I’ve been living in Iloilo City, Philippines with my wife, who was born and raised in Iloilo City (an Ilongga from Mandurriao), and son, who was born in Manila, since April of this year.

My first trip to Iloilo City was in February of 2007. We decided to move to Iloilo City to spend more time with our family members prior to us going to California later this year. Prior to moving to Iloilo City, we spent a year living in Makati, Manila. Prior to that I was living in California, New York and Virginia. Before immigrating to the United States, I was living in Cambodia — actually, I was born and raised in Cambodia. So, geographically, I’ve come full circle — Southeast Asia to North America back to Southeast Asia.

Having lived most of my life in the United States, I took convenience for granted. When I wanted cheap clothes I would head to Wal-Mart or Target or Kohl’s. For groceries, I would go to Safeway or Ralph’s (there’s also a Ralph’s here in Iloilo but it’s actually a liquor store and not a grocery store). For a quick bite to eat, I had my choices of McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, etc. And, for a whole lot of everything, I always ended up at Costco. Read more »

Have you ever tried a Mojito? A few days ago, Thea found the recipe for a Mojito. So, off we went to SM Supermarket. All the ingredients were readily available. In all, we did not spend more than 200 pesos or about $5 US. When we got home, I was charged with making it. Here’s the recipe:

* juice from 1/2 lemon
* 1-2 slices of lime
* 2 tbs of brown sugar
* 1 jigger (what’s a jigger?) of Rum (Tanduay White Rum will do)
* some mint leaves
* generous amount of ice

Shake, pour, drink. My first concoction of Mojito was way too strong. I think the mistake was in my interpretation of “a jigger of Rum.” What’s a jigger, anyway? I just assumed that the word “jigger” meant “a lot.” So, without a care in the world, I just pour a lot of Rum into my first batch of Mojito. Though super strong, we both drank it! The second and the third and the… batches were delicious. Mojito is now at the top of our list of mixed drinks. Don’t believe us? Give it a try and let us know how you like it. Excuse me while I go make some Mojito. Chao.

Working so hard can be disconcerting and there are times when you want to be away, experience tranquility, and just shut everything out.

These days, there is the longing for a quiet place where we could enjoy the Power of the Now.

One island comes to mind: Isla Naburot in Guimaras Island. The island-resort is on a privately-owned island in Jordan, a 20-minute boat ride from Iloilo.

Isla Naburot is not your usual commercial, run-of-the-mill beach resort. In fact, the owners prefer that it remains exclusive and only caters to the high-end market. The beach houses are a tapestry of salvaged materials from pre-war houses and old churches, which are tastefully assembled into relaxing cottages. If you are looking for peace, this place will offer you exactly that and then some. There is no electicity in the island, only kerosene lamps at night, and that makes it unique among its counterparts.

We didn’t stay overnight on this island so I couldn’t really comment on the food. However, according to people who have gone there, it’s great.