I could have died laughing with this darling of a girl, who I suspect was my daughter at 16 in my past life. I’m sure it wasn’t the tea at three different milk tea places. In all normalcy, that’s how to spend a night out with Raine Mateo Calucag. At our first meeting for her thesis interview with me (and an accidental respondent who happened to be eavesdropping at the restaurant we were in), three hours was extra-mini. Never a dull moment with this journalism grad.

She graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines last school year, is currently the baby in UP graduate school and plans to get a doctorate degree. The girl dreams to go to film school, be a photojournalist, specializing in war stories, and own a Casalucag (a heritage restaurant in Ilocos I suppose). Raine’s mom, who lives abroad, and her dad, a head teacher at the Ilocos Norte National High School, back their only child all the way.

For her graduation, I gave her a (late) present. She got a little too scared of the matte wine lippie. Sue me if you think she doesn’t look good in plummy berries!

Wabi Sabi’s JV and his sibs.

Our last stop was Wabi Sabi. Then we see JV Respicio, Raine’s former schoolmate at UP.

Me: What do you like cooking at home?
JV: Native.
Me: Like what?
Raine: Ugsa (deer)?

She was serious. We capped off the tea party with pensive discussion about youth empowerment and making a difference in this world. They both stare at me when I said we live in a patriachal society. Now you know why my blog is named such.

When it rains, it floods.

{Flannel shirt: Cotton On, Aztec top: Just G., denim shorts: F21, mocs: Minnetonka}

I always love her photos of me. (The fauxlaroids are mine). She says this should be for an OOTD) She asks me, are those cheekbones real? Brandon laughs out loud.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

Hello everyone! Typhoon Vinta was fiierce, leaving parts of Ilocos internetless. No heavy rains, but as far as I can remember it was the only time our windows were shattered. Thank God we are all safe and the cables dangling in front of our home were reconnected after 5 days of bugging PLDT.

I have good news for all the Loejai Lopez fans out there. Our favorite fashion designer in Batac is now also in Laoag, feeling his new space at the Frez building on Gen Segundo Ave. (Bacarra Rd., near Macy’s Diner) As you will see in the photos, his week-old studio is sketchy.

I was waiting for the right time to own my first dress from him. The fashion moment comes. Will update you soon.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

Me-Ann and I found time to visit friend Mich at the Nicolas home within the Northwestern University compound. It’s a beautiful home with lots of sunshine seeping through. The three of us most of the time talk about things such as growing kids and the simple pleasures in life like what else but new food.

Mich is an editor of faith and inspirational books such as Living Water. She’s the wife of Northwestern University VP Ferdie Nicolas and mom to their bouncy little boy.

The pillow says it so right — home is where your story begins

Photos by Ferdie and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

Sharing a gem of a kid. Well, not exactly juvenile stuff. He’s Vince Canlapan, a young graphic designer in Ilocos who’s fast making a name as a blog designer for celebrity bloggers across the nation. Check out Vince’s work in his blog, The Art Apprentice.

A survivor of a car crash, Ironman Vince is here to stay.

images via Vince Canlapan The Art Apprentice

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

I came across this curious invention recently. The inventor says, he has sold his 96th unit as of late.

If you happen to be in the silk screen printing business and haven’t found the simple solution to easy, efficient, low wastage screen stretching, this might be the tool for you. An original creation by fellow-Ilocano Leo Doctor, from Pasuquin, affordably priced at P4000-, delivered  right to your doorstep.

Leo says it is very used-friendly and adaptable to various screen sizes.

Check out how it works in the video.

Email: leodoctor@yahoo.com
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

Yesterday was a great day to explore the second most northern town in Ilocos Sur. Only then did I discover that Cabugao is home to the newest surfing destination in the north. Through the twists and turns of the Salomague Road, with no signs, it was easy ending up in another village. The locals were helpful, however, in leading us to Sabang. To surfers, the quiet, less crowded Sabang is Kido’s Point, named after its pioneer surfer, Ronald “Kido” Cabasug.

Kido was trained by visiting Australian surfer, Rene Hodgens, in 1993. He continues to be the big influence in the growing culture in the fishing village where surfboards are paddled most, next to bancas. The swells from the north and south produce quality waves.

