San Pedro City Museum and Library

October is Museum Month in Filipinas. What better time to write about our adoptive home because the city government has just inaugurated its very own cultural institution: the San Pedro City Museum and Library!

The name is supposed to be "San Pedro City Museum and Library". The people involved (including my husband) still need to fix this before the grand opening which is planned on December 29. Photo credit: Raymond Bacanto.

It is interesting to note that San Pedro (fondly called by its old name of "San Pedro Tunasán" by my hubby Pepe) is known for the "Banal Na Cruz ng Tunasán" and the miraculous "Lolo Uweng ng Landayan". It is also known as the "Sampaguita Capital" of our country. But I think the other thing that will make it more popular soon is its combined museum and library. I'm proud to say that my husband Pepe is one of its planners and coordinators. The San Pedro City Museum and Library is a brainchild of honorable Mayor Lourdes "Baby" Catáquiz and her husband, former Mayor Calixto "Calex" Catáquiz. 

My husband was able to attend the inauguration this morning (the building was also simultaneously blessed by our parish priest, Fr. Paul Búgay). So did my daughter Krystal who went there ahead of us because she attended the early morning Alay Lakad 2016. Since I'm a busy mom at home, I arrived late with the rest of our kids. Ouch, I apologize. But as the saying goes, it's better to be late than never. 

When me and the rest of our children arrived there, the event was over. Utility people were already cleaning up. But it's OK because the place has not yet closed for public viewing, and my husband and Krystal were still there waiting for us. The utility people were busy with what they were doing but they didn't mind us looking around at the old photos of San Pedro. San Pedrenses, by the way, are some of the friendliest people in Filipinas, next to my townmates in Abra De Ilog, Mindoro Occidental. That is why I love San Pedro so much, and I always will. 

The morning sun was already high when we got there. At the third floor, the view is marvelous because of the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the street. The information that I found at the museum is awesome and even surprisingly interesting. One example: there was an enlarged sketch of the ancestral houses of both Mayor Baby and her husband, Mayor Calex. Both houses were made of light materials. When I saw both houses, I felt some kilig factor because I imagined how their love story blossomed. Mayor Baby and Mayor Calex were neighbors. They both grew up in Barrio Santo Niño. 

Most of what is displayed inside are photos and sketches of former mayors, personalities, and well-known establishments and houses when San Pedro was still a municipality, some of which dated back to the Spanish and American times. You just couldn't hide your amazement the moment you compare the new San Pedro from the old. Quite interesting, really!

The place has few things to see as of the moment. The library section is still empty. But don't worry because it is only the beginning. The event this morning was considered only as a "soft opening". The grand opening is coming soon, slated for December 29. I will look forward to that when we go there the next time! Congratulations to those who have been part of the preparation and opening of the San Pedro City Museum And Library: the City of San Pedro Tourism, Culture and Arts Office, the San Pedro City Historical Council (where my hubby belongs), and the city's Public Affairs and Information Office! Kudos and good luck to your respective departments! 

While waiting for the opening of the museum and library, here's a sneak peak of the place. Sorry for the photos because our camera's lens has been having problems for months. We're still saving up to have it fixed. Hopefully, it would be fixed on time for the grand opening two months from now! 

Blow-up sketches of some of San Pedro Tunasán's iconic structures by artist Paul Escobañas.

The San Pedro City Museum and Library is located on the third floor of the newly constructed Department of Education building, within the premises of the San Pedro Central School along Juan Luna Street at the old town proper. It's open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM!

By the way. Yesterday, October 21, was the third anniversary of our blog. There was no happening because our kids were in school and Junífera Clarita was starting to have an allergy. Then again, better late than never! ¡Feliz 3° aniversario a La Familia Viajera! =)

                                            -Yeyette-

Merienda sa Casa Amante

June, July, August and September are difficult financial months for many ordinary families in Filipinas. These are the months after the enrollment of children in school. The tuition, books, and other miscellaneous fees have just been settled. That's why we call these months as "tag-hiráp" months, hehehe! But it's normal. We all go through this kind of hardship from time to time. And since my family is not spared from these tag-hiráp months, we just thought of going to a place where we could enjoy some cheap but delicious Filipino merienda. Besides, it's the rainy season, and the cold weather is about to arrive in a few weeks. That's why we opted to visit San Pedro Tunasán's famous "lugawán" (congee eatery) at the Población (town proper) to partake of its delicious arroz caldo (congee) which is actually situated at the first floor of one of the oldest ancestral homes in our young city.

