49503235594772478322012-04-26T09:29:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:51:19.088-07:00Stored Treasure: The River Cruise to Bayanihan Spirit -- Baybay Ilog, Bye-bye Basura for the Lubao-Sasmuan River Cruise<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i> BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC: </i></b></div>
<br />
<b>Stored Treasure / 19 June 2011 </b><br />
<b>http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/06/river-cruise-to-bayanihan-spirit.html</b><br />
<br />
The
Philippines is a country of rivers. In fact, we have about 421 river
systems spread all throughout the archipelago. There is no doubt how
the rivers have influenced us as a people. For example, Tagalog, the
language, the people and the region, came from the word Taga-Ilog (from
the river) as the provinces surrounding the region evolved with the
river system.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T6aLkuNlQV3tGClqR34K0-79UQAeMV5fZ5YnNS9e3cYbKdn0x8MWpEgZjSoBLfFCeyy7NsXqeHusAajSsY6MHXW-vM6Pge0gtJAKTDm_VPBqSBiRO_Zgf_q6Ybys4SigRU7Y6MxH4J0/s1600/sasmuan+natural+geometry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T6aLkuNlQV3tGClqR34K0-79UQAeMV5fZ5YnNS9e3cYbKdn0x8MWpEgZjSoBLfFCeyy7NsXqeHusAajSsY6MHXW-vM6Pge0gtJAKTDm_VPBqSBiRO_Zgf_q6Ybys4SigRU7Y6MxH4J0/s400/sasmuan+natural+geometry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A view at the Loboc-Sasmuan River</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
And
from what I learned in my Asian Civilization and World History classes
when I was studying, it is in river systems where great civilizations
flourished -- Tigris and Euphrates Rivers for the Persian and
Mesopotamian civilizations, Nile River for the Egyptian civilization,
Indus River for the Indian civilization and Huang or Yellow River for
the Chinese civilization. This body of water provide communities with
food, water for drinking, household chores and domestic animals,
irrigation for farm lands, access to transportation, a venue for trade
and a place for rest and recreation. There's no doubt, rivers have been
part and parcel of our lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU7EV0IkbBrGBNq255bIVAVM8_lXAOL7RxXvKnz5hyphenhyphenfg4O6z90m-rTLKu2Mw0axWZYx9BYwHn9wAhotlDJdg4wZNqqAs1uJwaEGy9p3ot1BjtKjqVuLqy6BpZr0ilusavx0mfNaEaM9g/s1600/sasmuan+sunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU7EV0IkbBrGBNq255bIVAVM8_lXAOL7RxXvKnz5hyphenhyphenfg4O6z90m-rTLKu2Mw0axWZYx9BYwHn9wAhotlDJdg4wZNqqAs1uJwaEGy9p3ot1BjtKjqVuLqy6BpZr0ilusavx0mfNaEaM9g/s400/sasmuan+sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG-cCK4i1JOWZStWlVLfqaq1B3ewmIGNMTdt0xVeVQcug9iGpEb0fZKVV2brVq7_OLZ1zyoIVr99ZYc05jOPzMeW8O6xTd7eypY7iweM2oTxM6PEEOiRnrTArNE00aPjhtZpyD6gEdmc/s1600/sasmuan+horizon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG-cCK4i1JOWZStWlVLfqaq1B3ewmIGNMTdt0xVeVQcug9iGpEb0fZKVV2brVq7_OLZ1zyoIVr99ZYc05jOPzMeW8O6xTd7eypY7iweM2oTxM6PEEOiRnrTArNE00aPjhtZpyD6gEdmc/s400/sasmuan+horizon.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuVMggNy0dplM8v2m-0TgbOl_-E2gOWv9oiFyirAfHfstGqG4CLRduZILobCtvv-mba1yJIylUvLQvfIFrNZ8D1kmwor71ZrB-F2Ii_OrspH2Rq9fBWvUflShzS62FKexGjmZoSGlc7Y/s1600/sasmuan+boat+2nd+batch+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuVMggNy0dplM8v2m-0TgbOl_-E2gOWv9oiFyirAfHfstGqG4CLRduZILobCtvv-mba1yJIylUvLQvfIFrNZ8D1kmwor71ZrB-F2Ii_OrspH2Rq9fBWvUflShzS62FKexGjmZoSGlc7Y/s400/sasmuan+boat+2nd+batch+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
The
river has already evolved. In other countries, and in some places in
the Philippines, the river does not only provide the basic benefits it
has been known for, it has been a driver of economic growth through
tourism and commerce. In the Philippines for example, one of the most
famous river attractions is the Loboc River in Bohol which has been
drawing tourists who are heading south of the the country. I
experienced it last year and was mesmerized by the beauty of this river
cruise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPtI3t65d0jjzJRJVFd80oxr5OGXB6_2k7d3e9tnK8iAmkI2jMw3xn0sA-zKHtApqGRjoMVYgB-Ys5hKde-yrxbg6jEYXWAMRQ5ihzrCC4mFIB9WzFkR-5SzcF9Guahz5WPBlgt9cL-U/s1600/sasmuan+launchpad+scene+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPtI3t65d0jjzJRJVFd80oxr5OGXB6_2k7d3e9tnK8iAmkI2jMw3xn0sA-zKHtApqGRjoMVYgB-Ys5hKde-yrxbg6jEYXWAMRQ5ihzrCC4mFIB9WzFkR-5SzcF9Guahz5WPBlgt9cL-U/s400/sasmuan+launchpad+scene+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunrise scene at the launch pad of the project</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWxj0z8m1JCXzeBGCIcq-prJPv1bhqZnogFxprVlqgksLXx4mWIUFHRwaoBs8MTLbbDAxUmuH1X7psimNIMgropdRkakeB9tp_arAldgzRO8qEXQH48OLT-Uh-NRmuzXy6S25sQDpr5U/s1600/sasmuan+launch+pad+site+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWxj0z8m1JCXzeBGCIcq-prJPv1bhqZnogFxprVlqgksLXx4mWIUFHRwaoBs8MTLbbDAxUmuH1X7psimNIMgropdRkakeB9tp_arAldgzRO8qEXQH48OLT-Uh-NRmuzXy6S25sQDpr5U/s400/sasmuan+launch+pad+site+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-3JT_bgJSqig8kgiTE_6_6CpWobJUPkzRmCiHqhyphenhyphenUB97sD2TehqlsTHeKSrhFxSU0NFidHdiRq54dGdHsFaiAdZvO4Hr5j1tbQSNaX1fkPEVRX6jeIJRwyd9piy8x1glukxEKY5nQ-U/s1600/sasmuan+antennas.jpg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-3JT_bgJSqig8kgiTE_6_6CpWobJUPkzRmCiHqhyphenhyphenUB97sD2TehqlsTHeKSrhFxSU0NFidHdiRq54dGdHsFaiAdZvO4Hr5j1tbQSNaX1fkPEVRX6jeIJRwyd9piy8x1glukxEKY5nQ-U/s320/sasmuan+antennas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj4vBDi-r6aFnMv44yxpFGLEpoID_hYdBKLhQQ1YZrR8AchDce_s6PkUFDW6cgCYcrnER20jhXdMq1Recxi_PBVPEOhEu-WIcy0BdtO7SSYInMeiEWZwRM-zao4xYVozMiEmnQITy9co/s1600/sasmuan+launch+pad+site.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj4vBDi-r6aFnMv44yxpFGLEpoID_hYdBKLhQQ1YZrR8AchDce_s6PkUFDW6cgCYcrnER20jhXdMq1Recxi_PBVPEOhEu-WIcy0BdtO7SSYInMeiEWZwRM-zao4xYVozMiEmnQITy9co/s400/sasmuan+launch+pad+site.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Recently,
I heard of a very interesting project, another river cruise attraction,
this time in Pampanga. The project, dubbed as Lubao-Sasmuan River
Cruise, is a tourism program that coincides with the 20th Anniversary of
the Mount Pinatubo eruption and the 113th Philippine Independence Day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RUOIjLuf0EwTt_sjsYdNZwX9dIr_NhJez8MRuD4vRuhED1MD93PusyO6tTknrqn5DkBuwdty0FcBPlGnirrFFpkUTrg5QR7r5mNkWExWnlBgyk3y6M_iITg41eGjFzbj4UE-MX8preM/s1600/260510_232907776724623_100000162068283_1116325_2327479_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RUOIjLuf0EwTt_sjsYdNZwX9dIr_NhJez8MRuD4vRuhED1MD93PusyO6tTknrqn5DkBuwdty0FcBPlGnirrFFpkUTrg5QR7r5mNkWExWnlBgyk3y6M_iITg41eGjFzbj4UE-MX8preM/s1600/260510_232907776724623_100000162068283_1116325_2327479_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I