Kido heads the group of Sabang surfers known as Surfing Ilocos. A local competition around the coast  is slated this Saturday. They also teach beginners the sport. (For inquiries, contact Kido Cabasug at his number, 0905 778 4292.)

Next year, the group is again also assisting the Philippine Surfing Federation with a national event scheduled on January 28-February 2.

No waves, no glory. ‘Tis the season to get stoked in Sabang.

The youngest, cutest surfer in Sabang.

I’d go boating to St. Benedict Island, a private island off the coast of Sabang, when the winds are down.

Other Points of Interest in Cabugao

At the side of the Cabugao Municipal Hall is the St. Mark the Evangelist Church.

Not too far from the surfing capital of Sur is the historically significant Salomague Port and fishing village. Salomague Port was the foremost entry point of the Japanese Imperial Army during the WWII Japanese Invasion.

The Sakada Centennial Memorial, situated in Salomague, was built in commemoration of the first Ilocanos who left for Hawaii in 1906 to work as sakadas in sugar cane plantations. In Ilocos, the old-timers and their descendants are commonly referred to as Hawaiinos.

Sundown at Pug-os Beach, known for its white pebble sands. Beach resorts can be found around the area.

*With special thanks to Barangay Captain Eduardo Cobangbang, Sr. Ronald “Kido” Cabasug and the friendly surfers of Sabang.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

The Ferdinand Marcos Stadium shone brighter than moonbeams for all the town festivals in Ilocos Norte in one night, one show, one competition. Supporters and contingents from the participating towns filled the bleachers with ease. Those who aspired to be within spitting distance from the stage queued up for one thousand-peso tickets. A cheap price to pay for proceeds go to the construction of the new space of the displaced local Red Cross chapter.

I went to root for my hometown city of Laoag. Out of 10 audience members I surveyed, 9 predicted Laoag for the top spot.

And indeed Laoag won for a stellar performance. So rousing that at some point, a tear rolled down and my hair stood out.  My next other favorite presentation from Batac reminded me of my lola Iniang and the good old days. The snappy dance depiction of the evolution of its famous empanada, complete with seamless music, was totally clever. Siwawer Vintar was very creative as usual.  Pinili highlighted its stable economy from white gold bawang and dollar remittances. Banna’s red ant colony was bubbly. Nueva Era was a revelation it its rendition of its indigenous culture. The costumes were beautiful. All together, last night’s Tan-ok ni Ilocano was a clear-cut definition of who we are as a people, as a province. So rich in culture, so rich in history, so rich in natural resources.

A personal wish — a true One Ilocos Norte to take these strengths to a new higher level.

Governor Imee Marcos of the province of Ilocos Norte.

Vice-Governor Angelo Marcos Barba is a true cowboy.

The key people of Red Cross Ilocos Norte chapter headed by Tita Mary Ang.

Pagudpud mayor, Marlon Sales, arrived with the Bergblick’s Chef Detlev Cotte and his wife Maritess.

Official Results of the Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals 2013:

Grand Champion: Laoag City
1st: Nueva Era
2nd: Batac City
3RD: Vintar
4th: Banna
5th: Pinili
6th: Paoay
7th: Currimao
Best festival music: Batac
Best performer (male and female performers:   Batac and Laoag
Peoples Choice: Pinili

My special thanks  to friends Me-Ann Macaraeg, Ace and Kit, Alaric Yanos and Gemma, Edna, Ronan and Stella for the Tan-ok results.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

image via Samtoy Books

Samtoy Books at the La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center gathered 40 young mannurat (writers) from the different schools in the province for a naisangsangayan a taripnong (first-of-its-kind gathering) that tackled the art of writing and blogging. Along with the country’s top male fashion blogger/endorser/stylist, David Guison, linguistic anthropologist Dana Osborne, young and talented Ilocano graphic and blog designer Vince Canlapan, I was given the honor of sharing my know-how.

The young writers seemed engaged. Hoping to see more Ilocanos in the blogosphere.

Angeleno Dana Osborne talks about her study on the Ilocano language, sprinkling words like kadiay, nakare-red, nabangsit. Her grasp is amazing!

