Adto na 'ta

Northern Mindanao, which is composed of the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin and Bukidnon as well as the cities of Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog is currently the region being featured in Clamshell 1, in Intramuros. Having spent the first 17 years of my life in Mindanao, I consider it my home. I am proud of the abundant resources, breathtaking naturescapes, laid-back culture and the simplicity of life that make Mindanao deserving to be called the Land of Promise. Here are snapshots from the exhibit. Indigenous groups and their activities A beadmaker from the Umayam tribe of Bukidnon. She was intently and quietly making headwear and other accessories from beads so I decided not to interrupt her, would have wanted to engage in a short chitchat with her, but still there was the language problem. Umayam kids in traditional and colorful garments make cute models too. A member of the Talaandig group gladly posed with us, after performing a native dance for

It's the avocado season once again, time to make that guacamole dip and avocado flavored ice cream. According to an expert, the best variety is the lagkitan as it is moist, smooth and compact and ideal for deserts. Dont buy the variety that has plenty of black veins as they are not pleasant tasting. Enjoy your avocado treats now. Here is a simple guacamole recipe shared to me by a Peace Corps Volunteer: who modified the ingredients in favor of the local resources. Slice a medium sized avocado and mash it. Chop the following finely: a small head of onion, 2 cloves of garlic and mix thoroughly with the mashed avocado. Squeeze one calamansi and season with black pepper and salt.

Quiapo is perhaps one of the busiest districts in Metro Manila, if not THE busiest. To one who does not frequent the place, going around it is an eye-opener about the way of life of the people and economy within the area. Quiapo Church is the focal point of the district and the Friday mass is the number one crowd-drawer. But the main thing that it is famous for is the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which is held in the month of January. But that is a topic for another blog. After my fall-in-line-till-you-drop day at the DFA, my feet dragged me to Quiapo. After not seeing it for over a year, I find it amazing that life remains the same to the mainstays here. It is as if it is still the 1900s. Save for this concrete canopy-like structure that covers the entrance to the underpass, Quiapo is stagnant. Although it is kind of like preserving the memories of Manila in the past and its historical legacies, i.e. Plaza Miranda and it's bombing. Quiapo is the melting pot of folk-Catho