got curious and interested about this project because as a chronicler
of the Bayanihan Republic section of this blog, I support projects that
advocate for our country's heritage and tourism. And I was fortunate
enough to have been invited to witness the preparations being done for
this grand project.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwhEwkz1pOw86ZqwsO6kVvCxDwA4JjV3id5wcP5xhI01sE9kHT2E46kfF4sP1ZlkNHCGnJRfAwcrFWeXvzYTjP-9aOi2FoQnqbJDJY7ku4qConQJ_1BPyR66mzq5nrTZt6K0TV8DIP8c/s1600/sasmuan+boat+side+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwhEwkz1pOw86ZqwsO6kVvCxDwA4JjV3id5wcP5xhI01sE9kHT2E46kfF4sP1ZlkNHCGnJRfAwcrFWeXvzYTjP-9aOi2FoQnqbJDJY7ku4qConQJ_1BPyR66mzq5nrTZt6K0TV8DIP8c/s400/sasmuan+boat+side+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
The
project is called Baybay Ilog, Bye-bye Basura, a one-day river clean
up drive in preparation for the Lubao-Sasmuan River Cruise spearheaded
by the local government units (LGUs) of Lubao and Sasmuan together with
its volunteer citizens in cooperation with the Provincial Government
and the 2nd Congressional District Office of Pampanga.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFVRcqNVZ5oItlcEnIU9zlSjtvcz2990D-rYGEaL4z16-3KtWX1G_yut11yY7o9ERTUW26n08vc-Phi7X5vQMi3aVCMpk7hIL6P6IdcGdbcQi546EIkIpBne7SZHtupFzjwfg8gzV4TY/s1600/260143_232907146724686_100000162068283_1116318_6071642_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFVRcqNVZ5oItlcEnIU9zlSjtvcz2990D-rYGEaL4z16-3KtWX1G_yut11yY7o9ERTUW26n08vc-Phi7X5vQMi3aVCMpk7hIL6P6IdcGdbcQi546EIkIpBne7SZHtupFzjwfg8gzV4TY/s400/260143_232907146724686_100000162068283_1116318_6071642_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Project
Leader Christian Narito who headed the social preparation phase of the
project said, "It must be remembered that after twenty years of volcanic
devastation brought by Mt. Pinatubo, the said program is meant to
revive the state of people's livelihood and popularize Pampanga's
pride. This includes cuisine, heritage, educational tours, eco tourism
sites, river cruise, and specialized tours. The recent development in
the riverine system of Pampanga involving seventeen (17) barangays is
inclined to boost tourism prospects in the area.”<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9VwFCBIkdjR0eH-ZRaN-KeOG-F-xAwx-iIorr-vLYvFrZ-QcpfR2fEie4Ek5Kxb9TIlGX3AS-8lXWpA-e4aPzZgd3SJVWptRBJSSrTMU_6ypcrs5y9bHFlLD7b6gE_qLikkHj_jXwXQ/s1600/sasmuan+dungaw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9VwFCBIkdjR0eH-ZRaN-KeOG-F-xAwx-iIorr-vLYvFrZ-QcpfR2fEie4Ek5Kxb9TIlGX3AS-8lXWpA-e4aPzZgd3SJVWptRBJSSrTMU_6ypcrs5y9bHFlLD7b6gE_qLikkHj_jXwXQ/s400/sasmuan+dungaw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnu-PM8On_gtotVoqZdNQBsu8mqSe1rV94djZTCsfP6QyQbr6SaYVGACeWiBiTFOUKfOUfVPzwhro7eXyLV_GP50JLDumtJrt1y3qvD11osI5B2pjpdg61jbDvsYVjvn3B5d2IVF_6Rxo/s1600/sasmuan+house.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnu-PM8On_gtotVoqZdNQBsu8mqSe1rV94djZTCsfP6QyQbr6SaYVGACeWiBiTFOUKfOUfVPzwhro7eXyLV_GP50JLDumtJrt1y3qvD11osI5B2pjpdg61jbDvsYVjvn3B5d2IVF_6Rxo/s400/sasmuan+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A house along the Sasmuan River coast</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIQKS1n2PhtksTlRVoGkxpelaucWUDYpzhXMDJB7hxlrkLhUyJse6ySK4nC91hyD1uh62oaxUgdE7UADsvHXFL0rcBGNhZgN7ONv1huj-slsu75YoSYuqUwu0sE3yCZ_Ozp8H2OywRqE/s1600/sasmuan+nature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIQKS1n2PhtksTlRVoGkxpelaucWUDYpzhXMDJB7hxlrkLhUyJse6ySK4nC91hyD1uh62oaxUgdE7UADsvHXFL0rcBGNhZgN7ONv1huj-slsu75YoSYuqUwu0sE3yCZ_Ozp8H2OywRqE/s400/sasmuan+nature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBKQhgqgMNR3AFsuVpdwd1x7Xr3Aywx8MLClGBXpEPVPps2pSJ02kun-hsho3Z2PHrMGl4qT7QgWE5mMLFaNBsYZVDupxv7OU6urR9VoQEMdJ6bTCx86Wz6i-qBRtc2SxOx1ReevS8Rk/s1600/sasmuan+bakawan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBKQhgqgMNR3AFsuVpdwd1x7Xr3Aywx8MLClGBXpEPVPps2pSJ02kun-hsho3Z2PHrMGl4qT7QgWE5mMLFaNBsYZVDupxv7OU6urR9VoQEMdJ6bTCx86Wz6i-qBRtc2SxOx1ReevS8Rk/s400/sasmuan+bakawan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
The
river cruise will also offer migratory birds watching in Barangays Sta.
Monica and Sasmuan, and community stay in Barangay Batang First.
Piskador in Barangay Bancal Sinubli as well as its neighboring fishponds
will allow tourists to witness its crabbing and sugpo (shrimp) hatching
attractions while Barangay Malusac in Sasmuan will become a pasalubong
center as the community is rich in alimango (crab), sugpo (shrimp) and
bangus (milk fish).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLuAupImxzHhhO3wiGthtdoyqlFqnfNzvlcxzxFck3NMYjmTwNeQWpN0-V5nSN40bvmvDjTbfKPDxrMqiq4c2rg_qKbEOcp3MpN50xacfM5u3ny0AkYDKNGBcIdJ1EMoyKzRRobpirhA/s1600/sasmuan+thinking+man.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLuAupImxzHhhO3wiGthtdoyqlFqnfNzvlcxzxFck3NMYjmTwNeQWpN0-V5nSN40bvmvDjTbfKPDxrMqiq4c2rg_qKbEOcp3MpN50xacfM5u3ny0AkYDKNGBcIdJ1EMoyKzRRobpirhA/s400/sasmuan+thinking+man.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A volunteer working on the viewing deck for bird watching</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCzGs9D-9H57AjzyvS0PIKDkgnzkETPxe6-ZJXtEw1YYKvXEa3IRZvqLd45qjoDGy1lrn1cXVTXgp-5xpB8SMkhlNHxZ45pOS3hmnvqb-hitBdjew01-sC9-YTCV_6MQ_8DK3-MRrMWk/s1600/sasmuan+hammer+man.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCzGs9D-9H57AjzyvS0PIKDkgnzkETPxe6-ZJXtEw1YYKvXEa3IRZvqLd45qjoDGy1lrn1cXVTXgp-5xpB8SMkhlNHxZ45pOS3hmnvqb-hitBdjew01-sC9-YTCV_6MQ_8DK3-MRrMWk/s400/sasmuan+hammer+man.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgUO1nx_d_pgqv1if_vlez9RsUx9Dah6o5BIusAO8Aac9F-WbiqGoYoqwNzjz76mgYUcsZweeoxQZ6cQRWC7j2jD3D6AKXMM5ywcnNjONxgXrz9Rr4bCq05kjfKfobSdW_ru1I4xFsBU/s1600/sasmuan+carpenter+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgUO1nx_d_pgqv1if_vlez9RsUx9Dah6o5BIusAO8Aac9F-WbiqGoYoqwNzjz76mgYUcsZweeoxQZ6cQRWC7j2jD3D6AKXMM5ywcnNjONxgXrz9Rr4bCq05kjfKfobSdW_ru1I4xFsBU/s400/sasmuan+carpenter+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYP-8DTufarFzuqvZ9wxVNin_jqrAEetO0IE4kWKW-jFkAH7FUdd1TH-p6htR183zUq0rpXwYtmvSy7fXdW6g8O-hKbzs5hFMmJ1P-9RkBTDx3vWRi6d96rfEuG7UlMpmaBdvH56lTWg/s1600/sasmuan+sagigilid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYP-8DTufarFzuqvZ9wxVNin_jqrAEetO0IE4kWKW-jFkAH7FUdd1TH-p6htR183zUq0rpXwYtmvSy7fXdW6g8O-hKbzs5hFMmJ1P-9RkBTDx3vWRi6d96rfEuG7UlMpmaBdvH56lTWg/s400/sasmuan+sagigilid.