Tag: About Me

I Believe…

Our generally peaceful elections happened more than a week ago.  We have a new president-elect.  My candidate did not win and it left me emotional for a day or two but life does not stop just because…  and so it went on.  The people have chosen and well… gotta respect that.  But I am entitled to my opinion, after all this is my blog.   🙂 Methinks we let the good one slip away, yes we did.  And why do I think so?  Because the good one had a plan, his proposed policies are practical and doable; he gives importance to education, it is key to one’s success in life as it is key to a country’s success.  To minimize corruption, his plan was to offer incentives and rewards for good behavior.   He also does not bicker as the other politicians do.  He was able to mount a positive, credible and issue-based campaign without having to resort to mudslinging tactics against any of his opponents to win over millions.  One of his main platforms is national unity and reconciliation.  I believe that if he had won, he could do a lot more for our country as he thinks outside the box.  I also believe that this is just the beginning.  He has awaken a previously indifferent constituent in me.   I will, in the meantime, silently keep an eye on our newly elected President; pray that integrity and good principles guide his administration for the next 6 years.

As I was contemplating on the events of the past week, I remembered this cool video with very good advice to boot.  Inspired by it, I came up with a few lessons learned thus far, that I strongly believe in.

Credits:  JS In A Word papers, text flowers and text swirls.

Posted on by Jenn 0

One Week of Tasty Treats

Food is another passion of mine that is high up there with travelling.  Truth be told, it is a huge part of my travels and my daily life.  Whether I’m out somewhere or just relaxing at home, I beam with joy if I am able to have my fix of favorite eats.  It can be as simple as spam, eggs and baked beans – my all time comfort food or as fancy as escargot.  Last week was a happy week for me because a visit to my favorite Saturday market = many a tasty treats.  Sharing with you some of my joys from the simple treats I picked up last week.

Credits:  JSprague’s Type Writer 2 papers  (Click on image to enlarge)

Some Useful Information:

Quinoa:  It’s pronounced keen-wah and while it is practically unknown here, it is a staple of the ancient Incas.  It is a grain that comes from the Andes Mountains and a 100-g portion is known to be a rich source of iron and vitamin B; a good source of protein; a source of calcium, vitamin B2, and niacin.  And best of all, it’s absolutely yummy.  You can find this at the grains section in any Healthy Options outlet.

Lartisan Boulangerie Francaise:  This is where I most-often get my breads.  It shares a space with Mikey’s Deli along Jupiter although I seldom get them there.  Our neighborhood deli, Santi’s (thank God) also carries their breads albeit a limited range.

Rizal Dairy Farms:  Can be found in Salcedo Market.  This is where I get my stash of Greek Yogurt.

Picolé:  Also found at the Salcedo Market, I chanced on this on my way home and it just called out to me through the scorching heat.  I just had to get myself some.  And by golly – they’re heavenly!

Posted on by Jenn 1

Back to My Everyday

Credits:  JSprague TW paper kit (JSprague Brown Solid, JSprague Red Solid, KHMize Boogie Star Stripe, KPertiet King Me, K Pertiet Letterbox Bird Watcher, Trish Jones TNC radientessence papers); JSprague TW Snapshot template

Journal reads:

Today I come back home to my everyday.  As I enter, I am transported back to the usual accustomed routine.  I however welcome the smell, the organized chaos and the quietness of my home.  A jaunt, long or short, breaks the monotony of my everyday and makes me look forward to the familiar, every time.  The comfort of my bed, the smell of my pillow and the warmth of my blanket never fail to welcome me back home. Today I cook with glee after eating out every single day.  Today I enthusiastically put up my feet, sit on my couch and work on my computer as I always do on a normal day.  Today I say hello to home sweet home… it is good to be back.

Posted on by Jenn 1

Maira-ira, Kiteboarding and Happy Memories

There’s something about white sand and strong waves crashing on the shore that evoke memories of my childhood.  Perhaps because my earliest recollection of the beach was when I was 4, living in the US with my family (of course), vacationing then in Miami Beach.  I played with the waves, trying not to get my feet wet by outrunning the waves crashing on shore.  Fun but futile because I think I ended up wet anyway.

Approach to our resort — Hannah’s (shhh… it looks better from afar!)

We arrived at Maira-ira point practically sundown and oblivious to how pristine the beach across the street from our resort was.  We woke up to an overcast morning, greeted with strong amihan winds.  Perfect for surfers, I thought.

Well, there you have it… it was the first time I saw kiteboarders in action.  I learned about this sport from a friend J a few years back.

And what do you know?  It was J surfing the waves on his kiteboard.  It was fascinating to watch and I’m sure more than thrilling to be on board.

That’s not J!  Tee hee!   😀

J’s been convincing me to try it… yeah, yeah!  Perhaps someday… for now, I’m happy wading through the waves.

The Blue Lagoon, as it is aptly known, is nestled around hills on a crescent cove that can be truly private and hidden from the mainstream beach-combing crowd.

I like my beach that way.

From the road, partly hidden from trees and other vegetations, a sign pointing to some stairs leads to the beach.

sand up close

Sand definitely not “Boracay” fine but I like it that the tiny white pebbles stay put in super strong winds.  God knows best, doesn’t He?

