nature | beyond toxicity

Posts Tagged ‘nature

May

RIVER SAFARI, SINGAPORE

Mesmerizing tranquility at River Safari, Singapore : Something we don’t see on a daily basis!

May 24, 25, 26, 2013. Singapore. It’s my fourth trip back to the Lion City, third time for Tina & Gabby. With the exception of interrupted sleep due to mandatory bladder breaks, we comfortably endured another 9-hour-bus-trip that departed Penang Sentral few minutes before 9PM, May 23, Thursday. We woke up the following morning (Holiday : Wesak Day) at Larkin Sentral Station in Johor Bahru, alighted the bus with luggage and backpacks in tow, and quickly grabbed bites from the ever reliable fast food joint that offers Big Breakfast. We left again Penang, where we’re currently based, and crossed the borders of Malaysia and Singapore on foot once more. I fear it may become a habit, hehehe!

After checking in at Hotel ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, (blogging next!) we refreshed and hit the roads to ate lunch with Gina, our Filipino good friend who lives in Singapore. After a few hours of engaging chit chat, we went our way to prove what iVenture card is all about.

Fast forward to our second day in Singapore, Tina, Gabby and I decided to use our iVenture cards at River Safari.

When in Singapore, must enjoy its highly efficient buses and MRT

How to get to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari via bus & MRT?

Board the MRT’s North South Line (red line) and alight at Ang Mo Kio station.
Take Exit B and walk to the bus stop at Ang Mo Kio Interchange, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8.
Board Bus 138 at Ang Mo Kio Interchange, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8.
Alight at Singapore Zoological Gardens, Mandai Lake Road and walk to River Safari or Singapore Zoo or Night Safari.
TIP : Use
http://gothere.sg
to locate your traveling directions in Singapore from point A to point B.

That moment when we owned seats at the MRT even for a while

Hello, Singapore Zoo and River Safari!

And we arrived almost lunch time of May 25, 2013, Saturday

We effortlessly bypassed the long queue and walked our way directly to the counter to collect our tickets. How did we do that? We just presented our iVenture cards; et voila!

Cost-saving, convenient and lots of choices with iVenture Card!

What’s iVenture card?

iVenture card operates in theme parks in Singapore, Macau, Australia, Hong Kong & South Africa. We found iVenture card very tourist-friendly as it gives you so many options of theme parks to choose from while maximizing budget and enjoying convenience. We were provided See-Singapore-2-Day-Pass (2 Adults & 1 Child). It’s an UNLIMITED PASS that will NOT require you to pay admission rates at any of the attractions included in the pass; so the more sights you see, the more money you save! Tourists could opt for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. It also comes with FREE guidebook containing maps, directions and tips that may be collected when you claim the iVenture card itself.

The possiblities of fun are infinite!

Here’s the list of attractions included in iVenture Card See Singapore 2 Day-Pass; everything’s FREE unless the discount is indicated :

West (Jurong) : Jurong Bird Park, Snow City, Science Center Singapore
Sentosa : Underwater World Singapore & Dolphin Lagoon, Skyline Luge Sentosa, Fish Reflexology at Underwater World Singapore
North (Woodlands) : River Safari, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo
Orchard Road : National Orchid Garden
Marina Bay : Singapore Flyer, Flight Experience (25% off), Singapore River Cruise, Ultimate Drive (1o% off), Riverview Tandoor (15% off)
Bugis | Little India : The Original Singapore Walks, Trishaw Uncle (30% off)
Chinatown : The Original Singapore Walks, Bath Culture Foot Therapy (10% off)
East Coast : Changi Museum, Forest Adventure, Changi Museum War Trail (20% off)
Riverside | Civic District : Mint Museum of Toys, The Original Singapore Walks, Singapore Pub Crawl (5% off)

Gabby was surprised and apparently happy when he learned we need not to queue with iVenture card

The smiles say it all. We’re very pleased with iVenture Card! We saved time, efforts and money of course! Thank you!

Regular admission rates in SGD as of May 25, 2013. You’ll be able to save more when you purchase iVenture card instead of availing tickets with its regular cost

Photos, photos and more photos at the facade of River Safari

And we’re ready and excited to explore the only river-themed park in Asia! Let’s go!

While some people have developed an aversion to zoo, theme parks, wildlife conservatories, aquariums and aviaries, my family and I are otherwise. More than the thought that it provides learning beyond books and experience outside classrooms, Tina and I were delighted to see Gabby’s wide eyes and ear-to-ear-smile, before the sight of those river-dwelling-animals, that he only sees when he watches his favorite, Nat Geo Wild on cable TV. Those moments spent in River Safari were certainly priceless!

I hope this humble blog post will make its readers more aware of preservation of rivers and other bodies of water.

