Herbal tea infusions in instant tea drinks are now becoming
popular as companies produce products with other herbs as an addition.
Yesterday, I just tried Lipton’s Camomile Herbal Infusion Tea. It comes in a
box with 20 sachets inside. After infusing it in warm water, it yields a light
yellow color and a fragrant calming smell. The essence of Camomile dominated
its taste giving a calming effect on the senses.
Camomile infusion tea is good for those with tired mind or
after having a stressful day because the aroma and the taste could help you
relax. Camomile plant is beneficial in inducing sleep so as for the skin. In
the nutritional information found in the packaging, a 100ml of Lipton Herbal
Infusion Camomile gives 4KJ/ 1kcal, less than 0.5 Protein, Carbohydrates and
Sugars. It contains 0g of Fat so it is good for people who want to lose weight.
TV NETWORK: Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), South Korea
DIRECTOR: Oh-Choon-Hwan
WRITER: Ha-Myung-Hee
MAIN CAST:
Kim-Rae-Won as Hong-Ji-Hong
Park-Shin-Hye as Yoo-Hye -Jung
Lee-Sung-Kyung as Jin-Seo-woo
Yoon-Gyun-Sang as Jung-Yoon-Do
SYNOPSIS:
The story is about a girl named Yoo-Hye-Jung (Park-Shin-Hye)
who experienced family hardships in her youth, the impact it made in her facing her past issues about forgiveness, falling in love, letting go and healing. In becoming a doctor, her life revolves in treating her patients as well as interacting with her colleagues; the different kinds of lives Doctors are facing.
ABOUT THE ACTORS:
Korean drama fans all over the globe know that this drama
combined two of the most popular celebrities in South Korea. Having
Park-Shin-Hye, one of the highest paid actresses of her generation and
Kim-Rae-Won, the country’s prime drama heartrob in the 2000s; gives anticipation
to their K-Drama that this drama will soar high with their superb acting skills
and superstardom.
Actress Park-Shin-Hye portrays a teenage gangster who has
issues surviving life’s adversities, found refuge in her grandmother, admired
her high school teacher then turned into a successful neurosurgeon. This role
embarked new heights for the fans as she has moved into maturity in her role
from sweet teeny bopper flicks in the past. With her pretty looks plus a hard side
in Hye-Jung’s character, viewers will surely sympathize. The character’s
metamorphosis from a being a rebellious youth to a strong doctor transitioned gorgeously.
Though seen as quarrelsome with fight scenes, her charming looks still
penetrated the scenes. Her portrayal as an adult neurosurgeon older than her age showing strong will and confidence is remarkable.
The male lead, actor Kim-Rae-Won who play Hye-Jung’s high
school teacher, Ji-Hong not only added star power to the tandem, he had a lot
of contribution to the romance aspect of the story, and he supported his female
lead effectively providing balance in
the development of their roles as the story progresses. Knowing that it would
be a Shin-Hye, Rae-Won tandem before watching made a lot of Korean drama
enthusiasts curious on how the two leads would produce effective romance feels
in spite of their age gap. There is this masculine aura in Rae-Won that spices
up the scenes like whenever they had a kissing scene. An icon of his
generation, age does not seem to be a hindrance for pairing him with a much
younger female lead.
Both of their acting is natural and effective.
About the Story:
These are the central themes in which the story revolves:
FORGIVENESS: The characters’ past are complicated due to
pain imparted by close people in their lives. Forgiving themselves to forgive
others is taught and the struggles they went through to overcome the pain.
LOVE: Loving someone in spite of age, sacrificing for
someone you love, how it could make you healed and happy in the end.
FAMILY: Each character does have a messed up life. Having a
support figures in their lives paved way for their growth as a person. They
have been a big part of what the characters have become. They are the ones who
inspired them but there are also who gave them pain.
MEDICINE: Viewers could learn how hard it is to be a doctor,
how they handle medical situations to save lives. I really commend those
operating room surgery scenes, Korean’s are so meticulous in their dramas that
watching will make you feel that they are really operating in a true surgery room. They
also have focus on the patients’ lives in spotlight and most of them made
me cry.
The series is a good watch not only for its romance theme
but those who loves watching medical related dramas. Its combined themes could give so much moral lessons about life, love and
letting go of hatred and pain. There also are light scenes that could make you
smile. It is worth giving a try not only for Korean drama fans.
