Good Times Cafe in Dipolog

Located just walking distance from the public market (and most inns) in Dipolog, Good Times Cafe (as it is most popularly known, but its official name now is Galeria or Cafe Indelico)  is now home to a number of artists living together as a family. Yes, some concept of hippie commune came to mind but I don't think that covers the welcoming warmth we enjoyed as we visited with Kuya Aldrin, one of the artists living there who showed us around, and the real love and respect each member had for each other.

Good Times Cafe was originally located in Manila. I have quite forgotten the reason why they packed up and left (must be high cost of real estate) and I am ashamed to say that I have also forgotten the province where they are setting up a similar cafe (I think in Bacolod) in. I have been remiss in notetaking and blogging.

Anyway, the artists living in this ancestral home all pitch in to decorate the place (using old and donated tiles and glass), play host, cook (the cafe has sees more people at night for laid back banter and drinks) and create artwork which they exhibit and sell in the cafe.

I think everyone would have loved to have a yard or garden like the one they had. :)

view from the street

the family that once lived here

the gate that opens into this haven of mosaics and artwork

they are still extending this to the back of the house, installing a bar and a koi pond

you will find artwork everywhere, using all media possible

I believe this is a real stuffed bird

Not sure if it was called kamonsil or something... the property had a lot of edible plants/trees

my boys at the gate

my boys with Kuya Aldrin

Kuya Aldrin's painting

their mentor, Ed Tabangcura, likes using all kinds of materials like cement and clay (for frames and paintings)

There are a lot of paintings and scuplture of deities from different religions. I also noticed that most paintings had a water-like element to it, most suggesting movement and flexibility and I even asked Kuya Aldrin if that was an influence of their mentor or a very Filipino quality.

Anyway, again, I would have loved to hang out there and learn more about art (for they do get invited to teach or speak or do workshops) or just chum out with people whose creativity just flows.

Maybe my sons will get to apprentice in time :)

MIBF 2013 and EDUCARE: A Young Child Conference

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2013 is happening this September 11-15, 2013 at SMX, Mall of Asia. Expect discounted books, learning systems, teaching materials and even fun actitvities for kids.



I am actually eager to check out some Melissa & Dough educational toys. I know there are some kiddie instruments here (serious musicians might have to check out md 421 ii c at guitar center though) as well as teaching charts. I am also hoping to check prices already at shops I know so I can really get good deals. Happening around the same time is this conference on educating young children.

Check out http://www.manilabookfair.com/ for more details and see you there!

Adarna is also offering free printable tickets to the book fair.

Balik Bukid Country Fair - November 2012

Warning... this will be a rave :)

Well.. the Sta. Elena Fun Farm proved to be a heaven for little kids to roam around in and just really enjoy nature and stretch their bodies. So, I will focus on the country fair instead.

We didn't get to really check each stall because we were there for the kids to play. not really to shop. But there was enough array of goods for everyone in the family. Beauty products and toiletries, food (pastries, ice cream on sticks, meals, pizza, etc), accessories (bags, necklaces, etc), furniture (wooden, antiques), art, toys, games, clothes... it's a bazaar that won't really overwhelm and most (if not all) are healthy and organic (Hecky's lechon isn't really healthy but they use organic pigs!).

The price range for the food was between affordable (like the inasal chicken and barbecue I bought) to expensive (P100/bottle of iced tea or dalandan juice!).

Registration went well... we each got blue bracelets crocheted from plastic strips

loved this pesto pizza from Pizza Morena

they have their own brick oven at the pavilion

seller of Waldorf dolls

seller of Waldorf wooden toys

when was the last time you saw horses made from newspapers??? :)  This cost P500 for a small one though so, I'm guessing the paints they use are plant-based

notebooks and boxes, anyone?

woven bags perhaps?

produce fresly picked from Holy Carabao farm (the neighbor of Fun Farm)

I didn't go near this shop because they were selling Advent wreathes,,, haha, and I might buy one

aren't these bunnies super cute???

some of the food booths at the dining area

the seller of this antique was a Lasallian hubs knows

these were his other wares

yup, there was dancing too

and storytelling by the Acacia Waldorf teachers (they also offered craft activities for parents and kids)

and games... sack race, coco shell stilts, jumping rope, dodge ball

the wash area is just beside this, and the bike trail (where you can borrow bikes or bring your own, not really for big bikes and motorcycle helmets though)

The usual entrance to the Fun Farm is P300 for all activities but Balik Bukid charged P350 for those (I guess, to cover the cost of the extra manpower in all stations). However, if you just want the festive air and to shop, you can get in for free.

