A foreigner-looking guy joins the welcome committee of  a national tour guides convention in Cagayan de Oro. The message on his singlet catches the eye. He explains briefly how he loves the Philippines and how he wants to be part of the Filipino culture.

He is Canadian Kyle Jennermann, more known in Northern Mindanao as Kulas.

In Hongkong, where 26-year old Kyle previously worked as consultant to an outdoor adventure company, he was invited by Cagayanons Eric and Chisum to visit the Philippines. His first stop on his initial visit was Leyte to help Haiyan victims. He has been around Cebu and the neighboring islands. And then he found home in Cagayan de Oro. He says, he is so in tune with the warmth and loving nature of the Filipinos. He says family to his CDO friends. He calls Eric’s wife mama Reina.

During a round of beer at a local grill, he says, the Filipino spirit inspires him. Everywhere he went, he was given a nice smile. He wants to pass around the smiles.

Kyle wears the Philippine colors on his head. He makes the same headbands and gives them to friends. He makes videos of his journey to becoming a Filipino and uploads them to YouTube. “Everything is from the heart, I don’t edit.” He simply wants to inspire the world with positivity and is happy in what he does. “I just want to be happy.”

Get to feel the tender heart of Kulas in the ABS-CBN feature (in video above).

Getting confidence from Kulas — with friends Carlo, Monneth, Ena, Hembee and Lis.

Photographed by Jan Seriosa, Kagay and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Palpalokada was the most picturesque place I’ve ever photographed. It captured the imagination of people when I first posted it on Facebook.

Three weeks after Ilocos Norte’s best-kept secret came out in the news, a television crew arranged a shoot for its inclusion in a feature story about the country’s paradise-like places.

Some people who have visited Palpalokada would compare, it’s the nearer alternative to say Batanes or Hawaii.

I’ve grown attached to the blog header. I still get a lot of inquiries about the location.

Several weeks ago, an in-flight magazine wanted to borrow my old photos they stumbled upon in the net. I declined on purpose. What is there to promote to the world when that perfect, unusual landscape that Ilocanos thought they never had has been altered and can never be enjoyed whole again?

I liked the Bangui windmills when they were the only ones standing along the windy coastline. They launched a million photographs. Those were the first in Southeast Asia.

Burgos and Caparispisan, Pagudpud, are the next hosts to industrial wind turbines. With a second and a third wind farm in progress, the appeal of wind turbines has turned cloying.

Wind is free, we know. But to the larger majority of residents in Ilocos Norte, there is no direct benefit. Power is sold to the grid and we buy power from the coop.

The turbines reduce greenhouse gases, we understand. But has it even occurred in the minds of the leaders that their constituents need to be consulted when hundreds of hectares of land to accommodate these gigantic turbines are compromised?

Is it enough that the project is labeled green?

What happens to an ecosystem that has been disturbed?

I say goodbye to the unsullied beauty of Palpalokada. Forever blown away in the wind.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

What do I know about hazing?

One summer, when I was 16, I was told by my older sister to get ready to travel to Manila. My parents took advantage of the school break to go to the United States.

In Manila, my only memories were a hospital room occupied by well-dressed college students, a bed, and lying on it was a young man attached to medical contraptions.

The silence was deafening.

My only brother, very handsome and highly intelligent, was a medical student at the nation’s premier university. He was constantly busy with school and other related activities. He was locked in a coma.

After his brutal initiation and the forced best medical attention from a presidential kidney doctor, assumed by that one “illustrious” fraternity, no one would hear from it again.

To a teenage girl, every summer can be vividly told with happy pictures. That single summer of my young life was grim, completely staged but real. A perplexing situation that left me with unanswered questions. To this day, I haven’t dared to ask my brother what really happened during those merciless moments. I don’t want to know.

Every year, a hazing victim dies. Who hurts a brother?

