Standoff in Scarborough Shoal – A Call for Sovereignty or a show of greediness?

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Manoi

Philippines in the face of China, the world’s second largest economy, is just a defenseless neighbor since it doesn’t have the capacity to defend itself against the aggression by any other claimant nation of the oil-rich Spratlys Islands. It is a clear reminder to the Philippine government that the country needs better resources to patrol its territory, especially if it wants to stake a claim on disputed areas. But it seems that its all a long forgotten dream to no avail due to the current state of the country where poverty resides. The lack of funds and political will to invest in the country’s own credible defense were one of the factors that keep this country vulnerable to bullying and always relying its defense by maintaining the alliance with the US, which many believed was just a way the US used to establish their presence in the pacific. We can see that China is showing its full power but that doesn’t mean the Philippine military should in any way show weakness so much are the leaders who are the representative of the Filipino people. The risk is there but by doing that standoff, we let the world know we exist as a nation with pride and dignity.

A Call for Sovereignty

According to wikipedia, sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided.

The concept of sovereignty has been discussed throughout history, from the ancient time of the Romans through to the present day. It has changed in its definition, concept, and application throughout, especially during the Age of Enlightenment. And the basic principles are territorial integrity, border inviolability, supremacy of the state (rather than the Church) and a sovereign is the supreme lawmaking authority within its jurisdiction.

    As I said, Philippines in the face of the world’s second largest economy, the China, is just a defenseless neighbor since it doesn’t have the capacity to defend itself against any aggression that is why China is constantly sending ships, from fish boat to a sophisticated military ship. Aren’t they sovereign over Philippines?

    A show of greediness

    Everyone has a different view in this situation. One may think that China is greedy that is why it put its hand over the plate claimed by the other, in this case the Philippines. Both sides has its own reason and self interest. Every human being was born naked only to claim the world is his. This only shows how man acts so foolishly that desiring to claim anything under the sun is a mean to survive and to gain power. Even raising the arms in conflict is a lame excuse to achieve his desire.

    Then, the cyber war between China and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal naval standoff started when suspected Chinese hackers defaced the website of the University of the Philippines. More Philippine government websites were attacked by suspected Chinese hackers causing servers to momentarily lag and in retaliation, Filipino hackers reportedly  defaced some Chinese websites.

    Now, how far this would go?

    I agreed with the University of the Philippines’ stand in this issue. Hacking selected websites at the suspected country of the hacker or hackers does not objectively articulate any political issue and only subjectively fulfills a personal desire to get even. Filipinos are more sensible than this, and our expertise is better used in productive endeavors.

    This confrontation should end peacefully without the need of raising the arms in conflict but by diplomatic solution. Its not because we don’t have enough military capability to engage in any war but because we live in this era where peace have been a treasure to uphold.

    Talking under the common grounds without the intervention of others is a just solution. If China and the Philippines will not hear each others’ reasons, conflict will remain and their respective citizens will still clings to the borders where the might and stronger prevails but the entire human race will suffer. I still believe, this world is a happy and peaceful place to live in.

    Posted in geographical location, Spratly islands territorial dispute | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

    Desiderata – an endless masterpiece of Max Ehrmann

    Posted on April 28, 2012 by Manoi

    Desiderata

    Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
    As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
    Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
    Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
    If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
    for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

    Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
    Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
    Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
    But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
    and everywhere life is full of heroism.

    Be yourself.
    Especially, do not feign affection.
    Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

    Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
    Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
    Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

    You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
    you have a right to be here.
    And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

    Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
    and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
    With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

    © Max Ehrmann 1927

    Desiderata, meaning “desired things” in Latin, is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945). Largely unknown in the author’s lifetime, the text became widely known after its use in a devotional, after subsequently being found at Adlai Stevenson’s deathbed in 1965, and after spoken-word recordings in 1971 and 1972.

    This poem is one of my favorite and I used to read and reflect every sentence of it whenever I was not in the right mood and when in bad shape.

