Chicken Inasal and more...

The minute I step foot in Bacolod, I was informed that I should try the Chicken Inasal this region is proud of. So, for our first meal in Bacolod, Chicken Inasal it is.

It’s popularity started out a few years back when a group of vendors started selling this dish in the plaza. They are all scattered in the streets that the city had created a place for them which they call “Manukan country” which means “chicken country”. From then on, different establishments sprung up in the city selling Chicken Inasal (Inasal means “cooked in charcoal”). The reason: Bacoleneos (People of Bacolod) loves to eat chicken, that’s it.

We were advised that it is best to eat chicken inasal using our hands, the flavor and taste is better as the locals say, so, together with toyo (soy sauce) and calamansi, you will enjoy it to the very last bite. As they say, “Sarap to the bones!” Just make sure that you wash your hands before reaching for your food, so you could enjoy it even more. READ THE FULL STORY, CLICK HERE...

Longest Espasol

Espasol, a delectable recipe made from glutinous rice or cornmeal, brown sugar and coconut is one of the finest delicacies that Laguna is known for. That is why this year, they have made the LONGEST ESPASOL that stretches one (1) kilometer in length and 2.5” to 3” in diameter. Using up to 600 kgs of glutinous rice, 12 sacks of sugar and 4000 coconuts! This is truly, the Longest and Biggest Espasol I have ever seen!

MORE PHILIPPINE FOOD IN www.DaigdigPinoy.com -->> CLICK HERE...

Higantes Festival 2007

Higantes Festival, held every November, is a colorful and fun celebration in honor of San Clemente (the Saint of fisher folks) in Angono Rizal. This festival has a deep and interesting history with two stories to tell, which one is true? You decide. READ IT HERE...

Masskara Festival 2007

Masskara Festival is celebrated in Bacolod every October that started around during the 1980s when tragedy strikes the region. The time when the sugar industry fell that affected the lives of the people. It was also the time, when one of the region’s shipping companies sank and members of a prominent family died. The Department of Tourism then decided to do something about it. Headed by Atty. Evelio R. Leonardia, they conceptualized this event to make the people happy and entertained.

Bacolod, being known as the city of smiles, reflects that the people are still able to smile despite the hardships and loneliness, believing that together, they can face the situation and look at it as a challenge to go forward and work together as a people. READ MORE...

Filipino MATH Geniuses

It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. During the 3^rd International Math Contest that was held in Singapore, last August 16-21, 2007 two siblings were able to get the gold and bronze medals in their respective fields. Alyanna Uy who was in her first year in high school got bronze in her level and her brother, Harvey Uy got gold in the Grade 3 level. Both joined the contest for the first time, and among a number of participants from China, Malaysia, India and Singapore, they were able to return home as winners.

They come to know about this competition when the MTG (Mathematics Trainers Guild of the Philippines) distributed application forms to all schools nationwide. Harvey’s school gave him an application form because he belongs to the top 20 among his batch. Alyanna however was not able to receive a form because her school does not participate in such events, but knowing about the competition thru her brother, she tried out for it as well.

After the initial qualifying exam, these two went thru a lot of trainings and numerous qualifying exams to be able to qualify for the international competition. Since September 2006, they were being trained by the math coaches of the organization (MTG) every weekends during school days, followed by a 3 day in-house training in Iloilo for Alyanna and Subic for Harvey, and an intensive 6 weeks training during the summer to prepare them for this event. READ MORE...

Junk Artist - Cornelio "Nel" Lagda

A graduate of Fine Arts major in Painting and minor is Sculpture, Cornelio “Nel” Lagda, has seen himself as a child who loves to play with clays and draw sketches during his past time. He never knew he has a serious talent in art until he joined a contest in his high school days that people started to notice these skills, that eventually led him to study and perfect it in college.

Creating Art out of junk and scrap materials from plastics to metal to wood or anything one can find under the sun. CLICK HERE to read the full story.

