DRAGON FRUIT FROM TARLAC, PHILIPPINES





Dragon fruit is one of those exotic fruits that you can find in the supermarkets of Metro Manila. This is a  spiky and reddish fruit that you can buy at P200 a kg when it is in season.

It doesn't taste unusual. But for somebody who is into juice drinks and fruit slush, it is a favorite addition to the local fruits that one can taste. I am one of those avid fanatics that has a penchant for different fruits.

A few months ago, I got the chance to visit my relatives in Pangasinan to settle important matters. On the way back to Manila, I visited a dragon fruit farm in Tarlac, a nearby province.

I know that I have to go farther north, in Ilocos Norte, to see the bigger plantations. Since I didn't have that much time, I dropped by a much smaller farm in Tarlac.







The farm was about three hectares where dragon fruits were planted at 1.5 meters apart. As it was no longer the fruiting season, I was not able to buy  fruits --- only the plant cuttings at P30 each.

I knew that it was double the price than in other farms, but I got them just the same so I can bring them to Manila for replanting.

 The caretaker and his wife were amiable and more than willing to show the site to me. I noticed that the plants were made to stand in cemented stakes and roped together. Only the upper portion were made to spread outwards like an umbrella.

To make full use of the land, eggplants were planted in between. The caretakers earn from the eggplants while waiting for the fruits to ripen.  I was told that the harvest occurs from July to October.

Noticeably, there were some branches that were burned nearby. When asked, the farmers said that burning was done if plant diseases like yellowing occurs. Burning prevents the disease from spreading to other plants.

I look forward to having this fruit again come July, which is the start of the harvest season. This runs up to October where the price of the fruit can go down from P150 to P100 a kg. depending on the variety.

They say that dragon fruit has health benefits and is good for the body. Regardless, I like mixing it with kiwi fruit, for a cool sweet drink of fruit slush as an early morning drink.


#dragon-fruit

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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A Trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan



Whenever I go to the hometown of my mother in Pangasinan, I am reminded of the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, a minor Basilica, which is situated in a nearby town. My mother's place goes to the right, after the town of Binalonan, and the shrine on the left going to the town proper of Manaoag.                                                                                                       

                                                                           

Filipinos by nature are ardent devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They pray  for her intercession in asking special favors to her son, Jesus Christ. In Manila, we have the church of the Lady of Perpetual Help where Marian devotees flock, especially during Wednesdays. It is a pilgrimage site where people from all walks of life congregate to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin.



The Shrine of the Lady of Manaoag, however, is considered as a place of miracles. It is replete with stories and anecdotes about the Holy Mother. Many have been written in various journals ,and among my favorites are stories that were told firsthand, by my own mother.

She often says that the Virgin is miraculous. During the Japanese era, the Blessed Mother is known to show herself to local farmers whenever there is danger or pestilence.She is a beautiful lady with a shining face who talked placidly with the natives. A farmer who saw her in the fields, was surprised to see her image in the church.



Several people claims to have seen here walking around. As of result, the pilgrimage to the site grew in numbers.  Devotees came from all parts of the Philippines, and some of them are from other countries like the United States and Europe.

When I went there a few months ago, I saw the same number of people flocking around the church. The entrance was full of vendors of : rosaries, replica of the Virgin and the Sto. Nino, kakanin (sweet bread), tupig (sticky rice with coco strips and charbroiled), fruits, and native bags and decors. The church was basically the same as when I last saw it and the lines going to the Virgin at the altar is still long as ever.



There are several stores managed by the church where I bought a few floating candles, calendars, and a t-shirt for my kid. It was a religious experience and I could have finished hearing the mass had I not been distracted by the commerce that were all around me.I saw several ladies selling ginger juice in different sizes of bottles. I wondered what that has got to do with the veneration of the Virgin. But I let go of the ill thoughts and went to the small pool to float my candles. These candles were said to be  for special favours and I lighted ten of them.



I stood there transfixed with the Blessed Virgin gazing down at me. I asked for forgiveness from all the distractions that must have shaken my unwavering faith in her. I then sense a sudden calmness that must have meant, that she has forgiven me. I left the site with a feeling of contentment and inner peace.

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Home Gardening in the City of Metro Manila, Philippines

Home Gardening in the City

Home gardens in Metro Manila subdivisions usually consist of landscaping with expensive plants and decors that is meant to please the eyes. I love gardens, especially those with intricate designs and  cascading waterfalls.

However, the inner me, longs for something different. I like to plant veggies and herbs that I can eat, freshly picked from the garden. Though I like to look at flowers, they need not  be expensive for me to appreciate them. The burst of vibrant colors is a feast to my eyes, regardless of price.

I bought some seedlings (5 in 1 pack composed of eggplant, squash, lady fingers, and okra) at Ace Hardware and bought planters from the nearby  "P10 pesos stall " in the highway, near our place.

