Recipes: Afritada

I was first introduced to Afritada when I was on a Mediterranean Cruise in the Navy in 1966. We pulled into Cartegena Spain for a few days and I was chosen as a permanent Shore Patrol to stay in town for the days we were in Cartagena. It was a welcome change form staying in a bunk on a ship. We were fortunate on the USS Borie DD-704 that we had some pretty good cooks but some of the ships were not very good. Anyway we stayed on the beach so had to eat in town too. We found this little family owned restaurant on a side street that was really good.. I really liked Afritada at this restaurant and ate it several times during the time we were there.. The next time I had it was in the Philippines on a different ship on a different cruise.

I got to thinking about it and wondered where I could fnd it while we lived in Gillette Wyoming so I got on the Internet and found this recipe on Group Recipes from the Washington Post. Afritada can be made from beef, pork, or chicken. This recipe is made with chicken and is very good.

CHICKEN AFRITADA

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 onion chopped

1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger

1 whole chicken cut up

1 10 oz can tomato sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup oyster sauce

2 tbsp garlic salt

1 10 oz can of baby peas ,drained

1 red bell pepper cut in strips

6 medium potatoes peeled and cubed

1 pinch of ground black pepper

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and ginger for tree minutes browning slightly. Lay chicken in the skillet, skin side down. Fry until golden about ten minutes turning once with tongs.

In a bowl whisk together tomato sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic salt and pour over the chicken. Gently fold in the peas, red bell pepper and potatoes. Simmer about 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked and no longer pink in the middle. Spice up with black pepper.

I like to add a couple of seeded and diced jalapenos when frying the onion and ginger. If you want it a little spicier still use some Cayenne pepper. This is a great tummy warmer on a cold night. Serve it over a bowl of brown rice with a piece of good crusty bread.

Do dogs really smile?

I’m not so certain about other people’s dogs but one of mine does. The first time I saw the Bear smile I had to pause and think about what he was doing. He tipped up his dark muzzle and showed just the front teeth. He wasn’t angry or growling, so what was he doing?

The Bear is an interesting dog. He looks like a cross between a black Lab and a Siberian Husky. I recently noticed a strong resemblance to Australian herding dogs like the ones in the movie BABE. I don’t know for sure because we got him from the marketplace in the Philippines where he was being sold as food!

The Bear is nobody’s entree. He’s a big part of my family and a close companion. He does interesting things on his own like his evening patrols. Before I locked up the house for the evening, he would have to go out and check the perimeter of the property.

We lived in a small, high-walled compound with a gate. He would go check the gate,looking up and down the street. Next he checked the side of the house then around the back. His route took him up to the terrace built on top of our bodega where he would look over the wall. After he finished the other side of the house he would come to the back door waiting for me to let him in.

We could watch his progress on the security monitor that displayed the the feed from each of the cameras.

The Bear had other quirks that I needed to learn to interpret. Such as the way he would protect his “younger brother”, our other dog. Whenever the little dog got into trouble we took to threatening with him with a swatter. Whatever you picked up, Bear would gently take out of your hand and try to hide it. Pick something else up and he’ll do it again.

The Bear isn’t yet four years old, and he’s developed a sense of humor. The first time he played a prank on me was odd enough. Then I noticed he was “smiling.”

I laughed and he wagged his tail at me; I had reacted the way he expected. Since then I’ve enjoyed a lot of funny times with the big boy. He still has a sense of humor but, more than anything else he enjoys the fact that his Man is trainable!

Oh, some people think dogs are dumb. Imagine how they feel when they’re trying so hard to communicate with us and we stare like statues. It’s a lucky dog who joins a family that knows how to take a joke.

Dumaguete – the Capital of Negros Oriental in the Philippines

The city called Dumaguete in the Philippines is named after the word “daggit” which is from a local dialect of Visaya which means “to snatch” or “to swoop”. Dumaguete City was named as such for the pirates that had always been active in the coastal city, Dumaguete long time ago. Historically rich in culture from many years ago, the city of Dumaguete has beautiful heritage sites to offer.

The tiny city Dumaguete has always been on the Philippine map; it is a coastal city situated in Negros Oriental. Contrast to the size of Dumaguete City, it offers greatly awesome things for you to discover. The beauty in the panoramic view of Dumaguete City will inspire the old traditional wonder of the place with the reconciliation of the modern amenities it can provide its guests. Being a peaceful bay area, people are warm which earned Dumaguete City the title, City of Gentle People.