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf1TX97DZwC640-m7aS3fqvs9kt6CKjN0BJsJfO-vIYyABZWUqYo86kkZM7Zrp33oehCFvJEiLBYp_X3J4LLpHjfKeoUjQ2OeBkI6IHwjY8R7tTo43mX-zOP2VZjPbwvgHc-6aoogNdM/s1600/sasmuan+boardwalk+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf1TX97DZwC640-m7aS3fqvs9kt6CKjN0BJsJfO-vIYyABZWUqYo86kkZM7Zrp33oehCFvJEiLBYp_X3J4LLpHjfKeoUjQ2OeBkI6IHwjY8R7tTo43mX-zOP2VZjPbwvgHc-6aoogNdM/s400/sasmuan+boardwalk+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bird watching site</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkqOKwUMmpUVBnZFH4WnZBrQBuWkI27VQsGi6p7Ijo5EPDzm9hhqS1O50Rm1e6Nd2ehBlmjLZlT_1XALNn6HtWIuMVYWIDvPLilrU3vAftNyOkbgYiMRE75MRPPttUvvFZC944bSznNw/s1600/sasmuan+boardwalk+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkqOKwUMmpUVBnZFH4WnZBrQBuWkI27VQsGi6p7Ijo5EPDzm9hhqS1O50Rm1e6Nd2ehBlmjLZlT_1XALNn6HtWIuMVYWIDvPLilrU3vAftNyOkbgYiMRE75MRPPttUvvFZC944bSznNw/s400/sasmuan+boardwalk+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyaFnSeKwCUswyz_gPlvpRCqejSZdR3qMe7H48M9IhZ2mwASGUMmjzWAbpNsXzqQYafauGkIjGylRgM050-yIMIjd7_MctlvZQbSfJUkWjctEnjjoDwZFUs4d5sR8_sxpgldtoT5HnOg/s1600/sasmuan+boardwalk+viewing+deck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyaFnSeKwCUswyz_gPlvpRCqejSZdR3qMe7H48M9IhZ2mwASGUMmjzWAbpNsXzqQYafauGkIjGylRgM050-yIMIjd7_MctlvZQbSfJUkWjctEnjjoDwZFUs4d5sR8_sxpgldtoT5HnOg/s400/sasmuan+boardwalk+viewing+deck.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From boardwalk to the viewing deck for bird watching</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVZ1EwYwzGRCOnmWRo9hj5SqDYcdgXrn-rFi4F8hj80ZAAti7zL4Srpc1Z_2H4Pc4wHMYkocd_nYEXWodmU9UNag9Bs20VUuPzgJQEwRcRU26ZaCZAgJQdLMqfGq8IY7pRk7FCzLnz88/s1600/sasmuan+bird+watching.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVZ1EwYwzGRCOnmWRo9hj5SqDYcdgXrn-rFi4F8hj80ZAAti7zL4Srpc1Z_2H4Pc4wHMYkocd_nYEXWodmU9UNag9Bs20VUuPzgJQEwRcRU26ZaCZAgJQdLMqfGq8IY7pRk7FCzLnz88/s400/sasmuan+bird+watching.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the bird
watching boardwalk. In photo are (from left): Christian Narito, Jenny
Manongdo of Manila Bulletin, Florencio Jusay, Jr. of Manual to Life,
foydi of Tatak Digitista and Arvin Ello of Vintersections.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm9MoBEafkPI1cMpJT458F1tOTunyIxwPYrJ9XOHU0VYWxOj1mHbgwBbhsgYnrki8Vi_rxL90z68nod_QgF6EFJACFzYz43FV-1uw6hafQkIMjAeFg9-N3Bdm5ji4dAaLxoV2FmfVZaQ/s1600/sasmuan+volunteers+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm9MoBEafkPI1cMpJT458F1tOTunyIxwPYrJ9XOHU0VYWxOj1mHbgwBbhsgYnrki8Vi_rxL90z68nod_QgF6EFJACFzYz43FV-1uw6hafQkIMjAeFg9-N3Bdm5ji4dAaLxoV2FmfVZaQ/s400/sasmuan+volunteers+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The volunteers at the bird watching boardwalk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sLljn6fSlEPCjN-gifhoWobiVgu_IW_XDEnGCguKpIwbwnldh7ZkspxjYRhBu4kwmT2wLAQyb5MizbCwvaDPMmsaA6prsZam_WfARZlpAy9tvNNzZnWOyHPFSDIHtLykwt8TVEjrcFs/s1600/sasmuan+pasalubong.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sLljn6fSlEPCjN-gifhoWobiVgu_IW_XDEnGCguKpIwbwnldh7ZkspxjYRhBu4kwmT2wLAQyb5MizbCwvaDPMmsaA6prsZam_WfARZlpAy9tvNNzZnWOyHPFSDIHtLykwt8TVEjrcFs/s400/sasmuan+pasalubong.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A sample souvenir item from one of the barangays</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
More than
700 volunteers participated in a one-day river clean up drive in the
coastal and inland barangays of Sasmuan and Lubao, Pampanga last June
12, 2011. The symbolic river clean-up is the first step in preparing
the people in 17 identified Barangays that will benefit from the
Pampanga bayou river cruise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ6bAokb6C4UwIp48fdbjFlFk6pcpwD-o6LB2wgn1TcFEBdQ2pD5PnTk00XI63_N3HrE9uqBwdZwhsPsAvxBqtay5BFVOdKNUvx_gVnYbtwx3PIJ997bf8hmHqjyFpjeHZhBOp6I07xE/s1600/sasmuan+ej.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ6bAokb6C4UwIp48fdbjFlFk6pcpwD-o6LB2wgn1TcFEBdQ2pD5PnTk00XI63_N3HrE9uqBwdZwhsPsAvxBqtay5BFVOdKNUvx_gVnYbtwx3PIJ997bf8hmHqjyFpjeHZhBOp6I07xE/s400/sasmuan+ej.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>EJ
Lagrimas, one of the leaders of the social preparation team briefing the
volunteers of the Baybay Ilog, Bye-bye Basura project</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Project officials and volunteers were
gathered at the Banqueruan Port in San Nicolas 1st, Lubao where the
kick-off the clean-up drive started. After a brief program, the whole
contingent coursed the river, checked the preparation of the
communities and conducted the river clean-up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitYTGyymkpdPnsokQYrHWeKcXcikTSzVXVTmdF0Z6pqVIRk-SflOPKWDFVcNtAOIYb_DK53Kb0wRtIpd0NYB50_vtv-ntrOGmeNE5sRj15V9NHA6KTWn1DMCs4yAwcUjBNSGLHnU2EGY/s1600/sasmuan+villa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitYTGyymkpdPnsokQYrHWeKcXcikTSzVXVTmdF0Z6pqVIRk-SflOPKWDFVcNtAOIYb_DK53Kb0wRtIpd0NYB50_vtv-ntrOGmeNE5sRj15V9NHA6KTWn1DMCs4yAwcUjBNSGLHnU2EGY/s400/sasmuan+villa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The launch pad of the Loboc-Sasmuan River Cruise</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhYi6Sl1JzRRSjnnC8f353SOIXksbH58jH12mBzVF3SvTKgVZw8FrcEQY5wb4FxpAj77Y0-5TFT5t8guujCIT8vttMIybu3dUKWb2MtEq-GsiwrRrbxGMPaeNJDqJs9BVlb2iuAwyXlE/s1600/sasmuan+arrival.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhYi6Sl1JzRRSjnnC8f353SOIXksbH58jH12mBzVF3SvTKgVZw8FrcEQY5wb4FxpAj77Y0-5TFT5t8guujCIT8vttMIybu3dUKWb2MtEq-GsiwrRrbxGMPaeNJDqJs9BVlb2iuAwyXlE/s400/sasmuan+arrival.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOC9pyuPmAiJEM2SIzytn2bfzR4i7sAIym0UYaPOKf5ar5Tbenz9YBGLN8LdeLeFARoDMMwdjUFyEhOxTU13XMzBVf70Iz3wEWmUX-wXHcntPFW2cjojc3dezuDI1IluXGUDylGDY0Gk/s1600/241592_232906340058100_100000162068283_1116306_4625741_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOC9pyuPmAiJEM2SIzytn2bfzR4i7sAIym0UYaPOKf5ar5Tbenz9YBGLN8LdeLeFARoDMMwdjUFyEhOxTU13XMzBVf70Iz3wEWmUX-wXHcntPFW2cjojc3dezuDI1IluXGUDylGDY0Gk/s400/241592_232906340058100_100000162068283_1116306_4625741_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Photo courtesy of EJLagrimas Photography</i></td></tr>
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This
modern day Bayanihan spirit, the river clean-up, proved the
community’s solidarity, voluntarism and environmental stewardship.
