Freedom Walk 2012

In an effort to defunct the 3-year stint of freedom climb which is quite too much for local mountains due to a large number of people climbing at the same time, SRMP organized the Freedom Walk 2012 so that mountaineers can still channel their energies into something as worthwhile...

I woke up at 4:10 am and braved the rain as I joined my mountaineering group -Trailmaster Outdoor Group or TMOG meet with the other groups in Luneta...

Some are not even mountaineering group - like the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation.

Overall, there are more than 200 mountaineers who chose to join the walk to say NO TO MASSIVE CLIMB. The group commenced at 7:43 am, a few minutes before the flag raising led by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

But before we go, of course, we took a picture at kilometer 0. A few years back, I didn't know that this is the reference point for all the kilometer markers found around the country.

Good thing that as we start the walk, the heavy downpour subsided to light drizzle, making the weather a little cooler.

 I guess, reasons for joining the walk vary. Some joined for the lack of nothing else to do, some to see how far they can go, some just want to express their love for freedom through a seemingly pointless sacrifice as walking 25 kms under the blistering heat of the sun and scattered rainshowers. As I tread the last few kilometers to the Aguinaldo Shrine with limping legs and blistered toes, my personal reason for joining became clearer. It was a freedom walk from my self-defined boundaries and a statement that I can do anything that I put my heart and faith into. Doing it during the celebration of the nation's independence is an acknowledgement that a progressive Philippines need free citizens who know no boundaries in utilizing their full potential to serve the nation.

HAPPY 114TH FREEDOM DAY PHILIPPINES!

Arugula

I first met this leafy vegetable in Yellow Cab's Dear Darla Pizza...

It has a distinct nutty flavor that takes a short while to getting used to. After that, you'll fall in love with it. 

I attended a salad vegetable gardening seminar conducted by Harbest (check 'em out at www.harbest.com) and arugula seeds are one of their give-aways. I decided to plant this first as I thought it is less sensitive than lettuce. After 6 weeks, I am proud to show off my first ever harvest of arugula leaves.

Vegetable salad is not really my thing. But with my arugula leaves around, I decided to concoct a salad one night and call it a dinner. 

I mixed loose-leaf and iceberg lettuce, carrots, tomato, grapes and of course, the arugula leaves, topped with grated cheese and boiled egg plus corned tuna on the side. For the dressing, I just mixed olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a little honey. I sprinkled a little salt and pepper to taste. It was delectable and yummy, but I still go for a rice diet. I still miss my rice diet :)

Arugula leaf, like most salad vegetable is very low in calorie (1/2 cup of the leaves only amounts to 2 calories, how is that??/!!!) and rich in Vitamin A and C. For more info, you may check http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Produce-440/arugula.aspx.

Hunger Game?

I dream of an agriculturally-rich Philippines.

The country is so blessed with rich soil and a climate that nourishes even the littlest seed to become the richest source of food. Even with its unpredictable and ever-changing moods, I still believe that our weather is better than any of the other places in the world. It is just a big irony to hear people going hungry. It is sad to note that, "Only four out of ten people in the Philippines receive adequate nutrition, according to the latest statistics released by the National Nutrition Council. A national survey conducted by Social Weather Stations reported in June 2010 that 21 percent of the population consistently experience involuntary hunger. Of Filipino children below the age of five, 27 percent are reported as being underweight and underheight, a figure comparable to sub-Saharan Africa." (http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/oct2010/phil-o20.shtml)

I believe that Filipinos are just not persistent enough to fight hunger. We have many excuses and sadly, we always blame it to the government. Yes, they have a role in making sure that the population is well-nourished but we also have our individual responsibility in doing our part to live in dignity.

The key is creativity and industry. Food will not go to your plate. You have to grow it so you can see it in your plate. Figuratively, you grow food by working and earning money to afford the food that other people produce. Literally, you can grow by it yourself.

Again, if there is will, there is a way. Here are some inspirations for people who think that food can only be grown in farms...

wallfood

pechay in tubes  

tomatoes in plant box

eggplant in black bags

Let's quit the hunger game! And may the odds be ever be in our favor! :)

*I'll feature my own garden soon. :)

Living Dangerously

I want to live dangerously again...

Baby steps lead to baby destinations. In order to experience dramatic changes in one's life, one has to take giant leaps, not very calculated mini-steps, but giant leaps. Dangerous, yes, but it is the only way to learn and to fully experience life.

I want to live in faith again... not just in myself but in Him who longs to give me the best. :)