#GoiNextDoor

MyPasalubong: Pasalubong shopping hassle-free

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:43:00 +0000

We all know that going for a trip or a vacation is something we always look forward to, as it means having time to relax and be free from all the stress and troubles in our daily routine. That is why whenever family members or friends go for a trip, we are also happy for them and wish them all the best during their vacation. Another thing that also excites us is their homecoming and that “something” which they will bring for us as some sort of “pasalubong”.

This act of bringing something for those who are left home is indeed an expression of love and thoughtfulness which all of us appreciate. This is especially true among us Filipinos whose priority in life is always our family. To make them happy when we come home from a trip, we will bring only the best pasalubong despite our hectic schedule and the difficulty to find one.

It was the realization of how difficult buying for the best pasalubong can be in a place that you are not familiar with that moved Marl Ian Dionaldo (as he himself experienced difficulty in buying the pasalubong that his wife wanted while he was in Cebu city) to come up with an idea that can best cater to the need of both tourists and locals to shop for the best pasalubong in Cagayan de Oro city. Finally, he decided to give birth to "My Pasalubong".

(Visit www.mypasalubong.com here)

It is an online site where people can buy all the best local products without spending a lot of time, money and energy. All they have to do is just wait for the products to be delivered to their preferred time and place already packed.

Yes, it is a one-stop shop for all our pasalubong needs! It’s Marl’s way of taking away all our worries as to what we can take home that will surely suit the taste of our loved ones. It is also the company's strong advocacy to help Local Businesses grow their business by helping them in marketing and distribution of their product through the internet.

At My Pasalubong, they offer the tastiest products from Cagayan de Oro’s best local brands for delicacies such as Vjandep, Pquant, Ato Kini, Joji’s Delights, Pane E Dolci, TGO Foods, De Oro’s Best, Nanay Choleng’s Muron, Country Fruits, Dulceta, Fely’s Homemade, and Kagay-anon Delights. They also offer free delivery within the city on all orders over 500php, or you can pick up your orders at Vjandep branches located at Tiano, Agora, Pier, or Bulua, and soon you can opt to pick them up at Laguindingan Airport.

You can contact mypasalubong through :

Office Address:
Vjandep Tiano Branch,Tiano Bros. St, Brgy. 14,
Cagayan de Oro City, 9000
Cellphone: +639277046467 / +639184301660
Viber: +639277046467
Telephone: (088) – 881- 0043
mail: hello@mypasalubong.com

Grilling starts at Manokan Grill

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:59:00 +0000

What is your favorite chicken dish? Mine is grilled chicken! My taste buds crave for its luscious skin where aromas and flavors are trapped during the grilling process. Imagining it makes me hungry!

Thankfully for us Kagay-anons, another establishment is ready to satisfy our cravings for chicken dishes. And what’s good with it, they prepare their dishes inato or in home style cooking, so be assured that their dishes capture our Kagay-anon taste.

I’m talking of the new Manokan Grill, which we all know before as Jo’s Chicken Inato. Remember those attractive bamboo structures along Yacapin Street (beside Trinidad Building) and that in Corrales Extension? Well, they are now grilling happily under the roof of their new brand!

Had a chance to visit their Yacapin Branch recently and tried some of their pride dishes, the old favorites from Jo’s menu. The management have decided not to drop everything of their former brand and retained the Kagay-anons well-loved dishes.

The new gastronomic hub is perfect for people on a tight budget. Their dishes are not only delicious but are also affordable! Prices starts at P40.00 for a single serving of creamy Tapioca and if you think that their ‘short orders’ are too heavy on your pocket, then their eight combo dishes complete with a viand, rice and drink are perfect for you!

Companion Post: Loving Manokan Grill published on CdeO.ph

For inquiries, follow Manokan Grill on Facebook.

There and back again

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:28:00 +0000

Anchor and Ship. Photo Credit: Mrkela92

John opened the door and found the room empty. No face greeted him and only the hot air that congested for hours kissed his cheeks. He called a name but heard no reply. He rushed then to his bedroom and opened the cabinet, it was empty.

John knew he was alone again.

Tears fell from his tired eyes, he was sobbing. He reached for his phone in his pocket and dialed several digits. “Where are you?” John asked. “I moved out. Just read the letter on the table, I explained everything there. Take care of yourself,” said the voice in the other line. There was a beep and the line was disconnected.

John found the letter on his table. The words were written hastily on a torn page of a notebook. He read it.