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    Measures readied for NoKor rocket launch

    Posted on April 4, 2012 by Manoi

    The DigitalGlobe satellite image, obtained on March 30, shows Tongch'ang-ni Launch Facility on North Korea's northwest coast. A rocket launch, purportedly to put a satellite into orbit, is set for sometime between April 12-16 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of founding president Kim Il-Sung. Photo credit: Philstar.com

    The government is preparing measures to address the possible impact of North Korea’s rocket launch this month, even as President Aquino continued to call on North Korea to stop the launch. North Korea is scheduled to launch the rocket sometime between 7 a.m. to noon (Philippine time) from April 12 to 16.

    The President said the government would implement security measures and seek help from other countries, such as the member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in convincing Pyongyang not to push through with the launch.

    Officials of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and other state agencies will meet today in Camp Aguinaldo to discuss the path and effects of the rocket.

    NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said the meeting would discuss the possible scenarios and contingency plans to be adopted in areas in the rocket’s path.

    Continue Reading…

     

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    College Editors Guild of the Philippines @ 80: To Write Is Already To Choose

    Posted on April 1, 2012 by Manoi

    College Editors Guild of the Philippines celebrates its 80th Founding Anniversary.

    PalawanFrontier.com congratulates the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) in its 80th Grand Alumni Homecoming which was successfully celebrated on March 30, 2012 at  University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Arts and Letters Atrium. Below is the message of Mr. Manny B. Lauresta, former EIC of SPCP Collegian:

    Its been a decade since I became Editor-In-Chief of the then SPCP Collegian, the official student publication of the State Polytechnic College of Palawan, now known as the Western Philippines University in Aborlan, Palawan. The pub is now called WPU Collegian.

    I have been an active student journalist during my college days and my friends and relatives have been discouraging me not to be involved in such an organization which they think will only affect my studies, my chosen field, my way of thinking and my life only to prove them that they just think the opposite. I developed myself as a person of worth and value. I realized the beauty of writing with passion that molds my being, especially when your pen wields for the welfare of the people, of the marginalized sector in the society where the imperialists are reigning with full power. That’s the time when I uphold the motto: “To write is already to choose.” This is what the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) has instilled in me.

    Time passed and I still remember the times when me and my fellow journalists take part in actions that the college administration posed of as treat and nuisance to the welfare of the college and the society in general. It’s a golden memory and I’m proud that I became part of the pub and of the CEGP, the oldest and broadest intercollegiate alliance of student publications in the Asia-Pacific and has remained steadfast in its commitment to uphold freedom of expression, press freedom and students’ democratic rights. This dedication is what continues to unite and consolidate CEGP’s more than 750 member publications from different schools nationwide to date.

    This year, I got a chance to be reunited with my fellow guilders in the 80th Alumni Homecoming being held at University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Arts and Letters Atrium. In behalf of the WPU Collegian and the CEGP Palawan Chapter, my presence enliven the involvement of student journalists in various national issues, in the same way as the youth has been a powerful force in social transformation. My time may have passed but the struggle continues and the responsibilities are left to those who are now an active student journalists of our respective schools, our town, our birthplaces and the province in general.

    I encouraged my fellow and active members of Kule, of different student publications across Palawan, to serve the students and the people and not against them, to wield your pen for their welfare, and thereby struggle alongside with them. This is to realize the importance of the responsibility entrusted upon you and there is no other way. Campus press freedom violations continue, as the crisis in education – as manifested in massive tuition increases, dubious miscellaneous fees, harassment of student leaders – exists. But don’t give up for the CEGP is right behind each and everyone of you to fight for the right you are fighting for.

    Manny B. Lauresta, SPCP Collegian Editor-In-Chief (2000-2001)

    Read the With passion and fearlessness, the CEGP statement which was released on the same day of the CEGP Grand Alumni Homecoming. Read more…

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    My Travel Frame: Palawan Crocodile Farm Visit 2012

    Posted on March 30, 2012 by Manoi
    Crocodiles camouflaging in the waters. If ever anyone saw similar figures in a marsh or any body of water, think twice. They could be the descendants of the dinosaurs – the crocodiles, known to attack people when threatened and disturbed in their territory.

