The Pili Nut

Have you ever wondered how the delectable pili nut is being produced? Here's a photo of a pili tree taken from pinoytrees.blogspot.com.

The pili tree grows only on the tropical countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. However, it is only in the Philippines' Bicol region where its commercially farmed.

Erroneous School Textbooks

My first-year high school son and I have been discussing about Philippine geography one afternoon, when our topic led into his narration of towns and cities under the National Capital Region (NCR). He enumerated 16 towns and cities, but missed Erap's town of San Juan. He's adamant that there is no San Juan City in Metro Manila, as he referred on their history book below.

I cannot believe that such a famous town will be missed by the book's 2 authors, proofreaders, and the book's publishing team. But when my son showed me the book's page no. 10 with the list of NCR towns and cities, I was disappointed with the absence of San Juan City on the list.

Kulo Blasphemous Art Exhibit at CCP

Lifted from various internet sources:

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) closed down on Tuesday the main gallery where the controversial “Kulo” art exhibit is on display. In a statement, the CCP said threats to persons and property influenced the management’s decision to close down the gallery.

One of the artworks displayed in the gallery — artist Mideo Cruz’s piece, a mixed-media collage called “Poleteismo” — was criticized as “blasphemous” and then vandalized last week. According to local news reports, the controversial art exhibit includes images and statues such as:

1. A wooden replica of male genital in front of Jesus Christ image.
2. An image of Christ wherein his eyes had been darkened by ink.
3. Crucifix with condom.
4. Religious pictures beside women underwear models.
5. Seated Christ statue with red ball on His nose and a semi mickey mouse ears.

BPI - Jollibee Promo 12 Aug. to 02 Nov. 2011

The last BPI credit card promo with Chowking had just ended last 07 August 2011, after a week's extension. Now BPI in celebration of their 160th year anniversary has their food promo with Jollibee, from 12 August to 02 November 2011, with redemption period until 01 January 2012.

To qualify, cardholder should use his/her BPI Express Credit card or BPI Express Teller ATM card via Express Payment System (E.P.S.) for a minimum single purchase transaction of Php 2,000, Php 6,000, or Php 12,000 at any merchant. Transaction should be approved through a Point-of-Sale card terminal, so online or internet purchases are disqualified.

Gun Show at Megamall

Like the Alfred Nobel's dynamite, the gun was invented to cause body harm. It was never meant to be used to promote peace. However, the Philippine government accepts the fact that they can never guarantee protection to the civilian population, hence they allow people to own licensed firearms. 

So after checking some trade books at the book fair on the 5th floor of SM Megamall, I transferred to the gun show next door, after our good friend JC paid our Php 80 entrance fee per person. It was my second time to see a gun show, and I was surprised on the huge turnout, the number of guns, accessories, and related products.

Camiguin's Attractions and Lanzones Festival

Out of my 12 remaining "must visit" local places on my list, Camiguin is definitely on the top three. This small island province is blessed with many natural attractions, historical sites, good food, and warm people. Its a complete tourist destination by itself. So let me narrate in detail why I would love to visit Camiguin.

White Sand Beaches

I'm a sucker for white sand beaches. I could stay in a beach the whole day, just admiring the cyan blue water splashing gentle waves on the white sand shore, inviting me for a refreshing dip, or lulling me to sleep on a hammock shaded by a tree. A relaxing massage on the beach, a cold beer in hand with freshly-cooked seafoods, or just chatting with friends, are also good ideas to pass away the time on the beach. Camiguin has Mantigue and White islands to satisfy that beach bumming urge.

Lignon Hill and Embarcadero Mall in Legazpi

Lignon Hill in Legazpi City, Albay offers an elevated and one of the best views of the majestic Mayon volcano. It is very near the airport, and its beside the city's wildlife park. 

However to avoid inconveniencing the joggers, they only allow vehicles to enter the hill's summit between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and also after 6:00 pm. If you don't want the strenuous walk uphill, you can ask a habal-habal (motorcycle) to take you at the top for Php 20.

Villa Amada Hotel & Colonial Grill in Albay

Hotels and pension houses in Legazpi City are generally more expensive, than their counterparts in Puerto Princesa, Davao, Cebu, and other popular local destinations. Fortunately, I was able to find a nice budget hotel in the neighboring Daraga town. We stayed one night in Villa Amada Hotel along Rizal St., which is less than 10 minutes by car from the airport.

At Php 3,600 nett per night for a 2-bedroom accommodation, its still expensive for a stingy traveller like me. But upon entering our connecting rooms with a double bed and 2 single beds, I think its a good deal compared with the other local hotels in the same category. Even my kids commented that we are like in a de luxe hotel in Manila.