Their parents send their children to Philippine schools, first and foremost, to learn English. Credits to our quality English-based education, which is cheaper compared to the rates being offered by their own country.

Not only Korean students are being sent to the Philippines for a purpose. At present, Korean companies and factories are built and established in various provinces, like Cavite, for the research and development, manufacturing, and marketing of Korean electronics and technology products. This is somehow good for the local economy because thousands of Caviteños work for these industries, giving them the opportunity to get a stable job and earn a living for their families.

Mitsuwa Chemical Co., Ltd. at the Cavite Economic Zone-PEZA, Rosario, Cavite

The holding of the Korea Electronic Show 2011 on October 12-15, 2011 is timely and relevant as members of the Cavite Economic Zone-PEZA community need to continue searching for more alternatives to grow their industries, not only for themselves, but for the benefit of their employees, workers, and clients as well.

The event’s theme, “Be Smart,” showcases the convergence between software and hardware, and its application to further improve our lives. This show is expected to widen the electronic and technology industries of Korea and its partner-countries such as India, Russia, Canada, Japan, China, Indonesia, and other neighboring countries.

And to make it more exciting, Smartphone app will be released soon for KES 2011 participants, so they can register online and get updates about Korea’s biggest electronics show this year.

Visit the Korea Electronics Show 2011 website at http://www.kes.org and/or like them on Facebook and Twitter for more details.

I rode a passenger jeepney with Tagaytay-Silang signboard and begged the driver to drop me by at Ilog Maria, Km.47 to be exact, as the map says in their website. I thought I was lost but when the driver said it was time for me to jump off, I was relieved, especially when I saw this sign.

This way to Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms

I was supposed to take a tricycle ride but when I asked a man I came across with, he said it was okay to walk because it was just nearby. So I went on. 5 minutes later, I was still on the dirt road. I happened to see another lady, around 30 years old or older and asked if Ilog Maria is “walkable,” then she said it was just at the end of the road, so I patiently walked and made the best out of everything I encountered on the way. Oh, well, I loved the natural setting: the greenery, the rays of the sun, the presence of a carabao, a family of goats, and some roosters, and of course, the breath of fresh air.

This dirt road is longer than you think; it's 700 meters long

When I reached the dead end, finally I saw the farm I have been looking for. The security guard welcomed me with all smiles and guided me to the store. I asked him if I could take pictures and he said yes, again with all smiles.

This is where you buy Ilog Maria products, but they prefer clients to buy online

At first, I thought I was the only customer to go there on a Sunday. I was surprised at the moment I saw more than five private vehicles parked on the assigned lot and a great number of buyers in the store. As I saw it, they were like panic-buying, with all the items they put in their shopping baskets. And take note, they seemed to be members of Class A, so I concluded that Ilog Maria is really well-known—the fact that clients from this class make effort to regularly purchase from here.

Buying personally from their store is more convenient for me than purchasing online. First, because of my residence’s proximity to their one and only store, and second, because prices offline are cheaper than that stated in the website.

My emergency shopping experience at Ilog Maria was fun. Actually, I bought more than what I wrote in my shopping list. With all the products available on display, you have no choice but overwhelm  yourself.

Ilog Maria products

Bee Pollen as energizer, fat burner, natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes

Throat Spray (anti-viral, antibacterial, and antioxidant) freshens breath, eases sore throat, quiet smoker's cough, and keeps gums healthy

Lip Balm made of beeswax, honey, and propolis

Bee Propolis as immune system booster; for asthma, cough, colds, fever, flu, gout, rheumatism, and and allergies

Spearmint Soap as a mild exfoliant and relief for skin asthma

Other products are pure honey, scented candles, aromatherapy/massage oils, etc.

