The Gourmand Traveller

The Gourmand (All About Food)

2011-05-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

A Humble Rounded Bread: Pan De Sal
Balls on Sticks...Anyone?
Halo-Halo
Sizzling Sisig

The Traveler (Travel and Holidays)

2011-05-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

PHILIPPINES
Agawan Festival: Sariaya's Tradition
Antique (Part One)
Antique (Part Two)
Pahiyas Festival (Lucban, Quezon)
Pueblo Por La Playa (Pagbilao, Quezon)
An Exciting Exfoliating Experience: Tibiao Fish Spa

The Agawan Festival: Sariaya's Tradition

2011-05-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

This celebration in honor of “ San Isidro De Labrador “, the Spanish patron saint of farmers, one so old that not one alive today knows when and how it started, is the primary tourist attraction in Sariaya, which is being promoted by the Department of Tourism . The ‘” Bagakays “, an identifiably “ Sariayahin “ feature of the festival, are young bamboo trees cut and bedecked with a variety of goodies that form a gently swaying beautiful and bountiful canopy along the well decorated route of the saint’s afternoon procession.

On May 14th, the townspeople select the best produce which they artfully and painstakingly decorate into their houses like ……. “ Aranyas “ or bamboo chandeliers adorned with palay and rice stalks, Suman, string beans and luscious green mangoes, “ fences “ of sugar cane and coconuts with chains of orange betel nuts as colorful accents, “ pillars “ of green and yellow banana bunches, “ curtains “ and “ draperies “ of “ Pastillas “ or milk candies wrapped in colorful cellophanes and Japanese papers, “ Baluartes “ or archs of eggplants and gourd veggies like ‘ Upo “, “ Patola “ and “ Ampalaya “, mouth-watering succulent “ Lechon “ and golden brown roast chickens preening at the windows, and the like!

The hectic preparations that drag into the wee hours of the morning on the 15th , particularly the raising of the bountiful ‘ Bagakays “ on both sides of the streets, give off a sense of exhilaration to the busy house owners, and wonder to the roaming visitors alike! The early morning parade on the feast day itself never fails to elicit a sense of anticipation and excitement, what with the splash of color, folk artistry and fanfare for all to see!

Features of the parade vary every year, from floats adorned with fresh farm produce pulled by carabaos and horses to those that feature beautiful ladies serving as the “ Mutya “ of each Barangay, donned in Filipiniana and indigenous wear embellished with products representative of their locale’s livelihood. Any how, what is very evident is the active participation of all sectors of Sariayahin society who are just too eager to be part of this eventful undertaking.

At the end of the parade will be the “ Mga Taong Bagakay “ or ‘ Mtb ‘, human depictions of the beautifully bedecked, bountiful bamboo tree canopy, artfully garbed in Sariaya produce and products as the coconut-ty “ Mga Taong Niyog ‘ and the very colorful “ Mga Taong Pastillas “ for example. They will street dance their way around town in a contest of innovative costume design, artistic choreography, youthful energy and patient endurance!

After the afternoon mass in its honor, the antique image of San Isidro De Labrador, garbed in his familiar sky blue robe with shiny trimmings, atop its equally silver-plated ‘ carroza ‘ comes out of the church into a joyous procession amidst the explosion of firecrackers! People cannot contain themselves with excitement as they never tire of eagerly awaiting what is supposed to be the most dynamic and action-filled religious celebration these parts, year after year after year! As the image of the “ Poong San Isidro “ passes by, all the pent up energies are let loose like a dam suddenly opened to release excess water. Sack-bearing revelers positioned behind the icon suddenly grab at the bountiful decors within reach……Banana and coconut bunches, sugarcanes, commercial goodies, practically everything in sight, while eager and equally excited house owners rip off at their bountiful decorations, carefully thought of, artfully designed and painstakingly crafted the day or even days before.