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Have you been caught in a situation where you want to eat a photo? Seducing me to no end is this rolled whole pork belly glutted with the most essential Ilocano aromatic bulbs and secret indigenous spices. To the eye, moist and sweet fragrant meat encased in teary crackled skin. Yet to be available in Laoag next week (?!)… I died a little inside.

I’m excited to see and taste more of culinary school grad James’s burning ambition.

It’s the perfect feast for my coming birthday! Can’t wait really!

It’s not too expensive like you think. For inquiries, PM James Burn here.

Photos courtesy of James Burn
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The REFMAD Farms of the Dacuycuys will always have a special place in the heart of the author of BlauEarth. She has witnessed how the humble hut, surrounded by varying heights of dragon fruit posts, has been markedly reduced in prominence over the years. The baby of Ms. Edita Dacuycuy is now a lady, ever blooming and ripening.

From time to time, Ms. Edita is able to leave the farm to her daughter Mildred aka Mimie (her co-planner and gal Friday since day one) and travel and share the good news about how growing dragon fruit in Ilocos has helped not only her family, but other farmers and communities as well, besides the healthy benefits of this high value crop.

The well-loved farmer in Ilocos Norte has made a significant contribution to tourism — the bucolic yet contemporary destination continues to attract visitors from all walks of life.

Mimie shares with us photos from one of the international exhibits and expositions REFMAD Farms has participated in. She carries the nation’s colors everywhere she goes. She’s met many wonderful people (like Chef Gaita Fores, in photo below) and learned significant global trends and techniques that she wishes to adopt and practice in the farm. “Her hands are full,” Mimie says when asked if her mom is ready to leave the nitty gritty to her.

The brainchild of Mimie, the just concluded first Dragon Fruit Picking festival at the farm (the start of a yearly thing) was well-attended by friends and dragon fruit fans, and covered by both national and local media. I was actually the last picker at the 5-day festival. I liked it because I was able to sit down with her for the first time. It was always Tita Edita who taught me the things I needed to learn about dragon fruit.

The hardworking duo behind the successful REFMAD Farms wish they have more time for all the things they haven’t done yet. With a lot of TLC, quality soil and yes, music (you have to go there to believe), they are able to harvest 6 times a year. Their ice cream and vegan dragon fruit lumpia (that tastes like meat) are attractions in themselves. Their dragon fruit wine was featured at Sofitel. Their vinegar is also doing well.

Ripe for the picking: my fruit.It’s sweet and fruity, but interestingly, it makes a very good cider when it  ages.

International exhibit photos courtesy of Mildred Dacuycuy
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Yesterday, with some 300 students, I went to vote at the first ever forum on BLACK SAND MINING at the Northwestern University New Media Hall.

Ilocanos protested all forms of mining at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall back in June (here). In spite of Board Member Joel Garcia’s withdrawal of his infamous resolution (here), the threat of black sand mining in the province continues to hang over.

Representing DEFEND Ilocos, Madonna Rabang Peta was instrumental in bringing an art and photo exhibit by students in Ilocos Sur. Also one of the panelists, she gave a clear-cut presentation of the mining status in the Ilocos Region

Co-guest panelist Arthur Valente of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte says — there should be more follow-ups for fora on environmental threats and degradation, especially for the young minds to ponder on.

Anti-mining advocates, Ilocos Times columnist Steve Barreiro and Patrick Cerezo of the Kabataan party-list served as reactors.

Atty. Joel Garcia assured the attendees that he will not support black sand mining, not now, and in the future, garnering him a courteous applause.

Says Shermon Cruz, convenor of the black sand mining forum, organized by the KWAGO Society.

The “revealing” discussion on Black Sand Mining this afternoon is bit better in “content and context” than the SP Public Hearing we had a few months back. What was presented were real data, assessments, intensive research, case studies, immersion experiences, personal stories, legal and media views on black sand mining and its real (not potential) impacts. Students, professors and concerned citizens were exposed to real NGO-GO-GA-NGA-PO-Party list-Media talks and dynamics of mining (small and large scale), quarrying, public safety and risks, environmental governance, government enforcement issues, impact to poverty incidence, food security, public safety, resilience, climate change and others. Student questions were direct and reactions were straight to the point.