Several months ago, John met online the one who wrote the letter. They exchanged messages and agreed to share his place when the stranger visits the Metro. Since then he prepared for their first meeting day. He even bought a new cabinet, pillows and blanket for the stranger whom he gave his trust. He also planned several activities which they will do together if time will allow.

“Kung anong tagal ng paghihintay ko, siya naming bilis ng pag-alis mo” these words occurred in his mind. Then, John was again sobbing and it was louder.

But he was not surprised that the stranger was gone. After the revealing conversation they had last night, they both came into a realization that made them emotionally unstable. They ought to do something for their individual happiness and fulfillment. It was not a normal conversation, it was an enlightening one.

The stranger was heading back home, it was told on the letter and soon John will also give his family a visit. After that conversation, they both found courage to face the reality that they have been trying to escape from. It will not be easy, but they must do it.

John grew up in modest ways his parents could afford. He was promised to be sent to school by his sister, but she failed him. He was very disappointed but he never showed to anyone the emotion inside him.

But disappointment did not stop him to dream and to aspire for greater and better things not only for himself, but for his family as well. Since he was young, he was a dreamer. His dreams have spread farther than his family could see. He plunged into the cold waters, swam and conquered the big waves. He used his muscles, strengths, and abilities and gradually realized his fantasies. He was living part of his dreams. Yet, even with his achievements, the pile of dreams he fulfilled, he was still unhappy.

But after the talk he had with the trusted stranger, he knew what to do. He is going back to where it all started; to his home, to his family and to the place where he built his dreams and there, begin again.

People come and go. Some stays for years, some even promises forever. Some shows for hours or few seconds, then gone for eternity. Just like bubbles that burst after spending few seconds floating in the air, the essence of the people whom we meet is not reflected on the length of time they spend with us, but through the impact they make in our lives. As with bubbles, we all smile as it starts to float, for few seconds it eases our agonies.

His best mistake

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sat, 09 May 2015 12:09:00 +0000

Paper n' Pencil. Photo Credit: Quacktaculous

He never wanted the license, the card that bears the title. Even though for most people it is the best investment for it secures more than the fair share of the future.

When he was still in his freshmen year in college he thought of taking another path yet, was hindered by the gratitude and appreciation of his loved ones. It occurred to him the next year but the same thing happened.

He did not fail the people who trusted him; he graduated and earned a degree. However, despite the appreciation, deep inside lingered a gloomy soul and a nervous heart.

He knew he belonged to a different field and would find it difficult to live his dreams if he stayed in that world.

Years passed, a challenged was lain upon him. It was time for him to be tested and judged if he possesses the qualities of a scientist.

With weary heart made heavier with unpleasant consequences, he flew aboard one of the sky’s big metallic monsters and temporarily leaved his family and the people to him are his dearest.

Yet no one noticed his burdens for he perfectly hid it in his loud giggles and jestingly gestures; but if they just looked and starred in his eyes, he was certain they will spot it.

He reached his destination and shared the place of a generous friend. They talked about their lives and their aspirations and dreams. Then it occurred to him, it’s time to untie the knot that binds him to do the things he’s certain will make him a better person.

But breaking free demands its price; it means setting aside the opportunities and resources his loved ones have sewn for him.

He was nervous, troubled and unhappy of the things he is doing. Then he broke; his heart was beating faster than ever and his vision dimmed. He reached his phone and dialed some familiar numbers where he expressed what he felt that night.

It was the best thing he ever did in his life, he thought. The first time he shared his agonies to his loved ones. He can’t deny that everyone he spoke to bared regret in their tone, yet he was still thankful that they've accepted the situation.

Now it’s time for him to return home, back to where he belongs. And he said to himself, “From now on, I will do the things that I want and with it, I will be a better person”.

Groovin by the Shore: Kabaybayonan Festival’s Beach Dancing Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 04:10:00 +0000

A common mode of conquering the summer heat is plunging on cold and inviting waters. But, if you hit the waves with people dancing around you, in their colorful summer outfits, to the loud yet pleasant and cool summer beats, that summer getaway is surely awesome!

This year marks the 2nd Kabaybayonan Festival of the Municipality of Opol; a four day festivity of music, dance and sports that aimed not only to provide pleasure to the eyes and ears of the beach goers but also to find ways to strengthen local tourism.

For 2015, Kabaybayonan Festival was scheduled on April 9-12.

One of the highlights of the festivity was the beach dancing competition that happened on the third day and was tagged as ‘Groovin by the Shore: Modern Hawaiian Beach Dancing’.