Kasuotang Pilipino sa Museo ng Makati

Kasuotang Pilipino – Philippine’s national costume like the Barong and Baro’t Saya, is occasionally used at this time. Usually used by city officials, or as a dress code during weddings and other special occasions, But you can see a collection of it during the yearly Kasuotang Pilipino exhibit held in the Museo ng Makati (Makati Museum). READ MORE...

Daigdig Pinoy - 2nd issue

Daigdig Pinoy's condensed printed magazine 2nd issue is now available!

Visit http://daigdigpinoy.com to get your FREE copy!

A Bacteria that is good for you

Dr. Tetsuo Kamekawa is a Japanese that finished biology in Ukiu Okinawa University and in Michigan State University. After working in American Express for 7 years, his feet led him to come to the Philippines and never left since then. A Japanese by blood and a Filipino by heart.

For 40 years, he studied about bacterias using natural products found in the Philippines, to find out how it can benefit us in our everyday lives. Using all natural products, he was able to produce a bacteria, that is 100% natural and safe enough to eat. This bacteria is then mixed and used to benefit both man, animals and our environment alike.

First, there is the NBEM 21 Powder Activator. A very powerful non-toxic, non-chemical, and highly effective blend of rice bran and colony of more than 21 powerful, good and harmless bacteria, yeasts and molds. The NBEM-21 Powder Activator is an extremely versatile preparation of several beneficial and effective microorganisms, enzymes, hormones, vitamins, minerals, antibiotics, growth factors, and Chitosan. It is the result of intensive laboratory research and development that took eleven long years leading to the successful culturing of this scientific breakthrough product.

NBEM-21 Powder Activator removes foul or unpleasant odor and neutralizes bacteria in 24 hours. When applied to biodegradable wastes, the powder activator immediately attacks and eliminates the foul odor-causing bad and harmful bacteria completely deodorizing wastes in 24 hours. READ MORE...

Miniature Paintings

“The art is not measured in size but rather its simplicity and beauty that reflects the true and inner feeling of the subjects and that of the artist. “ – cited Norris Castillo.

Born in Tiaong, Quezon Province, Norris grew up from a family of artists. Growing up with his mother in Alaminos Laguna, who is a sculpturist using ivory and ceramics materials, and his brother who paints using oil canvass, it is Norris’ fate to be a fine artist. He was greatly influenced by his family and was exposed in colors, artistry and creativity all his life.

Norris started to look at his craft seriously when he was in 3^rd year High School. His love of art made him paint almost everything. From old houses, birds, animal heads, old jars, kalesa (horse chariot), jeepney, tricycle, dusts, matches, and portraits. He loves to take pictures of landscapes and sketches them at home. He then had his first exhibit in Philam life when he was discovered by Mr. Jim Paredes. During that time, he was the youngest artist amongst the group. READ MORE...

Parada ng Kakanin

This festival originates back in the Spanish Era where the people of San Mateo Rizal offer kakanin (native rice delicacies) as a sign of prayer and thanksgiving to the Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu.

Back in the days, San Mateo Rizal was surrounded by rice fields which is their main industry and source of income. Thru this abundant resources, cooking kakanin had been a part of every rizaleneos life.

At present, different industry had sprung up in the city such as poultry and livestock, but still, San mateo Rizal holds firm to their specialty, the kakanin. READ MORE...

Chocolate Hills of Bohol

Your trip to Bohol will never be complete without taking a glimpse on the famous Chocolate Hills.

On your way to the Chocolate Hills, you will be welcomed with the beauty of Bohol’s Man Made Forest. Planted initially to prevent flash floods in the area and maintain ecological balance in the remaining natural forest, the man-made forest of Bilar is the largest man-made forest in the country. Thousands of mahogany seedlings were planted during the time of Governor Lino Chatto on a cleared area of 857.4 hectares in Bilar and Loboc towns. The tall Mahogany trees can be seen along the road as you travel to Chocolate Hills.

The story behind the formation of the chocolate hills? Well, about 2 million years ago, most of the island of Bohol was below a shallow sea. Coral reefs, similar to these found offshore of Northern Bohol, thrived and extremely covered the sea floor. During stormy days, fragments of coral reefs and shells derived by waves from the reef were deposited mostly by the landward side of the reefs. The coral and shell fragments formed relatively thin layers surrounding the live coral reefs.