In a frenzied spirit of unbridled, good natured fun, they throw them at the electrified crowd …….fruits, vegetables, fans, hats, umbrellas, native slippers, bags, clothes, money, bread, rice in small plastic bags, and everything imagined and unimaginable, like native chickens at times! Blessings as such rain like Mannah from Heaven, and as if these weren’t enough, the “ Bagakays “ are scrambled upon by the men folk, broken in a frenzy of jumping and tugging, and let loose to fall on the already ensuing grab fest or “ Halbutan “ as the Sariayahins traditionally call it!

Each is now on his/her own, pleading-shouting-even outrageously climbing fences just to get their treasured ‘ loot ‘ to safety, away from countless eager competitors, while alertly dodging falling debris like broken “ Upo “, bunches of Indian mangoes, and the ultimate, ‘ Sangkalans ‘ or wooden chopping boards hanging precariously from a Bagakay put up by a meat shop owner, No Kidding! And the ultimate wonder is that with all of these, not one has died or suffered from severe injuries as far back as town folks can remember, and minor cuts and scratches were merely dismissed off with an amused shrug, sweat-soaked and all!

As crazy as the “ La Tomatina “ of Bunol, Spain and the equally raucuous “ Orange Festival “ of Northern Italy, this very Sariayahin fiesta is by all means the most expressive and expressed form of hospitality, giving and sharing by a townspeople in the whole world, even in today’s very hard times. And the visitors, who are either awestruck first timers, or seasoned veterans who never tire of returning to Sariaya at this time of year truly agree! YES, it is a ‘ Controlled Chaos ‘, a ‘ Saintly Banditry ‘, the one and only ‘ Happy Pandemonium ‘ , aptly put!

Information Credits: Sariaya.net

Livingsocial.com: A Review

2011-03-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

LivingSocial offers daily deals on handpicked experiences that can be shared with friends. Our mission is to add surprise to every calendar. So we dig deep, pursuing both the things that define a place and the undiscovered jewels. We design total experiences that bring an adventurous, loyal new following to local businesses. Innovation and imagination have made LivingSocial the fastest-growing company in the social-buying category. We satisfy cravings for the new and different at significant savings. LivingSocial means living with real connection. We shape social lives.

Strengths

Living Social offers users a better way to learn about their community and support the small businesses that operate within it. The site compiles lists of business information that allows users to see lesser known places they may not have been aware existed near them. The site also works out special rates and deals and presents them to users. This not only helps the user save money, but also encourages them to visit local businesses through daily deals. Living Social also includes many other handy tools that can help the user find the places they plan to visit.

Living Social incorporates a number of different elements to give users a full spectrum of resources. There are business profiles so that users can learn more about an entertainment venue, restaurant, or shop before they visit. Among other information, the site also incorporates Google Maps into the profile so users can quickly find out where the business is located and how long it takes to get there. Living Social also works out special deals for its users to encourage a visit to the businesses featured while giving the user a way to save money.

The Living Social website offers a very lighthearted, fun appearance. With the backdrop of a local scene, which changes from anything to a sprawling street of cozy buildings to a picturesque water side cafe, the site may at first seem a bit busy. It is intended for entertainment and socializing, after all. Users will quickly adapt to the colorful background and can get right down to business searching for the daily deal and learning about local venues.

Living Social keeps the registration process short and sweet. New users can find the email address field waiting at the top of the page within the header. After entering a valid email address and selecting a city from the drop down box, users can click the blue “sign up” button to the right. After submitting an email address, the user can begin searching for deals and browsing the site to learn more about their community.

Weaknesses

Customer service of Living social requires improvement. Here are the following feedbacks from their users:

My spouse and I purchased 2 Amazon gift cards using two different credit cards on two separate accounts since limit one person. Both of orders got cancelled. Called several times, spokes to 5 representatives, they accused me of open two accounts and tried to make multiple fraud purchases since the we same the same mailing address and similar credit cards. The representatives were rude and unprofessional that didn't listen to you. Three of them actually hung up on me during our conversation. LIVING SOCIAL IS THE WORST COMPANY I HAVE DEAL WITH STAY AWAY FROM THEM!!!

