HENRY CHUA – FEATURED COLLECTOR -2009

Mr. Henry Chua was an officer of the Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club from 2002 to 2004. He started collecting stamps at an early age , He used to manage a bookstore in the province of Pampanga.

picture courtesy of : Mr. Henry Chua

He was one time an associate editor from 1994 to 2004 of Peoples’ Journal Group of company ( People’s Tonight) – a popular national tabloid written in English .

Old photograph – Rizal’s execution

Personal collections included books, old photographs,music, old movies, first day covers, Philippine stamps , Japanese stamps, Thailand stamps, United Kingdom, Australia, Hongkong, Taiwan, China , United States , popular Japanese anime characters like Doreamon, Conan, Astroboy, Gundam, Hello Kitty among others.

stamp albums in a book shelve

He is also an active blogger , according to him ” It is like in the field of journalism ” you need to be updated with a lot of things. His blog site was nominated at one time as “Best personal blog site” !!!.

collection of stamps, Marilyn Monroe, painting framed and hung on one side of his room

His wife’s hobby included caring for over half a dozen Rugrats cats- this breed is almost similar with Persian cats with shorter hair. 2 large aquarium with different colored cichlids , a bengal cat and chow-chow dogs…

If these were not enough, their garden boast of several Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, Aglaonema and Euphorbias .

Interested persons who wanted to trade or buy stamps are required to have an appointment with Mr. Chua in Quezon City

For those who are interested in his blog and wanted to trade.

http://www.pogiforlife.com/

Original post Oct 11 2009

55TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF CORAZON AQUINO AND NINOY AQUINO -2009

Wedding Anniversary of Corazon Aquino & Ninoy Aquino

October 11, 2009 marked the 55th wedding anniversary of the late President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

Photo taken from the book : Ninoy Ideas & Ideologies page 9 : copyright 1993

The couple were married on October 11, 1954 on a simple ceremony. Kris was emotional after Christian Bautista sang the song.

“I don’t think my dad could have become the man he became and the hero for all of us if he didn’t have a wife like my mom. And… my mom would never have become the symbol of democracy for our country kung hindi siya naging asawa ni Ninoy Aquino,” Kris said.

Photo taken from the book : Ninoy Ideas & Ideologies , page 8 : copyright 1993

“Finally, they’d be together in their wedding anniversary,” Kris added. “No matter how much we missed our parents, knowing that they’re together now, gives us some measure of comfort.”

Original Post :October 11 2009

SPOOKTACULAR – MANILA MOUNTS,MAUSOLEUM AND MONUMENT TOUR 2009 (PART 2)

Spooktacular Manila Mounts,Mausoleum and Monument Tour (2009) 

PART 2

Manila Chinese Cemetery

Manila Chinese Cemetery is the second oldest cemetery in Manila after Paco Cemetery and was designated as the resting place for the Chinese citizens who were denied burial in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial period. The cemetery was witness to many executions during World War II. Among them were Girl Scouts organizer Josefa Llanes Escoda , literary geniuses Rafael Roces and Manuel Arguilla , star athlete-turned-guerrilla spy Virgilio Logregat , and Chinese Consul General Yang Guangsheng. Apolinario Mabini was also buried in the cemetery before his remains were transferred to Batangas .

Chong Hock Tong Temple (宗福堂)

Built in the 1850s, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Manila. Though not as elaborate, the architecture is still reminiscent of those in Fujian province as well as those in Singapore and Malaysia with their colorful friezes and uniquely upturned eaves.

temple gate with fu-dog

Second World War memorial

Crematorium

2nd Lt. Carlos Lopez of AFP grave and monument

Dr. Clarence Kuangson Young memorial shrine

He was the consul general from China in the Philippine island with Frangipani trees Plumeria rubra- alba growing around the memorial rotunda . A school was named after the consul general Dr. Kwangson Young Memorial School at 1044 Albuquerque in Barangay 7 Tondo, Manila.