    The year is 2012. Yes, just this February I revisited the well-known crocodile Farm, its my third and I’d been here in November last year. This time I am with my new companions. I wanted them to see the crocodiles “live” and to let them show how blessed Palawan is for having beautiful places that is worth visiting and to enjoy. We are here in Palawan for just 10 days for the quality assurance inspections of government projects. And only after a day when we went there, a crocodile was caught in Bataraza, a town South of Puerto Princesa City. And on Valentines Day, February 14, another one was captured. The couple was named Valentino and Valentina, named after the widely celebrated Valentines Day. They are now being kept in the facility.

    To give you an overview, the Crocodile Farm in Puerto Princesa City, also known as The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) was situated between Iwahig and the city proper of Puerto Princesa City. It is a joint venture between the Philippine and Japanese governments with the idea of breeding the animals in captivity and eventually harvest them for the meat, skin, and whatever a crocodile has that is valuable. This facility aims to preserve and further research and study on crocodiles. It also intends to make good use of the raw materials derived from the crocodile skin.

    The facility is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and upon entering the compound, visitors needed to secure their entrance ticket for a minimal fee. Then a tourist guide will arrange the tour which will start in the medium-sized museum with display of crocodile skin in a wall and its bone structure being encased in a glass frame.

    The skin and bone structure of one of the biggest crocodiles captured in Palawan waters were on display in the Palawan Crocodile Farm Museum..
    The skin and bone structure of one of the biggest crocodiles captured in Palawan waters were on display in the Palawan Crocodile Farm Museum.

    Back to our tour. After the tour guide narrated the history of the facility and the facts about the crocodiles, she leads the group of tourists in the hatchling chamber. It is the place where the newly hatched crocodiles are being kept and looked after until bigger enough to be harvested for the skin and meat. Bigger ones are being brought in the cage located at the rear side of the compound.

    The baby crocodiles in a hatchling chamber.

    After touring the hatchling chambers, visitors were asked  to proceed in the cages where bigger crocodiles are kept. There, you can really see big crocodiles and they are awesome! Above the elevated walking platform you’ll see them below staring still but surprisingly the crocodiles in the pens were very quiet and they don’t move too much. The crocodiles kept here belonged to two (2) endangered species, the Crocodylus porosus (saltwater crocodile) and the Crocodylus mindorensis (fresh water crocodile).

    The resting crocodiles in their pen with mouth open to release excess body heat and not for biting.

    The end of the tour was a walk that will allow tourists to explore the mini-jungle known as the Nature Park. There, visitors will have a chance to see different species of birds and animals, including but not limited to Palawan bearcat, wild pig, different species of eagles, and hornbill.

    Palawan Bearcat - The binturong is not a bear. It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves, and small animals, such as rodents or birds.

    The Palawan parrot inside the cage.

    The Palawan Wild Pig. I made so much effort just to have this angle taken. This one is so shy and he/she don't like to be photograph! See the green leaf? I bribed this pig with that piece of leaf for me to make a clear shot. What a challenge.

    This is a hornbill bird found in the Philippines and in some parts of Asia characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly-colored and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible.

    The tour inside the Nature Park is good, though the park needs further improvements like well-developed walkways, improved cages and animal housings, new directional signs and many more but it is still a good place to visit.

    Anyone have a chance to conquer your fear, especially, of crocodiles. Have a photo with this little creature. Note: We in PalawanFrontier.com recognizes the animal welfare and protection act. The photo itself does not encourage ill treatment to animals, especially endangered species. This is posted here to inform the public the importance of helping the crocodile farm institute to disseminate information about the crocodiles. This photo was taken by the official photographer of the institute and an amount have been collected to help fund the cause for the crocodile conservation.

    After the tour, a photo-opt with the little “scaly” friends was made available for a fee, which will be used for the conservation of the endangered species – the crocodiles as well as the improvement of the facility. The interaction with these creatures is quite a hair- raising experience to many visitors, especially for the ladies. And one should not leave Palawan without experiencing the tour of the Crocodile Farm, especially tasting the famous crocodile meat. My favorite – a crocodile “Sisig”. It’s yummy!

    Finally, a lot of souvenir items can be bought there. And if you would like to have it right away there is nothing to stop you in doing so. In case you want cheaper items, there are many bargain places in the city center where you would be able to use your credit card for your purchases and if you pay cash you would be able to buy the same items at a discounted price. Its your choice. And at the end of the day what important is that anyone enjoyed the visit and the experience of being with the crocodiles, which already crawled the surface of the earth when humans are not yet around.