Sharing my journey as a LEAD Movement member.Taking out the black in black sand and the verdant in nature.
Photos by DEFEND Ilocos, LEAD Movement , Shermon Cruz and BlauEarth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

I suddenly ran out of words to say. Let me start, my Davao food adventure with FoodPrints  brought me to write a story about the Malagos Farmhouse artisanal cheese. It was a very hectic morning in Davao and inside the van, at 5:30 AM, I had cold feet. Not to mention the late night taping at a chicken and rib joint prior to this assignment. I’ve never met anyone at Vault, but I was told that editor-in-chief Mr. David Celdran was asking me to write a cheese story for Vault, adjudged Best New Magazine by the Asian Publishing Awards in 2012. Published by ABS-CBN Publishing Inc, Vault is a luxury magazine for the sophisticated man. I wanted to say no, but how can I say no to a great opportunity to be working with super creative people? I personally love the sharp stylin’ look of Vault. My husband is a classic vintage fanatic and I learned to love his taste, so Vault, definitely, is something to collect. On top of that, I’m the incurable cheese lover.

Superthanks to so many people — Mr. David Celdran, Karl Castro, Barry Viloria, Julio Silvestre, the entire Vault editorial team, the Puentespina family, Olive and Bo, my FoodPrints family, Jennie Celdran, Melanie de Leon, Iggy Bilbao, our wonderful tour guide Ruben Neri, the van driver, Davao DOT, Ms. Vanessa, the Apo View Hotel, my husband, and Ericke, who acts as my personal editor sometimes.

My Vault 2014 No. 4 finally arrives.

Check out major bookstores for the latest issue dedicated to craftsmanship. It should also be ready for download at Zinio right now.

It can fit into my purse. The size is so convenient — one of the things I love about Vault

My photo of Olive Puentespina the cheesemaker. I had the wonderful privilege of writing a Q&A with her. I’m so amazed at her drive and intense passion to make cheesemaking real in a country like ours.

Dr. Bo Puentespina takes care of the herd and makes sure Olive’s milk is delivered to her in impeccable condition.

One of the best breakfasts we had in Davao was at the Puentespina vacation house hosted by a lady who inspires with her many advocacies, no other than Mrs. Charita Puentespina, who I’m soon featuring here in the blog. The flowers are grown in the farm.

A slice of kesong puti with bignay jam, made from bignay berries from the Malagos Farm.

At Leon’s Lounge, the tasting room of the Malagos Farmhouse Cheeses.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Have you seen this van going around town?

Recent studies by the Department of Health show that breast cancer has become the most common cancer in the Philippines. The incidence rate of breast cancer in the country is also the highest in Asia and the 9th highest in the world, according to reports.

Besides heredity, there are other risk factors linked to breast cancer like exposure to hormones and lifestyle.

According to Ilocos-based Breast Cancer Imperative (BRCAI) Inc, a non-government volunteer organization, founded by Delia Cachola Baquiran, “Early detection is the cornerstone of cancer control and offers the greatest promise of survival, thus reducing the mortality from breast cancer. ‘Downstaging’ of breast cancer which occurs with early diagnosis has shown a higher potential for cure because more curative treatment options can be offered at the early stages of the disease than at its advanced stage which is happening now among Filipino women.”

It is for this reason that BRCAI, in partnership with the Timoteo and Luisa Cachola Fund, Toyota Motors Philippines Foundation, the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc., the Philippine College of Surgeons-Northern Luzon Chapter and other kind donors, has initiated the MAMMOvan, the Philippines’ first, providing free or subsidized accessible mammogram services for disadvantaged women.

