What is it?
Trail the rough roads, sail the seas, and explore the wonders of Albay, Philippines. Join the 1st Albay Eco-Challenge on climate change adaptation in celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation (NCCCA).
When will it be held?
October 25-26, 2009.
How to join?
Screening: Started on August 24, 2009.
Registration Fee: P150/person only
Qualifications: Teams shall be composed of 3 individuals (male/female 18-40 years old); must be mentallly physically, and environmentally fit.
Application Form: Submit accomplished registration forms together with one (1) pc. 2×2 photo and birth certificate on or before October 19, 2009 to the CIRCA Office located at Albay Provincial Capitol Annex II, Legazpi City. (Forms can be downloaded @ www.albaycirca.org)
Whom/Where to inquire?
Event Coordinator: Mr. RYAN BOTER at 09129531515, call telefax (052) 480-3649
Email: circa.albay@gmail.com
Website: www.albaycirca.org
Blogsite: albayecochallenge.multipy.com
“Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda said the Legazpi Oil copra crushing plant’s reopening assures a huge boost to coconut farmers’ incomes in Albay and the Bicol region, coming as it does just when coconut trees are starting to recover from the destructive impact of the 2006 typhoons (Milenyo and Reming).”
(Source: LegOil reopening to boost Albay coconut farmers’ income. Philippine Star. Last Updated September 07, 2009)
Exposing coconut meat under the sun is the simplest way to create copra. But with the unpredictable weather change in Albay, drying up this meat can also be easily done. Just with a piece of spiky wood, yero (pieces of metal), chopped bamboos, trunks of banana trees, a small dump of coconuts, a small pit, and match sticks, one can have 4 sacks of copra in less than 4 days.
A family in Tabaco City was busy preparing to produce copra. It just happened when I arrived at their house that they were removing husks using a spiky wood, breaking each coconut shell into half and carefully placing them on the floor of bamboo. A pit was already excavated, 8 ft x 4 wide and 3 1/2 ft deep.
Trunks of banana were needed to prevent the coconuts from moving away the bamboo floor.
A small opening of the pit was made in order to slide through the coconut husks. Before setting those husks on fire, a yero should be placed over the coconut shells to keep the heat to stay longer.
“Masmagayun an arog ka ining proseso ta kontrolado an init. Dagdagan mo na lang kan bunot o kahoy kung pawara na ang sulo ngani durudiretsong maluto.” (It is better to use this method because the heat can be easily controlled. Just add more husks or wood if the fire is going to fade in order to sustain constant drying up of the meat.)
“Maaraman mo na luto na pag nagkolor-gray o nagbrown-brown na ang laman. Madali ng mahulkas sa bagul o nahahale na sanang kusa.” (You’ll know that it is cooked already if the meat turned gray or slightly brown. It can be easily removed from the shell manually or it can let itself off.)
The process of drying coco meat would take 11-15 hours per day up to 3 days if good weather prevails. However, if the sky drizzles, pieces of wide metal as a roof would be highly reliable.
After the meat has become dry (now called copra), it can be collated in sacks. “Aabutun yan mga 4 na sako tapos ipabakal mi na sa centro, P8-12 kada kilo.” (It would reach 4 sacks of copra then we can sell those in central city, P17 per kilo.) If you do the math, the family would have P3,740, reasonable enough to help provide their everyday basic needs.
Whenever I see something which brings fascination, I sometimes take my niece to witness it. Like makahiya plant just outside our house was something she wanted to see. She nicely asked me, “Tito, gusto ko pumunta sa makahiya.” (Uncle, I like to go to makahiya). When I got up from my seat, she then opened her arms laterally ready for me to pick her up. I always carried her and clearly pointed out, “Oh, yung dahon lang yung gagalawin, ah?” (Oh, the leaves should only be moved, OK?). And whenever she does that, she always giggles so loudly – she was captivated. “Tito, magic!!!”