    Posted in Crocodile Farm, Events, Tourist Destinations | Leave a comment

    My Travel Frame: A Puerto Princesa Underground River Travel Blog

    Posted on March 28, 2012 by Manoi

    Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park aka PPUR

    A row boat set to enter the underground river for the tourists to experience the PPUR tour inside. Photo by Manny Lauresta.

    Before, it was my dream to see this park which was also known as Puerto Princesa Underground River or PPUR which features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. The whole underground river has been designated as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites worthy of preservation because this underground river flows directly to the sea and so its cavern entrance is subject to tidal influences that brings about a unique sort of marine diversity to the river. And few years later, here I am witnessing the natural beauty of nature and became a live witness to the rising popularity of the place. The recognition of PPUR is an important milestone in the province of Palawan’s history. And for me, visiting PPUR is a privilege since not anybody can come here and experience at hand the actual underground river tour. So, before you get fed up with my too much words, please enjoy the following photo essay:

    The port of Sabang, the gateway to Underground River.

    PPUR is located about 50 kilometres (30 mi) North of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. You’ll able to reach this port an hour and a half from Puerto Princesa City center, usually by hired van. The road is quite challenging since the road going to Sabang is winding, hilly but the natural beauty and the surrounding trees were a magnificent view to enjoy. When you get there, you’ll need to register in the information both and then pay for the corresponding fees aside from the motorboat fare amounting to Php 800.00. Then, you’re set to go!

    Tourists are impatiently waiting for their turn to ride in a motorboat that will lead them to PPUR, a 30 minutes rough sea ride.

    Tourists embarking on a boat bound to underground river.

    A boat with tourists set to PPUR.

    The rough sea ride to PPUR.

    A scene in Sabang beach captured.

    Tourists waiting for their turn to tour the inside of PPUR.

    After a 30-minute sea ride, you’ll reach the beach front facing the West Philippines Sea (or South China Sea) and you have to register in a visitors both. Then from there, a few minutes of walk will lead you to the river entrance.

    The entrance.

    Inside PPUR.

    The stalactite "Pegasus" formation inside the cave.

    The "Holy Family" formation inside the Cathedral section of the PPUR.

    The stalactite formation created a shape of a dinosaur head.

    One of the formation inside the PPUR's "fruits and vegetables" section.

    The cave entrance viewed from inside.

    A mighty rock island welcomed the tourists in PPUR beach front

    After the tour, a pristine beach awaits for your praise though swimming is strictly prohibited.

    The Sabang beach front.

    Back to the gateway of PPUR – Sabang. The coastline of Sabang is a breathtaking view. The clear waters are so tempting that you may want to soak your body in it and swim to your hearts content. What more could you ask for?

    This is my second visit here and as the saying goes, “everything is sweeter a second time around” and I’ll be glad to have more with someone who wanted to experience what it’s like to be here and become a living witness in the history of Palawan. If there is a chance to visit Palawan, do it. Or someone else will.

    Posted in geographical location, New7Wonders of Nature, Tourist Destinations | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

    Is the creation of Palawan 3rd legislative district a must?

    Posted on March 27, 2012 by Manoi

    I have been informed that a public consultation in Aborlan about the inclusion of the municipality in the proposed creation of a third legislative district for Palawan has finally took place. At this moment I don’t have any idea how the consultation finally turned out. I am eager to know more about the details of the consultation and I am excited how “An Act Reapportioning the Province of Palawan into Three Legislative Districts” also known as House Bill Number 5608, will bring positive changes and further bring developments in this 2nd class municipality in the province of Palawan.

    Since I heard of this inclusion of the municipality in the proposed creation of a third legislative district for Palawan, I was hoping that everything will be for the best interest of the people of Aborlan than to satisfy mere interests of those who are behind this proposed third legislative district.

    In my own opinion, that move of some public officials was justified, seeing this not a political move but to invoke the right of the constituents of Aborlan to be heard. An open and actual public consultation involving all sectors is really needed.  Also, the conduct of public consultations was one of the requisites of the Senate’s Committee on Local Government chaired by Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos. The House Bill was already discussed by the members of Senate’s committee in their previous meetings and I do hope that all efforts made justify the means.