(Companion Story: To where summer is more fun)

It was participated by seven groups representing the six coastal and a mid-land barangay of the municipality: Luyong Bonbon, Bonbon, Poblacion, Tabok, Igpit, Barra and Patag, who equally showcased superb choreography and stellar performance.

Many beach goers were impressed by the performances of the dancers and praised them for their well-executed steps and excellent choice of music.

“Tsada ang ilang performance, amazing kaayo!,” said Aira who watched the Hawaiian themed showdown with her friends and cousins. “Ang colors sa ilang costume, choreography and music kay makadala gyud” she continued.

Undeniably beautiful even under the heat of the sun, a female dancer from Brgy Poblacion.

Dancing happily, a dancer from Brgy Igpit.

Summoned from the sea, a goddess from Brgy Bonbon.

First to perform were the dancers from Brgy. Taboc.

Swaying their hula skirts in the wind and waves, the dancers from Brgy. Barra.

Wearing metallic headdress were the dancers from Barangay Patag.

Male dancers from Brgy Igpit.

Thanking the audience, the dancers from Brgy. Igpit.

Raisers and backdrops were perfectly utilized by the dancers from Brgy. Poblacion.

In their winning performance, dancers from Brgy Poblacion.

The competition's grand winner, Brgy. Bonbon.

Here comes the sirens of Brgy Bonbon.

Farewell for now said the dancers from Brgy. Bonbon.

Though music and chattering rippled all throughout in the event, the audience erupted when the dancers from Barangay Bonbon was announced as the grand winner of the competition, leaving Barangay Poblacion and Luyong Bonbon in the second and third place respectively.

Opol is known for its beach resorts and its shoreline is a popular destination among beach goers in the region. It also homes the Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm.

Hungry for Street Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 08:26:00 +0000

When hungry and on a hurry, many opt to street foods to fill the craving stomach; knowing that a beaming tummy can be swiftly attain for less in the streets than in fast food chains and eateries.

It’s been said that the true character and culture of the locale can be experienced on their streets, in their street foods for instance. The street foods reflect the preference of the locale towards their food and their culinary style.

(Companion Story: Saved by Street Foods)

So when in CagayanDe Oro or in any place in the Philippines, and you’re hungry and on a hurry, better head to its streets and experience the culture and taste of the locale through their street foods!

Below are three of the popular gastronomic offerings in the streets of CDO, more to follow on the next part of this post.

Its ‘proben’ delicious!

Dominating the street-food-market of Cagayan de Oro is proben, a fried proventriculus of a chicken; the glandular part of an avian stomach that stores food and mixes it with digestive acid and enzymes before it is pushed to the gizzard.

Raw proventriculi are first dipped in cornstarch with choice ingredients, then deep-fried to right crispiness and skewered on bamboo sticks. Sold at P5.00 per stick, proben, usually paired with puso (hanging rice) and buko juice, has become the favorite ‘survival’ food of many college students.

Several concerns were raised regarding the safety of eating proben however; a nutritional and microbial study conducted in UP Los Banos, where probenis also popular, rendered light to the issue. [Download the paper here]

What’s good with proben meal (2 skewers of proben, a puso and a cup of buko juice)?

Well, aside from the fact that perfectly cooked probens are really delicious, with the ‘proben meal', that P20.00 on your pocket can already buy you a full stomach! Good deal, right?

Peak-a-boo, Bopis!

Not to be confused with its viand counterpart, ‘street bopis’ are marinated and fried pigs’ lungs and not sautéed pigs’ liver and heart.

Brick red when cooked, bopis looks crisp and hard on the outside yet surprisingly soft in the inside when eaten cold. That’s why many liked it hot, freshly fried, and dipped it to spiced soy sauce or vinegar.

If you’re looking for bopis, its strong and distinct aroma that comes out in the cooking process, will tell you that a hawker is nearby. And for a more pleasurable bopis experience, be ready with an ice-cold soft drink on your other hand.

Have break, have a ‘kwek-kwek’

Kwek-kwek in Cagayan de Oro is quite different from other places in the Philippines. Here, most hawkers use hard- boiled duck eggs instead of quail or chicken eggs.

Coated with orange-tinted batter then deep-fried to right crispiness, kwek-kwek is served in plastic bowls with slices of cucumber. It depends on your preference then if you want to add spiced vinegar or sweet and sour sauce, and a dash of salt for a more flavorful kwek-kwek experience.

If want to try kwek-kwek make sure it’s freshly fried and don’t forget to ask extra slices of cucumber. Their tastes blend well!

