Shop For A Cause

Doing and completing my Christmas shopping, I added the concept of Sustainable Development to be carefully considered in buying gifts for my beloved.  I listed down products that I find innovative, a value for money and at the same time from organizations with great sense of social responsibility that gives back to the community and the environment.

Boracay Bamboo Shades

Sunglasses will forever be fashion staple! I chance upon this trendy stall in Boracay that sells Shades made from 100% bamboo wood. Facts about bamboo – 100% biodegradable, sustainable, naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and naturally hypo allergenic; for only 699 php it’s the greenest way to be cool!

National Book Store – Project Aklat

Project Aklat founded on 2005 and have been an annual book drive that aims to raise books for donation to the libraries National Bookstore Foundation, Inc establishes; for as low as 30php you can already buy a book that you can donate to help in youth education.

Photo Credit: fabscoop.com

Books is a brilliant gift to offer making it accessible develops more readers and encourages to love books, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all” – Jacqueline Kennedy. 

Photo Credit: gedcarpizo.com

McDonalds – #ShowYourStripes

To dream that you are wearing socks signifies warmth and comfort a perfect analogy for Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), builds daycare centers in areas that are in need of a safe place for children to learn and play while their parents are at work.

The Striped Socks is McDonald’s limited-edition socks inspired by the iconic red and white stripes of Ronald McDonald. Buy a pair of McDonald’s striped socks for 100php and all net proceeds will go to Ronald Mc Donald Bahay Bulilit. I bought a pair intended for our kris kringle (something to be inserted) but find it very chic that I ended using it.  

Cotton On – Empowering Youth

Since Cotton On arrived in the Philippines on 2013, I instantly fell in love with it – 100% cotton comfort of tees, youthful graphics and prints, Isla Sola shorts, bags and accessories. Learning further about The Cotton On Foundation – Empowering Youth makes me want to marry it.

The Cotton On Foundation is the Cotton On Group’s philanthropic arm, funding projects in Australia and overseas through a unique partnership with customers and employees. The Foundation partners with communities to provide long term opportunities across education, health, sustainability and infrastructure.

At times when guilt strikes on spending, I just think of the proceeds goes back to Cotton On Foundation to support those most in need, with projects based on four pillars; health, education, sustainability and infrastructure. These pillars are derived from the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. It is as simple as that.

 Banana Peel – #SaveSomeGreenForMe

Photo Credit: Banana Peel Facebook Page

Living in a tropical country you can never flop by giving flip flops! Banana Peel had teamed up with WWF as they launched the Monde Green Collection – flip flops made of 100% rubber, Eco friendly and Non harmful materials from the thong down to the sole. Non-toxic paint is used to produce their signature trendy prints.  

Photo Credit: Banana Peel Facebook Page

The World Wildlife Fund – the leading organization in wildlife conservation and endangered species; WWF also works on climate change, sustainability, habitats, and species like panda and tigers. 

Peter Pan Peanut Butter

Peter Pan Peanut Butter (extra crunch) had long been an effective therapist. Some gain feelings of pleasure, comfort and gratification from eating chocolates, for me the act of eating peanut butter is hedonistic.  For friends seeking pleasure and alleviating pain, Peter Pan Peanut Butter is best gift.

Photo Credit: www.diynatural.com

I recommend Peter Pan Peanut Butter for their Environment and Sustainability Initiatives:

A “Child Hunger End Here” program allows me in simple way to create impact in fight against child hunger. Each jar has the red pushpin and code. Go to ChildHungerEndsHere.com and enter codes. 1 code = 1 meal donated.

In addition, Peter Pan had gone green by reducing carbon footprint, which helps foster cleaner air and cleaner water; redesigned packaging material that utilizes 9 percent to 12 percent lee plastic per ounce.  Organization’s effort enables them to save enough plastic to fill more that 24 garbage trucks with solid waste each year; energy savings could power 253 homes per year; and removing greenhouse gases equal to taking 233 cars off the road each year.

AGUINALDO SHRINE - KAWIT, CAVITE

As the saying goes “Its better late, than never” – It took me a decade, concreting of coastal into expressway, and the booming of Cavite population before I had the chance to literally spend a day in Kawit Cavite. Shocking in a sense that I’m a legitimate resident of Bacoor – a neighboring municipality of Kawit that is 9.00 php bus ride away.

