Is Marinduque Prepared if Mt Malindig Erupts Today?

The recent volcanic eruption and tsunami in Indonesia reminded me of an article I wrote a couple of years ago about Mt Malindig in Marinduque, Philippines-our second home. I am reposting it today in case you have not read it.



Can you imagine a scenario if Mt Malindig in my beloved province of Marinduque, Philippines erupts today? Is the province prepared if this calamity happens today?

With the recent earthquake swarms and mild tremors in Marinduque in the news the first week of this month, I am beginning to wonder if these swarms are connected to the volcanic activity of Mt Malindig. I am hoping that an eruption would not happen in my lifetime, but the chance that this eruption will not occur is almost zero.

Assuming that the eruption is as intense in magnitude as Mt Pinatubo several years ago, destruction of the island particularly the town of Buenavista and Torrijos will be tremendous and catastrophic. The five star, Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa- the tourist jewel of Marinduque will be covered with volcanic ashes and will not be available for the enjoyment of our rich kababayans from Manila as well as tourists from Japan and Korea for quite a long time. The whole western coast of Marinduque, from Boac to Buenavista sites of beautiful homes and mansions owed by the Expatriate Marinduquenos and the rich businessmen from Manila and the location of several beautiful beach resorts ( including my own, Chateau Du Mer) will be a big mess. It will probably take several months or longer to bring it up to the pre-eruption conditions that we natives thoroughly cherish and enjoy. I hope this scenario will never happen, but we should be prepared and not surprise just in case this happens. Let me explain why this scenario could happen in the future.

Mt Malindig is considered a potentially active volcano, in part because of the sulfur and hot springs in Malbog, Buenavista. It has never erupted, but because it is an active volcano, the chance it will not erupt is nil. Its unique location, at the heart of Southern Tagalog Region, creates a panorama that encompasses Mindoro, Verde Island and Southern Luzon. It is the largest mountain in the island popular for mountain climbers and hikers. It is the home of different species of wild orchids and other endemic wild life in the island. Due to the elevation of more than 1000 meters above sea level, it is by Philippine environmental law a protected area. Mt Malindig is a stratovolcano with coordinates 13.2694 degrees North and 121.9922 degrees East.

The photo above is Poctoy White Beach with Mt Malindig in the background- the most photographed scenery in the islands. Let's hope that this eruption scenario will not occur for a long, long time. In the meantime, let us enjoy this beautiful mountain this summer, by hiking to the top, bird watching or just enjoying the panoramic view at the top. In a clear day, you can see Mindoro and the surrounding islands of the Southern Tagalog region.
Note: Today, Mt Malindig is dormant. There is a legend in Marinduque, why it has been dormant for quite some time. Evidently, at one time in the past, the volcano was showing sign of eruptions by the steam and boiling water oozing from top of the mountain. The local devotees of the Statue of the Virgin of Biglang Awa ( Perpetual Succor) prayed and prayed until the oozing of boiling water and steam stopped. When the faithful devotees of the Biglang Awa came to say thank you, by kissing the feet and gown of the statue, they observed that it was wet. The Lady of Biglang Awa is the patron saint of the town of Boac, capital of Marinduque. Today, there is a shrine built by the side of the Boac Cathedral in honor of Biglang Awa.Image from diosceseofboac.org


Here's a video of exploration of Mt Malindig: Enjoy
https://www.facebook.com/verticalsports/videos/938524679643058/

Another Writing Goal in HubPages Attained

Today my total page views for my articles on Hubpages reached a total of 24,752. The monthly readership averaged about 500 page views. I am happy with this stats although I wish it could be better. Of my 29 articles only 25 are featured. The rest are not featured due to poor traffic or readership or quality. Of the 25 featured only three are published in a niche( HP network site) or separate domain for better google ranking. The following are the Statistics of my top 10 featured articles as of today. The columns are: Title, Score, Comments, 1 day, 7 days, 30 days and Ever ( Page Views)

( For Example for article #1, my score( rating) is 73. Scoring of articles ranged from 50 to 100. Comments are 33, Page views for 1 day, 7 days, 30 days and ever are 6, 45, 162 and 5,184 respectively.

