Live in the Moment

Musa Ornata

2012-02-10T23:24:00.003+08:00

Banana Heart/Puso ng Saging, Musa Ornata

Musa Ornata is one of more than 50 species of banana, it is usually grown for decorative purposes. It originated in southeast Asia and widely distributed throughout tropical regions. It grows up to 8 to 10 feet and produces pink flowers and small, dark pink or crimson fruit that tends to be inedible. The fruit is a banana that is seeded and also inedible. A fast grower, Musa Ornata provides a lush tropical feel to the garden, inflorescence and fruit are an interesting sight.

For all that you are and all that you do, and for the many ways you make my heart sing. ~ Leland Thomas

Linking to Macro Flowers Saturday and Today's Flowers

Signs: World Heritage Site

2012-02-08T23:40:00.001+08:00

@ mirandablue

One of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites Baroque Churches of the Philippines, Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion was built in 1765 in the town of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. The church sits on top of a solitary hill beside the town plaza.

My contribution to Lesley's Signs, Signs

D/ABC Wednesday

2012-02-07T22:23:00.002+08:00

D is for Doorstep

There must be a door here a long time ago. I could easily imagine children sitting or playing on the doorstep, or young girls having girl-talk---a reminder of a gentler time. Built at the turn of the century, this is what remains of a beautiful mansion that was burned down by American and Filipino soldiers in 1942 to deflect the Japanese forces from establishing a headquarters here. The Ruins in Talisay City has become a local attraction after the heirs cleaned up the property, and opened the place and garden as venue for parties and wedding reception.

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Mellow Yellow Monday: Yellow door

2012-02-06T09:53:00.004+08:00

From my archive---a yellow door with capiz at one of the old Spanish houses in Calle Crisologo in Vigan. I hope somebody would remember the terrace was gone before stepping out of this door.

More cheerful yellows @ Mellow Yellow Monday

White Frangipani

2012-02-04T00:19:00.000+08:00

White Frangipani, Plumeria obtusa, Plumeria pudica, Kalachuchi, Everlasting Love

Frangipanis originate from South America and there are some 300 species. There is a theory that Catholic missionary priests spread frangipanis around the world as they traveled. The reason why different species are popular and common throughout the Philippines and Thailand, and rare in Vietnam and China. Locally known as kalachuchi, the flowers give off a strong perfume at night to attract hawk moths that pollinate the flowers. This flowering tree loves warm climates and can survive months of hot weather without water. I associate the heady scent of frangipani with death as the flowers were popularly used as sympathy flowers and wreaths at funerals when I was growing up.

We do not remember days, we remember moments.

~ Cesare Pavese

Linking to Macro Flower Saturday and Today's Flowers

GoodAh's Classic Goto

2012-02-02T23:00:00.005+08:00

If you remember a light aircraft that crashed in Paranaque in early December, it was more or less a kilometer away from GoodAh. I was on my way home when it happened and the traffic was just horrible. GoodAh was a lifesaver---I was having this Goto while firetrucks and ambulances rushed to the scene of the crash.

Goto is a Filipino version of Congee, it has tripe, pork cracklings, ginger, fried garlic, boiled egg and green onions. I had tokwa't baboy as a side dish.

Linking to Maiylah's Food Friday and Willa's Food Trip Friday

Mosaic sign

2012-02-01T23:38:00.003+08:00

Sign at the garden in Camayan Beach Resort, Subic Freeport

Linking to Lesley's Signs, Signs

C/ABC Wednesday

2012-01-31T21:22:00.001+08:00

Silay City Cathedral, Negros Occidental

C is for Cupola

In architecture, a cupola is a small, most often dome-like structure on top of a building. Often used to provide a lookout or to admit light and air, it usually crowns a larger roof or dome. Cupolas often appear as small buildings in their own right. They often serve as lantern, belfry or belvedere above a main roof. In other cases, they may crown a tower, spire or turret. C is also for church and cathedral.

a belfry of the 16th century Santa Maria Church
Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Mellow Yellow Monday: Appetizer

2012-01-30T09:18:00.002+08:00

A popular Filipino appetizer and side dish for grilled fish or grilled pork---diced tomatoes, green mango and white onion relish topped with sweet & spicy shrimp paste. Forget about spoon and fork...with this, eating with your bare hands is more exciting.:p

Linking to Mellow Yellow Monday

Sign language

2012-01-25T22:21:00.004+08:00

@ Fort Santiago
Intramuros, Manila

Linking to Signs, Signs

B/ABC Wednesday

2012-01-24T21:29:00.001+08:00

B is for Balatron (a joker, clown, babbler)

I put myself up for a challenge of posting an unusual word for my ABC Wednesday photo. Wish me luck!

A clown who entertained the kids at my nephew's 4th birthday.

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Mellow Yellow Monday: Alarm Clock

2012-01-23T10:39:00.001+08:00

A rooster strutting with confidence at my aunt's backyard. It was his duty to wake me up every morning while I stayed in the farm, and he was a reliable alarm clock.