It was a pleasure to explore Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. With its 2 zones namely, Rivers of the World and Wild Amazonia, River Safari puts spotlight over 5,000 land and water animals representing 300 species!

Here’s a few of what we appreciated inside River Safari, starting with Mississippi River :

Alligator Gar | Atractosteus spatula | Ikan Buaya Gar.

“The largest of of all gars, growing up to 3 meters and over 100 kg. The wide alligator-like snout is lined with razor-sharp teeth. Its flesh is edible (No, thank you!), but the eggs are toxic to humans.” -as per label, River Safari

Alligator Snapping Turtle | Macrochelys temminckii | Penyu sentap

“One of the largest fresh water turtles in the world. Males can weigh over 100 kg. Their massive jaws are so powerful, they can easily snap off one’s finger.” -as per label, River Safari

Mississippi Paddlefish | Polyodon spathula | Ikan Dayung Mississippi

“The flat snout detects electric impulses to navigate and locate food. Paddlefish eggs are sold as caviar. Its cousin, the Chinese Paddlefish, is critically endagered.” -as per label, River Safari

Pong Pagong, is that you, dude? hehehe!

Congo River :

~~Can someone identify this yellow fishie fishie for me, please?~~ Pufferfish. Cute!

There’s the longest, River Nile then the enchanting, Ganges River :

At the Ganges River section of River Safari

You can sue me for being clueless but honestly, I initially thought those 2 Indian Gharial were only cemented statues inside those huge tanks. I disregarded my thoughts when I saw them moved from one corner to another, while the school of small fish went swimming haywire for their precious lives. Hehehe!

Indian Gharial | Gavialis gangeticus | Buaya julung julung

“The gharial got its name from the Hindi word, ghara which means “pot”. This bump at the tip of the male’s snout is believed to amplify buzzing sounds during courtship.” -as per label, River Safari

En route to Mekong River :

Meet the Crab-Eating Macaques between Murray and Mekong River…

Mind Your Monkey Manners. Touch Not. Stare Not. Feed Not

What else can be found in Mekong River? Mekong Giant Catfish!!!

Massive, impressive aquarium of Mekong Giant Catfish

A few steps after the Mekong River section, red and pink Oriental lanterns adorn the ceilings, while bamboo fence lined the walkway. Do you have a hint about the next river?

The walk towards Yangtze River

At this point, we became more excited to see the pandas!

Surprisingly, it’s not only the Giant Pandas on feature at the Giant Panda Forest at River Safari…

Red Pandas or Firefox. There are a couple of playful firefox, running & climbing trees actively at River Safari

Before the sighting of the Giant Pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, we saw the panda’s menu.

Yes, dear. Pandas eat bamboos. It’s their staple actually. I also learned it late, only after I saw live ones in Chiang Mai last December 2012. Never too late to learn!

Unfortunately, the girl and smaller panda, Jia jia was out of sight as she is being prepared to munch bamboos. Nonetheless, we stared for several minutes at the male and bigger panda, Kai Kai.

Sleeping like a babe. Wake up, Kai Kai! Chow time, baby!

Happy to see Kai Kai, the giant panda!

Panda’s Developmental Milestones. Interesting, isn’t it?

We felt so privileged and happy to experience River Safari through iVenture card! Thank you very much!

Despite River Safari’s soon to open-Wild Amazonia is still a work in progress, this theme park has started to boast a crystal clear awareness campaign to preserve and conserve rivers and other bodies of water.

Let rivers live forever!

It was one special weekend we will never forget! Thank you so much!

Via @teensantos on instagram

iVenture Card may be purchased via their website : www.iventurecard.com.

To activate iVenture experience package, present the booking receipt that’s emailed upon purchase online, to the customer service staff at any of these locations :

313 @ Somerset Concierge Desk | Basement 1, Orchard Rd
HS Travel Hong Kong International Airport Arrival Hall, Counter 88 (Opposite Exit A)
Singapore Flyer (where we redeemed our iVenture cards) Guest Services Lounge | 30 Raffles Ave, Sg
Singapore River Cruises, Clarke Quay
Underwater World Singapore, 80 Siloso Rd, Sentosa

*Special thanks to iVenture Card Singapore and Hotel ibis Singapore on Bencoolen | website : www.ibis.com

*While this is a sponsored blog post, the words are all mine unless quoted, and were never influenced by anyone.

This post is a part of Singapore Blog Series : May 2013.

