How to Make Kimchi | FielMie Blogs

This is our version of kimchi using what’s available on our kitchen. This is inspired by Maangchi.com recipe. Here are the ingredients:

2 kls. Napa Cabbage
Salt

For making porridge:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (brown sugar or white sugar)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup radish matchsticks
• 1 cup carrot matchsticks
• Chopped onions (referably white onions-but we use red one because the white onion was not available)

Seasonings and spices:

• 2 garlic cloves (big) minced
• 2 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1 cup hot pepper powder

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare and salt the cabbage:

1. Wash the cabbage thoroughly…first with cold water, then running water.. cut a short slit of the base of the cabbage so that you can tear the cabbage into half easily.

2. Sprinkle the salt between the leaves. Use more salt closer to the stems, where the leaves are thicker.

3. Let the cabbages rest for 2 hours. Turn over every 30 minutes, so they will get salted well.

4. After 2 hours, wash the cabbage with cold running water and slit the cabbage again into halves.

While the cabbage is salting for 2 hours, and in between the times you’re turning it over, you can make the porridge and slice the vegetables.

To make the porridge:

1. Combine the water and the flour in a cooking pan. Mix well and let it cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. When it thickens, add the sugar and cook for 1 more minute while continuously stirring. Let it cool off completely for several minutes.

2. To make kimchi paste, pour cooled porridge into a large mixing bowl. Add garlic, ginger, onion ( I use blender so combine the mixture, creating a smooth mixture), fish sauce and hot pepper powder. (other use hot pepper flakes)

3. Mix well with the wooden spoon until the mixture turns into a thin paste.

4. Add the radish, carrot,(thiny sliced) and scallions (we forgot about this..huhuhuhu. but still it turned out delicious) because this was not available in our kitchen. Then mix well altogether.

Lastly, to make the kimchi:

1. Spread some kimchi paste on each cabbage leaf. Make sure that every leaf is covered with paste, wrap it around itself into a small packet, and put into a glass or plastic container. ( I prefer plastic one)

2. You can opt to garnish sesame seeds and yeah, you can eat it right away. Delish!!!

NOTE:

1. The kimchi easily ferments at room temperature. Once it starts to ferment it will smell and taste sour, you can press the top of the kimchi to release bubbles(air) beneath.

2. Once it starts to ferment, store it in the refrigerator . (I prefer to let it ferment overnight then I put it in the ref to chill). This slows down the fermentation process, which will make the kimchi more and more sour as time goes on.

You may try our very own recipe using ingredients that you can easily find in your own kitchen. Thank you very much and enjoy your kimchi!

Happy birthday Rr!

Hope you enjoyed your special day! God bless and stay safe always.

Kimchi (Own Version)

We made a home-made kimchi recipe and it's looking great so far. Don't forget to check out the video of our quick food project. The link of the video will be posted soon. See you!

Skim No. 5: Tip on How to Do A Monkey Crawl

Hey there!

Aside from the common run-drop-slide method of riding the board, another way of doing it is through the monkey crawl method. Personally, I don't know why it was named so but here's a video I found in YouTube to teach you the basics:

You can find the link of the video here.

Happy skimming!

Skim No. 4: New Board

Finally got my board today. I will be trying to use it over the weekend. After negotiating with Sir JessieJohn Villaver of Drop Slide Skimboard, we agreed to meet in Talisay City. He has been gracious enough to meet me in person and to wrap my board as well. Here are some pics of the new board that I bought:





I can't wait for the weekend. Wish me luck!

Skim No. 3: How To Skimboard For Beginners

While waiting for the board, it's time to learn the basics. There are many names that pop-up in YouTube but none are more famous than Austin Keen and Blair Conklin.

I didn't do much research about their biography but I think both are Americans who are the top of their game when talking about skimboarding. Blair has been living in Laguna Beach, California and is a great skimboarder in his own right. I got two of their videos here and both are good resources for starting skimboarding.

This is a screenshot of Austin's beginner's vlog complete with the AK logo:

This is a screenshot of Blair's beginner vlog:

If you are looking for a how-to video on skimboarding, you can find the following videos helpful:

Austin Keen's Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPzIKff0jiI&t=7s

Blair Conklin's Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5pYqPSGpcQ&t=149s

Enjoy the video guys and happy skimming!

