Lifestyle | Decorated Season in the Philippines

Venetian Inspired Christmas Tree

The longest Christmas season is felt in the Philippines every year. It starts as early as September - the start of "ber" months, and count down for Christmas - and ends on the celebration of the Three Kings or Epiphany. That means a celebration from September to January!

Decorations at Ayala Avenue

Streets, buildings, churches, houses and malls are decorated with symbols of Christmas added with designs that help people flock to those vicinity and take photo opportunity. It is often something to anticipate as it excites millions of people in the country. Aside from the decorations, Christmas songs are also played. It may be the busiest season, it is also the jolliest!

Symphony of Lights in Ayala Triangle 2016

The waiting is getting nearer as the 9 mornings are celebrated before Christmas. It is also something that is expected when the puto bumbong and bibingka are sold just outside the churches. There are lots of parties anywhere and everywhere; people are bringing gifts from company celebrations or extending arms to less fortunate individuals.

Baclaran Church

In the Philippines, Christmas season is something to look forward. Some landmarks are well-decorated year after year. Hope you can view the videos below!

This year's symphony of lights is a 5-minute stretch of lights and sounds and plays around 7 in the evening. As always, it plays Christmas songs in a modern way with lights following the rhythm of the music - lights on and off. The most interesting part is the techno section in which the laser lights form a holographic visuals: you can view it in the second video. Cool, isn't it? This is among the places that people flock and keep still to capture a video of this magnificent show. This is free for everybody! There may be no white Christmas in the Philippines, this place in Makati will surely fulfill your fantasy of a glamorous and glittery Christmas! :-)

Anyways, have a happy holidays and a prosperous new year to come from my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Food | Tummy Treats in Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago wherein different island groups may have a surprise especially on food. Sulu archipelago, for one, has an interesting gastronomic treat. Here, I will present you some of the Tausug prepared food. It will not be a surprise if their food is compared or similar with some Malay dish as the archipelago is near Malaysia. Of course, we should not forget too that we, Filipinos, come from the Malay race. Also, the archipelago has an open trade with the nearby countries of Malaysia and Indonesia. I hope this will also catch your appetite as it did with me. ;-)

Disclaimer: I am not a food geek. I just eat. Please bear with me. :-p

Mee Goreng

First, the mee goreng. It is a Malay noodle dish that has some spices mixed with some vegetables. This is commonly known as the fried noodles. They say it is not spicy but for me, it is; or I have eaten a chili in it. hahaha However, it is oh so good.

Beef Kulma

Second, the beef kulma. The soft beef meat is cooked with spices and sauce similar with curry. This is a winner for me! I just love the spice in it that is not too strong and the softness of the beef - not gummy.

Pianggang

Third, the pianggang, another Tausug food. It is a grilled chicken cooked in a coconut milk. There is this subtleness on the dish. I have not thought of it cooked in coconut milk but the meat is creamy. Perhaps the milk is neutralized by the after grill effect of the meat but remains an ingredient to make the meat creamy. I hope I got it right. :-p

Tiyula Itum or Black Soup

Fourth, tiyula itum or known as the black soup. This is another Tausug dish that is either with beef or goat meat. It is a soup with some spices too. When you mix the soup, some black residue from burnt coconut will appear. They say it is spicy but not really. It tastes good!

Togue and Fish

Fifth and sixth, togue and fish. You can eat these anywhere in the country. :-p

Satti

Seventh, the satti! It is a perfect dish for breakfast! The meat is grilled, then after grilling it will be dipped on this red spicy hot thick sauce - I don't know the components of it but I am sure it is not catsup! It has rice in it which I think is cooked through coconut leaves or known as the pusò. Many associate this dish in Zamboanga, but this is a perfect satti in Jolo, Sulu. It is just really perfect!

Then, there are some snack items to choose from.

Apam

First, the apam. It is known as the Tausug pancake. It is thick and good to eat when hot.

Sticky Rice Purple Cake

Second, the purple part of sapin-sapin or the sticky rice cake.

Pitis

Third, the pitis, one of my favorites! It has a sweetened desiccated coconut inside covered by a purple sticky rice.