Slowly, the land rose causing the coral reef formation to emerge out of the sea. The Southern section of Bohol had been uplifted more than the Northern section. READ MORE.

Launching of Daigdig Pinoy

Visit us in our booth this week during the SYSTEMS INTEGRATION PHILIPPINES 2007 in World Trade Center Manila this August 16-18, 2007 as we distribute Daigdig Pinoy's condensed printed maiden issue. This event serves as the official launch of Daigdig Pinoy and WorldSourceDirect.com

This event features companies specializing in Telecommunications, Broadcasting, Electronics, Gadgets, Information Technology, E-commerce, Audio and Video, Lighting, Music Movie Technology, concept designs, visual communications, multimedia, digital printing and graphic design.

See you there!

Sandugo Festival

This year’s Sandugo celebration was highlighted with the street dancing parade and competition last July 22, 2007 Sunday in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Sandugo is one of the most important historical events etched in the annals in the Philippine history and immortalized in canvass by the famous Filipino painter Juan Luna as one of his masterpieces, is the famous Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna, a local native chieftain, and Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the intrepid Spanish explorer and colonizer.

That historic event took place on an unpretentious coast of Bool, now a district of Tagbilaran, on March 16, 1565, a day after Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and his crew of conquistadores on four ships were drifted into the shores of Bool during the course of their trip to the province of Butuan from Camiguin Island because of strong southwest monsoon winds and low tide. On that day, March 16, 1565, Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the conquistador from Zumaraga, Spain, with Fray Andres de Urdaneta and some of his crew set foot on land for an audience with the local chieftain Sikatuna. The two bands of different nationalities, race and creed met at a murky place, a few hundred meters away from the beach, and after a few pleasantries, the Basque seafarer and the native chieftain of Bool sealed off and strengthened their newborn friendship in a historic Blood Compact. READ MORE.

Philippine Tarsiers

“Tarsius Syrichta” or as we all know, the “Philippine Tarsiers” can be found in Bohol, Samar, Leyte and parts of Mindanao.

Tarsiers’ eyes are 150 times bigger than humans relative to body size. Their head can rotate 180 degrees and their ears move to the direction of sounds. They have elongated leg bone, elongated feet and toes that grip. Tarsiers can jump up to 5 meters and uses its long tail for balance.

Tarsiers eats grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, ants, bees, wasps, dragonflies, beetles, stick insects, butterflies and moths. These nocturnal species are very sensitive and tends to kill themselves if in captivity by holding their breath, refuses to eat or bang their heads in the cage until they die. Tarsiers can only live for 30 days in captivity. Know more about these tarsiers in http://daigdigpinoy.com

Daigdig Pinoy condensed magazine - maiden issue - out now!

After 3 months, the long wait is over! After facing various bumps and bruises, Daigdig Pinoy's condensed magazine is now available.

After waiting for our advertiser to submit their layout, after the paper production problems, layout errors, printing errors and numerous rejects, its here!

I will never be happier!

FREE to every Filipino abroad, be a distributor in your area amongst your friends and relatives, simply register online in http://daigdigpinoy.com

Is Joaqui Bossa Nova King?

With cut-throat competition among bossa nova female artists since last year, male counterparts were bound to crop up soon enough. So when and where are they? Now and just one. Vicor Music's recording act, Joaqui, has released solo dbut CD titled "The Jazzanova Project" with covers of 11 familiar pop tunes and one original sung with jazzy vocal technique against mostly bossa nova musical arrangement.

In the track list are "Englishman In New York" (promotional song); "There will Never Be Another You" (popularized locally in the 70's via Tagalog adaptation, "Ikaw Pa Rin," by Tito Mina); "Let's Stay Together," "Feels So Goos," "Never Let Her Slip Away," "Do that To Me One More Time," "Oh Lori," "Hurt," "I'll never Fall In Love Again" (duel with R&B Princess Kyla), "The Last Time," and "Take 5." "Bored With You," lone original, was penned by Nyoy Volante.

