Lanzones, legend says that mortals couldn’t it this fruit for it is poisonous.  A fairy then pricked each of this fruit to let humans eat it safely.  This legend explains the “unexplainable marks” inside the fruit of lanzones.  Whether its true or not, it would have been such a waste if humans couldn’t taste this delectable fruit.

Lanzones or Lansium domesticum is a fruit native in Asia.  They are usually find in clusters of two or three fruit.  In contrast with the sweet-sour flavor of the fruit’s flesh, the seeds are extremely bitter so be careful when eating them.

Camiguin white island

Camiguin is a small island province of the Philippines off the northern coast of Mindanao. It belongs to the Northern Mindanao region.  It’s capital is Mambajao and is considered the second smallest province both in population and land area.  Camiguin is famous for its pristine beaches, volcanoes and delicious lanzones.

Getting there

Camiguin is accessible by Air and Sea from Manila and Cebu.  You can take direct flights from Manila domestic airport or Cebu International airport.  The other option is to take boats from Manila to Cagayan de Oro then take ferries to Camiguin.

Things to see

Camiguin was still an untapped tourist destination until a movie in the 90’s was shot in this island featuring the mysterious beauty of this place.  Camiguin offers a lot to tourists from old century churches, beautiful forest and magnificent beaches. Sto Rosario church in Sagay built in 1882  and the church ruins of San Roque are a must to see.  The famous Sandbar of White Island and the sunken cemetery who submerged after a volcanic eruption.  There is also the week long festival of the Lanzones Festival  which are a must to see in this island.

Jollibee is one of the biggest example of this Filipino franchising success story that beat up almost all its international food chain competitors.  Although getting a franchise of Jollibee costs a lot of money nowadays there are hundreds of other affordable franchise opportunities we could try on.

The advantages of doing Franchise business is that you will never feel alone.  Embarking on a business has always been difficult, but with Franchising, the package always includes the marketing package support, management training and the best of it all, you will be selling something who’s name is already known to many.  However, franchising does not always guarantee success and it sometimes requires a lot of money depending on the franchise you are planning to open.

Starting a franchising business in the Philippines requires still a thorough study.  Learn more about the franchise business that you want to invest.  Be sure to know and understand very well the inclusion of the franchise package deal to avoid getting frustrated in the long run.  And the most important be ready to invest yourself to the success of this endeavor.

Franchising Opportunities

Franchsising opportunities in the Philippines has grown drastically.  It opened wider choice from food industry, schools, internet business, clothing lines among others.  Choose the most credible franchise company that shows passion in the product they are selling.

The Department of Trade and Industry are regularly organizing seminars to help interested entrepreneurs to widen their horizon.

Useful Directory:

franchisephilippines.org/listings/

A directory of franchise opportunities in Philippines updated regularly.

phfranchise.com/

Shows listing of franchise opportunities also updated regularly.

jollibee.com.ph/index.php?/investors/contents/11/6

Informations for franchising Jollibee

When summer is hot there is no better way to beat it but by eating cold stufs.  Filipinos love cold snacks like Halo-halo or Banana con hielo for they are easy to make and are definitely delicious.You can always find one at a nearby shop.  Kids on the other hand enjoy ice-candy all year round.  Even when rainy season comes, Ice-candy are a  sure hit to children.  Here’s a recipe to try;

Buko Salad Ice-candy

Ingredients:

one fourth cup of sago (tapioca)

1 tablespoon of dried raisins

half a cup of shredded coconut meat

1 sweetened banana (saba in preferance)

half a cup of melon strips

half a liter of coconut juice

one fourth cup of evaporated milk

5 tablespoons of sugar

Procedure:

Mix everything in a big bowl.  Taste the sweetness to determine if you want to add more or less sugar.  Pour them with the help of your funnel on your ice-candy bags.  Freeze them for at least 24  hours.