Linking to Mellow Yellow Monday

White Alder

2012-01-20T22:29:00.001+08:00

Cuban Buttercup, White Alder, Turnera Subulata

White Alder is a perennial herb, native to West Indies, Brazil and Central America. It has also totally invaded my aunt's perimeter fence.

The secret to living contently and sanely in this modern world is to find the beautiful in the ugly-but don't get confused which is which. ~ Terri Guillemets

Linking to Macro Flower Saturday and Today's Flowers

Tinomok

2012-01-19T23:27:00.001+08:00

This dish was a hit to my siblings. It's probably the hunger generating spicyness and nostalgia-inducing coconut milk. It's called Tinomok, a bit like laing, only better, according to Gerry's Grill's website. I know laing but it was the first time I heard of Tinomok. It's a Bicol delicacy, and according to my brother, it's chicken wrapped in gabi leaves and cooked in coconut milk. I believe it's basically the same as the Ilonggo's Pangat, but instead of chicken, pork or dried fish (usually labahita) is used.

Linking to Food Friday and Food Trip Friday

Signs: Jeepney

2012-01-18T22:12:00.002+08:00

The iconic Philippine jeepney as a decorative fixture at KKK Pinoy Food Revolution, a local restaurant. The sign at the side is one of the routes public utility jeepneys ply everyday. And do check out the menu.:p

Linking to Lesley's Signs, Signs

A/ABC Wednesday

2012-01-17T22:17:00.001+08:00

@ mirandablue

A is for Antique

A pair of antique glass wick lamp using kerosene at Grandpa's Inn in Vigan. We used this kind of lamp at my grandmother's house when I was a kid---there was no electricity then.

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Mellow Yellow Monday: Snack attack

2012-01-16T10:46:00.006+08:00

A late night attack of the munchies got me corn chips and creamy spinach dip. Munch, munch, munch!:p

Linking to Mellow Yellow Monday

Crinkled and pink

2012-01-13T22:49:00.003+08:00

Pale pink flower with crinkled petals. I hope somebody would identify this beauty.

Dwarf Pink Oleander [Nerium Oleander]
or
Pink Mexican Petunia "Chi-Chi" [Ruellia brittoniana]
Thank you to Jama and Squirrel Queen

Perfect is boring, your imperfections are what make you truly beautiful.

Linking to Macro Flower Saturday and Today's Flowers

Signs: Unlimited Rice!

2012-01-11T23:39:00.002+08:00

Not your kind of place if you're cutting down on carbs.
For rice-eating Filipinos, fast-food chains and food stalls offering unlimited rice attract more customers. I wonder why nobody's offering bottomless coffee.

Linking to Lesley's Signs, Signs

Mellow Yellow Monday: Heliconia

2012-01-09T10:36:00.001+08:00

Heliconia psittacorum, Parrot's Beak, Parakeet Flower, Palse Bird-of-Paradise

That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.

~ Ninon de L'Enclos

Linking to Mellow Yellow Monday

Pink Zinnia

2012-01-06T11:10:00.000+08:00

Zinnia, Youth-and-Old-Age, Zinnia violacea, Crassina elegans

Zinnia is a Mexican wildflower and widely distributed in the Philippines. It belongs to the Daisy family and there are more than 200 species---Zinnia elegans is the most well-known. The early Spanish colonists in Mexico found the flowers ugly and called them "mal de ojos" (evil eyes).

Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

~ Veronica Shoffstall

More flowers from around the world @ Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Flower Saturday and Today's Flower

Twisted buttered bread

2012-01-05T23:03:00.002+08:00

I wish I could tell you that I baked the bread.

Got them from The French Baker---all I did was reheat them before serving.:p

They're great with coffee, hot choco and pasta.

Linking with Food Friday and Food Trip Friday

Sign @ Busuanga airport

2012-01-05T00:19:00.002+08:00

Sign at the departure area of Busuanga Airport.

Translation: Notice: To stop the spread of a pest Mango Pulp Weevil, bringing out of mangoes and other plants is strictly prohibited.

Mangoes will be confiscated and violators will be fined.

Linking to Lesley's Signs, Signs

Mellow Yellow Monday: Tricycle

2012-01-01T22:45:00.000+08:00

A tricycle on the street of Culion Island, the usual means of transportation in the island. It can load up to 6 passengers, sometimes, even more.

Wishing you a great 2012! Happy New Year!

More splashes of yellow at Mellow Yellow Monday

Canna Lily

2011-12-30T14:48:00.004+08:00

Canna "Zebra"

Canna Lily is a pretty common flower around here, it adds a splash of tropical color on hedges and road sides. They're usually mass-planted in groups of the same color for a stunning effect. Not a true lily, Canna Lily is a genus of 19 species of flowering plants; they're clumping, hardy perennials with some of the most vivid colors that you will ever see.

With arms outstretched I thank.

With heart beating gratefully I love.

With body in health I jump for joy.

With spirit full I live.

~ Terri Guillemets

Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous New Year!

Linking to Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Flower Saturday and Today's Flower