Jun Arvin Gudoy, communications and media department head of the PGIN reaches out. He speaks about the SIRIB Express programs that address the educational needs of the youth. Stella Gaspar (in the photo below) facilitates the wonderful event.

Dave Guison is really as nice as he looks!

Dana and Gee Foronda Diaros.

Former Miss Pamulinawen Festival Jada Maltezo looking sultry in her new ‘do.

Ilocano writer Jennifer Tagavilla asks tips on how to sign up for a blog.

Congratulating Samtoy Books for a job well done!

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

Photos by Ulysses G

Just after I got back from the christening celebration of Jao and China’s little darling last night, I went straight to Ulysses G’s photography blog which blogging bestie Marianne Pasion has been asking me to check since the summer. The nineteen-year-old professional photographer slash new blogger was Marianne’s partner for the party’s photo coverage.

Marianne has this to say about Ulysses’s medium for art — His photography is so neatly taken, it makes you sense its energy. Yes, photos have it.

I certainly agree with Marianne. I saturated my eyes on his rich compositions, ranging from portraits to landscapes and some macros in between. The three photos above are just a peek at the young Ilocano photographer’s fresh perspective and flair.

Photo by Marianne G. Pasion

The graduating Bachelor in Secondary Education student says, “The passion started when I held an automatic film camera on a trip to Vigan during the summer before I stepped into high school. I made my first money on my first year in college and started a photoblog just this year.”

My own photos at Mallory’s dinner party.

For inquiries, bookings or collaborations, contact Ullysses thru e-mail at ulyssesg.info@gmail.com or mobile at (+639)10911699.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

766 photos in a day! I’m more exhausted than any of the off-road competitors. Posting some photos before I finish the hard action for the next post. I hope you are enjoying the last days of 2013, everyone!

Meet the man to beat… Boyet Leano, the non off-roader who happens to be the godfather of 4×4 races in the entire Ilocandia, years before off-road competitions became mainstream in Ilocos Norte.

This year, riders from Pampanga joined the Vintar races.

Congressman Rudy Fariñas and his children were physically present to give morale builder for youngest son, Junior, who did great in his first short course 4×4 challenge.

Ilocos Norte off-road riders, Junior Fariñas, Brandon Tan, Jezley Abadilla and Totsie Leaño.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013

Hello, 2014! Raine Calucag/Soveraine, Marianne Pasion/Cynosure and myself had our first ever day out to welcome the year.

It took months to bring each one together, yet sunshine poured the minute we decided to shoot in the biggest bread plant in the north. Baker’s Percent was gracious enough to accommodate us on a busy holiday week.

The Laoag store manager, S Acoba-Pacheco, toured us around and fed us the big picture and an insane aroma that satiated our hunger.

Thank you, Baker’s Percent, for passing the yummy on!

Baker’s Percent supply all the Jollibee outlets in Northern Luzon with buns.

With the tireless S Pacheco. Big thanks, S!

We relaxed our overstimulated senses at the Laoag “La Paz” Sand Dunes.

Love you both!

New Hopes in 2014! Thank you so much, dear readers, for the love!

Photos by Soveraine, Cynosure and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The father of the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement (LEAD), Reny Tan, presents a sandboard to the Mayor of Laoag City, Hon. Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas. It was in Ilocos Norte’s capital, Laoag City, on its indigenous rolling sand dunes, that the rising culture of sandboarding was born.

The board sport on sand innovated by the LEAD Movement in Barangay La Paz is attracting tourists from all over the country and across the globe. It has since been featured internationally (in shows like NBC’s Today) and was listed in top global travel guide books such as Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and the first edition of Insight Guides.

Ilocos Sand Boarding by the LEAD Movement is turning five on August 2 this year.

Young Ilocano artist MJ Ruiz was commissioned by LEAD Movement to do the artwork.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Sports icon Dyan Castillejo and prominent TV host Marc Nelson were in Ilocos recently to shoot for Sports Unlimited’s upcoming episodes. At the end of a via ferrata adventure in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Sports Unlimited proceeded to the capital of Ilocos Norte, Laoag City, where they were led to the capital of sandboarding in the Philippines for the uniquely Ilocos thrills, with no less than the pioneers of sandboarding in the country, the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement, simply known as LEAD.