The actual Ilog Maria honeybee farm

All the ingredients they use are natural

Ilog Maria also has a museum for visitors who want to know more about beekeeping. You may find familiar boxes where bees are kept for honey production. The museum is clean and organized, however, I suggest that Ilog Maria (I hope they read this) display more information and crafts about beekeeping, honey-making, and the benefits of using honey in everyday life. In addition, I know Ilog Maria is a family business, so why not showcase its origin and how they evolve to be popular all over Cavite and other neighboring towns.

Ilog Maria Museum

Models of bee hives and factories of honey

An actual bee hive: here you can see how bees make honey

They are as busy as they are! Bees in the house, yo!

I am busy as they were as I am writing this post now ♥

I find them sooooooo cute! Can I pet them?

As I was enjoying my stroll around the farm, I noticed some ladies all occupied with what they were doing so I took a look and found out that they are the ones who manually process the items being sold by Ilog Maria.

The small factory where Ilog Maria products are processed

The reason why Ilog Maria does not open other branches in other places, and limit online purchases per customer, is that they want to make sure that their products meet the standards to satisfy their customers. As we all know, producing honey takes time. We do not want to buy items with extenders and fake ingredients, right? For this, I want to commend Ilog Maria for providing their customers with affordable, effective, and quality products.

I left the store before 6pm as I did not want to be on the dirt road when it was already dark. Remember, I had to walk again. When I got to the gate, I passed by this sign board and took note of the time and days that they are open, as I plan to come back here when I ran out of supplies. Thank goodness, they are always open on weekends.

Please note that they are closed on Mondays

While walking, I noticed this wind pump, which are used extensively on farms and ranches to generate energy (Source: Wikipedia). It is still on the property of Ilog Maria. I was waiting for it to face my direction but it never happened. Therefore, the wind was coming from the northeast. Okay, I was just pretending to be a scientist or a weather forecaster, so tell me if I was wrong.

Wind Pump in Ilog Maria, Silang, Cavite

Again, I was on the long and winding dirt road. How I wished a prince riding on a black stallion would fetch me up and bring me to my destination—which was Aguinaldo Highway.

Alone again naturally...along the long and winding road

Upon arriving at home, I hurriedly took a photo of what I bought, before my camera ran out of batteries. For documentation, these were my chosen items.

My purchased items worth Php 550.00

Spearmint Soap = Php 60.00
Honey Propolis Throat Spray (Php 75.00) x 2 = Php Php 150.00
Lip Balm (Php 65.00) x 2 = Php 130.00
Bee Pollen = Php 100.00
Bee Propolis = Php 110.00

So far, all the products I bought are effective in treating my dry cough, skin asthma, and chapped lips. I also regained the energy I lost after dealing with asthmatic bronchitis.

If you find this post helpful and you are interested in purchasing from Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms, you can visit them at:

ILOG MARIA HONEYBEE FARMS
Km. 47, Silang, Cavite
Tel/Fax no. (046)865-0018
www.ilogmaria.com

Tierra de Maria Haven Of Meditation and Enrichment, Tagaytay City

Before, I thought that Tierra de Maria is just another church in Tagaytay City, but never did I know that it is also a place for healing. Millions of Marian devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from all walks of life come to visit Tierra de Maria because they believe in the healing power of God through the intercession of Mama Mary.

We—my Mom, Aunt Dada and I—got the chance to be prayed over by Bro. Jiggers Alejandrino. He demonstrated the strength of Mandala Healing. I willingly volunteered. I can’t explain how he did it, but everyone from the crowd, including me, was stunned in awe. I even experienced this unexplainable strength that enabled me to lift Bro. Jiggers in his full weight. Because we were convinced, Mom and I bought a bottle each of Tierra de Maria’s healing oil and Water of Life, while my aunt also bought the healing oil.

Experience Mama Mary’s powerful intercession and witness God’s mercy and love through miracles and answered prayers, especially spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical healing. For more details, you can logon to www.mamamary.com.ph or e-mail at mamamary@mamamary.com.ph. You can also contact them at:

Mama Mary’s Movement Foundation, Inc.
Tierra de Maria, Nature’s Park, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Tel. nos. (046)8601942 / (0917)3286279

One of these days, I will give you my image that will draw millions of my children. -Mama Mary

Read more here: P-Noy inaugurates ‘Cavitex’ | The Philippine Star News Business.

