#red banana iloilo

[farmdelosreyestedeschi]

red banana,saging na pula,banana rossa a-farm Tedeschi

[whatishotiswhatyousee]

Brewing 2/2 15g Liberica red honey by @originsmnl x Hasami 101. Got more bananas (the sweet fried ones) on this brew. Lazy post xmas day. Pre-ground #coffee saves the day. #coffeeculture #coffeedrinker #coffeegram #coffeelover #coffeetime #coffeehomebrewers #kalitafun #originsmnl #wheniniloilo #iloilocity #iloilo #iamiloilo https://www.instagram.com/p/CYTZ8PWvbAU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[coolblog2stuff-blog]

Not in the shadows anymore

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

In an article on April 1946 by The Central Echo, one headline says, “They Cast a Powerful Shadow on the Campus.” They have been called “shadows” because oftentimes the American missionaries were always featured in the news. These three “shadows” were Urbano Nequin, the Registrar and Secretary; Mariano Caipang, the Comptroller; and Prof. Juan Sornito, the Supervising Engineer. They were described as “Great souls these – but unknown.” It is then the responsibility of the new generation of Centralians to know more about these people.

Let’s get to know more about these distinguished Centralians.

Urbano Nequin was described as “Faithful, strict custodian of the college records. Chief consultant of the administration and far-flung policies.”

Linnea A. Nelson and Elma S. Herradura in their book Scientia et Fides The Story of Central Philippine University published in 1991 told “The Saga of the Nequins and the School Records.” It recounted how Mr. Urbano Nequin and his family secured the records of the Registrar’s Office. When they knew that war would be coming to Iloilo, Mr. Nequin decided to bring his family to the hills of Calinog. Rev. R. Fred Chambers, President of CPC during that time, came to Calinog with a jeep and delivered the records that Mr. Nequin prepared for transport. They put the records in a cave in which their nipa house stood. Later they secured the records by putting it inside an empty metal water tank. Mr. Nequin joined the guerrillas, and it was up to Mrs. Teofila D. Nequin to take care of the records. When there was rain, Mrs. Nequin and their small children would roll the tank to their house. When alerted that Japanese soldiers will come in their area, they would roll the tank back to the cave again. When the war was over, they put the records inside the pillows, wrapped them with banana leaves and secured them at the top part of their house. It was a miracle that when CPC opened its doors in 1946, all the records of the Registrar’s Office were intact. And as of this time, all records before World War II are still with us.

Mariano Caipang was remembered for “His mastery of college finance placed Central Philippine College ‘in the black’ in spite of dire predictions. He is the campus reconstruction administrator.” If you wonder what “in the black” means, it is the opposite of “in the red” – operating in a loss. This tells us that Mr. Caipang did a marvelous job as a Comptroller after the war – balancing the books of the school while pouring money into the reconstruction of the campus after destruction brought by World War II.

One of the notable things that Mr. Caipang did was to preserve the records of the Business Office before and during World War II. Together with the cashier, Mr. Jovito Gonzales they inventoried all the physical properties of CPC before the hostilities arrived in Iloilo. Every weekend, Mr. Caipang would bring the records to Leon for safekeeping. Upon knowing that the Japanese soldiers were coming, Mr. Gonzales took the college cash box, put it in a large sack together with canned goods. He was then able to ride the last bus going to Leon. Together with Mr. Caipang, they ingeniously buried the sack with the cash in an open toilet pit. Later, when the war was over, the money that they hid was used for the immediate repairs of the campus.  CPC would later receive war reparations under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946 due to diligent pre-war inventory efforts of Mr. Caipang.

Many alumni also testified about the compassion of Mr. Caipang. He would often sign promissory notes when poor but deserving students cannot pay their tuition fees on the prescribed time. These alumni who would come back during reunions in the campus would always visit Mr. Caipang and thank him for what he has done. Later, Mariano Caipang became the Vice President for Finance when CPC became Central Philippine University. He served CPU for 40 long distinguished years.

Prof. Juan Sornito, on the other hand, was greatly remembered for “He reconstructed five buildings on the old campus.” It was indeed a short statement, but the magnitude of what he has done speaks volumes. In another article, The Central Echo bannered this headline: “Back to the Old Campus. Destroyed Buildings Now Repaired; Prof. Sornito Is Guiding Engineer.”