Makahiya (Sensitive Plant) is an herb well known for closing its leaves inward and sagging when touched or shaken, and re-opening within few minutes. Its thorns should be watched out for. “After 5 minutes, bubuka uli yan, baby. Balik na lang tayo mamaya, ah?” (After 5 minutes, it will reopen, baby. We’ll get back later, ok?”, I said. Then she was nodding her head with a smile.
Its flower heads can be a pale pink or purple in color. Makahiya’s leaflets fold together and the whole leaf appears limped downward in the evening. At sunrise, it opens again.
My niece was picking these flowers. I asked a few what kind of plant is that. I got a variety of answers - “Urualasdose”, “Urualasdiyes”, and “Rosas de alas diyes”. Of course, I’ve chosen what was pleasant to my ears, the latter. It is great for gardening and landscaping.
“Nata man pinangaran na arog kaan” (Why it was named as that?), I asked.
One of them explained, “An burak kaan minakipot pag alas singko nin hapon, tapos mabuka an kinaagahan, mga alas diyes nin aga. Pag alas dose nin udto, bukahun na an tapos masara naman utro pagkahapon.” (Its flower will close forming like a bud at 5pm, and then will start to bloom again in the morning at 10am, At 12 noon, it is already fully bloomed then it will close again in the afternoon.)
It has the variety of colors - pink, white, or a combination of two. Notice that its leaves moved upward closer to their stems. In this picture, the yellow flower is not of Rosas de alas diyes but it has the same open-close mechanism.
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Save our planet Earth, let us preserve the beauty of nature.
I made my avocado-banana con hielo right after blogging my previous post.
Ingredients: 1 pc of avocado, 2 pcs of whole banana [sliced], few crushed ice, 1 ½ tsp of sugar, 3 tbs of powdered milk, 5 tbs of water.
Together, I just mixed it all. Add few water from the faucet for additional mobility. I garnished it with flakes of biscuits, bits of jackfruit, and a bigger slice of banana. And wala!
Outside the house, I was quitely slurping it in while feeling the breeze of cool air. Isn’t it redundant, cold food in a cool weather? Not really, it felt really good right after you made a post.
(play the audio clip)
Actually, having this snack can suit your mood better when listening to this kind of music.
Hmmmmm. What a lucious taste!
I happened to stumbled upon 2 people of my friends from the past yesterday as I get my NBI Clearance and NSO Birth Certificate.
The graduate school days were too short for me as I have given up finishing the degree. I made few good friends especially Mr. Thad. Such a clever person and funny one. I never met his wife amd my goddaughter in in person but I was pleased that he hadn’t changed even in a slight manner. Still very open to me with his thoughts. “Inaabutan mo na ako sa katawan ko, ah?” (You are keeping up with my body). I laughed and said “Yeah, I gotten so big”. I never expected that my enthusiasm towards our profession would become high again because of him. He was persuading me that it is still marketable. With subbing and part-time mentoring in two colleges, he is able to fulfill his duty as a husband and a father of three. I can sense he is enjoying his work. He also shared to me he’s taking bigger opportunity than what Philippines could offer. Our meet up in a limited time were sort of a big bang to me.
After I got the receipt from NSO, I had my snacks then headed to NBI. I saw a familiar face again and familiar head. It was Roni with HIV (hair is vanishing). I gave him a startle with “Isnabun si padi.” (You are snubbing me). Then he stared at me with a poker face looking puzzled. Maybe he was thinking “who the heck are you?”. Then he smiled, giggled a bit, patted my shoulder and finally said, “Oh, nata yaon ka digdi?” (Why are you here?). I said, ”May tig-asikasu sana.” (I’m taking care of something). I can see his gestures still moves frantically but strongly suggested a feeling of being welcomed. He told to me that he resigned from his previous work in Manila (salary not enough for his family) months ago and gladly, he is staying in the province for his new work at the Department of Health Region V office. Our chit chat led to an invitation to a night out with his friends and co-workers this Friday night (happy time at Pepperland Hotel!!!). Buruyungan na naman ini! (Drinking time ‘til drunk again!)
