Calle Bistro on 11.11.11, Quality Fun for Everyone

If you love food (and I mean lots and lots of good food :)), pop and rock music, games and adventure and everything in between, read on ……… you’re in for a night filled with sumptuous cuisines, quality fun and excitement ……… all while fully enjoying those things you love. Does this sound thrilling to you? That’s because it really is. It’s seriously exhilarating! Calle Bistro is coming ……… our ticket to experiencing that electrifying moment …… to share with our friends and love ones ……… in an event where food, people, music, games, prizes and adventure will collide ……… into a supernova of FUN. So, book the date …… the collision is happening on 11.11.11. Remember, for boredom and monotonous night out, this is an ELI or extinction level impact. :-)

Calle Bistro is a revolutionized food sale project that would bring together local and foreign cuisines in the metro, particularly in an Open Area in Tomas Morato located within the heart of Quezon City, Metro Manila (Philippines). The food event (and more) will cater to young professionals and food enthusiasts to unwind, socialize and explore the rich oriental and western flavors dominating the Philippine food scene. Promising food retail brands and enterprises will be there to provide a one of a kind food socialization experience where people from different walks of life can get a slice of the world right on their plates.

This is promised to be a night of food adventure and grand time made more special by live bands that will be there to serenade the visitors as they indulge in Calle Bistro …… to fill the air with our favorite music …… while guests are savoring the delicious food dishes featured in the food fair. There will be complimentary drinks to quench our thirst, food-related games to fire-up the night and raffle draws of sponsor items and giveaways for lucky guests …… all to make it a true night of fun, delight and excitement for everyone.

The food lineup includes but not limited to the following: Pinoy Delicacies, Foreign Cuisine, Exotic Dishes, Street Food, Grilled Products, Snacks and Beverages, Coffee and Tea Products, Ready-to-eat Meals and Health and Organic Food.

Swimming and Ultra Light Shore Fishing at Kahawa Beach, Sri Lanka

As a part of our group’s rest and recreation, we decided to make a short swim on one of the many beautiful beaches of southern Sri Lanka last Sunday. Since we were at the Koggala Beach Park the other week, where I did some quick shore fishing as well, it has been suggested by some members to re-visit Kahawa Beach this time. We have been to the nice and highly visited swimming place one time and would like to check it out once again.

Like Koggala Beach, Kahawa Beach is particularly a safe, easily accessible and highly suitable swimming area, even for kids, frequented by many locals due to the natural pool that the rocks on the water several meters away from the beach creates. Basically, the place is offering quality swimming opportunities for families and friends, uninterrupted by the roaring waves pretty normal to most Sri Lankan coastlines. The enclosing rock is serving as a natural breakwater, providing protection for the pool of crystal clear water over fine white sand.

As featured before, Sri Lanka is a beautiful tiny island surrounded by rich waters offering an abundance of white sandy beaches, lush greenery, exciting water adventures and amazing marine ecosystem. It has a very healthy coral reefs and wide oceans providing shelters to numerous varieties of coral and sub tropical fishes and other astounding marine life. Kahawa Beach, though public and not really a top tourists destination, is aptly one of them.

While I have mentioned in my posts some well known and popular beaches in the past such as Hikkaduwa Beach, Unawatuna Beach, Bentota Beach and Koggala Beach, I considered Kahawa as also important and worthy of praises. Its fine white beach and clear blue water pretty much support that statement of mine.

Mixed Bag of Fish Caught Shore Fishing in Sri Lanka

To be able to have a good supply of fish that we can cook for posting here, I see to it that I visit the Playground for some shore fishing action whenever I have time during weekends. You see, freshly caught fish are among the most wonderful ingredients for a really delicious seafood culinary fares. Fish in particular are not just tasty but are really very healthy. It is rich in calcium, potassium, omega 3 fats and many more vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Okay, okay I made the first sentence up. It is just my lame excuse for my fishing obsession. :-) The truth is, fishing, just like cooking is really something I have always wanted to do. For me, being with nature or outdoors during weekends, more especially when shore casting from a lush beach, can provide me with the much needed boost and invigoration, in order to alleviate my tired body and mind from what seem to be a very long weekdays working in a construction project.

