Young Filipino dies in New Zealand – Mother in RP denied visa for wake and funeral

Filipino Warren Rosillo, 18, died a horrible death in Auckland, New Zealand from multiple stab wounds from a jealous 17-year old boy.  The mother is in the Philippines in Mindanao and wanted to attend his wake and funeral.  She was not granted a visa by New Zealand immigration because she did not have enough show money.

Is this really how foreigners look at Filipinos?  They have no compassion at all to the point of being insensitive and inconsiderate.  Maybe if this happens to them, it will be only the time they realize the mistake they did.  Unless, those people of the New Zealand immigration do not have family and just came out from thin air.

It will be good if after this, they will have thoughts of making some exceptions in their general rules and policies on granting a visa.  Surely they would have known the news of her son’s death and as human beings they should have felt the mother’s grief!   They have made the grief of Warren Rosillo’s mother even worse!  It's hard to believe that there's even no news story about the mother being denied a visa.

Crab menu in Dagupan City

In the late 1990s, we at work, frequented Dagupan City and on some occasions stayed overnight.  When there, it's often that seafood comes to my mind because of the variety they have there and special ways on how they prepare them.  My favorites there since the 1970s, were Sinigang na Malaga, Sugpo (Prawns) and Talaba (Oysters).  Their style of cooking has advanced as much as technology.  When we dined at Bonuan, Tondaligan at the outskirts of  Dagupan where restaurants and diners abound, that was my first time to encounter a crab menu.

Spicy Crab

Being fond of spicy food, I went for the Spicy Crab.  Served in a shallow bowl because it was cooked with Gata (coconut milk) and literally sitting on an inch-high of spicy sauce!  It was a large crab and I thought I would not be able to finish it all.  I started man-handling it.  The shell had a very generous crab fat which I immediately mixed with the steaming rice on my plate.  Then, added spoonfuls of the sauce.  It was a really delicious meal that the Spicy Crab is now on the top of my favorites when in Dagupan. 

Filipino Pancit Variations

Chinese influence in the Philippines can commonly be seen in the Filipino's food preferences.  One on top of the list of food preference is the pancit (rice noodles), the name pancit (or pansit) was derived from the Chinese Hokkien pian i sit .  In my curiosity, I have always gone to sites where photos of rice noodles are prepared in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and other Asian countries look so delicious!  They are the original countries that use Chopsticks instead of spoon, fork and knife.


My curiosity led me to search for Filipino Pancit dishes.  I was expecting to find only around 10 to 12 variations.  To my surprise, based on Wikipedia, it lists 29 variations of pansit!  Among those in the list, I would say that I am only familiar with less than half of it.  For the benefit of Pinoys who love pansit as I do, I have copied the list from Wikipedia.  I have added some comments that may be similar to one another, see how many you are familiar with:

1. Pancit Alanganin
2. Pancit Alahoy
3. Pancit Batchoy
4. Pancit Bato is indigenuous to the Bicol Region; especially the town of Bato in Camarines Sur.
5. Pancit Bihon Guisado
6. Pancit Bihongundoy
7. Pancit Cabagan
8. Pancit Canton
9. Pancit Canton Ilonggo
10. Pancit Chami (Lucena City, Quezon)
11. Pancit Estacion (Tanza, Cavite)
12. Pancit Habhab (Lucban, Quezon)
13. Pancit Kilawin (a variety pancit originated from Rosario, Cavite. In lieu of pancit noodles, shredded unripe papaya fruit is used cooked with vinegar and fish. Usually partnered with Dinuguan dish)
14. Pancit Lomi
15. Pancit Lucban
16. Pancit Luglug (very similar with Palabok and Malabon)
17. Pancit Malabon
18. Pancit Mami (round egg noodles)
19. Pancit Miki (round egg noodles)
20. Pancit Míki-Bíhon Guisado (round egg noodles + bihon)
21. Pancit Olongapo (Pancit Miki with 'Sarsa' sauce. Miki cooked in tradition added with sarsa a thickened chicken and pork broth, darkened a little with soy sauce of choice)
22. Pancit Molo (version of Filipino wanton soup without noodles, Chinese Wanton is with noodles lots of veggies)
23. Pancit Moròng
24. Pancit Palabok (thinner round noodles used compared to Luglug and Malabon)
25. Pancit Pula (variation of Pancit Miki from Batangas City)
26. Pancit Sotanghon (this could also be with soup)
27. Pansit Sabaw (Pansit Miki with soup)
28. Pansit Tuguegarao or Batil Patong



