leeart 3Speak Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Listen and watch the latest videos from leeart. Hosted by 3Speak.tv. The free speech video platform on the HIVE blockchain.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/peeocpws
This is a new place to visit in Bacnotan, La Union. We had a quick overview of the place because we were undecided whether we would want to stay or not. We wanted to swim in the sea but the beach is rocky. The place is great for dining though. While my companions were deciding what to do, I took a quick tour of the place and this is what I am sharing with you. Watch the video and take a tour of Alpas.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/flrxqweb
This is a short clip on our way to Laoac, Pangasinan.
Pangasinan is located at western Luzon. It is about three hours from Manila.
This morning, me and my partner finally decided to visit a friend in their province. We were undecided last night if we want to go or not.
We had breakfast first before heading to the bus terminal. From our city, it took us about two hours to reach Binalonan.
We then stopped at a fast food for some food and then took a tricycle ride to take us to Laoac, a town next to Binalonan.
It is my first time to visit Laoac. The tricycle ride took about 10 minutes.
From the highlands to the lowlands, it is a drastic change in temperature. The heat was almost unbearable and oppressive in the lowlands but good thing there are scattered clouds in the sky to give us shade.
When we arrived at our friend's we had a chat and lunch. I was unable to take photos for one, I was preserving my phone battery so I used it sparingly and two, I was there to focus and be more attentive to everyone.
Although we wanted to stay long, we just can't because there are responsibilities waiting for us back home.
Night has fallen when we were back in the city. We met with another friend and had dinner somewhere before going to another cafe for cakes and coffee before finally calling it a day.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/zrsjnast
This is our trip last Sunday to San Juan, La Union. It is one of the places we like to go for a quick visit.
Back when there were no travel restrictions yet we would do spur of the moment travel, mostly to the beach and La Union is the closest to us.
There is that sense of fulfillment and rejuvenation when you travel to relax and forget even for just a few hours.
A quick escape, a change in scenery. That's what we need to keep us sane. Every day we face concerns and problems and work or any kind of stress that we need to take a break from all that.
So that's what we did.
Our original plan was Vigan but because time is not on our side, we ended up going to San Juan instead. It was mid morning already that time so we can't make it back home that same day if we went to Vigan.
From Baguio bus terminal, we then dropped off San Fernando to check for the schedule of trip going home. We were informed of the time. We have a couple of hours to have lunch in San Juan.
We then took a ride from the the terminal gping to San Juan. We stopped at the area where majority of food shops are. The first one we checked was the place we have been too. Sadly, the food available was not what we wanted.
We then hunted shops up and down the streets and settled in one beside a home stay where we spent one night.
We waited for about 20 minutes before the food was served and was sorely disappointed with the serving. We mainly paid for the rice.
Dissatisfied, we then looked for something else to eat nearby and found one that we liked. Not great but a thousand times better than the previous one.
By the time we were done eating, it's already time to go back home.
Were we satisfied? In terms of food, not much but charge it to experience. At least we get to sea the ocean and smell sea salt air. We liked the rolling landscape along the way.
Life is still beautiful!
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/evrfiveq
The Baguio Flower Festival 2023 is on! The openong day parade was held last February 1, 2023 and I had the chance to watch it.
Panagbenga is a Kankana-ey term for season of blooming. This month-long festival extends until March or depends on how the organizers wanted it to last. Because of pandemic, this festival was halted. Last year, there were limited activities to celebrate the festival. This year, however, it is back to full swing or at least more activities this time.
The short clip I shared here is one of the entries for the landscape competition.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/qdaqxhbw
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Polig's Farm is located at Km. 21 Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet. It is a great place for family and friends. One of the main features is the giant kettle. Beside it are three big cups. These are actually rooms of sort because there are tables and chairs where you can drink and/or eat.
The place also has playground for kids.
On a great season, flowers are in bloom. During our visit, there were flowers in bloom but not that plenty.
Still, it was a lovely visit.
Situated on a mountainside, the view there is breathtaking. Perfect for sunset.