1. Caste System in the Philippines-Discrimination of Filipinos in the United States and my Pinoy Pride List
73
33
19
60
180
5,222

2. Encounters With Aswangs, Witches, Goblins, and Ghosts in the Philippines
84
12
3
26
128
1,823

3. How to Retire in the Philippines for Less than $1,500 a Month
71
8
0
9
42
1,032

4. Abused against Men: the Battered Husband
69
3
0
7
21
1,501

5. My Bucket List: 101 Things to Do Before I Die
80
4
1
7
33
9,102

6. Book Review of the Tears in the Darkness, The Bataan Death March
72
0
1
7
13
635

7. Our Love Story and 60th Wedding Anniversary
79
13
0
7
21
304

8. Feasting on Fresh Oysters-My Oyster Rockefeller Recipe
70
2
0
2
7
215

9. Obsession for Numbers 7 and 11-Your Name and Numerology
75
2
1
2
6
313

10. Our Time-Share Vacation Experience All over the World
72
4
0
1
2
203

The Average score of my 29 articles is 72. I am happy with it since writing is just only my avocation. I am not a professional writer, although I earned a few cents per day for my hubs and have received around $100 awards from my other writings previously.

My most widely read article is #5 with 9,102 page views. My most widely commented article is Hub #1 with 33 comments.

In addition, I reached another HP milestone hitting 100 Forum Posts, Here's the note from HP:
Hi chateaudumer,

You have hit a pretty impressive milestone—you have made 100 Forum Posts! Fun fact: The first 100 days in office are considered a benchmark for the performance of the President of the United States. Chances are your first 100 Forum posts are a part of your great contribution to our community! Thanks, HubPages

Another Food Discovery Near Us-Chili Rellenos

Photo from Food Network

Last week, Macrine and I were talking to our new Mexican-American Home Health aide about Mexican food. I mentioned that Chili Relleno(CR) is my favorite Mexican dish. The next day she brought with her a Chile Relleno dish that she cooked the night before. It was good and it made me craved for more.

So I googled on the nearest Mexican Restaurant that has CR in their menu. There were 4 restaurants and Taquerea listed. Two of the restaurants are only about a mile from our residence. I looked at the two restaurant menus. Valencia Taqueria has the Chile Relleno Combo ( one pepper with rice and beans, tortillas) for $11.99. I purchased this yesterday and it was excellent.

The other restaurant Tres Hermanos has two Rellenos menus with trimmings( rice and beans tomatoes, avocado, lettuce and tortillas) for only $12.50 and one relleno with rice and beans, tortillas for only $8.50. I will try this restaurant in a couple of days.

Here's my favorite recipe from www.allrecipes.com

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/219646/authentic-mexican-chili-rellenos/

Here's a video on how to make Chili Rellenos

Another On-Line Convenience of Life Discovered Today

Today, I ordered my first on-line order and delivery from TugBoat Fish and Chips about 3 miles from us. I was not confident on giving my credit card online, so normally I would order via telephone, have it delivered and just pay cash when the food arrives. However, today I had a longing for Fish and Chips ( London style).

I found that there are three Fish and Chips restaurants within 5 miles from our residence. The nearest one to our residence that we normally patronizes is rated 4.5 Star. However, another Fish and Chips about 1 mile farther is rated 5 star. I have never ordered food from this place, but since the rating is excellent, I decided I will try this restaurant. I called the restaurant and asked if they have delivery service. They said they are associated with Doordash.com. Since this is my first order, the delivery charge is free and tips to the driver is optional.

I went to the Doordash web site, ordered three items, paid it with my credit card. I placed my order at 1.30PM. The screen showed delivery will be at 2:20PM. At about 1:15PM my ordered arrived. The food was warm and excellent. I was delighted with my achievement of the day. The delivery fee was free but I gave a 10% tip to the driver.

I was curious if there are other food delivery service near me besides Doordash.com. In our area there are postmates.com, foodjets.com, grubhub.com and Eat24.com food delivery services. They cover more than 100 restaurants near us. Most of the restaurants have free delivery service for first time orders. Other wise the delivery service varies from $2 to $6.

Today, I also learned I could order Dimsum (chinese dumplings) from the Dumplings and Tea House of Sacramento on line with only a $2 delivery charge. I could have my favorite Dimsum anytime I want it just tapping the keys of my computer.

Note: I am currently enrolled on Recurring Food Service once a week from Munchery.com. I am happy with Munchery but the food is getting expensive.

