Tuesday, December 21, 2010

5 Fast Fixes for a Stronger Relationship



I don't want to go on dinner date or watch movies together every time. I don't want to jump out of a plane or ride a zip-line to get the dopamine flowing. I don't want to dangle from a chandelier. These are fine suggestions to beat a passion plateau. But they take TIME (not to mention acrobatic skills), which some of us don't exactly have.

I did, however, find some great, quick ideas on the run:

IF YOU HAVE 10 SECONDS…. Hit pause. This will come in handy the next time she’s really bugging you. Before one righteous word flies out of your mouth, FREEZE. Just watch her for 10 seconds. Visualize yourself in her shoes. Visualize her as she looked the first time you fell for her. Pause the action. (In email terms, it’s a kind of a Save As Draft so you don’t actually send the inflammatory message). It might occur to you that “a few minutes late” isn’t worth a fight.

IF YOU HAVE A MINUTE… This is from a great article in the current Scientific American Mind by Robert Epstein: Embrace each other gently and gradually synchronize your breathing with her. Just stand there inhaling and exhaling together, as if you were one being. A minute or two of this, apparently, lowers your inhibitions—and that can help people bond.

IF YOU HAVE 2 MINUTES… Jot down three things she has done lately that you appreciate. Send the list as a note to her in an email at work or send her a text message. Or slip it under her coffee mug in the morning. Yeah, it’s a tad corny, but experts say it really works. Certainly, if there’s one thing the research on happy long-term couples shows, it’s that they figure out how to accentuate the positive. “When you say or list what you appreciate on her, it brings those things more to the forefront of the mind,” says Gail Saltz, MD, Today Show commentator and author ofThe Ripple Effect: How Better Sex Can Lead to a Better Life. “It also prompts her to say what she really appreciates about you.”

IF YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES… Here’s another good one from Epstein: Standing or sitting fairly close to your partner, start moving your hands, arms, and legs any way you like—but in a fashion that perfectly mimics hers. “This is fun but also challenging,” Epstein writes. “You will both feel as if you are moving voluntarily, but your actions are also linked to those of your partner.” See if this doesn’t activate your empathy circuits.

IF YOU’VE GOT 5 MINUTES… Try a daily forgiveness ritual, suggests Sharon Salzberg, a revered spiritual teacher and cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. It's like a little shot of immunity to prevent you from fighting. Find a quiet spot to sit, and let these phrases go through your mind: If I have hurt or harmed you, knowing or unknowingly, I ask your forgiveness. If you have hurt or harmed me, knowingly or unknowingly, I forgive you. “You’re not saying, ‘It's all right that you did that,’" Salzberg explains. You’re just opening up your mind to ideas like, "I let go of seeing you solely as the perpetrator; I understand the conditions that led to that action,” and, “I am not identifying myself only as the person who was hurt; I’m bigger than that.” You may even realize, “I have to let go of unrelieved anger to have any space for love to grow.” See if 5 minutes a day doesn’t warm up the love dynamic. For a real intimacy boost? Get her to do it too.


" Does the LOVE that started unexpectedly, lasts endlessly? "

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Home Sweet Home (Masbate, Philippines)

MASBATE is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. Its capital is Masbate City and consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias.




Balanguingui Island, Masbate.
The island of Masbate lies at the center of the Philippine archipelago between latitudes 11o43’ north and 123o09’ east and 124o5’ east. It is bounded on the north by Burias and Ticao Pass, east by San Bernardino Strait, south by the Visayan Sea, and west by the Sibuyan Sea. Relative to mainland Bicol, the province faces the southwestern coasts of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon. The general surface configuration of the province ranges from slightly undulating to rolling and from hilly to mountainous. In each island, the rugged topography is concentrated in the northeastern portion and gradually recedes to blunt hills and rolling areas in the southeast, and southwest.


A view from Baslai Island in Cataingan, Masbate.

Demography
The Province of Masbate has a population of 768,939 in the 2007 Census of Population with 397,524 registered voters (as of 2004). It consists of 20 municipalities, 1 component city and 550 barangays.

Baslai Island in Cataingan, Masbate.

Language
The people speak predominantly Bisakol, Masbateño (or Minasbate, the dialect unique to the province), some Visayan languages with a unique mixture of Tagalog and some shades of Hiligaynon (sometimes also known as Ilonggo). In Burias Island, they speak Bicol similarly as the people of Camarines Sur, due to the island’s proximity to the Bicol mainland. The people generally speak fluent English and Filipino.

Native dialect is called Masbateño or Minasbate.