Christian Narito explained, "Prior to the clean up drive, the identified
17 barangay communities located along the river cruise route were
educated about the positive benefits that tourism can bring in their
communities."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZyS6mKP04pxpTPQGufQGUYuWEXb0PV9OiSWhtSMf-sJQvXbVHQGhA572h3cN_ioFFsFJOTSjxXS2OM5MM0-5s_WaIhRDRv9jlI5B1DEgbwYkDl9CeoYTrKzGfBRrJKCNg4Q3pXl9mYc/s1600/259705_232905770058157_100000162068283_1116284_7777296_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZyS6mKP04pxpTPQGufQGUYuWEXb0PV9OiSWhtSMf-sJQvXbVHQGhA572h3cN_ioFFsFJOTSjxXS2OM5MM0-5s_WaIhRDRv9jlI5B1DEgbwYkDl9CeoYTrKzGfBRrJKCNg4Q3pXl9mYc/s400/259705_232905770058157_100000162068283_1116284_7777296_o.jpg" width="265" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Photo courtesy of EJLagrimas Photography</i></td></tr>
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It has been proven that successful tourism
projects were deeply rooted from community involvement. Hand in hand
with strong willed leadership and support from the public and private
sector, the people who takes ownership of the tourist attraction can
really make the change and define their future. I personally salute the
organizers of this project and the people of Sasmuan and Lubao for
taking these first steps. I'll be happy to visit again the place and
experience the beauty of this river cruise attraction.<br />
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The Lubao-Sasmuan River was one of the ecosystems
heavily affected when Mount Pinatubo erupted 20 years ago. And with
this project coinciding with the anniversary of the said volcanic
eruption and our country's independence day celebration, the people
from Lubao and Sasmuan are looking at it as a liberation from the
dreaded effects of the said natural disaster which, through tourism,
will pave the way for the rise to progress of the said communities.
Once again, the river is resuming its role, as a driving factor for the
growth of a civilization.<br />
<br />foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-5274751822596926082012-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:002015-04-05T07:51:51.536-07:00Treasure Find 23 -- Journey to the "Lost" Island of Sabtang (Da Best Sa Batanes part 4)<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:</i></b><br />
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Batanes...blessed or cursed? Its isolation from the rest of the country preserved its pristine beauty but at the same time somehow kept it away from progress and life's advancement. </div>
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There's no doubt, Batanes is among the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, places on Earth. The prehistoric violence on Earth's soil and the province's eventual geographic location molded the magnificent beauty it possesses now. As it's away from the effects of too much modernization and the wrath of pollution, Batanes was able to keep its natural gifts and the peaceful way of life of its people.</div>
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But while they are isolated, some things are left difficult to do. Going back and forth to Batanes is costly, on the average, one must allocate around PhP 30,000. Sometimes, one may have the money but the goods are not available in the islands. If the weather is not good, ships won't dare to sail or go to their place to bring the things they need. </div>
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But for me, I love Batanes as it is. Of course I do wish some progress in terms of transportation, communication and commerce but not to the point that it will lose the very reason why its loved by people... its one of a kind beauty, lovable folks and pride instilling heritage. </div>
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Batanes' Philippine Information Agency (PIA) representative Necitas
Garcia Alconis said that Batanes has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At first, the sites they were looking at were at 59, then it was narrowed down to 39, down to 12, until 5 remained. These five were the Boat Shaped Graveyard in Chavayan, the Ancient Fortress in Idyang, the Ancient Settlement in Mahatao, the Hedge Rows and the Ivatan Stone Houses.<br />
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<tr style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Batanes' Philippine Information Agency representative Necitas
Garcia Alconis</i></td></tr>
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For a long time, I've been fascinated about the Ivatan Stone Houses. In fact, I take pride that Batanes possesses this kind of heritage. If I'm not mistaken, this is the only pre-colonial structure, aside from Banaue Rice Terraces that stands still in the Philippines up to this time. This contradicts the observation or theory that the Malay race / Austronesian ethno linguistic group (where we belong) by nature don't build long lasting structures. The Ivatan Stone House is made out of limestone burned or cooked in fire for a long time. They're put together using the egg white. Ms. Alconis said, "The weather dictates the availability of resources, the kind of houses we built." She further explained that the Ivatans invest on shelter, no matter how it costs. "We can't afford to rebuild houses everytime a typhoon strikes. We don't like spending too much. When we build our house, minsan lang gumastos pero matibay (expense is one time but it's definitely durable). </div>
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This fascination on Ivatan Stone House is one thing that led me to going to Batanes. But Batan, the main island and where the province's capital Basco is, is not where most of the houses are. They are in the island of Sabtang, which is almost an hour away from Batan using the traditional Ivatan Boat. And on our second day in Batanes, we went on a journey to the so-called "lost" island of Sabtang!</div>
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Right after our breakfast at the hotel, we boarded our jeep and went to the San Vicente port where the boat going to Sabtang is docked. The road trip was almost an hour but we managed to catch the boat going to Sabtang which is scheduled to leave at 10 am. Mang Rogers, our tour guide, doesn't want us to miss that trip and take the next one as the water will be too rough. </div>
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At the port, we signed up on the manifesto, put our life vests and boarded the boat. The boat doesn't have any katig (side support) as it will be broken by the big and strong waves of the sea between Batan and Sabtang. The boat is designed like the Viking ship, oval, to dance with the waves of the sea. I was not afraid (except if the camera gets wet!) and even sat at the front side of the boat!</div>
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And then we sailed the sea. I've been riding boats in my travels but this is the first time I had this experience. The waves are really strong, and big. I don't know if I calculated it well but I felt the waves are as high as 3 to 4 to 5 feet! While our boat dances with the waves, it didn't stop us from documenting the sea travel and taking our pics! I on the other hand made sure that I hold well to any firm part of the boat because when big waves approach, I sometimes hallucinate that I may be thrown out of the water! :D But as we were talking, we told ourselves that the Ivatans have been doing this for centuries and before, they don't even have motors in their boats! We were not afraid and we trusted them. But of course, that comes with a prayer. :)</div>