Designed for detection and screening cancer at different stages, the MAMMOvan, in close coordination with the local DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, goes around the Ilocos provinces on schedule. DSWD-certified women can avail the services of qualified radiologists operating the portable mammography machine (inside the van).

BRCAI will assist qualified patients from start to finish, meaning detection to referrals and chemotherapy.

Aimed at reducing late cancer detection,  they also conduct breast cancer education.

Breast Cancer Imperative, Inc., 187 JP Rizal Avenue, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Tel Nos.: 077 770 2162 (Philippines) / +63 077 770 2162 (International) Website: bcimperative.org Email: info@bcimperative.org

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Sunny, effervescent, refreshing — those three words enter my mind as soon as I step into Cefi & Me. The baker in Toni Carag has been unleashed and baby Cefi, the frosting to her cupcake, appears to be getting a thrill from the whirling scent of confections inside the patisserie.

Cefi & Me is situated at the corner of pristine Paseo de Paoay close by the painfully beautiful Paoay Church. (I live in Ilocos, but it feels like I am in a different world whenever I catch a glimpse of the church’s striking architecture.)

Kristine Manuel and Kit Mandac had the honors to cut the ribbon.

Reishan Paredes and Joanna Jimenez light up the room.

How time flies, Toni and her cousin Tina’s babies! Our godson, MJ (in black), is all grown up. But I love it that Toni always calls me “manang”. The other baby in the photo below is Cooper, the cute son of Carlos and Janina Fariñas. Hihih, and Nerisa might just have given birth.

I made sure I had a photo with photographer Glenn Tumaneng because he had to take my photo (at the bottom of the post). Of course, you shouldn’t believe me ‘coz the vibes of the afternoon was cheery.

Radiant Kristine Manuel. I saw the light and I had to pressure her for this photo.

Check out the interesting menu. We had gyros, penne, fresh dragonfruit and I bought cheese cupcakes. Yum! If I were not too full, I would have ordered kesong puti bun d’ sal.

I want to congratulate and wish Toni all the best in her new endeavor.

Other photos by Kit, Glenn T and Joanna
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

In the past decade, the Eagle’s Nest of Java Hotel became known for the tastiest baby back ribs in Laoag and the only place for appetizing teppanyaki and all-day crispy dinardaraan, along with homegrown poqui-poqui and bagbet (pinakbet with bagnet).

Now on its 11th year, Eagle’s Nest is happy to present its all you can eat dinner buffet of their house specialties this Saturday, September 27. Make room, friends!

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

At the Department of Tourism Region I Tourism Quiz Bee, more and more tables for contending schools from around the Ilocos Region were emptied with each round of questions while tabulators were focused on the computer screens until MMSU-Batac emerged victors, earning them 50,000 in cash. DWCL won over the PSU-Alaminos in the tie breaker round for the 2nd and 3rd spots.

Sir Ding of DoT, tour guide Ena Domingo and myself served as judges. The role of a judge is more like to supervise and decide such as the completeness of answer. Questions were difficult and technical. I couldn’t even answer “What is restaurant in Mandarin?”

The winners will be brought to Clark, Pampanga, for the National Tourism Quiz Bee. A laudable project, it helps students build teamwork and competitiveness, integral to their future in the tourism industry.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The Filipino Christmas is chock-full of grace, family, camaraderie, merriment, nostalgia and festive food. Chef Sandy Daza invites you to celebrate the season with him in your homes. Airing soon on the Lifestyle Network is the FoodPrints with Sandy Daza Christmas Special, buttoned up by his sister, Appetite food magazine editor-in-chief, Nina Daza-Puyat, purveyors of fantastic holiday food and masters of the most exquisite desserts in Manila and a bunch of his chef buddies and close friends.

Sandy and Nina will relive the memory of their Christmases with mom Nora Daza

Franco Daza is also appearing on his dad’s show.

An institution, Chef Heny Sison will show you how to make her timeless fruitcake.

The Christmas Special is fully-loaded with demos and tips, so stay tuned. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Mr. Cochinillo’s fidua, a noodle paella.