May

CANNONBALL

By docgelo 4 Comments

Categories: Attitude, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: amateur photography, beauty, cannon ball, cannonball, cannonball flower, cannonball tree, fauna, flaws, flora, flowers, imprefections, Life, life's lessons, nature, nature photography, penang botanic gardens, penang botanical garden, penang malaysia, photography, photos, tree

It’s already past noon when we arrived in Penang Botanical Garden one Sunday this May and despite the Malaysian sun was scorching hot, I did not pass the chance to admire the Cannonball trees again. Like my first visit to this tourist spot about a year ago, I was drawn once more with curiosity and fascination to this tropical tree.

It takes no genius to figure out that its common name was derived from its huge, spherical and heavy fruits. With its mighty height and branches and twigs that humbly touch the grounds, and with its charming pink, yellow and scarlet blooms, one could either find it so odd and bizaare or uniquely charming and special. Inspite of the fact that Wiki describes it to possess antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and analgesic qualities among other medicinal value, its flowers still lack nectar. Beauty is easily seen and appreciated when we learn to embrace imperfections and flaws.

Apr

METAMORPHOSIS : PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM

By docgelo 20 Comments

For almost two years of living and working in Malaysia, most of our weekends are spent either enjoying the comforts of the 11th-floor-seaview appartment that we’re renting in Butterworth, our so-called-second home or exploring what Pulau Pinang has to offer. We’ve been to a few heritage sites, clan houses, public beach, various shrines of worship, shopping malls and groceries of course, have dined in local restaurants, some hotels and street hawkers, have gone to some of those must-see-tourist-spots in this island; yet, there’s actually so much more places to visit that are reserved for our Saturdays and Sundays.

Last weekend was no exception. With my 7-year-old son in tow, we celebrated another Saturday the best way we know how (read : family bonding) and finally set foot in The Tropical World’s First Live Butterfly and Insect Sanctuary, Penang Butterfly Farm.

Because my wife, Tina had to attend to a weekend medical community service required at work and my mom wasn’t feeling well to leave home, last Saturday, 04/21/2012 was another day of father-and-son-bonding. Incidentally, it was a day prior to Earth Day 2012 so I thought it was so appropriate and timely for Gabby and I to visit a nature’s theme park and passed up killing time on a weekend inside the mall. We’re happy to learn some things about nature and inevitably, ourselves too.

UNEXPECTEDLY, ALMOST IN PANIC

Had I not brought Gabby to this butterfly sanctuary, I would not know that he’s not that comfortable with delicately winged creatures randomly landing on his body. It was unbelievable because Gabby was even more excited than I am to go there and he himself labeled the day as our “Adventure Day” so I was very surprised that he almost panic when butteflies flew over him. I asked him to calm down and assured him that we’re safe with the butterflies and that it cannot harm us. He told me remarkably that he’s more at ease to see reptiles (Me: “What?!!! I usually freak out with the mere sight of snakes!). A couple of hours after, he’s already at home with the butterflies. I thought he was just overwhelmed as it was his first time to experience such. Nonetheless, he learned to appreciate those colorful day-flying insects before we ended our visit.

It was almost 12 noon when Gabby and I arrived at the front office of the Penang Butterfly Farm located in Teluk Bahang, near the tail end of the famous Penang coastline-beaches, Batu Ferringhi.

FREEBIES, DISCOUNTS AND MORE BLESSINGS!

When I was about to pay the entrance fees for me and Gabby, the male Front Office staff at the window-counter inquired if I am a tourist or a Malaysian (because of different Admission rates), I told him that I am a Filipino expat working as a Medical Lecturer since 2010 in Penang. He then asked for some IDs but I didn’t bring my company ID nor my passport with me. While I was flipping my card holder….

Staff : “It’s OK, I saw you have Malaysian cards (referring to my credit cards and rewards-discount cards). Here you go… (He handed me two entrance tickets, 2 souvenir-notebooks, actually they’re DIY-Butterfly-garden-notebooks with a pair of tiny envelopes each containing something you put into the soil of flowering plants for it to bloom and attract butterflies, and 2 butterfly-shaped brochures).”

He only charged us 18 ringgit for me and 10 ringgit for Gabby instead of the usual rates (RM 27 per adult and RM 15 per kid).

Me : ” Wow, thank you for the discount and freebies! Sir, can i shoot some photos inside? I’ll post photos in my blog and feature our experience here.”
Staff : “Sure, no problem! Great! What’s your blog’s URL?” (he got a pen and a sheet of paper and was ready to write)
Me : “Go check out, docgelo.wordpress.com, Sir. Thank you!
Me : “And by the way, my blog is nominated in the Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Awards. You may want to vote too, haha! What’s your name, Sir?”
Staff : “Edzil. Enjoy, pare! (*insert English translation of ‘pare’ here*)“
Me : “Alright, Thank you!”

After we stayed for 3 hours inside the butterfly sanctuary, Gabby and I headed to the food kiosks just before the exit and ordered Chicken and Cheese sandwich, a bottle of cold distilled water, 2 cups of Mango juice.