How weird -- I also got Omar when I called today! I was calling to get a refund because the restaurant had gone out of business. I was informed by "Omar" that because it was past 90 days (but the coupon had not yet expired!) that I would not receive a refund via credit card (which other sites like Groupon will grant you instantly) -- but could either get "credit" in my Living Social Account or a check that would arrive in 2-3 WEEKS! I was upset, and said that if you can't refund my credit card, and I have to wait weeks to see any refund, the least you can do is add some credit in the account as well for the inconvenience. After all, it's not my fault this restaurant went out of business & I'm stuck with a useless coupon!

Omar said no can do. I was pressed for time and said, fine, I have no choice, just send the check refund.

But to add insult to injury -- as I got off the phone, Omar DID NOT HANG UP THE PHONE -- but I could hear his conversation with what I later found out was a snotty, kiss-ass trainee named "STACY" -- and they were talking crap about me, ridiculing my concerns, with Stacy saying "she is ridiculous," and "she just wants extra stuff," along with other rude & unprofessional comments.

So of course I called back. Asked to speak to a supervisor. Was told there was one named "Dayo" but that she's "stepped out ten minutes ago." Hmmm -- sound familiar? I am getting the impression their "customer service" office has a very, very small staff. And that there are no real managers or supervisors at the contact number. So I get Omar on the line, ask to speak to "Stacy," and he puts me on intercom after informing me that she's his "trainee." I tell her -- and Omar -- how simply rude and unprofessional their comments are, & that I heard their entire conversation about me. Then they admit to it, apologize profusely, and Omar says, well, I actually gave you a "surprise & delight" credit of $10 before you called back." So after he tells me he can't give ANY credit, and then talks crap about me with "Stacy," all of a sudden he decided to do this before I call back? I am worried I will never see my actual refund -- a check???? In 2-3 weeks???? And some lame apology from a guy who forgot to hang up the call so I could see the true nature of living social and what they think of their customers. Apparently, we are "ridiculous" in their eyes!

Mamapedia and Family Finds, Plum deals -- so many others coming up every day. Plus this is the SECOND company to go out of business after I bought a living social certificate, and two previous companies were shady. I've gotten much better deals AND quality establishments on Groupon and the other sites.

Similar complaints on LivingSocial's Facebook page have kept company representatives in overdrive as they respond with apologies and promises to resolve issues. Here's a sampling of the Facebook complaints, one of which we've edited for space constraints:

"Never received code for Amazon card. sent email no resp. couldn't get a hold of c/s. Charge is still showing on my credit card."
"My wife never received her amazon card, nor did my kids. When my wife wrote them they said that it was because she had already ordered one, which was not true. No notice, no messages, nothing..."
"Never received code for Amazon card. I emailed 3 times, and only got the response that they were working on it. Called customer service twice, got put on hold, then the computer voice said, "good-bye," and hung up. The charge for the card is still showing up on my credit card. That's not just bad service, that's criminal."
Customer service responses resulted in some angry posts as well:

"Unbelievable. You people keep on lying and saying the same thing again and again like you are some kinda robots. Have you been brainwashed or not? Why don't you just admit that you living social made a huuuuuuge mistake and apologize to everyone at least. You will definitely remain in history as the worst business ever! You SUCK!"

Living Social did not immediately respond to a request for a comment, but the company has placed a link to FAQs about the Amazon gift card prominently atop the site's support center.

Alternatives

Groupon – www.groupon.com
The Dealist – www.thedealist.com
What’s The Deal – sowhatsthedeal.com
Woot – livingsocial.com

Information credits: Livingsocial.com, App Appeal, SiteJabber, WalletPop
AppVita

Why Use Stainless Steel Bottled Water Rather than Plastic Containers?