Nom-banh-chok noodles of Vietnam

29. Pansit Sinanta (also from Tuguegarao, consists of flat egg noodles, bihon, clams and chicken, with broth colored with annatto)

Offensive smelling food for others

Food in the Philippines are quite unique when it comes to its odor or aroma  that is also uniquely appealing to the Filipino senses.  Pinoys salivate to the aroma of those food while or after being cooked.  These foods are like Tuyo or Daing (dried fish), the condiments are two types of Bagoong (some say similar to caviar) fermented salty tiny shrimps (alamang) or fish (monamon) and Patis (fish sauce) derived from drippings of bagoong fermentation. 


Many marginal Filipinos would be content to have these food and condiments with rice as their meal, in general, for the entire country.  There are regional preferences on how the these are mixed with other food such as vegetables, spices or coconut milk.  Some foreigners who taste or eat them complain of indigestion or stomach troubles but it usually is hypersensitivity to spices or coconut milk ingredients.


Filipino food is a matter getting used to taste and smell.  Most are health food, nutritious and filling with rice!

Dating for Pinoys

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of luvfree for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Searching for dates online has been offered by many social websites.  One website that specializes purely on dating is luvfree.com.  Among the countries that have members registered with the site is the Philippines that rank third after the U.S. and the U.K. with most members.

Filipinos are really active online and many seek to find partners for life on dating sites.  The good thing with luvfree is that it is free to join and create a profile.  Like other social networks, they have a messaging system, video chats, rating photos and others.  Unlike other dating sites, luvfree services are absolutely free and no hidden fees or charges.

The dating website is what many people like freebies like some Filipinos who would prefer to get things free or on trial first before getting into it seriously.  The biggest concern for dating sites that charge or ask for a fee is you would not know if the person you meet online is for real.  It is so easy for websites to create fake profiles to please members.

Even video footage a member does not guaranty that it is the same person you have met on a dating site.  With free services coming from luvfree, people know they don't lose anything and not worried to use credit cards to pay for fees or charges.

Garbage collection - Baguio City

It used to be that garbage collection was done by garbage trucks going around Baguio City to collect them.  Many areas in recent years, if not all areas, residents have to bring their garbage in plastic bags to one place.  So, if you happen to live in a house that disposes so much trash, you will have to carry them to the specified garbage collection location.  If not, you just have to bear with all the waste for a week or so, until you get them there on the designated day/s.


For garbage collection days, it seems that it is only the central business district of Baguio that have their garbage collected daily.  A good number of residential and far-away areas have to settle for a once a week schedule.  This is one reason why the City Camp lagoon area gets flooded.  The people living around the area get lazy to bring their garbage to said places and instead just throw them in the water ways or other places where it can be carried away by rainwater.

Good Shepherd Convent - Baguio City

Baguio City has so many places of interest and tourist destination.  One would be the Good Shepherd Convent located just beside another tourist spot - Mines View Park.  The Good Shepherd Convent was known in the early days as a rehabilitation center for girls that have lost their way in life.  It is being run by Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

Right now it is a flourishing place and is making exceptionally well.  Their produce are Peanut Brittle, Ube jam, Strawberry and Blackberry/Blueberry jam.  The place has developed into a virtual production plant of the said products.  There was never a time I visited the place as early as 7 a.m. that there were no visitors.  Many local tourists do not fail to buy goods before leaving for their respective cities or provinces.

The Peanut Brittle is one of their products that is outstanding.  Even locals still prefer them over the next best rival Romana's Peanut Brittle. The same with the Ube and Strawberry Jams.  They have well secured production areas and not just anyone is allowed in there.

Good Shepherd Convent has upgraded its facilities using Solar Panel lighting and Solar Thermal Water Heaters.  The upgrade is to save on electric bills that they use in production.  It is just amazing how they have developed into what they are right now.  If you did not visit the place on your trip to Baguio City, make sure it will be on your agenda on your next trip!

Typhoons and monsoon rains

Typhoons hit the Philippines at least 20 times a year.  Before this year, the weather bureau have named them with the first letters following the Tagalog alphabet.  It surprised me for this year, the first letter of typhoon names are now following the English alphabet!  They could be running out of Tagalog human names but it is no excuse.  The codenames could be simple Tagalog words instead.  Anyway the typhoons are given international names so there's no concern for other nationalities to be asking what kind of language the names are given to them.

