Tourism HQ/Our World-Tuesday

The Department of Tourism (formerly Agriculture Building) headquarters in the southern section of Rizal Park in Manila.  I recognize the Corinthian columns (thanks to the designers I have worked with.:p)---an example of neoclassical architecture; designed by Architect Antonio Toledo and was built in the early 1900's.  The DOT building is the future address of the Museum of Natural Sciences.

The DOT building is located at Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, formerly called Agrifina Circle, in Rizal Park.  A marker was erected here to pay tribute to Teodoro F. Valencia (May 7, 1913 - May 4, 1987).

"Teodoro F. Valencia, better known as "Ka Doroy," was widely regarded as the Dean of Filipino Journalists. His many civic undertakings made him a legend, particularly his knack for raising funds to help the underprivileged and the less fortunate. Known as the "Builder of Rizal Park," Valencia was largely responsible for developing Rizal Park into one of the best parks in Asia.

Ka Doroy was born in Tanauan, Batangas where he finished his elementary and high school education. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1935 and took up Law at the Philippine Law School where he graduated in 1941.

Pursuant to Republic Act 6836 renaming Agrifina Circle to Teodoro F. Valencia Circle and in grateful recognition of his life-long service to the Filipino people, the National Parks Development Committee under the Department of Tourism, dedicates this circle as a living memorial to Teodoro F. Valencia on this 7th day of May 1990. City of Manila."

Linking to Our World-Tuesday

Carnival rides/BM & MYM

Carnival rides at the baywalk offer thrills to children while their moms are shopping at the mall across the street.  I walked by on a Thursday---these rides are usually full on weekends.

"Only where children gather is there any real chance of fun." ~ Mignon McLaughlin

Linking to Blue Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday

Here comes the rain again/SWF

around 10 A.M., Sunday

I was in Dasol, Pangasinan with a couple of friends over the weekend.  It had been rainy and windy, and the big waves discouraged us from taking a swim---we danced in the rain instead.:p

The bad weather was a combination of the southwest monsoon and two tropical depressions (Igme and Julian).  It didn't stop us from having a good time at the beach.

@ 12:09 P.M., Sunday

Dasol, Pangasinan is 310 kilometers from Manila via Subic, Zambales


Don't ever let your mind keep you from having a good time. ~ Jason Mraz

Join sky-watchers from around the world @ Sky-Watch Friday

Crawfish/Ulang

I've heard of "ulang" since I was a kid but never saw one until a few years ago when I visited my nephews in Aklan.  My SIL bought live ulang from her neighbor who got them from the nearby river.   Ulang or crawfish  is freshwater shrimp with a big head, it looks like a miniature lobster, to which it is related.

I did the marketing recently and was delighted to see some fresh ulang in the market.  The vendor told me they're lobsters, and I told her they're not, but couldn't remember what they're called.  It was until I got home that my mother told me they're called ulang.  I read somewhere that crawfish is now commercially farmed in the Philippines.  

I love crawfish for its fleshy, succulent flavor.  It's also cholesterol-free and very low in fat.

I bought a kilo, sauteed it in garlic and finger chilies---it was smokin' hot and finger-lickin' good!

Join us @ Food Trip Friday and Food Friday

Beach boys/Water World-Wednesday

The end of childhood is when things cease to astonish us.  When the world seems familiar, when one has got used to existence, one has become an adult.  ~ Eugene Ionesco

Linking to Kim's Water World-Wednesday