The Main Building of Cataingan National High School.
The Province of Masbate's literacy rate is 95.90%. Its educational institutions consist of effective public and private schools like the Masbate National Comprehensive High School in Masbate City that has three campuses - (MNCHS-Bolo Campus, MNCHS-Main Campus, MNCHS-Annex Campus) and the state-supported Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Osmeña Colleges, Masbate Colleges, Holy Name Academy run by the Augustinian Recollect Sisters in Palanas Masbate and Lucio Atabay Memorial Elementary School ( formerly, Nipa Elementary School ) in Nipa, Palanas, Masbate and many elementary, secondary schools and colleges.

ONLY IN MASBATE. A peculiar coconut tree.

One of the mode of transportation here is by the so-called "pamboat".


Economy

The Province of Masbate is classified as a first class province. Masbate is endowed with rich natural resources. In line with its agriculture are other industries such as large farming, livestock and poultry raising. Along its coastal areas, fishing industry predominates. Agricultural lands are planted with rice, corn, rootcrops and coconut. Masbate ranks second only to Bukidnon in raising cattle. Abouth 70% of these are sold to Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon.Farming is the main source of livelihood. Copra is the leading product, followed by corn, rice and rootcrops. Fishing is a major industry along the coast. The province is one of the richest in the country in terms of mineral resources that include copper, silver, iron, manganese and chromite. Manufacturing firms are in the copra industry, handicrafts, furnituremaking and fish processing. The province is surrounded with rich fishing areas where all kinds of commercial species of fish teemed in great abundance.Rich minerals are found in the province. Masbate is described by geologists as a province sitting on a "pot of gold". Other minerals found in the area are manganese, copper, silver, iron, chromite, limestone, guano, and carbon. Cottage industry is likewise another source of livelihood. They are: furniture and cabinet making, ceramics, garments, handicrafts and metalcrafts.

Note: the longest road in the Philippines can only be found in San Pasual because in 50 years of constructing the road from San Pascual to Claveria and the feather roads of barangays until now 20 percent only are finished.

Masbate is described by geologists as a province sitting on a "pot of gold".


A glimmer of hope from one of country's Poorest Provinces.



It's where the deep blue summer skies kiss the summer seas.

Like an Indian arrowhead, Masbate lies almost at the center of the Philippine archipelago with its tip pointing towards the north of Asia Gulf extending towards the China sea.

The island province sprawls with verdant rolling hills and green landscape and rich aquatic reserve.




REUNITED. My sibs during our summer vacation in Masbate last April 2010.

Calanay Falls, Masbate
The Rodeo Masbateño


The wild wild west comes alive in the island every year. Every May, the country’s local cowboys flock to the capital town of Masbate to display their power over untamed cattles during its festival called Rodeo Filipino. In this international fair, the arena burst with fun and excitement and shouting.







Part of Cataingan Town Fiesta celebration, April 2009.

Cataingan Idol last April 2009. My uncle is one of the judges.

TRIBU BULANG. One of Cataingan's Pride.

A part of the Khokak Beach.

Masbate is a flourishing island-province. Its three islands (Ticao, Burias and Masbate) are bounded with clean and fine beaches. Its sea waters abound with exotic fishes, corals and many other marine life. Its mainland takes pride of underground rivers, unexplored caves and green landscape.
Masbate’s seaport can accommodate large vessels plying the island of Luzon and Mindanao.





Khokak Beach is owned my Kho family - one of the most powerful clan in Masbate.

Balanguingui Island,  Masbate


CNHS Batch 2003
Cataingan National High School held its Grand Alumni Homecoming last April 2010. This event happens ever after two years to pay a visit to our Alma Mater and also to catch up with our long-lost-batch mates. It was a 3-day activity full of fun and enthusiasm. This year, I was assigned to organize Batch 2003 due to unexpected circumstances. But nevertheless, I can say it was successful! Thanks to Batch 2003 who helped and participated for the said event. Most of all to our very young and visionary Mayor, Hon. Wilton Kho for his generous help as well.



My batchmates with Mayor Wilton Kho at his resort.

Sibugay Island



Calanay Falls - Nabangig, Palanas, Masbate.

Since this was the time of the year where I can spend quality time with my family, we went to the beach and had lots of fun. With my mom and my dad, with my siblings - perfect vacation indeed! First, we had a simple lunch at home together with our family friends; second was at Khokak Beach and lastly was when we went to Baslai Island for a different adventure. Masbate is known for white sand beaches and virgin islands. I call for the local government to put some extra effort to develop and promote these tourist destinations.

Summer 2010 with my siblings at Khokak Beach.

The sea of Baslai Island.