Skim No. 2: Looking for my first skimboard

After deciding to pursue skimboarding this year, I started looking for local suppliers of skimboards here in Cebu. Of course, if you search the internet, some of the popular brands like Exile, Victoria and Zap will pop-up however, these brands are in the United States mostly and are quite expensive. As a beginner, I had no choice but to either look for local suppliers or make one myself.

I tried searching in Shopee and found that one supplier in Lapu-lapu (Yey!). Unfortunately, I found the price too steep but as l looked at the quality, I can say that it can par with some of the popular brands.

I tried looking for another supplier in Facebook and came across Skim Talisay. Just by looking at their cover page photo, my heart skipped a beat because the children were all holding skimboards and can't help comment that maybe, just maybe, someone must have made them. I immediately sent a message inquiring if they have boards for sale and waited.

One of the owners of Skim Talisay sent me a private message that he has currently skimboards on hand but he has to finish the batch. He sent me his price and I found it justifiable and expressed interest on any available stock. On top of that, the dimensions that he sent to me was more or less matched to my height and weight. Before leaving, he asked to like his page Drop Slide Skimboards.

If you are looking for a quality starting skimboard in Cebu, you can definitely search Zeal Deck, Skim Talisay and Drop Slide Skimboards in Facebook.

#exploreph #skimboardingcebu #itsmorefuninthephilippines

My First Skimboarding Post for 2020

After the busy start of the year, I suddenly recalled one of the hobbies of my college classmates that I never tried or indulged myself into-skimboarding. This is one of the more popular hobbies back in my college days mainly because the sandy beach is quite accessible from our school. I suddenly got intrigued and decided to learn this sport for the following reasons:

1. Start of the year means new opportunities and opportune time to start something. So as a personal goal this year, I decided to learn how to skimboard.

2. I recall my hometown Hilongos has a very long sandy beach yet I wonder why only a few try to skimboard. I mean, the tides, the waves, the sand is perfect for skimboard and if I learn skimboarding I get to do something new when I go home.

3. It's a personal fitness goal for me at the same time. I really don't like going to the gym to lift weights or run for a long time. I'm more into activities that are not exercise in itself but is competitive and fun and makes you fit at the same time.

I will be documenting my skimboarding journey in this blog. Hopefully, I will be able to learn and be good at this sport. As a start, I tried to look for the definition of skimboarding and found it here:

Its a Wiki page located at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skimboarding. 

#exploreph #skimboardingcebu #itsmorefuninthephilippines

Habagat Carrera

November 13, 2018 - I was able to get hold of this backpack because it was issued to us as a component of Go Bags which contain supplies that can be used during an emergency. Personally, my initial reaction when receiving this bag was joy and excitement because I know the quality of Habagat backpacks and their track record in terms of producing quality backpacks throughout the years.

Anyway, here is my quick and short review of this backpack.

History. According to the Habagat website, this backpack was created and named after a tough adventure race challenge, Carrera Habagat, taking the participants across lakes, rivers, forests, and roads to take on different challenges. The adventure race, of course, was the perfect test environment for the Carrera and it has showed its quality and functionality through the different editions of the race.

Features. The Carrera has a cargo compartment basically to store anything including a hydration bladder. It has a zippered pocket for quick access, mesh pockets for additional storage and compression straps for helmets, jackets or any adventure equipment. Just like other Habagat backpacks it has YKK zippers.

Comfort. I find the padding alright for this backpack which is a compliment actually knowing that Habagat is not known for their quality strap paddings. For additional comfort, you can remove the aluminum internal frame to make the bag more flexible and can snug more to your back.

Habagat Carrera (Red)

Final review. In terms of features, it is okay because the space is just enough for your adventure equipments. Loading more to this backpack will make it heavier thus will be uncomfortable to the one using it. After all, this was designed for adventure races which requires the user to be mobile most of the time. Despite its limited storage, it does not compromise on comfort and style. One can even use this in school or in the office. I would recommend this backpack to anyone looking for one.

