A President’s Home

IMG_1952

My last vacation to the Philippines gave me chance to take a lot of pictures. This picture is the house that belongs to our late President Ramon Magsaysay. It is now a historic house in Castillejos, Zambales. As you may observed, the architecture is based on Spanish design. The windows were made of capiz shells, typical at that time. The terrace is sorrounded with balusters made of turned wood. It seems humble enough for a President’s standard but it is stately and it makes me feel proud of my heritage especially I came from the same province.

Incidentally, Castillejos is also well known for jicama or singkamas as we call it. Every summer, there will be plenty of vendors of this thirst-quencher root. Every bus or car that stops at the town will be swarm by vendors of jicamas which is really good because they are not only cheap but also crunchy and sweet.

Similar Posts

  • Roast Pig/Lechon

    We attended a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party last Saturday at Ewa Beach and the focus of attention is this wonderful, succulent, crunchy roast pig or lechon. Lechon is from the Spanish word “leche” which means milk. Piglets or suckling pigs are normally used for roasting back then. But I have actually seen on Travel Channel…

  • Makapuu Lighthouse

    I have to say I like lighthouses. I collect pictures and figurines of lighthouses all over. I even made a painting of the Diamond Head lighthouse. This picture was taken sometime ago from the Makapuu beach side when we went sightseeing which started from the Hanauma Bay through Bellows AFB. The Makapuu lighthouse reminds me…

  • Stick Art

    I took this photo at the Honolulu Academy of Arts during their exhibition of the Stick Art Show. So primitive yet fascinating to look at. I actually took several photos with my son Alex on it. It’s quite an experience for him. The sticks evokes childhood memories growing up in a rural area in the…

  • The American Flag

    The American Flag is flying half mast today because today is the day of Remembrance of what happened 10 years ago in New York. It seems only yesterday. I was watching it on TV when it happened and I thought it was just a movie where we are being attacked by Aliens or Terrorists. And…

  • Mangroves

    Mangroves are very important in our ecosystem. Their roots are habitats of almost all species of fish and crustaceans. Oysters, barnacles and algae all make mangroves their home. Shrimps and lobsters also stay in the muddy bottoms of the mangrove forests. Mangroves have adapted to their harsh environment like low oxygen, salt intake and water…

  • Water Fountain

    Water fountains serve not only as a decorative object in your home but also symbolizes peace and tranquility. In Feng Shui, it would mean a positive energy in your home. If you place it in your backyard, it would be a place where backyard creatures can drink and play, like the birds and the butterflies….