Planning to Visit the Philippines Soon?

There are hundreds of tourists attractions in the Philippines. But as a lover of the Island of Marinduque (Home of the Morions and Heart of the Philippines), I am indeed partial to its beauty, charm and its friendly and hospitable residents. Therefore, help me achieve my dream of seeing this island becomes a world tourist destination, by telling all your friends and relatives about this site. Welcome, to you all, new readers and faithful followers of this site! The photo above is Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos, Marinduque with beautiful and majestic Mt Malindig in the background. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringing your copyrights.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

A Short Video for your Inspiration


I was searching for old videos in my blogs. I found this one dated September 14, 2010. I found it very timely after reading the other day in my FB page about a group that is raising money for pancreatic cancer research. I hope you find this article very inspiring. I will be happy to hear from you with your comments.



"Today's news featured the widow of Dr Randy Pausch who died of pancreatic cancer about two years ago. The news reminded me of his original video-The Last Lecture about three years ago. The whole video is available in the web but it is too long. So, I think this 10 minute video from the Oprah Wimprey show will also inspire you and reminds you of his memory and will be an easy read. Viewing this video will not take too much of your time. Enjoy and be inspired!

Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

On September 18, 2007, Carnegie Mellon professor and alumnus Randy Pausch delivered a one-of-a-kind last lecture that made the world stop and pay attention. It became an Internet sensation viewed by millions, an international media story, and a best-selling book that has been published in 35 languages. To this day, people everywhere continue to talk about Randy, share his message and put his life lessons into action in their own lives.

Randy died July 25, 2008, at the age of 47. May He Rest in Peace, Amen"

Personal Note:In this video Randy said that after finishing his Ph.D.,his Mom introduced him to all their relatives and friends this way,"This is my son who is now a doctor, but he doesn't help people".

This reminded me of my wife's introduction to all our relatives and friends after I graduated with my Ph.D degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1964. You may call my husband a doctor now, the kind that does not have a stethoscope". My wife informed me this is an easier way of trying to explain what my Ph.D.in Pharmaceutical Chemistry means to all our relatives and friends.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Macrine's 80th Birthday Celebration

Macrine, Me and her birthday cake

The day started at 3AM when Macrine woke up with chest pain, headaches and gasping for air. I gave her an aspirin. I try to massage the area that is painful and she complained it hurts. I waited until 4AM and decided to bring her to the emergency room of the Mercy Hospital San Juan Branch. As soon as we arrived, an EKG was taken. It took about 15 minutes to learn that her EKG was normal. Then they took a chest Xray and Laboratory tests including urine. At 8:00 AM while waiting for the results, I was able to talk to the doctor. I informed him that today is Macrine's 80th Birthday and we are expecting about 25 guests at 2PM. The doctor answered that I am glad I told him otherwise he will order more tests and we may not be able to go home before 2PM. At exactly 9AM we were allowed to go home with suggestion that we follow Macrine's treatment with our primary care physician. All the tests were negative and Macrine did not suffer a heart attack.

At 11AM, my daughter Dinah ( she coordinated the party) arrived and started set-up. At 2:15PM most of the guests had arrived except for my nephew ( from Australia-My name sake)who is a professional videographer. There were lots of food-honey baked ham, chicken macaroni salad, potato souffle, variety of salads, sushi, green salads, Hawaiian rolls, sweet rice cake and drinks. I was planning to buy pancit from the Pinoy store in the morning- long life symbolism, but I was tired from our 5-hour experience at the emergency room. Ditas brought the delicious birthday cake from Safeway. So, this a Pinoy party with only one Pinoy dish. Very unusual indeed!

The surprise of the party was the arrival of Dan and Nilda(Valdez)Johnson from Modesto. Dan and Nilda were long time friends from Modesto since 1968. The Johnsons gave Macrine a dozen dark red roses. Dave Katague arrived at 3PM, time to serve the cake. More photo and video sessions. Carenna sang( with guitar) two songs for her Lola( thank you, little Pangga). Our Italian-American neighbor and Casino buddy, Lina Edison, sang O Solo Mio in Italian. Lanie and Alex Chalfin with their two kids( Wesley and Samantha) arrived with sushi and rice cake. The last guests to arrive were Yuka and Yuri Maeda( daughters of Jean) with Yuka's husband, Alex.