As I was done with NBI, I decided to walk back to NSO to obtain my birth certificate. I was feeling uneasy already. I need to be there quick. Then a path appeared before me (maybe lucky). I ask the guy if I can get through with it to the other side. He said and carefully guided me, “Yes, go straight ahead, turn left, then turn right.” Here’s what I’ve been to…
A dark narrow path (if there’s no flash out from cam) with cool gush of air. Not meant for people (public) to walk on by but I insisted.
What can you expect from canal water? Black, and dirty. Filthier if there were roaches and worms. Lucky I was, it was not-overflowing.
See how narrow and dark was it? I came out there.
In a week of composing, nothing but only paper and pen, no Microsoft word for quick editing, the literary piece was created during the era (guess when?) where Marc Logan has commenced to make hilarious and funny ruckus in his news reports. Believe me or not, the piece was published!
It was about a charming, beautiful girl and her five suitors with the style of their own. Let me start with my first character, Fiona , a sugary sweet young lady. She was modest, composed, reserved, refined, smart and was the most beautiful girl in the class. One of our achievers as a beauty title holder in our school, was also a majorette, and active participant in so many extra-curricular. She was religious too and a well-spoken dame. She entertained suitors on separate occasions but she can’t stop them from lunging at the same time.
Wolly (first ant) was the most persistent one. He didn’t accept the fact that he was already ‘basted’ (dumped). He kept on pursuing, even try to hold her hands like ‘I’m begging please.”
Then there’s Erik, the second one, a handsome and humble. But I used to nickname him in my mind ‘Mr. Telephone’ who didn’t have the guts to propose in person. He was very confident though using a landline, but always subsided when in front of her.
This third ant was my best pick for the sugar. Hercules’ love was so pure and true, no hidden agenda, not a boastful person, always putting his feet on the ground, and a real man who knew how to handle his lady. Barako ini!
With no angst in courting the princess, the fourth suer, Arnold was indeed comfortable with his handsome look and ways. His has surging genuine emotions towards her and has mixed race with which he thought that he has high probability in succeeding her heart first over.
Finally, the last one, Dewey is clever, and intelligent. His love was respectful (one of the best qualities), enough for the sugar to entertain him nicely. His love for studies and her were of equal level (I don’t think so).
Then, we, the sugar, and the ants all graduated together. Wanna know you won the race?
Unfortunately, Wolly went to the other side last 2004. We dearly miss you. You were a good buddy of mine. You were not a pretentious one. Thanks for sharing your passion for music (Gandang Kupas, and Champagne Supernova, etc.), and your love for reading. Showing your affection towards your family was a noble and great thing you did.
Erik is a responsible father and husband, who lives in Tiwi, Albay. I’m so happy for you dude. He was kind to me, good in playing basketball and can be easily approached by anyone.
Hercules is a sailor and a happily married man. He is one of my best buddies, very understanding, and very down-to-earth guy? Nuarin daw kita majamming utro? Na-miss ko nang irinuman ta padi. Salamat sa tabang during our high school days, aram mo na ito.[When can we jam? I missed our drinking trip dude. Thanks for your help during our HS days, you know what it was.] Thanks also for being my confidant (somehow).
Arnold is now residing in London, pursing his passion for music, probably having a great time of his life. Salamat ta naging pingpong buddy taka kan HS. Dawa napipikon ako pagnadadaog mo ako kaidtu, cool ka lang pirmi sako. [Thanks for being a pingpong buddy during HS. Even though I was always hotheaded when I lose to you, you always treated me nicely.]