This house was once the home of former Mayor José L. Amante. My hubby Pepe, a member of the San Pedro City Historical Council, informed me that Mayor Amante was super strict. He used to scold men who strolled at the plaza without any shirt and sent them home. He was always seen with a hat and wearing a suit. He was known for his fiery speeches. He was a just leader especially when it comes to law enforcement. Under his term, San Pedro Tunasán opened its first factory (Kimberly Clark) as well as Aclem Paper Mills, Inc. and Holland Milk Products, Inc. (now known as Alaska Milk Corp.). It was also under his term when the then municipality had its very first gasoline station (Caltex) and first subdivision (Amante Subdivision). Mayor Amante was also able to upgrade San Pedro Tunasán's municipal classification from fifth class to third. Mayor Amante is a classic example of a true Filipino statesman in the local government.

José L. Amante was mayor of San Pedro Tunasán three times: November 25, 1941 – December 30, 1941; November 1946 – December 1947, and; January 1, 1964 – December 31, 1971.

Mayor Amante was also one of those who persuaded businessman Calixto Catáquiz to run for mayor.

Sadly, Mayor Amante's ancestral house which is right beside the old town plaza (along Rizal St.) is no longer habitated. We heard that those who still own the house (probably the children or grandchildren of the late mayor) are already in Canada. But they have leased the first floor to the said eatery which is officially called Bhonnete's Binalot Sa Dahon. Out of all the meals this eatery offers, many customers prefer arroz caldo not because it is the most delicious and affordable but it is simply a Filipino favorite. It consists of malagquít rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa) and goto or lamáng-loób (beef tripe). You can also choose to add condiments such as garlic or spring onions. You may also order tocua't baboy or diced tofu and pork, or just tocua alone. Both are perfect partners for the arroz caldo.

We had our merienda or afternoon snack there this afternoon, and I should say that Bhonnete's has one of the best tofu I have ever tasted! You can really savor the tofu, so simple in taste with their awesome sauce. I will definitely order it again next time.

Our Nikon camera COOLPIX has been having problems these past few months. The pictures are getting blurred, but that can't stop us from taking pictures and traveling, hehehe! ¡Vamos a viajar y buen provecho! 　　　　　　　

Yummy arroz caldo and tocua't baboy, but a must try is their goto and plain tocua, promise! 

As mentioned earlier, this eatery is at the first floor of former Mayor Amante's ancestral house which is locally known as a bahay na bató. It is sad that they have abandoned the second floor completely. My husband Pepe and our three boys (Mómay, Jefe, and Juanito) explored it after our merienda and they were disappointed to find out that it's already abandoned and dirty. The wooden floors seemed weak, too, and there are many huge holes on the wooden panels and walls. We hope that the heirs of Mayor Amante still have plans to preserve this place because there are only few heritage houses left in Filipinas, particularly in San Pedro Tunasán. Besides, it is already considered as a historical site because a former mayor who had contributed so much to San Pedro Tunasán once lived there.

My husband is an advocate of heritage conservation, and he strives to impart this love for heritage to me and our children. That is why whenever our family travels, we make it a point to explore ancestral houses. So don't be surprised if you see us taking pictures of bahay na bató homes whenever we travel. We only have a few of these houses left, and we are afraid that the next generation might not be able to see them anymore.

We love bahay na bató homes! 　 　

What I have learned from my husband is that the bahay na bató's ground floor is usually made up of adobe which has ground seashells, lime, and egg white for mortar because there was no cement yet during the Spanish times. The second floor is made up of light materials (wood) and is topped with red tile roofs. That is why it is said that the bahay na bató can withstand typhoons and earthquakes for many, many years. Red tiled roofs are difficult to break unlike modern houses that have galvanized iron. Whenever there are strong typhoons, galvanized iron roofs end up like flying saucers as they are carried away by the winds, making it so dangerous to go out whenever there is a bad weather condition, LOL! That is why the sturdy bahay na bató should be declared as our true National House, not the flimsy bahay kubo. We inherited this unique architecture both from Mother Spain and from our indigenous past. They introduced to us this kind of house which is built to last. 

Even Junífera Clarita's right foot got a taste of the hot arroz caldo... ouch! Good thing it is not that serious, just a slight burn. My hubby is applying some ice on her right foot to ease the pain while we are all strolling at the old town plaza. 　　　　