Familia Maria Uy de Tee mausoleum

The family mausoleum looked like a mansion with its own gate

Familia Eusebio Tankeh mausoleum circa 1948

Paulino P. Gocheco mausoleum

This family mausoleum is a typical art deco architecture style

A champaka tree ( Michelia champaca ) growing beside the family mausoleum.

This tree is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia . It is best known for its strongly fragrant yellow or white flowers. It is however primarily cultivated for its timber, and is also used in urban landscaping . Its aril -covered seeds are highly attractive to birds .

Common names include champaca, champaka , champak or champac, champa, cempaka, sampenga, sampangi, sampige and shamba.

The flowers are used in Southeast Asia for several purposes. They are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments. Old superstitious beliefs that unseen spirits may inhabit big champaka trees – spirits are usually attracted to fragrant smell emitted by the flowers .

Horticulturists and plant lovers may put cemeteries as ” one of their must been places to visit”. There are approximately several dozens species of plant varieties from trees, shrubs, ornamental plants that are planted all through out the cemetery.

a traditional Chinese style grave ( turtle shaped)

The turtle shell is the symbol of heaven and the flat square underside the symbol of earth. Based on this understanding, the turtle carries the world on its back. Being the symbol of fertility, vitality and great patience the Chinese believed these animals foretold future events and therefore, fortune tellers use turtles shell to read the future in the pattern on the turtle shell. In older grave sites of Okinawa , Taiwan , China, Malaysia and Korea you can still encounter this type of grave tomb site .

Visit the Filipino- Chinese families richly ornate buildings and mausoleum.

Manila Chinese Cemetery

Location :Felix Huertas Street corner Aurora Boulevard

Transportation : jeepney ride, tricycle , ( LRT- Blumentritt station) , pedicab

Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 7.00 pm daily.

Admission: Free.

Note: Tour guides are available ( offered by the cemetery) rates differ from Php 300 to Php 500 individual or group. But if you know someone with dead relatives or friends just hop along with them. Video taping is not allowed . ( permission must be sought)

* The author occasionally does a free walking tour around the area upon request by close friends or relatives.

Click here for SPOOKTACULAR TOUR PART 1 (Manila North Cemetery)

(oct,26,2009)

SPOOKTACULAR – MANILA MOUNTS,MAUSOLEUM AND MONUMENT TOUR 2009 (PART 1)

Spooktacular Manila Mounts,Mausoleum and Monument Tour (2009) 

Cemeteries from all over the world tells a lot of interesting stories from romantic relationships, tragedy, lavish lifestyles to ghost hunting and their spooky encounters with the living. Some famous attractions are the mausoleums examples are Vladimir Lenin , Ho Chi Minh , Eva Peron , Emperor’s tomb in Xian , China , Abraham Lincoln and ancient catacombs . Like the living , the dead also tell their stories.

Manila North Cemetery ( Cementerio del Norte) is Manila largest public cemetery occupying 54 hectares of land , is considered the biggest and one of the oldest cemeteries in Metro Manila. Beside it are two other important cemeteries, namely the La Loma Cemeteryand the Manila Chinese Cemetery. The cemetery is owned by the Manila city government and has initiated an expansion program to build more “apartment tombs” and a crematorium. Located inside the cemetery complex is a chapel, tennis court , veterinary office and is considered as home to a large group of informal communities .

Pyramid shaped family tomb of Tuazon -Arroyo family clan complete with Spinx

Gov. General Francis Burton Harrison

Francis Burton Harrison (December 18, 1873 – November 21, 1957) was an American statesman who served in the United States House of Representatives and appointed as Governor- General of the Philippines by United States President Woodrow Wilson . Harrison was a prominent adviser to a commonwealth president four other Presidents of the country. Harrison Plaza was named after him.

Pancho Villa tombstone marker

Francisco Guilledo (August 1, 1901 – July 14, 1925), more popularly known as Pancho Villa, boxer. Villa, who stood only 5 feet and 1 inch (154 cm) tall and never weighed more than 114 pounds (51 kg), rose from obscurity to win the World Flyweight boxing champion in 1923, earning acclaim in some quarters as “the greatest Asian fighter in boxing history”.

an ornately decorated family tomb

President Ramon Magsaysay tomb

Fernando Poe Jr. tomb and family mausoleum

Ronald Allan Kelley Poe (August 20, 1939 – December 14, 2004), better known as Fernando Poe, Jr. and colloquially known as FPJand Da King, was a an actor and cultural icon. He was honored on May 24, 2006 as Philippine National Artist through Philippine Proclamation No. 1065.