In order to appreciate what Engr. Sornito has done, we have to describe the results of the war: “All buildings and equipment were levelled to the ground or reduced to ashes, except for six modern concrete structures, shells of which remain standing either lightly or badly damaged. They are: Valentine Hall (administration and classrooms), Lopez Hall (mess hall for boys), Franklin Hall (boy’s dormitory), Roblee Hall (Science building), Weston Hall (girl’s dormitory), and the President’s House. Words cannot describe the extent of the damage done. All that can be said is that the destruction is TOTAL in capital letters.” All of these were reconstructed and were ready for the classes that started on July 1946. Engr. Sornito worked closely together with Comptroller Caipang and Meliton Sornito as foreman. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Don Ramon Lopez, was also tasked to oversee the overall reconstruction effort.

The Central Echo gave tribute to these three men – “These men carry more than their ordinary load for which they get no salary; they go out of their way and do a lot more things than many people know, testimony of their talents and their consecration. We have seen Mr. Nequin fall ill at his desk, Prof. Sornito sleep at 2 o’clock in the morning pondering over engineering figures, Mr. Caipang hiking in the rain in shirt sleeves collecting pledges and looking after the campus property.”

These people played a big role in Central’s history. And when we remember them, and learn lessons from them, they’re not considered “shadows” anymore.

[thehungrykat1]

Chocolates and Gifts This Love Month at S&R Membership

Love is in the air, so it’s time to Love all the Savings I can get at my favorite destination for high-quality imported items, S&R Membership Shopping. Valentine’s Day may be over, but you don’t need to have an occasion to show your special someone how much you really care. Chocolates and other sweet gifts will always be appreciated, most especially during this entire love month of February. That’s why I dropped by S&R Membership Shopping a few days after Valentine’s to check out some items that I could give to my loved ones and also for myself.

I just love imported chocolates, so getting a box of Ferrero Rocher (P549.95) would melt any girl’s heart. It also goes both ways, because I’m sure even guys would be quite happy receiving a box of luxury chocolates. These treats get even much sweeter when you eat them together, so if you haven’t gotten your man anything yet for Valentines, it’s never too late for chocolates! These deals last until February 28 only so there’s still time to do your Valentine’s shopping.

I also found these other premium chocolate brands that will show how much your significant other means to you. The Godiva Assorted Chocolates (P840.00) already come gift-wrapped in a golden box so it’s ready to be opened and shared.

Something that is a bit more fun and cheesy would be these M&M’s Chocolate Milk Heart Canes (P189.95). These Valentine’s themed M&M’s are perfect when you want to tell someone what how you really feel. Give him or her a set of these and they will be yours forever.

But I really had my eye on the Kirkland All Chocolate Funsize Variety (P1,149.95) which comes with 150 pieces of my favorite chocolate brands like Hershey’s, Kit Kat, Snickers, Twix, M&M’s, and a lot more. Now this is one way of saying that your love has no boundaries because the entire world of chocolates is yours to give. I’m taking this home with me.

For those who were too busy to celebrate Valentine’s Day last February 14, you can still catch up and just have a special dinner at home with your loved one. Get the Johnnie Walker Gold Label (P1,329.95) this month because it comes with a free box of Ferrero Rocher as well. Whiskey and chocolates make a great combination.

Let your kids join the Valentine’s celebrations with the Disney Sparkling Juice (P299.95) that comes in Frozen or Finding Dory variants. These sparkling apple juices are good party drinks that I’m sure they will enjoy.

I always see this big giant teddy bear here at S&R Membership and he seems to be getting bigger and bigger! If you really want to impress your date, the KT 93-inch Giant Beige Bear (P8,499.95) is on a big sale and you can save P2,000 from its original price of P10,499.95. This bear is even bigger than me! Just imagine the look on your girl’s face when you surprise her with this bear.

Hmm... my bedsheets seem to be getting worn out, so I think I need to buy some new ones. The Royalton Sheet Set (P2299.95) is one a Buy 1 Take 1 sale so now is the best time for me to get a set. It comes in King, Queen and Twin sized sheets. That’s what I love about S&R Membership, you can do all your shopping needs all in one place.