ICON Day 2, Friday, February 14 – Opening of the ICON

I would no longer start writing what I did in the morning because the narrative of the ICON opening night is already long on its own. Just like previous ICONs, it was opened by a Holy Mass. The original schedule of the mass was 4 PM but when 3:30 PM, there were still a few people in the venue. While waiting for the delegates to come, the rosary for the safe arrival of the delegates was started.

It was past 4 PM when the rosary ended. By this time, the number of delegates have increased and the booth kept reminding the delegates to settle down because the mass was about to start in a few minutes. When the bell was rung, the ICON 21 which has the theme Journey Beyond has officially started. The theme is based on the verse John 19:26-27.

The mass ended at about 5:30 PM and people started having their early dinner. The start of the ICON also falls on the Heart’s Day so while people were eating, they were serenaded with beautiful love songs from CDO band. Some of the popular love songs were played while the hosts of the segment asked the delegates to fill-up some love coupons in their journals. The coupons were given to a brother or sister that the delegates knew or to a complete stranger.

The next segment was a surprise to all delegates. To see your couple coordinator singing and dancing is not a common sight so when it happened, you can expect the cheers and the encouragements from the SFCs. Everything happened during the Couple Coordinators Got Talent segment wherein the couple coordinators danced, sang and serenaded the crowd with their God-given talents. It was an affirmation that when God’s people is showered with talents and abilities that one can use to make God’s work known and make other people happy.

Of course, the opening night would not be complete without the welcome remarks of some dignitaries. The delegates were personally welcomed by the governor, the provincial Couples for Christ coordinator, the ICON event head and of course the SFC council together with the International and Philippine missions head. You can really see the anticipation and the excitement from the SFC faces during the welcome ceremonies. Everyone was excited about what was in-store for them during this beautiful night.

The band started playing old yet very familiar songs. Everyone thought this was already the worship. But then it was actually like a journey and history of the SFC flashed before your eyes using old SFC songs. There are many songs that are still used but most can be heard only during the CLP. Some of the songs include Lord, I Lift Your Name on High, Trading, Home, We Will Fight, Sure Foundation, I Will Walk on Water Lord, Send Me. It was a journey through songs that really got the crowd pumped up for the opening worship.

The opening song was Grateful and everyone was really worshiping God with all their hearts. One of the highlights of every SFC conference is the intensity of all the worship and you can see the intimacy and connection to the Lord. The next praise song was With His Love and everyone was really jumping and raising their hands for the Lord. The worship song was where I gave in. They played the song Have Your Way and it seemed like every lyric on the song was my own prayer to the Lord. I’m sure in one way or another; every worship session leaves a mark on every SFC.

After the worship the first session followed. Session 1 was entitled The Journey of a Lifetime. It was a talk-sharing-talk-sharing-talk-sharing-talk-sharing-talk format so even if it was getting cold and late in the evening, the format ensured that the delegates were attentive to the talk. I won’t cover the entire session here. I will make a separate article for the sessions. The conclusion was that the journey of a lifetime is actually a journey towards the Cross, while carrying our own with Christ journeying with us.

After the session, we were asked to reflect and to take out the crosses from our kit. Earlier I wondered why the cross shape was different. It was explained in this segment that what we had was actually a holding cross. Its shape was so because it perfectly fits our palm for a perfect hold. The lights for the venue were turned off with only a bright cross reflected on the screen.

After the reflection, the closing praisefest immediately followed. The first day of the ICON and my second day on CDO has finally come to a close. It was a wonderful and blessed way of starting the conference and every delegate is looking forward for the messages that God has prepared for them in the conference.

ICON – First Day, Thursday, February 13

Yesterday was the first day of the ICON for me although technically the first day of the ICON is still on the 14th. I consider this the first day because it was my first day in CDO which was the venue of the ICON for this year.

I am happy and I feel blessed to join this ICON because I almost decided not to come. I was a little tight in terms of finances at this early part of the year but I still managed to make it through. It could have been easier to decide not to go to the ICON but I thought it over and this must God's way of reminding me that I would not appreciate the things that I have not worked hard for. I have no problem attending the past ICONs but I admit I can’t say the same about this ICON.

On the first day, I decided not to go with some friends to Dahilayan because I wanted this ICON to be more reflective and contemplative at the same time. When the guys left me in the pension house, I decided to take a nap and checked on the emails. I was assigned to check on my chapter’s backup accommodation and I decided to do it in the afternoon. I also decided to try to look for a church where I could have a confession and I settled for the Nazareno Church beside Gaisano.

