Welcome to the Home of Sikaran and First Organic Town of Baras, Rizal.

A street Vendor , selling his Bayong

Baras Rizal, is just a small rural zone, in fact it is politically divided into ten Barangays.

Here is the list of the Barangays:
• Evangelista
• Rizal (Pob)
• San Jose
• San Salvador
• Santiago
• Concepcion
• San Juan
• San Miguel
• Mabini
• Pinugay
At the Arch that served as an entry point of the municipality of Baras, Rizal, a welcome signage will greet you saying “WELCOME TO BARAS, RIZAL Home of Sikaran and First Organic Town”. While reading the welcome note, you will wonder what Sikaran is all about and what about the Organic Town Title?

SIKARAN

Baras, in the Philippines is the acknowledged historical place of origin of a distinct Filipino martial art that involves hand and foot fighting the so called Sikaran. As per the residents here; it has been practiced in Baras long before the Spaniards came in the Philippines in the 16th century. Sikaran came from a visayan word meaning Kick

 Moreover, Sikaran was a local recreational athletic activity of farmers that augmented as a system of fighting and self-defense which is now very famous sport and martial art internationally. It is the grandfather of all martial art in the world (This Claimed was already proved as per Meliton Geronimo, President, and Founder of the World Sikaran Brotherhood).

Because of the said popularity, the local government erected the Baras Gymnasium, to be the venue of the Sikaran Day Festival. (More Readings; Emmanuel ES Querubin  http://www.sikaranpilipinas.com/History/pdf/Baras_Home-of-Sikaran.pdf )


The Organic Town of Rizal.

Baras, Rizal has become the earliest in order town in the entire Philippines to strongly push, develop and advocate organic agriculture.  In addition, Baras Organic Products Center (OPS) was launched; the products put on sale in the Center include organic vegetables, rice, and fruits. Also, organic fertilizers, fermented foliar spray, botanical pest spray, vegetable seedlings, and open-pollinated vegetable seeds are available. (More Readings; http://prlog.org/10305527 )

As we continue our travel, we enjoyed looking at the green fields while we were inside in the tricycle. It was visually cool while gaping at the surrounding, it reminds me of my childhood memories. The Nipa Hut, the Rice Fields, and the Carabaos, everything is perfect memoirs.

And the good thing is if you travel, you will enjoy it because the road is very well developed. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the resorts but our main goal was to visit the St. Joseph Church. (Watch Out for the Church review).

Visiting NATIONAL INLAND FISHERIES TECHNOLOGY CENTER (NIFTC)

Tanay National Inland Fisheries Technology Center 

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In 1954, it was expanded to 2.5 hectares and developed as the Central Luzon Demonstration Fish Farm for the culture of freshwater fishes under the Bureau of Fisheries. It was later expanded into the three hectares and renamed Tanay Freshwater Experimental Station under the Philippine Fisheries Commission. The station was renamed as Tanay Research Laboratory in 1970 and its main thrust was mass production of carps.

With the reconstitution of BFAR as a line bureau, the station was designated as the national center for carp production and research. The center is located at Km 52 Manila East Road, Suyoc, Tanay, Rizal. It is accessible by both the old provincial road and the Manila East Road.


The NIFTC has the following functions:
• Serve as the Philippine germplasm center for common carp and major carp species and other freshwater fishes;
• Conduct stock assessment and limnological studies of Laguna de Bay and other major lakes / reservoir;
• Develop / verify appropriate aquaculture technologies for packaging, replication and dissemination;
• Organize and implement specialized training courses to upgrade the skills and competence of BFAR regional farm managers / technicians and scientists;
• Provide specialized advisory / technical services to aquaculture project management and operations


(Articles owned by BFAR)

Taytay, Rizal’s Motto: Fly High Taytay.

Old Municipal Hall

Municipality of Taytay is a first class, dully supplied by inhabitant municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is currently the third most voluminous municipality in the country. No wonder, based on my experience here travelling daily going to my work way back 2011, I always got late due to heavy traffic. It is surrounded by Cainta on the north, Pasig City and Taguig City on the west, Antipolo City in the East and Angono on the South.