Look at these other amazing deals your can find. The US Blueberry Pie (P399.95) is also on a Buy 1 Take 1 sale. These are baked fresh daily so get them while they are hot!

Another item with a Buy 1 Take 1 deal are these giant US Cookies (P699.95) which are as big as cakes. You can also put your own dedication and greeting with their Message in a Cookie service.

More savings await you this month form The Cheesecake Factory with their 9-inch Red Velvet cheesecake selling for only P999.95 from its original price of P1299.95. That’s a discount of P300.

But if you want a bigger cheesecake party then go for the The Cheesecake Factory’s Grand Cheesecake Assortment (P1499.95) which combines four different cheesecake variants in one box. Everyone will be happy when they see the White Chocolate Raspberry, Banana Cream, Key Lime, and Strawberry Topped Original Cheesecakes on the table.

Here’s an even bigger sale! The Haagen Dazs Vanilla Almond Bars (P699.95) are on sale from P1,099.95, that’s almost a 40% discount based on its original price. Time to stock up on these premium chocolate ice cream bars.

For those lazy nights when you don’t feel like cooking in the kitchen, the TGI Fridays Cheeseurger Sliders (P299.95) should be an easier alternative. Just pop these in the microwave and you are good to go. It is also discounted from its original price of P379.95.

Sometimes, I don’t really feel like I am already an adult because there are so many kiddie items that I want for myself. I still think that I am a princess, especially when I have these Smarties Princess Cover (P279.95) candies. We can all keep on dreaming, right?

When I saw these giant Chupa Chups Mega Lollipop (P94.95), I initially wondered how anyone can finish these huge lollipops by themselves. But these actually contain 10 pieces of regular sized Chupa Chups inside, so I think I can handle those. S&R Membership is definitely for everyone, whether you are celebrating Valentine’s, or looking to buy some treats for the kids and kids-at-heart. So drop by the store this month and feel the love!

S&R MEMBERSHIP SHOPPING

Branches: Bonifacio Global City, Congressional, Alabang, Shaw, Imus, Aseana-Baclaran, Pampanga, Nuvali, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo

www.snrshopping.com

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[phgq]

Creative, colorful hazmats helpful to mental health

#PHnews: Creative, colorful hazmats helpful to mental health

ILOILO CITY – Colorful hazardous material suits (hazmat) used by health workers in various hospitals in Iloilo shows the innovative and creative side of Filipinos and likewise helps front-liners “cope with stress”.

“Generally, it is helpful for our mental health and for us to cope with stress given their creative designs,” said Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia, head of the Health Promotions Cluster of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Western Visayas (DOH-CHD 6), in a phone interview, Tuesday.

She said some sew their hazmats using the prescribed materials to provide protection. With the health crisis, she said the “utmost concern is protection”.

“They have their own style of doing it. They make it in such a way to lighten our burden,” she added.

Among the first hospitals in Iloilo City to innovate was The Medical City.

A nurse and fashion designer Adrian Pe urged his co-nurses to come up with improvised hazmats that come in violet, yellow-green, yellow, and red.

Sta. Lucia said despite the stigma and discrimination they experienced, still “they found ways to innovate”.

She said what is important is for the suit would repel droplets, water-resistant and can provide protection.

The Medical City front-liners use Teletubbies-, Star Wars- and Power Rangers-inspired hazmats.

Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) hazmats are inspired by the Money Heist television series.

The Iloilo Mission Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology use Pink Panthers-inspired suits that were produced by JQ Garments Iloilo.

International lifestyle designer and entrepreneur PJ Arañador designed and sewed bamboo and tropical fish collection as well as banana motif hazmats for the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC).

His team, while they started with producing face masks, is slowly shifting to producing hazmats for front-liners, he said.

He admitted that it is difficult to look for materials because hazmats should be impermeable.

“In Iloilo, we use shower curtains as a substitute because hazmat suits should be a barrier. Plastic, non-woven fabric that does not absorb water or droplets, and rubber along with an independent source of oxygen, are requirements,” he said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Creative, colorful hazmats helpful to mental health." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099115 (accessed April 08, 2020 at 04:55AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Creative, colorful hazmats helpful to mental health." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099115 (archived).

