Durian, The King of Fruits

When hear Davao City, Philippines, first come to our mind is the famous Durian!

Durian, also known as Durio zibethinus. The name “durian,” comes from the Malay word “duri” (which means “thorn”) together with the suffix “–an.”

A lot of people don't want the powerful smell of the durian. But when tasted, creamiest and some variety does have a light bitter taste.

Durian fruit usually in season during August. And that's when our famous "Kadayawan Festival" celebrated.

Visit Davao City for our famous Durian fruit and delicacies especially the Apo ni Lola for some Davao Pride.

Some of my favourites:

1. Durian Yema
2. Durian Ice Cream
3. Durian Coffee
4. Durian Fruit (Puyat Variety)

Tip from a Davaoeño, when eating durian durian fruit, wash your hands with the inner side of the durian (the smooth portion inside) with flowing water, this will help the smell vanish from your hands. This is proven and tested by me.

Dragon Fruit Cactus

One of the most common fruits seen in market is the "Dragon Fruit".

So what is Dragon Fruit? What are the health benefits to us?

Dragon fruit. An exotic and very fruit and considered as tropical superfood. Known as "Pitaya", and others call this fruit strawberry pear.

I am very interested with this fruit because it claims to be an anti-cancer.

Other benefits are:
a. Help fight chronic diseases - because it is rich in anti-oxidant, helps prevent such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and arthritis.

b. Loaded with fiber which helps in digestion

c. Improves and strengthens immune system

d. Because it was loaded with Iron, it boost low iron levels

e. Best source of magnesium

Dragon fruit is a delicious tropical fruit that’s definitely worth trying.

San Joaquin Cemetery, Iloilo City

I'm back! Its been so long since my last blog. :)

We went to Iloilo City last April 2018. I really love to visit old town especially their old structures. One of the places we've been is the San Joaquin Cemetery. The San Joaquin Cemetery, or know as Campo Santo de San Joaquin, is located in San Joaquin, Southern Iloilo. And I was very amazed because it was preserved.

It was built during the Spanish-colonial period of the Philippines and was initiated by Fray Mariano Vamba in 1892, he was the last Augustinian parish priest in this town.

National Museum of the Philippines declared the San Joaquin Cemetery was declared a National Cultural Treasure in December 2015.

A heritage from the past...

Exotic Cat - Persian/American Shorthaired

In this blogtime of mine, let's talk about cats! I miss our cat. Actually, its my sister's cat. Since my sister is working, "Boa" is left with my mom (I also moved out since I had my son).

Exotic cat I think because she's a combination of a Persian shorthaired and American shorthaired breed. But upon searching the internet, she's more of a American Shorthair. Anyways, whatever the breed is, she's a unique cat because I really love the silver color among her white coat!

She's very interested in our surroundings. I often caught her watching outside our window. She's very interested watching birds or any outside activities. Very calm but loves to be played and petted. They get along with kids. Doesn't bite or scratch them when played.

She always wanted attention. She will do something that will caught your attention like tapping my arm or back with her paw, kiss my face or do some stunts.

Always wanted to sleep in a very quiet place. There's a room in our second floor that no one sleeps. I always caught her there near the window. When I'm looking for her, I always call her because sometimes I couldn't find her.

I've searched the internet and found this one. It might be helpful if you want to choose an American Shorthair from cat.breeds.com

Is the American Shorthair the Right Breed for you?

• Moderate Maintenance: Regular grooming is advised to keep its coat in good shape. It stimulates circulation, massages the skin, and removes debris and loose hair. Frequency should be every few weeks.
• Constant Shedding: Shedding will occur often for this cat breed. It is suggested to brush and comb its coat regularly to reduce the risk of it developing hairballs. Be prepared also to vacuum often.
• Generally Healthy: It doesn't have as many known illnesses and conditions as other cats. Best for owners who do not want to worry about long-term medical costs.
• Low Vocalization: It is known to be quiet. Therefore, owners shouldn't be concerned of excessive and undesirable crying or meowing, especially at night.
• Moderate Attention: This breed needs a moderate level of attention. It provides the appropriate balance for owners who like involving their cats in activities but are also able to be independent. Time alone spent can be 8 hours per day.
• Slightly Active: It does not mind lounging around and being lazy. Some exercise may be necessary to maintain its health. Nonetheless, this breed is perfect for owners who desire non-active cats.
• Good With Others: It is usually good with everyone and can be moderately affectionate towards them.

People are like Garbage Trucks

Just want to share with you this motivational video watched from Youtube.

The Garbage Truck Story

One day, I hopped into a taxi and took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly, a black car, jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed the brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck'

He explained, "Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. NEVER take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on with the routine life." Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...... 'Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.'

* As very rightly said quote:- Life is 10% what you make and 90% how you take!

Copied from https://sites.google.com/site/positivethinkingclub/the-garbage-truck-story

Glan, Sarangani Province

Sarangani is one of the province in Socsargen region, Philippines. Alabel as its capital. 230 kilometers (140 miles) of coastline along Sarangani Bay and Celebes Sea. Located at the southernmost tip of Mindanao, with boarders Davao del Sur and South Cotabato at North, in the east is the Davao Occidental, South of Sarangani is the Celebes Sea.

We went to Glan for their shoreline of powdery white sand beaches of Gumasa. This town is very popular with its beaches. Glan is very traditional. Old colonial houses, lots of trees. Very preserved place. It's the best place to spend your summer getaway. We stayed at Coco Beach Resort.

Coco Beach Resort is very accessible to the public. I mean, you can go resort hopping! Easy access to other resorts. The shoreline is yours! Walking, sunbathing, build sand castles. Others might go for swimming, snorkeling, boating and scuba diving. An amazing view of sunset along the shoreline.

No problems for picnics. There is a market nearby. If you want to go for an overnight, there are room accommodations and amenities. Small stores and canteens which you can order meals.

Coco Beach Resort
Brgy. Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province
For reservations:
0920-971-4119 (smart)
0977-827-2072 (globe)
0922-207-2839 (sun)
(083)893-0324 (PLDT)

Enjoy the white sand beach!