One of the really interesting web sites I enjoy is Ted Talks

There are hundreds of videos of talks by many distinguished and fascinating people at TED Conferences around the world.

Billy Collins, a A two-term U.S. Poet Laureate , read some of his poetry. I have extracted one in particular, please view it. Its about three minutes.

A wonderful insight into what it’s like being a teenager in the Unites States.

But it makes me sad; when I was seventeen I was living in a bed spacer, working two jobs and considering Mama-san’s offer of becoming a GRO.

The province of Cagayan is bounded by the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre to the east, the Cordillera Mountain to the west, to the north by the Baligtang Channel and the China sea and to the south by the province of Isabela.

A few kilometres from the northeast tip is the island of of Palaui, and to the west theisland of Fuga. The Babuyan Group of Islands lie about sixty kilometres north of Luzon. It occupies the lower basin of the Cagayan River and is the second largest province in the region. Another large river running through it is the Abulug.

The name was derived from the word “”tagay”" a plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. And “”catagayan”" which “”means a place were tagay grows abundantly”" was shortened to Cagayan. Known as a trekker’s, spelunkers and gamefisher’s paradise, Cagayan provides a never-ending adventure with ecotourism as the main focus.

Both foreign and local tourists continue to explore its caves, trek its mighty mountains, fish the abundant rivers and visit the centuries-old churches.

Callao Caves Twenty four kilometres from Tuguergarao, the caves have seven chambers, massive limestone formations and skylights.

Jackpot Cave Located in barangay Quibal, Penablanca, it is the second deepest cave in the Philippines.

Odessa-Tumbali Cave The third longest cave system in the Philippines, it is approx 12 kilometres long. The cave is flood-prone and provides excellent wet sport caving.

San Carlos Cave Considered as the toughest cave in the Philippines.

Portabaga Falls Located in Santa Praxedes, one of the tallest falls in the province. Sta Praxedes is approx 190 km from Tuguegarao.

Cagayan River The Rio Grande de Cagayan, the mightiest, longest and widest river in the Philippines.

The Miraculous Lady of Piat Originally called the Lady of the Rosary because it was originally brought from Macao to the Philippines in 1604 by the Dominican Friars, devotees of the Rosary.

The Oldest Bell in the Far East In San Jacinto de Polona Paris in Camalaniugan. Forged in 1595.

The western part of the province is generally flat and well drained by the Angat and Pampanga rivers. The western boundaries touch the extensive Candaba swamps. It is this fertile land that attracted the fishermen of the Manila Bay area to settle inland and become farmers. Bulacan has many notable heroes and Bulakanos take great pride in their history and tradition. Notable historical landmarks include the signing of the Biak-na-Bato in 1897 and the ratification and drafting of the original constitution in Malolos.

Madlum CaveIn San Miguel, Bulacan. A fifty meter long cave along the banks of the Madlum River. There is a statue of Mother Mary and it is believed to be the place where Saint Michael, the patron saint of San Miguel was found

Pinglarean Cave Near Norzagary, Bulacan. A subterreanean network of caves over one kilometer long and was the location of secret meetings of the Filipino revolutionary forces against Spain in 1896

Aguinaldo Cave Where the late hero Emilio Aguinaldo took refuge while leading the the resistance movement against the Spanish and American colonizers.

Sibul Spring Resort Near San Miguel. The crystal cler waters come from the Sierra Madre Mountainsa nd is famous for its medicinal effects

Tilandong Falls San Miguel Bulacan. A natural falls and used for irrigation and also electricity generation

Angat Hydro-electric Plant One of the largest dams in the country and supplies water to Greater Manila. Fishing and boating is available in the man-made lagoon.

Bustos Dam The longest “”sector gate”" in the world. The reservoir of the Angat Hydroelectric facility.

Biak-na-Bato San Miguel. The mountain hideout of the revolutionary forces during the Spanish occupation. The Malolos Constitution was signed here and the place where Gen Emilio Aguinaldo and Pedro Paterno became ‘blood-brothers’.

Calumpit Church Built in 1575. There is a tunnel where revolutionaries and Spaniards were buried during the Filipino- Spanish conflict. Alos the last battlefiled of General Tanaka.

Col. John Stotsenberg Marker located at Agnaya, Plaridel. Col Stotsenberger was a prominent casualty of the Philippine-Amercian War who was killed by the forces of General Gregorio Pilar. Gen Stotsenberger was a member of the Nebraska Volunteer Infantry and Captain of the 6th US Cavalry.

San Rafael Catholic Church Site of the bloody battle between Filipino and Spanish forces where it is said the blood ran ankle deep.

Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine A hero of the independence movement is honored by the erection fo this shrine.