2011-03-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

When we travel in areas where sources of water is either scarce or unsafe such as deserts of Egypt, the Grand Canyon, caves or mountains, it would be advisable to bring sufficient water to keep us hydrated. There are many water containers out there that can be used by travelers such as plastic bottles,stainless steel bottle water containers and disposable bottled water. Now, let me share with you a few things you need to know about using stainless steel bottle water containers compared to using other kinds of plastic bottles.

No Polycarbonates First of all, it does not contain Polycarbonates. Polycarbonate is a high-performance plastic that has dimensional stability, optical clarity, high heat resistance and excellent electrical resistance. It is used for electronic equipment, automobiles, construction glazing and sports safety equipment. The shatter-resistance and heat-resistance also make Polycarbonates ideal for tableware as well as drinking bottles and food storage containers that can conveniently be stored in a microwave or a refrigerator.
Bisphenol A also known as BPA is a building block of polycarbonate plastic.

Researchers have found that it can potentially migrate from the plastic bottles we use to our water. This being said, our water becomes unsafe. Pouring boiling liquid into reusable water bottles or baby bottles made of polycarbonate plastic causes a much faster release of the estrogen-mimicking chemical bisphenol A, new research shows. This may be a cause of breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Safe and Made Of High Quality Food Grade Stainless Steel- This means, it has no polycarbonates, and it is safe for you and your family! You do not have to put your health at stake. This is a healther option to make, and when choosing the right water bottle containers, you should not scrimp. Your health will take the toll in the long run if you reuse disposable bottles.
Plastic disposable bottles are not safe for use over and over. It contains polyethylene terephthalate, which is a carcinogenic element. These bottles are not meant for repeated washing and rinsing. This process can break down the carcinogens. Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer. You wouldn’t want these elements to reach your drinking water, right?

Environmental Friendly – Since stainless steel bottle waters are reusable, they do not add up to pollution. Did you know that disposable water bottles last seven hundred years? While they don’t contain BPA, they are piling up in our landfills. People in the U.S. throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles an hour. Plastic makes up much of the streetside litter found in cities and throughout the countryside.

Studies suggest that between seven percent and eight percent of the world’s fossil fuels are used in producing new plastics. This doesn’t sound like a great amount, but it accounts for millions of tons of fuels per year. Since plastics pile up on our landfills, in order to save space, plastics are often burned in incinerators. Upon doing this, fossil fuels and chemicals used in making this process are brought out into the atmosphere, also contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Saves You Hundreds Of Dollars A Year – The usage of stainless steel bottle water containers saves you a lot of money annually. Instead of repeatedly buying bottled water, since you have your own container, you just have to fill in your container with water from your home. No more paying for something that you can essentially get for free.

Convenient, Easy To Use and Easy To Wash – The stainless steel bottle water container is very convenient, and it can be brought anywhere and used anytime. It easily fits in your car’s cup holder. It has a wide opening that fits ice cubes. It is also very easy to wash, since it is dishwasher safe. Bring it to the office, to school, to the gym, to the park or just use it at home, there is no doubt this container is both convenient, useful and safe.
Look no further because I can offer you all these in one easy to carry stainless steel bottle water container – the Eco Canteen. It is a very handy way to carry your water. Grab yours now!

Information credits: http://www.stainlesssteelbottlewater.com/

An Exciting Exfoliating Experience: Tibiao Fish Spa

2011-03-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

When i first encountered the words "fish spa", it became an enigma for me. At first, i thought that fish spa pertains to "spa for fish," but eventually i realized that fish spa pertains to spa for human beings using specific species of fish.

Fish spas are a form of ichthyotherapy that use small fish to clean the skin. Fish exfoliate the skin by feeding on the dead layers of skin cells. This method is safe and totally free of pain. In fact, the distinct tickly sensation produced by the skin-nibbling fish adds to the cleansing benefits and relaxing ambience of fish spas that made them popular in many Asian countries.

