The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This novel is a collaborative effort between Mary Ann Shaffer, a debut novelist who passed away earlier this year, and her niece, children's author Annie Barrows (who helped complete the book when Shaffer’s health turned for the worse).

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a heartwarming, bittersweet novel written in an epistolary style, between  writer Juliet Ashton and her best friend from childhood Sophie Strachan and her brother Sidney Stark (who also happens to be her publisher). 

It all started in January of 1946 when London was recovering from the shocks of war. While Juliet Ashton was looking for a new project to embark on, she receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.  Her pen pals will soon include some folks from Guernsey.

Through these missives, Juliet learns of Guernsey and its deprivations during the war, as well as the astonishing spirit of the people who live there. She eventually becomes more and more intrigued with the stories of the people who survived the occupation; leading her to decide to write a book based on their experiences. To do so effectively, Juliet moves temporarily to the island and soon finds herself immersed in its captivating culture.

Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, nominally part of Great Britain but located in the English Channel, close enough to see mainland Europe with the naked eye. And, as the residents of Guernsey discover during World War II, close enough for the Germans to occupy. What started out as a layover -- during an intended full-out invasion of the British Isles -- resulted in a five-year occupation that changed the lives of these quiet, simple people forever.

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Read Part One of the novel here.

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I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

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MV Logos Hope: Floating Book Fair

This is the MV Doulos docked in Pier 15 during her final visit to Manila.  Built in 1914 (only a couple of years younger than the Titanic) the Doulos was the world's oldest passenger liner still sailing the seven seas until it retired in 2010 in accordance with the international maritime law.

Following in her footsteps is the MV Logos Hope, the newest vessel in the GBA Ships fleet. She carries the world’s largest floating book fair and has docked in Manila as part of her maiden voyage around the world. The newer and larger Logos Hope features a greater space for visitors and more comfortable browsing in the air conditioned book fair and café area.

The book fair on board Logos Hope offers a wider selection of over 5,000 books at affordable prices. The subjects of the books include science, sports, hobbies, cookery, the arts, medicine, dictionaries, languages, and philosophy. With children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases and more, the book fair is something the whole family can enjoy.

MV Logos Hope will open to the public at Pier 15, Berth 4, South Harbor from Feb. 17 until March 13. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Sundays; the ship will be closed on Mondays. Tickets cost P20; children under 12 are allowed for free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Bea Wessels from Austria warmly greeted the visitors of MV Doulos. She was among the ship's 350 volunteers from various countries who are otherwise known as ambassadors of goodwill and peace.

Doulos has traveled to over 100 countries since 1978 and carries over 6,000 different titles of books, covering a wide range of subjects. The vessel has received over 18 million visitors; in some ports, thousands of people reportedly waited in line each day for several hours to come on board.  MV Dolous has since retired.

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Please note:

I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

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One's Giant Shadow

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; 

power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.

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                                                                                       Saul Alinsky

Born in 1909, in the ghetto of Chicago’s South Side, Saul Alinsky saw the worst of poverty and felt the ethnic prejudices that fester, then blast into violence when people are crowded into tenements and have too little to eat. 

He came to believe that working people, poor people, put down and stepped upon, had to organize if they were going to clean up the slums, fight the corruption that exploited them, and get a handhold on the first rung of the ladder up and out.

 Along the way, Alinsky faced down the hatred of establishment politicians, attacks both verbal and physical, and jail time. He was a gutsy guy. Outspoken, confrontational, profane with a caustic wit, one journalist said he looked like an accountant and talked like a stevedore.

Read more here.

Suggested read:

The Shadows of Power

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Shadow Shot Sunday

Camera Critters

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I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

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Brazo de Mercedes

It is a rolled cake made from a sheet of soft meringue with custard filling. This is considered as one of the all-time favorites in the Philippines. The sponge-like texture of the meringue is balanced by the flavor of the rich custard filling. This is one delicious cake.

In Manila, if I wanted to bring a Brazo de Mercedes to a festive gathering, I'd order it at least two days in advance at Jade Vine Executive Inn's restaurant.  This restaurant is quite popular amongst Manila's culturati, and it oftentimes provides the catering services for them. 

Here in Bohol, the best place to buy a whole Brazo de Mercedes is at Saffron's. The best! The first time I had a piece of Brazo de Mercedes from this fine restaurant was when I attended a wedding reception held there. 

If you'd rather try baking one, from what I understand it's easy to do so and recipes abound online.

Related links:

Brazo de Mercedes, Remedios, Victoria…

Brazo de Mercedes Recipe

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Food Trip Friday

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I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

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Litratong Pinoy: Continuity

I took this photo at SM North when the Philippines was vying to 
become the new record holder for the world’s longest painting on 
continuous canvas. Their theme was Marine Life.

See my coverage of it  here.

See more images of the event and paintings here.


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My entry to Litratong Pinoy Weekly Challenge

This week's theme -- LP189: Dugtong/Kabit

Litratong Pinoy

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I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

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Banana: Sex drive booster?