Edzil : “Doc, I’ve checked out your blog, you take good photos, man!”
Me : “Hahaha! Thank you for your viewing my blog! What’s your name again, Sir?”
Edzil : “Wait, I’ll get my business card.”

Sir Edzil happens to be Penang Butterfly Farm’s Front Office Assistant Manager.

Edzil : “Doc, your food is on us! Don’t bother to pay them.”
Me : “C’mmon?!!! Allow me to pay for this, please!”
Edzil : “No, it’s on the house, if he (referring to the staff at the food kiosk) asks you to pay, then you pay, but surely he won’t, haha!”
Me : “Wow, thank you so much!”

With few minutes of chit chat; I learned that he’s actually a Filipino but raised in Malaysia and according to him, there are a few more Pinoys working as tour guides (yes, Penang Butterfly Farm provides informative, amusing and educational tour guiding but I opted to wander around with only Gabby as I took photos). We’re very grateful for his generous gestures.

CHILDREN, COCCOON ISN’T PART OF THE BUTTERFLY’S LIFE CYCLE.

It’s always amazing to learn beyond books and outside the four corners of a classroom. It’s even more wonderful when one practically acquires knowledge hands on. You actually get that learning set-up in Penang Butterfly Farm. The actual Science that speaks about the life cycle of these flying insects happens right before your eyes!

So the life cycle only includes EGG (those tiny yellow ones in the next photo) –> CATERPILLAR –> PUPA (not coccoon but CHRYSTALIS / NYMPHA) –> ADULT BUTTERFLY (or IMAGO). The caterpillar normally thrives in fruity plants like passion fruit and the like, otherwise, it dies and would not metamorphose into pupa and imago.

But as soon as these chrystalis become adult butterflies,

some of its species ONLY LIVE FOR ONE WEEK.

It made me wonder, how would you spend your life meaningfully if you only have one whole week to live?

Back in the Philippines, I remember going to Orchidarium in Rizal Park in Luneta where a small Butterfly garden is tucked. They usually feed the butterflies back home with bananas, here in Penang, pineapples are their favorite lunch!

One of my favorite spots in Penang Butterfly Farm is this Oriental gazebo adorned with everything Chinese and an interesting concrete bridge.

Gabby talking on the phone with Tina who attended a medical community service required at work.

Would you not be fascinated if you see authentic porcelain sauce dish, cups, plates and even pitcher were embedded as decors in the bridge?

A couple of Mandarin ducks basking under the bridge

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

I must admit, the sun was scorchingly hot during our visit (at least we didn’t have a downpour) so the little airconditioned theater that incessantly shows short films about insects was really inviting; Gabby liked the movies we watched for few minutes.

After watching insect-inspired short films, we walked through the next hallway where Gabby enjoyed another interesting part of Penang Butterfly Farn called, Biodiversity. Here, kids get to stamp their notepads with the park’s mascot prints, play and learn with the interactive touch-screens that feature educational inputs about the environment as a whole. There’s also a part where reptiles and spiders are on display en route to exit towards the souvenir shops.

We went back to the garden where a myriad of butterflies await.

If you must know, I took up BS Biology prior to Medicine and one specimen in Botany that’s hard to forget is the Pitcher Plant. There’s a spot in Penang Butterfly Farm that’s devoted to Pitcher Plant. It’s quite unique for it can trap mosquitoes and other minute insects in its “mouth”, it has somewhat like a prey-trapping mechanism; interesting, is it not?

Then I guess I was lucky enough to be accompanied by two winged friends during our time in the garden. Lucky or stinky already *yikes!*, I do like how Gabby snapped this shot.

Spread your wings and soar!

Just before we had our “free snack” courtesy of Sir Edzil at the food kiosk near the exit gates, we savored Magnum bar (which we paid for, haha!).

never fails to ease up a hot summer day

Nature tripping at Penang Butterfly Farm + Family Bonding + Magnum ice cream bar = simply perfect to end the day. It was another day for family.food & fun!

Penang Butterfly Farm exceeded our expectations! We had a chance to commune with nature. It was where I forgot life’s hassles, worries and stress. Four hours spent there were indeed worthwhile; we had fun!

—————————–

Penang Butterfly Farm. No. 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang 11050 Penang, Malaysia. Tel # +604-885 1253. (It’s accessible by car, taxi cab or by Rapid Penang Bus # 101 from George Town, Penang).

May

PENANG BOTANICAL GARDEN

By docgelo 8 Comments

My first exposure to the idea of horticulture was when I was in fifth grade after my teacher asked us to bring plants, small figurines (I brought a tiny bridge and a water well, both made of ceramic), pebbles, moss, soil and a glazed pot, he taught us to make a “dish garden”.