Posted on by Jenn 10

WS# 9: I love Pesto!

ws-pesto

Absolutely love it!  It has become one of my favorites since the time I discovered it in the early ‘90s.  Love it on anything and as anything.  Be it a spread on sandwiches, on pizza, as dressing, or simply in pasta, the more common application.  Best of all, it is the easiest thing to do.

Last Saturday, while browsing around my favorite Saturday market, I chanced upon gorgeously fresh basil leaves.  Bought me some, went home, got my processor, got some garlic, pine nuts (I always have them just in case but you can use about any kind of nuts — cashew is yummy too), olive oil and some cheese (again parmesan is the norm but since I ran out of it, I used aged cheddar or any hard cheese you may have).  Had some left over parsley so I threw that in too.  Blend them all together, don’t forget to season with salt, boil some Penne and voila!  Lunch!

So here’s some testament that I haven’t forgotten the resolution I devised early this year and that is to eat more greens.   😀

Posted on by Jenn 5

30 Random Things to Do in Sagada

sagada-random

I love the mountains.  I often find myself craving for the crisp fresh scent of pine air. Although that yearning is not always appeased, I do try to indulge every so often by spending a few days up in the mountains, sometimes Baguio will suffice but many a time it’s Sagada that I yearn for.  Many ask what I do when I’m there.  On many occasions, it’s just spent chilling out but there are so many activities worth exploring and here are some that came to mind (some still unchecked on my bucket list). Inspired by the 25 random things about you that is currently promulgating Facebook, here’s my random list of things to do in Sagada, except that I got carried away and came up with a list of 30.  This list covers an array of activities from chilling to thrilling and all the in betweens.  Do add to the list!   😉

  1. Hangout at the Basketball court near St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and get to know the locals and/or fellow travelers.
  2. Buy the best bread in Sagada at Masferre Inn.
  3. Explore Sumaging Cave or better yet, do the connection and traverse to Lumiang Cave.
  4. Trek to The Big Falls (Bomod-ok) passing through beautiful rice terraces.
  5. Take a dip in the icy-cold water of the Big Falls.
  6. Order the Pork Tenderloin specialty at Log Cabin.  One can’t leave without having tried it.
  7. Take an afternoon merienda of German Chocolate cake (best with coffee) at the Cooperative in front of St. Mary’s.
  8. Pay a visit to the Pottery workshop on your way to Lake Danum.  A bit pricey but the craftsmanship is first class.  Investing in at least a piece or two will not only make a superb souvenir, it fires up the sagada-coffeepotters to forge on as well.
  9. Get lost in Kiltepan and delight in the panoramic view of the terraces at the tower.
  10. Walk around town, visit the market especially on a Saturday, it’s market day.
  11. Ride top load (the roof of) a jeepney (if you’re coming from Bontoc).  It’s fun and less dusty.
  12. Pick up some Sagada coffee at 18 Days Coffee Roasters.
  13. Devour the fantastic yoghurt at Yogurt House.
  14. Climb the walls of Echo Valley.
  15. Or if you can’t climb, how about counting the hanging coffins at Echo Valley instead?
  16. Have the nummy Banana Crepes at Ganduyan Inn.
  17. Stay at Mapia-aw Pensione and enjoy the stunning view from your room or balcony.
  18. Or alternatively, get a cottage at St, Joseph and enjoy the privacy of your own place.
  19. Go orange picking at Rock Inn.
  20. Stop by Masferre Gallery to ogle at the awesome photos of Sagada taken in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s by the late Eduardo Masferre. sagada-lemonpie
  21. Read a book while enjoying a piece of either the lemon or egg pie at the newest town fancy, Lemon Pie House.
  22. Wake up early and bike to Marlboro Country to try to catch a glimpse of the wild horses.
  23. Try itag, a cured meat similar to a slab of bacon, unsliced.  Best in soup, monggo or pancit.
  24. Conquer Mt. Ampacao and revel in the outstanding view once atop it.
  25. Enjoy a picnic of wine, cheese and some cold cuts while admiring the beauty of Echo Valley.
  26. Bike to Besao and witness the sunset, raved to be the best in that side of the cordillera.
  27. Get a massage at the privacy of your room or cottage.
  28. Play board or card games or simply relax beside the fireplace at either Mapia-Aw Pension or St. Joseph Resthouse.
  29. Go shopping at either Sagada Weaving or Ganduyan Store.  They have lovely locally produced items for keepsakes.
  30. Raft the Chico River from Dantay to Bontoc.  To do so, look for Steve Rogers – he’s not hard to find.

Posted on by Jenn 9

Ibulao Ibulao

mwtnarrowbanner1

my-fix

 

This was taken in Ibulao River, Kiangan.  Not many have rafted or even know of this river (I think) and as the photos on the slideshow below exhibits, it is a fantastic 3 hours of rafting experience with a view so impressive.  An interesting place rich in history, Kiangan is believed to be the first human settlement in Ifugao.  This is also where Ifugao and American troops helped force General Yamashita to make his informal surrender in World War II.