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And then finally, we saw land, and the big splash of water into it. And then we saw the light house. We made it! We braved the rough seas and we are now ready to land! Nevertheless, we enjoyed the thrill and adventure of our sea ride! Some were a bit dizzy but most of the adventurers were more than ready to carry on the journey!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByjas5k4c7hL6_3vldzCIHokcGPldySLxcFoat0B0cV4Edd9MaFECrfbmWd3uZ1C-tjTTpDV3htNx1TMU7fRT14CohaN0JXpM6CrQpAyZMmt9g1hyphenhyphendR4G4GM6xM7Y88emli3GxTJUH2c/s1600/sabtang+light+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByjas5k4c7hL6_3vldzCIHokcGPldySLxcFoat0B0cV4Edd9MaFECrfbmWd3uZ1C-tjTTpDV3htNx1TMU7fRT14CohaN0JXpM6CrQpAyZMmt9g1hyphenhyphendR4G4GM6xM7Y88emli3GxTJUH2c/s400/sabtang+light+house.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sabtang Light House</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGczaw8Sk4spMKFNIOPDmhmUzTbiGNIeXj1VBzjG1F3z36QcuOjqM8JFlExUbWr8A7zKnA_INxT0GxeOrYlTUWUd-f_zIvgBFG9x_rMvPPQC1DcHvWcxG7Bq-ZQ9bduuScuqjfbY62Qw/s1600/da+best+day+2+sabtang+welcome+by+foydi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGczaw8Sk4spMKFNIOPDmhmUzTbiGNIeXj1VBzjG1F3z36QcuOjqM8JFlExUbWr8A7zKnA_INxT0GxeOrYlTUWUd-f_zIvgBFG9x_rMvPPQC1DcHvWcxG7Bq-ZQ9bduuScuqjfbY62Qw/s400/da+best+day+2+sabtang+welcome+by+foydi.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Welcome to Sabtang!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Imelda Acidera tries the traditional Ivatan head gear. Only Ivatan women wears this head gear.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Group photo op</i></td></tr>
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From the port, we stopped by at the cultural office, and headed to the Savidug Ivatan Houses. The first structures I saw were just remnants / walls of houses. But it didn't stop me from exploring and looking for the the authentic and living Ivatan Stone Houses. Until I saw the first house. And I was speechless, I was starstruck. From God given beauty to people's ingenuity, Batanes is just so blessed. Like what Mandy Navasero said, the town is like frozen in time! Going to Sabtang is not just a sea or land journey, it was a time travel as well! And one by one, we explored the Ivatan Stone Houses of Sabtang!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1SglcwU1NR3GuKLQdMJH98lzizKOJpDOzoQpttEe9aDHzrQYcYbCXNZBcpHHYeiCNECuBJwpX5ayViG8HvuzWMPr7jSSmSv1RAppWy4fhJK_BouYjL9URoRBvNEx3bbMbg72e8XmdXs/s1600/da+best+day+2+sabtang+foydi+on+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1SglcwU1NR3GuKLQdMJH98lzizKOJpDOzoQpttEe9aDHzrQYcYbCXNZBcpHHYeiCNECuBJwpX5ayViG8HvuzWMPr7jSSmSv1RAppWy4fhJK_BouYjL9URoRBvNEx3bbMbg72e8XmdXs/s400/da+best+day+2+sabtang+foydi+on+house.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the first houses I saw</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV_UBrNJAdzM3wUXNmlkvbRKhWCsoymz-XljHV4EpgS_r2r4BUMpaFdrlTVzK_WS5WCU-LOXGMXdtP1If-8SxMwUaxQ_ZPc3506SL2Edn-b1MhfDvELVMCiwkbmEgeRh_gCEjU3Bb5aw/s1600/foydi+and+carmina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV_UBrNJAdzM3wUXNmlkvbRKhWCsoymz-XljHV4EpgS_r2r4BUMpaFdrlTVzK_WS5WCU-LOXGMXdtP1If-8SxMwUaxQ_ZPc3506SL2Edn-b1MhfDvELVMCiwkbmEgeRh_gCEjU3Bb5aw/s400/foydi+and+carmina.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carmina of ADB Camera Club and foydi</i></td></tr>
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After the long photo walk, we took a rest for a while and enjoyed our morning snack. But as we were enjoying our time together, we were advised that there's a lot more to be seen in Sabtang. So we headed to our next stop, the lovely Tinian Cliff!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ_PNLhBI3juEK5RZe_Fly78puOmYa7f3r9p-n0Lw1NWyGpBX-nBxcVwJo-NznUGztH_u6LTPDiayZt5EiWLc7Ru58ryIhND8WREd3MBMvJIBwnKXCBugSIhQ-7Mn6LafuA3hhK4Glzw/s1600/sabtang+foydi+hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ_PNLhBI3juEK5RZe_Fly78puOmYa7f3r9p-n0Lw1NWyGpBX-nBxcVwJo-NznUGztH_u6LTPDiayZt5EiWLc7Ru58ryIhND8WREd3MBMvJIBwnKXCBugSIhQ-7Mn6LafuA3hhK4Glzw/s400/sabtang+foydi+hills.jpg" height="264" width="400" /></a></div>
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After discovering the beauty of Tinian Cliff, we traveled the other side of the island to find the Nacabuang or Sabtang Beach! And it was another treasure find! The view is a painting in motion and the sea is a harmony of natural sounds. After feeding our eyes, we were treated to a native Ivatan cuisine to feed our stomach this time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXpyrwgP9w-_BkbkvbTt7v_0gHBBGeQl-MplqVRugJvesHvSVE8tD5Kl9UpIKAJ0-oqcQa5H5nuu8F3dnlSlAjrRUXXw4Qu7qo8v-rlvQzZjC7I1PY1aYy7XuSTjor4HZGPTfRBo-4As/s1600/sabtang+arc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXpyrwgP9w-_BkbkvbTt7v_0gHBBGeQl-MplqVRugJvesHvSVE8tD5Kl9UpIKAJ0-oqcQa5H5nuu8F3dnlSlAjrRUXXw4Qu7qo8v-rlvQzZjC7I1PY1aYy7XuSTjor4HZGPTfRBo-4As/s400/sabtang+arc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The famous arc at Sabtang Beach</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB1iEryRH3tY3MVQO_mWWJeh5cCqqyosivzj7fNkFp-KGzra3xoUFPTtXrINo2_jV8HiK3JsbVOkloAT7nQ3G3ED7bC9urARP1IqGI-SM7e_CwWyhqOuTc7jd1jk7K9oCyexNlHb9twA/s1600/sabtang+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB1iEryRH3tY3MVQO_mWWJeh5cCqqyosivzj7fNkFp-KGzra3xoUFPTtXrINo2_jV8HiK3JsbVOkloAT7nQ3G3ED7bC9urARP1IqGI-SM7e_CwWyhqOuTc7jd1jk7K9oCyexNlHb9twA/s400/sabtang+beach.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was already 5 pm and we needed to go back to Sabtang Port to go back to Batan. We were a bit late and it was raining so we were advised that the water will be rougher this time. But again, we were not afraid. We just sealed our things, to prevent them from getting wet or soaked in water. This time, I failed to get the front seat so I took a seat insidethe boat. For someone like me who wants to open his eyes to what he experiences, my seat then was a bit uncomfortable. I got a little dizzy but I took off the cover of the side of the boat to get through. </div>
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And after almost an hour, we reached the San Vicente port. We survived! :) </div>
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But do you think it has been the last for our day? Nope. There's an old Ivatan Stone House right in Batan and we went there to see it as well and say hi to the owner. It was owned by Frestilda Dakay and the house was built in 1875.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmBDfAH-U5_oqiRUAK4PwZsZoiwUXkvKqah8d8SioTJspvaFoGh7FLvhykuA7bqyb1U2e1n3WFt8Gk_j-xg2mvcrNsYXCaR42zQUh-JSyi25uR29wlr3G7ZbUhXGjgFhVKYDr0427bV0/s1600/house+of+dacay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmBDfAH-U5_oqiRUAK4PwZsZoiwUXkvKqah8d8SioTJspvaFoGh7FLvhykuA7bqyb1U2e1n3WFt8Gk_j-xg2mvcrNsYXCaR42zQUh-JSyi25uR29wlr3G7ZbUhXGjgFhVKYDr0427bV0/s400/house+of+dacay.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The House of Dakay</i></td></tr>
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Ms. Alconis said that the problem right now with the UNESCO accreditation of the Ivatan Stone Houses is how they can really preserve these structures. She mentioned that when a part of the house is damaged or destroyed, it's not being rebuilt through the use of traditional indigenous sources as it is too costly. And the DENR (Department of Environment of Natural Resources) prevents the townsmen from burning woods to put the limestones under fire for a week. Right now, some houses are repaired or rebuilt with cement. For UNESCO, the heritage site should be preserved well before they accredit it. But for the Ivatans, they need the resources for them to preserve the structures.</div>