Dyan and Marc are not new to La Paz. Sports Unlimited was the first sports and adventure show that featured the iconic Laoag La Paz Sand Dunes more than a decade ago. A couple of LEADers were among a group that hosted Sports Unlimited for that first ever local sand duning adventure on Philippine television, which later evolved to a creative palangana, yes, a batya adventure, if you will recall. And then came the trending sandboarding culture introduced by LEAD Movement.

Very pro to the core, the duo tried every imaginable trick on a board. The younger members of LEAD were so amazed.

Catch Sports Unlimited every Saturday evening on ABC-CBN with replays on the ANC Channel.

With special thanks to Sports Unlimited, Dyan and Marc, Gene and the rest of the crew.

Contact LEAD Movement:  Reny Tan 0919-873-5516 /0917-841-5155 or Nicole Arce 0917-523-0331 Like Ilocos Sand Boarding on facebook.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

A foreigner-looking guy joins the welcome committee of  a national tour guides convention in Cagayan de Oro. The message on his singlet catches the eye. He explains briefly how he loves the Philippines and how he wants to be part of the Filipino culture.

He is Canadian Kyle Jennermann, more known in Northern Mindanao as Kulas.

In Hongkong, where 26-year old Kyle previously worked as consultant to an outdoor adventure company, he was invited by Cagayanons Eric and Chisum to visit the Philippines. His first stop on his initial visit was Leyte to help Haiyan victims. He has been around Cebu and the neighboring islands. And then he found home in Cagayan de Oro. He says, he is so in tune with the warmth and loving nature of the Filipinos. He says family to his CDO friends. He calls Eric’s wife mama Reina.

During a round of beer at a local grill, he says, the Filipino spirit inspires him. Everywhere he went, he was given a nice smile. He wants to pass around the smiles.

Kyle wears the Philippine colors on his head. He makes the same headbands to give to friends. He makes videos of his journey to becoming a Filipino and uploads them to YouTube. “Everything is from the heart, I don’t edit.” He simply wants to inspire the world with positivity and is happy in what he does. “I just want to be happy.”

Get to feel the tender heart of Kulas in the ABS-CBN feature (in video above).

Getting confidence from Kulas — with friends Carlo, Monneth, Ena, Hembee and Lis.

Photographed by Jan Seriosa, Kagay and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The house feels empty without Ericke’s clutter. Let’s try to dissect her life (and closet) in a new home.

Describe your new home.
It’s new, but it’s good that it’s still very familiar to me. LA, unlike other metropolitan cities, can still offer you an escape from the city — lots of hiking trails, waterfalls and the beach is right there. I like that it’s a melting pot of different cultures, there’s always something exciting going on and there are always interesting people you meet. LA is so much different now than how it was the last time I was here 5 years ago. There are so many more areas that are gentrified, with little hole in the wall gems. The best part about it is the accessibility of authentic ethnic food from Mexican to Mediterranean to Japanese to Ethiopian to Filipino food to whatever you can imagine.

Describe the new Ericke in three words.
Constantly creating and exploring.

What’s it like living on your own?
I’m used to living with my big family, so I miss the noise sometimes and having other people to rely on. I’ve learned how to take care of myself better. I’ve always been self-reliant but now I have to figure out my weekly budget, clean after myself, and pretty much be more realistic with my expectations. It’s also nice to have all the time in the world and not having to answer to anyone.

What do you wear to office?
I’m the laziest person in the morning, so I usually throw on whatever is within reach. My office does not have any restrictions when it comes to clothing, so I can get away with pretty much anything. For client meetings, my go to outfit is a mid-length tight dress and black heels, but everyday I usually just wear a circle skirt or a tennis skirt with a crop top and a nice pair of sandals or sneakers.

profile via Fox Dealer Interactive

What’s the best ever marketing slogan?
I love Grand Theft Auto V’s slogan: “Live in your world. Play in ours.” I think it’s very smart for what it is because GTA is people’s form of escape. It’s very simple. I also love Coke’s “Open Happiness” and the way they market it, when you buy coke, you don’t care that much about the actual taste. You buy Coke because of the fun memories you associate it with.