Feeling Patriotic, I decided to visit Kawit’s famous landmark – the historic Aguinaldo Shrine, site of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. According to historical marker installed (at the entrance gate of shrine) – On June 12, 1898, Philippine Independence was proclaimed from the center window (now converted into balcony) of the original house of the family of General Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the first Philippine Republic and leader of the revolution against Spain and America. Through the reading of The Acta De La Proclamacion De La Independencia Del Pueblo Filipino by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, during this occasion, the Philippine flag made in Hong Kong by Dona Marcela Marino De Agoncillo was officially unfurled as the band of San Francisco De Malabon proudly played the March Nacional Filipina (now the Philippine National Anthem) Composed by Julian Felipe.

Window turned balcony where Philippine flag was first unfurled

The shrine is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am – 4pm; I was advised that March – June is the perfect months to visit shrines with no visitors from school field trips. Entrance is free of charge but be generous enough to make donations (donation box located at souvenir shop). Visitors are required to register, and soon a guide will promptly assist you all the way. But first, some rules and regulations: (1) Picture-taking for personal use is welcome, for commercial purposes, please inform shrine personnel; (2) No pets allowed; (3) Food and drinks are strictly prohibited; (3) No Smoking Policy; (4) Restricted areas and glass casings are off limits.

According to our guide, Aguinaldo shrine is the biggest amongst other shrines, and that General Aguinaldo re-modeled his house from 1919 – 1920. The story of the Revolution is “written” in its architectural details and interior design. Before his death, he donated the estate to the Philippine government to perpetuate the spirit of the 1896 Revolution. As part of his last will, he wanted his remains be buried on his lot.

Some of the re-modeled architectural and interior designs: (1) The spacious reception hall has a three section ceiling, featured are the dove, the sun motif and mother Philippines – icons referring to the Filipino desire for an independent nation. (2) Formal Dining Room – on the ceiling is a relief map of the Philippines; Cavite was painted red because it was considered the center of the Revolution; above the window are paintings on glass portraying his wives and children. (3) The center window where Philippine Independence was proclaimed was converted into balcony.

Shrine has its preserved heavy wood; capiz windows; balusters and concrete that had served witness history in making. Ground floor enshrined collected memorabilia from plate number dated 1896; Rayadillo Uniform – blue and white rayadillo uniform used as official uniform of revolutionaries; canons that had mightily fought for our freedom; books that had tactically utilized by revolutionaries to outsmart their opponents; the bowling alley which is first in the Philippines; and images that documented story of history worth remembering.

The second floor is like General Aguinaldo welcomes us and opens books on personal note. The spacious and grandiose scene had made me conclude that Aguinaldo’s as wealthy family – Grand piano as center piece; Reception room – where journalist, politicians and important guests requiring a private audience with the General were led to this room (sometimes it was called the Music Room because the family radio was here; Formal Dining Room – Aguinaldo’s special guests dined on the massive table during important occasions and parties; Kitchen – also found the servant’s quarter on the mezzanine; with ice boxes built into the wall; The Balcony of Sinners – The General playfully named the balcony as such because it was where the Revolutionaries plotted military strategies; the balcony also served as the family’s lounge on lazy afternoons, and according to family stories, courtships leading to marriages began in balcony of sinners; Bedroom of the Aguinaldo Daughters – The rooms of Cristina Suntay, Maria Poblete and Carmen Melencio was in fashion in the early 20^th century with furnishings and accessories with mixture of European, Chinese and Filipino styles; A mezzanine library is where musicians played for the General’s grand parties, that overlooks the living room; Ambassador’s Room – Ambassador Jose P. Melencio, Carmen Aguinaldo’s husband, used it as study; Swimming pool – though it was not covered with tiles but white painted plain concrete, still they have swimming pool!; The uppermost bedroom belonged to the General (which happened to be restricted area).

The Shrine also raised intrigued and curiosity with those secret doors that led from one room to another such as the Dining Table - to make a quick escape, one must raised the dining room’s heavy table top revealing a passageway to the underground shelter; One wall panel of the music room is a hidden door leading to the upper floor of the house.