Another thing is the weather bureau PAG-ASA could not even predict well the path and rains the typhoons would bring.  The truth is I am more concerned about monsoon rains a storm will carry with it.  It causes more floods and destruction with continuous rains for days, unlike the typhoon itself that could only take a day or two.  Typhoons signal are the basis for communities to take caution.  The heavy monsoon rains should also be categorized and also forecasted what areas will experience downpour!

PBA - why I lost interest watching

The PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) is the professional basketball league of the Philippines.  Prior to that, it was known as MICAA (Manila Inter-Commercial Athletic Association) andI was really a big fan until its transition to PBA.  The transition saw the league turn into something like the NBA.  The sad thing is the PBA even imitated the NBA Logo!  The good thing is that the players were not imitating NBA players on their moves, shots and passes during those days.  The last time I remember watching a full PBA game was when Vergel Meneses, Alan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, Jojo Lastimosa, Johnny Abarrientos and the likes were still active.

Since that time, I hear from my sons that several new players of the PBA were trying hard copycats of NBA players!  Another thing, the tall Filipino players who play the position of "Center" are not even being trained on ball handling!  I have heard before and still hear now from some coaches and trainers telling these tall guys to just focus on rebounding and blocking and forget about ball handling!  That's the reason why the Philippines has not improved and even retrogressed in the sport compared to their status before the 1970s.

They've also imitated the NBA in focusing in defense.  In defense there are many flaws especially in height compared to other nations.  Also, players get fouls and give opportunities to opponents to get free throws!  The Filipino coaches should focus on offense and high scoring.  No matter how good they can defend, if they can not shoot and score, they still lose.  One more false belief is they call high percentage shots those that are closer to the basket.  Nonsense!  The closer a player shoots near the basket the more defenders there are and its more crowded!  And, shorter players will need superman skills to make their shots good!

Even TV commentators are taken for a ride by foolish if not stupid moves!  They commend and appreciate moves that are not necessary!  One example is:  They talk about a no-look pass by a player who does it just for show.  No one guarding him and likewise no one guarding the pass recipient!  Commentators even tag those players as elite!  What's wrong with all those guys?!?

Sagada - the Bomod-ok Falls

This post will be mostly photos of Bomod-ok Falls located nearby the Fidelisan Rice Terraces, Sagada, Mountain Province.  I frequented Sagada at least once a month during my stint with a pharmaceutical company from 1979 to 1982 but never heard of this place!  The photos are courtesy of a former associate who had just visited the place recently.  My great thanks to her for she allowed me to share some of the scenic photos.

 

My friend said the Bomod-ok Falls can be reached by vehicle two (2) kilometers from the municipal hall of Sagada then about an hour trek to the Fidelisan Rice Terraces.

Nurses’ choice of uniforms

In the medical profession, they need to dress up in a way to identify them from other professions.  The web site of Blueskyscrubs.com http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/ has an array of different designs and colors of uniforms for those in the medical profession.  The uniforms are very unique compared to those that you would ordinarily find in stores that sell them like uniforms for nurses.  Just viewing the set of uniforms online immediately shows the apparels to be really distinct from ordinary scrubs.

Hospitals and clinics have preferences for color schemes especially for their nursing staff.  Often, they would also assign color scheme or code for nurses in different departments.  This is one way for colleagues and patients to know what department they belong to.  It makes for a very convenient way for anyone to identify them in cases where their services are needed.  Hospitals without color coded uniforms for nurses have only their department assignment inscribed on their nameplates.

One thing to take note of the scrubs at Blueskyscrubs.com is how fashionably they are designed and always go in sets.  You may even be wearing them outside the zone it is required to be donned!  Uniforms for nursing have become a fashion statement to some and a pride to wear them outside.  It serves as a badge for their profession that often helps in emergency cases.  Uniforms people wear makes a clear distinction and helps very much in identifying those from different professions.

Asin Hot Springs Resort

Can a part of a municipality that was allowed to be operated and managed by its neighboring city, be declared or made by the city as privatized area.  This means that part of the municipality, the Asin Hot Springs Resort managed and operated by the city, will be offered to private entities for its operation!  That is similar to how the former Camp John Hay (CJH) is now being operated!  CJH is now a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) that has actually privatized it and being operated by Fil-Estate Realty Corporation!