I walked to San Bridgette’s Home from Divisoria and I was happy I did it because I was able to observe closely the ordinary day activities in the city. I was happy because I was able to locate the pension house but unfortunately our reservation was given to another group which could not be accommodated on one room. I was worried though because we might not be accommodated in the original pension house and will have no backup accommodation.

From St. Bridgette’s Home, I again walked to Gaisano. I was happy to see so many developments along the way which was not around the last time I was in CDO. Gaisano was pretty much the same but I saw a big building across which was Robinson’s. The Nazareno Church is not hard to find because it is just beside Gaisano. I found out that the confession was already going on so I decided to join the line. I was happy that I was able to have the confession in Nazareno Church but at the same time worried that not many people line up to confess. In Cebu, people have to wait long lines just to get to confession in different churches.

I walked to where I was staying and waited for the guys to come back from Dahilayan. They texted me in time for dinner in Barbeque’s Best which was filled with other SFCs from all over the Philippines. You could tell that they were also from their different adventures. Everyone was taking pictures and talking about the things that they did for the day. The meal was great and sharing it with the C1A SFCs made it even better.

We went back to our different accommodations after the dinner. That wraps up the first day in ICON. The most vivid picture that I could remember on this day was the street names that I have to read on every street corner. It was a simple day yet I enjoyed every bit of it. It’s now time for the gospel reading. Signing off for now. 

Happy birthday Bob Marley

Here I am sitting alone in my room, sitting in front of my laptop and lazily browsing through some of Facebook News Feeds while listening to the beat of Fruitful Days by Big Mountain. Then I came across a post that it was Bob’s birthday yesterday. Oh my, how can I forget the birth of one of my biggest musical influences? Musical influences talaga, as if naman musician. Hahaha.

I am not a die-hard Rastafarian but I admit my heart skips a bit every time I hear reggae music play. I admit too that wearing dreadlocks came across my mind but cousin kept saying that my hair is too short for the dreadlock extensions. I recall back in college, I used to sing my heart out to Bob’s tracks while lampaso-ing the floor. Forget the lampaso term. Anyway, I forgot. This post was supposedly for Bob and his birthday yesterday.

Thank you for giving a part of yourself to us and to the world Bob. You may have gone ahead of us but your beautiful music and your powerful messages remain true to our hearts. You are a legend and you have showed us what we can do to contribute even in our own little ways. Wherever you are, hope you have a happy birthday celebration. Jah bless!

P.S. Here’s a picture of what I would look like in dreads. :)

Outdoor Enthusiast’s View - Reasons Why Cebu City Is the Perfect Place for Your Next Adventure

To many people, Cebu City is the perfect place to be in because it has all the opportunities, entertainment destinations and business establishments next to Manila. You can also experience in Cebu City the busy and fast-paced life, traffic and other issues in Manila although in a much smaller scale. For outdoor enthusiasts, Cebu is blessed with outdoor destinations where you can do outdoor adventures on the weekend or even on daily basis. Here are the reasons why Cebu will remain close to the hearts of many outdoor enthusiasts.

Resting along Budlaan-Kang-irag trail

Hiking
 
You can find a lot of beautiful and challenging hiking destinations in Cebu City. Although the province of Cebu is not blessed with very high mountains, mountain enthusiasts are blessed with many hiking destinations where they can do their “practice climbs” before conquering high altitude mountains outside of Cebu. Aside from making you gasp for air, you don’t have to spend over a hundred pesos just to get to these hiking sites. Starters often try the Napo-Babag Trail that offers breathtaking view of Metro Cebu. You can also try the Budlaan-Kang-irag that offers a river trekking and the Budlaan Falls option. There’s a trail starts in Toong and ends in Jaclupan. There is a road/ trail in Buhisan that ends up in Guadalupe. Of course, I would only mention the trails that I have tried but I know there are still many trails all over the city that has its own charm and challenges. If you want to go for high altitude mountain that goes over 1000 masl, you can go for Osmena Peak where you can opt to traverse to the famous Kawasan Falls. You can also try to conquer the Mt. Manunggal Peak, where President Magsaysay’s plane crashed.