The small pots cost me P10 each, and the bigger ones at P25. Since we don't have enough loamy/garden soil, I bought 25 sacks more from the Greeneries in the next subdivision of Pilar Village. It costs me from P35 to P50 a sack, inclusive of delivery charges.

Since I plan to eat my produce, I was hesitant to use chemical pesticides for pest control. The outcome is that, around 20 percent of my plants were ravaged by pests. I decided to buy a small bottle of pesticide (Kilabot)for P200, and sprayed twice using  a half teaspoon with a liter of water ---with good results.

They look alright now and I took photos of the plants early this morning.

My plants are in planters for lack of space

This plant, a cactus, caught my fancy. I like looking at its fatty leaves and the robustness of the entire plant. I got it for P40 and it's a bargain!

One other plant that I am so happy about, is this multi-colored chili plant (white and violet). I got it cheap at P40  at Alabang Market, and I just keep on staring at it every morning. I don't think I will eat it. Looking gives me more pleasure than the idea of devouring it with my chili con carne.

This beauty looks so dainty that I had to buy it. Cost?  P25 at Alabang Market

WHERE TO BUY PLANTS FOR HOME GARDENING


Two days ago, I was able to buy some more plants at the Alabang market. There is this lady selling different kinds of plants near the fish section. I saw nice looking daisies with a triple array of flowers and I wanted to buy it. But at P200 a plant, I decided to buy the planters (without flowers) instead, which I got for P25 a piece.

I caught sight of these little plants with miniature flowers and loved it instantly. It is multi-colored: yellow, orange, and pink. I got these for P10 a piece on Alabang Market.

Dragon plants that would need replanting in bigger drums alongside other plants in the pathway

Pechay galore! I have eaten some of them...added to century tuna. Yummy!

BOTTOM LINE

Metro Manila is a city on a fast lane. Nothing can be more enjoyable than having plants  and greeneries around you. Nothing compares to seeing things grow - right in your own home. It is akin to seeing one's money multiplying several times over, like the plants that we tend and grow  in our own backyard.


Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Mr. KIMBOB Food Stall-Southmall, Las Pinas

Mr. Kimbob Stall at Southmall, Las Pinas

Mr. KIMBOB is a fast food stall in Southmall, Las Pinas that fast food diners can try out. It boasts of Korean-inspired dishes, and you can have a pick of either meats, veggies, or a combination of both.

As a resident of the area, I am always at the mall either to buy some stuff in the supermarket or to have my devices (computer, cell phone, and camera) repaired. It also has a C-D-R King outlet where I  buy my USB, monitor, and other techie knick knacks.

I came upon Mr. KIMBOB today, to try out their Korean dishes. I have been a loyal customer of KIMCHI, a Korean fast food joint, that have folded up several years ago. I always liked Kimchi's chicken/squid barbeque and beef broth whenever I am at the mall. This order always comes with  a heaping of kimchi to add spice to the dish, and it's yummy!.

Mr. Kimbob's Chicken meal that looks like a Chinese sweet and sour dish

So, eager-beaver, I ordered a Chicken dish with veggies on this new Korean food stall. KIMCHI used to served this meal with spicy mongo sprout, and it was never oily. Nonetheless, what I ordered had carrots and slivers of cabbage instead of mongo sprout. I would have thought, that the manner of cooking would be the same and taste the same too.

But I was wrong. When I got what I ordered, I was surprised that it looked like the sweet and sour variation of a Chinese lauriat. The meat and veggies were oily. Had it not been in the name of the store, I would have no reservation that this was a sweet-sour thingie that is served in many Filipino/Chinese joints.

You cannot judge a store by a single product, so they say. But you cannot also fool a customer by saying that you are what you are, when you are not. 

Will I go back?

Nope, you have lost me there Mr. KIMBOB. I suggest for you to come up with fewer choices of meals and only concentrate on authentic Korean dishes. That would make you stand out. You can fool some people once. But twice?

Ah, nada! I better go try Teppanyaki next time. :D


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Only in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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The Reason Why I Will NOT Go to the Ocean Park, Manila

Photo credit: Pixabay.com by Nemo/Public Domain CCO

A few days back, I asked my daughter, Maricat, to go check out the tickets for the Ocean Park in Manila. I have read in one of their fliers that they are giving up to 70% discount in ticket sales. As we have not gone to the place yet, I said to her that this may be the best time to go.


I got an e-mail from her early this morning, which says...

"Patsy,* wag na tayo punta Ocean Park. May napanood ako na documentary kagabi sa UP. Yung mga dolphins at killer whales para ma-train sila, ginugutom sila palagi tapos kinukulong sa maliit na pool. Tapos yung mga baby whales hinihiwalay sa mommy whales. Kawawa naman. Kain na lang tayo dun sa Tim Ho Wan Restaurant sa Megamall."

She added, 

"Eto yung pinanood ko oh, title ay "Blackfish"

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=874318559262219&id=257456237615124

Kawawa yung mga whales at dolphins :(

Kelan tayo punta Tim Ho Wan Restaurant?"