CJH now is a far cry from what it was during the time it was operated as a rest and recreation base by the U.S. military.  It used to be that locals and visitors alike could walk around freely and go nights-out until wee hours of the morning.  Picnic tables were free to use, people can go visit any place in the base except for the the ambassador's residence that was off-limits.  The present CJH now has so many restricted areas and even cordoned off!  Imagine this happening at the Asin Hot Springs Resort! 

The resort is located in the municipality of Tuba, Benguet, more or less 15 kilometers west of Baguio city.  It is the nearest place where locals can enjoy relatively cheap resort and swimming pool accommodations.  Currently, there are three privately owned resorts:  The original near the power generation facility that has real hot spring water but was not fully developed; the River View Water Park Resort; and the Palm Grove Hot Springs and Mountain Resort.  Baguio City locals flock to these resorts almost every week end specially during summer.

Asin Hot Springs Resorts has also been well patronized by well sized companies in Baguio that they hold some company outings here.  The main advantage of the location for Baguio residents is being able to enjoy the place and go home at the end of the day.  If the entire place is to be privatized, whoever operates the area will 'jack-up' fees that locals will have to think twice before visiting the place again.  Also, there will be restrictions again within a defined area of the locality just like CJH!

Lastly, the Baguio City local government has had problems getting its share from CJH what is due to their coffers.  Are they trying to say that they prefer it that way?  Or, its because they don't have trusted people that operate and manage the Asin Hot Springs Resort.  That might just explain it:  The city losing earnings while some people enjoying the "fruits" of managing the resort!

Pacquiao vs. Mosley

May 7, 2011 will be another day to remember in the boxing world.  Shane Mosley will be in the ring for WBO Welterweight title held by Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.  It cannot be said if this will be the toughest fight ever for Pacquiao.  His fights against Oscar dela Hoya, Clottey, Hatton, Cotto and Margarito were supposed to be tough but it seems that he just breezed through them.  He never really got in trouble in those previous fights.

Pacquiao who was born December 17, 1978 is now 33 years old while Mosley is 39.  He may have slight youth advantage of 6 years over Mosley, nevertheless Shane still proved his stamina and power against Mayweather.  Manny Pacquiao says that he is 100% in condition but claims he did not train as hard as he did against dela Hoya.  If he would not be able to get Mosley in trouble and the fight will go the distance, there might be just that slight chance of him losing.

If Manny Pacquiao can move as well as he did in previous fights, Mosley will have a difficult time catching him with strong punches.  Or, if he does go after Pacquiao moving around the ring his stamina will be sacrificed.  The best thing that Mosley can do is to frequently corner Manny along the ropes.  Whoever will be quickest and be able to land real hard punches can come out the winner by either knockout or unanimous decision.

Baguio - A 'Mixing Bowl' of the Philippines

Many countries would have some cities, municipalities or localities that we can call their "mixing bowl", which means people residing in them come from different parts or regions of the country.  Baguio City, Philippines is among the cities that have now so many residents that come from different regions and provinces of the country.  For one thing, it is the cool climate that they really come to like.  There is no other city in the Philippines that would have an almost year-round cool climate.

Many migrants then, came from the nearby province of Pangasinan.  The reason they have a good number of residents in Baguio was due to gold and copper mines that flourished around Baguio city in the 1900s.  The promise of good pay in the mining industry was so attractive then.  That was also some reason for those from other provinces to migrate to Baguio.  Until now, even people assigned by companies to their city's branch office hardly want to leave the city if they are to be re-assigned to another place after a few years.

A good number of old-timer residents also come from the province of Batangas.  The Batanguenos are good in doing business and they could have been the 'Levis Strauss' for the several mines surrounding the city.  Migrants at that time learned to speak the more common 'Ilocano' dialect then.  The national Pilipino language was not spoken by much by locals.  In fact, most of the locals and natives even spoke English better than Tagalog until the late 60s!

Tagalog or the Pilipino language became more spoken when migrants from Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao increased.  They easily understood more the national language and spoke it even in a heavy accent.  It can also be noticed that people from the southernmost tip of the Philippines, those who are with the Islam faith, have also increased in number!  They are mostly ambulant vendors and are quite making good.  To identify them in Baguio City, they wear robes and caps that Muslims don.  The women mostly still wear their 'bandanas' but do not cover their face.