The property is on the roadsode making it accessible. Of note is another place a few meters down where you can also visit.
If ever you are in Benguet, take time to visit Polig's Farm.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/qbvloarl
For my #WednesdayWalk hosted by @tattoodjay and #MakeMeSmile by @elizacheng, I went to the cathedral.
We passed this on our way home one night and saw how the church was lit so I decided to go check it out.
Good thing I had the time today and I was motivated to go out. It is cold in the morning and evening so going out during these times is a challenge.
I started my walk from our terminal then up Session Road and took the stairs leading to the church. When this was refurbished and made new, I did check it out one early morning and decided to check it at dark to see how it was but because of busyness, I totally forgot all about it.
I got there and was expecting more but still okay with what they did.
When I reached the top of the stairs, I thought the church was not lit because there weren't that much light.
Only when I got closer to the facade did I see them lights. The church was only well lit at the front and not much on the sides.
There were those who came to pray by the door or just sit in one of the chairs. The church was closed that time but it qas alive with lights and the people arpund.
It was a nice quick walk to the church tonight.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/jqroahpw
The last time we were here was December 2019. It was one of those unplanned plans to the beach that ended spending the night there. Without anywhere or anything else to do, we visited the capitol located at the next town where we spent the night.
We were looking forward to visiting next year but then COVID-19 happened.
This year, it was yet again an abrupt decision to go to the beach but no overnight this time but we didn't miss the chance of visiting the capitol to see and wonder and be delighted by the lights.
This is my entry for today's #WednesdayWalk by @tattoodjay and #MakeMeSmile by @elizacheng.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/lubjywnu
I don't know what happened but this was supposed to be a video of our walk in one of the trails here.
It is only now that I have checked what I have captured during our walk and found out it was all bad videos. What I mostly captured were when I was swinging my phone while walking.
I may have pushed the record button when I thought I was done recording.
So here is a short video of our walk at Japanese Trail one weekend. It is a short trail, a half moon of about 500 meters or so. It connects to other trails but everything has been bought by private individuals. This last one we went to, half of it has been utilized as a practice driving area.
We have been here earlier this year and it was great to have discovered this. It was mentioned to me by a friend before but I haven't explored it yet until this year.
Anyway, even for a short trail, there are still lots to see. It's just sad to think that these trees will be cut to give way to man-made structures just when I had just discovered there is such a trail. Now, every trail is being turned to roads.
There are still lots of trees aroumd these parts but human encroachment is happening quickly.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/rqjpmkga
I don't know what happened but this was supposed to be a video of our walk in one of the trails here.
It is only now that I have checked what I have captured during our walk and found out it was all bad videos. What I mostly captured were when I was swinging my phone while walking.
I may have pushed the record button when I thought I was done recording.
Anyway, here is a short video of our walk at Japanese Trail one weekend. It is a short trail, a half moon of about 500 meters or so. It connects to other trails but everything has been bought by private individuals. This last one we went to, half of it has been utilized as a practice driving area.
Anyway, even for a short trail, there are still lots to see. It's just sad to think that these trees will be cut to give way to man-made structures just when I had just discovered there is such a trail. Now, every trail is being turned to roads.
There are still lots of trees aroumd these parts but human encroachment is happening quickly.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/xptsahyk
I have mentioned before that The Podium Boutique Hotel is one of the hotels that is a huge supporter of local artists.
Every now and then there will be new exhibit that one can see here. We come here often because of the cafe that we frequent but also the arts that are displayed.
This time not only were there painti gs but also sculptures as well.
I thought at first that the art works were only displayed at the lobby outside the cafe.
I found out as we left the establishment that there were also sculptures displayed at the main lobby.
It's really great to see establishments like this supporting artists.
If you have the chance, come and visit the city for the Ibag-iw Creative Festival is currently ongoing until the end of this month.
Come and experience more creativity and art in the city. There are lots of activities in celebration of Ibag-iw Festival in store for you.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/ykanzobi
The last week of Impakabsat 2022 ended yesterday and the last province to be featured is the province of Kalinga.