Dewey is a graduate of BS Computer Science, very dedicated to his work. Musta na ang valedictorian kan batch ta? Salamat pala ta naging sandalan taka man sa pag-adal. (How’s our valedictorian of our batch? Thanks for assisting me to learn our studies.)Thank you for sharing joys and good laughs.
Fiona is now happily involved with someone, candidly, not to one of those ants. She is successful in her career right now as a client care provider. Big thanks to you for letting me copy your preparations .
____
Notice: The article was based on real people and event. However, names of people mentioned above were created purposely.
The whole competition, Regional SCUAA 2002, was breathe-taking. It happened 7 years ago at Freedom Stadium in Pili, Camarines Sur and was hosted by Camarines Sur Polytechnic College. [Maybe that time, Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) did not yet exist.] The stadium was spacious enough to allow competitors to play on a baseball field, athletic tracks, swimming pools and other sports areas.
The swimming team of Bicol University (BU) posed their smiles as they won the over-all event. The handsome boys and beautiful girls had eight members each that were guided and accompanied by their happy coach. They mostly farmed gold but Spiky reaped nothing at all. However, despite Spiky getting no any medal, he considered it a helluva fun of experience to hear the crowds screaming over the spot while he vehemently battled to grab the 3rd position.
Spiky dearly misses competing. Good thing he is able to have a glimpse of his memory. That brings back the feeling of touching the pool water, smelling the chlorine, seeing the unpredictable sky and hearing those loud voices.
___
The team joyously celebrated eventually. At home university, the swimming team decided to build an organization for BU swimmers - “Lusbog BU”. It was supposed to create a program for those who would want to learn to swim , in return, to support the current and incoming varsity athletes in the said sport. [I wonder what happened to that plan.]
August 18, 1973
FortBonifacio
Makati , Rizal
Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City
My dearest Ballsy,
I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.
An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!
I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.
During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in FortMagsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.
The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion , where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the SantaRitaElementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.
I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.
From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.
Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island . Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.
Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.
Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.
Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so.
Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all.
You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.
Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.
I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.
I love you,
Dad
This was taken at San Lorenzo Beach in Tabaco City yesterday, September 5, 2009. The long stretch of the beach has hedonic pure black sand where Tabaqueňos always fling to dip in the alluring water. In the sky resembles a big tornado failing not to form any tail or touch the ground. Locals were stunned by its enigmatic look
I have to say these things to you before everything is too late. It has been such a long time since we last saw each other – last year’s Oktoberfest in Tabaco City.
I was still trying to heal that time, and you were bound to go to Virac, Catanduanes tomorrow morning. We had updated each other’s life while laughing at the crowd. The performing musicians were doing what they have to do, and yet unable to please the watchers. “Walang kabuhay-buhay.” The crowd was just sitting there quietly without clapping their hands after the several good performances.
I want you to know that you also contributed (and are still contributing) a huge part in my life. Being myself is one them such as voicing out my opinions to whatever cost. It actually feels good later on if one does this more often.
I know you also have a big heart for the children of the world that’s why I can see a brilliant person in you. Continue what you are doing coz’ those are precious and great things. I mean walking from one mountain to another is no joke. That may be a little way for others but for the children it worth everything.
(This is from her, drawn around July)
I won’t forget someone like you even if sometimes I hardly replied. And I want you to know that I’ve always taken a time to read every message you sent and found ways to answer. Please don’t think that I leave for good.
I’m not sure if you are tired of hearing me blabbering about the previous love I had but thanks for listening though. Thanks for connecting with me even if we barely see and talk to each other. Thanks for the pieces of advice you shared. I’m greatful you always ready to lend your helping hands.
I’m hoping you can escape from the anger you weave within yourself. I think you have the right to grieve, to cry, and to shout for the current glitches you are going through. I’m keeping my hopes high that you’ll be feeling great again. Kaya mo yan.
I’m also wishing that each of our roads would not stop from creating new paths even if shadows would come out. We can always pass them by and be able to create meaningful journeys.