Iloilo and Guimaras are probably two of the provinces you have never visited yet. Or even worse not even heard of. Well this two twin provinces are definitely one of the jewels of the Visayas region.  These two provinces are equally rich in cultural heritage to begin with and splendid beaches to enjoy with.

Miag-ao Church of Iloilo

Iloilo is a province in the Western Visayas region in the Southeast portion of Panay Island. And just off Iloilo’s Southeast portion is the Guimaras island that used to be part of Iloilo.  One cannot just enjoy Iloilo without passing to Guimaras.  And across Guimaras Strait and Panay Gulf is Negros Occidental.  Hiligaynon or Ilonggo is the language spoken in this area.

Things to see and do

Iloilo is rich in Spanish architecture evident in the old buildings of downtown Iloilo.

As a leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province of Iloilo is widely known for its beautiful old world architecture similar to that of Latin American Countries. Spanish colonial Churches are amongst the well knowned tourist sites in the province.

Miagao Church. is a World Heritage Site. This is an  Aztec-Baroque inspired church with Filipino botanicals used to carved on the facade. It is known for its intricate facade and pyramidal bell towers. The church was used as a fortress during the olden days. It is a massive structure built of yellowish Limestones.

Molo Church. The Gothic Renaissance Church of Molo was used as a watch tower to warn the people if there are any attackers on the shore of Iloilo City. It is a fine coral stone church with Classical and Gothic details. It is also known as the feminist church because of the beautiful female saints lining inside the church.

Cabatuan Church. This Neoclassic Church, known to be the most massive Hispanic structure in Iloilo is built of red bricks. It is believed to be the largest red brick structure in the Visayas and it was given the title “Model of Temples” by the ‘El Eco de Panay’. The Cabatuan Church is known to be the only extant Spanish colonial church with three facades.

San Jose Church. The beautiful church in front of plaza Libertad is considered the most historic amongst the churches in Iloilo City. It is a Byzantine-Neoclassic Church planned to look like the Spanish Church of Valencia del Cid. The Church is known for its collection of priceless Catholic treasures.

The Historic province of Iloilo is also known for ‘Calle Real’; a street of old buildings with their classical designs. During January, the city heats up for Dinagyang, the festival dubbed as “The best tourism event in the Philippines” It is a collection of tribe warriors dancing in honor of the Child Jesus.

Guimaras on the other hand is known for its agricultural crops.  Be sure not to miss the Manggahan festival (Mango Festival), where the city boasts of its world renowned delicious mangoes.  The celebration normally last for a few days and various activities are organized.  Date changes yearly decided by the Fiesta committee.  To enjoy the beaches in Guimaras you can check out the following resorts; Isla Naburot, Costa Aguada resort.  You can also visit the Mambukal resort and Trapist Monastery.

Getting There

The fastest and the easiest way is getting to Iloilo is via an airplane from Manila.  Flight takes about an hour.  There are various affordable domestic plane servicing this route so finding a seat is always easy.  The other option is through “roro”, buses that crosses Luzon and ends up at ferry boat to reach Visayas.  This normally takes long about a day, but if you love beautiful scenery and does not mind being seated for a long time in a bus this is for you. From Iloilo you can go to Guimaras via ferry boat that brings you there, travel last for about an hour.

Things to taste and buy

Iloilo is famous for its Lapaz Batchoy.  This is a noodle soup specialty of Lapaz Iloilo.  Go to the market in the morning to enjoy this province specialty.  In guimaras do not fail to taste their mangoes and different products out of mangoes; dried mangos, fruit juice and candies.

Mambukal resort

Pasalubong

Siopao is one of my favorite Filipino snack.  In my family we love to pair it with wonton soup and some siomai dipped in soy sauce and Kalamansi. Although we used to cook our own siopao , nowadays buying is a lot easier than cooking them as you can even find them in some Fastfood restaurants.  If you have time and would love to try the home-made version of Siopao here’s a great recipe to try.

