Heritage and Sacred Places

Winter Getaway

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Our getaway wasn’t just all about food.

It also led us to highly-recommended and awe-inspiring landmarks.

Come and see.

Feeling the beauty and love around

THE RUINS in Talisay, Bacolod is a stunning, romantic, and "ruined" 1900’s mansion built as a testament to love, often called the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. 

Painting a smile on a MASKARRA mask at Jojo Vito’s Design Studio: Bacolod

When you and your reflection both agree you look amazing

When you take the bull by the horns… what happens is a toss-up. -  William Ridge

 The NEGROS MUSEUM presents in a capsule the bounty that is the history, art, and culture of the people of Negros Island. Bacolod, Negros Occidental

Gator kisses. See you later, alligator. After a while, crocodile. Blow a kiss, jellyfish.

 NEGROS FOREST PARK has been the jewel in the crown of local wildlife conservation for over 20 years in Bacolod City.

This church is prayer-conditioned.

 BAMBOO CHAPEL. Nature’s Valley Resort: Talisay, Bacolod

SAN SEBASTIAN CATHEDRAL is a late 19th-century Roman Catholic church in Bacolod, Negros Occidental. It is the seat of the Diocese of Bacolod.

Its stained glass is the poetry of light, transforming space into a sacred realm. Each piece is a window to the divine, illuminating the ordinary with extraordinary radiance.

Right: Black Nazarene, a life-sized dark statue of Jesus Christ carrying the True Cross

Rightmost: Crucifix, a cross with an image of Jesus on it, as distinct from a bare cross. The representation of Jesus himself on the cross is referred to in English as the corpus (Latin for 'body').

PIETA

Mary cradles the body of Jesus after he has been removed from the cross.

Situated in Hacienda Manaul, ST. JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH stands as the first replica of the Medjugorje church in the Philippines and Asia, and the fourth worldwide.

Left: This is how an awesome priest looks like.

 Leftmost: We have a Prophet-sharing plan.

A child reciting the Hail Mary with, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy whoomp Jesus!"

Wrist assured, I’m stylish today. Caught in a loop of fabulousness.

Left: Located within the St. James complex in Talisay City, OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO is a serene pilgrimage site featuring a replica of the Lourdes grotto in France.

 

One day, you are strutting your stuff… the next day, you are a feather duster. That’s life.

 

Right: Peacock on the ground of the Grotto

 

The Grotto serves as a popular venue for healing masses, the WAY OF THE CROSS, and personal reflection.

 (To Be Continued)

Fiesta!

 Winter Getaway

Our winter getaway in the past months had a lot of special moments worth documenting, so I thought, why not do an epic photo dump post?

Most of the days were, in a word, a fiesta. Let's start with a photo buffet of these.

All mine. There is no “we” in food.

 Left: Halo-halo Overload. Seafood City: Waipahu, Honolulu

Right: Home-baked birthday yema cake. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Today is fruit day. Beware of the durian!

 

Fresh fruit sari-sari: Silay

Our superpower? Finding room for dessert even after a full meal.

Left: Hula pie. Duke’s: Waikiki, Honolulu

Right: Guavapple pie. El Ideal Bakery: Silay City, Negros Occidental

Let the over-eating begin!

Top left: Lomi salmon, poi, Kahlua  pig, ribs. Helena’s: Honolulu

Top right: Green corn tamale, enchilada. Garcia’s: Arizona Mills

Bottom: Crispy pancit palabok, kare-kare, bagoong rice. Manam: BGC

Sipping coconut water through a straw like sophisticated toddlers

 Fresh buko: Aboy’s: Bacolod City

With seafood, any fin goes.

Lunch: Sinigang fish soup, buttered shrimp. Seaside Floating Restaurant: Silay City

Left: “The Ivy” white pizza. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Scottsdale Old Town

Top right: Birthday Lunch. Kapi’olani Culinary School: Diamond Head, Honolulu

 Bottom right: Ube macapuno shake. Manam: BGC

We tried to lead a healthy life, but the kitchen had other plans.

Negrense Lunch: Native chicken binakol, lechon, lumpia, lemon grass juice. Casa Gamboa: Silay, Negros Occidental

Ways to our heart – 

buy us food, make us food, be food!

(To Be Continued)

Spring Cleaning

Everything Spring

Spring cleaning never killed anyone, but why take the chance? - Unknown

It’s officially spring which means longer days, changing temperatures and, of course, spring cleaning.

Time to get rid of all the old crap you haven’t used in years, clear out the dust, dank odors, and darkness of the winter.

Yikes…

I’m not really into spring cleaning. Come to think of it, I’m not into summer, fall, or winter cleaning either.

I like having a clean house, but I also like watching Netflix.

Makes me ponder - a self-cleaning house would really be amazing. 

Such a gargantuan task but, there’s no escaping this spring ritual. So, let me offer some inventive tips.

