My Wishlist as a Nagueño and as a Blogger

Naga City - It's almost Christmas and 2017 is just right around the corner. Here are a few of my wishes for Naga.

Christmas Decoration at the Rotonda last Dec 2015

• Implement (strict implementation if possible) the NO TO PLASTIC BAGS in establishments especially in malls, shops, department stores and supermarkets. If other cities and LGU can implement that, why can't we? As we all know it's quite impossible to live without plastic, but we can MINIMIZE the use of it especially for secondary packaging. Just say for instance, food and meals can be stored in microwavable containers and other food storage containers. Bagging them using the plastic bags should be minimized and use an eco-bag or paper bag instead. Let's help solve Naga's Balatas dump site problem. Garbage segregation should follow suit, it should be strengthened at household level because environmental values starts in the family. 
• For pedestrians, please use the pedestrian lanes properly especially in CBD I and CBD II. Please, oh please, stop crossing the street whenever you please. There are many jaywalkers along Elias Angeles St. and Gen. Luna Street and I rarely see jaywalkers being apprehended. 
• For drivers, be mindful of the parking areas (for cars and motorcycles), no parking areas, wheel clamp areas. Again, there are many violations EVERY SINGLE DAY. Calling on PSO and PNP Traffic Personnel, please properly implement the city's traffic rules and regulations well with a BITE and not just barks. Especially that the volume of cars is noticeably increasing, these violations just adds up to the traffic problem. 
• Nicer and polite PUV drivers. Knock! Knock! Tricycle drivers. Again, I'm not generalizing, but in frequency of my personal experience, yeah, I encounter the not-so-nice drivers more from trikes than jeepneys. All I know is, drivers can decline properly just in case he has passengers already prior to me if my destination is out of the way, I could perfectly understand if Manong Driver could just explain POLITELY. 
• Bike Lanes within CBD perhaps. I know our streets are quite narrow, but if there's a will, there's a way. I don't know if this is feasible. This is just me and my random thinking for this will help lessen carbon emissions and keep the people of Naga healthy in one way or another. 
• Safer streets for Naga City. Don't get me wrong, I still generally feel safe most of the time at round 70%? haha. Less crimes and bad elements. Who doesn't like world peace?

So far this is my wishlist for our Maogmang Lugar. These are all minor ones and yet neglected. I believe that little things can do big miracles. Ika po? Para saimo, what do you have in mind? Just comment below and hopefully this could be heard by the city government of Naga.

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Like any blogger or ordinary human being, I also have personal wishlist. To top all material things would be, good health for me and my family and more and more (and more) inspiration to work on this blog.

It's not easy to have a day job and at the same time run a blog with many followers and thousands of monthly visitors on the site. I see to it that I also upgrade and improve my content any way I can. Does running a blog have costs, yes of course. Annual payment for the domain, monthly data connection and gears that you have to invest on. ROI? I think the costs actually outweighs the benefits, but since I love what I'm doing, I never look at costs as something that I need to gain back afterwards. Why? Because blogging is not my primary work, I don't earn as much as other online workers out there because I still have a lifetime profession that I take care of which is to educate the Bicolano Youth.

In 2017, NCD will be 8 years old. Here are my wishes for this blog, hoping that any Santa can read this, who knows, right?

I got these (GoPro Hero4 Session and Canon EOS M3) as graduation gifts when I earned my Master's Degree. Thanks to my ever supportive parents who feed my passion up to this point in time. Sending yourself to graduate school is not easy and budget is really tight if you are in the academe. But these two have a dual purpose, one for my blogging activities and for my mom who also has environmental trips (because she is a College Professor too). To add gears and enhancement to these units is now up to me. I'm talking particularly about the EOS M3.

I'm so satisfied with this mirrorless camera. No edits needed and all photos are easy to transfer to my smartphone - what every blogger needs in an instant. The kit lens that I have is perfect for landscape and my foodtrips, but not for event shooting sad to say :( especially when I'm seated just amongst the crowd and far from the subjects. 