[chingdeeportfolio]

Sour Never Tasted This Good: Philippine souring elements in the hands of experts

It only took two to three weeks for celebrated chef Chele Gonzalez of Gallery by Chele and seasoned mixologist Rico Deang of The Peninsula Manila to come up with a multi-course menu for this special night: A four-hands cocktail-pairing dinner celebrating the most unique and somewhat obscure souring elements found in the Philippines.

“It’s one of the biggest treasures and biggest inspiration that we have in the [kitchen],” Chef Chele said of Filipino ingredients.

“Over the years, in the Philippines, I learned to use sourness in a way that you can even utilize as umami. We wanted to go deeper,” Chef Chele shared. “In all of the trips that I do around the Philippines, there is always something in the community — you go to a remote place and they always have something they want to show you.”

For Rico, it was an exciting challenge to work with someone of Chef Chele’s caliber and to come up with one-of-a-kind cocktails that will compliment a master chef’s food, especially since he just came back to the Philippines last year after working at another renowned chef’s restaurant — Wolfgang Puck — restaurant in Singapore for nine years.

“This is only my second time working with a chef to pair my cocktails with dishes. This time, it’s smoother… I’m very excited, very new experience for me pairing cocktails with food. Usually it’s just wine and food. It was a great challenge,” Rico said, beaming

So pucker up and get a taste of the specially curated four-hands dinner at Gallery by Chele’s Stvdio Lab featuring Philippine souring ingredients.

Snack #1: Outside of the menu, Chef Chele created three small plates of piquant Red Rice Crackers with Snapper Tartare, soft and fluffy Tortang Talong Takoyaki, and lipsmacking Ube Taco with Cebu Lechon made livelier with the use of Dayap (local lime) in several ways.

Snack #2: Chef Chele served his version of Chawan Mushi topped with shrimp tempura in the “nilagpang” way or making a hearty stew from leftovers. He used Alumpiran and Libas leaf from Iloilo to make the broth sour.

Cocktail #1: The night started with Cure Me Bilimbi, a refreshing cocktail featuring Bilimbi (Kamias) and gin. It was a good way to cleanse the palate before the dinner started.

Appetizer #1: Known for his affinity to seafood, Chef Chele made Tuna Kinilaw with Caburao with coconut milk. The tuna was cured in their house-made vinegar.

Cocktail #2: Rico Deang took us all the way back to our pasaway days by serving his version of the nostalgic Gin Pomelo using the ridiculously sweet and tart pomelo from Davao.

Soup #1: Binulo is a light broth soured by Alibangbang leaves. The shredded cochinillo meat and bamboo shoots gave it texture and added umami, making the broth heartier.

Cocktail #3: It tastes as playful as its name: Nampucha is a mango-based cocktail using Stvdio Lab’s very own house-made kombucha (hence the name). It balances the sourness of the Binulo broth beautifully.

Soup #2: Chef Chele’s Sour Bisque won’t make you pucker, but it’s slightly sweet and tart bisque will make you drool and crave for more because of the combination of guava and batuan. It’s one of the dishes that I wish I could have seconds of.

Cocktail #4: Halfway through dinner, Rico starts to amp up the flavors with Sampalocan — a mix of guava and tamarind and a generous dose of vodka. An excellent social lubricant.

Starter #1: Chef Chele and his team created the vegetarian version of bone marrow with this Bamboo Shoot dish. The bamboo shoot is stuffed with mashed kogi nut squash (torched to perfection) and served with a side of homemade kaffir yogurt and kaffir-lemongrass kombucha. It doesn’t taste like marrow (of course), but it’s a smashing dish on its own.

Cocktail #5: Dakiri is made with rum and s splash of sugarcane juice, but the addition of batuan for tartness made it more interesting. Local flavors elevated this internationally known drink and made it more palatable for Pinoys.

Starter #2: Chef Chele showed off his Spanish heritage and love for the Philippines with Presa, a gorgeously pan-seared Iberico beef served with blanched banana heart and a santol-based sauce that completely stole the show. I had to ask for more of that luscious sauce because it was just so good.