Notable personalities buried within the cemetery were Jose Corazon de Jesus ( poet) , President Roxas, President Sergio Osmeña y Suico among others.

Click here for SPOOKTACULAR TOUR PART 2 (Manila Chinese Cemetery) 

(oct 25,2009)

RECIPE FOR A DELIGHTFUL ORCHID FLOWER SALAD 2009

Orchid Flower Salad

Ms. Nancy Lumen (culinary expert )- She Ka co-host

Orchid Flower Salad By: Mr. Lawrence Chan

Ingredients:

¼ kilo fresh lettuce

2 pcs. medium size carrots grated

chopped celery

3 pcs. medium size shallot onion (sibuyas tagalog ) finely chopped

¼ kilo bacon bits / 1 piece chicken breast

24 pcs. medium size Dendrobium hybrids (Organically grown, not chemically sprayed and pollinia must be removed). ( The orchid flower may be blanch for several seconds- optional )

Definition: This term means to plunge vegetable into boiling water for a few seconds or a few minutes, then remove and place in ice water. This process sets the color of vegetables, lets you easily peel fruits, and slip the skins off nuts. The food does not cook all the way through, so crisp texture is preserved.

12 pcs. small tomato chopped

½ cup squeeze lemon juice

2 cups mayonnaise

2-4 tablespoon sugar

Pinch of iodized salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese for toppings (optional)

author with Ms. Nancy Lumen during the 

February 14, 2008 episode ” She Ka” NBN channel 4

Preparations:

1.) Mix 2-4 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 cups of mayonnaise in a bowl and mix well ( This would be your salad dressing)

2.) In a separate bowl add fresh lettuce , chopped celery , chopped tomato , chopped shallot onion, grated carrots , bacon bits, orchid flower and add the salad dressings

3.) Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and toss the salad

4.) Sprinkle parmesan cheese as the final topping and add garnish for final presentation.

5.) Serve and enjoy the orchid flower salad!

” Ang Barangay ” community newspaper of

Lakandula High School, Tondo -Manila taken last July 5, 2009

with Ms. Alexandra Balingit editor- in-chief and staff .

Note* This recipe is common in some countries like Thailand , Southern China and Hawaii were Dendrobium orchid plantations are very common sight .

In the Philippines, few exclusive organic and exotic restaurant may offer this dish.

(oct26,2009)

MR. FLORENTINO CAYCO MEMORABILIA 2009

Mr. Florentino Cayco Sr. memorabilia housed inside the library

The late Florentino Cayco, Sr., first Filipino Undersecretary of Public Instruction and illustrious educator, conceptualized the birth and administered the growth of Arellano University.

This prestigious institution of learning opened in 1938 as the Arellano Law College, named after Cayetano Arellano, first Filipino chief justice. It closed in December 1941 until March 1945 under the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. At the end of the war, this educational institution reopened in April, 1945 and was renamed as Arellano Colleges offering a two-year preparatory law course and the regular four-year law course, as well as a complete secondary education curriculum.

In June 1945, Arellano Colleges offered a four-year course in education (Bachelor of Science in Education), a two-year teacher training course (Elementary Teacher’s Certificate) and an elementary school training department. Likewise offered were courses in commerce, foreign service, and arts and sciences.

A year later, in June 1946, Florentino Cayco, Sr., became the first President of Arellano Colleges. Through his efforts, Arellano Colleges was elevated to, and recognized as, Arellano University on February 22, 1947 by the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports.

It was also in 1947 that the graduate school was organized and authorized to offer a course leading to the degree of Master of Arts in education as a requisite for the grant of university status.