I love that they insisted on people bringing their own eco bags and cleaning as they go. I love that it wasn't so loud, there were so many activities and it didn't feel crowded (despite the large number of families that went). Starbucks was there too :) And lots of celebs. And a photobooth :)

Ultimately, it's a relaxing trip to the farm without having to worry about bringing in your own food (but you can, and can even borrow picnic mats from them) or not having anything to do while the kids played. And personally, I prefer this to the usual bazaars that happen in the city.



Museum of the Filipino People

The Museum of the Filipino People is the old Finance Building at Luneta (if the Department of Tourism is to the left of the giant Rajah Sulayman statue, then this one is to the right). This is where they transferred and installed most of the former exhibits at National Museum.

It's major exhibits include: San Diego Exhibit (showcasing what was dug from a wreck site, mostly jars and cannons);  Five Centuries of Maritime Trade, The Origin (presenting origins of the Philippine islands);  Kaban ng Lahi (the archaeological treasures gallery) and   Kinahinatnan (the Filipino people's rich cultural heritage).

We went there an hour or so before the museum closed so I don't think we saw all exhibit rooms that were open/operational. But what we did saw, we loved. It literally took me back to school days of tackling history and Science and rekindled, in a way, pride at my heritage.

So, yes, for that reason alone, everyone must go to this Museum.

one of the bigger cannons at the San Diego Exhibit

 

the spiny spooner crab looks like something I've eaten many times already, hehe

 

a table display of different corals from our seas

 

not an optical illusion... these stuffed cloud rats are HUGE! A friend said you can see live ones at Tarak Ridge in Bataan (I didn't really come near the display case because I was busy cringeing). To the left of this is a monkey-eating eagle display (literally, a stuffed Philippine eagle with its talons on a monkey... and that WAS cool).

 

Bayawak (monitor lizard) was pretty common in Batangas where I'd spend summers in... even watched a friend's sister shoot at one and hit it in the mouth... this is a delicacy in some provinces here

 

Hoy, Hoy... Bulol :D  I thought Bulol (god/deity that features in harvest rituals) was limited to depictions of a deity sitting down, but apparently... he isn't

 

there are so many display cases like this which features musical instruments (like this one), everyday tools and trinkets (iron, feeding implements), farming implements etc

One room that I liked (but didn't take a picture of) was the exhibit where the Manunggul Jar (a secondary burial jar) is... because with it were a lot of other secondary burial jars, with covers of carved heads and some coffins.

The geek in me would like to explore this museum further... preferably without excited kids getting distracted by one exhibit after another. Haha.

National Museum Then, National Art Gallery Now

National Museum, Museum of the Filipino People and Planetarium have opened its doors (due to renovations going on) for free to all this month of October. Unfortunately, we only got to go mid-October so I am only posting about them now.

National Museum (old Senate Building, P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila) is now the National Art Gallery and thus exhibits the artworks of famous painters and sculptors. You can also see some wonderful wood workmanship from old buildings and homes here.

They are still in the process of completely transferring all other non-artwork to the Museum of the Filipino People though, so skeletons and body parts of some prehistoric/indigenous animals can still be found here.

Parking is in front of the building

Spolarium by Juan Luna (forgive me, this was a family day so we were always in the shots!)

facade of an old church in Bohol (if memory serves me right)

the exhibits brought me back to childhood days in the province

self-portrait by Luna... roguish, isn't he?

loved the parquet floors in the different exhibit rooms

Rizal's sculpture (Mother dog attacking a crocodile, trying to save her pup)... which was recreated using animal skeletons in one of the other exhibit rooms

Babywearing using T'nalak cloth (again, if memory serves me right, haha)

not a great picture but this was the old Session Hall, I think... and it would be lovely if this opened as an events venue to the public (if it isn't yet). Every inch of it IS majestic.

What is great about this museum is that it is open on Sundays so families can really come and spend a leisurely hour or two in their air-conditioned exhibit rooms.

You supposedly need a special permit to go in with your DSLR, which is why we just used hubs' iPhone.

Check out http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph for more info.

Dogs, Pasts, Rights and Monkeys

For parents (and homeschoolers) looking for activities to supplement their children's education... Museo Pambata is offering the following activities for the month of October :)

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(from their FB page)

Take a look at an exhibit featuring man's best friend in “The Askals Club,” an exhibit where you can also learn about pet care and safety. “The Askals Club” exhibit will be open from October 4 until 11. This activity is done in cooperation with the Animal Kingdom Foundation.