Siopao Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cup flour

4 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup warm milk

Bola-bola filling

1 onion chopped

2 cloves of garlic minced

1 tablespoon of ginger juice

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

2 tablespoons of sesame oil

250 g of ground pork

salt

pepper

2 hard boiled eggs  sliced(if you have salted eggs to use that’s better)

Procedure:

Sift flour and baking powder together in a large bowl. Add sugar in the flour. Pour warm milk in the flour gradually. Knead the dough until it becomes as soft. Divide the dough into 8 balls. Set aside. In amixing bowl put the ground pork, onion, ginger juice, soy sauce and sesame oil.  Mix well.  Put some salt and pepper to taste.  Your dough balls will double in size, punch them down. Knead them one by one on your floured table.  Flatten your dough, on the center put a sliced cooked egg and a scoop of your meatball filling.  Gather sides toward the center, twist and be sure to seal it correctly.  Place the pinched side down on a parchement paper.  Cook in a steamer and steam for about 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size.

Sagada is one of the municipalities of Mountain Province.  It is adjacent to Bontoc, another interesting place to visit in Mountain Province.  You can’t go to Sagada without dropping by at Bontoc.  Sagada is located 275 Km north of Manila and 140 Km from Baguio.  Sagada is popular for its hanging coffins, an old tradition that is no longer practice nowadays.  Traditionally not anyone has the privillege to be buried this way, one has to be married, have children among others.

Things to do

Popular activities in Sagada includes trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations.  Upon arrival at Sagada, head on at the Tourism Office for registration at the Sagada Municipal Hall.  They have a complete listing of the things that you can do.  You can also hire a tourist guide, fee varies according to the activitiy you wish to do.  You can also arrange for transportation with the tourism office. Do not miss to check out these places:

Hanging Coffins

You can see near the entrance going to the famous Sumaging cave.  You can either see them from a far or walk closer and take some pictures.

Echo Valley

Kiltepan tower

Rice Terraces

Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves

Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls

Do not miss dropping by at Bontoc Museum, they have a magnificent collection of Bontoc’s traditional houses, clothes and utensils.  The mini-community displayed on the exterior of the Museum is also very impressive.

Getting there

You can go to Sagada by land from Baguio.  From Manila you can take air-conditioned buses plying to Baguio daily.  Once in Baguio, you can take regular buses going to Bontoc- Sagada.  Another option is to take a domestic flight from Manila to Baguio and arrange for a private vans going to Sagada.

Do not miss

Sagada Coffee

Sagada Blueberryjam

Sagada native bags

Getting there

The trip going to Capones Island takes about 4 to five hours drive from Manila passing through city of Olongapo and heading towards north to San Antonio following directions to Barangay Pundaquit.

Things to do

Upon arrival at the village you will notice the magnificent scenery of beach behind a mountain, perfect to watch the sun set. The island is accessible for day picnics, swimming and even over-night swimming just be sure to pre-arrange with your boatmen for them to pick you up. Snorkelling and kayaking are also possible on the beach so be sure to bring all your necessary equipments.

Surfing Capones Island

Capones Island is popular for its easy and manageable surfing waves. During the best season the beach offers well formed breaks for advanced surfers. During the season beginners can enjoy 3-9 feet waves perfect practicing. It is advisable to come from July to December to enjoy such adventure but the best one is just right after a storm when water is still agitated.

Sometimes I wonder what makes filipinos crazy about Fruit Salad! For no special occassion is complete without this dessert to finish off all those mouth-watering dishes that we ate. Pinoy Fruit Salad is different because we love it sweet, creamy and gooey! The longer they stay in the fridge the better it taste!

Pinoy Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

If you are in a hurry you can either use 1 can of tropical fruit cocktail

or If you prefer freshness then go for: freshly cut fruits like mangoes, bananas,apples, pear, watermelon, melon

half a cup of pineapple chunks

half a cup of fresh lychees

half a cup of freshly grated coconut

half a cup of sweetend sago (tapioca)

half a cup of nata de coco (optional)

one can of condensed milk

1 pack of heavy all purpose cream

Procedure:

This is so easy even children can do. Mix them all in the bowl and be sure they are well stirred. Put them in the fridge for at least two hours.