Aguinaldo.

Below is the FoodPrints team wishing you a Merry Christmas. Cheers!

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Her working table at home before going to office, after office and during weekends. A typical Ilocano, she works everyday. Photo and caption by Melvyn Calderon

Admired for her integrity as a journalist, Glenda Gloria was named by the British Embassy one of the 8 United Kingdom Education Ambassadors to be formally awarded and presented on October 25 at the Great Ball, Manila Peninsula, in celebration of Philippine-British Friendship.

Glenda, was a British Chevening Scholar with a master’s degree in political sociology from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

With daughter Leona (above) and mom Linda Gloria (in next photo). Photos courtesy of Melvyn Calderon

One of the two daughters of Ilocano educator Erlinda Gloria, Glenda spent her elementary years in Holy Spirit Academy of Laoag and her high school years in MMSU Laboratory High School, Laoag, before earning her degree in journalism from the University of Santo Tomas, all through the Marcos years.

According to her Rappler profile as managing editor, revolutions and transitions shaped her career and temperament as a journalist. She worked for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and for international news agencies. In the dying days of the Estrada administration, she co-founded Newsbreak, which started as a weekly news magazine and became one of the Philippines’ leading investigative reporting organizations.

From 2008 to January 2011, she managed ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, as its chief operating officer. Under her management, ANC grew its revenues 400% and acted as the harbinger of new initiatives for the ABS-CBN news group. She played a key role in harnessing social media for the network’s 2010 election coverage.

The books she’s written include Under the Crescent Moon: Rebellion in Mindanao with Marites Dañguilan-Vitug, a groundbreaking book on the conflict in Mindanao that won the National Book Award. In 2011, she wrote The Enemy Within: An Inside Story on Military Corruption with Aries Rufo and Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza.

Read Rappler’s story here.

Glenda and London classmates meet ex-UK prime minister Tony Blair. Photo courtesy of Melvyn Calderon.

With very special thanks to Melvyn Calderon

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Without doubt, Greater Manila is the ultimate melting pot of wonderful flavors. Part of the bests of the bests will remain secret to us in the provinces.

With all the stars brought down from heavenly kitchens to enliven Chef Sandy Daza’s table for the FoodPrints Christmas Special (airing soon), it was difficult to choose which star to reach for first.

Being the ensaymada junkie that I am (but who isn’t?), I put in a box the violet-covered ensaymada Pearl de Guzman asked me to have. And I politely asked permission from the FoodPrints family if it was okay to pick a couple more (I chose the brighter wrapped ones) and a cheese roll in exchange for other leftover goodies.

Back in Laoag, straight from the FoodPrints shoot in Manila, I opened the pink one. It had ham and salted duck egg. After examining closely the ensaymada, I went on with the silver-wrapped creamy, cheesy one with meaty bits that tasted like bacon. Thank you, Chef Sandy and FoodPrints! The ensaymadas of my dreams was just answered.

The three things I love about Baby Pat ensaymadas:

• the neither compact nor too airy texture.
• the clean aroma of the flour used.
• the neat balance of flavors of all the add-ons.

Q&A with Pearl de Guzman

Pearl de Guzman, the driving force behind Baby Pat Breads and Pastries, where ensaymada is equivalent to heaven, answers what every ensaymada lover like me would want to know.

Tina Tan: What sets your ensaymada apart?
Pearl de Guzman: Oh, kindly refer to the reviews and comments of food writers as quoted in our Facebook About link. The ensaymada lovers are the best judge.

T: Do you bake them yourself?
P: Yes, I do.

T: Why are they wrapped in colored paper?
P: The color represents the ensaymada flavor. It is easier then to identify and sort the kind of ensaymada with the color of the wrapper.

T: What inspired you to start Baby Pat Breads and Pastries?
P: Through my mother, Mama Pat, I learned how to bake. I grew up helping tend the Pat’s bakeshop which she put up in Cavite City since the early 70s. I love my mom so much that I would like to continue her legacy after leaving us through Baby Pat Breads & Pastries.