Panganan or Unknown

Fourth, the panganan or unknown. It is not a joke, but it is for you to name the dish. It is a red bean (red mongo) cake which I think is fried because of its crispy texture. I also love this.

Punjung and Wajit

Lastly, the punjung and wajit. Do you see that conical dish at the top center? That is punjung. A snack item which is made of rice flour which is a bit sweetened cooked through steam. Unfortunately, the wajit is not opened in this photo. The big one at the center which is wrapped by a banana leaf. I also love this one; it is like the biko or the common rice cake in the Philippines yet mixed in brown and purple.

These food are really awesome! The spices... The coconut component of the dishes... The grilled food... The snack items... Everything is worthy to try and taste!

That's plenty to serve, isn't it? That's not yet all that can be tasted in Jolo, Sulu. Halal prepared food is plenty in Sulu archipelago. A lot of food that are traditionally prepared and constant to our Malay heritage.

Thanks to the sponsor of these great dishes - Kath! The work with food trip is so fun! :-)

I hope you share your story, too, here in my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Travel | Tales from Sulu Part 2

Part 2

The trip from Zamboanga City to Sulu is very pleasant. I liked it because I never felt we sailed but arrived at the destination. I thank the fine weather for that. Read the Part 1 here.

Upon docking at the Port of Jolo, I tried to keep myself calm as there is an excitement in me of what to see and hear in the province. Not to my surprise, I heard some blast being fired from afar. I am not sure if that is a cannon or close encounter with rebels. That day we visited is the end of Ramadan or the Eid'l Fitr. It is a celebration welcomed with a bang! It is like a new year for our Muslim friends; a day that they celebrate the holiest time among the Muslims. I just ignored the blast knowing that there is ceasefire because of the celebration. :-P

Jolo, Sulu Tricycle: Calesa-like

At the Port of Jolo, my attention is caught by a tricycle. It is the first time i saw a tricycle! LOL Kidding aside, I am simply happy to see such a design that I think is unique in Jolo, Sulu. The design is simple but for me it stands out. Its design is like a small calesa but attached to a bicycle. Some other tricycles I have seen in other provinces in the country are fancy decorated but this one is simple and authentic.

Travel | Tales from Sulu Part 1

Sulu is a province in the Southwestern part of the Philippines. Jolo is the capital of the province wherein people residing there are mostly native tausug. The place is dominantly Muslim. It is also one of the places feared by many as it is home of the bandits known as Abu Sayyaf.

It is really sad that a place will be labeled as a place you should not get into. I mean, it instills fear even one hasn't gotten there yet. This travel out of work is really something that excites me; a place not usually visited yet is supported by our project. I want to share what I saw in the place. Hence, I have here a 2-part blog post.

Zamboanga Airport

From Manila, there is no direct flight to Sulu. One has to travel to Zamboanga City then ride a fast craft or a usual cargo and passenger vessel to go to Sulu. If a fast craft is taken, it will take 4 to 5 hours to arrive Sulu. However, our visit is a day before the end of Ramadan, only the cargo and passenger vessel that ships cargoes and people from Zamboanga City to Sulu is available and it takes 10 to 12 hours to arrive Sulu.

Sport | Mall Archery Range in Davao City

Eyeing the Target

Earlier this year, I have posted about a place in Davao City that will be flocked by aspiring archers, here.

Yes, I did try to unleash the archer in me. Lol

On the first try, those who will try to do archery are asked to read and sign a waiver. It says of the rules and understanding about the sport. So, no worries of signing the waiver, it will cause no harm. :-)

Targets to Choose

It is an indoor archery range. There are six (6) targets to choose from. There is also a demarcation line wherein archer's distance from the target is set. The cheapest option for the sport is two hundred pesos (P200), for twenty (20) arrows. The gears such as the arm protector and the bow and arrows are included in the payment. You will also be given instructions how to handle the bow, how to put arrows, what's the purpose of the arm protector, how to sight the target and how to position yourself to do the sport. That is pretty awesome, right?!! So, I, for myself, tried it! It will really be an exhausting pull of the bow if you are not used to stretching. Lol

I have done this two times already. First, out of curiousity, I am alone. Second, I brought my colleagues at the archery range, like a dozen. We enjoyed it!