MI ULTIMO ADIOS (My Last Farewell)

¡Adiós, Patria adorada, región del sol querida,
Perla del mar de oriente, nuestro perdido Edén!
A darte voy alegre la triste mustia vida,
Y fuera más brillante, más fresca, más florida,
También por ti la diera, la diera por tu bien.

En campos de batalla, luchando con delirio,
Otros te dan sus vidas sin dudas, sin pesar;
El sitio nada importa, ciprés, laurel o lirio,
Cadalso o campo abierto, combate o cruel martirio,
Lo mismo es si lo piden la patria y el hogar.

Yo muero cuando veo que el cielo se colora
Y al fin anuncia el día tras lóbrego capuz;
si grana necesitas para teñir tu aurora,
Vierte la sangre mía, derrámala en buen hora
Y dórela un reflejo de su naciente luz.

Mis sueños cuando apenas muchacho adolescente,
Mis sueños cuando joven ya lleno de vigor,
Fueron el verte un día, joya del mar de oriente,
Secos los negros ojos, alta la tersa frente,
Sin ceño, sin arrugas, sin manchas de rubor

Ensueño de mi vida, mi ardiente vivo anhelo,
¡Salud te grita el alma que pronto va a partir!
¡Salud! Ah, que es hermoso caer por darte vuelo,
Morir por darte vida, morir bajo tu cielo,
Y en tu encantada tierra la eternidad dormir.

Si sobre mi sepulcro vieres brotar un día
Entre la espesa yerba sencilla, humilde flor,
Acércala a tus labios y besa al alma mía,
Y sienta yo en mi frente bajo la tumba fría,
De tu ternura el soplo, de tu hálito el calor.

Deja a la luna verme con luz tranquila y suave,
Deja que el alba envíe su resplandor fugaz,
Deja gemir al viento con su murmullo grave,
Y si desciende y posa sobre mi cruz un ave,
Deja que el ave entone su cántico de paz.

Deja que el sol, ardiendo, las lluvias evapore
Y al cielo tornen puras, con mi clamor en pos;
Deja que un ser amigo mi fin temprano llore
Y en las serenas tardes cuando por mí alguien ore,
¡Ora también, oh Patria, por mi descanso a Dios!

Ora por todos cuantos murieron sin ventura,
Por cuantos padecieron tormentos sin igual,
Por nuestras pobres madres que gimen su amargura;
Por huérfanos y viudas, por presos en tortura
Y ora por ti que veas tu redención final.

Y cuando en noche oscura se envuelva el cementerio
Y solos sólo muertos queden velando allí,
No turbes su reposo, no turbes el misterio,
Tal vez acordes oigas de cítara o salterio,
Soy yo, querida Patria, yo que te canto a ti.

Y cuando ya mi tumba de todos olvidada
No tenga cruz ni piedra que marquen su lugar,
Deja que la are el hombre, la esparza con la azada,
Y mis cenizas, antes que vuelvan a la nada,
El polvo de tu alfombra que vayan a formar.

Entonces nada importa me pongas en olvido.
Tu atmósfera, tu espacio, tus valles cruzaré.
Vibrante y limpia nota seré para tu oído,
Aroma, luz, colores, rumor, canto, gemido,
Constante repitiendo la esencia de mi fe.

Mi patria idolatrada, dolor de mis dolores,
Querida Filipinas, oye el postrer adiós.
Ahí te dejo todo, mis padres, mis amores.
Voy donde no hay esclavos, verdugos ni opresores,
Donde la fe no mata, donde el que reina es Dios.

Adiós, padres y hermanos, trozos del alma mía,
Amigos de la infancia en el perdido hogar,
Dad gracias que descanso del fatigoso día;
Adiós, dulce extranjera, mi amiga, mi alegría,
Adiós, queridos seres, morir es descansar.