It was my first time to meet with the group, except for Ada and Mica, who I already knew in the first years of my blogging career. It is really cool to gain new friends, especially when all of them have the same interest as yours.

The ferry which brought us from the CCP Bay Terminal to Corregidor Island

We arrived at the island in 1.15 hours via the Sun Cruises’ ferry and were transferred to the famous Corregidor tranvia for the island tour and adventure challenge.

Ada, Leo & Chinchan before the Corregidor Tram

The PTB members, guided by Sir Ivan and the Sun Cruises staff gave us heads up to the Battery Way, where we took some photos of the cannons used by the American and Filipino soldiers during World War II, against Japanese invaders. We were also instructed to wear our free adventure challenger’s shirts here.

The Battery Way

Traveling Nicely on a WWII fortress cannon

After the game orientation, we were divided into two groups: the red and orange teams. Team Horse (red) was composed of Ada Lajara, Marinelle de Leon, Ca de Ramos, Leo Reyman, Lloyd Lostboy and Marcos Caratao; while Team Jumshot (orange) included Ian dela Peña, Chinchan Lakwatsero, Ivan Cultura, Mica Rodriguez, Aleah Phils and me.

PTB members, a.k.a. the Corregidor Adventure Challengers

Gun start. Taking pictures during the game proper was as hard as remembering all the details, so here’s the blow-by-blow shots I (and the others) had while running here, trekking there, going up and down hills and tunnels.

Team Horse and Team Jumpshot listening very carefully to the game rules

Ivan going down the underground staircase for the next first scroll of clue

This way to the Battery Smith. Team Jumpshot looking for the second clue

Team Jumshot doing the mental game at the Red Cross Hospital

After finding the next clue, the two teams hurried to the next destination

Ian, Marinelle, and Marcos at the Duck Walk Tunnel

The Japanese Tunnel was the hardest part for me

Brainstorming and nosebleeding to get to the next level

We passed by the Corregidor Sundial Clock

Chinchan of Team Jumshot and Marinelle of Team Horse during another challenge

The Corregidor Lighthouse (Find me!)

Solving the jigsaw puzzle

Team Jumpshot emerged as the Corregidor Adventure Challenge winning team!

The Corregidor Adventure Challenge was indeed a great experience for me, as a first timer. I bet I wouldn’t have the same adrenaline rush if I chose the regular day tour. I hope to bring my family and friends here for some bonding moments, or my officemates for our team-building activity. Thank you also to my new friends, PTB members, for bravely facing and surmounting this challenge with me. I enjoyed it BIGTIME!

Experiencing Corregidor Zipline

Special thanks to Mr. Ivan Henares and Sun Cruises for the great opportunity, and to my fellow PTBs Mica, Aleah, Ada, Ian, and Kuya Ferdz of www.ironwulf.net, for lending me your pictures.

Interested to go to Corregidor Island? You may contact them through their website, www.corregidorphilippines.com. And for the adventure challenge, you may go here.

Since Silang-Tagaytay is a familiar route for us, we didn’t have any problem with directions. Here’s the list of the churches we visited.

Parokya ng Mabuting Pastol, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

Parokya ng Mabuting Pastol is a favorite, not only because two of my closest friends had their wedding rites here, but also because of its accessibility and proximity. It is located just in front of SM Mall-Dasmariñas City, and actually the most decent church from our place. I say “most decent” because, honestly, I don’t like the atmosphere in our church in General Mariano Alvarez (babies crying, teenagers flirting, and oldies looking here and there). Here, you can feel the silence as you pray.