Waterfalls are one of Mother Nature’s priceless wonders and
the Philippines have the pride to possess abundance that many wanderlusts aim to
explore. One of them is Sagada, Mountain Province’s wonder, the endearing big
200 meters Bomod-Ok Falls. Also known as Fidelisan Falls named after the
Barangay’s name where it is located. It has been famous as one of the important
scenic geographical landmark you should visit when you explore the province.
Before our adventure, some of my friends who already went
there told me to be prepared for the journey because going down trekking from
the jump point will require extra physical strength plus determination for
walking in approximately one hour along the narrow roads, rocks, man-made
stairs, rice fields and the small village. The Falls is estimated 5 Kilometers away from the Tourism Registration Center.
To Bomod-Ok Falls.
Posing with our walking sticks.
HOW TO GO TO BOMOD-OK FALLS?
From the town center where the Sagada Municipal Hall is
situated, we rented a van that would take us to Barangay Banga-An. We just
paid 200PhP as a whole for a group of five, I think the prices depend on the
driver because I have read in some blog articles that sometimes they are higher
or lower. We then registered at their Tourist Information Center. After the process,
they endorsed a friendly reliable female guide. Before heading, they provided
us sturdy sticks to be used as canes to aid us in walking for hours. Our tour
guide prepared us with some information of the number of steps or the time
estimated to reach the falls.
The start of our walk.
There is a small village in between the jump-off to the Falls.
A selfie with the terraced rice fields.
Us having a short Photo Session in the red bridge.
Resting on the rocks.
A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
As a newbie in walking through irregular rocky elevated land
platforms, I will say that the journey made me really exhausted due to aching
feet and trembling knees. My advice is that you go on with a group of friends.
Having a great company will boost each other up on the journey. The hike was
somehow exhausting but as they say, good things come to those who wait. In the
heart of the area, there you will you will find a small peaceful village with
smiling people. I admire their lifestyle amidst being very far from technology,
pollutions and noises of the urban areas, they look so happy. I almost gave up
when we stopped by to rest and find a comfort room. My friends suggested me to
just rest in the village and wait until they come back. Thinking of what great things would I miss if I do, I bravely hold up my head high and continue
walking. We then reached the red bridge, took some photos with smiles in our
faces because of excitement that we are near the Bomod-Ok Falls.
My friends Rio and Denise in front of the Falls and the clear water.
NATURE’S BEAUTY
As we reached our goal, we finally saw the treasure we
patiently struggled to reach and it never failed our eyes so as our feels. That
beautiful sight of crystal clear waters of the big falls surrounded with rocks,
lush green trees and plants truly exhibit the beauty only nature can give us.
All the steps going down were all worth it. If planning to swim, be careful of
the rocks surrounding the falls as they are slippery, you could get injured. The water from the falls is cold so make sure
to be physically healthy before swimming.
GOING BACK
More than hiking down to the falls, going back up is more
excruciating for a first timer like me; you will require more effort due to
gravity. Just enjoy every step while the sun is setting, appreciate the beauty
of the land formations in the valley. We finished at 7PM. Ate Tour Guide said
that in all the travellers she assisted, we are the ones who travelled that
long time and we know why.
Overall, the Bomod-Ok Falls is one of the most amazing
landmarks I visited in the Philippines, also one of the most challenging so
far. If you are that kind of an adventurer who loves hiking and challenges, the
Bomod-Ok Falls of Sagada, Mountain Province should be on your list.
THEMES: Long Distance Relationships, Cultural Differences,
Romance
SUMMARY: The story revolves around two women, Sile
(pronounced as Sheila) is a 39 year old Irish flight attendant from Dublin which
also has an Indian descent and Jude a 25 year old museum historian from the
rural Ontario, Canada. They met on a plane when Jude travelled abroad for the
first time. They formed a unique friendship from phone calls and E-mails. In
spite of distance, they found comfort with each other then fell in love. With
distance, race, cultures and age, the adversity of maintaining a stable and
lasting relationship is the core of the story.
Kindle Edition 2013.
REVIEW:
The Theme: After researching about the best lesbian novels to
read, I have seen that Landing has been consistent on the top of the lists and
seeing the author’s profile, I had this urge to read this novel as soon as possible.