1. Canon EF-S 55-250mm. So this is my first wish, which can be mounted on the M3, BUT with a lens adapter needed (next photo below). Leveling up the quality of my photos and videos this year has been a priority already for NCD. 

I saw one in a mall here in Naga and it costs twice as much in Lazada. Whew

2. Canon EF-EOS M Adapater. This is actually my next project, the lens adapter, so that I can use EF and EF-S lenses. I can borrow lenses from my friends too from time to time. But to have one 250mm would be enough for me. For the meantime, I have a friend who is willing to lend me her adapter since it's just sleeping in the box. I'm actually rooting for her to sell it to me but she says she might need it in the future hehe.

Hi there Canon Philippines, hopefully you can have a contest for bloggers too in the future and let us win goodies. :P

Just like anybody else, I still have my child-side that I never let go of (a secret to being young even when growing old hehe). I would love to have a Family Computer (again) Haha. Thanks Nintendo for bringing this back. The classic games are always for the win! The Sony Play Station is actually something that I never got to have when I was a kid and I'm turning 32 this March lol, a frustration that I have to tick on my list one of these days. 

Image from: http://news.abs-cbn.com/

3. And lastly, a durable laptop where I know can last long. I have changed netbooks/laptops twice already in a span of almost 8 years of focusing on NCD. Considering the lifespan of netbooks nowadays, I believe I'm still careful that it lasted that long. A pangarap na mahirap abutin, ang MacBook Air, more so the MacBook Pro. I use my laptop both for my day job and my blog. 

Though NCD is just my passion and past time, I have learned to keep it with me as part of my daily routine. This is my way of spending my online time productively rather than stalking other people's profiles haha. These are just wishes, granted or not, it's not a reason for me to stop blogging for Naga and Bicol. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

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Maintain, Gain or Lose Weight at Shake A Body Naga City

Naga City - Marathons, biking, triathlon and a whole lot more of healthful activities are evident in the city and neighboring towns. We also have stores selling organic produce readily available Nagueños. Many are becoming health conscious and body conscious but the most important thing in living healthy is actually to eat and drink healthy.

Wild Berry Shake for you!
Image Source: @shakeabody IG

Did you know that there's a shop / wellness center called Shake A Body that recently opened here in Naga who can do an evaluation and survey based on your body mass index and profile. In most cases recommended programs after the evaluation are the Weight Loss Program or Weight Gain Program that will fit your lifestyle. But there are times when you don't need to gain or lose weight, so you'll just have to maintain it. Knowing that I'm a little bit flimsy, I was able to confirm that I am underweight and at least now I know by how many kilos, and that is eight haha. People say that it's easier to gain weight rather than to lose weight, I'm telling you it's not true. We thin people also have struggles on how to gain weight. 

During the evaluation you will be able to know about your body fat percentage, visceral fat, bone mass, resting metabolic rate, metabolic age, muscle mass, physique rating, and water percentage. There will be reocommended drinks and tips on what to eat or not. Your personalized program will help you reach your ideal wieght and Shake A Body will guide you through the process. 

Sample drinks recommended for us after our evaluation. 

Shake A Body is located at DSI Building, Magsaysay Avenue near Glam Theme Boutique and Cafe 91 (which is in front of Tapsi Terminal)

Store Hours: 7:00am - 11am 4:00pm - 8pm SUN: 7:00am - 11am Only

Fitness Tea

Follow them on Instagram: @shakeabody@shakeabody

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Bree's Cradle, A Child Minding Center in Naga City

Naga City - Sometimes, parents have their plates full when it comes to responsibilities to their children as well as to their employers. Parents play like superman and superwoman just to fulfill their responsibilities and obligations. Toddler years is the most time-consuming days for parents after newborns. Some even find it difficult to look for "yayas" since it's really hard to entrust your child to someone else. 

Here's a good news for all busy parents out there who needs a little help in looking after their children even just for a little while. A child minding center recently opened in the city called Bree's Cradle. A child minding center is not a learning center or a tutorial center and not even a playhouse. Child minding as its definition is the activity or profession of looking after other people's children. This facility aims to aid the need of the parents/guardians especially the working ones to have somebody reliable to look after and care for their child while they are away. Not to mention, the owners are caregivers with years of experience abroad. With this reason, Bree's Cradle will be really reliable and dependable. 