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Silang, Cavite

It was my first time at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. I have been hearing about this church from family and friends, but got the chance to visit it just now. It has a wide lot area, where you can do the Stations of the Cross, walk around, and enjoy the fresh, windy air and the chirping of the birds. One thing I noticed is that there are no confession rooms—the confessor and the priest do the sacred process, seated on the wooden pews inside the church—yet the conversations, looking from afar, seemed very sincere and personal. And for the record, Cousin Allan told me that the isle is perfect for my wedding march. Ok, NOTED.

Angels' Hills Retreat and Formation Center, Tagaytay City, Cavite

Our next destination was the Angels’ Hills Retreat and Formation Center. I have been at Pink Sisters for a couple of times already, but I never knew a church like Angels’ Hills existed, until now. It is just a small chapel, but God! I love the interior; it is truly beautiful! The dark wooden furniture and fixtures complement the brightness coming from the outside, providing a perfect ambiance for worship and reflection.

Pink Sisters Chapel, Tagaytay City, Cavite

As I expected, the Pink Sisters’ Chapel was crowded again. A lot of parishioners from all walks of life regularly visit here, even on regular Sundays. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Cavite, not to mention the well-maintained gardens and landscape around the convent.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay City, Cavite

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is my church, for the main reason that she is my patron saint. I used to have asthma in my toddler years; Mommy devoted me to Our Lady of Lourdes at The Grotto (in fact, we are heading tomorrow to visit her shrine in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan), bathed me with the holy spring water, and now I am as healthy as I should be. Since then, I consider Our Lady of Lourdes, no matter the location, as my Angel, always watching over and protecting me from all kinds of sickness and harm.

Tierra de Maria Haven of Meditation and Enrichment, Tagaytay City, Cavite

Tierra de Maria Haven and Meditation and Enrichment is not an ordinary church. It is a place for healing, asking for forgiveness, and seeking inner peace. In fact, I, along with Mommy and Auntie Dads, were given the chance to meet Bro. Jiggers G. Alejandrino, a healing priest, and he prayed over us to heal our illnesses. Bro. Jiggers also demonstrated the power of the Mandala Energy, with me as the volunteer, while believers and spectators watched. We ended up buying bottles of healing oil and holy water, which could only be effective to flash out all the negative energies and diseases from the body if you have strong faith in God.

Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish, Tagaytay City, Cavite

I have read about this church on the internet some time ago. Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish is the counterpart of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, and Wednesday and Sunday are the busiest days here, as hundreds of devotees come here for thanksgiving and prayers.

Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Parish, Silang, Cavite

Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Parish is one of the oldest and biggest church in Cavite. It follows the conventional, conservative way of celebrating the Holy Mass; that is why most of its mass hearers are of the elder population. I have been here once, but it was only last yesterday that I got to appreciate its grandiose architecture.

Maybe it seemed to you that I focused mainly on observing, taking pictures and enjoying the trip. I just want to make it clear that I did not forget to thank God for all the blessings, mourn for Jesus Christ’s death to save us from sins, and ask forgiveness to be able to forgive others. I prayed for my good health, and that of my family and friends as well. And I also have a very personal prayer, which will remain as a secret until God grants it. I believe he will, in God’s perfect timing.

Me, Mommy, Auntie Dads, & Cousin Allan

This is where I end my Visita Iglesia. Let us always be reminded that God is good all the time. Two more minutes and it’s Sunday. Happy Easter to all!

The Corregidor Lighthouse

I got this photo when I joined Mr. Ivan Henares of Ivan About Town and Sun Cruises‘ Corregidor Adventure Challenge with other Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTB) members. I love lighthouses and I never let any chance pass whenever I see one during my out-of-town travels. I am fascinated by how they were designed, structured, and olden by time.

Corregidor Lighthouse, in a wider view

Since my family moved here in 1993, I have been exploring the place and find myself fascinated in every single day. I just thought of building a site that will showcase its food, tourism, and trade industries, hoping that I would be of great help.

Finally, it’s here. Read my blogs and get to know Cavite better; its history, traditions, people, and wonderful destinations.