At about 5:30 PM Macrine was getting tired and took her medications then went to take a nap. By 6PM all the guests were gone with the exception of my oldest grandson Ian Katague King. Ian and Dave ( my nephew) spent almost 5 hours talking about videos and photography. Dave is scheduled to fly home to Sydney, Australia tonight.

Yesterday was indeed a day to remember. Again Happy Birthday-My Love. Macrine and I are now in our 59th year of marital bliss. Again thanks to all our relatives and friends who made Macrines' 80th birthday a success. In addition my special thanks to all who sent their birthday greetings to Macrine in my Face Book page.

Please read my FB page for videos and more photos during Macrine's 80th birtday celebration.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Some of My Favorite Sunset Photos

Taken from the Balcony of the Beach House

The following are some of the sunset photos I have in my collections taken in Western Marinduque. Most of the photos were taken very close to the Chateau Du Mer Beach House in Amoingon in Boac.





















Do you have a favorite photo? I really love sunsets! Sunset time is my favorite time of the day in Marinduque.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Things to Do in Marinduque



There are numerous things to do in Marinduque during your vacation. But the following nine items are my recommendations:

1.Beach combing, snorkeling, bathing , scuba diving and sunset watching
This photo was taken at the balcony of the Beach House. Note that low tide is starting and the corals are starting to stick out also.



2.Caves Exploration-Spelunking. There are two caves worthy of exploration-Bathala in Santa Cruz and Tarug in Mogpog. The Bathala Cave consist of eight other caves. One of the caves has a resident python. Photo by Flickr.com



Resident Python-photo by 4.bp.blogspot.com

3.Island Hopping- The Tres Reyes Islands Marine Sanctuary, Polo and Maniwaya Islands.
This is Maniwaya island being develop as an alternative to Boracay, photo by panoramnio.com



4.Shopping for Morion masks and native handicrafts- nito products, wood carvings and potteries. This is a nito handbag, a popular gift item. Photo by handicrafts.org



5.Trip Around the Island-Sulfur and Hot Springs, Poctoy White Beach and Mt Malindig
This is Poctoy White Beach with Mt Malindig in the background in Torrijos, the most popular beach in the province.



6.Partaking and Enjoying the island delicacies- Ginatan na Manok sa Gata, bibingka, kare-kare and ulang-ulang soup. Photo of bibingka by wikimedia.org, yum, yum, it is delicious.



7.Join or just watch the Moriones Festival during Holy Week. Women Moriones Participants-photo by etravelpilipinas.com



8.Visit 400 year-old churches, ( Boac, Gasan and Santa Cruz )and antique homes in downtown Boac. This is one of the many antique houses in downtown Boac. This one is owned by my sister-in-law, Mrs Siony Jambalos. It is located just across the Boac Hotel.

The Green Mansion photo by Dong Ho

9.Watch colorful butterflies (in the butterfly farms) or native birds ( bird watching) in the foothills of Mt. Malindig. This is a monarch butterfly. Photo by howdididoit.com

Monday, March 21, 2016

Four of My Favorite Classical Music-An Update



It has almost been a year when I posted four of my favorite classical pieces. Today it is high time to listen to classical music, just a break from reading my photo travels and war memories and about what is going on in Marinduque. Listening to classical music lowers my blood pressure and relaxes me and I forget all the problems of the world. How about you, do you have any favorite classical music? Does classical music relaxes you? Or are you bored and prefer rock and roll or Lady Gaga's music? I have Lady Gaga's music in my older post in this site also.

Tchaikovsky-None But the Lonely Heart
Do not forget to listen to other pieces in this set.


Shoztakovich-Romance (From the Gadfly)
There are other pieces in this set that is worth listening to.