We should really preserve our Bahay Na Bató ancestral homes. I've actually seen such houses that have been preserved successfully because they were converted into establishments without their features changed, like that 7-Eleven store in Pila, La Laguna and Union Bank branch in Santa Rosa, also in La Laguna. Even if they're old, it's been tested and proven that they can still be used instead of having them demolished completely to give way to a new house or building (Daddy Pepe says this good practice is called "adaptive reuse"). Bahay Na Bato houses is part of our identity as Filipinos, so we should really give importance to them.
                                                   
                                                   -Yeyette-
                                                                 

Please click here for the complete photo album and don't forget to LIKE US on Facebook! ¡Gracias! 　 　 　

Seventeen years of burning love

Sweetness overload at Yellow Sweets Café! ❤❤

A KIND OF BURNING

(Ophelia Dimalanta)

                                                   it is perhaps because

                                                   one way or the other

                                                   we keep this distance 

                                                   closeness will tug as apart

                                                   in many directions

                                                   in absolute din

                                                   how we love the same

                                                   trivial pursuits and

                                                   insignificant gewgaws

                                                   spoken or inert

                                                   claw at the same straws

                                                   pore over the same jigsaws

                                                   trying to make heads or tails

                                                   you take the edges

                                                   i take the center

                                                   keeping fancy guard

                                                   loving beyond what is there

                                                   you sling at the stars

                                                   i bedeck the weeds

                                                   straining in song or

                                                   profanities towards some

                                                   fabled meeting apart

                                                   from what dreams read

                                                   and suns dismantle

                                                   we have been all the hapless

                                                   lovers in this wayward world

                                                   in almost all kinds of ways

                                                   except we never really meet

                                                   but for this kind of burning.

This poem is similar to our relationship as a couple. The poem is about love thriving more in distance. Me and my hubby Pepe are not apart. We've been together for the past seventeen years but there seems to be a "distance" between us. We don't jibe most of the time regarding many things. He is the radical type, and I'm more diplomatic. He is short-tempered, but I have a lot of patience. I love summer, but he loves the rainy season.

I am weird, but he's the weirdest, hahaha!

Selfies! =) =)

My husband is a bit hard-headed and sometimes aggressive, but I'm more soft and tender. He tends to panic, but I remain calm. Like all couples, we quarrel, we fight, we disagree. Contrary to what our friends may think of us, we have so many things that are not in common. My husband is very intelligent with his highfalutin words, and I'm just my simple self, hehe.

But no matter how we disagree with each other, I always believe in the saying "opposites attract".

you sling at the stars

i bedeck the weeds

And so to my husband: in each trial we've faced throughout our seventeen years together, you have always remained by my side even against all odds. We may not get along together most of the time, but with this kind of burning that we have, our hearts have rolled into one to form a different kind of love, igniting and burning.

Happy 17th anniversary (and 3rd wedding anniversary), my love! ¡Te amo mucho! Let us always live by the words of God, may we continue to remain faithful to each other, as we have promised to God during our wedding, and may we always have more patience in the midst of trials, and more love, compassion, and understanding so that both of us will continue to live happily ever after, together with our five children.

My love for you will always remain, from here to eternity even though we don't always agree in so many ways, but for this kind of burning.

#ToGODBeTheGlory 

-Yeyette-

Please click here for the complete photo album of our modest anniversary celebration at newly opened Yellow Sweets Café (hope to bring our kids there next time)! And don't forget to LIKE US on Facebook! ¡Gracias! =) =)

¡Feliz segundo cumpleaños, Junífera Clarita!

It's my youngest daughter's second birthday today! She is known to us as our miracle baby. Thank you GOD for giving Junífera Clarita a wonderful life and allowing her to experience this world. And thank you too for giving me my second life in order for me to continue loving and taking care of my beloved La Familia Viajera.

We celebrated her birthday here in San Pedro Tunasán, our adoptive hometown since 2004. Before eating out, we first visited San Pedro Apóstol Church to give thanks to GOD for her new year in life. Then we proceeded to nearby Álvarez Bakeshop, one of the oldest bakeshops in La Laguna Province. I bought a custard cake for Junífera Clarita. This cake is a must-try because the flavor is simple, not too sweet. Just right on the taste buds. It will definitely satisfy desserts. =)

Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol.

Afterwards, we walked towards Maciang's Pancitan, an iconic place in our young city, for a simple birthday dinner for Junífera Clarita.

This popular eatery was named after its founder, the late Marciana "Lelang Maciang" Dolletón. It lost its signage during a previous typhoon.