From then on, I have thought I would have an intense fascination with such, much more to have an instant green thumb; I was absolutely wrong! haha! Well, at least, I learned to appreciate twigs, leaves and flowers.

It was a long tiring week for us but we’re not complaining. In fact, we’re even grateful for days passed by so fast and weekend dawned in a swift.

The challenge has been always to make a variety of experiences every weekend. Apart from finding solace every time we attend mass, it’s a bit sickening when you only go to malls, dine and shop a little and repeatedly do it on a Saturday-Sunday-basis (read : expat life can be dull or fun!).

In a place where most women cover their hair (and practically everything!) with veils for religious purposes, my wife decided to have hers rebonded, haha! It was her very first time to go to a beauty salon, spend a few money for her virgin locks and that was one of her ideas of creativity with weekend.

While my wife’s long straight and shiny hair was under that UFO-looking steamer, Gabby and I decided to leave her inside the mall, hopped on the bus and went to find our own unique Saturday. From bus, we rode this tram that took us to Penang Floral Festival in Penang Botanical Garden…

I have been to a few Botanical Gardens of other countries and honestly, that of Penang wasn’t that impressive (my personal favorite is the Winter Garden in Auckland, New Zealand). Yes, Penang Botanical Garden is a good venue for picnics; a place for strolling and jogging or just kill time and commune with nature but I think I have seen a lot more fantastic gardens before. Nonetheless, the festival made it livelier, with so many plants for sale and for photo-enthusiasts to enjoy…

My son and I never bothered to know the names of the blooms neither asked the vendors of their commodities’ prices, what I remember was we were in awe of the colors.

Among the flowers, I can identify this easily because its name was the brand of the notebooks I used back in college.

And from my PreMed Botany class, I knew this is a pitcher plant…I told Gabby that this plant can trap insects effortlessly. Please don’t tell me they remind you of condoms…oops!

There was a showcase of bonsai too!

Simply amazing!

It was a total feast for the eyes! I felt like a bee, admiring those vibrant and wonderful God’s creations.

Much to my son’s delight, Penang Botanical Garden has these voluminous tailed mammals wandering freely all over!

we almost locked eyes! i wonder if it recognized an old familar face, "long lost relative?" haha! nah!

Like any day in Penang, the sun was unforgiving last Saturday afternoon so after an hour of stroll and getting close with Mother Nature, I decided to go back to the mall where we left Tina (inside the beauty salon).

We brought 2 affordable & small potted bonsai (of course, they’re small; they wouldn’t be called such if they’re not!) as pasalubong for Tina (to bring to our new home come July).

Gabby and I became sweaty and all, I had to freshen him up; changed his shirt but nonetheless, he had his first-hand lessons on nature appreciation and he liked it. It was a day less ordinary.

We ended our Saturday with a simple dimsum dinner after attending anticipated Catholic mass.

Enjoy the new week, everyone!

Apr

AMIDST LUSH GREENS, GOOD FOOD & MOSQUITO BITES

By docgelo 38 Comments

If there’s one thing I love about weekend, it’s the opportunity to escape from my daily routine. The freedom of having time to relax, sleep all day or be in another place -inside the church where I find my weekly dose of peace of mind while attending anticipated Holy Mass, or being in my favorite coffee shop or in bookstore browsing and sniffing books, inside the cinema watching movies, dining and giving in to cravings of delicious bites, being a mall rat for a day, or simply doing anything and being anywhere far from my work desk; I always look forward to enjoying the weekend; it’s simply awesome and refreshing!

For 2 weeks now since my wife and kid arrived from Manila, my days in Penang have been happier. I always take efforts in planning and thinking of how to maximize and enjoy our weekends to the fullest; after all, it’s the only chance in a week that we can be together the whole day.

Last Saturday, 02 April, 2011 wasn’t ordinary. I was excited after my wife agreed that we bring Gabby to Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang, a roughly 2-hour bus and ferry rides from where we stay in Butterworth. It’s a breather from going-to-the-mall, grocery shopping and other things we usually do to while away the weekend.

When was the last time you communed with Mother Nature?

How often do you appreciate her wonders ?

How well do you know those spices in everything we take in?

Would you like to see those spices in bushes before they end up in your kitchen jars?

We arrived at that piece of paradise few minutes before 10AM. At the reception, I paid RM 35 (PhP 490 or USD 12) for the 3 of us, as we availed of their family package. Citronella oil was provided to ward off mosquitoes before we entered the tropical lush greens. Unfortunately, because I forgot to wear sleeves, and wished I have those nylon slip-on fabrics commonly worn by bikers and trekkers and the fact that I easily perspire, mosquitoes feasted on my left forearm. Tina was so alarmed I might catch malaria or dengue but I guess, it wasn’t meant to happen; and the wheal and pruritus (read : itchiness) subsided few hours after. Good thing that Gabby was wearing a jacket and Tina had no mosquito bites. Nonetheless, I and my family had incredibly fun moments at Tropical Spice Garden.