What’s in your makeup bag right now?
Urban Decay’s Naked basics, NARS blush in Orgasm, YSL Rouge Volupte #9, Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Sandwash Pink, blush brush, a sample size eyeliner pencil from Make Up Forever, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette, 2 Goody Hair Ties, Tide To Go, mints and EOS lip balm.

What do you do on weekends?
Is it boring to say that I sleep in til 3 pm? That has been very consistent for the past 2 months. I work Mondays-Fridays so I only have the weekend to catch up on sleep. I jog on Saturday afternoons if I’m in the mood. On Sundays I like to go to the flea market, even if I don’t buy anything — it’s a very good source of inspiration. I also typically do my grocery shopping on Sundays and catch up on all of my TV shows with my boyfriend; very mundane things. My friends love good food, cheap drinks and good music, so when we get together on weekends we usually go out and eat at our favorite spots, then go drinking at a show or at a dive bar. We frequent Silver Lake dive bars.

How many pairs of eyeglasses do you own?
I have 3 – one very quirky 2 toned frames I got from a bazaar. I also still have my very old tortoise frames I keep on my desk in case I forget to bring my black Tom Fords which I use everyday.

What’s your festival look?
Usually music festivals are held in muddy or dusty areas, so I just wear boots or very comfortable sandals paired with shorts. I like to wear fun print co-ords too. It really depends on what music festival it is, for something that has more indie acts, I would just wear denim shorts or a vintage dress with ankle boots. For more e.d.m. acts or hip hop acts, I like to be more funky with prints and colors. I also try to avoid looking very bohemian, I don’t want to drown in a sea of elaborate flower crowns and crochet tops. I’m usually the girl in giant sunglasses, bare legs and an Instax camera on her hand at a music festival.

What’s your favorite burger?
In-N-Out: double double with caramelized onions, always and forever. If I feel like eating something more special, I go to Eden Burger Bar in Glendale for their Black Label burger —- it has truffle cheddar, black truffle shavings and potato strings topped with truffle garlic aioli – it’s perfection in between buns sprinkled with black sesame seeds.

Starbucks or The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf?
I like Starbucks because there’s just more options. I order a Passion Fruit Lemonade almost every morning and a White Chocolate Mocha if I need something stronger.

What’s the latest movie you watched?
I think it was The Wolf Of Wall Street with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill, nothing but great intense acting from Leonardo and an overall great movie by Scorsese, but Jonah Hill pretty much stole the show. It’s not very new. I need a movie buddy, but I digress.

What are your splurges?
I splurge on classic pieces that go beyond the seasonal trends, because these are the ones I would use and abuse. My latest splurge is a dark purple Givenchy Lucrezia satchel and a pair of Celine Audrey sunglasses. They’re both very simple that easily match a lot of things I already own. I also splurge on skin care products, I had an acne breakout last year, so now only organic cremes and Kate Sommerville scrubs touch my face.

What do you miss most about home except us?
I terribly miss the food, I randomly crave sweet empanada near PLDT, miki, tuyo, dinardaraan, sinigang and tinuno with papaitan. If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know how often I talk about these things. Haha.

Photos by Greg Hector
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Something wonderful came up. I met this guy on the phone ‘coz I had to inquire about a hexacam, and then a beautiful inspiring story started to unfold. I was up on the computer the whole afternoon, talking to him about life and his newfound passion for photography.

Not enough to ruin his spirit, his unfortunate first break more than a year ago led him to strive hard to be one of Ilocos Norte’s sought-after photographers and videographers, though he still calls himself a newbie.

Alvin Cariaso was born in Apayao. His dad passed away when he was still a small boy. He and his mother moved to Laoag in the 90s. As if trying to tell him something, he also eventually lost his mother and a sister, making him a complete orphan. In his own words, he says, “I used to be happy-go-lucky.”

He has a masters in information technology from the St. Paul University in Tuguegarao. Trying to make both ends meet, before his current teaching position at Northwestern University, he worked as merchandiser, and then supervisor at a gas station He now finds inspiration from his two children, a boy and a girl.

Q&A with Alvin Cariaso

What sparked your passion for photography?