The LGBT theme is good that it does not fully exhibit popular lesbian issues
as the main characters' adversities are about distance and enduring their
differences. The delivery of light romance despite their imperfections is very
effective in the first parts. There is this amusement whenever they were
exchanging E-mails so I can recommend this to those people in Long Distance
Relationships who haven’t met each other or just met in person in just a few
times.
This novel explores the problems of loving someone who is 5 Thousand Kilometers far away from you. It is true that love does not choose people, time and
distance; because of this there will come great struggles in between. Reading
the mini summary on Goodreads made me curious to read it expecting much. I want
to explore how LDRs work because I have friends currently in the same
situation.
The Characters: My view about the two characters is not the
same. I admire how Sile fought the struggles just to find ways to be with Jude,
the way she will do anything for love being a mature modern woman herself.
There is a part where she almost gave up but the way she stood up in the end is
still admirable. On the other hand, I find Jude as careless, less rational and
emotional though she has this very adorable side. I can see that the author
planned their differences carefully to create conflicts that readers could sympathize.
The more they differ, the more also they become closer. Whenever they exchange
E-mails, you can feel this unconscious hunger to know and cling to the other.
Emma Donoghue made them opposite with complexities so that they would find a
virtual home in each other.
The Story: Like I said, the first chapters made me smile due
to the characters’ blooming romance. The humor injected is satisfactory. As the
plot progresses, the spice lessen because of unmoving narratives involving the
other characters like Sile’s friends. A lot of happenings seem stagnant at the middle
part especially when Jude acts up. It is also one of those few novels that took
me longer (two months) to finish due to lack of progress to some important parts
of story. Either you can predict how will it end or be disappointed although it
is not a sad end at all. To be honest, it made me upset that one of the
character’s realization just came in the end.
My Verdict: Overall, this novel is good for those who want
to know the struggles of LDR relationships and the sacrifice one should give. Lessons could be
learned about love but don’t expect to be moved that much. Prepare yourself of
boredom at some parts and disappointment on one of the characters.
My Rating: 2/5
My Favorite Lines/ Quotes:
"You could know a friend all your life and still find it a complete mystery why he or she loved this particular individual, out of all the people in the world."
"In the market I saw a woman in a cafe and thought, why can't I love someone like her instead of you?" - Jude's deleted line in her E-Mail to Sile.
"Love isn't a problem, geography is." -Jude
"... moving in with someone is always a risk, even if you stay in the same city. You're putting your heart in their hands." -Sile
A Belfry built in 1591 – Ilocos Sur is home
of old Spanish Colonial architectures that survived through time. These
structures exhibit traces of our Spanish Era ancestry centuries ago. The
Philippines is a Christian country with Roman Catholicism as the most dominant
faith. A lot of edifices in the country include churches boasting beautiful
designs with rich stories about the past. One of the province of Ilocos Sur is
the Bantay Church located at Manila-North Road, Zone 5, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. It
is also known as Saint Augustine Parish Church of Bantay with Nuestra Senyora
de la Caridad ( Our Lady of Charity ) as its patron. The statue of the Blessed
Virgin is said to perform miracles so as answered prayers. Standing with its
handsome sturdy gothic look that was damaged by wars then restored, it has been
a witness to many important events in our history.
When the country was still a colony of Spain, this steeple
served as a watch tower to monitor pirates. It is also a defence structure against
the enemies that the place got its name “Bantay” that means guard. Still erect
with all its glory, the tower also survived World War II. It was then restored
in the 1950s.
Our Lady of Charity Church of Bantay Ilocos Sur.
Pilgrimage Site.
Photo-op Bench at the Entrance.
A reminder to pray.
Climbing the stairs feels like you are traveling way back in
time. Then we climbed the narrow stairway surrounded by bright orange brick
walls. I can imagine our forefathers building the tower long ago thinking how
intricate the process had been. The large bell is a huge metal which is almost
my size. If only that bell could talk, it has been a witness to so many battles,
rang thousands of masses from the Spanish Era to the present.
Going up. Look at those bright orange bricks.
The Bell.
Me with one of the bells in one of the windows.
A view from the top.
Going Down.
The view at the top is breath taking. Endearing fresh wind
blows overlooking small houses, trees and structures. You can see the province
of Abra as well as the western seas.
You can visit the Bantay Bell Tower between 6AM to 6PM. In
the entrance, there is a donation box for the church and tower maintenance, you
can give any amount you want. Photo-ops are better taken in the bench located
near the entrance, beside the bell and in the windows.