It is a lot easier now to communicate to almost all residents in Baguio City in Tagalog and English too.

Avoiding sunburn

Summer time again in the Philippines and a lot of folks would like to cool themselves at beach resorts and swimming pools.  Those who would be bathing in the seas without skin protection will most likely suffer from sunburn.  The itch of sunburn followed by peeling skin definitely is more irritating than sweating in the summer heat.   Facial and back sunburn are most common because they are exposed to the sun more often and dry faster than other parts of the body.

As a habit when coming from a swim, most people wipe their head and face first.  Doing it frequently will cause the skin to be sun-burnt.  The upper back torso and nape get sunburned because people turn their back against the sun.  It's rare for people to face the sun after a dip in the waters. 

I experienced getting facial sunburn even when not in the beach or pool.  Once, I had the habit of always having on  hand a face towel to wipe sweat off my face while under the sun.  I sweat profusely on my face and head that makes me look like coming from a shower.  After a whole day of sweating and wiping them off, I felt okay and relieved.  The following morning I felt a burning sensation on my face and was surprised to see it sunburned!

So avoid or prevent sunburn after coming from a swim in ocean waters or swimming pool, don't wipe off the water from your face and body unless, of course, you don't intend to get back in the waters.  Stay under a shade and let the your body shed off the water and dry slowly.  The other good thing for this is your body and skin slowly transitions from the water temperature to the air temperature.  This will not let you shiver too much.

Okay!  So have a nice summer time without having to worry about having a sunburn with this little tip.

Visitor arrogance in Baguio

Being with Facebook, with many friends to boot in Baguio, is really worth it.  It gives value and meaning to what and who we are in Baguio. They have stories to tell and some are unimaginable about what visitors can do against a local or locals.  The original people of Baguio City are inherently courteous, very accommodating and respectful to visitors.  This is something that many outsiders do not know.  We, who drive, know how to give way to vehicles going uphill when we're going downhill, and much more, give way to pedestrians (that's rarity from lowland drivers).  We were one of the first city to understand and respect the pedestrian lanes.

There are those who claim they are from Baguio but actually has been there only for less than ten (10) years.  A bona fide Baguio local would have his or her roots in the city way back 40 years or more.  Many of those who have been in Baguio for less than ten (10) years will not really know the true values of original Baguio inhabitants.  That's why when I tell stories, even to my children, how Baguio was in the 1960s and that my step-grandfather was the first District Forester of the City, they are awed.  Many of us originals wish the Baguio of old will be back.

I came across a troubling story at Facebook from one Baguio lass after a reckless action of a visitor driver.  She was treated with arrogance by the rude driver of a convoy vehicle that organized "Le Tour de Filipinas".  The idiot reckless driver did not know he was showing arrogance to someone connected to the local tabloid!  A companion, or  maybe his boss, did even bother to discipline him at the onset!  I wanted to post the article here but it consists of four paragraphs. Anyway there are links below to that article at Facebook and you can just click on them to read the whole story of the Baguio visitor's arrogance.

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150174937898857

The First Online Anicom Series in Video Title: S.A.G.I.P. (Teaser) [HQ]

Summers in Baguio City

Almost anywhere in the world, when the summer season sets in people would prefer to be in a place where they would not feel the heat.  In the Philippines, Baguio City will forever be the "Summer Capital" because of the year round cool climate including the summer season.  Most of the time the Holy Week falls during summer months the time most local tourists and vacationers flock the city during this period. Many vacationers take a side trip to the beach which is just an hour away from the city, for a dip in the sea. Visitors can reach to as many as 500,000 within a months time!  The nearby beach resorts in La Union and Pangasinan also benefit from this.

Courtesy of Ric Maniquis FB Photo post

With the number of visitors, the city launched in 1958 to pick a Lucky Summer Visitor (LSV) every year during the Holy Week.  The primary criterion is simple:  It must be the first time for the visitor to be in Baguio City.  In some other years, organizers add little more criteria for the selection and kept secret until one is chosen.  The Lucky Summer Visitor program was conceptualized for the city's appreciation to all those who visit Baguio.  The LSV is given a symbolic key to the city, free guided tour, free hotel accommodations and meeting some city officials!  That's aside from several souvenirs the LSV takes home for free!