Well, I think the above is a good enough reason for the spouse to grant me an absolute permission to regularly go fishing in this foreign land at least during weekends when I am not obliged to work. :-)

Shore Fishing at the Playground in Sri Lanka Continues

As the monsoon season is now fast approaching, the productive fishing spot in Bonnavista, Galle City in southern Sri Lanka which I considered as my Playground will inevitably be unfishable soon. The rainy season is expected to bring lots of water and gusty winds which will create raging sea waves which will continuously pound the said Playground all throughout the monsoon period. As a result, my ultimate passion of shore fishing will simply be not possible due to safety consideration. While there will still be days of moderately favorable fishing condition, constraints on my schedule might not provide the opportunity.

The monsoon season, which usually last for about 4 months, would be quite a long wait for an avid angler that I am. Whilst there are other inland bodies of water that could provide an alternative freshwater fishing adventures, the Playground is always my preferred place due to its still unexplored possibilities. The abundance of big game fish and other delectable schooling fish, just within reach from the shoreline provides shore casting opportunities unparalleled elsewhere. This has been mentioned in my previous adventures in the area here and here.

Shore Fishing at the Playground in Sri Lanka

The Playground is my self-declared favorite shore fishing location which I found along the natural coastal refuge of Bonnavista, also called Roumasalla, in Galle City of Southern Sri Lanka. The rocky coast is my gateway to the highly guarded and well preserved Bonnavista reef considered as the most diverse coral reel of this tiny but majestic island nation. The fishing spot is thriving with rich marine and aquatic life and home for many sought-after game fishes that can be caught while casting right from the comfort of the coast.

Among the type of fish I have either caught, hooked but not landed, saw or spotted from the rock platform serving as my little angling paradise of sort are several kinds of trevally, barracuda, groupers, rabbit fish or spinefoot, burrfish, trigger fish, parrotfish, wrasse, yellow tail, emperor, mullet, yellow and red snappers, bonefish and some other reef fishes I have yet to or cannot yet identify. Lots of huge fish were also seen roaming the waters from white to silver to blue to brown in color but we failed to entice using shrimp and squid cuts and several types of lures.

Since the last post of my fishing adventure in the Playground entitled “Fun Shore Fishing in Bonnavista (Roumassala) in Sri Lanka”, I have twice returned to the place. The first comeback was quite worrisome because waves were huge and fiercely hitting the shoreline though not as strong as the one we experienced before and posted here. :-)

In constant search of fishing adventures though, I always manage to carry out the passion even in seemingly unforgiving condition. Applying some safely measures and precautions and the fun still went on. After all, we were on the shore and it was less risky even when faced with a rather rough sea. :)

It is really fun shore fishing in the Playground although what we have been catching lately are small to medium sized fishes only. The rabbit fish or “kitong” as called in the Philippines is really a good eating fish which we always look forward to take home for wonderful culinary creation.

For that particular day, our fish were very fresh when they reached our accommodation as they were kept alive during the entire fishing activity by putting them in a small packet of water right on the surface of the rocky coast, probably formed by the huge splash of water the night before, and only taken out when we were about to leave the Playground.

The second return was welcomed with a really tranquil sea. The whether was fine, the water was calm and shore fishing was at its best as far as the condition is concerned.

Whilst we have been catching good eating fishes every time, I am still dreaming of the big catch capable of pumping the adrenaline high like the huge trevally I fought and lost last year. My friend Rene had a good start catching delicious rabbit fish and juvenile grouper.