Bree's Crade focuses mainly on giving care and ensuring the safety of the child in the absence of the parents. In this regard, they have cctv's inside the facility where parents can view the activities of the child while under our care. Our facility and toys conform to the safety requirements for your children. 

For more info, you may send a message or text them through 0917-566-0137 / 0908-216-5782 or visit them at Nagaville Bldg., beside St. Joseph School.

While it may look like a playhouse because of the toys, these facilities are available to make your child feel at home. They also have a television for your kids' entertainment with surround sound. 

 The place is fully air-conditioned with comfort room.

 They have a sleeping area for your kids where their personnel will keep an eye on them.

There's only one gadget in the center. This will actually be an advantage for your child so that he/she can interact with people rather than gadgets.

At Bree's Cradle, your child will be able to play, share and learn at the same time. Your children will not only be secured while you run you errands and other responsibilities, but they will also find another home away from home and gain new friends. 

For more info, you may send a message or text them through 0917-566-0137 / 0908-216-5782 or visit them at Nagaville Bldg., beside St. Joseph School.

Bree's Cradle
Facebook: Bree's Cradle
Contact Nos.: 0917-566-0137 / 0908-216-5782

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Buhi, CamSur: Sinagpan Spring Resort

Buhi, Camarines Sur - Located in the southeastern part of the province of Camarines Sur lies a sleepy town with 38 barangays. Surround by mountain ranges and the prominent Mt. Asog or Mt. Iriga with its crater facing Lake Buhi. When we hear about Buhi, the first few things that comes across our mind can be, Sinarapan (Pandaka pygmea), the smallest fish in the world and tilapia or St. Peter's Fish. All these can be found in Lake Buhi and lakelets surrounding it. The Rinconada area is home to numerous spring resorts. 

In Buhi alone, I have visited three spring resorts catering to locals and even tourists who seek to find the not so visited places in CamSur. The Sinagpan Spring Resort is approximately 30 minutes away from the Barangay Town Hall of Sta. Justina.

This is the point of entry going to the resort. It's a rough terrain with a one way traffic only. Sedans are not advisable here (based from my experience) or else you'll get bumps underneath your car. This photo below was taken June 2011, it's still pretty much the same. You can always ask the locals for directions. 

Old photos from my 2011 visit CLICK HERE

This is the part where you begin to walk, the resort is near, I promise. 

But this is the challenging part, the HANGING BRIDGE and there's no other way around not unless you want to swim. It's really fun! I know it's challenging indeed especially if you're not used to crossing hanging bridges.

Just a few meters away from the bridge is the resort. It is highly noticeably with the colorful flagls around the compound. The resort is quite located on the foot of a hill. That's why the cottages are somewhat located on a higher pavement.

Sinagpan Spring Resort is a natural swimming pool continuously fed by gushing crystal clear spring water. The water is free flowing and will not leave you swimming in a stagnant pool water for a few days like artificial pools do. The compound is not that big, it is just enough for a spring resort of this kind.

Depth of Water

3 Ft  (until the white line) and 6 Ft on the right side

There are two main pools, one is bigger than the other which is also deeper around 6 feet. 

You can actually sit and rest on this side of the pool. 

3 feet before the white line then 6 feet thereafter.

  

Cottages around the pool. 

Tip: Make sure you bring everything you need. Although the place is but isolated, other amenities such as the dressing room and comfort room is clean and maintained enough but don't expect too much. There's also a sari-sari store in the compound and a videoke machine for karaoke afficionados out there. If you are not picky and adventurous you'll surely enjoy going to Sinagpan Spring Resort. The walk, the lushly green scenery, the hanging bridge and the crystal clear water will surely enlighten you up and enjoy nature.