T: Describe your typical day.
P: With four assistant bakers, I start baking at 6AM, while I send off my kids to school. My ensaymadas are special, they take a lot of hours to create. Packaging starts at 2PM. Dropping off packaged orders at LBC courier is around 5PM. Receiving orders by phone and internet is throughout the day and even night time.

T: Do you constantly experiment with new flavors?
P: Yes. Watch out for color green.

T: What are your other bestsellers?
P: For the ensaymadas, the so called ‘most wanted four’ as featured by Food Magazine; ‘7 wonders,’ and the savoury collections. Our classic and ube queso de bola cheeserolls are bestsellers, too. As for breads, dinner rolls and pandesal are most liked.

T: Where are your outlets?
P: BabyPat bakeshop is home-based. The only outlet aside from home is Manila Polo Club’s Manila’s Best Counter.

T: Do you deliver to non-Metro Manila residents like me?
P: Yes, via LBC door-to-door, next day delivery to anywhere in the Philippines.

T: If you were given a box of your own ensaymadas, what would  you pick first?
P: My favorites now are the tablea and nutella ensaymadas. As for my personal favorites with savoury —  majestic ham, Vigan longganisa and bacon.

Pearl’s daughter Patrice and son Patrick  sit close to Chef Sandy Daza at the FoodPrints shoot for its Christmas Special, airing this Christmas season.

Baby Pat's specialty ensaymadas:
 MOST WANTED FOUR
 Speculoos (Red)
 Nutella (Orange)
 Tablea Ensaymada (Brown)
 Ube Queso de Bola (Purple)
 STUNNER SIX
 Speculoos (Red)
 Nutella (Orange)
 Tablea (Brown)
 Ube Queso de Bola (Purple)
 Latik (Coco Jam) Queso de Bola (Yellow)
 Classic Queso de Bola (White)
 SEVEN WONDERS
 Speculoos (Red)
 Nutella (Orange)
 Tablea (Brown)
 Ube Queso de Bola (Purple)
 Latik (Coco Jam) Queso de Bola (Yellow)
 Classic Queso de Bola (White)
 Peanut Butter ChocNut (Mustard)
 SPECIAL FLAVORS ON REQUEST
 Salted Caramel Queso de Bola(Cerulean)
 SAVORY SELECTION
 Vigan Longaniza (Indigo Blue)
 Bacon in Garlic-and-Herb Cream Cheese (Silver)
 Sweet Ham & Salted Egg (Pink)
 Majestic Chinese Ham (Gold)
 Spam (Royal Blue)
 Adobo (Manila Paper)

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Vigan made it to the 14 official candidates of New7WonderCities. Other cities that made the final list are Barcelona, Beirut, Chicago, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, London, Mexico City, Perth, Quito and Reykjavik.

All votes have been reset. Voting for your top cities around the globe is til December 2014. Vote here, friends. Or vote via SMS: Text VIGAN10 to 29290777.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The newly renovated and widened Chowking in Laoag opened recently, bringing happiness to Chowking loyalists from allover Ilocos. The lines were long just the same, but it was easy getting a table. Did you know that the Laoag branch consistently tops CK nationwide sales?

What sells in Ilocos is a juxtaposition of yin and yang. Halo-halo rates very high, as well as hot buns and noodles.

Pink siopao for me. Donna, my friend, got panda pao with melty chocolate filling.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

With barely three weeks lead time, “Requiem” by Khervin Gallandez is currently up at Samtoy Books til the end of the month before it proceeds to Arte Luna, Paoay, for a 2-day (All Saints’ Day-All Souls’ Day) feature. A Halloween art exhibit, the show, according to the growing Ilocano artist, is all about mysticism and surrealism. “Physically exhausted but happy” is his state of mind.