Hopeful of a massive pull to my rod which would indicate a big catch, I tried casting several types of lures - poppers, shallow divers, swim bait, soft plastic, etc. but still the elusive strike did not happen. Maybe I am doing it the wrong way. I changed to casting chunks of squid to target the small fish schooling the site. Surprisingly, a moderate pull of my rod happened. My reel slightly screamed and I realized I was fighting a nice fish bigger than Rene’s takes. The fight was short and not so intense but has provided the biggest catch of the day.

We caught another small but colorful reef fish, probably a juvenile parrotfish. It’s really strikingly gorgeous but tiny. :-)

Suddenly, the same kind of huge burrfish or “tugatongan” we hooked 5 times before but failed to land, appeared in the water. I immediately changed tackle and attached a wire line and a bigger hook. I baited it with huge piece of squid and casted where the burrfish was seen. After less than a minute I got a bite and saw the big burrfish at the end of my terminal tackle, I slightly jerk the rod tip to properly set the hook but unfortunately I missed setting it right. As I was struggling to put some bait again, the hungry burrfish bit Rene’s offering and he had the chance.

Rene played the fish in an attempt to tire it while thinking of ways on how to lift it from the water using his small line. I must admit that while we are always hoping to catch a big fish, we are ill-equipped to handle such a situation. The surface of the water is about 3 meters below us and we do not have gaff or landing net yet. Both essential gadgets are still under construction in my room.

Our only chance of landing big fish like that one is for the line to hold on and not snap as we are reeling the fish up. The burrfish’ sharp teeth are another problem for the mono leader of Rene. For several minutes, Rene very carefully kept the fish afloat thinking it will eventually die if maintained on the surface for a long time.

Surprisingly, another burrfish approached the hooked fish as if it was trying to offer some help but swam down below the rocks after several seconds. Rene patiently maintained the fish on the surface. But as he was trying to bring the fish to the other side where it was lower, the inevitable happened. The line snapped leaving the hook on the fish’s mouth but once again free. Rene was a bit exhausted and dumbfounded. It was the second time that the burrfish outsmarted us. :-)

It seems the appearance of burrfish drove other fishes away. We found it quite hard to get another bite. Since the sun was then feasting on our rough but sensitive skin, we decided to call it day and return some other time – definitely with either a gaff or landing net or both.

The modest catch and big enjoyment we had were enough reasons to consider our weekend grand. We look forward to another weekend when by that time, we hope to finally outsmart that burrfish. c“,)

Flowers of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka maybe considered as a relatively tiny island but it possesses a high level of biodiversity. In fact, it has been identified by the environment activist group Conservation International (CI) as one of 25 biodiversity hot spots in the world. It has a remarkable high proportion of endemic species among its flora and fauna with 23% of its flowering plants and 16% of its mammals being endemic in the island. The special features of its biodiversity are mainly due to its wide range of topographic and climatic variations.

The year-round hot and humid climate of southwestern Sri Lanka makes the ideal climate for many varieties of orchids and other flowering plants or angiosperms (Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta), while the dry and cool climates of the central highlands are perfect for the many other varieties of colorful flowers that thrive in such climate. So the whole island is a source of magnificent sights of many beautiful flowers that come in different sizes, shapes and colors.

During our visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most popular cities in the high country, Nuwera Eliya, we were immediately captivated by the natural splendor of the many flowering plants in all of its parks. No visitors could resist such an inviting grandeur of vibrant flowers and everyone will end up taking photographs to somehow preserve the beauty even in digital images. Maybe it’s a human thing; that we always want to immortalize such wonderful sights which brings joy and elation to our hearts.

For you to somehow enjoy the sceneries that captured our deepest emotions, this photo tour is specially provided. Be delighted!