Caving

There are many people that don’t know this but Cebu City actually has cave systems that are still not very popular. When I hiked in Mt. Manunggal a few years back, I was able to talk to a resident and he mentioned cave systems that he said were used during the Japanese invasion. Sudlon cave system was mentioned in our conversation. The only cave that I got in was in Jaclupan. There’s also a White Cave that they say is accessible through Manipis road. I’m sure that there are still caves out there that have yet to become weekend destinations.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing has slowly gained a steady following these past few years. This has become popular because only few people were able to try it and at the same time it requires a certain level of fitness. If you are not ready for the outdoor setup yet, you can try the indoor wall climb in Metrosports Salinas. For an affordable fee, you can already sweat it out and try to finish the different levels. If you want the real deal, you can go to Cantabaco en route to Toledo through the Naga Uling road. You can try while limestone rock climbing there as a group so you can save on expenses. Just an hour ride from the city, it is a destination for those who want to experience real rock climbing. For the inexpensive version, you can do bouldering. I have tried climbing upriver in Campo Cuatro while navigating large boulders. It is free and is just a few minutes from Tabunok via Manipis road and is a quick option to do on a holiday or on a weekend.

Eco adventure

For those that want to try outdoor adventures within the city, you can try the rope course in Rainforest Park in Panagdait. For zip line addicts, Dose Pares in the Transcentral highway and the Papa Kits in Liloan will surely ring a bell. I heard there is also a zip line in Hidden Paradise in San Fernando. Of course, Danasan Park in Danao is the destination for countless eco adventures. There’s also an adventure park in West 35 going to Balamban and many more. 

Buhisan-Guadalupe bike trail

Mountain biking

Most of the time, if it can be accessed by foot then it can also be accessed by a mountain bike. If you want a steep trail, you can never go wrong in the Busay route where you will have to navigate on the concrete road while trying to evade fast vans going to and fro Balamban. If you like the offroad trail, you can try the Pulangbato-Guba Trail going to the Kang-irag Park. You can proceed to Sirao still from Pulangbato and go out to Ayala heights and go downhill to JY square. If you want another steep killer trail, you can try the Budlaan-Transcentral Highway route. I heard there is also a trail in Transcentral that will go out to Manipis road. If you are a downhill addict, Sibugay Peak is a must-try but only on a sunny weather. It will get too muddy and slippery when it rains. Some posh subdivisions are also biking destinations because of the steep entries but most of the time they can be accessed only by residents. You can also try the Labangon-Buhisan-Guadalupe route that starts from Labangon then go up to Buhisan and proceed to Guadalupe through the offroad/concrete road that connects these two barangays.

View of Talamban area atop Kang-irag Peak

Conclusion

 To those who are looking for opportunities and for a place to start but couldn’t leave their taste for adventure, Cebu City is the good place for you to do it. More and more companies are coming to Cebu and that means more job opportunities. On top of that, your next outdoor adventure is waiting for you. Your outdoor destination is very accessible from the city. You can have a challenging adventure on your own or with your friends within an hour or less.

5 Steps To Help You Make It Through Hard Times

There are points in our life where we feel that we are down and you feel that you can't do anything. Looking at things on its positive side and being positive is easily said than done. I came upon this nice read and I pray that this will help you feel positive despite of what you are going through at this very moment. :)

Life can be difficult. Some people seem to face life’s storms with courage and come out stronger than they went in. They are able to climb even what feels like impossible mountains in their life. Others seem to be unable to recover from difficulties and end up bitter, blaming others or God for their misfortune, or just sinking into depression. The ones who survive and even thrive in spite of challenges are often those who have faith in God, who trust Him to help them through tough times.

Here are 5 steps you can take to gain the ability to trust God when life is hard:

1. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Ask God for help by praying. But remember that God never promised to shield you from difficulties. He only promises to be with you. Being angry and blaming God won’t help you to get through the storm. Asking Him to be with you can help you endure far more than you’d ever be able to do on your own. You may wonder how to pray. Just speak, trusting God will hear you.