We stayed in a charming hostel owned by the Kalugdans, I remember the food to be superb.  This was a special trip organized by Adventures and Expedition Philippines Inc. (AEPI) to explore the river.  They have since run several trips running the upper portion of the river.  Definitely worth a try.

This has been my entry to That’s My World.  Go visit and  find other worlds here.

Getting There:

Take either Autobus or Florida Bus Line to Banaue, get off at Kiangan.

 

Contact Details:

Auto Bus
Espana cornor Catalina,
Sampaloc, Manila
Phone:  735-8096

Bus fare:       P 460

Florida Bus Line
Sampaloc, Manila
Phones:  743-3809 / 731-5358 / 493-3667

Bus fare: P 450

Sleeping Arrangements:

Kalugdan Hostel, Kiangan
Ibulao Ibulao
Dra. Tess Kalugdan
0919-694-5964
totokalugdan@yahoo.com
 
Adventures & Expeditions Philippines Inc. (AEPI)
Anton Carag
0917-532-7480
whitewater1ph@yahoo.com
Posted on by Jenn 10

WS# 4: A Cookbook Junkie

wp-4-cookbook-junkie

Sshhh… I am a cookbook junkie… don’t tell.  I used to buy (a lot) but lately have been more prudent.  I stopped going to the bookstore and if I can’t help it, I avoid the cookbook section.  You see, I don’t really have time to cook a lot.  Living alone also has its drawbacks.  It’s no fun cooking for one.   But once in a while, especially if DBF is around, I would whip up something special er… something more difficult that is, than pasta and salad, which is my staple “cooking for one” dish.

I love to eat, that’s why.  I love anything associated with food, be it a cookbook, a foodie mag, food blogs or Discovery Travel and Living.  I also have no preference, really.  I can eat street food but will not pass up a chance to go high end as well, which is more often. Hee hee.  When I travel, I always make it a point to try the local cuisine from hole-in-a-walls to classy joints.  I love discovering new cuisines and the best are usually in simple roadside eateries where the locals go.  I make it a point though to splurge on at least one dining experience before heading home.

So don’t tell about this little “cookbook” secret…

Psst… I spent the weekend learning this new trick in photoshop.  Did some cleaning as well hence this entry.  I am attempting to rid of stuff I don’t need and live more simply.  I always say that I am a minimalist at heart, I just need a bigger space. Hahaha!   😛  Have nice week ahead!

Posted on by Jenn 3

The Yangshuo Charm

After chemo in 2005, I decided to take a short trip to China to cap this chapter of my life.  I wanted to start living “my life” again, the way I used to, even if I had to take baby steps to get back into my groove.  (I owe this story about me and I WILL post it as soon as I am ready to share.)  Anyway… Chose Yangshuo because it was close enough but it was not your typical Chinese town either.  It was still quite off the beaten path where backpackers still abound.  You get the same, if not better landscape in a vacation town with a plethora of interesting eateries and little shops as opposed to the big city of Guilin.  I like Yangshuo because it was small enough to explore, not intimidating at all.  Baby steps…

yangshuo

Credits: Alpha: Katescrap Barechip;  Papers: Clyle-carnival paper 2, Dmogstad – carnival paper, Hroselli – carnival paper- cream, Pspringmann – carnival paper;  Elements: ideacetis – carnival – lace (1), mmartin – carnival – beadswirl;  Frame: Joyfulheart Designs – plain jane single frame.

Outside of eating and shopping in town, the countryside and the Li River has a lot more to offer.  You can should do the following:

Ride a bike – wander through the countryside and enjoy the dramatic mountain backdrops.  The people are generally friendly.  Our guide went the extra mile and brought us to her home in the countryside and cooked us lunch.   😀

Cruise around Li River – take it from Xingping where the best limestone formations starts.

Rock Climbing – if you are into that.

Watch Impression of Lui Sanjie – by far the best thing we did in the 4 days we were there.  The show runs nightly during peak season.  It features a cast of 500 fishermen and a highly impressive light show performed on the Li River with the limestone formation as backdrop.  It was awe-inspiring, simply “goosebumps” amazing.

impressions

Yangshuo is about an hour away from Guilin.

Posted on by Jenn 2

Fear Conquered

02.21.2004 – Canopy Walk, Cagayan de Oro

First you have to know that I have this great fear of heights.  Scared to rappel, scared of ridges (especially if it drops more than 10 feet), scared to look down the balcony of a tall building and definitely scared s**t to zip down to the first platform and walk on slippery (angled) bars and wobbly hanging walkways.  No way Jose!  But peer pressure and the thought of being left behind got the better of me and I lived to tell the tale. 😀

momentsforever_web

Credits:  Amy Teets whitie tighties paper; Jessica Sprague Echoes of Asia dark blue solid paper, lt. blue solid paper; Jessica Sprague Echoes Ribbon – striped; Jessica Sprague Echoes frame 7×5; Katie Pertiet stamped moments-forever

So will I do it again?  Are you kidding?! 😛

Update:  Click on here for more information.  Thanks B!   😀

Posted on by Jenn 3