TFS stands out from conventional fish spas because of its affordable rates and novel offerings. While most fish spas use imported Garra ruffa fish which are expensive to acquire and maintain, TFS uses several species of fish sourced from the highlands of Tibiao in the province of Antique to provide the fish spa experience in a uniquely Filipino setting. Because of this, Tibiao Fish Spa has arguably become the most affordable fish spa in the world.

To date, thousands of guests from all walks of life have dropped by TFS conveniently located along the national highway in the town of TIbiao, Antique. Over a dozen nationalities have experienced the services of TFS delivered by its 10 part-time staff. These services now include foot and hand fish spa, body fish spa, traditional massage, and manicure/pedicure.

In December 2009, Tibiao Fish Spa also began to offer Katahum Tours (www.katahum.com) that takes guests around the different attractions in the town of Tibiao to experience nature trekking, kayaking, pottery making, lambaklad (modern fish corral) fishing, kawa (iron tub) hot bath, and much more as a complement to the fish spa experience.

Since its conception, TFS has appeared in several regional and national television shows, broadsheets, and tabloids. The news has also spilled over to a magazine and a newspaper in Thailand and several blogs and websites.
Tibiao Fish Spa made the bold move of opening an exhibit in SM City Iloilo in April 2010. The company’s fish spa concept was the first of its kind to be ever approved by the top management of SM.

Because of the encouraging reception by Ilonggos, on October 20, 2010, Tibiao Fish Spa opened its permanent outlet in SM City Iloilo offering expanded services such as VIP Fish Spa, Full-body fish spa, as well as a range of massage and reflexology services.

information and image credits: http://tibiaofishspa.com/

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2011-03-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

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Pueblo Por La Playa: First-Rate Mexican-Inspired Residential and Country Club

2010-06-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Pueblo por la Playa is a 12-hectare first-rate Mexican-inspired residential and country club situated in the cove of Pagbilao, Quezon. Only 9 kilometers away from Lucena City, Pueblo por la Playa showcases a picturesque view of the sky, land, and sea. The first time I went to this place is when i attended a friend's wedding more than a week ago. The place??? simply amazing...

Unfortunately, i did not get the chance to check the entire place coz it's pretty huge. Another problem is that we went there around 5 p.m. and we mainly stayed for the reception. We only have less than an hour to check the place during the night time. Nevertheless, let me provide a few details about this place :)

Cafe Oaxaca[ Sp. wah-hah-kah ]

The coffee shop is a perfect place to meet friends whether it be a sunny day after a water sports race, a fancy dinner under the canopy of billion stars or just an ordinary day to unwind and enjoy the panoramic vista of the sea while having your favorite cup of coffee. Each area in the coffee shop has its own unique features.

The inside of the coffee shop is fully-airconditioned with cove lightings. The round logs on the ceiling and vigan tiles on the flooring added intricacy to its architectural design.

The viewing decks are ideal for those who want a cozy ambiance. Both decks are filled with umbrella stands with distinctly customized tables and chairs.

Don't miss to see the relaxing waterfalls and the exotic fishes in the pond located in the Deck 2.

Guayabera

The Duplex are the rooms allocated for the members and visitors of Pueblo who wish to stay for quite sometime. It is divided into two living units with an entry porch for each. Both having a living area, bedroom, comfort room, and viewing deck.
Each visit to Pueblo is a complete new experience with your choice Duplex. All units have different interior designs that will surely make your stay worthwhile.

Infinity Pool

How to Get to Pagbilao, Quezon

Commute: board buses to Lucena via Jac Liner, Lucena Lines or Jam Transit Buses either at Buendia near LRT station or Jac Liner stations in Kamias (2 Mapagmahal Street, Baranggay Pinyahan, Kamias Quezon City, Philippines) or Jam Transit in Cubao or Quezon City (Timog Ave. cor. EDSA, Quezon City or at Taft Avenue, Cubao)..

in Lucena City either in SM City Lucena or Grand Central Terminal, you can board jeepneys via Pagbilao

For more Information please check their website

info and image credits: Pueblo Por La Playa

Sizzling Sisig

2010-06-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

Sisig is a Kapampangan term which means "to snack on something sour". It usually refers to fruits, often unripe or half-ripe, sometimes dipped in salt and vinegar. It also refers to a method of preparing fish and meat, especially pork, which is marinated in a sour liquid such as lemon juice or vinegar, then seasoned with salt, pepper and other spices.