What’s your favorite Pinoy street food? Share it and your experience in the comments section below.

Explore the flavors of Asia at ‘Ah Fong Asian Cuisine’

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 07:51:00 +0000

Craving for Asian food while in Cagayan de Oro? Head to Grand Central in Hayes Street and look for Ah Fong Asian Cuisine. They serve delectable Asian dishes at a reasonable price.

Their Mixed Vegetables is a must try. A mix of fresh and crisp vegetables combined with perfectly cooked meat and tender squids, saturated with just the right amount of savory sauce; only one word can describe it, perfect! My taste buds can still perceived the luscious combination of flavors. Definitely, I will return for another serving!

ASIAN MIX. Ah Fong's Mixed Vegetables, Crab Meat Foo Yung and Bam-i

If their Mixed Vegetables was perfect, the Crab Meat Foo Yung was delightful. It was my first time to try a Crab Meat Foo Yung yet it instantly became one of my favorites! A crab meat omelet perfectly seasoned with choice ingredients that extracted the distinctive taste of crabs, who wouldn't want it? That was yummy! Trust me, you should also try this.

Begun serving the Kagay-anons last August 2014, Ah Fong Asian Cuisine, owned by Ms. Nelia Lee, is committed to satisfy everyone’s craving for Asian food especially with the Chinese cuisine and a bit of Japanese and Filipino dishes.

So #WhenInCDO and want to explore Asian flavors the city has to offer, better go directly to Ah Fong Asian Cuisine. You may visit their Facebook page here, or use the map below if you plan to give Ah Fong a try.

Have you tried exploring the taste of Asia in Ah Fong Asian Cuisine? Share your gastronomic experience in the comments section below.

Read Next: Beyond Sylvannas: The Pane e Dolci Story

Rediscovering the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:01:00 +0000

After a stressful week I decided to take a break and spend quality time with few friends in Iligan or Butuan. Well, that was the original plan.

However, the horrible incident that claimed 44 lives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao pulled out our Iligan and Butuan city getaway. Though these cities are peaceful, we've taken the precaution not to travel far away from home. No one knows what will happen next while the whole country is still mourning and the investigation of the case is on-going.

Thankfully we have Plan C; stay in Cagayan de Oro and spend a day in the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, popularly known as Eco Village. A safer and cheaper plan.

The one-day getaway allowed me to rediscover the tranquil beauty of the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village. The modern structures that perfectly blend with the site's preserved nature was another justification that environment should not be given up for economic growth.

The abundant flora that splendidly bloom almost everywhere in the Garden did not only hinted that life could have been more colorful if we have taken care of our environment but also spoke that there is still hope to live life fuller. Their lushness symbolizes life and hope.

The clean cold air blown by the tall old tress in the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village was therapeutic. It filled my lungs gently making me feel light and clean. I guess I was detoxified. It was really good to take in fresh air and took a break from the polluted gas that we breathe in the city even just for a day.

Another attraction in the Garden was the indigenous people from the different tribes in Mindanao. Impressive were they to preserve their culture and adhere to their traditions despite the dazzling spark of modernism. Why can't we do the same? Why do we always give in to the fad that pulls us away from our traditions?

I asked myself a lot of questions and pondered on many things that day. I guess we were really bounded for Plan C. I hope you will find your self puzzled with these questions when you visit the garden.

If you want to know more about the place, please continue reading.

...........

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

ESCAPE CDO. Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, an ecological-friendly and cultural destination in
Cagayan de Oro.

The Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village is an ecological-friendly and cultural destination in Cagayan de Oro. A 7.2-hectare diversified bio-sanctuary on the rolling terrain of Sittio Cugman Watershed, it showcases the city’s preserved nature and tribal practices of several tribes in Mindanao including the Higaunon, Bukidnon, Subanon, Talaandig, Tigwahanon and Umayamnontribes.

Cottages at the Gardens of Malasag.

The eco-tourism destination has cottages, a dormitory and a restaurant that offer not only descent accommodation and sumptuous food but also a breathtaking view of the Macajalar Bay. Function and recreational facilities such as swimming pool, canopy walk, camping ground and an aviary are also available for use.

Entrance Fee P30.00/person

Room Rates:

*Superior Cottages P1,850.00

*Deluxe Cottages P2,200.00

*Extra Bed P 500.00

Family Room P1,500.00

Dorm (min of 10pax) P250.00/pax

*Inclusive of breakfast

Gardens of Malasag is a government-run park maintained by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), a Department of Tourism attached agency.