The city of Dumaguete has finally ended its silence. The beauty of Dumaguete City has caused the influx of tourists. Many people heard of the city’s name for the reknown beautiful outdoor adventure experience it has offered its visitors.

Presently, industrial technology is continuously developing in Dumaguete City since it is also known as the “Center of Learning in the South” or as the “University Town”.

Dumaguete City’s most tempting quality is the adventure outdoor that can lasts your whole life. Paradise in its own simple luxuries are offered in Dumaguete City through the shiny crystals of white sands surrounding the beaches.

Finding the place called Dumaguete is synonymous to finding a place of haven. Imagine the modern amenities within the city with historical beauty and wonders all rolled into a little corner in the Philippine Islands. You can always find a diving site, a vacation home that can assure to make you feel at home. Getting from other famous places from Dumaguete to other neighboring areas famous for tourism in the Philippines is another convenience of the city’s location as well.

Visit the city named Dumaguete in the Philippines and plunge into the lure of different gifts of nature in the small coastal city. Experience the breath-taking relaxation of the soul, mind and body. Find the perfect nature’s beauty in Dumaguete City; beauty at its purest form. Discover the relaxation and splurge into the magic of the place.

Endless journeys in search for the perfect paradise with the sun, sand, and water can be finally brought to an end in Dumaguete City!

Hot Spots For Property Investment In Asia

There is an increasing prevalence of hot spots for foreign investments in Asia. Lot of countries in the region have completely removed their unnecessary restrictions on foreign investors. This has attracted more investment in the property market as well. As a result there was a real boom in the property section of the market in 2007. There was a steady increase in the average occupancy rate of office and residential buildings. The governments in the region have also become alert and have awarded business park sites and industrial sites. In the present circumstances an understanding of the various investment opportunities across Asia will be extremely helpful to you.

Thailand has been a tricky destination for tourists around the world. It is exotic island home to some of the best investment opportunities available in Asia. The influx of travelers from UK has increased as a consequence of budget airlines and consistent backup of expats who live in places like Singapore and Hong Kong. Investors can expect excellent returns from Thai beach property over the next couple of years. Thailand promises to be a profitable investment market for a good part of the next decade.

Seychelles islands are home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Development has been given top priority in recent years and new laws which attract the investors have been formulated. A man-made island Eden has been constructed and this can be considered another foot forward in creating reliable investment opportunities.

Cambodia is trying to forget its disturbing past and focus on building a happy and prosperous nation. Cambodia is blessed with tropical climates, thick vegetation and enticing beaches. If it makes the right moves there is a lot of space for investment with Cambodia having a turbulent past. Japan recently had some problems in their economy, but they are fighting back quite strongly. Clever investors will realize that Japan is a viable investment option now. Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya are places where prices and demand are predicted to rise considerably over the next three years.

With an economy progressing at nearly double-digit numbers, Vietnam is also starting to face shortages in manpower, like China and India. The country’s is all set to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the end of 2006, coupled with its pro-business policies, looks set to be blessed with more investments in the days ahead.

The Philippines has offered some really profitable Asian property investment opportunities. The Philippines is treasured place when it comes to buying property, specifically in the capital city of Manila. They have got good ability to handle English and the business system is quite contemporary. Procuring an apartment and lending it to the workers seems to be the right choice if you are planning to invest in the Philippines. Boracay Island, the Philippine beach property is expected to progress at around 18 per cent per annum across the next few years.

Even though the political atmosphere in Sri Lanka is slightly troublesome there are some compelling attractions in Sri Lanka which has made it a hotspot for tourists the world over. The shrewd investor will find that Sri Lanka is a decent option when it comes to property investment. The major problem for the investors has been the huge taxes they had to pay, even though the inconvenience can be avoided to a certain extent.

There is no shortage of hot spots for foreign investments in Asia. If you are ready to research the market seriously, there are mouth-watering investment opportunities await you.

Exploration Of The Orang Bati: Indonesia’s Winged Man

In Seram of the Maluku Islands, also known as the Moluccas archipelago of Indonesia, lives a creature that has fueled both the curiosity and fear of the locals. Known as Orang Bati, or in Indonesian terms, the winged man, the creature resembles a human or giant ape with bat-like wings.

Historical accounts of Christian missionaries visiting the islands during the 15th to 16th century narrate how a winged monster has raided and terrorized the village of Uraur in Seram. The residents fear the creature, as it is known to abduct infants and children when it feeds at night. The monster is also said to raid nearby villages. According to these locals, the Orang Bati lives during the daytime on Mount Kairatu, a dormant volcano with a network of deep caves on the island of Seram.