Read the full story HERE.

Young Pinoy Scientists Win in Intel ISEF

The Philippine delegation brought home two Fourth Grand Awards, one Team Projects Fourth Grand Award and a Special Award from the recently concluded Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), which ran from May 14-19, 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

CLICK HERE for the full story.

MYMP: New Horizon Reaches Gold

A loyal fan base, a solid gigging sked and a repertoire of hits has done wonders for MYMP’s Juris & Chin and their visibility is enhanced especially this time behind a new album that now features the hit-certified single “With You”. Ivory Music & Video recently presented MYMP, a gold record for their latest album “New Horizon”. The duo was presented their gold record plaque at ASAP ’07 live last February 18 by ANR Label supervisor Jon Daza and Manager for sales Dondi Aguilar. New Horizon is a thirteen-track album that is bannered by the single “With You”. The song, written and composed by Juris Fernandez, is currently a staple of several FM radio stations, music channels and record stores.

Amidst their busy sked, the duo of Juris & Chin, took time to launch their album at newly established Aruba Restaurant and Bar in Tomas Morato last February 19. In attendance for the launch were members of the press that has been more than supportive of the duo that made it big last time out with their their album “Versions & Beyond”. A short set followed that highlighted the tracks from the new album. Among these songs are Only Reminds Me Of You, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship, Crazy For You by Madonna and Mariah Carey’s Last Chance and The Jets You Got It All. FULL STORY

Read more Philippine Entertainment news in http://daigdigpinoy.com

Nito Vines in a lighted way

Light your homes with this exquisite and one of a kind lamps made of Nito vines. With a few alteration and imagination, Ronald Octa, a 24 year old entrepreneur from Camarines Norte came up with this idea.

With his creativity and love for art, he started his craft by making balls and trays from Nito Vine which now, has made a big change, as he created the Table lamps and floor lamps from the same material.

“With the help of 6 to 10 people, in coordination with ARC Daguit Labo, Camarines Norte, nito vines from the mountains and his talent, they were able to produce these decorative lamps that will surely add color, and feel to your homes and offices.” cited Ms. Cora Quiozon, Provincial Marketing Assistance officer of the department of agrarian reform.

Using a metal frame as the base of the lamp, the vines are then twined together. And with a touch of a varnish and adding a cloth lining, completes the lamp’s set up that has turned out to be a masterpiece.

CLICK HERE to view the picture.

PHILIPPINES… your wedding and honeymoon destination!

The Bridal Expo was held last June 16-17 at the PICC Forum 1 & 2, CCP Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

This event showcased around 150 exhibitors such as make-up artists, cakes, caterers, entertainment, event/wedding planners, fashion designers, hotels, photographers, videographers, resorts, souvenirs, airline companies, events venue, wedding rings and everything that you will be needing to prepare you for you special day are catered in this event.

Soon to be wed couples, planning couples and even couples that will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary visited the event and are every eager to visit the booths to avail of the special packages and discounts each has to offer. This annual event is on its 4^th year and is still going strong.

All day long, the stage is filled up with different performers to set the mood of your wedding. The air was filled with music as a string quartet played love songs soothing to the ear. A bag pipe musician entice the audience with its unique and captivating melodies. A jazz and bossa nova feel filled the air and a wonderful harmony performed by a choir.

You will have an array of choices that will suit every style and budget.

The event was highlighted with a fashion show showcasing a full bridal entourage. MORE PICTURES HERE...

Filipinos and Filipinas conquered Mount Everest!

The plan to reach the summit of Mt Everest was conceptualized around 25 years ago by Art Valdez but he didn’t push through for he found no purpose to do the climb during that time. By October 2003, the group had already materialized and by March 2004, the group was then officially launched.

With intense training, perseverance, selflessness, unity and a dream, Leo Oracion, Erwin “Pastor” Emata and Art Valdez were able to conquer and reach the summit with flying colors and brought honor to the Philippines. Showing every Filipino, that is, if we all work in unity and with love for our country, we can build a better Philippines.