The entrance to that seemingly oasis of tranquility…

Few steps from the facade, we were immediately drawn into a tropical forest with walk steps in between varieties of foliage and few blooms…

Do you play Plants vs Zombies ? Do you recognize those lily pods ?

Admittedly, we saw more of huge trees and plants and less of those spices.

We had several laugh-trip and kulitan-moments…

Believe it or not, drizzling stopped before we hopped off the bus and entered this garden. The climate became so perfect for a stroll amidst that tropical forest…

We met some foreigners who were learning how to cook Malaysian dishes using fruits, veggies and what else but tropical spices, hehe…

Ms. Pearly Kee (on the far left), teaches Penang Home Cooking that includes Nyonya dishes.

Apart from being lush garden of spices, century-old-trees and exotic flora, Tropical Spices Garden houses its very own Tree Monkey Restaurant where we had our delicious light brunch.

Of course, food would not be absent in our family’s adventure….

When was the last time you ate comfortably lounging on crossed legs?

I loved the fact that great attention was given to little details of this Thai restaurant…

From the ceiling, table tops, and whatnot, not a single detail was overlooked…

Would you like to eat your meal on a tree house?

Needless to say, the ambiance of Tree Monkey restaurant is far from being intimidating; it’s so inviting and fascinating; so does their menu…

As if one soup isn’t enough –we had Mushroom soup which has surprising texture beyond being thick and creamy and that usual thin and salty soup…

Tina gave a nod to my choice : Thai Seafood Paella…

It’s not spicy as expected; just deliciously flavorful!

Sure, we definitely miss some things about the Philippines, and so I ordered what’s close to our taste buds (mangga at suman) – Mango Sticky Rice…

Were able to washed down everything by these thirst quenchers…

Daddy Gelo had freshly squeezed OJ…

Mommy Tina enjoyed iced cold Caffe Latte

Adorable Gabby sipped iced cold Chocolate drink…

What’s even more worth remembering about our dining experience at Tree Monkey was the fact that we met 2 friendly Filipinas and an Indonesian (standing at the back) and Thailander (not in photo) wait staffs…

After our hearty light brunch, we stepped inside the little spice museum right across the restaurant.

Betel Nut, Cumin, Turmeric, Star Anise, Fennel, Clove, Black Pepper, Cardamon, Cinnamon, Coriander seeds, Nutmeg, Chilli. These and more are the spices of this garden…

Apparently, we enjoyed our Saturday morning…FUNtastic!

If you’re like us who, sometimes want something unconventional over the weekend, make your own adventure as simple as communing with yourself and with Mother Nature; it’s gratifying!

Look at my mag-ina, parang ayaw umalis at iwan ang lugar, hehehe!

Tropical Spice Garden is such a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of daily activities. Fresh air, lush surroundings, informative trek, great food, family bonding – what more can you ask for?

For details about Tropical Spice Garden, visit their website [HERE].

Until our next family adventure!

PS : After leaving the gates of TSG, we rode Rapid Penang Bus again and went to one of the malls in the island called, Midland Plaza and took the chance of 90% discount offered in Popular Bookstore. Then, we headed to another nearby mall, Plaza Gurney where Gabby and I had our haircuts done and ate our late lunch. We capped our Saturday after we attended the English anticipated Holy Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.

Jun

HARDIN

By docgelo 10 Comments

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: anthurium, blooms, bonsai, environment, flowers, garden, herbs, horticulture, japanese bridge, japanese garden, kiapo, lagundi, malaysian mums, manila seedling bank, medicinal plants, nature, orchids, ornamental plants, photography, plants, quezon city, water cabbage, water lettuce

I’ve been to a paradise in the middle of a busy city. Here’s a peek to this secret garden…

I’m always fascinated with lush greens. It’s always healthy to commune with nature. Fresh air, bright colors of flowers, such a sight to behold.

This Japanese bridge is amazing, I want it badly that I am considering it to be a part of our garden once we build our own Nirvana in the near future (wishful thinking!).

Who can resist the beauty of CATTLEYA? All worries will be transiently washed off by simply admiring its colors and variety. A perfect gift for the woman we adore. But my wife is an exception, LOL. Although she appreciates flowers too, she prefers a new dining experience somewhere rather than spending thousands of pesos for a pot or a bouquet.

It was a delight to see KIAPO (Pistia stratiotes) also known as water cabbage or water lettuce. It is where the name of Quiapo, one of the busiest areas in Manila was derived from.