I have only visited some places of Kalinga and I have shared that here. There is so many more to explore about this wondeful province. For now, let's enjoy what products are offered.
Last Sunday, we went to the Impakabsat venue and checked out what were on display there. I already have one product in mind that I wanted to buy and that is Kalinga coffee. The province is known for its robusta coffee.
Unlike during our first visit to the event, there were lesser stalls selling coffee this time.
There were those who are selling red rice and black rice and other variants of rice. I planned on buying but they were more pricey that those sold in the public market. This made me realize that the stuff sold there at the event are probably more expensive than those sold in the market for I am guessing these participants have to pay the mall or probably not.
The first thing we saw when we arrived at the venue are the traditional tattoo artists. I didn't see them right away actually for I was busy checking out the coffee stall. I was hoping I could get a free taste this time but the line is long so I didn't bother. That's when I saw what was going on behind the stall.
I had to go back and check the tarpaulin stating the event and another one beside it said that there are two tattoo artists who will be there for two days offering there services. I was not able to ask for the fee. I remember when we went to Buscalan that they charged us per line. I'm not sure if it was the same here or whether they charged per design which is way cheaper.
You can see how intently the artists are doing the tattoing that I didn't bother asking them questions. There were also people in line waiting for there turn. There is a list of designs that you can choose from and the meaning of those designs are indicated there.
Most of the products sold there were handmade products from woven clothes, accessories, headgear, bags. Certainly less variety than last time but more colorful this time. Kalinga is known for its striking colors with red and yellow dominating.
There were also wine and veggie snacks but those were only a few.
Aside from the coffee, we also bought chili paste. Kalinga is known to be chili lovers and that is evident in the paste that we bought. It is consistently spicy and I love it! The coffee that we bought has that almost chocolate smell and taste to it. There is a hint of rice and/or corn. This is different from what is sold in their market where it is more of rice/corn like flavor to it.
I forgot how much the items that we bought but the coffee was cheaper than the Arabica and Robusta blend that we purchased last time.
I'm glad that this event was held again and that I have participated to this year's Impakabsat 2022 featuring Kalinga Province. Looking forward to future events.
Thanks to @dswigle for this #MarketFriday initiative where we can explore different markets around the world. Join #MarketFriday and show us your market.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/vnytewnz
This is a video of the bonsai exhibit that we went to laat week. I have posted about this one and you can check the link Bonsai Exhibit.
This was a week-long exhibit and at the same time a contest.
The said exhibit was held in one of the gardens at Botanical Garden in Baguio City. The said garden is called Centennial Garden.
This is located along Leonard Wood Road on the way to other tourist destinations in the city like Mines View and Wright Park.
I have forgotten to add this to my blog because I haven't finished editing it then and it was only now that I had the time.
I hope you enjoy the video.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/taemyfto
This ecological sanctuary is said to be a pine haven but it also is a bamboo forest. Covering almost 3 hectares, it's a small piece of heaven that one can spend with nature in the city. We went there and toured the place. There are other attractions there like a bit of human history and evolution but for now let's just focus on nature. I felt the urge to do some grounding there but I was not prepared enough so maybe next time.
We were lucky that there are flowers and fungi that that one can see. There was also an earth house but I feel that that needs another post alone.
I can't remember the last time we were there. I believe it was almost 10 years ago or probably more. Some parts of the area have had overgrowth and not properly tended too. Maybe because when pandemic hit, they just let nature take its course. Although the main trails have been maintained.
There was no greater feeling than being with nature. It speaks to you and teaches you if you only observe and willing to listen and open to learning.
There were a few changes that I have noticed but it was only slight. I think not many people go there so it's a good place to be of you don't want to be in the crowded parks.
I was hunting for mushrooms to take photos of and I am glad that I did find some. This time, they are mostly at the base of pine trees. I saw one one the ground that was of different kind and then another wedge in between rocks.