Ordering Food on line and delivery is a must for those who does not like to cook or those who do not drive or can not drive because of commitments in the house, for example being a primary care giver for a love one just like me.

Another service I have not tried is grocery delivery. I will probably do this when my driver's license expired in two years.

My Barrido, Balleza and Tupas Ancestry in the Philippines

I know that the Barrido, Balleza and Tupas surnames of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo are related to me. The picture below are some of our relatives ( Balleza, Barrido, Tupas, Causing, Espanola married a Balleza) taken during the wedding of my sister, Myrla, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines in 1959.

Myrla (my sister) and Leonor Hilaga Wedding (1959) attended by some Barrido, Balleza, Causing and Tupas Relatives, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines. In the picture: Mayor Luis Tupas, Raul Causing, Pablo Espanola, Jose Balleza, Paz Katague, my sister Agnes, brother Efren and Ruben, Mrs Hilaga, Mrs Hugo Tugbang, Mrs Nena Tad-y Balleza, Mrs Sayong Barrido, Mrs Jaranilla, Mrs Julio Katague and Fr Uvas(parish priest).

The following is a comment by Cecille Tupas Taningco from the Balleza Clan FB page.

Gani man..also Barrido..mas lapad pa gani ang ila duta. Si Lola Dami Barrido sisters nia ang mga mothers nanday Tatay Peping JoseBarrido Balleza nga father nanday primo Danilo Balleza , etc and Nanay Pacing Barrido Balleza, bana nia si Tatay David Katague. and the mother of Nanay Titay Barrido Baldonado-Doligosa, Tatay Manuel Barrido Baldonado and Tatay Tito Barrido Baldonado. Ang Dugman namon sa San Dionisio near Sara side ginpanubli ni Papang ina sa kay Lola Dami Barrido..the only son lang abi si Papang ni Lola Dami. Ang sa likuran sang apartment up to Paywan hasta didto kay Tad-y kay Lolo Generoso Tupas ina iya..That's why si Toto Manny Tupas Balleza nagka subdivision dira kay Mother nila si Tiyay Bebit Tupas sister ni Papang. Napag baligya na sang iban nga sisters ni Papang ang ila parte. Ang sa pihak nga dalan mga sisters ni Papang ang nag inherit 4 sisters..wala pa ina nila na divide..sakay Lolo Generoso Tupas ina halin..Balleza, Villaruel, Doligosa and Juanico ang mga manunubli nga mga apo.

The Rough English Translation: Ganiii man.. also barrido.. It's more width gani. Grandma, she has a lot of sisters, her mothers, peping, balleza balleza primo Danilo Danilo, etc and mom pacing barrido balleza, her Taipei Father David Katague. And the mother of mom titay barrido baldonado-Doligosa, dad manuel barrido baldonado and dad uncle barrido baldonado. The dugman namon in san dionisio near Sara side ginpanubli of papang mother to grandma dami barrido.. the only son Abu Father's father is a lot. The back in the back of the apartment to the paywan video with tad-y with grandpa generoso tupas mother iya.. That's why toto manny tupas balleza had a subdivision dira with their mother tiyay bebit tupas sister of papang. It was said that the sister of papang had a part of her sister. The one who is in the way of daddy's sisters is the one who inherit 4 sisters.. They don't have their mother to divide.. Ride Grandpa Generoso Tupas mother halin.. Balleza, Villaruel, doligosa and juanico are the ones who are.

Here's my blog on my Balleza Ancestry:

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/search?q=balleza+ancestry

Save Yourself Safely at Your Old Age

I received this messeage from a FaceBook friend recently-Ugly Truth but TRUE.

If you are 60 years old and above you really have to read and consider these realities of life.
How to stay 'safe' at old age:
(Remember only you can save yourself safely at old age).

1. Do not retire.
If you're over-aged, retire and get all the benefits but find another income-generating job or open a business that will keep you active physically and mentally. Travel and bond with true friends, play a sport, learn a new hobby and volunteer in your community or parish. Don't loaf around. Your spouse will hate you because you've become a sloppy, listless bum with nothing good to say about the household and things that you never bothered about before. Solve crossword puzzles, play Scrabble, write your memoirs, and above all, read ...this will keep you alert and keep Alzheimer's at bay.