Don Felipe Buencamino Marker A student activist and later a leading cabinet member of Aguinaldo’s government.

Calumpit Bridge Site of the first battle between Filipino and American forces during the retreat of Aguinaldo to Illocos.

Instituto de Mujeres, Pandi, Bulacan The address used by Dr. Jose Rizal in his famous letter to the women of Malolos

Bahay na Tisa Balagtas. one of the oldest tiled-roof houses and constructed in 1849. It shows a mixture of mestizo, spanish and native tagalog designs.

Balagtas Monument In honor of the Father of Tagalog Poetry, Francisco Baltazar and author of Florante at Laura

Hiyas Museum Malolos. Houses a collection of memorabilia from the Philippine Revolution

Barasoain Museum Malolos. Houses relogious artifacts from the province.

Obando Fertility Rites May 15 – 19. farmers thank the Virgin of Salambao, San Pascual Baylon and Santa Clara for their bountiful harvests. Childless couples appeal for heavenly intervention and unmarried boys and gilrs dance to attract potential mates.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit Playbook

English with Tagalog translation and line drawings to color in

You can give your kids a hours of fun, facts, and entertainment!

While at the same time they can read the enchanting tale of Peter Rabbit in both English and in Tagalog.

It’s simply superb:

• If you are reading to your child
• If your child is learning to read
• If your child is learning English
• If your child is learning Filipino
• If you want to understand Tagalog phrases

Teachers and parents agree that the word-and-picture format of the Tale of Peter Rabbit Playbook is a great way to encourage children to learn Filipino as well as learn English.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit Playbook in English with Tagalog translation in Tagalog phrases is a great way to start kids off on a life-long passion for reading.

Turn your youngster’s love of Ms Potter’s rabbit friends into a love of reading.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is one of Ms Potter’s best known works and tells the story of the mischievous Peter Rabbit and his adventure in Mr. McGregors’ garden. It is as enthralling now as when it was first published in 1902

Beatrix Potter illustrated all her children’s story books with exquisite water color images that brings to life her loveable characters.

The original work is now translated into Tagalog

The original water colors are depicted in line drawings

Your child can now spend many happy hours coloring the pictures while at the same time reading and learning the Tagalog meaning and Tagalog phrases as well as the English text.

It is a well known fact that learning is so much easier in a relaxed happy environment

• Coloring is a great way to practice the skill of holding a writing tool
• Coloring can also help to develop kids’ small hand muscles.
• Your kids will be able to pick up vocabulary through reading both Tagalog phrases and English text related to the picture they are coloring.

Now you can avail yourself of The Tale of Peter Rabbit Playbook for the princely sum of PHP 247 !

But Wait, there’s more! Two for the price of one.

Buy now and claim the Tale of Benjamin Bunny storybook

English to Tagalog Translation

for FREE! Yeah!!

The province of Bataan was established in 1754 by General Manuel Arandia and was one of the first provinces to revolt against the Spanish.

Bataan was the scene of many battles between the American-Filipino forces against the invading Japanese. Over 37,000 American and Filipino prisoners-of-war were captured in the Bataan peninsula and were force marched to a concentration camp in Tarlac.

Bataan is located adjacent Manila Bay and is bounded in the north by Zambales and Ologapo.

First Line of Defense Marker Near Dinalupihan, it marks the first strong line of defense of the combined US and Filipino troops against the Japanese invasion in World War ll

Democracy Marker Situated on the boundary between Pampanga and Bataan and reminds of the the role Bataan played in the fight for freedom.

Death March Marker Near Orani, the statue commemerates the fighting spirit of the Death Marchers who passed by on their way to the prison camps

Tomas Pinpin Monument In memory of the first Filipino printer who with the help of Father Blancas de San Jose printed the earliest books in the Philippines in 1610

Surrender Site Marker In the grounds of Balanga Elementary School, it marks the spot where Major General Edward King Jr. surrenderd to the invading Japanese on April 9, 1942

Dambana Ng Kagitingan The Shrine of Valor. A national monument on top of Mount Samat, immortalising the agony of the Filipino and American who suffered at the hands of the Japanese invading army in World War ll

Mount Samat The location of many battles during World War ll

Philippine Japanese Friendship Tower The tower was erected in 1952 by the Risho Kosekei Group to symbolise the reconsiliation, peace and freindship between the Philippines and Japanese nations

Battle of Tour Pocket Marker In Bagac, the Battle of Pockets fought between the Filipino and Japanese troops in bataan early 1942

Bankal Settlements In Abucay, a barangay created to maintain the cultures of the Aetas people

Mount Malasimbo Near Dinalupihan. When the summit is covered with dark clouds it is a warning sign of coming typhoons

Catholic Church Belfry In Balanga it was used as an observation point during the battles of World War ll in the Bataan peninsula. Araw Ng Kagitingan Bataan Day commemorated on April 9 each year. the highlight is th gathering of World War ll veterans, local dignatories and guests from America and Japan.