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Moreover, all I can say is that the said Municipality is a small Town. As a matter of fact, it is politically divided into five barangays only namely Dolores, San Isidro, Muzon, San Juan and Santa Ana. But the land area size is not the baseline of its development status. Taytay, Rizal business environment are highly showcasing the capacity to compete, industrialization, trading industry, commerce and many more, you can find it here. In like manner, nightlife here is famous, especially in Barangay Muzon, you can catch numerous bars and gimik places.

New Municipal Hall (Photo credits : Wiki)

It is the "Woodworks and Garments Capital of the Philippines". (I will be posting their Wood production and Garments production industry). Just a heads up, this town is popular to its “Ready to Wear” Dresses and Wood Products that surely gave a huge amount of income in its Local Government unit.

Undeniably, this town’s economic status is continuously growing, the proofs of that are the Terms “BAGO and LUMA”. They had the LUMANG PALENGKE and BAGONG PALENGKE (simply the old and new market), LUMANG MUNISIPYO and BAGONG MUNISIPYO (simply old and new Municipal hall). In the addition, SM City Taytay is also a proof of inclined economy, in the first place, it is the first SM Mall established in Province of Rizal.

As I observed, in connivance of the local government unit, the private sectors and the people of Taytay, I believe they can really FLY HIGH.

Cainta Rizal ; Bantayog ng Mga Bayani The Hunters-ROTC Guerillas Memorial Shrine

As a tribute to our National Heroes this Aug 26, 2013, I will be featuring a site that will reminds us the heroic deeds of our ancestors. 

Part of our Rizal Challenge is to include the "Bantayong ng Mga Bayani" The Hunters-ROTC Guerillas Memorial Shrine. So there you go! The Shrine is Located in San Juan, Cainta , Rizal. If you came from Ortigas Or Edsa, You can take a Jeepney or Bus bound to Taytay,Angono or Binangonan via Highway. (PHP 25 for Air-con Bus)So basically, Ortigas Avenue Extension is the Main way and Drop of  at HUNTERS-ROTC Avenue. Take another Jeep and tell the driver to drop you of at  6th St, right at the gate 1 of Youngstown Village. (PHP 8 Jeep). Same thing if you came from Sta. Lucia Mall, ride a jeep bound to Binangonan or Angono. If you came from Antipolo, Binagonan and Angono, same thing , all you need to do is to locate the Hunters-ROTC Avenue. 

If you are from Our Lady of Light Parish Church, Cainta Church, just walk coz its just a meter away. (see map). Tip : Don't ask the tricycle Drivers coz they will offer you an expensive ride.

Let me also give you a heads up about this shrine and a bit of history about it. 

Undeniably , once you arrive at the location wherein the shrine was located, you really felt the darkness of the story behind the monument and murals. You will realize how lucky we are living in a current days , compared to the Filipinos during Japanese Occupation. It was devastating situation, yes it was! The cry of the characters that you will witness in every curve and embossed murals' structure will tell us the hue of their life. 

The Japanese Occupation in the Philippines happened between 1942-1945, when the Japan's Empire invaded the Commonwealth of the Philippines  during World War 2. The Outbreak of World War 2  caused serious disturbances to our Origins. This Era was full of challenges, Japanese military quickly started to organize a government system that  leads to our Origins creating a group to contradict the governance and the Filipino  Guerrillas arises

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December 8, 1941 was the start of the invasion. March 11,1942 at Night Douglas MacArthur leaved the Philippines with the promise " I Shall Return". April 9, 1942 American and Filipino defenders who were starving and sick surrendered to Japanese Military .  Year 1943, that was a year full of  struggle,battles of remaining guerrillas who fought for the Philippines , December 14,1944 - 143 Americans Prisoner on War was burned live in Plaza Cuartel, Palawan ,  Truly, the Japanese happily occupied our country for over three years.  however the loyalty of the Filipinos were still in favor of Americans since they were still holding the promise of General MacArthur 's " I Shall Return". Up until October 20,1444 , General MacArthur fulfilled his promise to comeback, he landed in Island of Leyte with 700 vessels and 174,000 men. The great fight Started Up Until September 2,1945 Japanese formally surrendered . What a Victorious story.