Rachmaninov- Rhapsody from the Theme of Paganini

Chopin Waltz-Grand Valse Brillante

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Another Excellent Video from TED Talks

The Five Nieva-Jambalos Sisters
I like to share this video about Happiness and Good Health. The subject of Relationship was just one of the topics, that my visiting nephew from Australia and I had discussed recently. If you are not happy with your life, perhaps watching this video is the best 12 minutes that you have spent watching videos in the web.


In case you are not familiar with TED Talks, visit this site: Browse TED Talks | TED.com
https://www.ted.com/talks

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Four Living David Katague's of the World

David Efren, David Balleza and David E III Katagues
Kirk David Katague

Just recently I had a surprise visit from my nephew from Australia. His name is Dave Katague, only son of my brother Efren Katague( Australia). His visit triggers memories of my father, David Jamili Katague, great, great grandson of Don Manuel Javellana and Dona Gertrudes Lopez. http://javellana.wordpress.com

When Dave Katague( nephew from Australia) posted our picture of the 3 David Katagues in the world, one of my other nephew named Kirk David Katague( son of my other brother, Ruben ( Bacolod City, Philippines) mentioned that he should be the number 4, since he was also named after his Lolo. Thus I am writing a short vignettes of the four still living David Katagues of the world. My spouse of 59 years told me that all the David Katagues are good looking men. Do you agree? If so let me know or just clicked the LIKE button.

1. David B. Katague (ME): Read the following site for my professional career: http://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2008/08/professional-career-of-david-b-katague.html

2. David Efren Katague( nephew from Australia) https://vimeo.com/davekatague and has a Face Book Page

3. My son the 3rd David Katague is a Transportation Security Officer, TSA in Sacramento, since 2005. His former employment were at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Senior Information Technology Consultant from Sep 1997 - Feb 2002. Before that he was a Policy Analyst at the Executive Office of the President from Aug 1992 to Sept 1995.

He has two degrees as follows: From Carnegie Mellon University with a Masters Degree in Public Policy & Public Management(1986 - 1988) and from University of California, Davis with a Bachelor Science degree in Agricultural & Managerial Economics(1982 - 1986). He does not have a Face Book page.

4. Kirk David Katague,( nephew from the Philippines) https://www.facebook.com/shevid.cerbokatague?fref=ts

Kirk David is 28 yrs old and will be turning 29 this November. He is five feet and eleven inches. He is not yet married but will be having a baby boy next month. He is naming him David Zion Katague.

He plans on settling down next year. He studied cookery in Cebu, because he wants to apply in a cruise ship. He said he is very proud to bear the name after his Lolo David.



Here is my response after receiving the above information: Wow, what a coincidence about what you are saying regarding naming your son David Zion. This will insure that the David Katague's name continues. I am 81 years old and pretty soon I will be gone. This indeed good news and you made me very happy. I like to meet you again someday. The last time, I remember meeting you was when you were just a kid in Jaro in Amor's home with your Dad and other members of your family. Say Hello to your DAD and Mom. I will be posting an article about The Four Living David Katagues of the World soon! ( Number 5 coming soon-Congratulations in advance, David Kirk)

For the David Katague genealogy and ancestry see the following article:
http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-great-great-grand-parents-from-my.html

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

A Surprise Visit from My Nephew from Australia


The 3 David Katagues, David Efren, David Balleza and David E III.

One of the most pleasant surprise in my life happened the other day. My nephew from Australia( my name sake) is on business ( his own company) here in the US. He had been to New York for several days and had travel plans for Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The last couple of days he has been communicating via FB that he will be in LA from March 14 to 22 and will spend a couple of days with us. When I opened my FB messages early in the morning at about 6:30AM, here's what I found- a really big surprise. Here's our conversation verbatim:

Dave Katague (Nephew from Australia): Good morning 🏼

ME: Good morning You must be in LA now, Do you still have plans to visit us? David E your first cousin said he could give you a ride from the airport to our house if you arrive late in the Evening from around 10 to 11PM, since he works in the airport. Anyway, give us the date as soon as you have arranged it. David E plans to take off from work, so he could take you around Sacramento. Have you gone to a Casino? Near us is Thunder Valley, similar to the Casinos in Las Vegas in size, decor and number of slots and gambling facilities. We go there twice a month to eat in the several restaurants and played the slots. We plan on taking you there, if you wish.