Know what it's like being up close and personal with history, as told by an archaeologist. Learn more about excavations and traveling in a short discussion. (October 13, 10 AM)

Enjoy a theatrical performance about children's rights with Sipat Lawin Ensemble in “Sipat Lawin Presents” on October 20, 2 PM.

Join a storytelling session featuring a monkey hoping to win the heart of a princess in “Ang Prinsipeng Unggoy,” a book by Christine Bellen, illustrated by Hubert Fucio, and published by Anvil Publishing (October 27, 10 AM). The book is MP's book feature for the month of October.

The Wedding Library Wedding and Debut Fair 2011

The Wedding Library is holding its Wedding and Debut Fair 2011 on February 18-20, 2011 at the Megatrade Hall 1-3 in SM Mega Mall.

Ehibitors for the event fall in the following categories:
•Accessories
•Balloons & Special Effects
•Beauty & Fitness
•Beverage & Liquor
•Bridal Registry
•Bridal Shower Items/ Venues
•Cakes
•Car Rentals
•Caterers
•Churches
•Coordinators
•Couturiers & Designers
•Dessert Suppliers
•Financial Institutions
•Florists & Stylists
•Hair & Make-up
•Honeymoon Destinations
•Invitations
•Jewellers
•Lights & Sounds
•Lingerie & Honeymoon Wear
•Media Partners
•Men's Trousseau
•Musicians & Emcees
•Photographers
•Post-wedding Services
•Pre-wedding Products/Services
•Projector Rentals
•Reception Venues
•Souvenirs
•Sponsors
•Videographers
•Wedding Publications & Resources

Considering the exhaustive list above, rest assured that all your wedding needs will be taken cared of at the fair, whether it's plus size bridesmaid dresses you need or advertising your nuptials.

Judy Uson, the cake artist who made our wedding cake will be there. Bridal Factory of the affordable, delightful gowns will also be there.

So.... visit http://www.weddingsanddebuts.com.ph, register and see you (probably) there!

Global Pinoy Bazaar - A Review

Global Pinoy Bazaar is a project of Yabang Pinoy where they pool together Pinoy entrepreneurs to exhibit proudly-Philippine made products. It's also a fundraising of sorts (the entrance fee was P100) to help such entreprenurs.

Anyway, the most recent one was held at the Rockwell Tent last November 6-7, 2010. And I must say, I was absolutely impressed. Sure, I didn't see any yakima racks there for bikes but there were local versions of what seems to be Lego-like toys (which uses magnets) and all the clothes were really fabulous! There were sellers of malunggay-based products as well as of chocolates mixed with local produce (siling labuyo, green mango, pili, etc.).

So, the next time there is another Global Pinoy Bazaar, I highly recommend that you go not just to help move local commerce but to also realize that we can indeed be world-class!

My loot consists of three shirts (onesie, toddler shirt and adult shirt) bearing MILKAHOLIC for the men in my life, a mini-bento set from Eden Maternity Wear and a Multi Wrap from Laura's Shawl Couture. Talk about being clothed in happiness!

Super Kids Fair 2010 at SMX

Super Kids Fair 2010, a two-day event that started today, is the first early childhood education fair in the country. Sponsored by Wyeth and Promil among others, the fair ticket is P80 for both child and adult and features many activities (over freebies).

There's storytelling almost every two hours and also a Gymboree feature in the late afternoon. There are many booths with arts and crafts too as well as sing and dance presentations to entertain your child.

Tired parents can just rest at the modern sofas at SMX's lobby in the first floor. The fair is held at the 3rd floor.

The 1st Philippine International Eco-Show (PINES)

SMX Convention Center is the venue for the 1st Philippine International Eco-Show (PINES) that's happening on 26-28 August 2010.

It's the perfect venue to do research on all-organic products, whether to adopt it for your lifestyle or delve into a business, as well as shop for natural beauty care and health products. Milea is exhibiting there aside from different herbal communities, arts and handicrafts groups, organic farms, and earth-friendly orgs.

It could even be the perfect place to look for locally made products to send to relatives abroad or embellish a Filipiniana-themed home or occasion.

Support the 1st Philippine International Eco-Show. Just proceed to Halls 3 and 4, Ground Floor, SMX Convention Center (Exhibition Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm). Admission to the Trade Exhibit is FREE!

The 1st Philippine Chocolate & Ice Cream Show

Yep, you are reading it right. And yes, you may need to read some noxycut review after the event. Still, the 1st Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show is happening at the World Trade Center on July 14-16, 2010 coinciding with the Hotel-Hostel & Restaurant Expo Philippines.