Formally the area was shared by the provinces of Pampanga and Pangasinan, Tarlac was one of the last to be created by the Spanish government.

The history of Tarlac starts in 1860 with the creation by he Spanish of a commandancia in Western Pampanga. On the outbreak of the revolution in 1896, Tarlac was one of the provinces where a state of war was declared. Later whhen Malolos was evacuated, the town of Tarlac became the headquarters of the Philippine Revolutionary Government.

Tarlac is situated in the central plains of Luzon. About 57,500 hectares. The capital of the province is Tarlac, a small progressive commercal town. Approx 125 km from Manila.

Camp O’Donnell The final destination of the infamous Death March. A concentration camp and burial ground of thousands of Filipino soldiers who perished during the second world war at the hands of the Japanese.

Santo Domingo Death March Marker The site where over 60,000 Filipino soldiers were unloaded from railroad cars to start the second phase of the tragic ‘death march’.

Camp Servillano Aquino Formally called Camp Ord, named after Lt Col James Ord. Home today of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. The Eisenhower Tree was planted here on July 4th 1939 by Lt Col Dwight D Eisenhower, CHief of staff of General Douglas MAcArthur,the military advisor of the Philippine Commonwealth.

Capas Death March Monument The monument is located 3km from Tarlac town proper and easily spotted with its sk-high inverted V emblem.

Catholic Church of Camiling The death place of General Pedro Pedroche and his men on charges of rebellion by Francisco Makbulos.

Maria Clara Museum In the historic town of Camiling. Several artifacts belonging to Leonor Rivera, better known as he immortal heroine Maria Clara are displayed in glass cabinets.

Tarlac Provincial Capitol An imposing landmark, constructed at the top of a hill, the capitol commands a panaramic view of Tarlac.

Maria Cristina Park Close to Tarlac Provincial Capitol and named after Tarlac Beauty queen, Maria Christina Galang, Miss Philipppines 1952

San Sebastian Church Located in the front of the Municipal Hall Tarlac, it was the site of the Revoltionary Congress.

The province of Zambales dates back to 1572 and the Spaniard Don Juan de Salcedo.

The earliest migrants were the Malays who came from the Celebes Sea and settled in the north.

The Tagalogs, from the east, settled in the southern areas while the vast central area was occupied by the Ilocanos from north Luzon.

The name Zambales comes from the Malay word ‘samba’ meaning to worship because the early inhabitants were found by the Spaniards worshipping a spirit called ‘Anito’ and were referred to as ‘Sambali’.

Covering an area of approximately 371,000 hectares, Zambales shares boudaries to the north with Pangasinan, Tarlac and Pampanga to the east and Bataan to the south, while the entire stretch western boudary joins the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea.

Zambales has managed to retain its’ pastoral charm and is an ideal tourist location within travelling distance from Manila.

Snake Island Complete with recreational facilities and an ideal location to relax. Faciliites include; swimming, scuba diving, boating, water skiing and other water sports.

Balon Falls For nature lovers where the only sounds come from the birds and the crystal-clear water cascading down the falls.

Hermana Mayor island An island located off Sta Cruz. In 1979 the candidates for the Miss Universe competition visited the island for a photo-shoot. The island is known locally as Miss Universe Island.

Silanguin Bay Abundant marine life makes this an ideal location for scuba diving and snorkeling. A thriving fish sanctuary is also located here.

Capones Island You cannot miss it. Just head for the lighthouse located there. An ideal place for boating and fishing.

Mount Pinatubo Infamous for its destructive eruption in 1991 it is now a must-see location for travellers to Central Luzon.

Mount Pinatubo Lake Take a boat ride and see more than 600 houses, schools and churches of San Marcelino Township submerged beneath this lake caused by the surrounding lahar silation after the olcanic eruption in 1991. On the way back, visit the Hidden Shrine of Mount Pinatubo.

Santa Nino Cave Carved out of the rock with an alter and a cros made from a human femur bone. Images of the Holy Family adorn he walls along with a petrified giant clam measuring two feet in diamter.

Baloc-Baloc Springs An ardous trek will bring you to a spectacular watefall inside a cave. Cool spring water cascades tem metres into a natural pool in the floor of the cave. Perfect for cooling off.

The area was officially conquerred and colonised in 1571 by D. Martin de Goiti.

It is the earliest political and administratve unit in the Philippines.

Created in 1850 by Governor General Ronquillo de Penalosa.