Our kids just had their enrollment a few months ago. That is why we chose to celebrate Junífera Clarita's second birthday in Maciang's Pancitan. I wanted to celebrate it at home, but my hubby Pepe didn't want to. He wanted to celebrate it outside our apartment, especially since we call ourselves La Familia Viajera, hehehe!

It is said that birthday celebrations among us Filipinos is not complete without eating pancít. Maciang's Pancitan (also known as Pancít Maciang) is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, eatery here in San Pedro Tunasán. It has been around since the 1950s. It's an old place and looks like any ordinary eatery, but famous celebrities such as Alden Richards​, Charice Pempengco​, Efren "Bata" Reyes​, and Sitti Navarro​ have all been here and tried its strange but delicious pancít. Maciang's Pancitan serve mostly pancít, but what makes this place unique and special is that, aside from its age, it is the only place in the world where pancít bihon is deliciously served with fried egg, balún-balunan (chicken gizzard), and topped with catsup.

A lot of people busily walk around this place, but they will not mind you because the people of San Pedro Tunasán are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I have even learned to speak their unique Tagálog accent/dialect. I didn't study it. I just noticed that I'm already speaking like a native San Pedrense, especially since we've been here for the past twelve years, hahaha! Anyway, if you are a "cowboy" like me and the rest of my family, you will not have second thoughts of eating in a place like Maciang's Pancitan. And when eating there, you will feel that you are in a rural place. So if you happen to pass by our city and want to taste something different that will satisfy both your stomach and wallet, do try Maciang's "Special Pancít" for only ₱30.00. Just drop by at the población and enjoy your unique pancít after a tiring day.

Click here for our complete photo album of Junífera Clarita's second birthday!

The custard cake from Álvarez Bakeshop.

We may not have given you a bonggacious birthday, my dearest Junífera Clarita, but what's important is that we are still able to celebrate it together, we are all healthy and happy, and we can appreciate whatever it is that we have. A simple yet memorable birthday, filled with love and care.

I love you my "pichiki-chiking", my "koala-baby",  my "baba labs"! Happy second birthday! La Familia Viajera loves you so much!!! More birthdays to come, and may GOD bless you always! ¡Muchos besos! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

—Mamá Yeyette—

¡Buen provecho!

*L*A*F*A*M*I*L*I*A*V*I*A*J*E*R*A*

A mi querida hija,

Por el momento de leer esto, espero que ya seas fluido en nuestro idioma verdadero. Y mientras que estoy escribiendo este breve mensaje, quiero que sepas que estamos experimentando actualmente una terrible sequía financiera. Es por eso que no estábamos en condiciones de darte una fiesta dadivosa. Pero, como lo que tu mamá te dijo, lo que importante es que todavía somos capaces de celebrar juntos, estamos todos sanos y felices, y podemos apreciar cualquier cosa que tenemos. Para nosotros, todos los cumpleaños que nuestra familia celebra son memorables aunque sencillas, llena de amor y cariño.

Viva una vida sencilla y santa, al igual que tu patrona...

Santa Clara de Asís.

¡Te amamos mucho, nuestra Junífera Clarita!

—Papá Pepe—

The 28th CCP Independent Film & Video Festival at Cinemalaya 2016

Last Monday night (August 8) was my first time to visit one of our country's most famous buildings, none other than the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Why was I there? Because I attended the 28th CCP Independent Film & Video Festival (Ika‐28 Gawad CCP Para Sa Alternatibong Pelikula At Video) at Cinemalaya 2016.

"Yaman" is directed by Christian Baña and produced by Esmeralda Bucog.

As I have written last Wednesday, my hubby Pepe is part of the documentary film "Yaman" (treasure) which is one of the finalists at the Gawad CCP. It was produced by young filmmakers from the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán. Together with other finalists, it was to be shown only once. Since I am a proud wifey, I decided to be there to see my husband onscreen. You'll be surprised to know that I went there all by myself because my hubby had to attend to his night shift, our kids were at school, and the show started at 6:15 PM. I left our place very early, at 3:30 PM, to avoid rush hour traffic. Thank goodness I arrived early.

Right outside the Tanghalang Manuel Conde.

The moment I entered CCP, I was delighted and astounded by the place! I felt like I was in a big palace, and I couldn't help but smile in amazement while going up the grand staircase all the way to the second floor. I was truly amazed at the place! From time to time, I took photos of the place (and selfies, too!). Out of excitement, being my first time there, I asked some of the staff and other guests I encountered to take pictures of me, hahaha! =)

Roaming around while waiting for the film showing to begin.