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity. ~ John Ruskin

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~ Audra Foveo

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul. ~ The Koran

Need I say more? c“,)

Mountain Biking

While most of us in the family are active in the sport of fishing or angling, my younger brother Tonton, who also joins me in hunting expeditions, maintains his passion for another outdoor sport - Mountain Biking. He usually rides with his friends and brothers-in-law and have, since some three years ago, been actively pursuing the healthy hobby which serves as his adventurous work out. I have not tried mountain biking yet, but since the sport involves outdoors, nature, adventure and travelling which this blog is all promoting, then the possibility that I might try it one day is not remote.

Mountain biking is a sport of riding a special type of bicycle off-road. It is often done over rough terrain either using a specially equipped mountain bikes or hybrid road bikes. Most mountain bikes share similar characteristics that emphasize durability and performance in really rough terrain. Some special features of the bikes use are wide and knobby tires, large frame tubing and front fork or dual suspension shock absorbers. The durability factor means a far heavier bicycle weight to rider ratio than their road touring cousins.

As particularly required by the sport, Tonton makes sure that he complies with the safety gear requirements every time. He uses special shoes with gripping soles for scrambling over un-ridable obstacles and flexible shank for control. He wears clothing which offers comfort during physical exertion in the outback and has ability to withstand sudden falls. He likewise wears gloves made of heavy construction which cover all his fingers for hand protection.

He also wears helmet that provide important head protection as falls can occur over rough, rocky, sandy, or mountainous terrain. He also sports shaded glasses to help protect his eyes against debris while on the trail and avoid the strain from the heat of the sun. Being safety could also mean looking cool for all he knows. No wonder he maintains two loyal fans and supporters which are both pretty and always smiling.

Mountain biking requires endurance, self-reliance and bike handling skills. Endurance is not much of a problem for Tonton, him being a former football varsity player during his college days. He likewise have a high level of self-reliance being an Engineer by profession and an outdoors man by vocation. Tonton also believes in the old adage "practice makes perfect", so in order for him to further develop his bike handling skills, he rides his bike regularly, even if sometimes, he is still sleepy.

While Ton, as he is fondly called by friends, really enjoy the outdoors, the feeling of freedom while riding, the richness of nature and that he gets to see and beautiful places the he reaches, he is always excited to come home…….…for it is only in his home…………. where he can find his true inspirations. c",)

Christmas Fishing Tourney of the Tarlac Anglers

The Tarlac Anglers through its officer Bogs Villanueva recently announced the series of fishing tournaments dubbed as “Christmas Fishing Tourney” to be held during the Christmas Holiday of 2009. The 4-leg tournament which will cover both freshwater and saltwater type of angling will be held in the four (4) most popular fishing sites around Luzon (Philippines) which are frequented by the majority of members of Pinoy Anglers, where most Tarlac Anglers are also active members.

These fishing holes, located within the regions of Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog are: 1. Bane, Pangasinan, 2. Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, 3. Pantabangan Dam, Nueva Ecija and 4. Dingalan, Aurora.

The mini tournament is an exclusive event open only among the members of the Tarlac Anglers and their immediate families. Exciting prices compose of fishing reels, rods, lures & other fishing accessories await the lucky winners. A Christmas fishing holiday guaranteed of fun and excitement awaits all the members. Specific dates of the tourney will be announced later. The details of the event however are as follows:

The participants can expect to catch any of the many varieties of fish mentioned above. These have been caught before by the members as shown in some of the memorable photos as follows:

To ensure the success of this significant event, some celebrity sponsors are chosen to provide the needed assistance (moral, spiritual and financial), one each for a particular leg of the tournament.

For the Bane, Pangasinan trip, Boyet will be the sponsor to be represented by his beautiful daughter Ceejay who recently graced the cover of a popular teen magazine.

For the Laiya, San Juan, Batangas tourney, Bojo is the patron to be represented by Cha who was featured in the cover of a well known fashion magazine (front, right) along with some other top bikini models.

For the Pantabangan Dam, Nueva Ecija fishing, Eymi will be the benefactor. Just like the other sponsors, she was, as shown here, recently requested to pose in the cover of a thrilling magazine.