The climb was then followed by Carina Dayondon, Janet Belarmino and Noelle Wenceslao as the First Filipina women to conquer the summit. It only shows that race, age or gender is not a hindrance for one to make a difference.

We had a very interesting interview, with a few laughs and never ending stories of their climb and the reason behind it all. Read the full interview... CLICK HERE

Cueshe is back with new single

Proving its continued might in the music scene with their chart-topping hits as well as well-attended gigs here and abroad, Cueshé unleashes yet another track that promises to be the anthem for 2007.

The new song “Bakit,” is the follow-up to their highly successful singles “Back To Me,” “Borrowed Time” and the Asian Treasures Theme “Walang Yamang (Mas Hihigit Sa ‘Yo)” from their sophomore album “Back To Me.”

"Bakit" is backed-up with their most expensive music video to date. Set in the 50’s, it was inspired by the old Philippine cinema, simulating the glory of that era with its lavish production design, period costumes and fine cinematography. The video, which can also be compared to an old European movie, was directed by the country’s most promising young directors Wincy Ong and Maui Mauricio. READ MORE...

Philippine Entertainment: Nyoy Volante

The highly awaited fourth album of singer-songwriter Nyoy Volante is finally out after more than a year of absence in the recording scene. Still under Vicor Music, the 10-track CD is titled “Now Hear This” in excited reference by the artist to diverse songs that reiterates his being way beyond the Acoustic Balladeer tag.

“I never did agree with that inaccurate ‘title,’” says Nyoy. “Sure, my songs are musically arranged using acoustic instruments. But most of these fuse styles ranging from R&B and rock to jazz and country. Calling my new album as such is invitation to the music lover to again listen to what I have to offer but this time, without thinking of categories.” READ MORE...

Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan

Stop and smell the roses. During the month of May, in the tropical islands of the Philippines (where my roots are), we don't have to stop -- the fragrance of flowers floats in the air.

When the rains begin to pour after a long dry spell, flowers magically bloom overnight. And being predominantly Catholic, the Filipinos celebrate the beneficial rains by giving praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The townfolk gather the colorful flowers to decorate the Parish Church altars and aisles. They bundle the blooms in exotic arrangements for the many different festivities all together referred to as the "Flores De Mayo" (Flowers of May). READ MORE...

We stand alone together with BAMBOO

When NOYPI and HALLELUJAH were released as singles from the award-winning albums AS THE MUSIC PLAYS and LIGHTPEACELOVE, both were more than a blip on the modern rock radar… 2007 could probably be another year for Bamboo to repeat the same process.

Bamboo unleashes its latest offering with a new album called WE STAND ALONE TOGETHER, the album that will certainly blow you away with another album of pure rock experience of throwaway covers. Bamboo marks their first covers album revisiting power tracks from the 60’s onward.

READ MORE...

Pulilan Carabao Festival

Pulilan Carabao Festival is held in Pulilan, Bulacan every May 15 of each year. But before the festivities itself, a number of events, and practices must be implemented before the merrymaking. According to Mr. Angel Madrid Tagle, the Hermano Mayor for this year’s Pistang Bayan 2007, The Pulilan Carabao Festival was created because Carabao is the main key in farming and a constant companion of farmers during planting and harvest, but the main reason of this event is to honor their patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.

According to history, around 500 years ago, people have no surnames like the ones we have now.

People are identified in olden times through their occupation. Thus, the name Labrador, which means Laborer, represents any labor or hard work people used to do. San Isidro used to plow a land that is not his own, he is just a tenant of the land. Though he always arrived late for work, he always seem to finish the work he has to do for the day. The landlord was wondering how San Isidro was able to this. Due to his curiosity, one day, he visited the field to investigate, just to find, an angel, who is plowing the field. The landlord knelt down in awe. From that time on, people will see a man kneeling down beside the image of San Isidro, that man is his landlord.

To read the full story of this festival, CLICK HERE.