The Orang Bati has an ape-like body, much like a human standing four to five feet tall, with red skin on its body. The creature has large black leathery wings and a long tail, compared to rhamphorhynchoid species of flying dinosaurs or pterosaurs. Some accounts describe the wings and tail as covered with thick black fur. Villagers often hear the Orang Bati’s arrival by the sound of its shrill wail, similar to that of pterosaurs.

One of the most mentioned accounts of the Orang Bati were that of the English missionary named Tyson Hughes, who went to the Moluccas to help the villagers with their farming systems in 1987. At first the British man was skeptical about the Orang Bati and the stories the locals tell. During his 18 month mission, Hughes and the rest of his team admitted that the village tales were actually true.

Comparable creatures have been said to exist in nearby Southeast Asian and Pacific regions, such as Vietnam and the Philippines. Another version of the Orang Bati, called the ahool in Java, is described as possibly being a giant bat. The same description applies for residents of the Philippines, where they believe giant bats to be responsible for killing livestock in the villages. First thought to be flying monkeys, these versions of the Orang Bati could possibly be a cross between birds and bats, possibly even large eagles.

A similar large flying creature has also been sighted in several regions around the world. In these accounts, however, the creature is not mammalian nor does it resemble humanoid forms. Paleontologists, or those who study prehistoric animals, find that these creatures resemble the flying dinosaurs, so they are more reptilian or avian rather than mammal.

The kongomato of Zambia in Central Africa have been described as large flying animals with reddish complexion and with wings covered in leathery skin. The kongomato was also sighted in Rhodesia, Angola, and the Congo. In Papua New Guinea, however, this creature’s name is ropen, which means flying demon in the vernacular. Accounts from the natives claim that the ropen also eats human flesh.

There is a website that describes the Orang Bati and numerous other creatures of Cryptozoology in detail, this website is called: Unknown Creatures and it may be found at this url: http://www.unknown-creatures.com

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

The Many Biofriendly Advantages of Geothermal Power Generation

Geothermal energy means energy derived from heat inside the Earth. That heat can be used to boil water and drive steam turbines that turn generators to make electricity. This is exactly what is done at The Geysers power plants, 72 miles North of San Francisco, in California. (1)

Geothermal power generation has many advantages over traditional fossil fuel-based plants. A huge advantage is that no fuel is required. And, as anyone living near an active volcano can attest, there is plenty of heat in the Earth and this energy source is not likely to run out any time soon. The fact that no fuel is burned also means that the energy is clean and biofriendly. The steam that drives the turbines can be condensed and turned back into water. And, unlike wind or solar power, geothermal energy is constant and does not depend on weather conditions.

The Geysers is the largest geothermal operation in the world. Built in 1960, it produces more than 750 megawatts, which is enough electricity to power about 750,000 homes. Another geothermal power complex in South Central California has a capacity of about 570 megawatts. Geothermal plants in Nevada total about 235 megawatts. Oregon, Arizona, Idaho, Hawaii and Utah also have geothermal projects. (2)

Over 20 other countries are using geothermal plants, including Iceland, Russia, New Zealand and the Philippines. While many of these plants generate electrical power, others produce hot water for heating homes.

Many homes now have their own individual geothermal systems that heat the home in winter and cool it in summer, providing significant energy savings. This is based on the fact that the temperature is relatively constant throughout the year at about 10 feet underground. In simple terms, here is how it works. A refrigerator has a cold side and a hot side. A so-called heat pump makes the inside of the refrigerator cold by moving heat to a radiator just behind it. Similarly, in summer you cool a house geothermally by pumping the heat from the house into the underground pipes outside. In winter, you reverse the process and pump heat from the underground pipes into the house. (3)

Geothermal power production holds much promise, especially in the geologically active Pacific Rim. While geothermal plants cost more to build than conventional coal-fired plants, the power can be competitively priced, as there are no fuel costs. Geothermal ranks well among other renewable energy sources.

Even so, it will take time for this technology to be fully exploited. At this time fossil fuel is still the predominant energy source and it is important to use it effectively, both for environmental reasons and because it is in limited supply. The Green Plus® liquid fuel catalyst from Biofriendly Corporation contributes to that effort by causing a cleaner, more linear burn, which reduces harmful emissions and improves fuel economy.

References:

(1) http://www.geysers.com/

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_power

(3) http://geothermal.marin.org/pwrheat.html

Swap Your Items with Other Members, Exchange Your Goods – Yoofgate

Medical Tourism isn’t only about illnesses. It can also be for aesthetic purposes, such as facelifts, breast augmentations, rhinoplasties (nose jobs), and so on.

