A Slice of Paradise at Paraiso de Avedad.

In one of my earlier posts, I have mentioned that San Pablo City now has an abundance (or overabundance to be exact) of restaurants, coffee shops, and tea houses. Aside from the aforementioned food establishments, new tourist attractions have also popped in my hometown. This includes Paraiso de Avedad, a leisure park/retreat center in the outskirts of the city, and now one of the most popular tourist spots here in San Pablo. 

Welcome to paradise!

Paraiso de Avedad opened its doors to the public around mid-2022, but only became fully operational around September last year. It was around this time when we first visited the place, thanks to my mother-in-law who wanted to go on some sort of nature trip with the entire family.

Our trip to paradise after the jump!

Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 | Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malabon (PCCI Malabon) is opening the city’s doors and inviting everyone to discover Malabon’s best of the best as it holds the first ever Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. The event is in partnership with the Local Government of Malabon with the support from Honorable Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.

Event starts tomorrow, Friday, November 18 until Saturday November 19 at the Malabon Sports Complex. As you explore the homegrown treasures of the city, you will be surprised to see how Malabon’s food business landscape is thriving - from local delicacies to food products as well as the value chain in the food industry from equipment, tools, packaging, and distribution network in the city.

Through this expo, PCCI Malabon is creating a platform to help push Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow and thrive. This is in line with the organization's vision to be the voice of business owners and entrepreneurs, and its mission to provide technical assistance through job matching, credit access and financial planning, and digital transformation in marketing.

According to PCCI Malabon President Elsie Chua, this expo is a testament to PCCI Malabon’s goal of fostering and positioning Malabon as the Philippines' primary food industry hub and leading supply chain through warehouse and distribution facilities.

“The Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 provides a platform for our Malabon MSMEs to showcase our products and services that are proudly ‘Made in Malabon.’ Being a businesswoman who slowly built Melawares 45 years ago, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring and the right support. Through projects like this expo, we are giving them the chance to grow so they too can thrive together with the homegrown Malabon business big brothers and sisters like Liwanag Candle, Rufina's Patis, Master Sardines, Dolor's Kakanin, Melawares or Remilly's Yema Cake,” Chua said.

The event is free admission to the public --- just present your government issued ID to register.

The two-day expo is filled with fun activities with learning and inspirational sessions. Virtually, you can also join the event through the live and interactive online selling on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCCIMalabonInc.

To maximize the experience,  everyone is encouraged to join the expo onsite. Guests can look forward to various learning experiences such as the food safety program by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the credit access financing program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Francorp Philippines will also be hosting a seminar on how to grow businesses through franchising.

To further ignite the passion from our MSMEs, Philippines esteemed entrepreneurs will share some inspiring talks to be led by Vice President of FFCCCII Cecilio Pedro of Founder and CEO, Lamoiyan Corporation and Mrs Natividad Cheng, Founder and CEO, Uratex and Ms. Tess Ngantian, Owner of Lotsa Pizza and AVP, PCCI National.

Guests can also watch out for a live cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and learn how to create brand marketing from Mr. Ian John White Hyndman, Manager Partner of Dagaz Consultancy from Dubai, UAE.

Plan your itinerary tomorrow and on Saturday, and head over to the Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. Tara na, Masarap sa Malabon!

The expo was made possible by Platinum Sponsors Melawares / Max Ideas and Spring Oil; Gold Sponsors include CDO, Dolores Kakanin, Remilly Cake, Ni Hao Express, Jamicos, Eagle Food, and Fudsource, and; Silver sponsors Pares Ave, Universal Canning, Manila Cocktails, Longlife, and Ideal Spaghetti.

Puerto Princesa: Paradise Regained.

Puerto Princesa is ready for you!

The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

With safety protocols firmly enforced, Puerto Princesa is poised to again welcome tourists with open arms. In recent years, the highly urbanized city and tourist haven has been paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then pummeled by Typhoon Odette. But it is now on the road to recovery---as spectacularly as its scenic, romantic and gastronomic attractions.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of postcard-perfect Palawan, sprawls across 253,982 hectares of captivating coastlines stretched over 106 kilometers. Due to its strategic geographical location, it has sufficient depth to allow ships of all sizes to anchor, earning a reputation as a “Princess of Ports,” or in Spanish, “Puerto Princesa.”

There’s no contention that Puerto Princesa is one of the country’s greatest pleasures. A holiday destination universally beloved by travelers, beach-combers and trekkers; a bustling business center with a rural allure; a provincial vibe with modern amenities; and a clean and green city recognized for its lush forests, fresh air and frontier character.