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And this somehow made me sad. I hope the government and the private sector will be able to work together to save this national heritage. The Spaniards in the colonial time have destroyed many of our artifacts and written literature (and even irresponsible Filipino merchants and hunters at present time have disregarded some national treasures), we should not let this happen again. We have been a confused and lost people so we should not let the few remnants of our past which help solve the puzzle of our identity get lost or die. </div>
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Sabtang is a lost island in the sense that it was able to somehow preserve its natural and classic beauty. Getting there was a little difficult but I guess it was designed that way so that the place will be untouched and it can keep its magnificence; and that the adventurers who braved the seas can witness and appreciate it, and advocate for its preservation, as a prize for their courage and love for Batanes. </div>
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This is the treasure I found in this journey to Sabtang. And this becomes my Treasure Find 23!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaatzvHZefO8BhW3GGgKyKoyOtFF0GgVRwbcEB_0jWFEiO3VH1UyfDfEqiy0gdJAGdlPeOQX3HrwiBGxMW7t2tQSq0pEE4DSxYlgQyDwg3zvlNupQVcjoZbB5TBLZNa9em5XjpFy4XOuU/s1600/da+best+day+2+-+lydia%27s+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaatzvHZefO8BhW3GGgKyKoyOtFF0GgVRwbcEB_0jWFEiO3VH1UyfDfEqiy0gdJAGdlPeOQX3HrwiBGxMW7t2tQSq0pEE4DSxYlgQyDwg3zvlNupQVcjoZbB5TBLZNa9em5XjpFy4XOuU/s400/da+best+day+2+-+lydia%27s+gift.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">And I was lucky to bring home an Ivatan Stone House! :) This is a souvenir I got from Aling Lydia of Hiro's Cafe. Thank you once again Aling Lydia! :) Who is Aling Lydia? Watch out for her on my next blog post! :)</span></i></td></tr>
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foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253533720411343108.post-64779875868612003342012-04-20T02:24:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:51:19.097-07:00Stored Treasure: Wowed by the Carabaos! -- The Pulilan Carabao Festival<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><b>BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC</b>:</i><br />
<br />
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<b>Stored Treasure / 21 May 2011</b></div>
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<b>http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/05/wowed-by-carabaos-pulilan-carabao.html</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mnpNj7Uc-wv3VOI_vm1wwG6Dk9KZ5uI2Cf1vlAMs_Ia-EpD1luuv7AAEDCN-Zwz6SpIkn3jlCmnRtLjM4GZ5sQuBn3ifPIliXCZ9pDrYzxKbq4e7XJNFkq_7HOysUD68VvxIBK-zKEk/s1600/cbao+pre-parade+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mnpNj7Uc-wv3VOI_vm1wwG6Dk9KZ5uI2Cf1vlAMs_Ia-EpD1luuv7AAEDCN-Zwz6SpIkn3jlCmnRtLjM4GZ5sQuBn3ifPIliXCZ9pDrYzxKbq4e7XJNFkq_7HOysUD68VvxIBK-zKEk/s400/cbao+pre-parade+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In
my quest to chronicle every Philippine treasure that I can possibly
see, I started being pro-active in personally checking out the
wonderful things that our country has to offer. May 15 is such a
fantastic date as many things are happening all through out the
Philippines. Last year, I was able to experience the unique Pahiyas
Festival in Lucban, Quezon. But this year, the May 15 event I chose to
witness is the Pulilan Carabao Festival (which is just two towns away
from my ancestor's place)! =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMqnREjj-pYjwCdVnPFnsKCrsiOS5ElssPxWGlstB4wRapnDkOzlcHZSui3rfG7f8QZOAVWlayV19K46e9SHmCOc8pBYuliHWbYsexQic80jxnQu7peaDbu4QC4pZcnSBchDl8sBGfOA/s1600/cbao+banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMqnREjj-pYjwCdVnPFnsKCrsiOS5ElssPxWGlstB4wRapnDkOzlcHZSui3rfG7f8QZOAVWlayV19K46e9SHmCOc8pBYuliHWbYsexQic80jxnQu7peaDbu4QC4pZcnSBchDl8sBGfOA/s400/cbao+banner.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkAvrtun8U79oi8eYbaEsdrdqiCn1XDPtQ14ivpKO3vVvlcSNJ21RR0SVv-Uweudv_BF1RmP27JQGZWiy_t_GceZsdrfCb7NWceJuweyKHBo58rFwEKEjNw0m9VrTPDVchFjSXGCLnlg/s1600/cbao+marker+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkAvrtun8U79oi8eYbaEsdrdqiCn1XDPtQ14ivpKO3vVvlcSNJ21RR0SVv-Uweudv_BF1RmP27JQGZWiy_t_GceZsdrfCb7NWceJuweyKHBo58rFwEKEjNw0m9VrTPDVchFjSXGCLnlg/s400/cbao+marker+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The marker in Pulilan, Bulacan</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVGUpydirfqaaJk9FIEqbiTa_vHlC3lIU6xjUH3uZStdSKGr2SxqsUHT85dnZDGNSCk-eNEjFPIKvYo0vY-BDNI-BaPzCB5j8IyTqu8rnygVfyrEjbD7bpxsN-BzjyocJxoImHLIaZfQ/s1600/cbao+marker+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVGUpydirfqaaJk9FIEqbiTa_vHlC3lIU6xjUH3uZStdSKGr2SxqsUHT85dnZDGNSCk-eNEjFPIKvYo0vY-BDNI-BaPzCB5j8IyTqu8rnygVfyrEjbD7bpxsN-BzjyocJxoImHLIaZfQ/s400/cbao+marker+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, together
with my cousins, I was able to witness one of the most colorful
festivals in the Philippines, the Pulilan Carabao Festival, in Pulilan,
Bulacan.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Pulilan River</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My cousins enjoying the fiesta</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A farmer and his animals gearing up for the parade</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This carabao seems excited for the celebration.</i></td></tr>
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The Pulilan Carabao Festival is a tribute
to San Isidro Labrador, the patron of laborers and farmers, the same
saint being venerated in the festivities at several towns in Quezon
Province and Nueva Ecija, all in Luzon island. It is celebrated every
14th to 15th of May each year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyocX4tgsPEkBVbOsfCLbvY3zpFMXxVdXBaLpYoUfrAiC6yTks-LUAtEcmW5RVOfrkRWsEiJuVmlrSVYB3ICV3BYmbjOZzwpaaQvJIooGdnqj6yVY5o_hb_chLf6g7vf8KZZHXFEBPoN0/s1600/cbao+more.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyocX4tgsPEkBVbOsfCLbvY3zpFMXxVdXBaLpYoUfrAiC6yTks-LUAtEcmW5RVOfrkRWsEiJuVmlrSVYB3ICV3BYmbjOZzwpaaQvJIooGdnqj6yVY5o_hb_chLf6g7vf8KZZHXFEBPoN0/s200/cbao+more.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNlE1TyuXh2I27Ys-niIQ_GcsWEsq_bHLN8mFCa5nodXCAbnnpEM-AUZ5q4wrtrzsTIkbmr93VsSVFq2CqqwCuiyYt5vgxJAXglSpGLBr-2DAyAu0vsMVZ2s9Y8U_E1LQE14EzyHggMQ/s1600/cbao+with+statue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNlE1TyuXh2I27Ys-niIQ_GcsWEsq_bHLN8mFCa5nodXCAbnnpEM-AUZ5q4wrtrzsTIkbmr93VsSVFq2CqqwCuiyYt5vgxJAXglSpGLBr-2DAyAu0vsMVZ2s9Y8U_E1LQE14EzyHggMQ/s200/cbao+with+statue.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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San
Isidro's history dates back to 1,000 years ago. Isidro or Isidore was
born in Madrid, Spain in 1070. Coming from a poor family, he served and
plowed the farm land of a wealthy landowner named Juan de Vargas.
Isidro, known for his kindness to poor people and animals, is a regular
mass goer. Every morning, before he goes to work, he hears mass at one
of the churches in Madrid. His fellow farmers complained to their
master that Isidro was always late for work. As the farm owner, Juan
didn't take it sitting down, he investigated the issue and he was
surprised to find out that an angel was doing the plowing for Isidro
while he is praying to God! Upon seeing the miracle, Juan knelt down in
awe. From then on, people will see the landlord kneeling down beside