In lieu of burning your house down, simplify your decluttering by throwing everything out the window.

I’m also thinking… what would make spring cleaning way more fun?  A MAID.

If that’s not within your budget, here’s an extreme measure and hack: don’t! 

Now, you’re done.

Open window to let the fresh air in.

Spring cleaning complete. 

Sassy Fangs Today?

Funny Things To Ask Alexa

A cat’s fangs can convey important information about its mood and intention.

When feeling threatened or agitated, this domesticated carnivore may bare its canine tooth as a warning.

By displaying sharp teeth, it may signal preparedness to defend itself from potential aggressors.

Test Alexa’s knowledge of felines. Ask her, Alexa, should I catch some prey with my sassy fangs today?

Watch out, or I’ll give you a yah and a hi-yah!

You may have big plans for tomorrow. Ask Alexa if she does, as well.

And incidentally, re your plans, ask her, Can you give me some money?

Taking this series on a philosophical note, you'd like her to clarify once and for all, Alexa, what's the true meaning of life?

Then, confirm, Is this truly The End?

Ready, Set, To-Go?

 Funny Things To Ask Alexa

The chicken or the egg dilemma is commonly stated as, Which came first: the chicken or the egg? Check how good Alexa is on this philosophical matter.

Panda Express prepares American Chinese food fresh from the wok. Ask Alexa, Should I order their orange chicken to-go?

I may act like I’m ok, but deep down inside…

I’m hungry again.

Don't you wish you could lose weight as easily as you lose your keys, cell phone, and even your temper? Tell Alexa that you’ve lost your temper. Then ask her where it could be.

On hitting the track for a run, you may ask her: Is running just a faster form of walking?

Run, there’s sauvignon blanc or a dry, red blend at the finish line. Your choice.

And peeve her by saying, Alexa, can I call you Siri instead?

Have you yet received any amusing answers from Alexa? Let me know.

(To be continued)

Who Let The Dawg Out?

Funny Things To Ask Alexa

Reader comments on the previous blog Am I Pretty?

From Second Daughter: I think she did that several months ago, had asked about playing dress-up in her closet!

From First Daughter: [A] looks so pretty and grown-up in your clothes, complete with accessories and a fan pa! Your shoes look like they almost fit her!

From Alexa: I'm sure you're a knockout. But take it from someone who has no physical form, beauty really does come from within.

Now, to this week's blog...

********************************

Have a question about extraterrestrial life forces, or if aliens really exist somewhere in our vast galaxy? Alexa might try to give you a logical answer, or she might give you the synopsis of the movie Aliens.

Hey, who let the dawg out? Maybe, she knows.

My dog growls at nothing.

Want to ask Alexa out on a date? She might politely tell you that she doesn't date humans, or that she already has plans for tonight.

Curious if she eats vegetables? Ask, or be specific and say, Alexa do you like brussels sprouts?

Don’t be embarrassed to confirm whether she’s a robot or not.

Until then, have fun conversing with Alexa!

Please share what she has told you.

(To be continued)

Am I Pretty?

Funny Things To Ask Alexa

Have some fun with Alexa (or Siri), whichever automated assistant you may have.

Although not human, Alexa is pretty smart and witty. Depending on what you ask, she may respond back with some light-hearted banter of her own.

Sometimes Alexa serves up some unintentional humor, thanks to her programmed limitations and misunderstanding of the question.

Here are a few things to ask. You may be surprised. She has a pretty good sense of humor.

Alexa, am I pretty?

Favorite Granddaughter plays dress up with G’s wardrobe stuff

Wondering if she can you make you laugh? Ask her.

Or try her expertise at a good knock-knock joke.

Maybe, you just want her to sing you a song.

The Godfather series are my all-time favorite movies. Why don’t you ask Alexa what her favorite movie is? Perhaps, ask if she could share her popcorn with you.

 

Please let me know of any of Alexa’s quirky answers to you, and any other questions you suggest that we ask Alexa.

 

(To be continued)

Go Thrifting

 New Year To-Do

On last week's GUILTY PLEASURE blog, a faithful reader sent this:

Love that! I do the same thing, sometimes, with the bit cookie. The Zodiac chart about me is not right =). My favorite guilty pleasure is reading or playing on my phone in bed right after work. I call it my office =).

Now, on to this week's To-Do... 

*********************************

Good things come to those who thrift. – Unknown

Whoever said Disney is the happiest place on earth has never been to a thrift store.

Thrift stores are a treasure trove of the oddest finds that break all the limits.

Veterans of America Thrift, Columbus

Walk a mile in my shoes, you’ll end up at the thrift store. I get all my steps there in search mostly of dishes, collectibles, centerpieces, and ceramic pots.