Pandora’s Box, among the acrylic artworks, struck my eye first. Passion and youth are distinctly Gallandez’s strength. The control of brush strokes makes a Gallandez grand and crisp at the same time.

Requiem to Catholics  is mass for for the dead.

“I’d like to thank, my younger brother, my partner in almost all the hardest part, Ms. Gee, the curator of Samtoy, Maribeth Macayanan, the assistant, and Sirib Youth organization,” Khervin wishes to say.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The very first time my friend Donna Rabang Peta and I went to the freshly talked about archery range in Ilocos, I wasn’t expecting anything at all. I went with her as a curious blogger. The fenced property that barangay Casili residents pointed to was closed from the outside. We later learned that, as of now, the range is open only on weekends as they progress to its full operation on the 18th of November.

Donna’s daughter, DenDen Villamor, is an archer of the University of Baguio that has produced excellent competitive archers. Together with fellow-UB Cardinals archer, Emmanuel Balbuena, she was invited to teach the sport over the weekend at the Northern Archery Range. “So far, so good,” says owner Mr. Boni Espiritu when I asked him how locals are receiving archery. “We want to help enthusiasts develop skills,” he adds. The next archery range is located in La Union.

Laoag’s Northern Archery Range owner Bonifacio Espiritu.

I thought the idea of a mother and daughter date at an archery range was so cool. I was quite surprised that it excited Alexandra, who’s more into things like cooking, reading, swimming and occasional outdoor camping with the family. Her connection with Donna’s DenDen was instant. I haven’t seen Alex so naturally at home with a new sport ever. I didn’t have to prod her to enroll in the weekend program.

I tried my hand at the bow, but I guess, my flight of thoughts is faster than the arrow.

I laud Northern Archery Range’s initiative. In a Hunger Games generation, who knows, we might be able to produce more Gabriel Morenos, Dendens and Emmanuels in the sports scene, as skills and practice make perfect.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Who would forget Kris’s Valentine Kiss on the front page of a daily? It’s the good reviews, however, that keep on bringing girls to Happy Skin, the beauty brand developed by Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, authorities on skin and beauty.

Rejoice, Red Dot in Laoag is the newest home of the original Filipino cosmetic brand. Happy, they have testers!

I like the texture of Shut Up & Kiss Me. Found pretty pinks, peaches, berries and nudes. I stay away from nude nudes, so I’m always on the hunt for happy neutrals for everyday wear.  Happy Skin had the Asian skin in mind, I guess, so you’ll love any of their foundation basics, just as I love Soft Beige, both the powder and creme. But it’s the Zit Zapper Second Skin Cream that I’m more excited about. Tried it on and after 4 hours (while blogging), the whole thing is still on. It turned dewy, but not at all oily. It’s supposed to work well for oily and sensitive skin.

Check out the Happy Skin counter. My friend Mara Manuel and other makeup artists will give tutorials this weekend. You can inquire at Red Dot for specific dates.

My picks: Zit Zapper Second Skin Cream. Shut Up and Kiss Me in Just Say Yes (I actually got 2 more, Summer Fling and First Kiss) and Don’t Get Mad Get Even in Soft Beige.Liking the natural yellow tone of Don’t Get Mad Get Even. She’s one of my favorite SA’s ‘coz she tells me when it’s not bagay.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The lighted Laoag sign was “transported” to the Tobacco Monopoly Monument for the annual Lantern Parade.

Getting the first whiff of Christmas, promenaders and selfie addicts gathered at the Aurora Park to appreciate the artistry and colorful harmony that radiate from the barangays. Icons in the city such as the Laoag Bell Tower, the calesa, and the symbolic sun were made focal point in the show of parols. Lanterns were noticeably made of recycled and indigenous materials.

This year, the Laoag City Hall giant Christmas tree is covered in snowy white leaves and adorned in silvery trimmings.

Dec 8 update: Here’s a photo of the lighted Laoag Christmas tree in changing colors.

My own selfie

Alex

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014