the image of San Isidro.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUhbv3pui1B65gL2r-RgL9_cGy9_CjlEQgeymW72sfeMk3kUbOmOmDMGb5C03qShBIm413c_wLtNxfGaFKECRmuIli5XF9X6aGT83TVoy74chnwagv7TlqMclq9yXClRbe-n6ik4Am6I/s1600/san+isidro+labrador.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUhbv3pui1B65gL2r-RgL9_cGy9_CjlEQgeymW72sfeMk3kUbOmOmDMGb5C03qShBIm413c_wLtNxfGaFKECRmuIli5XF9X6aGT83TVoy74chnwagv7TlqMclq9yXClRbe-n6ik4Am6I/s320/san+isidro+labrador.gif" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>San Isidro Labrador</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGXZvxYbORKLea6-FcBOVpEIa2y-01QMXMTwU0S7OLhyxte0Y8eft42qjo823GMjOdO0MxMUfUDGw2y9_nmpnu7Sk2B66fU14EGVcZ7fymicVUnGRc2A9_19AQUQDah5PqU2KFf6AQm4/s1600/cbao+pulilan+church.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGXZvxYbORKLea6-FcBOVpEIa2y-01QMXMTwU0S7OLhyxte0Y8eft42qjo823GMjOdO0MxMUfUDGw2y9_nmpnu7Sk2B66fU14EGVcZ7fymicVUnGRc2A9_19AQUQDah5PqU2KFf6AQm4/s400/cbao+pulilan+church.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The San Isidro Labrador church in Pulilan, Bulacan</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_EGM9ktJIWO-U-fXemrt6eEaudUZnzIbmyQSlAzH6sEHG4LcDTnh-HgOuGKhxiZDiuBZ3SUrEJ7WZZLyN-R_2dQUe-BIXoAMzkS9ahL4-CaQbwlwWfmRuQO55O7AbS9nSpgiS4NRufc/s1600/cbao+san+isidro+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_EGM9ktJIWO-U-fXemrt6eEaudUZnzIbmyQSlAzH6sEHG4LcDTnh-HgOuGKhxiZDiuBZ3SUrEJ7WZZLyN-R_2dQUe-BIXoAMzkS9ahL4-CaQbwlwWfmRuQO55O7AbS9nSpgiS4NRufc/s400/cbao+san+isidro+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Statue of San Isidro Labrardor with Juan de Vargas</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the miracle didn't end there. On
another day, Juan, Isidro's master, witnessed an angel plowing on either
side of Isidro which is a work worth of three laborers effort. It was
also said that Isidro was able to help bring back the life of his
master's deceased daugther and helped burst a fountain of fresh water
from drought stricken land to quench his master's thirst.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RqRo99u9032IYefkRXu1sPx8oq1vLgyRFAk9S4BJDDf6-4MIuFXsoc1lDCot1Nyq7k8CBrc9qX4lYmxnQ8bHMeQvlILEqFVagS1C80ysEZ7EQQxDItTVph-lFRi77cmuiZkFikgObbQ/s1600/cbao+san+isidro+cu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RqRo99u9032IYefkRXu1sPx8oq1vLgyRFAk9S4BJDDf6-4MIuFXsoc1lDCot1Nyq7k8CBrc9qX4lYmxnQ8bHMeQvlILEqFVagS1C80ysEZ7EQQxDItTVph-lFRi77cmuiZkFikgObbQ/s400/cbao+san+isidro+cu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now we know why San Isidro became a patron of laborers and farmers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnAh-lj5c93aSzTpjE2OOb6bu4oLHz180d9ZwDDfYsa7vMqP9G9Y2fdyd61WFTplSUaMDh5DVFc3E2Z1AyfsSHdQvUUMNT53gQ0RAzzjBwMi__27437S5yF1JH3gTdabHUe5Vj2YLmV0/s1600/cbao+pre-parade+cu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnAh-lj5c93aSzTpjE2OOb6bu4oLHz180d9ZwDDfYsa7vMqP9G9Y2fdyd61WFTplSUaMDh5DVFc3E2Z1AyfsSHdQvUUMNT53gQ0RAzzjBwMi__27437S5yF1JH3gTdabHUe5Vj2YLmV0/s400/cbao+pre-parade+cu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIWC6YPz7iGBXx8Oc_8HmD-L_gMJXchCKtvAa4SyYDRvwJUywDeyjohz-1_7pMmzGj8VGgNa8S3aMfef3_wt-AtPajXCpZYZMfYTeip15Pa0qTRPwbPinvtMN30zeIuW7KStqqSeWLnQ/s1600/cbao+cbao.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIWC6YPz7iGBXx8Oc_8HmD-L_gMJXchCKtvAa4SyYDRvwJUywDeyjohz-1_7pMmzGj8VGgNa8S3aMfef3_wt-AtPajXCpZYZMfYTeip15Pa0qTRPwbPinvtMN30zeIuW7KStqqSeWLnQ/s400/cbao+cbao.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The carabao and the farmer smile to the crowd! =)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In
honor of their patron saint San Isidro Labrador and to symbolize
farmers' hardwork, the Pulilan Carabao Festival was created. Carabaos
symbolize farmers' hard work as they play a key role in farming,
planting and harvesting and outshine dogs in being the bestfriend of men
working at the farm. =)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyocX4tgsPEkBVbOsfCLbvY3zpFMXxVdXBaLpYoUfrAiC6yTks-LUAtEcmW5RVOfrkRWsEiJuVmlrSVYB3ICV3BYmbjOZzwpaaQvJIooGdnqj6yVY5o_hb_chLf6g7vf8KZZHXFEBPoN0/s1600/cbao+more.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyocX4tgsPEkBVbOsfCLbvY3zpFMXxVdXBaLpYoUfrAiC6yTks-LUAtEcmW5RVOfrkRWsEiJuVmlrSVYB3ICV3BYmbjOZzwpaaQvJIooGdnqj6yVY5o_hb_chLf6g7vf8KZZHXFEBPoN0/s400/cbao+more.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdVKdjH43Jy2efZ2kNhcZqMwtJHdE4Ft06IOUY-0Cx3bi861a4e4WRUPfETve0GSsLzc1sgl8b9fOsCctHFqu_9Pts_2huBX5tzHtb4PeviMLv7yIWSeHPimUHWoV58DjGwIgsW0QS5M/s1600/cbao+with+dyesebel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdVKdjH43Jy2efZ2kNhcZqMwtJHdE4Ft06IOUY-0Cx3bi861a4e4WRUPfETve0GSsLzc1sgl8b9fOsCctHFqu_9Pts_2huBX5tzHtb4PeviMLv7yIWSeHPimUHWoV58DjGwIgsW0QS5M/s400/cbao+with+dyesebel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The
Pulilan Carabao Festival starts with the La Torre at 12 noon where drum
and lyre bands with marjorette dancers grace the streets, line up in
front of the church and perform in front of the crowd. Between 2 to 3
PM, the procession of bands, cultural dancers and of course carabaos,
about 150 of them, starts. Like what Juan de Vega did with San Isidro,
some of the carabaos were able to kneel before the church as they pass
by.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhlaGUMJcg0gELny9ThGEbEMFHIm9BYyxYBwAN11C1bFN5yQ0d4_GoOfQi7WhNymGKBqOJ4YCwIUK5lxunApTttRDm15EJuPGBsWjbscwF7TbcdsnqFh9Ci4-CvbLQxHVbsQXfka4XZM/s1600/cbao+band+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhlaGUMJcg0gELny9ThGEbEMFHIm9BYyxYBwAN11C1bFN5yQ0d4_GoOfQi7WhNymGKBqOJ4YCwIUK5lxunApTttRDm15EJuPGBsWjbscwF7TbcdsnqFh9Ci4-CvbLQxHVbsQXfka4XZM/s400/cbao+band+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's La Torre time!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxY5HHTRQgzzs3_wgRISrwE3TtQNxE2Wz8A1iGyzaf-ilJDY0YhRpJq8mU86K6jFmOiULR1FQLs4UbMyFsqWXWJ749vynQcgLRMSJpwck6TQJ2NeZfYj-aUk0D_ex-GWfAQfgb0qRK5U/s1600/cbao+band+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxY5HHTRQgzzs3_wgRISrwE3TtQNxE2Wz8A1iGyzaf-ilJDY0YhRpJq8mU86K6jFmOiULR1FQLs4UbMyFsqWXWJ749vynQcgLRMSJpwck6TQJ2NeZfYj-aUk0D_ex-GWfAQfgb0qRK5U/s400/cbao+band+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The band</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBPrMWM_almkN5FXFxksbxCJKsC0RDbrBg13X6ESUIjZnvsJ2FzGaSHM-Pn_dQpk5eb1gyXZtnzqIZUjN4uE-ODJpaT97OtAyPxGve9BvFcZblTIlBEViib6EzX4fyTbvs-i0qBjJzyI/s1600/cbao+keyboard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBPrMWM_almkN5FXFxksbxCJKsC0RDbrBg13X6ESUIjZnvsJ2FzGaSHM-Pn_dQpk5eb1gyXZtnzqIZUjN4uE-ODJpaT97OtAyPxGve9BvFcZblTIlBEViib6EzX4fyTbvs-i0qBjJzyI/s400/cbao+keyboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is my first time to see a xylophone this big!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_sju-Hr-psxIK7ZSrmyfea_LTRPiLNi61imKrX8iFY7ecNjZALC3dmIhzJyp2zKRo4nAEy1bbinCtk53Sl9AD0mss4Lfvh7Tkb5oyrkcAxYX0cUPRgGUoGDML2AQPnppnffQh6rX5xk/s1600/cbao+dancers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_sju-Hr-psxIK7ZSrmyfea_LTRPiLNi61imKrX8iFY7ecNjZALC3dmIhzJyp2zKRo4nAEy1bbinCtk53Sl9AD0mss4Lfvh7Tkb5oyrkcAxYX0cUPRgGUoGDML2AQPnppnffQh6rX5xk/s400/cbao+dancers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The cultural dancers prior to the Carabao parade</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0Yf3eOMJFTLBuEt6Y76ay_oj2ftL7nKB60TvskGycW5KFJxv5lXM_GZJBrgEGuv7XjSU9_e6Nxw1iiBiCWclPDolo227nLhzFJZQqT2PF_fXq9UcKno0Vopt6mio5aFU1eso_B-weaU/s1600/cbao+dancers+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0Yf3eOMJFTLBuEt6Y76ay_oj2ftL7nKB60TvskGycW5KFJxv5lXM_GZJBrgEGuv7XjSU9_e6Nxw1iiBiCWclPDolo227nLhzFJZQqT2PF_fXq9UcKno0Vopt6mio5aFU1eso_B-weaU/s400/cbao+dancers+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij71EPMi-pk7U9EYVCRvNKyATReUNSanwflmQ8ITD5ppBe4SOALYuT8kXqQZnAf0HSVYRprhsdaxbp2bxv779KzKKRggZK36JI4FNFfr5xHpI0Igw38DAN1Pp_px9UCAOd6irxDBgdXUI/s1600/cbao+mango.