Daigdig Pinoy Distributors in Thailand

During our trip to Bangkok, Thailand last April 25-30, 2007, I have set a meeting with a few Filipinos working in that area. Meeting with Jose and Hedda of siampinoy.com was really informative. Their website works as a gateway of information for Filipinos who have just arrived in Thailand or has been there for sometime. Jose and Hedda serves as a tourist guide, mentor and a counsultant all rolled into one. They were able to meet a couple of Foreigners and even Filipinos alike who love to know more about Thailand, and in return, they also promote, our country, the Philippines, in any way they can.

Daigidig Pinoy's condensed magazine, as per Jose, will greatly help in promoting tourism for our country. They have caucasian friends that didnt even know the Philippines have lots of beautiful beaches and tourist spots to offer. Our magazine will serve as a teaser that Jose and Hedda will be distributing to their visitors, acquaintances and friends.

We have also met Junysel and Jen, an Ilocana sisters that had been in Thailand for 4 years teaching in different International Schools respectively. We gave them a sample of the printed version and they find it interesting. They were also able to get a glimpse of the website where the full story of each article is published. Jen informed me the other day thru chat that there are a number of Filipinos eager to get a copy of the magazine. Now, we are trying to get the magazine printed as soon as we can. The costs of production is so huge that we need to wait for our advertiser's layout before we can run the production.

This meeting met a lot to me. I have come to know the situation of the Filipinos in Thailand, and at the same time, saw the potential and the need to promote the Philippines even more. But the most important thing, is that i have gained new friends. Doesnt matter where you are, or what you do, as long as you have something in common, and in our case, being Filipinos and how much we love our country... The Philippines.

Check out our website!

Yes! The long wait is over! Check out our newly published website! join the forum, share your stories, tell your friends and family! It's all about the Philippines... its all about you!

visit www.daigdigpinoy.com See you there!

Calling all Filipino Inventors

This is your chance to showcase your invention! We will feature one (1) Filipino inventor/invention quarterly in our printed magazine and our website. Simply email me your personal profile or click here to contact us.

Daigdig Pinoy's Maiden issue

This is it! We will be coming up with our maiden issue (hopefully) by the end of April 2007 featuring eight (8) faces of the Philippines.

We will be distributing this magazine globally for FREE. If you are interested to get a copy or distribute it in your area, just CLICK HERE.

What's new in Daigdig Pinoy?

PHILIPPINE ACHIEVER Filipinos have unlimited array of skills, talents, and perseverance to push themselves to be the best they can be and bring honor to the Philippines. These individuals showed what one person can do to make a difference.

PHILIPPINE FOOD Eating is one Filipino’s favorites. It brings families together, time to unwind, time to share, time to enjoy, or to simply, indulge on the native delicacy that brings good memories, mouth-watering, sumptuous food that will surely satisfy you, not only because of its taste, but its flavors and stories behind each masterpiece.

PHILIPPINE ENTERTAINMENT The latest on what’s happening to your favorite stars in the Philippines. Their achievements, latest shows, movies and lovelife.

PHILIPPINE HERBAL AND TRADITIONAL REMEDIES Herbal medicine is defined as the use of natural herbs from plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders and the promotion of good health. The use of medicinal herbs has been gaining popularity this past few years in the Philippines and worldwide as more clinical proof emerges that validates many of the age-old alternative medicines used by Filipino folks that has been passed on from generation to generation.

PHILIPPINE INVENTOR Filipinos are very resourceful. It is their nature to make life a little bit easier. With this, Daigdig Pinoy will feature such individuals that offered their time, knowledge and skill to create things and contributed to a better world. We are opening our doors for such remarkable individuals for the whole world to know.

PHILIPPINE SCENIC AND TOURIST SPOTS The Philippines is composed of 7,100 beautiful islands rich in culture and art. Daigidig Pinoy will show off the beauty and richness of each island.

PHILIPPINE FIESTA Fiestas are celebrated according to the region. It is usually celebrated associated with their patron saint. Feasting, parade and merrymaking are part of these festivities and most often visited by many devotees and tourists for their colorful and artistic presentations.

PHILIPPINE ART AND CULTURE Philippines have a rich culture. Basically a combination of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arab blood. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.

The magazine will be given away for FREE. Watch out for further details.