2. (Romans 10:17) Read Your Bible. The Bible isn’t just there to read. It’s a book full of all kinds of advice. From relationships to money to how to get along with your parents, it’s all in there. When we become wiser, we make much better decisions, and with good decisions comes many other good things.

3. (Proverbs 3:5) Let go of thinking life should always go your way. Just because it’s good to you, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Remember that God knows more than you do. Remind yourself that God has your best interests in mind and He loves you. Sometimes unanswered prayers are God’s greatest gifts.

4. (Proverbs 3:13) Read or listen to the stories of others. Sometimes it takes a reality check to make us realize just how good God has been to us. Hearing someone else’s story may help you put things into perspective, especially if their situation is a lot worse than yours. Also, listen to people who have overcame their trials. Hearing from people who have been where you are now can be a testimony of God’s goodness.

5. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Be grateful. Make a list of the things you appreciate about your life, even if it is as basic as a roof over your head or food on your table. Tell God you are thankful for them. The simple act of noticing the good things in your life helps you to have a more positive attitude and helps you to see God’s hand in all the things He has done for you.

Original article:
http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/01/07/5-steps-to-trusting-god-when-life-is-hard/

change starts in you

don't wait for the world to change before you do something. let the elderly and women ride the jeep first even if you are in a hurry. be generous with your "thank you". those two words may be simple to say but they will definitely go a long way. offer your seat to a random stranger. light a candle and pray for someone. i think everyone needs an intercessor once in a while. carry your food tray and throw your food wastes in McDo and Jollibee or in any fastfood. this will help a crew who had a long weary day. smile a lot coz you don't know whose day you changed by your positive attitude. give without expecting something in return. remember that you can make a difference in your own little ways and those little things can change the world without you knowing it.

blessed day everyone!

Campo Cuatro: River Trekking and Bouldering

Cebu may not be blessed with high altitude mountains but what it lacks in elevation it compensates in countless activities that outdoor enthusiasts will truly enjoy. Activities that you can do in Cebu include island hopping in the Mactan islets, mountain biking in the Talamban and Lahug hills, and spelunking in caves. You can also do river trekking and hiking in the remote mountain barangays. Aside from all these activities, you can also do bouldering, particularly in Campo Cuatro. We were fortunate to experience this activity last January 27.

View from the top. Manipis Road in the background.

As a little background, Campo Cuatro is a Talisay barangay that can be accessed only through Manipis road, another route going to Toledo aside from the Naga Uling road. The barangay is actually on the banks of the Mananga River and easily recognizable because of the steel bridge that commuters have to pass before entering it. Since there are only few public vehicles on the Manipis route, going there would either be through the irregular Jaclupan multicabs or ride the habal-habal for 15 pesos. Since we don't want to delay our trek, we opted to go to Campo Cuatro by riding the habal-habal after buying our lunch at Tabunok public market.

We arrived at Campo Cuatro past 11 am and immediately resumed our trek. Before reaching the rocky portion of the river, you have to do river trekking upriver for about 10 minutes. There is almost no physical effort on this part yet because the river bed is flat and water is only ankle-deep. Few minutes upriver, you'll get to a rocky portion on your right. This will be the part of the river where you have to climb the rocks. Up the rocks we go. Equipped with persistence, patience and the help of a rope, we reached the foot of a waterfall after an hour of navigating through big rocks. Since it was past 12, we decided to take a break and eat our lunch there.

Before eating, we decided to take a short dip in the waterfall basin and got back up to eat our lunch. After few minutes of chatting, we decided to move forward. The next part was a little challenging. There was barely a place to step on so as a precaution we have to prepare the rope in case the worse happens, A small mistake can make you fall 15 feet below the ledge. On top of that, it began to drizzle so it made the rocks slippery, making it more difficult to climb up.

We climbed more rocks as we began looking for trails back to civilization. The rocks got bigger and bigger and there was a even a part where we have to navigate tree roots just to get higher. After that, we did river trekking again until we came upon a trail – going back to the barangay. We followed the trail and we made our way back to the center of Campo Cuatro. We were already back in Tabunok at about 3 PM.

Looking back at our experience, we got to enjoy the thrill, the physical demand and most of all we, outdoor enthusiasts, get to do what we love – and that is to experience what nature has to offer. Indeed, we enjoyed one of the best things that Cebu has got to offer for only 30 pesos.