In 1954, Arellano University opened a school of nursing which offered a basic nursing course. In April 1960, the School of Nursing expanded its curricular offerings by adding courses in post-basic nursing with majors in public health and clinical teaching. The School of Nursing was later renamed College of Nursing. At about the same time, a preparatory medical course was added to the general curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences.

In 1978, the graduate school was renamed Florentino Cayco Memorial School of Graduate Studies, in honor of the founder and first president of Arellano University. Added to the graduate courses were the degrees of Master of Business Administration, Master of Science and Economics and Master of Arts in Nursing. In the same year, the management of the College of Law was turned over to Arellano Law Foundation under a Memorandum of Agreement.

Its incessant expansion in all areas and locations has evolved into a network of campuses, the better to serve Metro Manila by going closer to the people.

At present, the Arellano University System boasts of seven campuses, as follows:

Arellano University Main, Legarda Campus Juan Sumulong Campus in Legarda , Manila Jose Abad Santos Campus in Pasay City (AU School of Law) Apolinario Mabini Campus in Pasay City Andres Bonifacio Campus in Pasig City Plaridel Campus in Mandaluyong City Elisa Esguerra Campus in Malabon City.

Arellano University- Legarda main library

A street in Sampaloc was named after this famous educator. The Legarda campus also boast some of his memorabilia like photographs, awards, plaque, certificate, collections of rare books , medals and other stuffs. The current collection is housed within the university main library .

(September 17, 2009)

PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO TRIBUTE 2009

President Corazon Aquino tribute exhibit booth landscaped by Mr. Kelvin Manubay, Mr. Jun Golamco, Mr. Rommel Arriola, Mr. Lawrence Chan with the help of Mr. Edilberto Capague Jr. and Mr. Jiffy Alegre during the 63rd Mid-Year Orchid & Garden Show last August 27 to September 7 , 2009 at Quezon Cityhall grounds

Maria Corazon “Cory” Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009) was the President of the Philippines and is considered as “Mother of Democracy” in the Philippines. Serving from 1986 to 1992, she was the first female president of the Philippines and the first female president of any country in Asia.

Unknown to many, she is a nature and an orchid lover. In 1989, in response to government’s encouragement to develop the ornamental, floriculture and horticulture industry, many members of the Orchid Society of Davao, Inc. (OSDI) shifted to orchid growing as a business venture. This was fully endorsed by then President Corazon C. Aquino when she declared Davao City as the Orchid Center of the Philippines in 1992 through Proclamation No. 886.

During the incumbency of President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, several orchid genus and ornamental plant cultivars were named after her. Dr. Romeo Gutierrez a well-known plant breeder, a three term president of Philippine Horticultural Society, antique collector , art collector and also a painter bred Aglaonema Cory, a cultivar of the aglaonema that was named after former President Corazon Aquino. Its broad, dark green leaves consist of a herringbone pattern of grayish-silver,with yellow marks along the midrib. Like the sunburst, the yellow coloration of the young leaves becomes conspicuous through proper light conditions. It has white petioles and many suckers.

Aglaonema Corazon Aquino bred by Dr. Romeo Gutierrez

This Aglaonema won the ” Best Ornamental Plant in Show” of the Philippine Horticultural Society show held on February 10 to 17, 1990 at the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation . Coincidentally the plaque was donated by house majority floor leader Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Sumulong a relative of Mrs. Aquino maternal side.

Photo Courtesy of Singapore Botanic Gardens by: Mr. Whang Lay Keng – Head Living Collection

On the occasion of her state visit and the ASEAN head of state meeting in the island state of Singapore on August 26 , 1986 the Singapore Botanic Garden named Dendrobium Corazon Aquino(Parentage: Dendrobium Tien Soeharto x Dendrobium Noor Aishah) an orchid hybrid after the incumbent leader.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society of London this orchid was registered on January 1, 1986 in their list. SGB institute had the tradition of breeding and naming new orchid cultivars after famous world leaders, politicians, and celebrities.

On numerous occasions she would be invited to come, as guest of honor during various orchid & garden shows held by different garden clubs from all over the country. She was one of the guest of honor on the 46th annual orchid and garden show of the Philippine Orchid Society held at the Makati SM Car Park compound in February 1992.