I started photography in Sept 2012. I had difficulties in setting the camera because I don’t have formal education in photography. I bought a camera for personal use. I’m a hobbyist. I used to play with remote-controlled helicopters and planes. My cousin, who was doing photography, brought me along to his wedding shoots until the time that I was given my own chance to shoot, but without pay. I always got laughed at by my cousin, so every time I would go home from school, because I also teach at Northwestern University, I stay on the net to learn from YouTube tutorials. I mustered courage to ask one of my students if we could shoot. That was the pilot testing of the photography skills I gained from YouTube. I didn’t even know how to edit  back then. One of my relatives was getting married and offered to hire me as photographer. Minimum charge lang and a collaboration with my photographer cousin. I consider it a failure. I didn’t finish the layouts ‘coz my cousin lost the files. After that, I decided to move on and told myself — it is time to stand on my own two feet. I hired talents with gadgets, ‘pag may offer, til I was able to invest in new equipment.

What is Lente Iloco all about?

Lente Iloco is a photography and videography group that caters to any occasion for Ilocanos.

Do you enjoy your work?

Much.

Do you always have a camera with you even on ordinary days?

Yes, especially when I travel.

Portraiture or landscape photography?

Portraiture.

What can you tell photographers who are just starting?

Be creative, be yourself, be a natural. Never stop innovating. Be a warrior. In everything we do, dapat may tiyaga.

Alvin’s Work

A package arrives. I open it. Loveliness. It’s Ace and Kit’s self-published book of beautiful photos that capture their very heart and art.

I browse through the pages. I see the first line from a post in this blog.

“A match made in heaven. I’m referring to husband and wife team Ace and Kit Mandac’s mutual artistry and propensity for fine taste.” (Full story here).

Happiness is when you see something and a tear rolls down. I’m happy for Ace and Kit. And Ava. The words in the line are the most accurate words for the couple. I’m not exactly close to them, but respect and admiration for what they are, what they do, and how they treat people in an utmost professional manner, whether clients or not, has brought them close to my heart. Their good taste is more than skin-deep… the loveliness in them both.

Loveliness is about Inspiration and Dedication. It’s also about the couple’s journey as artists.

Visit Ava’s on Gen. Segundo Ave (Bacarra Road), if you need to order a copy.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Twenty-two year old Khervin John Gallandez is one of the kids who at a pretty young age have already figured out what they want to become later in life. He remembers — “As early as seven years old, I would fill the back of my aunt’s thesis draft papers with doodles and cartoon characters.” Back then, his fascinations were Dragon Ball Z and the work of Philippine Star editorial cartoonist Rene Aranda.

Khervin went to the Laoag Gabaldon Elementary School for his elementary education and for his secondary education the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades. Among his frustrations are the lack of a fine arts school in the province and the little availability of art supplies locally.

The young artist has the full support of his parents, George and Cristy. Darwin Co, the owner of Topside Marketing, who has given him space inside the custom framing store says of Khervin, “He is talented and his artworks are very detailed.”

I went to visit him at his shop this afternoon.

Q&A with Khervin Gallandez

Describe your art?

Random. I draw what I like. I can’t be stuck in one genre.

What inspires you as an artist?

The cultures of different peoples. Rembrandt and Michaelangelo, I also like classical.

What colors are you drawn to?

Vivid colors. And monochrome.

Describe how it is to be a struggling artist in the province.

It is an independent thing. If only there were more art events and venues to promote local art. I’ve joined the Sama Summer workshops by the city government in the past. Samtoy Books has displayed some of my work which include an acrylic painting in memoriam of Robin Williams. I am hoping to be able to have my own exhibit in the future.

How have your clients discovered your art?

The social network is a big help to promote my art.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

I was commissioned by a client to do an artwork of Mrs. Imelda Marcos as a gift to her for her birthday.

Did she like it?

I heard she liked it.

What is keeping you here in Ilocos? Have you ever considered moving to another place for greener pastures?

There is no place like Ilocos. I prefer to live here.

What other things interest you?

Photography and reading books about the culture and politics of other countries.

What other things are you passionate about?

Animal welfare and animal rights.

Khervin shares some of his memorable moments…

and photos from his phone.

Khervin Gallandez does tattoo design, portraits, abstract expression, illustration, colored pencil design calligraphy, logo design and more. Find him at his space at Topside Marketing, General Luna St., Laoag City or contact him through his numbers: 0916 7988904/ 0923 1227058, or his Facebook page (here).