Tickets are P100 each but if you pre-register for the event, you can get them at a 50% discount. Just go here for more details.

Discover the remarkable and surprising range of chocolate and ice cream products that the Philippines and the world have to offer!!!

December 2009 Bazaars

Somebody painstakingly scoured the net and papers and every possible network she has to come up with this December Bazaar Schedule. So if you're not done shopping or just want to broswe new trends and fads, do check the link out.

If you're also a budding entrepreneur, now is the time to do your research and see what's already out there and what isn't. Or, come up with ways on how hits could be better so that come next year, it's you exhibiting at a Christmas bazaar already.

Even gadget freaks shouldn't shun these bazaars, even if ornaments and clothes and food feature the most during this time, because some gadgets and accessories also get sold. Plus, if you really need a video card badly, chances are, shops in malls are also having a Christmas sale.

Happy shopping! Do spend your money wisely!

Books, Books, Books

It's super sale once again in all National Bookstore branches so now really is the best time to buy those imported books because saving 10-40% off their prices is always a great thing. They're even giving discounts for school supplies and toys. The sale goes on till September 20.

If that's not enough for you, then there is also the 3rd Manila International Book Fair happening on September 16-20, 2009 (from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM) at Exhibit Halls 1-4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Plus, the Be Happy author Andrew Matthews will give a talk there on September 18. Chances are, a lot of children's books will be on sale here, even those written and published by local authors.

So save what remains of your salaries and enrich your mind this September. It can even be the perfect time to buy Christmas gifts for nieces and nephews already!

Business Expos

Great expos at the World Trade Center in Manila await people thinking of starting or already managing their own businesses.

September schedules are:
3-6 - Print Philippines 2009
4-6 - Franchising Expo & Business Opportunity 2009, The 8th Fil Franchise Show
9-11 - Powertrends
14 - American Women's Club Monthly Bazaar
19 - NU Skin Enterprises Success Seminar
17-20 - 13th Food and Drinks Asia and Food Franchising 2009
23-26 - 18TH Asia Food Expo and Food Serv Asia 2009
(Food & Beverage, Food Processing, packaging & & handling machinery expo)

Plus, it may not be the best place to meet a business plan consultant but the Career and Guidance Counseling Fair happening on September 17-18 at Function Rooms 1 & 2 (from 8 AM to 5 PM) of the SMX Convention Center may still prove useful to budding entrepreneurs.

Wedding Expo - 15th Edition

Over 300 Suppliers await brides & grooms in the Philippines' biggest and most prestigious Wedding Fair!!!

On September 5-6, 2009, hie over to the PICC Forum at CCP Complex to see booths upon booths of wedding items, services and what-not. If you're getting one of the suppliers anyway, better book them there to avail of discounted packages and more freebies. Plus, you may also win raffle prizes during the expo.

Expect to take hours before going through all the booths and samples. And really, do not hesitate trying out the samples. If you're not getting married anymore but is planning a party nonetheless, the Expo is still a great source of ideas. And if you're into business, check out the trends and see if there's anything you can add to your own products. Even photographers can see new tricks of the trade for better captured moments.

Expo Mom at Rockwell

Mother's Day weekend (May 09-10, 2009) sees Rockwell Tent playing host to a Discovery Expo for Moms and their families. Truly a perfect something-to-do on Mother's Day.

MAY 9, SATURDAY

10:00 am- EXPO MOM OPENS
11:30 am- FORMAL OPENING & WELCOME
1:00 pm- Sponsor’s Talk: Cerelac Gold
1:30 pm- Sponsor’s Talk: Glaxo Smithkline
2:00 pm- Kindermusik for Toddlers & Kids by Teacher Jeannie Castillo
2:30 pm- Baby Sign Language by Jaymie Pizarro
3:00 pm- Sponsor’s Talk: Baby Ready with J&J
3:30 pm- Attachment Parenting & Baby Wearing by Jen Tan
4:00 pm- Yoga Kids by Michelle Aventajado
4:30 pm- Musical Number by My Masterpiece Multi-Arts school
5:30 pm- Onstage Games
6:00 pm- Mom Massage Demo by Vier Tahonera
Raffle Draw
8:00 pm CLOSING


MAY 10, SUNDAY

10:00 am- EXPO MOM DAY 2 OPENS
10:30 am- Musical Number by My Masterpiece Multi-arts School
11:30 am Onstage Games
12:30 pm Gymboree Portion
1:30 pm Healthy Meals by Dona Elena Olive Oil
2:00 pm Belly Dancing for Expectant Moms by Dr. Faye Cagayan
Onstage Games
2:30 pm Your Baby Can Read! Talk
3:00 pm Happy Belly Health & Fitness by Rome Kanapi
3:30 pm A Mom’s Life Talk Show (tentative)
4:30 pm Mommy Fashion by Contour Fashion
5:00 pm Expo Mom Get Together Live Acoustic music by Paolo Santos
Raffle Draw
8:00 pm Closing

*Schedules may change without notice.

