Under ₱850 Gifts for Teens

December 10, 2013, 8:50 am

≫ Next: Gift Guide for the Stylish Woman

≪ Previous: Festive Bulacan “Pinaso” Dessert (a step-by-step guide)

Being the busy parents that we are, we don’t have ample time to scour the shops for gifts that our teenage anak or inaanak will love. Dear mommy and daddy/ninong and ninang, a well thought of gift is cuter than cash. I curated five items from Punchdrunk Panda, my go-to online store for whimsical Filipino-designed stuff (not limited for teens). Shipping is quick and efficient.

1. Dear Self camera strap, by Abbey Sy, ₱495
2. Caricature abaca-lined sole slip-ons, by Steph Mangalindan, in man and woman styles ₱647.50
3. Travel Tokens iPad mini case, by Celina de Guzman, ₱795
4. Manila Mania Mighty Wallet, by Quirks x Punchdrunk Panda (Kasey Albano), ₱830
5. Earthly Pursuits iPhone case, by Rob Cham, ₱495

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Gift Guide for the Stylish Woman

December 10, 2013, 1:16 pm

≫ Next: The Merging Lights of the Laoag City Hall and the Ilocos Norte Capitol

≪ Previous: Under ₱850 Gifts for Teens

You want only the best for your love unless, of course, you are on the senate investigation hot seat or the BIR hot list. So if your wallet is not a freezing issue this Christmas, surprise the women of your life with ideas that are big on style.

1. Phillip Lim Pashli Backpack, ₱42, 584
2. Alexander Wang ankle strap pumps, ₱23,557.50
3. 24K gold plated name necklace, about ₱2,340
4. Stella McCartney oversized acetate sunnies, ₱9,043
5. Vans Half Cabs, about ₱2,874
6. Jeffrey Campbell cutout booties, ₱10,230
7. Guerlain Meteorites Crazy Pearls Illuminating Powder, ₱2,761

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The Merging Lights of the Laoag City Hall and the Ilocos Norte Capitol

December 11, 2013, 12:51 am

≫ Next: OOTD: Orientalia

≪ Previous: Gift Guide for the Stylish Woman

When warm lights meet cool lights.

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OOTD: Orientalia

December 13, 2013, 8:13 am

≫ Next: Nakitaripnong diay Samtoy

≪ Previous: The Merging Lights of the Laoag City Hall and the Ilocos Norte Capitol

I spoke for a group of young Ilocano writers today. Thanking Samtoy Books for the privilege of sharing the things I learned while trying to blog. I told them fashion is just one of the categories here:) Capped the Asian vibe of the look with an abel Iloco 2-way bag in op art weave binakol. It’s from MODi (Modern Ilocana).

Guess who I met at the taripnong? Dave Guison, the top male fashion blogger talking about fashion blogging!

{Smock: Unica Hija, necklace: MODi, abel envelope bag/clutch: MODi, sandals: Zara, sunnies: F&H, Tom Ford Forbidden Pink}

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Nakitaripnong diay Samtoy

December 14, 2013, 12:11 am

≫ Next: A Ray of Light

≪ Previous: OOTD: Orientalia

image via Samtoy Books

Samtoy Books at the La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center gathered 40 young mannurat (writers) from the different schools in the province for a naisangsangayan a taripnong (first-of-its-kind gathering) that tackled the art of writing and blogging. Along with the country’s top male fashion blogger/endorser/stylist, David Guison, linguistic anthropologist Dana Osborne, young and talented Ilocano graphic and blog designer Vince Canlapan, I was given the honor of sharing my know-how.

The young writers seemed engaged. Hoping to see more Ilocanos in the blogosphere.

Angeleno Dana Osborne talks about her study on the Ilocano language, sprinkling words like kadiay, nakare-red, nabangsit. Her grasp is amazing!

Jun Arvin Gudoy, communications and media department head of the PGIN reaches out. He speaks about the SIRIB Express programs that address the educational needs of the youth. Stella Gaspar (in the photo below) facilitates the wonderful event.

Taripnong at Samtoy

Dave Guison is really as nice as he looks!

Dana and Gee Foronda Diaros.

Former Miss Pamulinawen Festival Jada Maltezo looking sultry in her new ‘do.

Ilocano writer Jennifer Tagavilla asks tips on how to sign up for a blog.

Congratulating Samtoy Books for a job well done!

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A Ray of Light

December 14, 2013, 1:21 pm

≫ Next: OOTD: Denim and Stripes

≪ Previous: Nakitaripnong diay Samtoy

Reblogged from the midclassbrat:

I have decided not to let this opportunity pass because the longer these thoughts linger in my head, the faster will my eagerness to release them expire. As far as I am aware, this would be the third Wordpress blog that I have created--the first one, I have deleted years ago; the second one still exists but does not seem to be appropriate for me to update anymore because of my desire to start fresh with a REAL blog although I don't have any plans of taking it down.

OOTD: Denim and Stripes

December 17, 2013, 7:25 pm

≫ Next: Manila Photo Diary: Past and Present

≪ Previous: A Ray of Light

I don’t like stripes too much, but this top has added elements of chambray and silk.