All photos of Khervin Gallandez at his Topside studio by Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

A plain chocolate lover will know what is a good chocolate. And “a good chocolate comes from good beans,” says the Puentespina family of the Puentespina farms in Malagos, Davao, producers of single origin, tree to bar Malagos Chocolates.

In the time of the FoodPrints Davao taping, I meet the Puentespina matriarch, Charita, a fervent and sprightly lady, who herself inspires. One day I see her at the farm, showing us around the cacao farm and another day I see her in girl scout senior uniform, cutting up durian at their gentrified space in the city.

The Puentespina Farm covers 24 hectares of land. Maximizing land use with a diversified setup, they grow Grade A Trinitario cacao beans (a crossbreed between Criollo and Forastero) and a variety of flowers and fruits, raise goats and make artisan cheese.

Says Discover magazine, “A cacao tree produces tiny, dime-size flowers on its trunk, a strategy called cauliflory. Once pollinated, a flower will take up to six months to develop into a mature pod. Fewer than 5 percent of all cacao flowers bear fruit.”

Mucilage (pulp) is cleaned off the cacao beans with the aid of sawdust.

Tita Charita says, to sustain livelihood with communities, they’ve also tried exporting to global chocolate brands such as Mars, Inc. Their very own brand, Malagos Chocolate, developed by son Rex, makes premium raw, untreated 100% pure chocolate and 65% dark chocolate, meant for the dark chocolate lover and a suitable couverture for baking.

I can’t bake nor am I a farmer, so I can’t be too technical with their chocolate’s characteristics. But from what I saw, the methods they use are healthy and at par with fair present-day standards.

I’ve just eaten the last rectangle from the couple of dark chocolates I bought from the chocolate counter at Malagos Farmhouse. Very robust and smooth, it has complex flavors of wood, nuts, aged red wine and slightly tangy fruit.

The visit was such a treat.

Cacao fermentation.The solar dryer.Cacao seedlings.

My best ever  hot extra rich chocolate drink made from tableya was at the Puentespina vacation house, located at the Puetespina Farm in the Baguio District of Davao.

*With special thanks to Mrs Charita Puentespina, Dr. Bo Puentespina, Vault, Ruben Neri and FoodPrints with Chef Sandy Daza.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Her working table at home before going to office, after office and during weekends. A typical Ilocano, she works everyday. Photo and caption by Melvyn Calderon

Admired for her integrity as a journalist, Glenda Gloria was named by the British Embassy one of the 8 United Kingdom Education Ambassadors to be formally awarded and presented on October 25 at the Great Ball, Manila Peninsula, in celebration of Philippine-British Friendship.

Glenda, was a British Chevening Scholar with a master’s degree in political sociology from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

With daughter Leona (above) and mom Linda Gloria (in next photo). Photos courtesy of Melvyn Calderon

One of the two daughters of Ilocano educator Erlinda Gloria, Glenda spent her elementary years in Holy Spirit Academy of Laoag and her high school years in MMSU Laboratory High School, Laoag, before earning her degree in journalism from the University of Santo Tomas, all through the Marcos years.

According to her Rappler profile as managing editor, revolutions and transitions shaped her career and temperament as a journalist. She worked for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and for international news agencies. In the dying days of the Estrada administration, she co-founded Newsbreak, which started as a weekly news magazine and became one of the Philippines’ leading investigative reporting organizations.

From 2008 to January 2011, she managed ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, as its chief operating officer. Under her management, ANC grew its revenues 400% and acted as the harbinger of new initiatives for the ABS-CBN news group. She played a key role in harnessing social media for the network’s 2010 election coverage.

The books she’s written include Under the Crescent Moon: Rebellion in Mindanao with Marites Dañguilan-Vitug, a groundbreaking book on the conflict in Mindanao that won the National Book Award. In 2011, she wrote The Enemy Within: An Inside Story on Military Corruption with Aries Rufo and Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza.

Read Rappler’s story here.

Glenda and London classmates meet ex-UK prime minister Tony Blair. Photo courtesy of Melvyn Calderon.

With very special thanks to Melvyn Calderon

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014