Sisig also refers to Sizzling sisig, a Filipino dish made from parts of pig’s head and liver, usually seasoned with kalamansi and chili peppers.The dish is said to have originated from locals residents who bought unused pig heads from the commissaries of Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga. Pig heads were purchased cheap since they were not used in preparing meals for the U.S. Air Force personnel stationed there. An alternate explanation of its origin is that it is but an innovative variation on an older recipe, which is pork ears and jowl, boiled, chopped then marinated.

Lucia Cunanan of Angeles City has been credited with inventing sisig.[3] The Philippine Department of Tourism has acknowledged that her "Aling Lucing's" restaurant had established Angeles City as the "Sisig Capital of the Philippines" in 1974. Cunanan's trademark sisig was developed in mid 1974 when she served a concoction of boiled and chopped pig ears and cheeks seasoned with vinegar, kalamansi juice, chopped onions and chicken liver and served in hot plates. Today, varieties include sisig ala pizzailo, pork combination, green mussels or tahong, mixed seafood, ostrich sisig, spicy python, frog sisig and tokwa't baboy, among others.

Preparing sisig comes in three phases: boiling, broiling and finally frying. A pig's head is first boiled to remove hairs and to tenderize it. Portions of it are grilled or broiled and then chopped. Finally, it is fried with onions and served on a sizzling plate. Variations of sisig may add any of the following: eggs, ox brains, chicharon (pork cracklings), pork or chicken liver, and even mayonnaise. Recently, local chefs have experimented with ingredients other than pork such as chicken, squid, milkfish (image above) tuna and even tofu.

Info Credits: wikipedia
image credits: Farm3, spot.ph

A Sweet and Refreshing Snack called Halo-Halo

2010-05-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

Halo-halo (from Tagalog word halò, "mix") is a popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served cold in a tall glass or bowl.

There is no specific recipe for this dessert, and a wide variety of ingredients are used. The order in which the ingredients are added varies widely. Primary ingredients generally include boiled red mung beans (munggó), kidney beans, garbanzos, sugar palm fruit (kaong), coconut sport (macapuno), and plantains caramelized in sugar. Other components may include jackfruit (langkâ), star apple, tapioca or sago, nata de coco, purple yam (ube) or sweet potato (kamote), sweetened corn kernels or pounded crushed young rice (pinipig), leche flan or custard, ice cream and gelatin. Other fruits, such as papayas, avocados, kiwifruit, bananas or cherries, may also be added. Some preparations also include ice cream on top of the halo-halo.

Generally, condensed milk or evaporated milk is used instead of fresh milk, due to the tropical climate of the Philippines.In terms of arrangement, most of the ingredients (fruits, beans, and other sweets) are first placed inside the tall glass, followed by the shaved ice. This is then sprinkled with sugar, and topped with either (or a combination of) leche flan, ube halaya, or ice cream. Condensed or evaporated milk is poured into the mixture upon serving.

The dessert exemplifies the "east-meets-west" culture in the Philippines, with the ingredients used coming from a wide variety of influences (to cite some examples: red mung beans which are from the Chinese, garbanzos from the Indians, leche flan from the Spaniards, and shaved ice itself, which was introduced to the islands by the Americans).

Halo-halo was featured as a Quickfire Challenge dish in the seventh episode of the fourth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The halo-halo, which featured avocado, mango, kiwi and nuts, was prepared by Filipino-American contestant Dale Talde and named as one of the top three Quickfire Challenge dishes by guest judge Johnny Iuzzini of Jean-Georges. Talde also made the dish in a later episode.