Medical tourism is growing at an amazingly fast rate. The world is at the fingertip of the health vacationer since there are destinations offering state-of-the-art healthcare. Medical tourism isn’t only about illnesses. It can also be for aesthetic purposes, such as facelifts, breast augmentations, rhinoplasties (nose jobs), and so on. Another form of medical tourism is reproductive tourism. An increasing amount of Americans are outsourcing pregnancy to India and Indian women are becoming surrogate mothers to carry American babies. Did you know that India ranks as one of the world’s best medical destinations? The country has advanced medical centers and doctors who speak several languages. Other countries such as Colombia, Cuba, India, the Philippines, and Singapore have attracted a large amount of foreigners due to affordability, reliability of health care, and being attractive vacation spots.

Medical tourists tend to choose their destinations based on price, local tourist attractions, the quality of the healthcare organizations and equipment, and/or finding out whether surgeons have been trained in the USA. However, that is not enough. For example, even if there is an accreditation system in the US, there are still discrepancies in the quality of care among US hospitals. Examples include differences in the controls used to prevent complications such as hospital-acquired infections, prolonged hospitalizations, medication errors involving a certain medicine’s different trade names, etc. Smart consumers must ask themselves many questions, but the answers to these questions can be hard to find due to the absence of uniformly accepted, international standard for measuring the quality of healthcare.

At www.Yoofgate.com, our goal is to build an online space dedicated to health tourism and healthcare providers where one may learn from the experiences of others. Yoofgate’s intention is to bring the latest information on medical tourism to prepare its users in making the best decisions based on pricing, efficiency of healthcare, choosing hospitals with maximized specialization, and, of course, destination! Members at this website join all the patients who travel the world seeking out qualitative and affordable healthcare all while enjoying their vacation. For this purpose, we invite you to come visit our blogs, forums, user-generated rating services, classified ads, and the swapping/service exchange feature to create the community dedicated to further the betterment of healthcare and medical tourism. Come to www.Yoofgate.com and begin planning for YOUR trip!

Medical Treatment, Medical Vacation.

Travel destinations: Camiguin, Philippines – Part 1

Paradise Island of Camiguin. . . Island Born out of Fire. . . Most Beautiful Island of the Philippine Archipelago. . . The Galapagos of South East Asia. . . Philippines’ Best Kept Secret. . . These are just some of the monickers of the small island of Camiguin, a pear shape island off the northern coast of Mindanao.

Philippines’ Best Kept Secret? Ask any locals in the Philippines

for Camiguin and chances are, they wouldn’t know where it is. Camiguin is yet to be discovered by most tourists and travelers. Even the website of the Department of Tourism does not currently return any information about this magnificent island.

Camiguin is a pearl among the 7,100 islands of the Philippine archipelago. Pristine beaches, unexplored forests, rich diving sites, vibrant Spanish heritage, breathtaking waterfalls, hot and cold springs and the volcanoes. If you’re idea of vacation is not missing the creature comforts of urban life, Camiguin is not for you.

Off the beaten tourist track, Camiguin offers unspoiled natural wonders. You do, however, can get air-conditioned rooms for the night.

As in any other undiscovered tourist spot, the infrastructure for tourism has not been fully developed. On the other hand, this adds a certain charm to the adventure. Who cares if the ferry in Balingon (2 hours by bus from Cagayan de Oro, a major trading hub in North Mindanao) is half an hour late? You don’t have a deadline.

Island Born out of Fire: The most famous volcano in the island, Mount Hibok- Hibok, is almost at the center. It is still classified as active, having its last eruption in 1950. Rising at 1332 meters, it is the major attraction of Camiguin. Plan a whole day if you want to hike or trek. Start early- no later than 8:30 a.m. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the summit, little less on your descent. . One needs a government permit (US $8) to climb the volcano. Secure this in the capital town of Mabajao. It is highly recommended that one engage the services of a guide for the climb. Learn to haggle. Their fees range from US $10 35, so be wary of sweet talking locals. A newer trail, a better one, is located in Barangay Yumbing. Not only are the guides better mannered, the trail has an excellent forest cover. Look for Mr. Gorgonio Idago (or probably Hidalgo). With him and his two sons as your guides, expect to pay no more than US $10.

The climb to the volcano is quite a challenge. Marvel at the rain forest and feast your eyes in most-covered Kamagong

St. Augustine Church

Situated in the historic city of Intramuros in Manila, the San Augustine Church stands under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine. This a Roman Catholic Church and goes back a long way to the year 1607, when it was completely constructed, and is the oldest church in the Philippines. There is absolutely no other currently standing establishment that can boast to be older than the St. Augustine Church.