Cocktail #6: To highlight the sweet and sour santol flavors of Presa, Rico made Cotton -- a cocktail using extracts from santol and aperitivo. Trivia: Santol is cotton fruit in English, hence the name of the cocktail.

Entree: And so we reach the highlight of the dinner, the Sour Ribs — Chef Chele’s take on the classic Bistek Tagalog. He used wagyu beef from Snake River Farms and seared it until beautifully caramelized. He served it with punchy black garlic and a sinfully creamy Duck Adobo Rice with raw egg yolk on top. It was a lavish combo bursting with umami.

Cocktail #7: To cut through the richness of the Wagyu and rice, Rico created Andres, a cocktail made of agave, oregano, and bourbon. And just like the hero it was named after, it was potent and extremely effective (in giving you a delightful buzz). Good news: Andres is available any day of the week at The Peninsula Manila’s The Bar.

Dessert #1: For dessert, Chef Chele played with Dragon Fruit and served it with tamarind ice cream, fermented dragon fruit, and some custard to cut through the sourness.

Cocktail #8: It was a trip down memory lane with Iskrambol, a nostalgic pink cocktail made with Carabao’s Milk, Kesong Puti, and vodka topped with colorful sprinkles. It tastes exactly like the ‘scrambol’ you had back in the 90’s.

Dessert #2 and Cocktail #9: To end the dinner, we were invited to the Gallery’s Garden to enjoy some Bibingka Cheesecake and rich Tsokolate Batirol with Calvados.

“We have so much good produce in the Philippines, so why not use it? There’s so much stuff that we can do in this country, it’s about time,” Rico pointed out.

As for Chef Chele, he says there will be more “exchanges of idea and creativity to inspire each other” in the future.

“We grow and know that cocktails can be paired with food and that is something that we do every day here. It’s good to see and know that there is so much potential here in the Philippines,” the culinary innovator said. 

[jifsy]

Exploring Iloilo: Wandering the Western Visayas in the Philippines

Iloilo Dinagyang Warrior statue along the Iloilo Esplanade

After taking the ferry from Manila to Iloilo, I was now ready to start exploring Iloilo. The province of Iloilo is located in the Western Visayas in the Philippines, approximately 409 miles southeast of Manila. Including Iloilo City, Iloilo had a population in 2015 of just over 2.3 million residents.

While smaller than Manila, I found it to be more contemporary in many ways with modern buildings and architecture, businesses, and just an overall more modern feel. Come with me and see what I discovered while exploring Iloilo.

Jaro Cathedral

Inside Jaro Cathedral

As a huge fan of cathedrals, churches, and other places of worship, I knew I had to stop in at Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo. Originally built in 1864, Jaro Cathedral is one of the largest churches in all of the Philippines.

Our Lady of the Candles at Jaro Cathedral

Located on the second level at the front of Jaro Cathedral is a shrine featuring a statue of Our Lady of the Candles. To get to this level, you need to climb a set of stairs to the top. Once here, you’ll see the only Marian statue in the Philippines that’s been crowned by the pope himself.

TSG Tip: I didn’t know about the Marian order, but now I know so of course I want to go anywhere I can see my name.

Belfry across the street from Jaro Cathedral

What makes Jaro Cathedral a little unusual is that the belfry is located across the street from the church. After an earthquake destroyed the church in January of 1948, the church was rebuilt in its current location across the street in 1956.

Jaro Cathedral is a definite must see site while visiting Iloilo. Go in, light a candle, say a prayer, or just admire the church for its architectural beauty.

Jaro Cathedral Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo

Bearland Paradise Resort

Bearland Paradise Resort

Sometimes I just want to get away from it all, relax, and unwind and I certainly did when I visited Bearland Paradise Resort in Iloilo. Whether you go for a few days, an overnight, or just the day like I did, you are bound to have a good time. I must admit, I simply don’t connect polar bears with the Philippines as this country is just so hot.

The beach at Bearland Paradise Resort

For a mere 250 PHP (about $4.66 USD) per person, you can enjoy a day pass here with access to the pools and resort. While the beach isn’t exactly a swimmable beachfront, it still makes for a great view and pics.