One of the many exciting activities in the island.

Rising Above Covid-19

The city of Puerto Princesa has been struggling to get to its feet since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020. The lack of tourists, which is the main industry, has forced hundreds of tourism-related businesses to close, leaving thousands of tourism workers unemployed.

“The public-health crisis forced them to find alternative sources of income, which was made more difficult because of the restrictions of movement due to several lockdowns,” Mr. Alvior reveals. “One factor of low tourist arrivals is the fluctuating number of Covid cases, which in turn affects the determination of quarantine requirements and national government intervention policies.”

Today, Puerto Princesa is experiencing record lows in terms of economic losses, losing around P5 billion a year for the past two years from potential tourist receipts.

Tourists are now welcome at Puerto Princesa!

“The City Tourism Department has been strengthening its social media campaigns to encourage local tourists to visit local attractions, in a bid to boost much-needed revenues to the ailing tourism sector,” a cautiously optimistic Mr. Alvior says. “We have one important wish in the City Tourism Department, and that is to prioritize the aids for the Typhoon Odette-affected tourism industry here.”

The goal is to regain the city’s glory as an eco-tourism capital. “Our 2022 goals are full restoration of all the tourist attractions affected by Typhoon Odette such as the completion of the construction of the cruise-ship port and other man-made tourist attractions. There will be wide, extensive and aggressive promotions of Puerto Princesa to the local and international market.”

A trip to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must!

The Last Frontier

Puerto Princesa has a plethora of tourist spots. But many tourists who visit the city put the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, on top of their list. As the jump-off point for exploring the world-famous Tubbataha Reef, the city also hosts a fair share of adventurers.

“Since the Covid-19 outbreak, we have never ceased to hope that the future will be better. This year 2022 is no different. And while what we want is a full recovery, we cannot afford to be careless when taking big steps. As we begin to truly understand the gravity of the situation, we also come to realize that our moves must be consistent with the bigger picture such as the national situation,” Mr. Alvior says.

The wonders of nature awaits you at Puerto Princesa.

Since February 10, the city has been happily welcoming more visitors once again, hoping that the arrival numbers will soon be back to pre-pandemic levels. In this initiative, the tourism department shares the privilege on with the private sector.

“While the government is the administrator of the State, the private sector is the bloodline. The government and the private sector are two inseparable factors for Puerto Princesa to prosper, and more importantly, to recover,” Mr. Alvior says. “The key to recovery is to enable and support the private sector to keep or resume their business operations. When it comes to the city’s biggest partners, apart from government agencies, it is the collective impact of small-business operations.”

Puerto Princesa may be “The Last Frontier,” but the City Tourism Department is confident that it will always be the first choice of every traveler.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Money When Traveling.

Oh travel, a favorite pastime for many, which allows us a chance to disconnect from our “mundane” lives and get to experience something new, fascinating, and at times, surprising. If you’ve been saving up for a while, you’re more than likely looking forward to a fabulous trip.

Of course, everyone wants to make sure they get the most out of their money when traveling, so how do you make sure you have a great time, without throwing it out the window? We’ve put together ideas to help you plan ahead, so that your money and time is well-spent.

The cast of Busted, a Netflix original series, led by Yoo Jae Seok.

Look For All-Inclusive Deals

Whether you’re traveling to Huatulco, Oaxaca in Mexico or to the shores of Bali, Indonesia, there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from that can save you plenty of money while providing you with an amazing vacation experience.

There are plenty of all inclusive resorts USA as well, if you’re not looking to go very far on your trip. The reason why all inclusive resorts can be great for your pocketbook is that you get everything from lodging to food, activities and more. With various options from basic to premium in many resorts, you get to choose the type of package that works best or you and your budget.

If you’re looking for a vacation that allows you to not worry about pulling out your card every time you want to get a drink or snack or simply want to sit back and relax without worrying about a thing, an all inclusive resort is a great way to get the most out of your money and have a terrific vacation.

Looks familiar?
That's the lobby of Hotel del Luna (2019), which stars IU and Yeo Jin Goo.

Look For Affordable Accommodations

On the flip side of the coin, you may be heading to a destination where you want to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the city. All inclusive resorts are more for the vacation where you don’t want to do anything but relax and be pampered but aren’t so conducive to getting out and about and seeing the sights and sounds of your destination.