The plaques on the left are the list of "The Roll of Honor" of the
Hunters-Rotc Guerrillas Cainta Chapter 

The statue and mural were both sculpted by F. Hernandez in 2004.

While I was taking a glance of the murals, i was like travelling the past , i really felt the hardship and glorifying victory . These murals was just printed only in my History book  when i was Grade 2 in Bohol. I cant imagine i was able to witness it live, It was an achievement for me. The flashback of my elementary years happened while Im staring  the Murals. 

Great Experience.!!! I am Proud I am Filipino and I am Proud of my Origin

1. Japanese Invasion - 1942

2. The Japanese Occupation


3. Guerilla Secret Assembly


4. The Great Heroes in War


5. The "Good" Defector


6. Mission: Surveillance and Provide Food Supply


7. Saving a U.S. Pilot


8. Rolling Troops Camp


9. Receiving Arms and Supply


10. The Leyte Landing - Oct,1944


11. Arising to Victory


12. Liberation of Cainta - Feb 22, 1945


13. "Friendship Day" 

Aug 26, 2013 Happy National Heros' Day

I am Rizal : Rinell Banda of Pinoy Travel Channel

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In nature, Filipinos are Travel aficionados. We really find ways as long we can move from point A to Point B. Moreover , we can easily adapt the culture of any countries therefore it is easy for us to travel. We are the one who adjust what's with the surroundings.

Meanwhile, Just a heads up , before Travel Bloggers exist, Jose Rizal is the Original Traveler . 1885, when he was 24 years old he went to Paris, France to continue his career as an Eye Doctor. 1886 in German City  and he was able to composed a poem entitled " A Las Flores de Heidelberg" . 1887 Rizal sailed to the East via the Suez Canal and he reached the Saigon. 1888 going to Hongkong and continued sailing to the West. 1889, he was in Great Bratain mainly London. 1890 In France and Belgium  and many more.

Basically, the characteristic of Jose Rizal as a traveler is innate with us Filipinos . We are really a true-blooded wanderer since our ancestors also traveled a lot by means of land and water ( we are lucky nowadays to have an air transportation).

Rinell Banda , as he strongly convinced the Mob in Luneta Park to join  him dancing

So lemme, introduce you, this guy who were able to rove around the globe, named Rinell Banda of Las Piñas. I am fortunate to meet him in person in Rizal Park, just an hour ago. He was filming every Countries he visited, " Sa bawat bansa na pinupuntahan , sinisigurado kong ma document ko ito using my camera." he narrated. "Im just lucky enough to wander around the world in all continents, di naman ako mayaman, at di ako pinanganak na mayaman" he proudly said. He compiled all video clips, with a music. "Actually, sumasayaw ako sa mga video ng kinukunan ko sa ibang ibang landmark ng buong mundo, I asked the people around (basically the locals) to join me while dancing" he added. The concept of the Travel Video  was very unique yet it was already made by other foreign travelers named Matt , he will be the first Filipino supersedes the real shape of the World. "Proud ako na  nagawa ko ito, dahil ako pa ang kaunaunahang Pinoy na makakagawa nito" he said "At ako ang kaunanahan naman na nag interview sayo" I answered him with a bang. I asked him, if he had a financier for his travels or is he working in an airline companies or travel companies but he refused to answer me. " For now i cant disclose it, but all i can say is i am lucky enough to have a chance to embrace the World" he ended with a meaningful smile 

His Video is entitled " I dream" , to be lunch on his Youtube Channel  . Everyone are looking forward for this guy on his Video. 

This is his Epic Video Watch it and get inspired 

Watch out !
I will be also posting his video showing how he convinced the Mob to join him
and I will ll be also posting his EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW upclose and personal with me. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW 


Here is his latest Message to me :

Very Inspiring Person, Right?

The PUB in Alphaland Southgate Mall near MRT (Magallanes Station)

The PUB- is a food court in Alphaland Southgate Mall which is located on the 3rd floor of the said building. Unlike other food court, the PUB offers also drinks. While you are drinking, the designated band group of the day will serenade you all throughout your stay. The Bar is open from 3PM until 10PM every day, and each day there are performers assigned for the entertainment. It can be an acoustic band, show band, comedian, and etc.