A huge tarpaulin (left) and Cinemalaya souvenir items (right).

The show began on time. Like in all cinemas, taking pictures are not allowed inside the Tanghalang Manuel Conde where the documentaries where shown. That's why I wasn't able to take photos or even video clips of Pepe's several appearances in the documentary. As mentioned during my last blogpost, Yaman is a documentary about the Aetas of Zambales. My hubby was one of the resource persons interviewed since he is a historian.

I was shocked by my hubby's controversial statements in the documentary. I think what he had shared on the documentary about the Aetas and other indigenous groups of our country was the most frank that I've ever heard from a historian (before I watched the documentary, he didn't tell me anything at all about what he had said there). Sad but true for most people, but my husband is just exposing the truth about the indigenous peoples of our country and the Filipinos' Hispanic roots, according to what he had studied and researched, and that is why I am so proud of him. He is not scared at all to tell the historical truth about the Aetas of Zambales and the other indigenous groups of our country like the Ifugaos, T'bolis, etc. After the show, the audience gave a hearty applause. I even heard someone to my right who whispered to his companion, "Grabe si José Mario Alas." I'm happy and proud that my husband was able to give everyone inside the venue something to think about regarding our past and the truth about our national identity, and that we have nothing to be ashamed of who we really are. Those who were disturbed by what he said in the documentary shouldn't get mad at him because he is a historian who has carefully studied our past since his teenage years. He's just being honest and frank. So peace out! ♥ =)

After the show, I still roamed around the place, with an excitement in me that I couldn't explain especially since it's just my first time to have entered the CCP. I thought of the rest of my family. How I wish they were with me that night. I even imagined my hubby beside me, the two of us walking together and enjoying the ambience of the place... oh my, hahaha!

Right after the film showing. Bravo!

I was still on the mood to take more pictures of the place. There were still many people inside the CCP even if it was almost 9 in the evening. I also saw many famous actors and actresses. The antique chandeliers of the CCP fascinated me so much. Viewing them from the outside seems that you're in a foreign place. But I noticed that the stairs below the ground level are already wobbly, maybe because they're old. The design of the building is simple, elegant, and vintage (my hubby told me that it was designed by National Artist Leandro Locsín). Take note that you will not be tired of exploring every nook and cranny of the place because of the interesting designs, as if the building is an architectural park. You will feel relaxed even though it is old. Anyway, I love old structures and other heritage sites. ♥ ♥ ♥

I saw viewers falling in line to watch a full length film. I also chatted with some young people who called themselves "Team Ponching". They are so friendly and warm! I took pictures of them, including the ladies who were taking care of the free passes for the documentary films. ¡Muchas gracias a ustedes! =)

Before I left the place, I noticed the famous and more familiar water fountain. I was so overwhelmed with the view because there was a light rain. The raindrops added an effect to the view. I couldn't resist taking more selfies, hehehe! I asked another stranger to take a photo of me right beside the fountain with the façade of the CCP as my background, LOL!

The CCP Complex right behind me!

SO MUCH HAPPINESS!!! I HAD A GREAT NIGHT!!!

Cinemalaya started last August 5 and will continue to run until August 14. "Yaman" will not be shown anymore because all documentary films were shown for one night only! But there are still more films to be showcased during Cinemalaya 2016. All of them are definitely A MUST WATCH, from short films to documentaries full length films. Please visit the CCP when you have time. The place and the event will make you feel really good and proud to be a Filipino. The REAL happenings about our society are in Cinemalaya. All of the films are of great quality and intelligently written. Impressive cinematography and realistic conversation can be witnessed only in Cinemalaya.

I'd love to go back there next time with my whole family, La Familia Viajera! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

For more info or questions about Cinemalaya 2016, please call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or 832-3706, or call Ticket World at 891-9999. You can also visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya website at www.cinemalaya.org. And for more of photos of my Cinemalaya visit, click here. And don't forget to Like Us on Facebook!

-Yeyette-

Ika-28 Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video presents: "Yaman"

Hi! We're inviting you to watch Point Productions' documentary film "Yaman". My hubby Pepe Alas is part of it! It is one of the finalists in the Ika-28 Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, Gawad Alternatibo, for short (CCP Independent Film and Video Competition)! It will be premiered this coming Monday, August 8, 6:15 PM, at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde as part of this year's Cinemalaya Film Festival. Yaman is a documentary about the Aetas of Zambales. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Let's support Filipino films! Patronize our own!

-Yeyette-

He's on the credits! I'm so proud! =)