    In regards with this issue at hand, I do hope that those who attended the consultation have been informed well and that every bit of the information was laid open in the table for the public to know. May every individual people of Aborlan made a firm and well-taken decision according to their conscience and free will. All advantages and disadvantages shall be laid out upfront to be able to have a clear basis on the decision they are going to make. The decision is not for those who act upon it but for those generations next to us.

    Under HBN 5608 which was approved by the House of Representatives early this year, there shall be a third congressional district in the province to be composed of Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan. If that is bound to happen in a positive reason and purpose, then we have to make it happen but each one of us has his own share. Vigilance must be observed to see to it that everything works in the right direction.

    Let us remember, Aborlan is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines located 69 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City with a population of approximately 30,000 people in 6,000 households and was established in 1910 and was made a regular municipality in 1951. But until now, nothing if not minimal developments have been observed and felt by the townsfolk. It seems that Aborlan was too far from the development that each person is wanting in his own beloved hometown. And I do hope that the proposed creation of the Third Legislative District will give way to the long waited progress of the legendary municipality of Aborlan.

    God bless Aborlan!

    Posted in Events, geographical location, Location | 1 Comment

    Summer is hotter with Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion, Schick, & Nuffnang

    Posted on March 11, 2012 by Manoi

    Shimizu Island, El Nido, Palawan

    My ideal Nuffnang summer is an island hopping adventure in El Nido’s cliff-backed islands, then snorkeling off pocket white sand beaches in crystal-clear waters and enjoying the local seafood delights! A visit to Palawan will never be complete without experiencing island hopping in El Nido. The sun will rise high but you don’t mind it when everything you see is a beautiful nature where the area’s famous limestone cliffs put you in admiration and respect. Especially when you know you will be more confident since your skin is well protected with Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion. This product will get you covered and protected from the ultraviolet sun rays, which damage the skin. For safer and effective usage, follow the simple tips below before your adventure starts:

    Tip No. 1: Be sure to coat those spots that will get prolonged exposure, like the back of your neck and shoulders. If you plan on being active, use a sweat-resistant sunscreen, like Banana Boat® Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.

    Tip No. 2: Reapply sunscreen frequently, at least every two hours. If you’re in the surf or if you’re breaking a good sweat, reapply more often, every 40 to 80 minutes.

    Tip No. 3: Put sunscreen on before you dress, ensuring that you cover those often-forgotten spots, like ears, and the backs of hands and arms. If possible, carry a spray-on sunscreen with you, like Sport Spray SPF 50, so you can keep moving.

    Tip No. 4: Remember that water acts as a lens, reflecting the sunlight to your skin and magnifying the effect. So whether you’re on a board or a boat, use a high SPF sunscreen that’s also water-resistant for more hard-hitting protection.

    “Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion. We’ve got you covered.”

    But everything starts with self preparation to make sure that you’re ready and have enough confident to make your plan rolling. Sometimes you need to break away from everyday stress, and get yourself to a place where your mind and body are totally at ease. That’s why Schick is there which focuses on providing you a truly liberating shave, one that is no longer a chore, but a more pleasurable, effortless skincare experience for both men and women. These products go beyond just removing hair to actually caring for your skin so you feel relaxed and refreshed.

     

    “Schick. Free your skin”

     

     

     

    What more could I ask for? Just can’t wait to reunite myself with the famous “Helicopter Island”, which is a rock island resembling a chopper and cliffs of different sizes and shape towering against the vastness of the sea, the ‘small lagoon’ behind the rocks with the tranquil turquoise-green waters enclosed with towering limestone rocks with school of fishes in the corals and showcasing a kaleidoscope of marine life. Then the small passage way – a small hole leading into what they call ‘secret lagoon’. Beyond is a clear space with towering walls of limestone rocks with an open sky as the ceiling. And so much more!

    In El Nido, there are lots of superb and enriching experiences and natural beauty to offer while preserving the environment. The place is spectacular, views all around are perfect. The water is the clearest for diving and snorkeling. To put it simply, if you can afford and have time to spend your summer here, do it.