The place is perfect for hanging out especially after work because it is very accessible. In addition to that, it is located in the metropolis which can be reached via MRT. If you are working from Pasay City, Makati City, Parañaque City, and other nearby cities, it is advisable for you to drop by.

Alphaland Southgate Mall is situated at corner EDSA Magallanes and 2258 Chino Roces Ave, Makati City. It is easy to locate the place because once you get off from the MRT Station in Magallanes, the entrance towards the third floor is just adjacent to the exit of the Train.
Mostly, The Pub’s Patrons are yuppies, office workers, and call center people since the establishment is surrounded by offices and call centers. Prepare to bring your jacket if you are going to stay here because it is very cold. Yes, I personally experienced it because The Pub is my hangout place when I was working in BPO within the said building.

Normarei Villamater, (The Traveler and photographer) also experienced the place. She is my friend.

In this Picture, she was drunk and to the point that she sat down on the floor of MRT due to dizziness. We just finished drinking at The Pub.

The Pub is also a place for singing competitions, below is one of the videos of “singing duo”. I captured it personally when I watch the contest. These girls are Navy from Philippine Navy.

Cainta,Rizal ; The Native Goodies Capital of The Philippines

Filipinos and Filipinos at heart who love foods, which are business minded or even who loves to travel. I recommend you to include Cainta Rizal in your itinerary. The Municipality of Cainta is just a little town in Province of Rizal; it’s already an Institution in field of Kakanin production. Well, basically it is the “Native Goodies Capital of the Philippines”. You will find a lot of native tidbits around the corner of this town.

As Part of my Rizal Travel Challenge, buying kakanin is one of the thingy that I’ve allotted a portion of my budget. So after we went to the Church of Cainta, together with my team, we directly looked for the nearest kakanin factory.  Along A. Bonifacio Ave (just meters away from the church and a few minutes away from Junction intersection along Felix Ave) we found “Aling Kika’s Food Products”.

As we enter the Store, the aroma of the various foods will welcome you, on the left side was the corner where-in colorful goodies were displayed. Bibingka (Rice Cake),Kalamay (Rice pastries Spread), Cassava Cake, Suman, Sapin Sapin, Galapong Monggo, Biko (White-Violet), Majabuko,leche plan and Jalaya. There were also Chicharon, Yema, Pop Corn, Banana chips, Sweet Dilis and many more.

While we were busy taking photos, an overseer approached us. Aling Minda brought us inside the production area and totally I witnessed the cleanliness of the whole room. As soon we’re done with the production area, we went ahead to the prayer room. Believe it or not, adjacent to the production was the prayer room, where in life sized statue were perpetually prayed (actually during our ocular visit there were few are praying).

Moreover, we went back to the store, we decided to buy one. For 50PHP you can now enjoy a kakanin in two flavors. It was really delicious goodies, no wonder that this Store became a famous supplier of goodies. “Matagal napo talaga ang pagawaan na to” the caretaker said. This Store was huge help to the locals since their laborers were also Caintanos. Simultaneously, they accepted bulk orders for the retailers. 

Yellow Puto

In addition, Every Fiesta of the said Town is the top of the line topics in every TV, Radio stations and Newspapers because of its displayed giant Rice Cake which is the Caintanos’ pride.

Suman

Leche Plan and Puto

Kakanin

Hali Cainta-yo!
Here is the MAP

Motivating the Future Reportorial Writers and Travel Bloggers.

Aiming High, and Team Spirit

I was sharing emotionally

It was August 11, 2013, the end date of my Rizal Travel. I was invited to speak in a seminar on journalism. It was a three-day seminar for Campus Journalism. Since I was also nurtured in four corners of a newsroom when I was in college; it’s my pleasure to share the learning that I acquired in a whole span of time I stayed in The Pillar Group of Publication. Giving a heads up on what are things ahead to them is a preparation to become an armored journalist in the future.
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Moreover, the Young journalists enjoyed already the Facilities of the said resort since it was their second day of accommodation. As per Dr. Shelanie Dacumos, Adviser, they already tackled some topics about journalism during the first day of the palaver with some speakers.