I was able to spot tiny wild flowers too which is hard to capture clearly. I wish I have brought my clip on lens. I was hoping there were more different kinds of flowers in bloom this time of year but I am content with what we saw there.
I wanted to stay a bit longer more and enjoy what nature can offer but it's time to go. Maybe next time we can stay longer.
If you want to have a time alone, do some meditation, some reading or just be with nature to relax and unwind, then come to Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/wypmkiyq
This is Sam's Agritourism Park that we visited today. It is located about 5 km away from the city center. I first saw this posted in social media just before pandemic hit. When restrictions have been lifted and the park opened again, we have planned on going. It took more than a year in the making but it finally happened today.
This is my #MarketFriday entry for this week and this is hosted by @dswigle. Come and join Market Friday and show us your market or anywhere you have spent money.
From town, we took a cab going to Sam's. The driver don't know where it was and we didn't know too but I know the general vicinity where it is as per Google map. I told the driver to just keep an eye on the right side of the road for a sign. Glad we didn't miss it.
It's another 500 meters or so from the main highway to where the park is. Signs are placed every 100 meters directing you. I was surprised that there were twists and turns so you definitely will get lost without the signs.
Once there, the registration hut is located at the entrance. We paid Php100.00 (USD1.79) each.
Although the park may seem small there are so many things to see and lots of climbing over rocks and stairs. There was even a wall where one can climb which I did.
It is interesting to see different sculptures and rock formations that have been transformed. Everywhere you look, every turn is a surprise. Some are bigger than life and some are life size.
There is a place for refreshments and snacks. I had to order halo-halo, a cold and sweet snack consisting of crushed ice or shaved ice, sweetened banana, yam, jelly, beans, boba pearls, leche flan, fresh milk, sugar, etc. This costs Php40.00 here in the park.
I thought there were a lot to see already but it seems those who owns or manages the park didn't think so for there are still ongoing installations being added to the place.
This is a park where everyone can have fun. It is instagrammable and definitely a place worth visiting.
Sam's Agritourism is located along k.m. 5 Asin Road, Baguio City. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They don't require reservation now so you can just walk in. It is best to go early so as to avoid overcrowding. The place has cramped walkways and narrow trails all over the place that's. When we got there, there were a few visitors already and more have arrived that's why the place suddenly became busy. Good thing we covered almost everything by then.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/whbijgmo
It was an artisan weekend for us.
Finally, we were able to visit the Artisan Market before it ends tomorrow. It started last month and it will end tomorrow. This is happening every year where different local crafts and products are gathered in one place where people can check out and buy whatever they want.
This event is called "Mandeko Kito" from the Ibaloi language meaning "let's sell." It first started in 2020 so it's still a baby. The event is held at the Centennial Building of the University of Baguio. When I first learned about this, it had been in my mind ever since and I am glad that we had the chance to check it out.
I was looking for a particular kind of wine which is bugnay wine. The stores in our neighborhood ran out and it's been weeks since the last time we have had some. I know that there will be wine sold at the artisan market and I was right. It was actually the first product you'll see as you enter the building. They have different types of wine like strawberries, bugnay, rose, mangosteen, etc. They have vintage wines too.
They do have free taste available so we tried bugnay wine first which was my intent really. According to the girl who was managing the wine stand, they do have two kinds. The first is aged one year and the other is four years. I tasted the four-year old wine and it was really sweet, sweeter than I was used to. We then asked for something that is not too sweet and she offered us rose wine. I forgot how old it was. I think it was six months. It was just right for our taste. According to what's written on the bottle, it's 12% alcohol content. The 4-year-old bugnay wine is 16%. I didn't ask for the vintage wines for I think we have found the kind of wine that we wanted and that is the rose wine.
Aside from wines, this shop also sells jams like mango, strawberry and kiwi. I tasted both kiwi and mango but they seem to taste the same. Maybe next time we will buy that.
The next stand that I spent the most time on was that of Binnadang Ethnic Handicraft.