Bearland Paradise Resort

On the day I visited, the breeze was strong and it was actually a little chilly. I went in the water once and sat back and relaxed with a cold pineapple juice. Nothing beats relaxing to the sound of crashing waves. If it was only a little warmer, I would’ve spent the day at the pool’s swim up bar. That or I might’ve enjoyed watching more people singing videoke.

Bearland Paradise Resort Brgy. Tanpael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines

Iloilo Central Market

Food cooking at the wet market

There’s no way I could continue exploring Iloilo without visiting a wet market. What exactly is a wet market? Whereas a dry market sells dry goods like clothing and electronics, a wet market sells fresh meat and produce and is usually an important business center in any town or city.

Oysters at the wet market

At the Iloilo Central Market, not only can you buy food to take home and prepare, but there’s also food that can be prepared for you on the spot, like oysters.

Oysters

Oysters at the wet market

For example, each bowl of oysters here cost all of 30 PHP or about $0.56 USD. Pay the man and he will hand you the raw oysters or he will cook them for you for the same price. After payment, he places the oyster in a bag and dunks them in a hot pot of seasoned water and within minutes, you have a fresh, hot, steaming bag of oysters ready to eat.

Oysters at the wet market

While in Bohol a few days later, I walked along Alona Beach and the same size bowl of oysters cost 300 PHP or about $5.59 USD. While that definitely seems like a steal of a price to any Westerner, knowing the Iloilo price made me realize that Iloilo is the place to go if you love seafood.

Meat

Grilling at the wet market

Not into seafood? How about some pork or hot dogs? In the Philippines I can guarantee you that someone, somewhere is grilling up some meat for you so you won’t ever go hungry. Now if you’re a vegan like I am, it might be a little more difficult for you, but that’s an entirely different story.

TSG Tip: There are many butchers and fishmongers here like in any wet market. However, I saw a stall with live chickens stacked one on top of the other. Apparently, people will buy their chickens live to take home and butcher at home. I considered freeing the chickens and telling them to run for their lives, but didn’t think they’d get very far.

Vegetables

Veggies at the wet market

The veggies were plentiful here and I loved how they had some chopped, prepared, and all ready to go.

Wet market

Veggies at the wet market

TSG Tip: The Filipino diet is primarily meat and rice with a little vegetable, if any at all. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered that the price of vegetables can be cost prohibitive for most families. The news is always reporting on the price of vegetables skyrocketing, which makes a healthy and balanced diet here, I would think, far more difficult than I would’ve ever expected.

Fish

I wish I could insert 'smell-o-vision' into this post so you could experience the overwhelming and all engulfing smell that I experienced. Click To Tweet

Dried fish at the wet market

I wish I could insert “smell-o-vision” into this post so you could experience the overwhelming and all engulfing smell that I experienced. Yes, dried fish, fish paste, shrimp paste, and the like at a wet market is some seriously strong smelling stuff. (How’s that for alliteration?)

Dried fish at the wet market

It’s the kind of smell that goes so far deep into your lungs and nose that you can’t possibly escape it. The only thing that’s harder for me to manage is the smell of dried fish fried in oil early in the morning. That will wake you up out of a sound sleep and have you running for the hills.

Shrimp paste at the wet market

Speaking of shrimp paste, it comes in different colors and amounts, but it’s definitely a popular item in the Philippines.

TSG Tip: You’ll see street vendors selling green mango slices with shrimp paste, which is apparently a very tasty snack.

Iloilo Central Market Rizal St, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo

Iloilo Nightlife

Garaje Food District in Iloilo

What do most people want when they go out for a drink? They want something to nibble on so they can continue to enjoy the night. These pop up food courts that also serve drinks are a genius way to offer both and are an alternative to the overdone and overcrowded nightclubs of the past. Come as you are, bring your friends, and enjoy the night. That’s what a good night out is all about.

Inside Garaje Food District

I took these pictures while passing through Iloilo. It was a quiet moment without the crowds I would encounter later that evening. When I returned with my friends, we were fortunate enough to score a few seats at a table and continue drinking.