Meanwhile, mommies might want to join their contest to win gift packs from their sponsors.

Shibari Photo Exhibit

Shibari is a Japanese word that literally means "to tie" or "to bind". It is used in Japan to describe the artful use of twine to tie objects or packages. The word Shibari came in to common use in the west at some point in the 1990s to describe the bondage art Kinbaku. Kinbaku - is the word for "bondage" or Kinbaku-bi which means "beautiful bondage".

Shibari is the Japanese style of binding which involves tying up a captive (usually during wartime) using simple yet visually intricate patterns several pieces of thin rope (generally 6mm or 8mm).

Tori-Nawa-Jutsu (Photo Exhibit of Traditional Japanese Binding)
Venue: Penguin Gallery Cafe' - 604 Remedios Street Malate Manila very near the Remedios Circle - tel number 710 8056
Date: November 21, 2008
Time: 9pm onwards

There will be a live demonstration of the rope craft by Rope Artist - John "Bo" Roxas

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got the above from an e-mail. Am sure this one will be a very interesting date, even for married couples.

Thrice Disappointed

I was looking forward to the weekend, expecting to have a blast at the two convention/exhibits and the halloween thingie we were going to.

I shouldn't have bothered.

First, there was the WORLD OF CHINA EXHIBIT at the World Trade Center. Not sure if it was because it was running for almost a week then but there really wasn't much to see or interest someone at the exhibit. Shopping in Divisoria is more exciting, at least you get to see Nokia knock-offs (in the form of Nokla) and binge on Chinese food.

But yes, there were Crocs shoes and sandals being sold for P350 each (or 3 for P1000) but they only had limited stocks and colors. And yes, there were several exhibit booths selling exercise machines and herbal/organic stuff that supposedly helps one to lose weight.

It was interesting to watch a tea ceremony in real life, however, and the exhibit was free and you get canvas bags. And yes, they did set up a Great Wall there for photo opps. But still, it was truly a let down.

So we rushed to the SMX Convention Center for the Consumer Electronics thingie. Apart from seeing the latest models of Mac PCs and Nokia phones, the highlight of the exhibit would be watching photographers take pictures of a model who seemed to have been paid to pose all day and getting a free canvas bag from Philcopy. One other disappointment is that i've been to a few similar (and better) exhibits at Mega Trade Hall that cost me nothing while this cost me P50.

Sigh.

And then there's the Halloween Fun Craze at Alabang Town Center spearheaded by Kidsters, Inc. In retrospect, maybe I should have given into my misgivings when I was told that pre-registration is done there and then (sorry, but i've always thought pre-registration involves filling up an internet form or e-mails or calls are made to register BEFORE the event happens). I was also told that they'd be there from 10 AM to 5 PM.

So we got there at past 2 PM, I think, looking forward to loot bags at least for the effort we invested on our costumed kids (Lilo, Snow White and Tiger... and the tiger costume wasn't made for tropical weather!). Or at least, great photo opportunities. To our dismay, the event was set up on a non-air conditioned plaza and they were already awarding the costumed kids (winners, I think, were one dressed as a KAPRE and the other is an AXED LADY). But we were told that there'd be another batch of costume contest at 4 PM. The emcee announced it several times as well, that they were going to pick four other winners (most inventive, cutest, scariest and one other criteria) at 4 PM. The emcee also said that there's no pre-registration anymore in the afternoon. So our lot decided to give our kids a wardrobe change first and eat snacks... and just get back there at quarter to four.

We did just that. Imagine our shock then when we saw all the booths being dismantled and all the tables and chairs being taken away. They were packing up! And when we tried getting the organizers to explain, no one had an answer.

What a waste of an afternoon indeed! We could have gone to Powerplant instead... or baked cookies. Tsk.

So good luck to those attending the Halloween Fun Craze in Glorietta.

Dinosaur Exhibition at Robinson's Place Manila

Great for picture moments with your curious kids and the young (or geek) at heart. It's at the Pedro Gil/Midtown Wing (near Starbucks). They charge P25/person and will be thee till September 28.