Instead, you may want to look for accommodations that are located in the city, near the places and things you want to see and do. While 5-star hotels can be great, if you’re looking to get the most out of your money, a homestay site like Airbnb or an affordable vacation rental could be a better option for you.

Kim Ha Neul and Lee Sang Yoon in On the Way to the Airport (2016).

Look For Cheap Flights

Whether you’re staying at an all-inclusive spot or a nicely-priced vacation rental, you can save a lot of money on flights, which can help cut down on costs for your trip. From different sites that offer great deals regularly to looking on certain days that are known for cheaper flight deals, to switching up the route, there are often great deals to uncover for your travel to your desired destination.

This is when planning in advance can be very helpful. When booking a couple of months out from your desired travel date, you may find prices to considerably lower than if you look more than a few months away from your trip or too close to the date of departure.

Some flights charge for choosing your seat and others or the type of luggage you want to bring, so make sure to consider these details which could save you money if you know about them ahead of time. If you don’t care that you don’t get a window seat for a 5-hour flight or you can travel with a simple backpack for your trip, you could save money in this way too.

In Conclusion

You’ve worked hard for your money and while you may have saved for this trip, you don’t have to overspend to have a good time. From the comfort of an all inclusive destination to the dollars saved by getting any seat on the flight, there are ways to get the most you can out of your money while still having plenty left over.

Visiting the Northeast.

There are so many places to visit in the United States, but one area that stands out is the Northeast. It’s full of so much history and lots of things to do. Since it holds almost a quarter of the nation’s population, there are many jobs, activities, and entertainment throughout each state. Here are a few popular ones you should visit the next time you are in this part of the country.

Independence Hall in Pennysylvania.

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a great deal of the nation’s history. There are many historical sights to see and visit throughout the state. Philadelphia is home to many of the countries founding buildings and artifacts, such as the Liberty Bell. Valley Forge and Gettysburg our key cities in some of the nation’s greatest wars. The landscapes throughout the state are also beautiful. The Appalachian Mountains go right through the center it, and one of the Great Lakes borders the northern part of the state.

Sunset in New Jersey.

New Jersey
New Jersey is popular for its shoreline. Many of its coastal cities are known for their summer resorts and fun things to do at the beach. Several industrial parks are located in the northern part while the south is made up of countryside with several things to experience outdoors. This state has great fishing and crabbing in the bays by the ocean, and the Camden aquarium is a popular activity to do which is just south of Trenton. Amusement parks like Six Flags also give visitors quite a thrill.

Freedom Trail in Boston, MA.

Massachusetts
Massachusetts is primarily known for its history. Events like the Battle of Bunker Hill, The Boston Tea party, and other Revolutionary War occurrences can be remembered and seen throughout the state. The oldest commissioned US naval boat is docked there. Its sporting events are some of the best in the country. The Boston Marathon is one of the most popular ones. For those who love football, purchasing a New England Patriots travel package is a must.

The landmark we all know - The Statue of Liberty.

New York
New York is more commonly known for its large city New York City, rather than its rural areas. Times Square and Broadway are some of the most popular places to visit there. The shopping and entertainment offered throughout this city are some of the best in the world. If you are not a fan of the city, upstate has much to offer those who enjoy the outdoors. Lake Ontario has some of the best fishing in the country and hunting for whitetail and bears is also very popular. Hiking is also a common activity found up there.

The northeast has so much to offer, it’s almost impossible not to find something to do. Consider making a couple of stops next time you’re traveling through it.

A Trip to JASIF (Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms).

Two weeks ago, Yue's schoolmates went on an exposure trip to Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms (JASIF) as part of the course requirement in their EPP class (that's Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan or in English, Home Economics and Livelihood). Yue wasn't able to join the trip because he was still recovering from pneumonia at that time, so I promised him and his teacher that we'll go on a trip to JASIF as soon as his pediatrician permits.

After his follow-up check-up, Yue got his medical clearance from his pedia which allowed him to go back to school, and go out and be 'exposed to the elements' (haha). And so last Friday, we finally got to visit the Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms and experience their DOT-accredited (that's Department of Tourism) Sunflower Maze.

Welcome to Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms!

Don't be fooled by his 'Instagram pose'. He's actually thrilled to be here. :)

Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms started its construction in August 2018. The farm is located along Maharlika Highway, Barangay San Ignacio - just ten minutes away from the San Pablo City Plaza.

JASIF also offers seminars on Hydroponics, backyard gardening, and mushroom cultivation.