Going for a summer vacation in Baguio City has to be well planned.  Hotel occupancy is 100% most of the time during summer.  It is very difficult to make or get reservations.  There are a good number of private houses and dormitories offered for rent to tourists during summer.  This is the next best alternative if hotels are fully booked.  Most would have complete kitchen and dining facilities that could prove to be less costly compared to dining out.  Having contacts or friends from the city will help in getting a favorable place to stay other than inns or hotels.

The City of Baguio is short of water supply during the summer season and could be a problem for private houses leased out.  Purified or mineral water is not a problem though as there many outlets in the city to provide potable water.  Traffic conditions will be terrible with the lack of available parking space.  Baguio City is just 64 square kilometers in area and the only time a vehicle would really be needed is when going from one far end to another frequently.

Pinoys executed in China

Three Filipinos, Ramon Credo, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva and Elizabeth Batain executed in China , Wednesday, March 30, 2011, for possession of illegal drugs and suspected drug trafficking.  One of them plead guilty while the others seemed to be innocent victims of drug syndicates.  The laws of China are stirct and there was no way to save them from their fate inspite of the Philippine goverments pleas and requests.  The glimmer of making big money with least effort is simply too attractive to ignore, especially for those who are in a financial fit.

Looking at the Philippine situation when it comes to possession of illegal drugs, manufacture of it and drug trafficking, offenders are no longer worried of death  penalty when caught.  Anti-narcotics agents frequently arrest Chinese nationals for those offenses but I can't recall any instance that China interceded in their behalf and there is a reason on why.

The Filipinos go abroad to work abroad or try to find a decent one.  The Chinese nationals that are arrested because of illegal drug offenses in the Philippines are actually in the country for that purpose!  A good majority of them are not documented!

Some Filipinos abroad are forced into something illegal when in tight situations.  There is a saying in the country, "Ang taong gipit ay kuma-kapit kahit sa patalim" (A person in a tight situation will even hold on to a knifes blade).

Note:  They were all arrested separately in December 2008.  If the Philippines investigated they might have found out the syndicate and not wait for the last minute to appeal! 

Update:  Mapet Cortez a.k.a. Tita Cacayan recruiter of Sally Ordinario-Villanueva reportedly submitted herself to the NBI for investigation as she allegedly could not take in her conscience on what happened.  Why come out only now when the poor victim is already dead?

The first online anicom series soon to be launched some time in April 2011.  Entitled "S.A.G.I.P." is a coprighted script October 19, 2004 in the Philippines.  This fiction was inspired by a case where an OFW was taken hostage in the Middle East and really took a long time before he was freed.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni0dzqjk2Qs

Earthquake prediction by Oarfish

A YouTube interview of Jim Berkland Earthquake Prediction 2011 mentioned the Oarfish a few seconds before ending.  The Oarfish is considered to be the longest fish that can grow up to 56 feet long while regular length is  around  30 feet!  An interesting trait of this fish is that they hold themselves straight up and down in the water, that is vertical and not horizontal.  They are rare because they can only be seen in the deepest regions of the oceans.  The fish does not have commercial value and the meat is inedible.

The Oarfish might be able to 'predict' earthquakes that will happen near the seas or undersea but not for inland earthquakes.  Seismic waves hardly travel well through water as not all types of seismic waves can travel through it.  So, it seems practical that only the Oarfish can probably 'sense' an impending tremor because of its upright position and length!  Furthermore it is solid and chances with its upright stance, the 'tail' could be touching the ocean floor frequently.  It therefore can feel the seismic wave go through the length of its body!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110318/sc_ac/8084134_can_a_rare_deep_sea_fish_predict_earthquakes

 

Common Philippine Crabs

Curiosity made me search online and research crustacean cook books about crabs.  Unfortunately there was so little about edible crabs and if common Philippine crabs would have those that thrive in freshwater.  Wikipedia only described and distinguished four of them:  Alimango (Mud or Mangrove Crab); Alimasag (Blue or Spider Crab); Talangka (Shore or River Crab) and the Katang (Fresh water Crab).  Both Talangka and Katang are much smaller related to the Alimango.

CLICK photo for site where posted

The Alimango is the largest among the four kinds of crabs.  Having large pincers is the easiest way to distinguish them from the Alimasag.  Their shell is thicker and tougher to crack.   They can really grow large and I have seen at the Palawan Iwahig Penal Colony inmates selling them almost the size of dinner plates!  The crabs are caught or trapped in rice paddies of the colony.  With this I can conclude that those are freshwater crabs because rice would not grow in saltwater paddies.