PEOPLE OF MALASAG. #GoiNextDoor poses with some of the tribe members in the Gardens of Malasag.

Tribal handicrafts, accessories and musical instruments are sold at the souvenir shop. If you are lucky and if the tribe's members are not busy in welcoming their guests, you will witness how these people made their crafts.

BONES AND BEADS. Some souvenir items sold at the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village.

From the city proper, the site is approximately 20-minute ride away. You can use the map at the bottom of this post as your guide.

CAGED BIRDS. The aviary of Gardens of Malasag.

If you wish to get in touch with the management of Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, you may contact them at the following numbers: (088) 855-6183 or +63-917-896-88-73. You may also visit their website here.

Have you visited the Gardens of Malasag? Share your story on the comments section below or tweet it to @gabrielachacoso.

Help make Christmas possible inside MisOr Provincial Jail

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 02:58:00 +0000

The inmates of Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail and Rehabilitation Center (MOPJ) have something in exchange for our peso- skilfully made parol.

We always speak that Christmas is the season of giving. The best time to share the blessings we received even to people whom we do not know. But every time we try to give, hesitations baffle inside making us think how our few pesos are spent by those who ask for it.

Yet this Christmas, the inmates of Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail and Rehabilitation Center (MOPJ) have something in exchange for our peso- skilfully made parol.

Going to one of the city’s prominent malls, one could not ignore the spark of ccolorful Christmas lanterns or parol behind the rusting iron sheets and wire fence that barricades the MOPJ.

(You may also like: The kids on the streets, the government and us: Finding ways to make ends meet)

Crafted by the inmates themselves, the annual parol making is part of the skills development training program implemented inside the center that aims to provide income to the inmates.It runs for several years now and has financially helped many of the inmates.

[Could be] Last opportunity to help

Last year, the provincial government had announced the transfer of MOPJ to the Municipality of Initao, 55km away from the city proper. The new facility is bigger and will provide a favorable place for the inmates “to grow”. If the transfer pursue, this could be your last chance to help the inmates.

Knowing that not all of the inmates in MOPJ receives visit from their loved ones; for some were intentionally forgotten and disowned by their families for what they have committed, your few peso could be the instrument to make them feel the spirit of Christmas.

If you're still looking for a decor that would complete the Christmas spirit in your home, give time to visit MOPJ and take a glace of their parols. Maybe a parol there would grab your attention and, indirectly, make you blessing to the man behind the bars who crafted that parol.

The price range of the parols in MOPJ is from P50.00 to P1500.00 depending on the size and decoration. MOPJ is located across the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office in Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City. If you wish to visit the site, the map below could be of great help.

Share your thoughts about this post on the comments section below.

#WishList: A Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:17:00 +0000

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines- Lola Sepha was sitting near the door. Alone and silent, her eyes were fixed outside. Seemed she was wondering how vibrant life beyond the fence is.

On the other side of the room was Lolo Josef. Seated on a bench that gave him a good view of the garden, he appeared to be reminiscing his gone better days; young and active and surrounded by cheerful people.

It was a dull afternoon. No visitors and only the routine activities would consume the remaining hours of the day: Divine Mercy prayer at three and dinner at five-thirty, then it’s time to hit the hay.

Lola Josefa and Lolo Josef are just two of the 14 elderly people living in St. Joseph’s Golden Home Foundation Inc. (SJGH), a non-profit charitable foundation which serves as a home to indigent and abandoned older Filipino men and women, aged 65 years and older.

Unable to speak and write, both of them were named after the nursing home when the social workers from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) failed to trace their background and families.

Run by the Sisters of Missionary Congregation of Mary, the institution is the only of its kind in Cagayan de Oro. And since founded in September 5, 2003, it has already helped and housed more than 25 indigent and abandoned elderly people; some were laid to rest.

‘Seniors’ in the Philippines

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that in 2010 there were approximately 6.4 million senior citizens or people ages 60 years old and up in the Philippines.

NSCB also identified that there were 0.8 million and 1.0 million poor senior citizens in 2003 and 2006 respectively, and comprised 4.0% and 4.7% of the poor population for the said years.

The same report also named ARMM, Region IX and Region VII as the regions with the highest poverty incidence (having an income below the Poverty Threshold) among senior citizens in 2006; with 34.3%, 31.0%, and 29.5% respectively.

"Abandoned by the very persons whom they thought would care for

them in their twilight years."--Follow #GoiNextDoor on Facebook.

The rights of senior citizens are enumerated in R.A. 9994, otherwise known as Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. It strengthens the constitutional mandate of the state towards its elderly people; to value dignity and guarantees full respect for human rights.