The development of this 2-hectare farm was spearheaded by Mr. Joni Sanchez, owner and CEO of the Joni and Susan Agroshop, with the help of his wife Susan, his children, and their spouses. For several years, the company has been planting corn as its main crop. They even offer partnerships to help others generate income through corn plantation, urban and container gardening, land conversion and mushroom plantation.

Inspecting the seedlings.

As the company started to grow, so did the crops, and more varieties were then included in the Joni and Susan Agroshop inventory. As such, the Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms was established to create a tourist attraction focused on farming and gardening.

Here's our JASIF experience in photos:
(Sunflower Maze and more after the jump!)

Hospitals in Germany | What You Need to Know About the Treatment.

Foreign citizens often choose treatment in German hospitals due to the high efficiency of health programs and perfectly organized system of relationship between staff management and patients. People from all countries of the world come to Germany, and their number tends to increase.

Heidelberg University Hospital.

Why Germany? 
There are other countries with highly developed medical industry, in which hospitals take care of patients with various diseases, including rare and complex forms of pathologies. The reason for the growing interest in German hospitals is simple. They offer the best care for patients of all ages, while the cost of treatment and rehabilitation is much lower than in the US or Japan. The German healthcare system allows foreign citizens to be treated in the public, charity and private hospitals where they receive the same range of services as the indigenous people of Germany.

The quality of service in German hospitals
The country annually invests 300 billion euros in the development of medicine by encouraging the implementation of scientific research in applied fields and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, German hospitals use advanced equipment and the very latest treatments for  complex diseases. The reputable German hospitals more often deal with the clinical cases, which either could not be treated by doctors in their home country at all or the treatment of which was refused due to the lack of practical experience and high-tech equipment.

Munich University Hospital.

The most important advantage of German medicine is equal attention to the health of patients of all ages, including those of very old age. If there is even the slightest opportunity to alleviate the physical condition, relieve pain, slow down the development of the pathological process, the patient will receive his treatment. Other benefits:

• comfortable single, double and triple rooms with shower; 
• fast development of the diagnostics and treatment regime; 
• detailed consulting  of the patient on the upcoming procedures (surgery); 
• qualified care; 
• continuous monitoring of the health status; transparent pricing system (no surcharges in excess of the invoice amount). 

Should there remain any extra funds upon the treatment completion, they will be returned to the patient.

Rules for visiting a hospital in Germany
Foreign citizens have the right to independently choose a medical institution. Each university hospital has its own achievements, a contribution to the world science. The rating list of multidisciplinary centers that host foreign nationals for the provision of surgical and conservative care includes:

• University Hospital Heidelberg. It uses the unique developments for the treatment of cancer, pathologies of the peripheral nervous system, mental disorders.
• Charite University Hospital Berlin. The hospital offers its special achievements in the treatment of complex pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, hematological diseases, viral hepatitis, breast cancer, aortic aneurysm.
• University Hospital Frankfurt am Main. It is the best maximum care medical facility.
• University Hospital Freiburg. It performs the most difficult transplant surgery, treats all cancers, including effective care in the advanced stages of cancer.

Charite University Hospital, Berlin.

Other Germany hospitals are also famous for their achievements in various applied fields of medicine. Many hospitals have in their staff world's leading professors who perform unique operations, thanks to which patients return to normal life and forget about ailments. If you want to get to the hospital for treatment (consultation, rehabilitation, diagnostics), it is necessary to prepare a package of documents indicated on the official website of the institution. After studying them, you will receive a response letter with a decision on the existing availability of medical services. In the event of a positive verdict, an invoice will be sent deciphered by position and the final amount. Most hospitals operate on a 100% prepayment basis.

Johann Wolfgang van Goethe Hospital, Frankfurt.

The most difficult thing for the patients and their relatives is to draw up an action plan in an unfamiliar country, especially with poor knowledge of German and English, and the lack of information about the German health care system. Using the booking health gmbh service, you will get rid of any organizational and domestic problems. Our service will provide you with an interpreter, transport, hotel room, and orient you in any unforeseen situation.

The cost of treatment in Germany
Treatment for German citizens is covered by insurance. Voluntary insurance is allowed to citizens with a high level of income (more than 50 thousand euros per year), which is about 8% among all insurances. Foreign nationals who arrived in a planned manner from other countries pay the same amount of money for the treatment in German hospitals as the residents of the country, but do not receive compensation.

Munich University Hospital.

