(published in the September 2018 print issue of Groove Magazine) One could argue it’s Spring, but for me, Autumn is easily the loveliest season! Its cool breeze is perfected by the earthy hues of leaves leaping and soaring from shrubs and trees of all shapes and sizes. When the sun illuminates the yellows, oranges, and… Read More Easy Hikes in Autumn
The national costume of the Philippines are the barong tagalog for men and baro’t saya for women. I’ve always wanted to wear our Philippine dress the way Koreans proudly wear their Hanbok during every occasion they could possibly find a reason to wear it. I’m more inclined to get the more wearable and casual kimona which originated from the Visayas. The kimona, like the Mestiza and… Read More My Hablon “Patadyong”: Himu sa Miag-ao (Made in Miag-ao)
My 1-month summer stay in Cabanatuan made me miss my Monday morning routine at the public market. I never thought I was going to enjoy it. I did and I loved it! Big thanks to Ate Dolor and Kuya Ariel who made my palengke mornings memorable! I was surprised and amazed that you can actually get… Read More Shop Local at the Wet Markets
“Food is life”, I often hear my friends say. True! When Filipinos gather, food is a necessity. So, there’s always a colorful spread of dishes on the table. Just the sight of those delectable foods is enough to make you stay longer than you planned in a gathering. And staying means a roller coaster of… Read More Philippine Traditional Snacks
The 10-year passport validity began in January 2018 in accordance with Republic Act 10928, which extends the validity of Philippine passports, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2017. I processed the renewal of my passport last April and got the new one in less than 6 weeks. What’s special about the new passport? The… Read More New Philippine Passport with 10-year validity
The first time I had gas refill in a Shell Station in Cabanatuan, I was amazed! Awed! I candidly took a photo of the staff who awed me with his enthusiasm in greeting us in Tagalog: Gasoline station in Cabanatuan: “Ano po ang ipambabayad nila? SALAPI o TARHETANG PANGKALTAS?” “Meron po kayong TARHETANG PAMPUNTOS?” Tagalog… Read More “Wikang Filipino” sa Shell Station sa Cabanatuan
Our family trip to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar was a trip down history lane through the stories of each heritage house. Las Casas is located in Bagac, Bataan, a sleepy town now absorbing touristy energy because of this heritage resort. Death March It was on April 9, 1942 when the commander of the Luzon Force,… Read More Bataan Death March Marker
(published in the July-August 2018 printed edition of Groove Magazine) The Haeundae Beach may be the most famous beach in all of South Korea. So, it’s not a surprise when everyone takes the train to Busan on hot, summer days to frolic in the shoreline of Haeundae. For those who ran out of tickets for… Read More Beaches and More at Haeundae for your Summer Escapade
(published in Korea.net: A tribute to Korea’s strongest generation) I came across my old post “South Korea’s Halmonis” in my Facebook timeline. The post made me look back at my years here in South Korea and how I continue to look up to South Korea’s halmonis. The halmonis are Korea’s grandmothers. Like all grandmothers all over the… Read More Tribute to Korea’s Strongest Generation
My 11-year old found Thirteen Reasons Why in his cousins’ room. He was curious and read it. The curiosity was highlighted by the mystery why he can’t watch it on Netflix (I set the Netflix to Kids profile because they are always accessing it). When my son reads, he reads like there’s no tomorrow. So,… Read More 13 Reasons Why – From a Mother’s Perspective