Ms. Soledad Valencia is the owner and we had a bit of a chat. I was intrigued about the crafts that she has on display. There is a huge basket that really grabs your attention. The crafts that she makes ranges from bags to accessories to lampshades to pots and she even at one point made tables and chairs. I chatted with her a bit. I noticed that her products were glazed, sort of having a shine to it. I then commented that these are not supposed to get wet then for they could be destroyed but to my amusement she said that they are waterproof. It so happened that they apply sealant to these products which give them that shiny glazed finish. There were baskets that were painted too.
Interestingly she showed me a pamphlet wherein her crafts were featured in the capital including the tables and chairs and tall lamp shades that were featured in a book. She then said that her next project is a house made of paper, a small shed of some sort. With what I have seen so far, I think that's not impossible.
She then showed me a basket that one can use when going to buy stuff to the market. She said that those were the products that she exports. However, since the pandemic until now, they have not been doing that because of cost. If they increase the cost of this particular product, it would be too much she said and it will not be that affordable. However, the ones she has were already bought by our city mayor's wife.
Ms. Valencia also teaches other people about this craft and she goes to different places here in the city sharing her knowledge. I asked her how long did it take for her to finish the huge basket that was on display at her stand and she said it could take about 3-4 days just by weaving it. These products are made of rolled papers and that would take time. That's why she has people to do just that particular kind of job.
I wanted to chat with her more but time was not on our side and we wanted to check the other crafts as well.
We bought from Amaparo's Apothecary a perfume and a massage oil. There were three kinds of oils available which are eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint. The eucalyptus has the strongest scent of them all so that's what I chose. They gave us a small chunk of sampler soap which is colorful and has a nice scent to it but eucalyptus seems like the strongest scent.
There were other varieties of stuff there that you can see like scented candles, knitted stuff, woven fabric, paintings, wooden crafts for display or some household items and so much more. I even saw a woven basket that costs PHP36,000 (USD653.66).
For the wine, that costs PHP600.00 (USD10.89). I just noticed that on the bottle it says 750 mL but the girl said it was 1 L. The eucalyptus oil is PHP250.00 (USD 4.54) for 100 mL. The Patience perfume is PHP300.00 (USD5.45) at 100 mL.
It was overall a pleasant visit to the market for I have learned a thing or two. I was hoping to see my friend there but it turned out that they did not join this year. Hope to see them next time.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/owjimdwx
We went for coffee and dessert at a friend's cafe to kill time. After having a late lunch, we then decided to go for sunset viewing. What a better way to do that but with coffee.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/lwavoyan
Regeneration is the title of Brenda Subido-Dácpano's exhibit that is currently installed at Hōka Brew. Hoka Brew is the cafe of The Podium Boutique Hotel located along Marcos Highway. The hotel had been a huge support to artists and you can always find the works of these artists at the lobby of the cafe.
Today, we visited Hoka Brew and saw these art works.
Here you get to see jeepneys as one of the subjects. Jeepneys are one of the major vehicles that our country use as means of transportation. These are invented out of the jeeps that were left behind after the war. It had undergone major overhaul since then to accommodate as much people as it can.
You can also see junks such as electronic parts incorporated in these arts. It is to give life to what is considered trash. That is a great way to repurpose things.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/gfrfosez
These were the entries to this year's Saleng Festival. These tree carts are currently displayed at Malcolm Square here in Baguio City. I took this video a couple of days ago and I thought by now that there are also winners but wgen I went back this morning to check there were still no winners. These are entries from different sectors both private and public. I also saw an entry by an individual.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/mjmuqeca
This is a video I took back in April 2021 when the botanical garden was still under renovation. It underwent an overhaul and new things have been added since then. There are different themes than one can see when visiting botanical garden. We have mostly Asian gardens like Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Thai. It was the Japanese garden that had been there the longest and then over the years, the rest have been added.
In this video, I focused more on PMSEA garden. When I learned that this garden was added I have been wanting to go but it was closed for a long time or it took a long time for it to be finished. Even when we visited, there are still some areas that needs to be worked on but I am pleased that it was open when we went there.