{Plains and Prints top, Cotton On denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff Mini Box, CLN flats, MAC Crosswires}

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Manila Photo Diary: Past and Present

December 19, 2013, 12:01 am

≫ Next: Lanie’s Empanada, Once and For All

≪ Previous: OOTD: Denim and Stripes

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Lanie’s Empanada, Once and For All

December 21, 2013, 11:48 pm

≫ Next: ‘Tis the season

≪ Previous: Manila Photo Diary: Past and Present

Lanie is back rolling our favorite crunchy empanada and pinais at her post in the Batac Riverside Empanadahan. She got sidetracked with out of town fairs, causing confusion among the fans. We missed the Batac mayor by a mere 10 minutes at her stall.

So there, folks, it’s Lanie’s Empanada! Back by popular demand.

Empanada for dinner with the in-laws.

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‘Tis the season

December 22, 2013, 8:09 am

≫ Next: OOTD: A Pastel Christmas

≪ Previous: Lanie’s Empanada, Once and For All

If you’re out of festive food ideas for the important gatherings this season, grab a copy of Appetite, your guide to a delicious life.

The December 2013-January 2014 issue is loaded with fantastic features such as lamb caldereta, bringhe negra, Ilocos longganiza aglio olio spaghetti, malunggay pancit bihon, chicken inasal paella, hamon Bulakenya recipes and a lot more.

In The Feed is Off The Eaten Path with the man of the moment, Chef Sandy Daza.

If Sandy Daza’s photos are familiar, you’ve seen them in BlauEarth’s behind the scenes of the entire Season 1 of the FoodPrints shoot in Ilocos Norte, Bulacan and Batangas. Catch FoodPrints every Saturday at 8:30 PM on the Lifestyle Network

*Special thanks to Appetite for the feature.

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OOTD: A Pastel Christmas

December 23, 2013, 1:29 pm

≫ Next: My LBD

≪ Previous: ‘Tis the season

{Plains and Prints top and shorts, Marc Jacobs bag, Mango sunnies,
Bensimon (Tennis Elly) sneakers, MAC Creme d’ Nude}

from Ilocos with so much love!

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My LBD

December 25, 2013, 10:18 pm

≫ Next: Ulysses G in Pictures

≪ Previous: OOTD: A Pastel Christmas

I find black too heavy to wear in the kind of weather we enjoy in Ilocos. Found a flippy dress in tee fabric that is almost an LBD in terms of versatility. The plainest of all, it’s my perfect canvas for otherwise screaming accessories. Dug up a vintage gold leather disco bag (from my mom) and a tan Topshop wide belt from past seasons. Wore the look to dinner with the family.

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Ulysses G in Pictures

December 27, 2013, 9:36 am

≫ Next: Siwawer Vintar 4×4 Challenge on its 10th Year

≪ Previous: My LBD

photo by Ulysses G Photos by Ulysses G

Just after I got back from the christening celebration of Jao and China’s little darling last night, I went straight to Ulysses G’s photography blog which blogging bestie Marianne Pasion has been asking me to check since the summer. The nineteen-year-old professional photographer slash new blogger was Marianne’s partner for the party’s photo coverage.

Marianne has this to say about Ulysses’s medium for art — His photography is so neatly taken, it makes you sense its energy. Yes, photos have it.

I certainly agree with Marianne. I saturated my eyes on his rich compositions, ranging from portraits to landscapes and some macros in between. The three photos above are just a peek at the young Ilocano photographer’s fresh perspective and flair.

Photo by Marianne G. Pasion

The graduating Bachelor in Secondary Education student says, “The passion started when I held an automatic film camera on a trip to Vigan during the summer before I stepped into high school. I made my first money on my first year in college and started a photoblog just this year.”

My own photos at Mallory’s dinner party.

For inquiries, bookings or collaborations, contact Ullysses thru e-mail at ulyssesg.info@gmail.com or mobile at (+639)10911699.

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Siwawer Vintar 4×4 Challenge on its 10th Year

December 29, 2013, 12:42 am

≫ Next: SOVERAINE X CYNOSURE X BLAUEARTH

≪ Previous: Ulysses G in Pictures

766 photos in a day! I’m more exhausted than any of the off-road competitors. Posting some photos before I finish the hard action for the next post. I hope you are enjoying the last days of 2013, everyone!

Meet the man to beat… Boyet Leano, the non off-roader who happens to be the godfather of 4×4 races in the entire Ilocandia, years before off-road competitions became mainstream in Ilocos Norte.

This year, riders from Pampanga joined the Vintar races.

Congressman Rudy Fariñas and his children were physically present to give morale builder for youngest son, Junior, who did great in his first short course 4×4 challenge.

Ilocos Norte off-road riders, Junior Fariñas, Brandon Tan, Jezley Abadilla and Totsie Leaño.

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SOVERAINE X CYNOSURE X BLAUEARTH

January 2, 2014, 1:27 am

≫ Next: A tree is known by its fruit

≪ Previous: Siwawer Vintar 4×4 Challenge on its 10th Year

Hello, 2014! Raine Calucag/Soveraine, Marianne Pasion/Cynosure and myself had our first ever day out to welcome the year.