Dave Katague: Where are you now!

Me: I am at home reading my FB messages.

Dave Katague: Are you free today?

Me:Yes, today is Tuesday. This is our usual day to the Casinos.

Dave Katague: I'm out in front. SURPRISE!

Me: You must be kidding? Come in and have a freshly brewed coffee.

Note: Dave( the only son of my brother, Efren from Australia) is involved with Film, Stills, Design and Animation.
He is driven by the challenge of storytelling through capturing real-time events with photographic and cinematic composition. He also loves creating Movie Titles, VFX, Outro Sequences, Kinetic Typography and Motion Information Graphics. He has his own company doing the above activities.

For more information visit his web site, www.davekatague.com/ or https://vimeo.com/davekatague

Monday, March 14, 2016

Rigodon De Honor Dance- An Update

I was talking to my neighbor the other day about dance and music in the Philippines. She asked me if I have heard of the dance Rigodon de Honor. I told her Macrine and I did participate in the dance in 2001. I told her I have written a short article about the dance on my blog that I am reposting today.

The Grand Entrance and Parade of Participants- Note my matching Barong to Macrine's Terno! Macrine did not used the matching removable butterfly sleeves bolero, since it was a very warm evening.

About fifteen years ago, Macrine and I had the honor to be invited to participate at the Rigodon De Honor dance at the Grand Ball of the May Flower Festival in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines.
Right in the middle of the Dance Promenade

The Rigodon de Honor is an elegant dance which was brought to the Philippines by the Filipinos who returned from their travels abroad during the Spanish era. This dance takes its name from its opening performances at formal affairs such as the President's Inaugural Ball and other Festivals in Philippines and also in other parts of the world. In Marinduque, members of the provincial government, including the Governor and his wife, legislative officials, and other prominent members of the town are usually invited to participate in the Rigodon. Traditionally, a ballroom waltz dance would follow the Rigodon. This particular dance is a form of quadrille which is a historic dance performed usually by four couples in a square formation.

In Marinduque, it is an honor to be invited to participate in the dance. It meant you belong to the high society of the town and recognized as a leader in the community. Macrine and I were invited to dance at the Grand Ball of the May Flower Festival in Boac in May, 2001. At that time Macrine was the President of Marinduque International Inc-a non-profit worldwide organization based in US and Canada whose main goals is to conduct medical mission to the needy in Marinduque every other year. At that time, I also served as acting Treasurer of the organization. For the whole month of May, we (sixteen couples) practiced almost everyday. Near the end of the dance, a part called the CADENA ( it means chain) had to be performed perfectly, otherwise confusion and mayhem could ruined the dance.

As I mentioned above, to be invited to participate in the Rigodon is considered as the subtle way of "branding" certain members of the community to specific social ranks. Usually performed as a party opener, the Rigodon starts off by calling the names of the participants; first the rich and influential who will compose the cabezera or headline followed by the not so popular and lesser ranking dancers who will then form the costados or sideline. The Cabezera's will start the dance movement and then followed by the costados. What a way to brand and assign social ranks in the community!

The following video as danced by the young men and women of the Philippines is an excellent visual description of the dance, costumes and music. Enjoy

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Airplane Services for Marinduque Scheduled for March 23, 2016

Tour of the Bellarocca Resort, 2014

I just read in FB recently that PAL Express has scheduled plane services from Manila to Marinduque starting March 23, 2016 during the Holy Week season, just in time for the Moriones Festival. I hope these services will be permanent. It will be a boost to the province tourism business and may restore the Bellarocca Resort to its original grandeur. Below is an article I wrote last year on the status of Bellarocca Resort. If you have more current news on the airplane services for Marinduque. please let me know.