Orchids ?- they grow lots of them in this place. I cannot choose which from these purple varieties really stands out.

Or immaculate white orchids perhaps…

Or these yellow dainties…

Then there were other blooms from the garden like these delicate GERBERAS.

and HYDRANGEAS…

ANTHURIUMS and MUMS…

Who says BONSAI making and HERBAL MEDICINE can’t be one ? Care for LAGUNDI BONSAI ?

FYI, LAGUNDI (Vitex negundo) is one of the ten herbal medicines approved by the Philippine Department of Health and is used as a bronchodilator, or once taken in tablets (or tea) can dilate airways in conditions like asthma, colds, flu as study showed Lagundi leaves have anti-histamine and leukotriene-releasing properties. (Read : Histamine & Leukotriene are vasodilators or agents that dilate blood vessels leading to allergic/inflammatory reactions)

Other bonsai that I’ve seen…

Above on the left is a garden dish of bamboo made into bonsai. Even the tallest grass was made to grow small, amazing isn’t it? I’d always like bamboo… and horsetail plant too…

This garden in the city has lots to offer beside lush greens and colorful blooms… Check this garden baby elephant statues… Don’t they look cute to match the concrete japanese bridge?

Or this wide-mouthed fish on a pond (with elephant toes above it)…

What else did I see in this place? Horticulture at its best!

Mums, mums, and more mums…

This garden also has nursery for cultivation of herbs and some medicinal pants…

One lazy Saturday afternoon, I became bored with my notebook so I decided to get a dose of fresh air from a place that is a 10-minute-away from where we live…Everything that my cam captured are for sale in this place. The garden is located at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue….

Best of all, a walk through it is absolutely FREE. How good can it get?

May

LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES

By docgelo 12 Comments

Categories: whatever and WISH LIST
Tags: bamboos, baranggay, blessings, docgelo, domestic living, environment, flowers, green environment, hobby, home, manila, nature, nice things, pastime, Philippines, photography, Pinoy, pinoy blogger, quezon city, safe community, simple pleasures, streets, sunday, trees

My Sunday morning routine includes a short walk to our street to buy 3 leading broadsheets and sometimes, a supot or pack of freshly baked pan de sal. As I observed my weekly habit this morning, I brought along my point and shoot cam to capture the stillness of our place.

I’m always in awe whenever I see beautiful photos of nature, people and whatnot captured by pure visual talent and good quality-digicams of most photographers. I wish I’ll get to own one good camera soon but domestic budget and school enrolment of our preschooler son, monthly bills are our present top most priority, so purchasing a nicer cam would have to wait for the moment. I’m just grateful to have virtual-friends who own personal sites dedicated to photography (Check out my sidebar here and visit also their photoblogs). They don’t have idea how my daily visits to their sites continuously inspire and motivate me as a photographer-wannabe, LOL.

Going back to our place in Quezon City – it may not be Ayala Alabang Village where streets are huge and houses are far from the executive village’s main entrance (I know these things because we celebrate Christmas and New Year’s eves at my wife’s relatives living in a 2000-square meter- lot in Ayala Alabang Village whenever my dad-in-law from Missouri is in town), it may not have 24-hour roving guards but baranggay tanod , LOL, the streets near where we live are peaceful and quiet and the coolest for having century-old trees.

Imagine walking under these huge trees on a bright cool Sunday morning, it’s one of life’s simple pleasures.

Then seeing these flora on the sidestreets and on my neighbors’ gutters is really something…

Do you know that Bougainvilleas have bright colored leaves in varied forms and the only considered flowers are the smallest bloom at its center? This atypical plant trait can also be found in poinsettias that bloom their red or white leaves mostly during winter months or at least here in our country, every Christmas season until early March…

More than those colorful petals, I always like walking through a street near our place with bamboos. I like bamboo so much, not only because of its physical attributes as the tallest grass, but perhaps figuratively and literally, its ability to withstand any weather is such a character that can’t be found even in some tall trees. After bamboo grass grew its tallest, it bows and that for me is a metaphor of humility.

Seeing all those before reading my broadsheets, drinking my coffee and starting another week is indeed a blessing!