However, and just like in every sector, not all senior citizens are enjoying their rights. Some are neglected, abandoned and worst, abused by their own family.

Just like in some cases of the elderly at SJGH, abandoned by the very persons whom they thought would care for them in their twilight years.

Back in St. Joseph

Boredom is inevitable in nursing homes like SJGH. Aside from lack of facilities that will help strengthen the body of the elderly, the institution is not also known to many, even to the city residents, thus few visit the site.

Lolo Josef sitting in a wooden bench. If you know him personally or know the whereabouts of his family, please contact the SJGH. Photo courtesy of SJGH Facebook Page.

“We are hoping that many people will visit us; share their time and organize activities that will entertain our elderly. It will help ease their loneliness and boredom” shared Mr. Steve Sacal, the resident nurse of SJGH.

“Groups are preferable but it doesn't mean we discourage individual walkthrough” Mr. Sacal continued. “Our elders do not need much material gifts. The time you will spend with them is enough to make them happy” he added.

Aside from visits, the institution has printed their wish list. It contains everyday commodities that will help the elderly live a better life. And that includes milk, sugar, biscuits, cooking oil, coffee, shampoo, body soap, detergent soap, dishwashing soap, diapers, toilet paper, alcohol, Zonrox, soy sauce, vinegar, rice and powder soap.

The institution is also in need of big cooking pot, frying pan, kettle, tables, plates, spoons and forks, chairs, ladle, blender, toaster, electric air pot, basin and pail, and cleaning materials such as mops.

As for the medication of the elderly, SJGH needs help to acquire Amlodipine (10mg/tab), Losartan (50mg/tab), Aspirin (80mg/tab), Simvastatin (40mg/tab), ISMN (30mg/tab), Essentiale forte, Celecoxib (200mg/tab), Trimetazidine (35mg/tab), Captopril (25mg/tab), Chlorpromazine (50mg/tab), Fluimucil (600mg/tab), Arcoxia (120mg/tab), Memantine (10mg/tab), Carbamazepine (200mg/tab), Metoprolol (tartrate, 50mg) and multivitamins with Iron.

In what we call the jolliest time of the year, and when most of us will celebrate Christmas in the comfort of our loved ones, there are people who need care, time and attention. Just like the elderly at SJGH.

What makes Lolo Josef and Lola Sepha keep looking outside? We are uncertain. Maybe we are right to think that they are wondering what’s beyond the fence. Or, they could be reminiscing their gone better days. It leaves us unsure.

Could it be that they keep looking outside in anticipation for our arrival to celebrate their golden years with us? It could be!

We should not deprive them of the simple things we can do for now. Let's share the most precious gift we ever received, let’s share our time to the elderly in St. Joseph’s Golden Home Foundation Inc.

St. Joseph's Golden Home Foundation, Inc., is located at Clemente Fernandez Extension -
18th St. Nazareth, 9000 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. You can reach them through this number: (088) 856-3755. You may also send them your message at their email address: sjghf_cdo@yahoo.com or through their Facebook page. The map below could be also of great help.

Share your thoughts about this post. Use the comment form below.
A version of this post was published in Rappler.com. Read it here.

AIDS: Creeping in the Dark

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 08:43:00 +0000

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines- Two shadows were approaching, and then a hint of light revealed their identities: a young gay couple.

One of them was tightly holding the arm of his partner. Then they were gone in the dark.

The beach was silent and calm that night. Dark and tempting areas were everywhere, unlit cottages lined up.

“I went with him because I was attracted to his gay companion earlier. I thought it was his friend who would play with me,” John said while dusting off the sand in his body.

“He laid me down in the sand while he was playing mine,” he continued. “And he asked me to get inside him and I did even without condom. When we were both done, he gave me P100.”

AIDS in the Philippines

John is 19; he has medium built body and stands about 5’10.

He belongs to the 15-24 age bracket in which AIDS and HIV-positive individuals spike in alarming rate according to UNICEF.

For August this year, 509 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals were confirmed by the STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL) and reported to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry. This was 33% higher compared to thesame periodlast year.

[SCREENSHOT] The rising HIV/AIDS cases in the Philippines from 2012-2014 . SOURCE: PNAC, August 2014 report

Of the those cases, 146 were recorded in John’s age group and the most predominant mode of transmission was “males having sex with other males,” which was responsible for 87% of all infections that month.