Image Credits: Media Tumblr, spot.ph

Info Credits: wikipedia

A Harvest Festival Called Pahiyas

2010-05-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Pahiyas is the harvest festival and is observed in the towns of Lucban in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Considered one the Philippines’ biggest harvest festivals, it is deeply rooted in the traditional celebration of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests.

The Pahiyas Festival started as a gift-giving ritual by the natives of Lucban to the Franciscan missionaries who were responsible for bringing Catholicism to Quezon in 1583. When Fr. Juan de Placencia took over as the town’s first church administrator, he continued the practice of offering the years harvest to the Spanish friars as thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. The ritual was carried on by the next parish priest, Fr. Diego de Oropesa, until it became a tradition for the Lucbanins.

In 1595, the town’s first parish priest, Fr. Miguel de Talavera who was instrumental in the construction of a wooden church in Barrio Kulapi had the farmers bring all their harvests to the church for blessing. The farmers believed that this rite was necessary because they were convinced that failure to observe it could mean drought, famine, and bad luck for the farmers in Lucban.

As the farmers were showered with more blessings and the harvests increased, the wooden church became a place where the annual pahiyas. was held. Later on to keep the tradition alive the townsfolk agreed to display their harvest in front of their homes where the parish priest would come to bless the harvest.

However, to keep the solemnity of the festival, a procession of the image of San Isidro Labrador in whose honor the festival is held, was added to the celebration. The houses along the procession route are the best dressed, decked with the choices fruits and vegetables.The route is changed every year to give all residents a chance to take part in the celebration. Lucbanins also believe the houses along the procession route are twice blessed during the year.

During the Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival, each household tries to outdo each other in terms of creativity. Farmers show off their best produce of fruits and vegetables such as chayote and rice. There are miniature fruits and vegetables strung together in the most original fashion. The most traditional and certainly the most attractive décor comes in the form of kiping which are strung together in all shapes from arangya (chandelier) to huge flowers. When kiping catches the light of the sun it turns into a veritable cascades of color.

Info credits: Lakbay Pilipinas
Image credits: shotnroll.com,lugaluda.com

Balls on Sticks...Anyone?

2010-05-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

My favorite snack during mid afternoon is these yummy balls on sticks, specifically fish balls. While they satisfy everyone's hunger at low costs, this has became part of everyone's favorites, particularly for Asians like me.

As the term implies, fish balls are often made of ground fish meat (preferably pulverized), cornstarch (or flour), different spices and so forth. Ingredients tend to vary in different locations.

For instance, fishballs in Asia is different to its European counterparts (e.g. Israel's fish balls).

However, they are not only limited to fishballs. Other balls includes shrimp balls, squid balls, kekiam and chicken balls. Fishball vendors' offerings do not only vary in terms of balls but also in terms of sauce. Sauces can be thick or thin, sweet or sour (or both), spicy or not. These variations makes this simple foodie experience exciting, especially for those avid followers like me.

Furthermore, while this blog emphasizes balls on sticks, it does not signify that they should only be put on stick. These balls also serve one of the ingredients for soups and for noodles of every kind.

Image and Info Credits Reb Mordechai, coffeeplz, dbijoux 06 wikipedia and Entrepinoys Atbp.

A Humble Rounded Bread: Pan De Sal

2010-04-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Every morning when I woke up, the first thing that i always see on our table is freshly baked breads called pandesal. For those who are not familiar with the word, pandesal is a rounded bread usually eaten by Filipinos every breakfast. The term pandesal originated from Spanish term "Pan De Sal," meaning salt bread. It is made of flour, eggs, lard, yeast, sugar, and salt (info credits Wikipedia).

Freshly baked pandesals do not only serve as our daily staple. Its sweet smell reminds me of good memories of my younger years since i have been eating pandesal the rest of my life. Pandesal goes with different "palaman" (sandwich fillings): pan de sal with Coco Jam, pandesal with pickled mayonnaise, pandesal with corned beef and so forth.