My post in one of my blogs on the recent news about air plane services from Manila to Marinduque and back received several comments from my readers and Facebook friends. One of the most interesting but sad comment was about the current status of the Bellarocca Resort and Spa in Buenavista. I am reposting this comment for your information.

"Hahaha!!. Are you serious about BellaRoca? I personally visited it in Feb. 2014, thanks to a guest pass from Gov. Carmencita Reyes and its NO RESORT by any stretch of the imagination nor standards. The place is completely rundown! The main "resort" swimming pool was disgusting and filthy; not a single guest would dare enter the pool and who could blame them and the suite pools were covered deep in algae. The place is in dire need of renovation and overhaul; potential visitors ought not be deceived. While Marinduque is a gem of an island to visit - it would be grand to fly in to an airport versus ferry in to the island. The ferry service leaves much to be desired. Dirty, gross and infested with vermin, cockroaches and "basura" (garbage). So indeed yes, it would be lovely to have an airport again, the island of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourist venues have their work cut out for them before GENUINE CHANGE takes place. You can pray all you want to your favorite and beloved patron saints but until the Marinduquenos affect change personally, its all just falling upon deaf ears".

Here's my response:

Hi Anonymous: I am saddened to hear of the current condition of Bellarocca as you described. When we stayed there a couple of years ago, it was at its best and our stay was memorable and magical. I hope with the opening of the airport more tourist will patronize the resort and restore the resort to its status as a five star resort in Marinduque. I do appreciate your comment.

Have you been to Bellarocca recently? Is the above true? Your comments will be appreciated!

Monday, March 7, 2016

Latest Development on the Treatment of Parkinson Disease-2016 Update


A few of our relatives and friends had been asking me how my wife of almost 59 years and I are coping with her Parkinson Disease. As her primary care giver-I can say so far I have survived, but eventually if not sooner, I will need some relief and assistance in taking care of Macrine. At present, I have a prospect of hiring a professional caregiver even for just 8 to 10 hours per week, so I could have some free time and maintain my sanity. If you live in the Sacramento Area and can recommend a caregiver, please let me know.
With regards to Macrine status, I feel her medications is delaying a little bit the progression of the disease. We just got back from vacation in the Philippines. Our plan was for a 90 day vacation, but it was aborted to only 45 days. I blamed this all on the harmful side effects of carbo-levo Dopa. Please continue your prayers and support. Below is an article I wrote about 3 years ago on the latest development on the treatment of PD


My wife was diagnosed with early Parkinson Disease( PD) about six months ago. Today she is taking a carbo-levodopa( Sinemet)combination, 25/100mg to control her hand tremors. Thus, any new developments that may help my wife from the unpleasant and related problems caused by PD really interest me. As you know, today there is no cure for PD. If you have not heard about PD: Parkinson's disease is a degenerative brain disorder, affects more than 1 million Americans. It destroys nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine, which helps control muscle movement. Patients experience shaking or tremors, slowness of movement, balance problems and a stiffness or rigidity in arms and legs.

A recent article written by Kathleen Doheny (HealthDay News) indicated that there are three new drugs that may offer hope to PD patients. These are: Droxidopa, tozadenant and Azilect

In one study, Hauser evaluated the drug droxidopa, which is not yet approved for use in the United States, to help patients who experience a rapid fall in blood pressure when they stand up, which causes light-headedness and dizziness. About one-fifth of Parkinson's patients have this problem, which is due to a failure of the autonomic nervous system to release enough of the hormone norepinephrine when posture changes.

Those on the medicine had a two-fold decline in dizziness and light headedness compared to the placebo group. They had fewer falls, too, although it was not a statistically significant decline.

In a second study, Hauser assessed 420 patients who experienced a daily "wearing off" of the Parkinson's medicine levodopa, during which their symptoms didn't respond to the drug. He compared those who took different doses of a new drug called tozadenant, which is not yet approved, with those who took a placebo. All still took the levodopa.

At the start of the study, the patients had an average of six hours of "off time" a day when symptoms reappeared. After 12 weeks, those on a 120-milligram or 180-milligram dose of tozadenant had about an hour less of "off time" each day than they had at the start of the study.