A visit to Bell Tower: Achieved!
Overall, the Bell Tower experience is one of a kind. It was
also memorable for me because it was my first time to actually climb and go
atop seeing it only in movies and pictures. I also get to see a real church
bell up close, touched it and look though the beautiful province of Ilocos Sur
at the top.
Special Thanks to my friend Karen Feaster some of the pictures, for taking my pictures and touring me around.
The Vigan Empanada cut in Half. The ingredients are mainly of ground meat of longganisa, papaya and egg yolks.
Visiting Ilocos Sur would not be complete without tasting
some of their native foods like Bagnet, Longganisa and the equally famous
empanadas. There are two famous delicious empanadas in the province; one is the
Batac/ Laoag Empanada and the Vigan Empanada which I just tasted for the first
time. The unique taste of this Empanada makes tourist want to go back just to
have a bite again. The rich flavor comes from its ingredients as well as the
preparation.
Served hot with vinegar (Ilocano Vinegar)
Tourists and locals doing some food trip.
Some of its notable ingredients are papaya, carrots, the egg
yolks (the Vigan version has only eggyolk unlike the one in Batac that includes
the egg white) and ground meat, at times their Longganisa. The dough of the
crust is made of rice flour. It is prepared deep fried. Better to eat this when
it is hot dipped in Iloko Vinegar with chillies, chopped onions, garlic and
pepper. I had my try when we strolled by the Burgos Plaza near the church.
There is ample number of empanada and street food stalls there as well as
benches for eating.
Not just the empanada is available here, there are also Okoys and street foods.
Very delectable to the taste, this native empanada recipe is
addictive. The texture is soft inside with its crispy dough wrap. The price
ranges from 25Pphp-40Php depending on the size or the stall. If you are
planning of a visit to this famous wonder city of northern Philippines, then
you should take a bite of this delicious but affordable delicacy.
The Yoghurt House with the colorful and artsy sign.
One thing that is a must to do Sagada is visit its famous restaurants
and eateries. The town with all its fresh and healthy vegetation offers delicious
nutritious foods. After sight-seeing on lush green trees or adventure on its
caves and falls, for sure all we want is a very fulfilling dinner on a cozy
place where relaxation and craving satisfactions co-exist. The colourful signage
of Sagada’s Yoghurt house is one of Sagada’s easy to find establishment that is
just few meters from the Municipal Hall. If you are heading to or from the
Sumaguing and Lumiang caves, then it is easy to find and dine at this very
delightful restaurant. It is found in
South Road, Sagada 2619.
Their very rich menu.
Cozy and warm feel.
We had the chance to eat dinner on our first night in Sagada, it was
then a peak season as evidenced by overflowing customers in the first and
second floors so we patiently waited for a vacant table for four. Still, the
ambiance gives a very comfortable feel with all the lights, furniture and
exciting menu. Because we dined there in
night time, we did not see the views in the second floor. Surely, I will come
back again for that. There were wonderful photos of the history of Sagada,
their respected tribesmen and artefacts hanging on the walls in black and white
but there is a note saying that taking pictures of the frames were prohibited.
Sagada Honey Yoghurt.
My meal, Bolognese.
Chicken Cashew Favorite.
Looking at the menu could just make your mouth water as the foods vary
from pancakes, pastas to chicken recipes and many more. Of course, from its
name, there are their famed Yoghurts which make the food experience complete.
The price range is not so cheap but not so expensive either. I could guarantee that it is sulit because of
large servings plus sumptuous taste. A pasta lover myself, I ordered Spaghetti
Bolognese while my friends had their Baked Chicken with Mashed
Potatoes and Vegetable Salad, (I posted the pictures of the orders
together with this blog) we ordered the sweet unique Sagada Honey Yoghurt and the tasty Banana
Granola Strawberry Preserves for dessert. The dishes do have bright colors with
rich taste. I love how they serve with large amount of vegetables since it the
vegetation in Sagada is one of their main sources of economy and pride.
Roasted Pork with Brown Sauce Vegetable and Rice.
Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Salad.
Banana, Granola Preserves.
Overall, your stay in Sagada will not be complete if you do
not try their specialty eating establishments especially the Yoghurt House. In
the end is a full healthy tummy. It is also one of the reasons why I want to go
back there again.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Denise Marie Domingo (She remembered all the long names of
foods we ordered. Thanks to her.).
