Treasure Find 23 -- Journey to the "Lost" Island of Sabtang (Da Best Sa Batanes part 4)

BAYANIHAN ISLANDS:

Batanes...blessed or cursed?  Its isolation from the rest of the country preserved its pristine beauty but at the same time somehow kept it away from progress and life's advancement. 

There's no doubt, Batanes is among the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, places on Earth.  The prehistoric violence on Earth's soil and the province's eventual geographic location molded the magnificent beauty it possesses now.  As it's away from the the effects of too much modernization and the wrath of pollution, Batanes was able to keep its natural gifts and the peaceful way of life of its people.

But while they are isolated, some things are left difficult to do.  Going back and forth to Batanes is costly, on the average, one must allocate around PhP 30,000.  Sometimes, one may have the money but the goods are not available in the islands.  If the weather is not good, boats and ships won't dare sail the sea and go to their place to bring the things they need.

Rush Hour Puppy Love

Bayanihan Republic:

During one of my routine trips going to work, while I take traffic congestion as my regular diet for breakfast, I noticed this funny display on the taxi dashboard.

Yup, these are the pups display with moving heads - left and right, up and down, and in circle. I usually don’t mind these displays (and there's a lot of kind!) but well because of the long wait during my ride, it then caught my attention. I then remembered the “Hindi Ka Pilipino Kung” TVCs of Goldilocks featuring Dingdong Dantes. Hindi ka Pilipino kung di ka pa nakakasabit sa jeep. Hindi ka Pilipino kung kund di ka pa nakakakain ng balut. And I know it will be a long laundry list of signs to show how Filipino you are. And I think, the display of these pups on dashboards is one of them! =)  Hindi ka Pilipino kung di ka pa nakakakita ng mga puppy display na ito! =)

And I remember there was even a time that the use of these pup displays was ridiculed, in radio, in simple conversations. But as for me, it just brought me some smiles, a silent laugh and another realization that this is just a simple Pinoy ingenuity.

Pinoys just love putting design in almost everything. We can see that in Philippine jeepneys, our homes, schools and offices during Christmas season and festivals, our own bedrooms, cars, desks, computer wallpapers and even our own facebook accounts! =) So these pups are not complete strangers to our lifestyle!

Second, many of us love dogs. They are our bestfriends, remember? =)  And I think this brings working people (both the driver and the passenger) the idea of being home away from home. And any simple thing that gives us the feeling of being closer to home is always a welcome idea.

And lastly, let’s face it, road trip in Metro Manila (especially during rush hours) is a burden that we really can’t avoid. And these pups give a little entertainment to give us some relief from stress so that we can endure this dreaded city congestion.

So, I guess, let’s just take life easy, we don’t have to be hard on the people who use these dashboard displays. Chill out and let the pups do their thing. =)

The magic spell cast by Loboc River Cruise

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC

About 9 years ago, the small province of Bohol became big in my eyes as I witnessed its magnificent natural beauty and wonderful people.  It captivated me that up to this time, Bohol still lands in the top list of my most desired Philippine destinations.  The province has it all -- the world famous Chocolate Hills, the so-called smallest primate in the world Tarsier, top diving destination Balicasag Island, Boracay rival Panglao / Alona Beach, Philippine pride Loboc Children's Choir, historical treasures Dagohoy and Sanduguan sites, and religious gems Baclayon and Daois churches, among many others.

Left photo shows foydi playing with the tarsiers.  Right photo shows foydi right after his snorkling experience in Balicasag Island.

The province may be small but I think I'll never run out of things to do, sites to check out and people to meet everytime I visit the place.  And for this trip, I was able to experience the Loboc River Cruise, dolphin watching in Pamilacan Island, tour and food trip in Bohol Bee Farm and first class stay in Bohol Beach Club. 'But I also checked out the world famous Chocolate Hills, manmade mahogany forest and Baclayon Church.  For this post, let me focus first on the River Cruise because for sure, this will be novel like if I include all the sites in one write-up. =)

Ensaymadang Malolos, inipit, pastillas face new competition

Scene Stealers:

When you talk about food, Malolos has been known for inipit, ensaymadang Malolos, pastillas and other kakanin (delicacies made out of sticky, gelatinous rice).  Now, they are facing tough competition as the historical city is now flooded with popular and modern fast food chains and restaurants.

It only used to have Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Max's and Fortune but now, just right in front of Bulacan State University, a complex houses Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mang Inasal, Figaro and Gerry's Grill.  To be honest, I welcome this development as I don't have to bring my family and relatives all  the way to Metro Manila just to bring them to these establishments.  And, late night movie watching with folks would be much more fun as there will be more choices available for food delivery.