    El Nido rock mountain towering in the vastness of the sea

    The entrance to big lagoon, El Nido, Palawan

    The Helicopter Island, El Nido, Palawan

    The entrance to small lagoon, el nido, palawan

    Summer is really hotter with Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion, Schick, & Nuffnang!

    This post is an entry to the contest hosted by Banana Boat, Schick and Nuffnang to win free tickets to the movie screening of The Hunger Games.

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    Let’s Taste It: Chaolong – The Famous Vietnamese Cuisine in Palawan

    Posted on March 11, 2012 by Manoi

    Aside from local seafood delights, the island province’s food scene is now also well-known for its Vietnamese restaurants that offer this rice-based noodle soup which we call Chaolong.

    In my last visit to Palawan on November last year I missed the Chaolong due to insufficient time and chances. With that being said, I craved to taste this famous Vietnamese cuisine popularly known as Chaolong or Chao Long, whatever way they call it. This time (February 2012) I’m in Roxas, a municipality North of Puerto Princesa City and about three (3) hours travel from there. After the day’s work, we treat ourselves to a Vietnamese eatery that offers this rice-based noodle soup. Combined with garlic bread and cold softdrink, I satisfied myself with this favorite noodle. Though this one is a variety yet it still has the taste unique in it. Just a word of advice, when you are in Palawan, a taste of this Vietnamese food is a must. Never leave Palawan without you tasting it.

    What is Chaolong?

    Chaolong is made of rice noodles in sweet broth and meat that can be garnished with bean sprouts and mint leaves. It is composed of flat, thin rice noodles in a sweet-savory broth with meat of either beef, buto-buto or beef bones and pork, served with the requisite plate containing sprigs of mint and basil, raw bean sprouts and a piece of kalamansi.

    In Roxas, a regular bowl costs only P45 while the bigger bowl with more noodles and meat amounts to P50. Another variety of Chaolong is called “beef stew” – a sweetish soup laden with thin strips of beef long-cooked in spiced broth. The spices achuete (annatto seeds) render the soup a bright orange hue and infuse it with a rich flavor.

    The common and perfect pair to Chao Long is a freshly baked French bread made into a sandwich. Pork special is the bestseller – the bread is sliced lengthwise, brushed with the beef stew sauce, laden with chopped grilled pork, and spread with a dollop of mayonnaise.

    How do this Chaolong started to become part of Palawan cuisine?

    In 1975, more than 40,000 “boat people” fled to the Philippines after the Communist takeover South Vietnam. And out of the 2,000 Vietnamese boat people or refugees who arrived in the Philippines, around 800 where able to find their way to the US, while the other 800 opted to go back to Vietnam.

    Few Vietnamese nationals, especially those married to Filipinos opted to stay in Puerto Princesa City.  A Vietnamese Village that is located in Sta. Lourdes was being constructed to be a Vietnamese asylum. This is where refuge seekers from Vietnam came in the late ‘70s.

    Others got a chance to open restaurants which offer various Vietnamese cuisines that people enjoyed and they began integrating themselves in the province, socially and economically and thus, their cuisines find their way to the heart of Palawan’s popular and local cuisines.

    Aside from local seafood delights, the island province’s food scene is now also well-known for its Vietnamese restaurants that offer this rice-based noodle soup which we call Chaolong.

    Posted in Exotic Palawan Delicacy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

    Let’s Taste It: Tamilok – An Exotic Palawan Delicacy

    Posted on March 10, 2012 by Manoi

    It’s been a long time since I last tasted the tamilok, a native delicacy of Palawan, a mangrove-infesting wood worm that is not exactly a worm although it looks like one but actually a mangrove-boring mollusk (same group as squid and octopus). So, to let my colleague taste this delicacy out of curiosity we went to Kinabuch’s bar and Grill located along Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa City.

    How does the tamilok taste and look like?

    A bowl of Tamilok, an exotic delicacy of Palawan. Photo credit: backpackingphilippines.com

    Really, it looks like a translucent worm, but it tastes like oyster (talaba). The catch is, you need to eat it fresh and raw (kinilaw) style by dunking the slimy worm-like creature in vinegar laced with chili and other spices. Yummy!

    Would you dare try it? Come and experience the taste of Palawan. For sure, your adventure starts right here.

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