Bells, bells, bells...

...hear the ringing of the bells! 

A day after ringing the Nasdaq bell, another one tolled for the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg.  To the power couple...best wishes! 

Thanks for the photo.

PhotoHunt: magical

This week's theme is magical.

Bodies of water form part of our magical kingdom in this archipelago.  So it is no wonder that we are blessed with beautiful, some unspoilt (as of this writing) places.  These are just some magical havens in my part of the world.

Hagonoy Island, Bislig City

This was once a private island.  The family who owns this is slowly turning it into a  competitive resort equipped with modern facilities.

Britannia Islands, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

I am reminded of 100 Islands in Pangasinan.  If I prefer a quiet holiday in the midst of God's given glory, I would prefer it here over Bora. 

Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

This is one magical place.  It's not photo shop that makes the colors.  You have to see it to believe it.  If you get inside that cave, it's not deep. But you have to take note of the tide.   

Why enchanted?  At 12 noon the bell rings.  No one is to swim.  It's feeding time.  After the whistle, schools of fish emerge and take part in the feeding.  After that, they mysteriously disappear.  It is said that no one can catch these fishes. 

The only modern addition are the concrete steps leading to the river, other than that, it remains the same says one pioneer working with PICOP who discovered this place.  It was unfathomable. They sunk logs and time it to see how deep it is.  He said the logs didn't come back.  True enough, after watching some cave expiditions, one can see logs underwater.  Watch it here.

That's all for this week's theme.  Have a great Sunday everyone!

Happy Mother's Day!

This year is special as my own mother is here for a holiday.  Having lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years, she comes and visits us when she likes to.  

I come from a big family and I have seen how she juggled between work and a growing brood.  Reflecting on our experience as a family, I just can't imagine how she did it.  Hardwork and determination saw us through tough times.  In this I saw her as the major force behind our success.  

To my mom:  We love you more than ever!

To all the moms out there:  You are special...you are loved!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Photo above is a 'gift' found in my Facebook page. :)

PhotoHunt: scoop

 

Today's theme is scoop.  This is my first photo hunt entry.  Thanks to my friend who pointed me to this meme.  This photo was taken by my son in one of their school breaks.  They had fun finishing these scoops of ice cream.  I would love to try this myself. 

That's all for this Saturday.  Have a pleasant weekend!

Fruity summer

When you live in the tropics,  the abundance of nature's bounty is in your hands.  Not tasting fresh produce like these mangoes, watermelon and pineapple is a sin.  These are real treat during summer as it harvest season -though it is available all year round -  so it comes cheaper.

After India or is it the other way around, we grow the best mangoes in this part of the globe.  The most famous ones as far as I know are mangoes from Cebu City and Pangasinan.  Dried mangoes are turned into multi million industry as it is popular as gifts or  pasalubong.  It comes in different variants, shapes and sizes. A good buy for desserts and snacks.

Watermelon is a thirst quencher.  I recommend this be eaten straight after slicing.  Yes, you can slip this into a juicer but the taste is different now that it's liquified.  I still love it eaten freshly sliced.  

Like mangoes, pineapples thrive in this region.  Canned pineapples are sourced from the Philippines among other countries.  

Well, enjoy these tropical treats.  

Reality's best

Among the reality series flooding television my personal best are: The Amazing Race, Masterchef Australia and Junior Masterchef Australia.  

From where I am, they've just aired the finale of the 20th season of TAR and the finale of the 2nd season of Junior Masterchef Australia.  I am a big tv addict but a choosy one.

Perhaps TAR is the best among all these reality shows.  One gets to travel with the teams and the challenges are amazing.  Wow.  I've gone bungee jumping in South Africa, eating exotic food in neighbouring South East Asian countries, almost crossed the DMZ in Korea and all the magnificent sceneries around the world, just a few to mention.

The show's host? I think Phil Keoghan is the best.  And yes, I want his job. Ha!

Another show that I eagerly await is Masterchef and Junior Masterchef Australia.  I love cooking.  Being exposed to the culinary skills shown by these amateur cooks, I am  gobsmacked!  The warm hosts are the best.  I love how they treat the children in Junior Masterchef.  The challenges are unbelievable.

So, should I waste my time watching other reality shows besides these three? No.  I watch television to be entertained and at the same time learn from it.  Kudos to TAR and Masterchef Australia and Junior Masterchef Australia.  

Great shows.   More!

hello

I'm saying hello again after a long while. Another test? Perhaps not. I may try to write if I have the time.  Welcome everyone to my blog.  

Keep me company.  Suggest...critique but most of all keep the conversation alive.