Several years later, Atty. Hernando Perez, one of her former cabinet secretaries, developed a new breed of orchid and named it after her. He thought it was just right to breed BLC. Benigno Aquino an inter-generic yellow colored orchid variety. The good quality traits of the orchid made it a desirable breeding parent material for developing new breeds of orchid.

The orchid hybrid took 5 years to grow, using cross-pollination methods. Its “mother and father” plants are a variety of yellow orchid named BLC. Benigno Aquino (pod parent) and the greenish BLC. Malvarosa Jade ( pollen parent).

The Blc Cory Aquino orchid (Brassolaeliocattleya Cory Aquino) with code name HC – 547 -, bred by former Justice Secretary Hernando B. Perez, is a graceful but sturdy plant with yellow and green varieties.

Because of the breeding traits of BLC. Malvarosa Jade, there are 2 color forms of the BLC. Cory Aquino that can be found. One is yellow and the other is greenish yellow. All forms are highly sought after by orchid and plant collectors worldwide.

63rd Mid-Year Orchid & Garden Show poster

The color yellow is widely associated with both Sen. Ninoy and Cory Aquino, since they used this color in clothes or campaign paraphernalia. In retirement, in fact, the former president took up painting, with flowers as her chosen still life subjects. Flowers were also one of former President Aquino’s favorite painting subjects finding the task a form of relaxation and a way of relieving stress. Having stepped down from office in 1992, Tita Cory, as she is fondly remembered, was quite content at becoming an ordinary citizen once again, but remained active in social work, and in wielding her undiminished moral authority whenever the democratic institutions she helped restore came under threat.

Unlike most orchids that need to be propped up, the Blc Cory Aquino stands erect and proud, much like the ideologies of the late former president.

According to Nani Perez, “This orchid hybrid symbolizes strength of her character because it is a sturdy plant. Pirmeng naka-tindig yun eh. Pirmeng proud.” It is also feminine-looking but with a strong bearing. Its petals are light yellow which means it is long-lasting,” he added.

In the last quarter of 2004, Perez said he was able to give her a pot of his best Blc. Cory Aquino and the plant’s registry certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society, a London-based international group that registers orchid hybrids.

Atty. Perez was also featured in the “orchid episode” of “ Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho” aired last February 23, 2008 on GMA channel 7. The episode featured him as an orchid and a plant breeder since 1974 and among the orchid hybrids featured in the episode was the BLC. Cory Aquino, Blc. Ninoy Aquino among others. A portion of the episode was uploaded in the KMJS website.

In a recent television guest interview on ABS-CBN channel 2- top rated morning show “ Umagang Kay Ganda” last August 4, 2009 with Ms. Donita Rose, He was also able to present the original Royal Horticultural Society certificate of orchid registration with frame and potted flowering orchid to the late president, this gesture made her very happy.

In the Flora Filipina Expo 2006 held from February 24 to March 5,2006 jointly organized by the Philippine Orchid Society (POS) and Philippine Horticultural Society (PHS) within the ruins of San Ignacio in Intramuros. In this international event, the winning orchid ( BLC. Cory Aquino) brought attention of the orchid breeders around the world that the Philippines had orchid hybidizers like Mr. Perez which breeds award winning orchids.

In the 61st Mid-Year Orchid and Garden Show held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 10, 2007, the same orchid cultivar’s won the “Best Philippine Hybrid” award one of the highest recognition that a breeder can get. – Perez said Aquino sent him a text message congratulating him for the “prize-winning orchid.” He still keeps the text message on his phone to this day.

Breeders from Japan, Thailand , United Kingdom, USA and local orchid collectors were very eager to have a division or sample of this award winning orchid hybrid.

Cory Aquino’s big role, not only for the restoration of the democracy in the Philippines, but also for the development of the local horticulture industry, cannot be underestimated. With the whole world paying homage to the former president, this is a small gratitude that any horticulturist or plant lover from all over the world can give.

(SEPTEMBER 17, 2009)