In another study, Hauser looked at 321 patients with early stage Parkinson's whose symptoms weren't handled well by a medicine called a dopamine agonist, typically the first drug prescribed for Parkinson's patients. During the 18-week study, Hauser assigned them to take either their usual medicine plus an add-on drug called rasagiline (brand name Azilect) or their usual medicine and a placebo.

Azilect is approved for use in patients with early stage disease as a single therapy or as an add-on to levodopa, Hauser said, but not yet as an add-on to dopamine agonists. Those taking the Azilect -- but not those taking the placebo -- improved by 2.4 points on a standard Parkinson's disease rating scale.

Each of the studies was funded by the pharmaceutical company making the particular drug: Chelsea Therapeutics paid for the blood-pressure study; Biotie Therapies Inc., supported the "wearing-off" study; and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries sponsored the Azilect study. Hauser is a consultant for all three companies.
So far the most impressive of the three studies is the use of droxidopa to prevent dizziness and fainting, said Dr. Michael Okun, national medical director of the National Parkinson Foundation and director of the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration.

This is indeed good news for millions who are suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Personal Note: Today, after six weeks on the waiting list, my wife had finally made an appointment with a neurologist specializing in movement disorder associated with PD. To my surprise the neurologist indicated that nicotine and caffeine as well as fruits like blue berries appeared to delay the onset of PD. He also prescribe Azilect as an add-on to Sinemet. He also prescribed my wife to go to a physical therapist to minimize falls and improved gait and walking. He also recommended that she take Vitamen E and C. Finally he recommended that my wife get a brain scan (MRI), just to assure no mild stroke had occurred. One final note: My wife loves this neurologist. He is the only physician that does not tell her to quit smoking. To summarize, the current treatment for PD is three-way:medications, exercise( physical therapy) and diet.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

The Senior's Alphabet- A 2016 Update


We just arrived from our brief 45-days sojourn in our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. Our short stay reminded me of how we are really aging. Macrine's PD is slowed down by medications. However, the side effects of medications is one reason why we have to abort our 90-Day planned vacation at our Seaside Garden Paradise we named Chateau Du Mer. Attached is an article I wrote on my blogs about the Senior's Alphabet. If you are a senior citizens, I am sure you can identify a few of the alphabets. Have Fun and Have a Great Day, wherever you are in this planet-Earth


I found this on the web from an anonymous source, when I was checking my e-mail from an internet Cafe in Makati on our way back to California, after four and a half months of enjoying the sights and sounds of Chateau Du Mer, our winter residence in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. If you are a senior citizen, like me, I am sure you can identify with most of the alphabets. If you are not, your time will come. You can not stop the aging process, but you could slow it down by exercise ( both mind and body), less stress, good food, good friends and a loving family and relatives. Good day to all, my on-line friends.



Seniors' Alphabet

A for arthritis, B for bad back,
C is for chest pains. Perhaps cardiac?

D is for dental decay and decline,
E is for eyesight--can't read that top line.

F is for fissures and fluid retention,
G is for gas (which I'd rather not mention.)

H high blood pressure (I'd rather have low,)
I for incisions with scars you can show.

J is for joints, that now fail to flex,
L for libido--what happened to sex?

Wait! I forgot about K!
K is for my knees that crack when they're bent,
(Please forgive me, my Memory ain't worth a cent.)

N for neurosis, pinched nerves and stiff neck,
0 is for osteo- and all bones that crack.

P for prescriptions, I have quite a few.
Give me another pill; I'll be good as new!

Q is for queasiness. Fatal or flu?
R is for reflux--one meal turns into two

S is for sleepless nights, counting my fears,
T for tinnitus--! hear bells in my ears.

U is for urinary: difficulties with flow,
V is for vertigo, that's "dizzy", you know.

W is worry, now what's going 'round?
X is for X ray--and what might be found.

Y for another year I've left behind,
Z is for zest that I still have my mind.

How many of the alphabets, can you relate to?

Link within

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