The province occupies the northern portion of the central plains of Luzon with a peninsular that juts out into the China Sea.

Lingayen Public BeachThe landing place of General Douglas MacArthur when he returned with his liberation forces to help liberate Northern Luzon.

White Beach The landing area of Lt. General Homma, commander of the Japanese Imperial Expeditionary Forces on December 24 1941.

Limahong Channel Limahong, a Chinese corsair failed to form a colony in May of Manila. He dug a escape channel from Lingayan to the sea.

Bolinao Museum Located in western town of Bolinao, contains mostly Tang, Sung and Ming porcelains.

Hundred Islands National Park Off the coast of Lucap Aliminos, over one hundred islands and islets with the water shallow enough for swimming and snorkeling

Santiago Island Off the northeast coast of Bolinao and 100km from Dagupan City. A haven for scuba divers attracted by rich preserves of corals and shells. Take a motorised banca from the town of Bolinao proper.

Agno Umbrella Rocks Boulders decorated with ferns dot the beach of Sabangan Agno about 30 minutes drive from Alimonos.

Manleluag Hot Springs Located 7km from Mangatarem.

Shrine of Nuestra Senora De Manoag Situated at the corner of Barrroza and Mangonon Streets in Manoag

Church of St. James Built by the Augustinians in Bolinao 1609.

Everyone knows that losing weight means cutting down on your calorie intake and burning more calories through exercise. However, many people fail to consider the impact that their drinks have on their weight loss goals. Drinks contain calories just like food, but some drinks can even hinder your weight loss efforts in other ways! Here’s a guide to the main drink categories you need to watch while losing weight.

Alcohol

Many people are good at looking at their diet and knowing what they should and shouldn’t eat, but don’t take time to look at their alcohol consumption in the same way. Alcohol should be accounted for as part of your daily calorie allowance, so a couple for drinks a day will soon add up!

And they don’t call it a “beer belly” for nothing: research has shown that alcohol can actually reduce the rate at which your body burns calories! It can also lead to some pretty unhealthy cravings, so it’s important to be careful.

Coffee, Tea And Weight Loss

Some other drinks that many of us have every single day include coffee and tea. But are these helping or hindering your weight loss efforts? Studies have shown that any drinks containing caffeine can interfere with weight loss. The stimulation that occurs after you drink caffeine, whether from coffee, tea or even soda, really isn’t good for cravings!

Many of us also even link the drinking of tea or coffee to eating a snack. In this case, even if the coffee itself isn’t doing you any harm it’s still encouraging your snacking habit, which isn’t going to help you lose weight!

Many people drink green tea for weight loss. There’s been a lot of hype over this drink in recent years, and studies have shown that green tea extract may help you to lose weight. However, drinking too much green tea means you’ll still experience all the negative effects of caffeine listed above.

Juice

Many people switch their unhealthy sodas for juice when trying to lose weight, on the assumption that this is “healthy”. While it’s true that fruit juice does come with more health benefits than sugary drinks, you still have to be careful about how much you’re drinking. Make sure you choose juice without added sugar and include the calories within your daily allowance. Try not to have huge amounts in one go, as you’ll want to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Water

When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s vital that you drink enough water. Not only will you need this to keep you hydrated while you’re working out, you’ll also want to use it as a way to make losing weight easier. There’s no miracle cure for losing weight, but water comes pretty close.

Did you know that what you think is hunger is often thirst? Drinking more water as standard every day can reduce those cravings that force you to overeat. And drinking a couple of glasses of water before each meal can help fill you up to prevent overeating. This makes it a lot easier to reduce your portion sizes!

The truth is that water is always best. If you’re used to drinking coffee, sugary drinks, alcohol and soda, then gradually replacing them with water will help your weight loss efforts, even if you do nothing else!

Well, Holy Week is over for another year.

This year we stayed in Manila, unlike most of the population who traveled out to their friends and families in the provinces.

All the business’ and major shopping malls were closed and it was rather enjoyable that we could drive around the city without too many traffic jams and a lower level of noise.

On Good Friday we traveled North to Barangay San Pedro Cutud, near San Fernando Pampanga to witness the inactment of the Crucifixion.

It was hot, chaotic and quite frankly not very religious.

The narrow roads leading to the crucifixion site were jam packed with cars, tricycles and pedestrians

There was absolutely no traffic or crowd management, total absence of police or traffic officials.

Every house occupant on the roads to the site made the most of the event by turning their gardens into parking lots and setting up refreshment stalls.

And there was just too many umbrellas to get close to or even witness the inactment.

When I was younger, I remember by three in the afternoon, everyone became quiet and many families knelt before their family alters and recited prayers of devotion. In Barangay San Pedro Cutud, the majority just wanted to be the first out of the traffic jam.