Kristine Marla Guevarra (For that picture in the front view
because I failed to take one since we came on night time. She went there during
daytime.).
View from the bottom to the starting entrance. Adventurers are like fairies in their lamps.
The Philippines is a very rich country in terms of natural
resources and breath taking wonders of nature. As time goes by, unfound wonders
were revealed to give pride that our native land is home of Mother Nature’s
precious gifts. As the Underground River became one of the new seven wonders of
nature, tourists from all over the world had their eyes not just in Palawan but
other wonders as well. If you loved the Underground River then you should visit
up north to experience Sagada’s Sumaguing Cave. This adventure may require some
efforts but the feeling of touring inside will give you a very satisfying and
unforgettable experience.
Heading on.
Where is Sumaguing Cave?
The Sumaguing Cave is found in South Road, Sagada, 2619,
Mountain Province. If on an arranged tour, your tour guide will guide you on a
walk or usually ride a vehicle on the way. On our backpacking, our tour guide
organized the ride so we headed there through a van. Make sure your tour guide
is experienced, more importantly registered so you will have no worries on the
trip. You have to head on to the town’s tourism office in their municipal hall
to register. The cave is open between 9AM to 5PM. There were travel tours that
are pre-arranged with inclusion of these fees in their packages.
Down Below.
Kuya Tour Guide preparing his important lamp. There is my friend's bottled water too.
Me before the caving. The look of anxiety? That was kuya Tour Guide's red cap that he lent me.
What to prepare before the caving?
1.YOUR SELF: Exploring a cave is an adventure with
dangerous risks. This means that you have to prepare yourself mentally and
physically. Make sure your physique is ready for climbing and going down on
large slippery rocks. Mental alertness is also required to focus on the
spelunking or you might get lost or face serious injuries inside. Always follow
the instructions of your tour guides.
2.IDEAL OUTFIT: Wear comfortable shirts with
bottoms that is stretchable for the climbing as well as crawling. In my case,
my tour guide noticed that my hair is untied, I have no ponytail that time (yeah,
so lousy!), so in his kindness, he let me borrow his red cap. I wonder what
might happen because as manong warned, my hair would block my eyes in the
middle of caving and made me prone to very serious dangers. Do bring slippers
made of hard but strong material that provides more friction for wet surfaces
due to flowing waters and bat wastes. As much as possible do not bring your
precious belongings for you might not be able to find them when they were lost.
For gadgets, use an action camera that could be strapped on your body so your
hands will not be occupied while exploring.
3.REGISTRATION AND TOURISM FEES: Sumaguing Cave is
a natural wonder. This means that it also needs maintenance and adequate care. If you are on a backpacking trip,
you must first head on to their municipal office as I said earlier to pay the
registration and environment fee of more or less 35PHP.
4.YOUR GROUP: It is better to explore the cave by
group since there are a lot of actions with physical efforts. Much better to
have friends or relatives to back you up. Guided by a registered tour guide, be
sure to end the journey with a complete head count.
Sumaguing's Visitors.
The elephant. (Not sure of its name though, I forgot what manong said but it sure looks like one.)
Happy Birthday Cake!
Kuya Tour Guide helping me go down those slippery wet rocks.
Me being amazed of the fossils. This was my first time to feel one.
Tired but happy!
Our feet in cold crystal flowing water.
Cave Portrait.
What to expect?
Spelunking in the Sumaguing Cave may require much
preparedness with extra care but in the end it really is very fulfilling. So
many wonderful things could be found inside that you haven’t seen in your life
especially for the first timers. Those very beautiful rock formations will put
you in so much amazement of how very powerful God and Mother Nature formed them
through time. Small water pools and beds were flowing all over.
My friend Edith on a rappel going up.
We came, we saw and we conquered!
Post caving picture.
What I felt after caving?
This experience is one of the most unforgettable adventures
in my life. I feel so proud that I endured the challenge of getting through
those rock formations with little anxiety. Nothing could beat nature. It is
also my first time to see fossils which I believe were millions of years in the
making. My gratitude is to our very accommodating tour guide for keeping us
safe since we were all girls. If you are not faint hearted with a desire for
challenge yet fulfilling adventure, I would recommend visiting this Nature’s
treasure someday.