All tourists who have obtained insurance in the EU countries upon the occurrence of an insured event, as well as foreign citizens working on a work visa in Germany can receive medical care under the contract. If you do not receive income in this country and contact the clinic for a specific purpose (surgery, therapy or diagnostics), you will have to pay the full amount indicated in the invoice. The university centers with good reputation charge a bigger cost than charity and small private hospitals.

The cost in the invoice depends on the following aspects:

• Number of services; 
• Complexity of the disease;
• Status of the institution and doctors; 
• A set of additional services (translator, enhanced-comfort room, taxi, etc.). 

To understand the rather complicated process of organizing treatment in Germany, please read the information on the booking health website. If you need additional information, please call the telephone numbers listed on the website.

Best Cycling Tours in Vietnam.

When it comes to being truly immersed in the people and culture of a country, touring on bike is an efficient and exhilarating way to absorb every molecule of a place like Vietnam. To explore this wonderful, being guided by those who know the ins and outs of the people and country, guarantees a memorable experience.

Vietnam Backroads Tours: Cycling the Mekong Delta

Starting at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Backroads will take you through the south-western region of Vietnam, where the Mekong River approaches the South China Sea. This area is rich in biology, with 10,000 new species discovered here. The region lies immediately west to Ho Chi Minh City, with a variety of visual feasts ranging from mountains and highlands in the north and west, to flat flood plains in the south. Experience the culture of rural Vietnam when you stay in the local villages, where the locals are your host! On your last day you will be taken by boat to the biggest floating market near Can Tho before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

REI ADVENTURES: Cycling Saigon to Hanoi

Take an epic adventure cycling from the north to the south of Vietnam!
On this 14 day trip, you will cycle 10-75 miles per day, experiencing rice paddy fields, jungles, pristine beaches and the beautiful people of Vietnam. Climb Bi Doup and Thien An Mountains on your bike, take a boat trip to tropical "Whale Island" and venture the historic city of Hue, pedalling over Hai Van Mountain pass or "Pass of the Ocean Clouds." You will be immersed in the culture and beauty of this country and come away with a true experience of Vietnam!

Spice Roads Cycle Tours: Vietnam's Northwest Mountains

If riding up Indochina's highest peak is your idea of a biking holiday challenge, then cycling the Northwest Mountains of Vietnam is right up your street! Discover the colourful ethnic tribes of the Northwest Mountains that few tourist experience, as you cycle through valleys and river gorges to Dien Bien Phu. Here you will receive a history lesson in the great outdoors, when you learn about how Ho Chi Minh defeated the French. Packed with physical challenge, breathtaking scenery and exhilarating riding, this tour is sure to satisfy the most venturous of cyclists!

Viet Vision Travel: Soft Cycling around Hanoi

For 2 days of private touring, Viet Vision Travel will guide you around the city of Hanoi, cycling amongst its historical sites and mingling with the Hanoi locals. Explore the back streets, observe skilled silk weavers hard at work and enjoy coffee with the locals. Experience the Cho Mo markets which are far from the city centre and not commonly visited by tourists. Even a Vietnamese spiritual experience is to be had with a visit to Ngu Xa Temple before enjoying a meal in a private home.

So for a cycling experience that is still close to some modern comforts, but shows you the heart of the Vietnamese way of life, this tour was made for you! Author Bio Richard is a cycling enthusiast from Sydney, Australia, who has just returned from a bike tour of Vietnam. He chooses to ride Cube bicycles and recommends cycling tours as a great change of pace and for seeing some amazing sights that you otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to experience.

Coco Festival 2012: It's More Fun in San Pablo City!

For us San Pablenos, the eating, drinking, and partying do not end on New Year's Day. Our merrymaking extends all the way until the first half of January. And that's because of the San Pablo City Coco Festival - an annual celebration of the feast of our patron, Saint Paul the First Hermit.

The celebration usually kicks off during the first week and runs all the way until the feast day itself, which is January 15. This year, the activities began last January 7. Here's the line-up of activities to be held at SM City San Pablo. This is just the first batch. I'll be updating this once the next batch of activities are officially announced by SM, so do keep posted.

The highlight of the annual Coco Festival is the Street Dancing Competition, which will be held on January 13. The Float Parade and Coco Carnival Queen will also be held on the same day. For the complete schedule of activities, kindly refer to this site. 

Join us as we celebrate Coco Festival 2012! Because it's more fun in the Philippines, and it's definitely more fun in San Pablo City!