According to this HealthDesign Magazine article, the banana is among the five fruits that can augment sex drive and naturally treat impotence.

Here are the five fruits and their aphrodisiac attributes:

Pomegranate

It is probably one of the most well known fruits for increasing your sex drive. Scientists found that drinking pomegranate juice can actually increase sex drive.  Such efficacy of the pomegranate is attributed to its ability to help the body produce (NO) or nitric oxide, which aids in opening up blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

Figs

The high levels of amino acids found in figs are also very effective at increasing libido in both males and females. Amino acids play a vital role in normal sexual function and will help increase levels of nitric oxide in the body.  Aside from increasing sexual stamina, figs enhance sexual appearance as well.

Avocado

The avocado contains high levels of folic acid to help metabolize proteins giving you an energy boost.  Avocado contains vitamin B6 which help the production of testosterone. They are also known to benefit a women's libido due to the high potassium content.

Dates

They are packed with amino acids for sexual stamina, as well as a good dose of fruity sugars which make them sweet and an amazing pickup.

Banana

A great way to start the day, the bromelain enzyme in the banana will help boost your libido.   Also, it contains the highest levels of potassium that help regulate energy levels as well as B vitamins.


Two of the five -- banana and avocado -- are always available here in Bohol.  As for the other three, Boholanos might have to ferry it to Cebu, or fly out to Manila, to find some dates, figs and pomegranate at swanky supermarkets, or chichi charcuteries.

Since the banana is the most ubiquitous of the lot, here's more on its health benefits:

So often, the humble banana is often overlooked when it comes to providing nutritional and medicinal value. Bananas in fact have a lot to offer us, both nutritionally, as well as in relieving the symptoms of a myriad of physical complaints.

Bananas are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. They also provide us with a source of energy. They contain a lot of iron, which is extremely helpful to those suffering from anaemia, as it stimulates the growth of haemoglobin in the body. 

They contain a lot of potassium; this helps to alleviate high blood pressure and prevent bone loss by countering the damage done by a diet high in sodium/salt. Potassium is also excellent for relieving menstrual cramps and is also excellent for fluid retention, making bananas a sure winner for women who suffer with these symptoms. It also helps minimize the risk of kidney stones. Vitamin B6 also helps to balance blood-glucose levels, thereby alleviating mood swings often associated with PMS.

Bananas are an excellent food source for those suffering with ulcers, as they lower gastric juice levels and build a protective coating in the stomach. Therefore, they are also excellent for helping to alleviate heartburn symptoms. Simply rubbing the inside of a banana skin on a mosquito bite can help to alleviate the itching and irritation caused by the bite. They are also known to alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women. They also contain pectin, which is known to alleviate constipation naturally.

Bananas contain tryptophan, serotonin and norepinephrine, which help alleviate depression and also help one to relax. The B vitamins found in them also help to calm and soothe the nervous system. Vitamin B6 also alleviates the symptoms of irritability and sleeplessness. They are a good first food to introduce to infants, as they are easily digestible and non-allergic.

Because of their sweet taste, bananas also help to curb cravings for sugar and other unhealthy sweet snacks. They are also helpful in preventing age-related macular degeneration and strokes. Even the peels serve a few useful purposes. They make an amazing fertilizer in the garden, especially for roses. Simply bury a few peels near the plant or bush, and they will normally cause the roses to thrive. Pimples are able to be dried out naturally by rubbing the inside of the banana peel on the affected spot on the skin.

Source: Natural News

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Related links:


Watermelon: Another sex drive booster?

Salon: America's original fast food - banana

Five other turn on foods

Dried Fruit

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The prices at Dau Market in Tagbilaran for the lakatan variety of banana (as lead photo above) is 40 pesos per kilo, while the saba is 15 pesos per kilo.

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Food Trip Friday

Yummy Sunday

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Please note:

I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

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Palwa Restaurant at Coco Farm

Palwa Restaurant's menu boasts an array of delicious native dishes with ingredients of vegetables and meat products from the Bohol Coco Farm’s natural farming endeavors. 

I love their Camote Top Splash and Veggie Burger.  The camote top (talbos ng kamote) contains substantial amounts of polyphenolics that protect the body from oxidative stress that breeds many diseases that include cardiovascular illnesses and cancer.  

Moreover, camote top is an excellent source of  protein, lipid, calcium, sodium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese.  It is also a source of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.

Veggie Burger

Pork dish (from a hog raised the natural farming method)

Incidentally, the Bohol Coco Farm will be hosting a 3-day Natural Farming Seminar with Andry Lim as resource speaker on February 28, 29 and March 1from 8am to 9pm. 

Aside from the essential applications of natural farming methods on horticulture and animal husbandry, attendees will be introduced to various herbal healing techniques by using indigenous plants and vegetation.

For further details, contact: Efren de Guzman of Coco Farm at 0926-444-6186 or Andry Lim at  0917-705-1008

Suggested read:

Natural Farming with Andry Lim

The Creative Exchange

Rural Journal

Yummy Sunday

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Please note:

I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.

Thank you!

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