I admit I can write but not as well as other journalists since Journalism is not my major course. I am a graduate of Economics course who became a writer by training and what I can share is not focusing on the technicalities of writing however what I can share to the newbies are things how they become motivated writers despite everything that hinds them to become productive.

The young reportorial team members were divided into two separate groups to build a sub-team. The First Activity was a team-building game followed by brainstorming for their upcoming Le Pelier Magazine. Prior to the conceptualization proper, it was my moment to share a few of my motivating words.

This is what we called listening skill

MY MOMENT:

Hello My Dear Journalist.

Read more about my speech…. To be posted soon

Lucresia : She Sacrificed her Bra to Win

Truly, Sharing is Caring, the Newbies listened carefully and I can feel that they absorbed those words of wisdom. I Travel not only to enjoy but to create value-laden stories and to experience things that I can share in the future.

Don’t just keep your knowledge; instead, you share it with those who are willing to listen and absorb it. 

⛪ A Glimpse if St. Jhon the Baptist Church in Taytay, Rizal

The Life Sise Statue of St, John the Baptist

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If you came from Metro Manila, your point A of your destination is at Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas. At the side of that mall, you will see a lot of busses on queue with a sign board Taytay. The Bus fare is PHP21 for ordinary and PHP25 for air-conditioned. Then you can drop off at Junction or Ever Gotesco Mall, from there just ride a jeepney going to Taytay Palengke for PHP8 and there you go, the jeep will pass through and tell the driver about your landing place.


If you came from the south, like Angono, Binangonan, Cardona or Morong. Just ride a jeepney Taytay and make sure you are going to drop off at Taytay New Market, ride another jeep for PHP8 with “Taytay Parola” signboard.

Just to manage your expectation, you will experience heavy traffic either you came from Juction or from Taytay New Market. The road is narrow.

San Roque

St. Jhon the Baptist Parish is built at the top of the hill. It is located in Barangay San Isidro Taytay Rizal. It is easy for you to locate it because the Church is just behind the Taytay Old Municipal Hall.

Before you can take a glance of the entire old architectural design of the church, you need to use the stair at the entrance of the gate.  It was like a stairway to heaven while looking up the life sized Statue of St Jhon doing a baptism. Once you reach at the hill, a wide plaza will welcome you; adjacent of the Church is an extremely large Acasia tree. At the left wing of the church are the Stations of the Cruz (via cruses).


As you proceed inside, a white and Asian interior design will gladly receive you. It is very relaxing visually since the color is very oriental, there is some gold furniture that will add up the details of the design but overall most of the entire design is oriental.  The marble flooring is clean and the ceiling as well. The interior arrangement is very modern which is in contrary of what you will see outside. It is a proof that the church underwent a renovation maybe.

St. Pedro Calungsod

Meanwhile, as I promised in the beginning here is quick fact about the Church.


Pedro Calungsod stayed at the St. John the Baptist Parish in Taytay, Rizal

Research shows that from circa 1666 to 1668, a young Calungsod stayed at the St. John the Baptist parish in Taytay, Rizal where he nurtured his strong interest towards the arts as he learned scholarly how to draw and paint.

Holy Mass Schedule

Sunday	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat
05:00 AM - 06:00 AM Tagalog	06:00 AM - 07:00 AM English	06:00 AM - 07:00 AM English	06:00 AM - 07:00 AM English	06:00 AM - 07:00 AM English	06:00 AM - 07:00 AM English	06:00 AM - 07:00 AM English
06:15 AM - 07:15 AM Tagalog	07:00 AM - 08:00 AM	07:00 AM - 08:00 AM	07:00 AM - 08:00 AM	07:00 AM - 08:00 AM	07:00 AM - 08:00 AM	07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
07:30 AM - 08:30 AM Tagalog	06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Tagalog	06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Tagalog	06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Tagalog	06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Tagalog	06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Tagalog	06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Anticipated Mass
08:45 AM - 09:45 AM Tagalog
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM English
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM Tagalog Children's Mass
04:45 PM - 05:45 PM Tagalog
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Tagalog
07:15 PM - 08:15 PM Tagalog