I had fun last summer when I went there for my high school’s alumni homecoming and also to visit my family. I had a 10-day vacation to explore our town – Cataingan and also to spend time with my family. I was able to visit the only place i have in this world.. There were lots of changes and developments, but i was not enough yet. At the end of the day, im still longing for a peaceful and beautiful Masbate and not just tagged as one of the poorest provinces in the country. See the beauty of Masbate!

Cottages at Khokak Beach

A sunset view at Cataingan Port.

I dedicate this blog to my very dear friend whom like me, loves Masbate so much. May you rest in peace.. We miss you.. This is for you - Ryan Joseph Arizala (April 26, 1986 - April 15, 2010). 

" Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in times of sorrow."


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

God’s Little Paradise (Bohol, Philippines)

My first trip to Visayas was in Bohol. I went there with my teammates last March 16-18, 2010. We stayed in Panglao, just near along the Island’s beachfront. The place for me was the best place I had visited so far - very calm and peaceful. Most of the tourists were not Filipinos but we still enjoyed our stay there!


Bohol is an island located between latitude 9°30' and 10°15' North and Longitude 123°40' and 124°30' east. With a land area of 4117.3 square kilometers, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines, and lies in the middle of the Visayas. Bohol is surrounded by other islands on all sides, and is thus shielded from the typhoons that often occur in the region, as well as from the heaviest rains. Bohol is separated from Mindanao by the Bohol Sea in the South and the island of Leyte by the Canigao Channel in the East. The Comotes Sea in the North separates Bohol from the Camotes Islands, and the Bohol Strait separates it from Cebu.



Arrival at Tagbilaran Airport

Although people have been living on Bohol long before Magellan reached the islands that are now the Philippines, our written records start here, and about the events before that time, little is known, and has to be carefully reconstructed from oral traditions and archaeological evidence. It is said that around 1200, the Lutaos arrived from northern Mindanao. They build a settlement on stilts in the strait between mainland Bohol and the island of Panglao. This town later became a prospering local center of power, also known as the the "Kingdom of Dapitan." It lasted until it was abandoned in 1563, out of fear for raids by the Portuguese and their allies from Ternate. It will be seen below how this event helped the Spanish to get a foothold in the Philippines.

Tagbilaran City's Port


Also at Bohol, Legazpi was given a hostile welcome. From his Malay pilot, he learned that this hostility was due to marauding expeditions of the Portuguese. Coming from the Moluccas, the Portuguese raiders traversed the Visayan seas, and just a few years before, in 1563, had plundered Bohol and killed or enslaved about one thousand of its inhabitants. Of course, the Boholano's easily mistook the Spaniards for Portuguese. Again with the help of his pilot, Legazpi explained two chiefs of Bohol, Datu Sikatuna of Bool and Datu Sigala of Loboc that they were not Portuguese, and had come in peace, and not to plunder or kill. This convinced the Kings to end their hostility and enter pact of friendship. On 16 March 1565 (or 25 March, records are confused due to the Gregorian calendar reform in 1584), Legazpi and Sikatuna performed the now famous blood compact, probably not far from the modern town of Loay. This event is still celebrated in Bohol every year in June with the Sandugo ("One Blood") festival. The same ceremony was repeated three days later with Sigala.

The Blood Compact Site



One of Bohol's Pride! Not me, but the tarsier!



BACLAYON CHURCH
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is one of the best preserved Jesuit build churches in the region, although in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church. Although Baclayon was the first seat of the Spanish Jesuit missionaries, fear of Moro marauders soon forced them to move their headquarters more inland, to Loboc. Only in 1717, Baclayon became a parish, and construction of a new church commenced. Some 200 native forced laborers constructed the church from coral stones, which they took from the sea, cut into square blocks, and piled on to each other. They used bamboo to move and lift the stones in position, and used the white of a million eggs as to cement them together. The current building was completed in 1727. The church obtained a large bell in 1835. In the Baclayon church is a dungeon, which was used to punish natives who violated the rules of the Roman Catholic Church.

Baclayon Church - one of the Oldest Churches in the Philippines.


Fun facts about Baclayon Church.


CHOCOLATE HILLS
The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. They look like giant mole hills, or as some say, women's breasts, and remind us of the hills in a small child's drawing. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. However, this idea is quickly abandoned, as the effort would surely surpass the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The chocolate hills consist of are no less than 1268 hills (some claim this to be the exact number). They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make. Legend has it that the hills came into existence when two giants threw stones and sand at each other in a fight that lasted for days. When they were finally exhausted, they made friends and left the island, but left behind the mess they made. For the more romantically inclined is the tale of Arogo, a young and very strong giant who fell in love with an ordinary mortal girl called Aloya. After she died, the giant Arogo cried bitterly. His tears then turned into hills, as a lasting proof of his grief. However, up to this day, even geologists have not reached consensus on how they where formed. The most commonly accept theory is that they are the weathered formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of a impermeable layer of clay. If you climb the 214 steps to the top of the observation hill near the complex, you can read this explanation on a bronze plaque.