Conquer™ Trail 22

Trail 22 is a light, inexpensive, all-around pack ideal for a one-day trip or a little more. The Conquer™ Trail 22 can be used for a day hike as well as for everyday use.

Features:

A versatile, mid-volume pack that delivers comfort
Well-padded back support
Conquer™ helmet holder with hidden compartment
Stretch woven side pockets
Front compartment
Additional compartment in front compartment lid
Lash points and tool loops
Trekking-pole loops
Side water-bottle pockets
Side compression straps
Hydration compatible
Adjustable sternum strap

Conquer Assault 50

December 18,2008 - It's been a while since a bought a backpack. I bought my last backpack back on my college days, a Habagat Day and a Half backpack. I have nothing against my old backpack. After all, i've been using it for six years now. I just needed a backpack that's not so big and not so small that will accomodate my personal things when traveling.

I went to different outdoor shops to search for backpacks that will be suitable for me. I even asked my ex-classmate on tips how to choose the right backpack. He mentioned Conquer backpacks as good and reliable backpack brand. It was in Gaisano Tabunok where i saw Conquer Assault 50.

I did not buy it at once because I kept on canvassing first because I want to buy a backpack that i won't regret. On the morning of December 18, I still did not find a backpack and I was to leave for Leyte on that day for the holiday vacation. I had no choice but bought the backpack for 2.5 K.

Little did I know that i bought a "treasure". Here's a list what i liked about this backpack.

Comfort. The shoulder straps were well-padded. Including a backsupport and internal-frame setup. Carrying load wouldn't be a problem because of how it was designed to distribute the load evenly on your back down to your hips.

Content. The main compartment is duffel type at the same time providing another access below the bag so if ever you have to get something inside the bag, you can just access it from below instead of removing all items on top. Inside also you can put a bladder and a water hole for the drinking hose.

Extra compartments. The side packets for water bottles, the assault bag for assault travels, the easy access cover where you can put things for quick access, and a mesh concealed by the assault bag.

Freebies. Free rain cover thats concealed below in a very strategic manner.

Anything to ask more from your backpack? I say i did not regret why I bought the Assault 50, not one bit. I've been using this ever since on my travel to Canigao island and filled this up with used clothing when we visited GK Liloan.

A little of everything. A thing of beauty. A marvel. Less known but steps up more than its reputation.

Another loss..

The Philippines, yet again, lost a great leader last August 1, 2009. Former president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino succumbed to cardiopulmonary arrest after complications of colon cancer. I have may have not lived in her prominent years, yet I had great respect for her contribution to the country. Being Asia's first woman president, she initiated constitutional and law reform, enacted Agrarian Reform Law, and expelled several military coup attempts throughout her administration.

Thank you "Cory"! We will surely miss you!

CLP Chronicles - Introduction

March 20, 2009 - After a year as a SFC, after all the activities, meetings, talks, sharings, prayer meetings, I think it's a good idea to look backwards and recall how I started as a Singles for Christ.

Just a little background, I completed my CLP last May 2008. Life has changed much for me after that. Although there still lot of struggles but I think overall, my life has become better. I met a lot of good and different people in the community, who supports you and the same time it became an outlet for me to serve other people as well. Last March 8, after so many rumors flying, I finally learned from our chapter head that i will be serving in the first semester CLP as a facilitator.

I was of course shocked because it was barely a year since I joined the community. I had a lot of reasons to decline because I lack experience, teachings, maturity, and the list would go on and on. Tristan explained so much things, but a statement was what struck me the most.

"It would a natural tendency for everyone to lay back and remain in the comfort of being a member. Just always a member."

Yeap. He's right. After hearing him, I accepted that I can't always be a member. Eventually we have to grow up in the community and being a facilitator opens up all the opportunities for me to grow. I had all the reasons to say No but nevertheless I said yes.

I know that by just saying yes, God will help me. I know this is not my work, I'm just an instrument. I also thought that this is one way for me to look back at how I started as an SFC.

I will be posting blogs every week and share what I learned in the sessions. It will be a sort of reflections or a journal to record my CLP experience. After all, only few are given the chance to attend a CLP over again.

Thus the title - The CLP Chronicles.