PUERTO PRINCESA

PUERTO PRINCESA: The City of the Living God
10-17-2014

When in Puerto Princesa...

It surely helps when you visit a place the second time around because, by then, you know where to go for the local food tripping and best bargains for souvenirs. You are not that wide-eyed, lost tourist anymore, but now a confident-er one, ready to explore sans the fear of getting lost. So with camera in hand, and a hot pink shirt that says "Amazing Palawan", which ironically screams "I'm a tourist!!!"
(but not THAT kind of tourist, mind you), I head out to explore the corners of Puerto Princesa that doesn't usually get it's share of fame, and yes, devour the local restaurants too!
(Spoiler alert: no photos of underground river here. I already went there during my first trip.)


 Before heading out, lunch is on the top of the list. Chaolong is the unanimous choice!

Not too long ago, Vietnamese refugees (who also became known as "Boat People"), came to the

Philippines because of the political unrest in Vietnam. They sought refuge and settled in Palawan. Some of their culture was embraced by the people of Palawan, like the delectable stew called "Chaolong".







Now it's off to the Souvenir stalls! Hop on a Trike to take you virtually anywhere in PPC!

These hand-carved masks and hand-made bags are made by the indigenous people of Palawan (Katutubo: Cuyonons and Palao'ans).
The masks, and other souvenirs made from wood are from Ipil or Mahogany.

And then, it is off to KALUI...

Locals of Puerto Princesa say you should never leave without a taste of KaLui.

KaLui is PPC's fancy restaurant, but with very reasonable price. It is a treat, with it's homey feel and cozy dining area welcoming you. My two favourites are the Sashimi and Eel in coconut (pictured here). YUM!

On our first visit, we missed the chance to conquer Honda Bay. So, we take to the seas and opt for a splash at Honda Bay's Cowrie Island. Glad we were there early, and literally had the beach to ourselves for a few hours!

A stopover at the DRIED FISH MARKET for the mandatory pasalubong! 

Then we close the day with more of Chaolong, this time at Viet Village, where I learn that Chaolong is Pho with Chinese twist (hence the orange colour of the soup, and the thicker rice noodles). It got its name from the locals actually, when they use to say "Chow lang"! (No more photo of Chaolong this time).

The Viet Village served as home to refugees from Vietnam escaping their war-torn country. They have long left Palawan, but their presence is still evident in this small, abandoned community structure 15 kilometers from the city proper.

Finishing off my stay at PPC with a taste of BADJAO SEAFOOD restaurant, set over the Bakawan (Mangrove) forest and overlooking the Sulu Sea.

DESERTED

DESERTED (a reflection)

04-17-2014

How apt that on this day, Maundy Thursday, I find myself all alone in the abode. With Hubby and kids at camp, I wouldn't really consider myself deserted, but it may as well feel like it. 

On this day, more than two thousand years ago, my Savior was deserted by his own disciples and those who professed to be his followers. I can only wonder how it may have felt like. I know that my "deserted" situation doesn't even come close. I scour the house, with the intention of cleaning up. But stop midway. A sock, on the floor. When will they learn to put them in the laundry basket? Then a thought slowly comes. What were the things that were left behind by Jesus' friends, evidences that they were there, with him, in fellowship. A torn piece of unleaven bread? A half-empty cup? A sandal? A sword? 

As I ponder upon the events leading to the cross, I come face to face again with His wondrous GRACE and I'm simply overwhelmed by his LOVE for me.

BETRAYED. For me.

 DESERTED. For me.

DENIED. For me. 

CRUCIFIED. For me.

DIED. For me.

ALIVE. For me.

VICTORY. For me.

So that I may live a victorious life -
            in HIM
                through HIM
                              for HIM.

Deserted NO MORE!

MY EXTRAORDINARY

MY EXTRAORDINARY

Life is moving way too fast nowadays. Once upon a time, it was a struggle to be busy. Now it's a struggle to slow down. What suffers? The beauty of the everyday. The awesomeness of the mundane. The joy of a run-of-the-mill day. Where have you gone, ordinary?

Slow down. Take the time to look around, and soak in the beauty of the everyday.

So I stop. I look up. I look down. I look in. And then I see. My extraordinary.

The realest extraordinary is always found in the ordinary.
 ~Ann Voskamp ~

Running hard after an extraordinary life turns out to be a lie.
~Marjorie Knight~

Keep it simple.

 The extra everyone is looking for is found in the ordinary. ~Ann Voskamp~

There is nothing in this world that's normal - there's only growing blind to the glory.

Don't grow blind to the glory of God evident all around us.