TSG Tip: On any given night in the Philippines, someone will most likely be drinking Red Horse Beer, Emperador, or a Smirnoff Mule. I highly recommend not mixing these as the outcome will not be good. One of my friends arrived late and tried to make up for his late arrival by trying to catch up. He did ok until he started drinking Smirnoff Mule and then it all went terribly wrong after that. Now I understand why there are signs all over bars showing “vomit fines.” Yeah — it’s no fun at all when one of you can’t keep it down.

Wash basin in Garaje Food District

If you have to use the toilet, check out the funky wash basin at the Garaje Food District.

Garaje Food District Tabuc Suba, Jaro Iloilo City, Philippines

Tambayan

'Tambayan' means hangout and anyone will tell you that a tambayan is always more fun than a club. Click To Tweet

Another cool concept I’ve seen while exploring Iloilo is along the lines of the food district, but is all bars. Think parking lot turned open air bar district. No frills, just drinks, and fun. One of my friends, Ryan, owns the bar Checkpoint located within El Amigo Estambayan Food Park & Car Wash in San Rafael Mandurriao. Inside the food park you’ll find several outside tambayan bars from which to choose. Not only can you drink, you can also get your car washed at the same time. Now that’s what I call multi-tasking.

Checkpoint at El Amigo Estambayan Food Park & Car Wash Brgy. San Rafael 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines

TSG Tip: “Tambayan” means hangout and anyone will tell you that a tambayan is always more fun than a club. It’s like hanging out at your home or a friend’s house. Completely unpretentious, uncomplicated, and affordable.

Passi City

Pineapple public toilet in Passi City

Located about 90 minutes north of Iloilo City is Passi City to the north in the province of Iloilo. Known for its pineapple, rice, and sugar production, Passi’s slogan is “The Sweet City at the Heart of Panay.” As the pineapple capital in the province, it only seems fitting to have a huge pineapple public restroom, don’t you think?

Bananas at a banana plantation

While in Passi, I visited a sprawling banana plantation where I was able to seek refuge under the banana leaves from the intense sun. There’s nothing better than fresh bananas. Well, maybe fresh pineapples or mangoes, but they’re all so good.

TSG Tip: Filipinos are superstitious by nature and I saw an example of this as I entered the plantation. There was a large mound of dirt that I was told to walk around not to disturb. This was not created by the plantation owner or workers and had crept up all on its own. As I passed it, I was told to say the following, “tabi-tabi po,” which means “excuse me.” The reason for this is that they believe that there are some “elements” living there and we don’t want to disturb them.

My Thoughts on Iloilo

Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Iloilo and would definitely return again for a longer visit. Don’t forget to hit up Biscocho Haus, home to fresh candies and cookies from the region. Next up, I’m headed to Bohol for a few days for some more fun in the Philippines.

Have you visited Iloilo? Can you suggest other destinations in the Philippines that you found equally exciting? Leave your comments below. Discover some other great destinations and travel ideas here on the Travel Shop Girl website .

On my new SPONTANEOUS TRAVEL SCALE of 1-5, with 1 being super easy and spontaneous and 5 being you better plan far in advance, Iloilo scores a 1 for spontaneous travel. With an abundance of buses, ferries, and air service to this area, getting here and having fun is easy to accomplish at a super affordable price.  

The post Exploring Iloilo: Wandering the Western Visayas in the Philippines appeared first on Travel Shop Girl.

Exploring Iloilo: Wandering the Western Visayas in the Philippines published first on https://medium.com/@GoShopMalaysia

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Not in the shadows anymore

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

In an article on April 1946 by The Central Echo, one headline says, “They Cast a Powerful Shadow on the Campus.” They have been called “shadows” because oftentimes the American missionaries were always featured in the news. These three “shadows” were Urbano Nequin, the Registrar and Secretary; Mariano Caipang, the Comptroller; and Prof. Juan Sornito, the Supervising Engineer. They were described as “Great souls these – but unknown.” It is then the responsibility of the new generation of Centralians to know more about these people.

Let’s get to know more about these distinguished Centralians.

Urbano Nequin was described as “Faithful, strict custodian of the college records. Chief consultant of the administration and far-flung policies.”