Feb

OUR ISLAND COVE ADVENTURE

By docgelo 8 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and TRAVEL
Tags: animals, bakasyon, bakasyonista, breakfast, buffet, buffet breakfast, butterfly, Cavite, Digman, Digman halo-halo, Eastwood, Eastwood City, family, family blog, family bonding, farm, Filipino, Filipinos, food, food blog, foodie, Gilbert Remulla, good food, halo-halo, Island Cove, Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park, Kawit, leisure, leisure park, Life, manila, merienda, monkey, nature, ostrich. ostrich egg, parks, Philippines, Pinoy, recreation, recreation facilities, relax, relaxation, resort, resort in the philippines, resorts in asia, sam milby, sandosenang halo, siopao, Something Fishy, summer, summer adventure, summer escapades, summer trip, swimming pool, tigers, tourism, TRAVEL, travel blog, traveling, travelling, vacation, vacation place, zoo

It’s natural for mothers to constantly make efforts for family bonding. And my mom is no exception. She usually schedules trips, eat-outs or anything for us to do or to go somewhere and enjoy. On the same month of last year, she booked a hotel accomodation for 3 days and scheduled a trip to Baguio for us to experience Panagbenga Flower festival. This year, we agreed to go to Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite; a small town of about an hour drive from Manila (less the traffic). My parents went there 2 weeks ago to celebrate the anniversary of their elopement. We saw their photos taken from their overnight stay and did not expect that our whole family will be there 2 weeks after.

Last Saturday, February 07, we were fetched before 5AM to catch the buffet breakfast at Something Fishy at Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City. The buffet breakfast is offered from 12MN to 10AM daily at PhP 114 pax exclusive of drinks; reasonable price for a wide variety of breakfast yummies. It’s a favorite not only of families but most employees usually call center agents around the area. Something fishy’s buffet breakfast includes arroz caldo, mami, sausages, mini pancakes, beef tapa, boiled and fried rice, fried scrambled eggs, palabok (local pasta with rice-based sauce), pancit canton (chinese noodle), tinapang bangus (smoked dried milkfish), adobong manok, kakanin (rice cakes) like bibingka, biko or some call it sinok-mani, and maja and others.

As we were escorted by the staff to our reserved seats for 11 adults and 4 kids, my brother’s fiancee’s eyes quickly spotted Sam Milby as he dines with his friends. And before he went out of the resto, my mom, as candid as always did not miss the chance and asked for a souvenir shot from Sam with my son Gabby and niece Kelly who are frequent viewers of his teleseryes. One of Sam’s friends was nice to volunteer to take the picture for them.

mommy-3461

After Eastwood City we headed straight to Kawit, Cavite where Island Cove is located. It’s a leisure park stretched in a 36-hectare island with swimming pools, animal land that includes an aviary, a butterfly house, a monkey & aligator farm, recreational facilities for badminton, volleyball, basketball, tennis, billiards and even a gym. It also has function rooms, bars where concerts are held, a spa, playground for kids, and a 96-room hotel other than the 17 cottages where one can relax. I also found out recently from a broadsheet article that the managing director of this tourism spot is the TV celebrity & former Congressman Gilbert Remulla. No wonder Island Cove is apparently well maintained to be a place where one can commune with nature.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness & availability of facilities; never expect to find electric sockets even in cottages & huts to plug in mobile phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets. Island Cove is also a wi-fi area so I got to check my e-mails and did some updates on my social networks. My favorite part of Island Cove is the Fishing Village where we had our lunch in a hut on stilts, enjoyed the sea breeze, while being serenaded by roving local string band and singers. Those dining and resting areas on huts on stilts are the best part of Island Cove where one can feast on Filipino food and get to breathe fresh air and think of nothing but enjoy nature. It’s really a relaxing sanctuary. I really appreciate that I had a chance to forget my worries at least for a day when we were there. You have to experience it, or at least, enjoy first my photos here…

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I tried feeding the ostrich myself with leaves I found on the ground…just for a photo-op of a kid-at-heart

ostritch

Ostrich remains to be the biggest flightless bird and probably with the biggest avian egg as well…

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My 4-year-old son Gabby & his 7-year-old cousin KC : who’s taller err, longer than crocs & ostrich ?

And here’s the ultimate gateway to relaxing dining experience : the entrance to the Fishing Village…

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That’s our hut #20 on stilts ….

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What’s a Fishing Village without trying to catch something to grill or fry; but luck was not on our side…

Gabby with his Lolo Ben (my dad) did some fishing…

Three generations of fishermen-wannabe…

Staff of Fishing Village doing the fish bait made from flour & water as a substitute to an actual fish feeds…

Another sight to behold : Fishing Village’s menu…

Here’s a peek at what we had for a family feast…

Post-prandial smiles… perfect kodak moments (LOL !)

My son, nephew and nieces enjoyed the swimming pools with clean and impressive facilities of Oceania Water Park within Island Cove. Swimming or not, one has to pay the entrance fee of PHP250 which includes the entrance to animal land and aviary etc.

Proof that amenities & facilities are available in Island Cove…

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We left Island Cove at around 4PM and decided to take merienda at Digman in Bacoor, Cavite on the way back to Manila. Digman Halo-halo with sandosenang halo originated in Cavite before they branched out to SM malls nationwide.

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