In a 2012 UNAIDS report, the Philippines was one of the 9 countries that lost the battle against HIV/AIDS, alongside Bangladesh, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, and Sri Lanka. These countries failed to stop the spread of the virus when new cases worldwide have dropped by 50% from 2001 to 2011.

Every 3 hours someone in the Philippines is infected with the virus. In 2012, there were only 9 new cases of HIV/AIDS reported every day and only 1 new case every 3 days in 2000.

In the 1990’s, Sarah Jane Salazar was the face of the AIDS in the country. Her sufferings due to the infection were proof of the strength of the virus. In June 2000, at the age of 25, she died from AIDS complications.

Her death, however, seemed not enough to warn younger and future generations.

In 2008, Wanggo Gallaga, a Filipino gay man, told the public that he is HIV-positive. He helped revived the conversation on HIV/AIDS in the country.

Youth, awareness

UNICEF and the Department of Health (DOH) were both alarmed by the high number of young Filipinos — as young as 10 years old — who tested positive for HIV/AIDS.

In 2013, a 17 year-old girl was reported to be the youngest person who died from AIDS in Davao City. She was 15 years old when she acquired the virus. For confidentiality, her identity was not made public.

In the K-12 program of the Department of Education, sex education — with emphasis on infections like HIV/AIDS — begins in Grade 8. Broader topics are then discussed in Grades 9 and 10. However, since 2007 the dropout rates in the country for both elementary and secondary levels have been slowly rising.

The rise in dropout rates is adding new digits to the “unaware” population or those who are most prone to the infection.

"How hard is it to talk about sex and its risks among family members especially among the teens? Apparently for many, it’s really hard, as well as awkward."

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Sex education — which includes sexual health — is considered taboo topic in most households.

How hard is it to talk about sex and its risks among family members especially among the teens?

Apparently for many, it’s really hard, as well as awkward. But will you allow ignorance to prevail? Lucky are those who could afford to send their children to schools where sexual health is being discussed, but how about those who can’t?

Today with modern technology, many young people are being tempted by the pleasures of sex. Many young people are facing the risks. Not talking sexual health is like pushing our youth to fall to the trap.

In this Rappler article, Dr. Margie Holmes and Mr Jeremy Baer addressed the letter of a mom who have discomforts talking sex education with her daughter. In their reply, they both emphasized the importance of proper sex education among youth and the dangers of being misinformed by peers and the internet.

There are also cons in talking sexual health and of sex education in general of course, but the pros outweighs those. Read it here.

In this generation where our youth faces different issues, our guidance is necessary. Letting them feel that we are open and willing to listen even in sensible issues is a way providing them a sense of security.

It is being responsible adult apart from giving them their basic needs.

In discussing sexual health, these links could be of great help:

Link 1

Raising Healthy Kids 1

Raising Healthy Kids 2

The DOH and non-governmental organizations like Love Yourselfhave recognized the importance of education and awareness in AIDS/HIV prevention. It is only through awareness we can stop the spread of disease if abstinence is not an option.

Going back to John, how many Filipino youths are in his situation? No statistics is currently available, but one thing is certain, John is not alone. Is he still safe? Let’s just hope he still is.

The alarming trend of infection is laid in front of us: young victims are on the rise and some of them are dying. When will we take action to protect our youth? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Pane e Dolci: Taking Sylvannas to a new level

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:01:00 +0000

Months ago Pane e Dolci surprised their patrons with four new flavors of their favorite Sylvannas: chocolate, nutella, peanut butter and red velvet. An experimental move that raised the dessert shop another step ahead to their competitors.

Hailed as Cagayan de Oro’s authority in Sylvannas, Pane e Dolci is responsible for the Sylvanna craze in the city and even captured the attention of a When In Manila blogger. Truly, a must try gastronomic experience when in Cagayan de Oro.

The food blog Mangaon ta bai! gives description to the now five flavors of Sylvannas, including the original recipe. You can read the post here.

Sylvannas is not the only sweet treat that the establishment offers. They also sell cakes, cookies and more. (READ: Beyond Sylvannas: The Pane e Dolci Story)

In their Facebook page, Pane e Dolci announced their expansion plans and, reading between the lines, coffee is their next offering! Why not, their goods are all perfect with a cup of warm or cold coffee.

And if you wish to visit this small yet cozy dessert shop, this map will surely help you.

Pane e Dolci is located at the 12th-21st Streets in Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City. Follow them at their Facebook page or call them at the following numbers: 09177086272 or 09177086271

Have you tried the new flavors of Pane e Dolci's Sylvannas? Share your experience in the comments section below!