Related post:

Lologon Spring Resort 

Benitta & Flora's Bakery + Cafe, the first cafe in Buhi, Camarines Sur

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#NcDFoodTrip: Benitta and Flora's Bakery Cafe in Buhi, Camarines Sur

Buhi, Camarines Sur - Known for the smallest fish in the world called Sinarapan and the ever tasty Tilapia, this town is actually keeping up to what are also available in a city. Buhi can still be considered a quiet town. Natong (laing) and Bicol Express cooked in the Buhinon way or Rinconada way has a distinct taste than those being served in prime cities here in Bicol. Fishing and farming are the main sources of livelihood of Buhinons. Everytime we visit our relatives, I always look forward to the goodness of cooking of our relatives and the forty-five to an hour drive away from Naga is always worth the wait. Sometimes, in order not to be left out in some aspects, businesses in Buhi started to evolve. 

A few weeks ago, we drove to Buhi to gather our harvested sacks of rice. We traveled after lunch and we really had no plans of staying too long. But since we seldom go home to this place, my father was asked to stay for a few rounds of drinks. While we were waiting, I thought of visiting this new cafe in the downtown area together with my sister. My fellow Bicol Bloggers visited this cafe  a few months ago for breakfast before heading to Legazpi, the cafe is called Benitta & Flora's Bakery + Cafe.

The cafe is located near the parish church. The street fronting the main gate of the church is the street leading to the cafe and it's only a few steps away. The bakery has two levels, dominant with black and dark orange facade with a round signage outside the vicinity.

The first thing that you will notice are the wall arts around and the accented brick wall (which I think are tiles) which are typical in many cafes these days.

On the left are the breads and pastries available  for any occasion. I have seen on their FB that they also accept made to order cakes for weddings and other special occasions. The place is fully air-conditioned with high ceiling.

The second level is very spacious and is very ideal for group dine-ins for meetings and other occasions. Every corner is again filled with wall art especially the rear end near the comfort room.

Most of the wall arts are about coffee, coffee and coffee. 

The part where there is a tower is actually a door to their kitchen I suppose. 

The food and drinks are very affordable and unassuming. On a personal note, everything is priced just right for the locals. 

Burgers starts at P110 to P135. Sanwiches start at P85 to P95. Appetizers from P50 to P70. Pastas from P90 to P100. All-day Breakfast for only P65. Rice Meals with chicken and pork bbq as the two choices at P150. Cold drinks starts from P40 to P80. Hot drinks at P40 and the French Pressed Coffee at P195. Milkshakes from only P80 to P85. Need I say more that the prices are really very affordable?

We ordered the Creamy Carbonara and Aglio Olio plus the Nacho Fries for our snack. I just hope that the fries was well drained, it was a bit too oily. The serving size of the pasta is ideally good for one. The creamy carbonara has a poached egg on top with white sauce and bacon bits. 

The Aglio Olio is one of their classic pastas with garlic, chili with a slice of foccasia bread. I can rate the taste of the food that we ordered as 3.5 stars out of 5. I was just looking for more spices but then I'm not complaining much because the prices are way so affordable. I still enjoyed the food in general. And hey they still have a lot more offerings on their menu that's why it's too early to judge them as a whole.

I had the Tarragon Tea which is only for P50.
"A tarragon herb, also known as dragon wort, is a very popular culinary herb used as flavoring agent, especially in the Mediterranean cuisines. This aromatic perennial growing herb is rich in phytonutrients as well antioxidants that help promote health and prevent diseases."

Cookies 'N Cream Milkshake for only P85.

I'll give the drinks a 4 out of 5 stars. 

I was amazed with this group of kids who dined at the cafe. They ordered cupcakes and just plain water but I could hear and see their joy while coming in to this joint. These are kids having the simple joys of life with the company of peers.

So there, if you happen to be in Buhi, this place is a must-visit. This is the very first cafe in town so don't forget to drop by! Congratulations Buhi for having Benitta & Flora's Bakery + Cafe!

Benitta & Flora's Bakery + Cafe
Facebook: Benitta&Flora's Bakery and Cafe
San Buena, Buhi, Camarines Sur
Contact No. 0917 913 2866
Email: benitta.floras@gmail.com

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