The church was built during the Spanish Colonial period and has been designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, classifying it under the Baroque churches of the Philippines, in 1993. The Philippines government made it a national historical landmark back in 1973. The St. Augustine Church has been actually reconstructed thrice till date. The first time it was built in 1571, when it had bamboo and nipa in its structure. It got cindered due to a fire. The second time, it was built of wood and destroyed again due to a fire in 1583. The third time, the church was built more stably and so it stands proudly for generations to admire.

The church is approximately 67.15 meters in length and 24.93 meters in width. It has got a unique elliptical foundation and perhaps this is the reason it has been able to stand through numerous earthquakes so far. The design is believed to be similar to the Augustine churches of Mexico. The façade is quite simple, and assumes a Baroque touch, with ornamented wooden doors. The interior of the church is in the shape of a Latin cross and it has 14 side chapels and a “Trompel’oeil” ceiling that was painted by famous Italian painters Alberoni and Dibella.

The interiors also include beautiful tropical hardwoods and house the tombs of Spanish conquistadors Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martin de Goiti, along with other earlier Spanish governor generals and archbishops. Hundreds of other laypeople, like painter Juan Luna and Paterno Pedro are also among the ones buried here.

The St Augustine Church is not the only marvelous historic attraction in manila, Philippines. If you ever visit the magnificent city, remember to book your Manila hotel before you go there. Sometimes, hotels can be overcrowded during international events or because of the tourist season. Check out the Heritage Hotel in Manilafor a different hotel stay experience

Siquijor: The Island Of Fire

Isla del Fuego, or Island of Fire, is one of the more well-known islands in the Philippines. Locally known as Siquijor, the Island of Fire got its name from the fireflies that give the place a wondrous glow at night.

Land of the Mangkukulams

Siquijor is popular for its local mangkukulams. These mangkukulams are either healers or sorcerers. For a fee, they can cast spells against your enemies, get rid of spells cast against you, or cure any sickness that you may have. They work with aromatic, sometimes smelly potions of herbs and oils, when doing their clients’ bidding. They even sell amulets, or anting-antings, to ward off evil curses and spirits. These mangkukulams can be found in Siquijor Town, which is the capital of Siquijor, San Juan and San Antonio.

Far From the Usual Vacation

Aside from its dark, mystic side, Siquijor is the ideal island for the tired and weary to rejuvenate themselves. It is also the perfect place for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and even families. The island offers numerous beach resorts along miles of spectacular white sand beaches. Most resorts offer very affordable accommodations, with breathtaking views of the ocean at sunrise or sunset. They also offer guided day tours around the island, motorbike tours and rentals, and mountain bike rentals. Some resorts boast of giving the best traditional hilot, or a healing body massage, that leaves you feeling renewed and re-energized. There are many restaurants in the island which offer gastronomical delights to the serious food buff. They serve international as well as local Philippine cuisine. There are even some restaurants that cater to vegetarians, which is rare in the meat-loving Philippines.

Siquijor has many exceptional dive sites. Among them are: Paliton Beach, with its three submarine caves; Salagdoong Beach, where the strange Mako shark dwells; Sandugan and Tongo Point, known for its vibrant reefs; and the Larena Pier, which happens to be Siquijor’s main port, where the thirty-meter wreck of a Japanese hospital boat can be found.

Siquijor has a seventy-two kilometer coastal ring that goes around the entire island, with impressive views of the beaches of the island. The road is easy to travel by motorbike or even by mountain bike for a more leisurely pace. The sights along the coastal ring are one of the major attractions of Siquijor. Another popular attraction in Siquijor is the coral-stone church in Siquijor Town, which is a short distance from Larena. The coral-stone church was built in 1783 and is a living reminder of the era when the Philippines was colonized by Spain. The church has a tower which provides a stunning view of the island. The Bandila-an Nature Centre, which is located on top of Siquijor’s highest peak, is another attraction that cannot be missed. It is the beginning of a trail of natural springs, gorgeous butterflies, colorful birds, and a variety of flowering plants. For those who want to explore caves, there are guided tours to the Cang Anhao, Ambaka’g Baki, Dacanay and Cantabon Caves. These tours usually provide visitors with safety helmets and torches. Expect to get wet and dirty during these cave tours while going through narrow, vertical climbs, and water that goes up to the waist level.

For a vacation that is far from the ordinary, try one that offers equal portions of amazing sights, mysticism, and adventure. Try Siquijor Island.

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