(Patsy*, let's not go to the Ocean Park. I saw a documentary at UP last night. How they train the dolphins and killer whales, is by making them always hungry. The animals are also confined in small pools and the baby whales are separated from the mommy whales. Such a pity. Let us just go to the Tim Ho Wan Restaurant at Megamall, instead.)

She added,

"This documentary was titled---Blackfish. The whales and dolphins looked pitiable. When do we go to Tim Ho Wan Restaurant?"

Going Gaga on Takoyaki

Takoyaki stall in Metropolis Mall, Muntinlupa City

Filipinos are fond of eating out. Anyone can come up with this conclusion if he sees the numerous food stalls lining up the malls, train stations, and every nook and cranny of the metropolis.

Among the food trips enjoyed by everyone is the Japanese-inspired Takoyaki. These are small chewy balls with snippets of squids and vegetables on the insides.  It is usually topped with mayonnaise and sprinkled with powdered condiments before being served.

How it is cooked is a feast for the eyes. The ones in the malls would have a rectangular plate with small concave indentions of around 100 holes. The balls can be cooked by dropping the flour-like mixture into these holes, and when half-cooked, the vegetables and squid are placed in the middle. Halfway through the cooking, a topping of the flour-like mixture is again poured to create small balls that can be eaten as soon as it’s off the plate.

This is an acquired taste as far as I am concerned. My daughter introduced me to this fast-food concoction and I became an instant convert. I always look for Takoyaki stalls whenever I am out of the house and have my fill whenever I see them. I have gotten used to the queasy concoction and spicy taste that makes me salivate after partaking of this luscious delight.

Takoyaki comes cheap, costing around $0.70 cents for four mushy balls. I am able to finish two servings of eight balls in one sitting, with no difficulty.  It is one street food that most Filipinos now enjoy and embrace  it as one of their very own. 

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal

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Tips for Small Time Investors in the Philippines

Philippine Currency- P500

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Tips for Small Time Investors in the Philippines

Filipinos are known as non-savers. If we earn a little money, all we think about is spend it on frivolities like cell phones, laptops, gadgets, and a social life that is far beyond our financial means. I cringe whenever I see people throw away money on the most mundane things. You do not need a top of the line cell phone or laptop to be functional. An ordinary gadget with the basic amenities/features is always an option whenever you think of buying.

Having the most expensive and up-to-date gadgets just to keep up with the Joneses, is a fool-proof way of emptying your pockets. These techie toys go down in value and would be replaced  by newer models a year from now. Meantime, what you now buy would be passe and you may be compelled to buy a newer version next year.

It is a never ending cycle, which leaves your pockets running empty. A lifestyle to imitate the others, is another fool-proof way of getting into bankruptcy. I never believe in eating out all the time as a means to live your life. Buying expensive food to be at par with your peers is not going to get you anywhere. When the money runs dry, your peers will not be there to throw you the ropes. You will be on your own to paddle your way out of the quagmire.

They say that the best way to prove your point is to put your money where your mouth is. Hence, I plan to be a small time investor on my own in the next one month. I have seen former students investing in blue chip stocks by keeping a portion of their salaries for investment. This is a good sign, where I get to see kids barely out of college, learning the ropes fast on money handling and stock trading.

At the outset, I believe that putting all your money in a savings account is never a good idea. It will earn you a few pesos, and nothing much by way of asset appreciation. An option would be --- small time investment in mutual funds. You can research about it online before deciding on where to invest. Another option would be to invest in the PSEI or index funds. These investments do not necessarily have to involve large sums; but spreading yourself around, may be the best strategy for your money to grow.

Stock Trading

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If you are not risk averse, you can play around with a few thousand pesos in the stock market. However, you need to study about stock trading since this is the fastest way to lose your shirt. This type of investment is not for the faint hearted. Due to the risk involve, you should only put in the amount that you can afford to lose.

Other ways of being a small time investor in the Philippines, is through the outsourcing business. Most businesses in the United States and Europe outsource their admin, marketing, and accounting functions to professionals in countries like the Philippines, India, and other countries where labor is cheap. This is a good way for Filipinos to earn, as you are paid in dollars, and spend the money in Philippine pesos. With a P43:$1 exchange rate, this option has been always a win-win situation for everyone.

Other small time investment opportunities, are affiliate marketing. This is done by online writers and marketeers to make money by creating blogsites and linking them to Adsense, Amazon, Ebay, Chikita, and other affiliate firms. There are many tools online that can help you create the best blogs that would fly high in cyberspace. 

Bottom Line

Creating the best investment mix for yourself, would mean a life that is rewarding and financially fulfilling. This has been a trend for several years now and many are seeing their dreams come true by working at their own pace and time. 

Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
Copyright © 2014 CSMiravite


Consolacion S. Miravite, CPA
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