CLICK photo for site where posted

The Alimasag is relatively smaller than the alimango with slender pincers and thinner shell.  It has more meat and 'less compartments' containing them compared to the alimango.  The 'compartments' are very thin shell-like within a crab when you open them.  The pincers are easy to crack by even just biting through them. 

CLICK photo for site where posted

The Talangka and Katang are small look-alikes of the Alimasag.  Many Filipinos simply love the fat extract of these crabs preserved and sold in wide-mouthed bottles.  Another recipe liked by some is the Burong (Pickled) Talangka.

The regular way in cooking the crabs is simple.  While fresh put them inside a covered cookware, salt them generously to bring out their flavor then heat over medium fire.  They would be ready to eat once their top shell has turned orange in color.

Baguio City No Smoking Ordinance

Fortunately I saw two friends this morning along Session Road that has been closed to traffic for the last week of Panagbenga.  Incidentally the three of us are smokers and it is only the other one who told us that the Baguio City No Smoking Ordinance covers all public spaces including streets and parks.

The latest articles that showed on my search about the ordinance was dated December 7, 2010 and December 10, 2010.  The articles were about the ordinance and not the ordinance itself and only referred to "Republic Act 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003)or the Clean Air Act and the Comprehensive Anti-smoking ordinance of Baguio".  Another one, "Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act to achieve 100% smoke free environment".

What was clearly stated in the articles, the ordinance bans smoking in all public places, including pedestrian overpasses and public utility vehicles.  The articles also mentioned that "No Smoking Signs" will be displayed to make people aware of it.  For the past weeks, I have walked up and down Session Road several times and on other sidestreets but not a single sign and most of the time I was smoking.  Also there were many others who were smoking, maybe also unaware as I am.

I respect the non-smokers.  However, how will one abide by the ordinance or law if it does not clearly state or define the public places?  Many times it is not reliable to listen to people who just hang around listening and making gossips and hearsays.  What seems to be right for them is often exaggerated if not wrong.

EDSA Peoples Bloodless Revolution

There are only a few of us who realize and finally have analyzed what the EDSA peoples revolution 1986 was about.  True, Ferdinand Marcos would have plundered the nation in his years in power.  But comparing to what the Philippines is in now and what it was then before 1986, I would have preferred it then.  There were unscrupulous people close to Marcos that time, that he was not able to control.  Former President Fidel Ramos would have been a better Chief of Staff than Fabian Ver!  There is a video on how Ver reacted during the EDSA Revolt and his actions obviously showed how he wanted to hang on to power.  It was Marcos cool head that was calming Ver!  That alone is a very good example on why and how the military abused the trust of Marcos.  Former Pres. Ramos knows that with Enrile, and would have been the real cause of their going against Marcos.

Having been close to a family of one of Marcoses trusted people in government, there was really no ill-intention from the side of Marcos.  It was just those kiss-ass people and those who wanted to get rich quick who ruined Marcos' plan for the Philippines.  He was simply 'handcuffed' by the people to whom he owed something, favor or whatever.  He could not control them anymore.  In my personal opinion, that was the case in the assasination of Benigno Aquino Jr.,  Marcos would not be that stupid to mastermind the assasination because he knows it will be against him.

Who was the culprit that masterminded the assasination?  Your guess is as good as mine.  To narrow down the guessing, who are those who would lose most if Benigno Aquino Jr. was able to live through?  Very few of them in government but it will be more of those business people living the luxury of their lives without Ninoy!  Just check who they were before during the Marcos years, what and where they are now.

Having been in business during the time of Marcos and now, is a far cry.  As long as you did not cross the line with the military then everything is good.  Now, cross any line between big business people and the military whatever you do will be in jeopardy!  Crimes before were not as how they are now.  Criminals now can get all kinds of firearms and do their thing!

The EDSA Peoples Bloodless Revolution just changed the people in power and doing the abuse.  A repeat of history has happened with Gloria Arroyo becoming president then Noynoy Aquino now.  My best bet to be the next president is Bong-bong Marcos.  The repeat of history with Bong-bong might just be the best after all the others.