Pandesal can also have softcrust or hardcrust. This would depend on how the bakery choose to prepare it. But I prefer the hardcrust more. Regardless of how pandesal is prepared or served, this humble bread simply represents humble beginnings of every Filipino...

Antique: A Hidden Paradise (Part Two)

2010-04-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

Phaidon Mountain Resort in Pandan This one is different from Phaidon Beach Resort.

Another fascinating image of Phaidon mountain resort Foreign tourists weren't able to contain themselves just merely looking at the blue lagoon... they finally gave in to their urge which is to plunge in...

Igpasungaw Falls Sebaste; 3 kms. from the national highway; a 30-minute walk up hills; a natural swimming pool (info from Antique Website

Another shot of Igpasungaw Falls "An Epitome of Mother Earth's Natural Beauty"

Bugang river in Pandan, Antique - the cleanest inland body of water throughout the Philippine archipelago and was recognized by the prestigious Green Environment Apple Awards in UK for four consecutive years. The awards are considered among the highest honors in environmental advocacy.

TIBIAO rapids in ANTIQUE, considered as the best river in the PHILIPPINES for kayaking.

Kayakers having fun at Tibiao Rapids

(continued to Part Three)

Image Credits: Tibiao Fish Spa, Go Iloilo, Kinaray-a

Antique: A Hidden Paradise (Part One)

2010-04-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Boracay has been the popular place during summer for both domestic and foreign tourists. Unbeknownst to many, areas nearby Boracay also offers more breathtaking sights for nature trippers as well as fascinating white beach resorts. Unlike Boracay that has been commercialized, these places offer unspoiled natural wonders. One of them is a province called Antique...

Antique is one of the 6 provinces comprising Western Visayas or Region VI, and one of the 4 provinces in the island of Panay. It is an elongated stretch of land occupying the whole length of the western side of the island. It is bounded by the rugged mountains of Panay, composed of the provinces of Aklan in the northeast, Capiz on the east, Iloilo in the southeast and a body of water called the Cuyo East Pass, part of China Sea, on the west (for further information about its Geographical Profile, please check Antique Website).

one of the numerous open caves in LIBERTAD, ANTIQUE... (photo courtesy of Kinaray-a)

Rice Terraces in CAMP 1, FLORES, CULASI, ANTIQUE...the site can be seen along the highway that connects Iloilo and Boracay...
Tourists even said that "it's a good thing that we decided to take the bus! Had we not done it...we wouldn't discover this spectacular ANTIQUE!"
(photo from Kinaray-a)

The Breathtaking Mararison Island of Antique
This island can be found 4 kms. off the coast of Culasi; 15 minutes by pumpboat; long stretch of white sand beach; ideal for beachcombing and spear fishing; presence of "pitcher plant" noted. (photo courtesy of Kinaray-a)

Seco Island is a small island in Tibiao, Antique, resembles a giant floating object due to its white sand. Approximately 1 meter above sea level, it stretches up to 1.5 kms. and 500 meters to its widest and in ideal for island hopping, fishing, scuba diving and culture of “Tambalang” algea (info courtesy of lewdsaint)

crystal clear waters of Seco Island

The Entire Caluya Shoreline
Situated in the northernmost tip of the province of Antique in Western Visayas, the island-municipality of Caluya has seven more islands: Semirara, Sibay, Sibato, Sibolo, Liwagao, Nagubat and Panagatan. (click here for more information about Caluya).

the Caluya Beach Upclose

Nogas Island is a 24-hectare government naval reservation island 3 miles from the shoreline of Anini-y town proper; 20 minutes by sailboat or motorboat; ideal for shell hunting, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Phaidon Beach Resort is a tropical paradise with a golden white sand and unspoiled beach, surrounded by wide mountain ranges, tropical rain forest, caves, rivers, waterfalls, tropical islands, and amazing coral reefs
(Info credits Hotel in Philippines)

(continued to Part 2)