Linnea A. Nelson and Elma S. Herradura in their book Scientia et Fides The Story of Central Philippine University published in 1991 told “The Saga of the Nequins and the School Records.” It recounted how Mr. Urbano Nequin and his family secured the records of the Registrar’s Office. When they knew that war would be coming to Iloilo, Mr. Nequin decided to bring his family to the hills of Calinog. Rev. R. Fred Chambers, President of CPC during that time, came to Calinog with a jeep and delivered the records that Mr. Nequin prepared for transport. They put the records in a cave in which their nipa house stood. Later they secured the records by putting it inside an empty metal water tank. Mr. Nequin joined the guerrillas, and it was up to Mrs. Teofila D. Nequin to take care of the records. When there was rain, Mrs. Nequin and their small children would roll the tank to their house. When alerted that Japanese soldiers will come in their area, they would roll the tank back to the cave again. When the war was over, they put the records inside the pillows, wrapped them with banana leaves and secured them at the top part of their house. It was a miracle that when CPC opened its doors in 1946, all the records of the Registrar’s Office were intact. And as of this time, all records before World War II are still with us.

Mariano Caipang was remembered for “His mastery of college finance placed Central Philippine College ‘in the black’ in spite of dire predictions. He is the campus reconstruction administrator.” If you wonder what “in the black” means, it is the opposite of “in the red” – operating in a loss. This tells us that Mr. Caipang did a marvelous job as a Comptroller after the war – balancing the books of the school while pouring money into the reconstruction of the campus after destruction brought by World War II.

One of the notable things that Mr. Caipang did was to preserve the records of the Business Office before and during World War II. Together with the cashier, Mr. Jovito Gonzales they inventoried all the physical properties of CPC before the hostilities arrived in Iloilo. Every weekend, Mr. Caipang would bring the records to Leon for safekeeping. Upon knowing that the Japanese soldiers were coming, Mr. Gonzales took the college cash box, put it in a large sack together with canned goods. He was then able to ride the last bus going to Leon. Together with Mr. Caipang, they ingeniously buried the sack with the cash in an open toilet pit. Later, when the war was over, the money that they hid was used for the immediate repairs of the campus.  CPC would later receive war reparations under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946 due to diligent pre-war inventory efforts of Mr. Caipang.

Many alumni also testified about the compassion of Mr. Caipang. He would often sign promissory notes when poor but deserving students cannot pay their tuition fees on the prescribed time. These alumni who would come back during reunions in the campus would always visit Mr. Caipang and thank him for what he has done. Later, Mariano Caipang became the Vice President for Finance when CPC became Central Philippine University. He served CPU for 40 long distinguished years.

Prof. Juan Sornito, on the other hand, was greatly remembered for “He reconstructed five buildings on the old campus.” It was indeed a short statement, but the magnitude of what he has done speaks volumes. In another article, The Central Echo bannered this headline: “Back to the Old Campus. Destroyed Buildings Now Repaired; Prof. Sornito Is Guiding Engineer.”

In order to appreciate what Engr. Sornito has done, we have to describe the results of the war: “All buildings and equipment were levelled to the ground or reduced to ashes, except for six modern concrete structures, shells of which remain standing either lightly or badly damaged. They are: Valentine Hall (administration and classrooms), Lopez Hall (mess hall for boys), Franklin Hall (boy’s dormitory), Roblee Hall (Science building), Weston Hall (girl’s dormitory), and the President’s House. Words cannot describe the extent of the damage done. All that can be said is that the destruction is TOTAL in capital letters.” All of these were reconstructed and were ready for the classes that started on July 1946. Engr. Sornito worked closely together with Comptroller Caipang and Meliton Sornito as foreman. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Don Ramon Lopez, was also tasked to oversee the overall reconstruction effort.

The Central Echo gave tribute to these three men – “These men carry more than their ordinary load for which they get no salary; they go out of their way and do a lot more things than many people know, testimony of their talents and their consecration. We have seen Mr. Nequin fall ill at his desk, Prof. Sornito sleep at 2 o’clock in the morning pondering over engineering figures, Mr. Caipang hiking in the rain in shirt sleeves collecting pledges and looking after the campus property.”

These people played a big role in Central’s history. And when we remember them, and learn lessons from them, they’re not considered “shadows” anymore.