Exiting is view of marble stone with engraving “Emilio Aguinaldo 1869 – 1964” with eight (8) Philippine flags proudly waving; this tells me that my tour had ended but my freedom and independence as a Filipino lives forever and I owe it to hero – General Emilio Aguinaldo and the Revolutionaries.

As mandated by Republic Act 8491, The Flag and Heralding Code of the Philippines, the Philippine flag shall be permanently hoisted on this site 24/7 throughout the year and shall be illuminated at night.  

KAWIT CAVITE - A Day Tour

One Saturday, I was obliged to attend a culinary training that completely revolutionized my weekend itinerary. I opted to off set my Saturday RD to Thursday, avoiding the conventional mall tour; I decided to hop in a baby bus going Cavite City and familiarize myself with Kawit Cavite.

AGUINALDO SHRINE

Php 9.00 bus ride from Bacoor, I spotted Aguinaldo Shrine – famous landmark of Kawit Cavite. The Shrine is along the highway that can be easily recognized. Feeling patriotic, needing a wholesome fun with relevance, Aguinaldo Shrine is worth a trip. The shrine is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am – 4pm; Entrance is free of charge but be generous enough to make donations (donation box located at souvenir shop). Visitors are required to register, and soon a guide will promptly assist you all the way.

The historic Aguinaldo Shrine, site of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. According to historical marker installed (at the entrance gate of shrine) – On June 12, 1898, Philippine Independence was proclaimed from the center window (now converted into balcony) of the original house of the family of General Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the first Philippine Republic and leader of the revolution against Spain and America. Through the reading of The Acta De La Proclamacion De La Independencia Del Pueblo Filipino by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, during this occasion, the Philippine flag made in Hong Kong by Dona Marcela Marino De Agoncillo was officially unfurled as the band of San Francisco De Malabon proudly played the March Nacional Filipina (now the Philippine National Anthem) Composed by Julian Felipe.

According to our guide, Aguinaldo shrine is the biggest amongst other shrines, and that General Aguinaldo re-modeled his house from 1919 – 1920. The story of the Revolution is “written” in its architectural details and interior design. Before his death, he donated the estate to the Philippine government to perpetuate the spirit of the 1896 Revolution.

HIDDEN TAPSIHAN

Starvation hits me after an hour tour at Aguinaldo shrine and decided for full meal. When asked for best Tapsihan – Cavitenos unanimously will direct you at Wakas Street to Hidden Tapishan. Walking distance from Aguinaldo Shrine, I asked locals for directions to Hidden Tapsihan and being famous spot, anyone can give directions GPS efficient alike. The Tapsihan itself was not a fancy restaurant, but clean, spacious and comfortable enough for travelers to enjoy a hearty meal.

Some said that Hidden Tapsihan is famous for its simple yet authentic flavor of beef tapa, others said that its because of it’s homemade vinegar concoction; while, I said that its combination of beef tapa and vinegar concoction that makes it special and famous for. For Php 65.00 per order, you’ll enjoy beef tapa that is not soy sauce, sweet, peppered flavor but of tendered beef flavored and seasoned well for tapa. The serving was not generous but two servings at Php 130.00 can be justified.

  

DIGMAN HALO HALO

For dessert, I took a jeepney ride to Binakayan Bayan for a perfect summer treat – Digman Halo Halo!

I was directed to the Original Digman Halo Halo at H.Rubio Street, pictures of celebrities attested for its specialty were posted on walls for advertisement and credibility as well.

I ordered halo halo Php 55.00 (Php 60.00 with ice cream scoop); homemade siopao Php 22.00 (which is also good) and tahong chips Php 30.00. Halo halo was put on a test – serving was generous enough; the ingredients was homemade that they had quality controlled its sweetness and size portioning; it was sweet-creamy and not sugary and a first for me to finish an order of halo halo. My companion (who grew up eating Digman) had shared that present generation had not maintained the taste profile of halo halo as compared before, and that through the years, taste had changed noticeably.

***Kawit Cavite is 15 minutes away from Coastal Mall via Cavitex. Take Saulog Buses going Cavite City.