Beyond Sylvannas: The Pane e Dolci Story

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 01:48:00 +0000

What started as a home-based business idea of colleagues Mark and Ruben is now a popular dessert shop serving the local and visiting patrons. Opened October last year, Pane e Dolci houses Cagayan de Oro’s pride Sylvannas.

Mark and Ruben, both Dietitian and Nutritionist and were working for the same company, came up with the idea mid of 2013. At first it was just a home-based business having their kitchen as the start-up workplace.

Who would have thought that baking and selling cakes to friends paved way for bigger opportunities; more people started ordering that even in the wee hours of the night somebody would knock at their apartment door to order or fetch their goods.

Though a new venture for both them, according to Mark, baking was no stranger for their educational backgrounds provided them the basic skills they needed to begin the business.

Mark said that their most popular product -the Sylvannas- was a later idea and the commercial production was an upshot of a cancelled order. “Someone ordered for Sylvannas however, we failed to deliver it to him because we were so busy at work, so we decided to sell it to our officemates and they liked it. Since then, the demand for Sylvannas keep coming and the rest were history” he shared in vernacular.

With orders flooding at their apartment door, they then decided to set-up a shop to better serve their costumers. “When we were still starting, it was Ruben who worked more on the kitchen: doing the baking and perfecting the recipes and, I’m more on facilitating the administrative tasks.” Mark added. “But currently he’s studying abroad, so I’m in-charge of almost everything" he continued.

Pane e Dolci formally opened their shop October last year and is also co-owned by Ruben’s mom.

Surprisingly ‘non-commercialized’ quality

Though getting more popular, Pane e Dolci still religiously follows the recipes that their costumers first tasted and loved, the recipes that keep them coming back for more. Thus, maintaining the high homemade quality of their goods. “We did not change or replace any single ingredient nor modify its quantity in our products.” Mark said.

Asked to compare their products to commercial brands, he said: “What people do not realize is that even our products are a bit pricey compared to those commercial and more popular brands, the qualities of our goods are better compared to theirs”.

True, Pane e Dolci’s cakes are of high quality; from the cake itself to the decorations, everything is perfected.

See four of their cakes below.

Blueberry Cheesecake

Beautifully decorated Carrot Cake

Aerial view, Carrot Cake

Aerial view, Chocolate Mud Cake

The luscious Chocolate Mud Cake

Aerial view, Dark Red Velvet Cake

The surprising Dark Red Velvet Cake

Pane e Dolci’s cakes and their other offerings are made only with the best locally available and imported ingredients, “We have supplier that allows us to acquire the best imported ingredients to be used on our cakes. The chocolates that we are using for instance are imported.” Mark said.

As seen on their Faceboook page, Pane e Dolci’s products doesn't only satisfy Kagay-anons, it also pleases the cravings of the people in Butuan, Iligan and even in Marawi.

Their products are reaching these places through inked distribution agreements and social media testimonials.

And just recently, according to a post in their Facebook page, they are finding ways to expand in Davao! Truly, Pane e Dolci is making marks to be Cagayan de Oro's pride.

So do not let yourself be left behind, try Pane e Dolci now!

Pane e Dolci is located at the 12th-21st Streets in Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City. Follow them at their Facebook page or call them at the following numbers: 09177086272 or 09177086271

Have you tried any of Pane e Dolci's offerings? Share your story in the comments section below!

Badjao in the City

noreply@blogger.com (Goi Next Door) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:17:00 +0000

Tagged as "Gypsies of the Sulu and Celebes Seas", the Sama Dilaut, commonly known as badjao have now invaded the city streets in search for a better life.

Poverty and inadequate attention of the government for the minority group are sighted as the major reason.

Cagayan de Oro (CdO) is one of the many urban sites that have become the new home for the opportunity seeking badjao. Agora Tabacoan, located in between of the Agora Market and of the modern shores of the city became their refuge. With its location, the site is a perfect niche to the new city comers.

The city streets became the life support for many city badjaos. The young, with their pipe drums sings with their nomadic tongue in exchange for some peso. The women, often seen on the streets carrying their child, reaches their hand to the commuters when the traffic light hits red. Men are rarely seen on the streets.

Digna, a badjao of Zamboanga inheritance moved to CdO some years ago with her family. Poverty had caused them to leave their old ways and to live a life that was once stranger to them.

Many says that they are sluggish but they are not. As Sea Gypsies, they had established their name and built a reputation. Life in the urban streets may be new to them but this doesn't them in believing for a better life.