It's not just chocolate - it is a Chocolate Hill!

Toni, Win, Ice and Len - WACKY!!!



TARSIER
The Philippine Tarsier, (Tarsius Syrichta) is very peculiar small animal. In fact it is one of the smallest known primates, no larger than a adult men's hand. Mostly active at night, it lives on a diet of insects. Folk traditions sometimes have it that tarsiers eat charcoal, but actually they retrieve the insects from (sometimes burned) wood. It can be found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao in the Philippines. If no action is taken, the tarsier might not survive. Although it is a protected species, and the practice of catching them and then selling them as stuffed tarsiers to tourists has stopped, the species is still threatened by the destruction of his natural forest habitat. Many years of both legal and illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture have greatly reduced these forests, and reduced the tarsier population to a dangerously small size. If no action is taken now, the Philippine tarsier can soon be added to the list of extinct species.


The smallest primate - just as big as my fist.



PANGLAO ISLAND
Probably the most beautiful, and surely the most developed beach on Panglao is Alona Beach. Located at the Southwest of the island, this beach is about one and a half kilometers long, lined with nice resorts, which are great to stay for some time, a number of well equipped diving establishments and pleasant places to eat out, if you do not want to eat at your resort's restaurant for a change. Probably the only drawback of the beach is the large numbers of sea urchins that inhabit the water, starting some twenty or thirty meters out of the coast. You will just have to be careful when wading. Don't forget to bring your snorkeling equipment. When you swim about one hundred meters off the beach, you will reach the edge of the 'house' reef, at between three and five meters deep and thus can be easily observed even without scuba equipment. If you are into scuba diving, though, don't forget to have a few dives here as well, as it is certainly worth it, not bad at all, even compared with the reefs the boats will bring you to.

Bohol's whitest and finest sand.


Yes, you may also try surfing in Bohol Sea!



MAN-MADE FOREST
The Bohol Forest is a man-made mahogany forest stretching in a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before and after this man-made forest are the naturally grown forests of Loboc and Bilar which are thick with a kaleidoscope of green foliage, different species of trees and giant ferns lining the road. The man-made forest stands out because of the uniformity in height of the big trees, the spread of its branches, thickness and design of leaves. Seedlings abound around the older trees. Trunks, some thick and others just a few months old, grow resplendently straight up towards the sky which is obscured by the branches and the thick leaves.




This bridge hangs approximately 20 meters above the Loboc River .


The Butterfly Sanctuary have been established by butterfly enthusiasts and are now gaining recognition. There are more or less 300 butterfly species native to the province and the sanctuaries are aiming to conserve and raise the butterfly population in the island. The sanctuaries come with landscaped flowering gardens, the beauty of which soothes the senses. It is a welcome addition to the attractions of Bohol and is now part of the itineraries of foreign and local visitors alike. Breeding butterflies can augment ones income by selling them as butterfly releases, making them into dry papered butterflies and selling live pupae. Moves have been taken to develop butterfly by-products such as framed butterflies, butterfly wing mosaic, and key chains.


Butterflies were so friendly here at the Butterfly Sanctuary!



LOBOC RIVER
The Loboc River Cruise along the river starts from the Loboc Tourism Complex. Small motorized bancas can be availed of for a minimal fee yet for those who want to eat while cruising, floating restaurants are available offering Filipino cuisine buffet that costs P280 per head or more and local delicacies.





One of the major attractions at Loboc River are the singing Boholanos.






Amid the lush natural surroundings of Panglao Island is another eco-tourist treasure, the Bohol Bee Farm. The smorgasbord of organic delicacies on offer makes it unlike any place you’ve ever been to. Dine in our restaurants and enjoy tasty camote pies, homemade ice cream, and fresh flower salads. And when your holiday draws to a close, stock up on some of Bohol Bee Farm’s healthy goodness with naturally made products like honey spreads, herb teas, and corn coffee.






These are the Bumble-BEEs! :)

We had our lunch here - with fresh garden salad and seafood lasagna!

Cucina Italiana serves the best Italian cuisine in Panglao.

BOHOL was really a good place to visit. It has its own unique character that can't be copied elsewhere. It provides an interesting experience for travelers who would want to really relax, unwind and enjoy. The many activities and places to see is more than enough to make visitors see the place as a sanctuary for a lot of nature's beauty.

No wonder why Tagbilaran was known to be the City of Friendship!