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij71EPMi-pk7U9EYVCRvNKyATReUNSanwflmQ8ITD5ppBe4SOALYuT8kXqQZnAf0HSVYRprhsdaxbp2bxv779KzKKRggZK36JI4FNFfr5xHpI0Igw38DAN1Pp_px9UCAOd6irxDBgdXUI/s400/cbao+mango.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here comes the carabao!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPn2z_QLcEiVSmuwoHd7fr831ghQOqXgTNnnwx4EPz1mDOcz189H1g8yB8sgjV9CGem7MVDHMPkD3BCvx833fwI8iDuwpnea5LV5e-Enkiy5WAOXD4ui4zaMZu_LhovZSEqu8wvB3qGQ/s1600/cbao+pose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPn2z_QLcEiVSmuwoHd7fr831ghQOqXgTNnnwx4EPz1mDOcz189H1g8yB8sgjV9CGem7MVDHMPkD3BCvx833fwI8iDuwpnea5LV5e-Enkiy5WAOXD4ui4zaMZu_LhovZSEqu8wvB3qGQ/s400/cbao+pose.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The first carabao I saw kneeling. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhNjUtD1F2mDOTXSjMrIHgGJsQeKzclE2LbZ8h6LoHzxhU2vJgPVRwrPCEd4_JztDPMA8eCSqRhH6c_N_EeRGfmZhYNzweB4C_whR0YNMcT3GHXfRUKxPkAYe9l2jEN10rD4VPDExhLs/s1600/cbao+jollibee+praying.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhNjUtD1F2mDOTXSjMrIHgGJsQeKzclE2LbZ8h6LoHzxhU2vJgPVRwrPCEd4_JztDPMA8eCSqRhH6c_N_EeRGfmZhYNzweB4C_whR0YNMcT3GHXfRUKxPkAYe9l2jEN10rD4VPDExhLs/s400/cbao+jollibee+praying.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jollibee praying that his carabao will kneel.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbDfBRUYOZ-kqdpVzEv-wvQ9tEOIZZFMPBd0uGi6x1oIfCvw3Ya3IwF3T8lGjDIkNKN0O3gEPdN3Ip_rTUbdAj0oaDlkSlX8zuqYYZmVECoCyJALMubwBRG-HXmDJFD42FfXTeNvWYXE/s1600/cbao+jollibee+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbDfBRUYOZ-kqdpVzEv-wvQ9tEOIZZFMPBd0uGi6x1oIfCvw3Ya3IwF3T8lGjDIkNKN0O3gEPdN3Ip_rTUbdAj0oaDlkSlX8zuqYYZmVECoCyJALMubwBRG-HXmDJFD42FfXTeNvWYXE/s400/cbao+jollibee+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjfVo8ZciNhcVMEH6lNxs_saN9fXGekeiN14tZW-uhZHQ9RiLFXUI8a8-urH7cTDSNCld7d536p4sjDjF0Tw8Yn29eNq6s2pqHN5IF2y0j_p_ZeXizr9oOm_TPhogx5t3DUs10O-_lNU/s1600/cbao+jollibee+kneeling+cbao.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjfVo8ZciNhcVMEH6lNxs_saN9fXGekeiN14tZW-uhZHQ9RiLFXUI8a8-urH7cTDSNCld7d536p4sjDjF0Tw8Yn29eNq6s2pqHN5IF2y0j_p_ZeXizr9oOm_TPhogx5t3DUs10O-_lNU/s400/cbao+jollibee+kneeling+cbao.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jollibee's carabao kneeled a little longer than the others. As you can see, Jollibee is so pleased. =)</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x-C_sUTqgY_CVZ8IUqc5DUs4KkaJ_s7UTBh9BSdyj2y5q75_ZbdjQ29M2SJuW2Rz-uEMuAe_Fctw9ZLdUPHdVdx57umXxeg1pS3PYehsO9jTiKwAK-w9D0CLeTM_nbksqSln8PWkYqM/s1600/cbao+kneel+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x-C_sUTqgY_CVZ8IUqc5DUs4KkaJ_s7UTBh9BSdyj2y5q75_ZbdjQ29M2SJuW2Rz-uEMuAe_Fctw9ZLdUPHdVdx57umXxeg1pS3PYehsO9jTiKwAK-w9D0CLeTM_nbksqSln8PWkYqM/s400/cbao+kneel+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As the festivity deals with procession of quite large animals, many soldiers were deployed to the streets. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeKVaGDw1Iw_UUqWPy8WxsL8hAlwfYUrRghWP7_QInd2-VJDCC3sKAU0dR9XhUzjV8PoCplL8iAyQY3-VHg_f3v5cAJuW5YfvLLKnFsyTnQFejiSrlKAeDBYPF_xa2bTqkoDjDTI8d7U/s1600/cbao+soldiers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeKVaGDw1Iw_UUqWPy8WxsL8hAlwfYUrRghWP7_QInd2-VJDCC3sKAU0dR9XhUzjV8PoCplL8iAyQY3-VHg_f3v5cAJuW5YfvLLKnFsyTnQFejiSrlKAeDBYPF_xa2bTqkoDjDTI8d7U/s400/cbao+soldiers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It
was such a long hot tiring day but seeing the carabaos was all worth
it. I just wished the human parade will be a little shorter so that the
crowd can fully enjoy the sight. For this occassion, the carabaos
weren't able to finish the parade because it rained. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRJRlsaXLPXdFawA0M6dSZ0H2vdPvTcisJ0xPLGs56bLQEQjwbpUROHBYONnme_74llQzFpZueRpO6lqxwGxeF3TjZUKWjJmbGcTdTKCjyQao5JPXkWs4SXKWtKcJ9brAFUZiSR-zbwU/s1600/cbao+fan+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRJRlsaXLPXdFawA0M6dSZ0H2vdPvTcisJ0xPLGs56bLQEQjwbpUROHBYONnme_74llQzFpZueRpO6lqxwGxeF3TjZUKWjJmbGcTdTKCjyQao5JPXkWs4SXKWtKcJ9brAFUZiSR-zbwU/s400/cbao+fan+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a kid patiently waiting for the carabaos' arrival despite the scourging heat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs68KUoKK3QaR9rOQk-yEWYYchE2CIfE7bbMJ_NFy-12P5xbXkK14Y6OKPAiLwQhYK7Mrv3KN842ilSQvAlB28Gm9I7uHcEXCwdr3HwOkWliAYV_beqwUFCz77RNAv8xvF16c6z983AM/s1600/cbao+families.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs68KUoKK3QaR9rOQk-yEWYYchE2CIfE7bbMJ_NFy-12P5xbXkK14Y6OKPAiLwQhYK7Mrv3KN842ilSQvAlB28Gm9I7uHcEXCwdr3HwOkWliAYV_beqwUFCz77RNAv8xvF16c6z983AM/s400/cbao+families.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Families having fun during the fiesta</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXyPfku6mXz1eQBp5QDSXugmh3GRJ8506DbiOpWWBN2QYuCMQ1WJCaWw0j4gNQtmaQ7dL3yCN-K7O_PzlMHVNR9K_qFjT4rIXZF29yVCWMqQ5bMJ_g8lqjq0giGrIIr5Gs0sPur-n4vM/s1600/cbao+direk+laurice+guillen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXyPfku6mXz1eQBp5QDSXugmh3GRJ8506DbiOpWWBN2QYuCMQ1WJCaWw0j4gNQtmaQ7dL3yCN-K7O_PzlMHVNR9K_qFjT4rIXZF29yVCWMqQ5bMJ_g8lqjq0giGrIIr5Gs0sPur-n4vM/s400/cbao+direk+laurice+guillen.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Direk Laurice Guillen was one of the celebrities who witnessed the celebration.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh517RGtWc-t7Vg_u7ZAWcyrJ_88AUkIz1I5u9wyveedOck2FaYoVCFaYVFHXqCAOl54P8kyu1zOPzsDW8Qsh27P0FwaYHqcS-eTnvMMa_6NVZ57WPkALYEJF7Dk4bctrowQdKoJxn7tNw/s1600/cbao+girl+watchers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh517RGtWc-t7Vg_u7ZAWcyrJ_88AUkIz1I5u9wyveedOck2FaYoVCFaYVFHXqCAOl54P8kyu1zOPzsDW8Qsh27P0FwaYHqcS-eTnvMMa_6NVZ57WPkALYEJF7Dk4bctrowQdKoJxn7tNw/s400/cbao+girl+watchers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vZIjrp9Fx89XSQTqW99AZLYlrsTGx2ttycEV-lRnjaUAEEoe4DjJGQql-ispG_lrz_klsxhHjdW_Icq_HSk4rBddn8KHTHDQiJ0ATC_D4fhi5fRvb5UD3f_fJBPq_iwlAlNtLC1Yd0k/s1600/cbao+twins+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vZIjrp9Fx89XSQTqW99AZLYlrsTGx2ttycEV-lRnjaUAEEoe4DjJGQql-ispG_lrz_klsxhHjdW_Icq_HSk4rBddn8KHTHDQiJ0ATC_D4fhi5fRvb5UD3f_fJBPq_iwlAlNtLC1Yd0k/s400/cbao+twins+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Townsmen
believe though that the rain is another sign of blessing, as we all
know, water is a farm land's life blood, and it's badly needed
especially a this extremely stressful hot weather! And of course, San
Isidro was known to intercede miracles of providing water during
drought. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eOAP0n9VU5KEf-Z6hc4IaDjD96v_VZGzqVGjczkoqSqd0LWQLhiHbFUl2ZxeVQObwx-4kCclr8DFcks2NeOj9Q1DdY9xYoGthy8F4XVYkPxCPo1Qsg7OeaHf8dsfUeTiPSMGGvvcZaQ/s1600/cbao+stampede.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eOAP0n9VU5KEf-Z6hc4IaDjD96v_VZGzqVGjczkoqSqd0LWQLhiHbFUl2ZxeVQObwx-4kCclr8DFcks2NeOj9Q1DdY9xYoGthy8F4XVYkPxCPo1Qsg7OeaHf8dsfUeTiPSMGGvvcZaQ/s400/cbao+stampede.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carabaos walk faster as rain approaches.</i><i><br />
</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I
decided to take a look at this Philippine tradition as I wanted to
witness how the people in Pulilan, Bulacan creatively express their
faith, give importance to the animals that help them in the field, get
united and uphold community spirit, and celebrate life. For me this is
another rare treasure that our country has that every Filipino, and
every life explorer, must see. <br />
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<br />
This is another check in my 2011 task list! What could be next? Hmmm...foydihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05144014881229621164noreply@blogger.com0