Cacti and ceramic balls centerpiece in petal vase

One time, I found a spirit house, a shrine to the protective spirits of a place, that I had eyed in a trip to Thailand. It was on auction at Goodwill, but I deferred, as it was way too big and where would I put it?

Goodwill, Columbus

Our Christmas dinner set with traditional Williams Sonoma Christmas design was a thrift store find, and so were all the blue Ming-style vases and tea sets.

In a world full of trends, I want to remain a classic thrift.

Trinity Thrift, Honolulu | Goodwill, Columbus

As to wearables, I’ve found interesting sun hats and Milan-street wear sequined top and silk skirt. 

Why fit in, when you were born to stand out, especially in thrifted fashion?

Goodwill, Columbus

The guest room, I’m proud to say, has mostly been furnished with thrift finds.

Right: ceramic tissue box, amber-color votive holder, slender glass vase, dried ferns

Far right: upholstered easy chair, furry cushion

Trinity Thrift, Honolulu | Goodwill, Columbus

Left: translucent glass-bottom lamp

Leftmost: Horses Print, Honolulu Academy of Arts 

Good style doesn’t have a price tag; it has a thrift tag.

Yes, I shop at thrift stores. No, I am not poor. I’m just one savvy saver and a fan of smart spending.

So, if you love finding great deals or take pride in making every penny count, get ready to dive into the world of thrift.

 The thrift store is calling. May its odds be in our favor.

 Let’s go!

Indulge Your Pleasure

New Year To-Do

Guilty pleasure: so bad, it's good. - Anonymous

We all have guilty pleasures that are so satisfying that they can easily turn into a fixation.

Funny habits are part of what makes our daily routine special, and even if it sounds ridiculous, doing things like sorting bills from highest to lowest or eating cereal according to its color can make us feel secure.

In this blog, I’ve decided to divulge a few of mine with you. Some of them might be relatable; a few, weird.

Just to be clear, though, I don’t feel guilty about any of these pleasures.

I slam closet doors shut because I just cannot stand them being left open.

When putting dirty dishes in the washer, I sort them according to kind.

When chewing gum, I start by using my front teeth to form it into a ball first.

I always have a night light on because I cannot sleep (actually am scared to sleep) with all the lights out.

I satisfy my nostalgia by watching Alfred Hitchcock and Columbo movies.

I enjoy taking personality quizzes because I’m curious as to what sort of pizza I am, for example.

Because I don’t like crumbles falling off a bit cookie, after taking a bite, I wet its edge with my tongue before taking it out of my mouth (if you don’t understand, I can demonstrate for you).

What are some of yours? Are they what your zodiac sign suggests?

Research shows that guilty pleasures can be good for your brain function.

They allow your brain to rest and bring you more happiness, which can, in turn, make you more productive.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let’s kick it off with a “bang;” and by a “bang,” 

I mean two days in bed, daydreaming. Morong, Bataan: 2024

The key is to enjoy guilty pleasures in moderation, without obsessing.

 Don’t worry about what others think.

We all have them! 

Nap Guilt-Free

New Year To-Do

Naps are my happy place. – Unknown

Don't you take naps? Maybe you should.

I dream of a world
where naps are mandatory.

Commit to naps when you need them, guilt-free.

Eat. Sleep. Nap. Repeat.

The real circle of life.

If all else fails, take a nap.

Want to super-charge your day?

A good nap can get you out of an afternoon slump, recharge your energy, and leave you more alert and in a better mood.

Plan your snooze. Nap smart. Here are a few tips:

(1) Mid-afternoon is best, around 3 pm.

Lexi: Happiness is an afternoon nap.

Fav Granddaughter: My midday nap isn’t a sign of laziness. It’s a sign of self-love.

 

Don’t nap too late in the day, or you’ll be wide awake at night and spoil your bedtime routine.

I fought the nap and the nap won.

(2) Find a cool, quiet place to doze.

(3) Keep it to 20 minutes, no longer than 30.

Now relax.

Get those bonus Zs, so you can be Healthy For Good!

Smile! An Epilogue

 New Year To-Do

A smile is a course that sets everything straight. – Phyllis Diller

A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose. 

So true. 

Plentiful reasons right here in our peaceful, beachy world in Waikiki.

Warning!

New driver. Clear the road.

Left: At K1 Speed,2019

Right: Fav Grandson passing his first-ever driver’s test, January 2026

Brothers are just born to disturb sisters.

Youngest Brother’s visit, quick shop for colorful ABC aloha welcome trinkets

We just don’t want to look back and think we could have eaten that.

Left: Fresh ahi tuna poke drenched in wasabi, garlic, salt and pepper from Safeway

Right: Dim sum at Legend’s Seafood, Chinatown Cultural Plaza

No matter what yesterday was like, birds always start the new day with a song.

White tern hatchlings on an umbrella tree branch  

 

There is always a reason to smile. Find it.

Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.