It took months to bring each one together, yet sunshine poured the minute we decided to shoot in the biggest bread plant in the north. Baker’s Percent was gracious enough to accommodate us on a busy holiday week.

The Laoag store manager, S Acoba-Pacheco, toured us around and fed us the big picture and an insane aroma that satiated our hunger.

Thank you, Baker’s Percent, for passing the yummy on!

Baker’s Percent supply all the Jollibee outlets in Northern Luzon with buns.

With the tireless S Pacheco. Big thanks, S!

We relaxed our overstimulated senses at the Laoag “La Paz” Sand Dunes.

Love you both!

New Hopes in 2014! Thank you so much, dear readers, for the love!

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A tree is known by its fruit

January 3, 2014, 4:22 am

≫ Next: Thank You

≪ Previous: SOVERAINE X CYNOSURE X BLAUEARTH

Man tends to abuse nature. We cut down trees and then we weep for no harvest. We treat the river like a big garbage dump and then we mourn its death. We shoot the birds and then we ask the skies where have all the birds gone.

The one-barangay town of Adams nestled in the mountains east of Pagudpud is home to the last old growth forests of dipterocarp trees in the northernmost region. A portion of these high-biodiversity forests have at long last been declared the Adams Wildlife Critical Habitat (AWCH) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Is it enough to save the forests from the greed and power of capitalists lording it over on the northwestern end of the Cordilleras? Yes, if political will confronts corruption.

Dwarfed A 35-foot tall tree.

The protection and conservation of the dipterocarp forests in this former rebel town is expected to boost what it has started in 2005 when it opened its doors to tourists seeking pristine nature.

Read more about the Adams Wildlife Critical Habitat on Rappler (here)

Here are more photos from my recent Adams trip with family.

photos by Michael Calaramo

Pinakbet a Laplapayag (Tree Ears) Pinakbet with laplapayag from trees.

Young coffee plant.

With special thanks to Alain, Michael Calaramo, Cora Pugal and Paul Acupan.

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Thank You

January 3, 2014, 10:13 pm

≫ Next: Christmas Grandeur in Vigan Heritage City

≪ Previous: A tree is known by its fruit

Screengrab from IlocosTimes.com

Thank you so much to the Ilocos Times editorial board for recognizing blogging as a tool for news and connectivity!

Sharing this with all the tatas, nanas, manangs, manongs and adings I’ve plagued for snapshots that complete the stories in BlauEarth.

Dear readers, I owe it all to you.

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Christmas Grandeur in Vigan Heritage City

January 5, 2014, 1:32 pm

≫ Next: The Mojo of Ilocano Cooking

≪ Previous: Thank You

Vigan is a virtual theme park at the time of the holidays. This year’s moving diorama Christmas tree is such a beauty, very cultural. Tourists and locals milled around the heart of the heritage city while waiting for the fountains at Plaza Salcedo to trip the light fantastic. The good news, you can catch the one-hour show at 7:30 evenings daily.

Vigan empanada and okoy at the Plaza Burgos.

Pandan cake, torta, bolero and chocolate marble cake at Joma’s Tower Cafe, Calle del Pilar. Joma’s used to be the Plaza Tower Cafe where Plaza Maestro stands right now.

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The Mojo of Ilocano Cooking

January 7, 2014, 5:50 am

≫ Next: A Horizon of Friendship

≪ Previous: Christmas Grandeur in Vigan Heritage City

Ever wondered what makes Ilocano food so distinct? Primarily paksiw (sinanglao), dinakdakan, imbaliktad, and dinardaraan (dinuguaan)? It’s the infusion of supreme Ilocos organic vinegar. It’s also the same vinegar we mizzle our orange empanadas and tinuno with.

Sukang Ilocos is fermented from sugarcane juice and samak leaves, traditionally left in burnay jars to age, first to basi (Ilocano wine) until it turns to vinegar, when color and flavor become darker and perfectly stronger. In our home, the darker, the better.

We love to artem (pickle) our fruits like sincamas, balayang, salamagui, sarguelas, mangga, and papaya especially during the summer. A little of that same vinegar is added to the bath after a bout of fever for a truly makapabang-ar (refreshing) sense of feeling, and as the babbaket say, “tapno haan a mabinat (to avoid recurrence of illness).”

Ilocos Vinegar is ubiquitous in markets, souvenir shops, and stalls particularly along the National Highway in San Ildefonso (Ilocos Sur), and Pasuquin (Ilocos Norte).

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A Horizon of Friendship

January 8, 2014, 8:39 pm

≫ Next: OOTD: A Black and Cream Kind of Day

≪ Previous: The Mojo of Ilocano Cooking

There are friendships that last beyond time and distance. Alma, my best friend since kindergarten, spent her elementary and high school years in Laoag. It’s not too often that she comes home, yet whenever we’re together, it always feels like we’ve never been apart. We remember everything, like watching a movie that we never tire of.

This post is supposed to be categorized under history.

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