Noynoy Aquino's Campaign Ad

Watching this video gives me goosebumps.  I could really relate to the video because I feel that its trying to tell us that we really have to unite in order to save our country.  It's a good to see artists from the two rival networks working together in an ad to support a presidential candidate.   I did not expect or imagine that this will happen...I don't know really if this is a sign that Noynoy is the one...until this time I am not decided who to support in 2010...one thing for sure I like the video...

Adobo

Pork / Chicken Adobo Recipe

Estimated cooking time: 50 minutes

Adobo Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilo pork cut in cubes + 1/2 kilo chicken, cut into pieces or
  
• choice of either 1 kilo of pork or 1 kilo of chicken
  
• 1 head garlic, minced
  
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
  
• 1 cup vinegar
  
• 2 cups of water
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• 5 laurel leaves (bay leaves)
  
• 4 tablespoons of cooking oil or olive oil
  
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 3 tablespoons water
  

Adobo Cooking Instructions:

• In a big sauce pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil then sauté the minced garlic and onions.
  
• Add the pork and chicken to the pan. Add 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, vinegar, paprika and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or when meat is tender.
  
• Remove the pork and chicken from the sauce pan and on another pan, heat cooking oil and brown the pork and chicken for a few minutes.
  
• Mix the browned pork and chicken back to the sauce and add cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken.
  
• Add salt and/or pepper if desired
  
• Bring to a boil then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  
• Serve hot with the adobo gravy and plain rice.
  

Adobo Cooking Tips:

• You have the option to add crushed ginger to the onions and garlic when sautéing. Ginger adds a unique flavor to your pork/chicken adobo.
  

Source:  http://www.filipinofoodrecipes.net/adobo.htm

Lea Salonga

Lea Salonga (born on February 22, 1971 in the Philippines) is a Filipina singer and actress who is best known for her musical role in Miss Saigon. In the field of musical theatre, she is recognized for having won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre WorldAwards, the first to win various international awards for a single role. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway.

Salonga is the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin in 1992 and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II in 1998 and in 2004, respectively

Text Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lea_Salonga

Aswang

Aswang ( or Asuwang ) is a mythical creature in Filipino folklore and is popular in the Western Visayan regions such as Capiz, Antique and Iloilo.  This is the most feared of all mythical creatures in the Philippines. Aswang is also known as tik tik, wak wak and soc soc.

Aswang's description varies from place to place but are often described as a combination of witch and a vampire almost always a female.  The most popular description is that it is a dead eater and is capable of replacing a cadaver with a banana trunk to a cadaver's likeness.  They also like to eats kids and their favorite parts are liver and heart.

They said aswangs are ordinary people by day.  They are capable of transforming from human to animal and from animal to human.  It is also said that you can identify an aswang if you look through their eyes and your reflection appears to be inverted.  Another popular story about aswang is that they are near when the tik tik sound you hear is very faint.  They do this to cunfuse their victims.

In order to deal with aswang you have to use buntot pagi or stingray's tail or throw salt or semen at them for these irritate their skin.  Another one is to keep red pouch with ginger and coins.  The ginger will keep them away and the coins are used from preventing them from lifting you up.

Tarsier

The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), known locally as the Maumag in Cebuano/Visayan ) is very peculiar small nocturnal animal and is considered as one of the smallest known primates.  The tarsiers are found in the southeastern part of the archipelago, particularly in the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.

These small beautiful creatures are part of the endangered animal list in the Philippines. The main cause of the reduction of tarsier’s population size is the destruction of its natural habitat. In fact, if no actions will be taken they might not last long  and will be part of the extinct species.

Banaue Rice Terrraces

The Banaue rice terraces are part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and are a leading tourism destination in the country.  They are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people and are thought to be made by minimal equipments, largely by plain hands.

The terraces which are 1500 feet above sea level starts from the base of the mountain to the top of the mountain.  These terraces are considered Eight Wonder of the World and are part of UNESCO  Heritage Site.

The tourism industry have developed activities for visitors like sight seeing and visiting the villages at the foot of the mountain.  There a lot of tour guides in the area and mostly are college students.  But even without guides you will also feel the hospitality of the Ifugaos. 

The Banaue Rice Terraces is a must destination to visit when you go to the Philippines.

Boracay...Island Paradise

Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

Boracay is Philippine's Tropical Island Paradise and a perfect island getaway. Boracay is world famous because of its warm blue waters, powder-fine white sand, and a palm fringed 4-kilometer beach.  Boracay is an enchantingly beautiful island, in Panay province and is famous for its exceptional white sand beaches and pristine crystal blue waters. In fact Boracay has been rated as one of the finest tropical beaches in the world and is amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Boracay has so much to offer and there are a lot of activities in Boracay. You could enjoy banana Boat ride that are popular with all ages particularly children. You can play beach volleyball and other water activities like jet skiing, wind surfing or canoeing.

Try to do parasailing and fly high over the waves as you whoosh through the air being pulled along by a speeding boat far below. This is a great way to view the island and surrounding seas while enjoying yourself aloft.

Do not fail to explore the underwater world of Boracay because of its marvelous rich variety of marine life which are visible against the pure, white sand. Coral reefs still continue to thrive around the island. Diving and snorkelling gear are available at the many diving centres on the island.

I have been to this place for so many times. It never failed to make me happy everytime I visit it. Watching sunset is one of the best thing I have experienced in Boracay. I do not know why but evrytime I watch the sunset there it makes me look forward for the sunrise.

Boracay is an Island you have to experience yourself. I recommend to everyone to visit this island even once in your lifetime.

McDo VS Jollibee

El Nido...Magical Place

El Nido really is a magical place. It is a home to a warm and hospitable people and a place blessed with a scenic landscape. From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches with crystal clear water El Nido is a top destination for island hopping. El Nido is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been declared by the Philippine government as a protected area. It is a truly relaxing and inspiring place.

Scuba diving is a popular activity here with over 30 dive sites for varying levels and skills; from taking the plunge and learning to dive for the first time, to perfecting your expertise and advancing your qualifications.

Other activities available include cliff climbing, waterfalls, kayaking, cave exploration, windsurfing, plus you can also hire a motorbike and discover the surrounding north of Palawan.

Seafood is a local speciality, in fact many fish are exported to Manila, and on to other South East Asian countries. There are restaurants scattered around the town offering various foods to suit most palates. From seafoods to meat dishes, salads, pastas, stews there is something for everyone. Particular restuarants also have foreign influence including French, German, Swiss and Australian.

Palawan is frequently referred to as "The Final Frontier". Once you have been here you realise why Enchanting El Nido is truly breathtaking; many leave, their lives changed by this magical place.

Welcome To My Blog

EXPLORE the magnificent and alluring 7,107 islands of the Philippines .

EXPERIENCE the wonder and the marvel of this unique archipelago, which is home to one of the rarestflora and fauna in the world.

ESCAPE through one of the best holidays in the world… serene white sand beaches and coral reefs, colonial and historic world heritage sites, splendid land forms, and fabulous country sides.

ENCOUNTER the vibrant smiles and sunny hospitality of the local people as they welcome you to their colorful festivities.

ENTICE yourself with exquisite and delightful Filipino cuisine, a mixture of Spanish-European, Chinese, Indian and Continental chows, making a buffet of uniquely Filipino cooking.

ENJOY your stay!