Lastly, for the Dingalan, Aurora tournament, Maya will be sponsoring the activity. She is shown here when she was chosen to be the cover girl of a higly entertaining pet magazine.

If you are wondering why you are not seeing copies of the said magazines in your favorite news stand, it’s because the limited edition for which they were launched were immediately sold out after days of its release. And the publisher ferociously refused to print more.:)

(Alright, the section of the post in italics is only intended to make you smile.) c“,)

A Cool Holiday at Kandy, Sri Lanka

After long stressing months of hard work in a major construction project, a holiday in a tranquil, serene and lush environment is a respite every member of our group is looking forward to. With desire to attain complete relaxation in a level which will allow us to calmly reconnect with nature and rejuvenate our strained mind and lost strength, Kandy (Sri Lanka) is the perfect place to go in this island nation. It is our natural gateway to the exciting peaks of its hill country.

Kandy is the English name for the city of “Maha Nuvara” (Senkadagalapura) located in the centre of the island. It is the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and is a major tourist destination and one of the most scenic cities. It is developed around two open spaces of an elongated square. At the end houses the culturally important administration buildings of the old capital and a majestic quadrangular man-made lake. Being the second largest city of the island, it is both an administrative and religious city.

Kandy lies at an altitude of 465m above sea level in the midst of hills in the Kandy Valley looped by Sri Lanka's largest river: the Mahaweli. It crosses a vast, peaceful and beautiful tropical plantations composed partly of rubber tree and mainly of tea. It is among the best source of the world famous Ceylon Tea. And tea pot here is huge!

Kandy is famous for the many temples that the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. One of the most significant of which is the Temple of the Tooth (Palace of the Tooth Relic) that houses the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Originally part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, it is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist around the world. It was last of a series of temples built in the places where the relic, the actual palladium of the Sinhalese monarchy, was brought following the various relocations of the capital city.

The Palace of the Tooth relic, the palace complex and the holy city of Kandy are associated with the history of the dissemination of Buddhism. The temple is the product of the last peregrination of the relic of the tooth of Buddha and the testimony of a religion which continues to be practiced today.

Kandy’s pleasant temperate climate, its lovely location and its rich history has made it a favorite haven for travelers. It has a huge number of hotels and restaurants to suit any budget. There are some international hotel chains and several local hotel chains providing star class facilities. Other accommodations include guest houses and home stay providers.

With wonderful facilities, our group enjoyed the accommodations a lot. After a relaxing moment, the pool is there for a swim to flex your muscles and show your abs. There is a wireless internet connection whichs allows you to contact your better half and assure her that you are in the office working hard (alright that’s a joke, wife always understand it is necessary to visit places like Kandy once in a while). Likewise, there is a comfortable bed to gracefully sleep on when you get tired, and a spacious kitchen to cook your favorite dish and feed your colleagues who are constantly hungry and in search of food.

For you know, it is only after a decent meal that they can really relax. Feel that they are privilege………important…………and above all…………the master of their time……….in the true sense of the word.

Another famous attraction of Kandy which the group visited is the Royal Botanical Garden. It is situated in Peradeniya about 5 km to the west of the city centre and is reportedly visited by some 1.2 million people per year. It is probably the largest botanical garden on the island with over 60 hectares of immaculately designed lawns and tropical foliage.

For Engineers like us, these shapes and forms are astounding scenes.

The wide polished landscape is simply captivating.

The diverse natural environment is just awesome.

Being in such a magnificent park, expect the usual clowning around to be the main activity of the group. I guess the fun wouldn’t be complete without it.

Every image will show the highest level of fun and enjoyment felt by everyone. Tiresome and even slight rain shower could not slow down the tricks.

All in all, holiday in Kandy was a wonderful experience. It left great memories which will be cherished forever. A permanent mark in the heart that could make us jump for joy by the mere thought of it. c“,)