Target Hits

During the first time, arrows were hitting everywhere in the target and even out of the target. Understandable, since it is my first time. On the second try, with my colleagues, there is a huge improvement. I have hit more arrows on the target constantly. It feels good! I feel that I belong to an archer family. Also, the play with my colleagues is like a training of archers from a familiar game like the Clash of Clans and Warcraft. It is really a fun-filled experience. ;-)

I know you also have that curiosity of how to play archery. That is also a sport known internationally, but of course the bows that will be used will somehow be different yet the concept is the same. Trying this is pretty awesome! It is just located at the activity center of one of the malls in Davao City. Who knows, you might be the next Katnis, Hawkeye or Legolas. ;-)

Thank you for dropping by my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. I hope you enjoyed it and drop some comments. ;-)

Stop at the 'BookStop'

Bookstop at Intramuros

The Walled City of Manila or popularly known as Intramuros, is the place of a bookstop is installed. :-)

Erected in front of the Manila Cathedral and Palacio del Gobernador wherein the Commission on Elections or Comelec operates it office, the bookstop is visible. It is pretty accessible to all people it may be tourists, employees nearby, students, bystanders and even street children.

Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Quezon Province

San Isidro Labrador Feast

The Philippines is a country with a lot of festivities, mostly that are related to patron saints. The month of May is the most celebrated month in many parts of the country as many farmers celebrate the Feast of San Isidro Labrador, who is known to be the patron for good harvest. This is a familiar feast in the country as many of the rural areas or provinces are engaging in agricultural activities. This is a also way to show gratitude due a bountiful harvest amidst the production challenges due to dry spell or worse El Nino phenomenon.

San Louis Bishop Parish, Casa del Nino Jesus de Lucban

It is in my bucket list to visit Quezon Province and see the colorful and vibrant Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Quezon. It is known to be a celebration wherein many participating houses decorate their place with hanged fruits, vegetables and colorful agricultural products/ornaments. Aside from that, it is a place where I want to experience and taste the very famous pancit habhab, and the kiping - this is made of ground rice, dyed and molded on big leaves - it is cooked and it can be eaten, yet I liked it fried. :-)

Be In the Predeparture Area in Less Than 10 Minutes

Many people must have watched Amazing Race. It is a fun challenge-filled travel competition from different parts of the world. Many local versions of some countries have been documented also to help explore tourist spots and be flocked by travelers for community gains.

There are many different types of ports to complete a destination. There are airports for airplane goers, seaports for overseas travelers, overland terminals for bus or van travelers.

One challenge that I always want to do whenever traveling by plane is to get in the predeparture area in less than 10 minutes. Yes, less than 10 minutes. Many might not believe but it is possible. Even you travel through one of the busiest airports in the Philippines, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. I often start my time after I get off the taxi.

Tripadvisor's Best Destinations in the World for 2016

Many travelers all around the world visit the Tripadvisor to read for reviews about a certain destination, compare prices and share a story from a destination visited. The Tripadvisor is a huge compilation of first hand reviews from different travelers without bias and it is a reliable review which I too usually base whenever I am planning for a travel.

The Tripadvisor has released their Best Destinations in the World. Here's the top 25 list of places that has caught the attention of many travelers worldwide.

1. London, United Kingdom

2. Istanbul, Turkey

3. Marrakech, Morocco

4. Paris, France

5. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Feasts and Celebration in January 2016!

The Philippines is a country with a number of feasts celebrated all throughout the year. Opening Salvo of Philippine Festivals were the celebration of Sinulog, Ati-atihan and Dinagyang in the Visayan Region.

Cebu City celebrates the Sinulog. Kalibo, Aklan celebrates the Ati-Atihan. Iloilo City celebrates Dinagyang. All are celebrated to honor the Child Jesus - Sto. Niño. These festivals draw lots of domestic and foreign tourists in the islands to experience the vibe of celebration.

Not only domestic celebration is conducted, but the 51st International Eucharistic Conference is celebrated in Cebu City, Philippines. It is estimated that more than a million visitors participated in the conference from different parts of the world.

Enjoy the stay in the archipelago!

Enjoy your visit in my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.