Latest Earthquake events Feb. 16 to 24, 2011

After days of searching for information about the earthquakes that shook Baguio City, I finally found it at the Philvlocs website but I had to go through  USGS first navigating the site.  It makes me wonder why news about the tremors could not link us directly to the site with information and relevance.  Well, here I am and done it for those interested on information about earthquakes in the Philippines.

Below is what I copy/pasted from the Philvolcs site for the time frame as stated in the title:


Philippine Standard Time (PST) is eight hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). (PST = UTC + 8H) UTC is the time standard for which the world regulates clocks and time.
Earthquakes in this list with their date and time underlined in blue have reported felt intensities. Intensity ratings are based on the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale.
Magnitudes in the list are color-coded: below magnitude 5.0 (M < 5.0) are in black, magnitudes 5.0 but below 6.0 (5.0 ≤ M < 6.0) are in blue,  magnitudes 6.0 and above (M ≥ 6.0) are in red.
DATE  - TIME               LATITUDE   LONGITUDE   DEPTH   MAGNITUDE       LOCATION
(PST)                           ( °N )        ( °E )      ( km )      ( Ms )
24 Feb 2011 - 02:22 AM         08.96       126.60       040          2.6         045 km S 71° E of Tandag (Surigao del Sur)
23 Feb 2011 - 02:30 AM         17.48       119.73       033          2.6         074 km S 82° W of Vigan, Ilocos Sur
22 Feb 2011 - 09:55 PM         18.20       120.88       009          2.7         032 km S 89° E of Laoag City
22 Feb 2011 - 08:42 PM         12.56       122.57       022          2.0         002 km S 03° W of Romblon (Romblon)
22 Feb 2011 - 12:20 PM         14.09       120.41       112          2.6         024 km N 86° W of Nasugbu (Batangas)
22 Feb 2011 - 10:10 AM         14.13       120.39       108          4.7         028 km N 75° W of Nasugbu (Batangas)
22 Feb 2011 - 06:06 AM         06.14       126.14       021          2.9         089 km S 05° W of Mati (Davao Oriental)
22 Feb 2011 - 02:09 AM         17.65       120.05       011          2.9         038 km N 78° W of Vigan (Ilocos Sur)
20 Feb 2011 - 12:00 AM         09.48       125.21       004          3.2         036 km S 79° W of Mainit (Surigao Del Norte)
19 Feb 2011 - 10:20 PM         11.37       124.99       005          3.5         011 km S 32° E of Santa Rita (Samar)
19 Feb 2011 - 07:43 PM         18.59       119.38       012          3.3         137 km N 63° W of Currimao (Ilocos Norte)
19 Feb 2011 - 10:27 AM         08.30       123.31       007          1.5         032 km S 6° W of Dipolog City
19 Feb 2011 - 08:10 AM         14.32       120.29       113          4.5         049 km S 34° W of Balanga (Bataan)
19 Feb 2011 - 02:46 AM         12.94       123.46       016          2.9         014 km N 78° W of Dansol (Sorsogon)
18 Feb 2011 - 08:39 PM         11.63       124.26       001          3.7         013 km S 61° W of Kawayan (Biliran, Island)
18 Feb 2011 - 06:28 PM         09.96       125.90       034          3.1         027 km N 37° W of Dapa (Siargao)
18 Feb 2011 - 06:20 AM         16.49       120.53       014          5.0         009 km N 61° W of La Trinidad (Benguet)
18 Feb 2011 - 05:42 AM         09.54       125.26       010          3.5         036 km S 45° W of Surigao City
17 Feb 2011 - 02:25 PM         16.45       120.55       023          2.8         006 km N 83° W of La Trinidad (Benguet)
17 Feb 2011 - 02:25 PM         16.34       120.50       008          3.1         007 km S 12° E of Baguio City
17 Feb 2011 - 11:54 AM         16.40       120.53       009          3.3         008 km N 68° W of La Trinidad (Benguet)
17 Feb 2011 - 01:51 AM         12.22       121.82       007          2.3         063 km S 52° W of Romblon (Romblon)
16 Feb 2011 - 11:51 PM         11.85       125.46       001          3.6         027 km N 07° E of Borongan ( Eastern Samar)
16 Feb 2011 - 09:33 PM         08.41       122.34       032          3.4         113 km S 80° W of Dipolog City
16 Feb 2011 - 04:13 PM         03.44       126.59       075          4.5         337 km S 28° E of General Santos City

Reference:  http://earthquake.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/update_SOEPD/EQLatest.html