Here you can see plants, trees, shrubs, etc that are endemic in certain areas here in the country. It is quite interesting to know that there are only certain plants that grow in a particular place. I am filled with wonder the way nature works. Coming here, I saw most of them for the first time. Some I am familiar with and didn't realize that they only grow in one of the islands of the country.
There is an artificial river/waterfall in the midst of it all that I wish was working that time to make the experience all the more better.
There is also a place where you can sit or where people can gather around. These are made of rocks. A small amphitheater of sorts.
I do like the bridge area too for it is a nice spot for photography.
There is also a small hut that is part of the landscape.
There were few flowering plants in that garden during our visit. I am not sure if it's not the time of the year or maybe those were the only flowers that one can see. Most of the flowering plants can be seen outside PMSEA garden though, throughout the rest of the botanical garden.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/sljoembc
This was the end of our road trip and it was our last destination before finally going home.
Barlig will always be a place I will remember. I was awed by it the first time and was amazed more the second time we went.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/yfxbnyjm
This was another great find that we accidentally discovered yesterday. Me and my partner wanted to go another cafe but it was closed fortunately or unfortunately. It depends on how one would look at it but I still believe it was providence that led us to The Rocky Valley Lodge & Cafe.
We had to walk back to the main road where there were more available ride for us to get us back to town. That's another thing. Because transportation is not that available easily, we had to walk. If we didn't, we wouldn't have decided to go to this place to check it out.
https://3speak.tv/watch?v=leeart/vvizhizw
Buscalan is known for its famous tattoo artist or locally called Mambabatok and said to be the last tattoo artist, Apo Whang-Od. To get there, we had to travel 4-5 hours from La Trinidad, Benguet then to Bontoc, Mountain Province. From Bontoc, it would be another 2-hour drive to get to Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga.
The road going to the village ends where one can now hike to the village center at a lesser time. We had to register at the registration booth first and pay the environmental fee of Php25.00 per person. A guide will then be assigned for every 5 people which costs Php1000.00 per guide.
From the booth, we hiked down to the river which took us about less than 5 minutes, cross the river and then hiked up to the village itself for about 20 minutes or so.
The houses were built next to each other creating a maze of small alleys here and there but always easy to find your way out to the main sidewalk which is at the edge of the mountain.
Our guides were kind enough to entertain us in their homes cooking us a meal even. Some of us had tattoos done by young villagers. Getting tattooed by the master herself needs time. You have to be there two or three days depending on how long the queue is.
The wait is really long for there were those who were already at the village that time as evidenced by the number of private cars at the parking lot across the mountain where the village is. We may have been the first clients for the day but not the first in line. Those who wanted a tattoo had to have their tattoos done by someone else other than Apo Whang-Od.
For those of us who had nothing else to do, we explored a waterfall nearby which was about 30-minute walk back and forth. We had to cross rice paddies in order to get there. It was a refreshing bath at the falls that was not too tall and the pool is shallow.
We also checked the rice terraces. Although there are terraces that one can pass along the way as you go up the village, those at the top of the village are the best one yet with the mountain ranges as the backdrop.
With nothing else to see, we spent the rest of the day waiting for our companions who were having their tattoos done.
It is noticeable how modern and traditional materials were used in constructing the houses. I was a bit surprised that sliding windows can be seen everywhere. It just goes to show that the village is not as remote anymore. Phone signals are a challenge still but that is slowly being addressed. Give it a year or two.
Back then there were only a few tattoo artists but now those who can do it are now making money from it. With charcoal mixed in water as ink, a thorn from pomelo held in a stick and another stick to use to tap the ink to the skin, then you are paid with that. Of course it takes time and a lot of practice to perfect the craft. One of the artists who did the tattoo on one us made errors for the lines were not straight. She is young. She will soon perfect it.
We were not able to have photo with Apo because she was busy with other clients but hopefully next time we will have the chance. We were able to see her do her thing and take photos of her tattooing her signature.
It's great that the art and tradition and culture is being kept alive.