2. Live in your own place to enjoy independence, privacy and a solo life. If you move in with your children, your rank or degree of importance is reduced to that of a bed spacer who has no place of honor or, worse, like crumbling furniture merely displayed with no added value. Maybe, you have to 'kowtow' to conform to their own rules that are not kind, considerate or mindful of you? If you witness your children engaged in a war of will and wits with your grandchildren, whom will you side with? Will they even appreciate your arbitration? Remind your children that silence is not a sign of weakness; you are merely processing data that is taking longer to complete.

3. Hold on to your nest egg, bank deposits and assets. If you want to help your children, do give, but not to the extent that you wipe out your life's earnings, singing heroically not a shirt on my back nor a penny to my name.
Staying solvent and in the black is a good hedge against all kinds of tempests. You will sleep better, you will not be afraid to express your opinion and you will be confident about yourself.

4. Don't believe your children's promise to care for you when you grow old priorities change. Many children are not guilt- ridden or filled with a sense of moral obligation when the wife and offspring take top billing in their lives. There are still children who would consider it a privilege to show compassion, genuine love and deep concern for their parents but be warned that not all children think alike.

5. Expand your circle of friends to include young ones who will definitely outlive your old BFFs. Keep up with new inventions, trends, music and lifestyle including all the scams and schemes you should guard against.

Remember that when you mix with the young, you also open a fresh avenue to channel your thoughts, experiences and values through so that the lessons you learned are not lost, forgotten or buried with you.

6. Be well groomed and smelling fresh of spring water all the time. There's nothing more depressing than seeing people exhale when you walk by because you reek of baul (camphor chest) or lupa (dirt). Old age or bust, don't look and smell like a corpse when you're not one yet.

7. Do not meddle in the life of your children. If they ask for your counsel, give it, but be ready to accept that they may not take it. Their situations in life cannot be compared to the situations that you experienced in your life. The playing field has changed and they need to develop their own set of survival skills. If you raised them to be street smart, they can handle themselves in tough situations and be able to read people. Champion and encourage their dreams and desires but on their own terms.

8. Do not use old age as your shield and justification for turning grumpy. There's nothing more annoying than an arrogant, old fool. Welcome each day as another chance to be kind and forgiving, to yourself and to others.

9. Listen to what others may say. Do not throw your weight around just because you are a septuagenarian or a nonagenarian. You are not a depository of knowledge. Even if the roles have been reverse mod, make growing old a fun-filled, pleasant experience for you and your brood.

10. Pray always and focus on your eternal life. You will definitely leave everything behind, a final journey detached from burden and care. Be more accepting that, sooner, not later, you will croak. Prepare your swan song with a humble and contrite heart. If you believe in a merciful and loving God, there is no need to strut like a star. Nobody is.

Money - Your last power at old age!

If you are broke at old age, nobody, not even your children will come close to you. You are a parasite. Yes, Money buys you power when you needed it most at old age.

Related Websites:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinseatonjefferson/2017/04/29/10-strategies-for-seniors-to-age-gracefully-and-safely-in-their-own-homes/#450d67d25607
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/national/seniors-financial-insecurity/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a6cb2e4980a2

Our Three Home Health Aides-Burning Out is Not an Option

For the last four months, I have hired home health aides from two home health care agencies and one as a private/personal friend. Their help really help me from burning out as the primary care-giver for Macrine who has PD as well as double hip surgery and with a compromise bladder ( poly catheter) and on a wheel chair. I have help for 4 hours Monday to Friday and for 8 hours Saturday and Sunday. These services are not covered by my BCBS Federal Medical Insurance since it is considered custodial care. I thank the Lord I have save enough to cover this unexpected expenses. This blog is about the personalities of each care giver and how they help me and David III with Macrine's daily activities.

First Care Giver: I will call her MR. She is a 57 year-old Filipina-American married to a retired Caucasian male. She has one adult daughter currently in college. She has been employed by Partners-In-Care Home Health Aide Agency for a number of years. She hailed from the Visayan Region in the Philippines and has taken some Pharmacy college courses in the Philippines. She is my most industrious care giver compared to the other two that I will discussed later. MR does not only take care of Macrine's needs, but also vacuums the house, do the laundry and wash the dishes when Macrine is resting or taking a nap. Sometimes she cook Macrine a filipino breakfast. She comes in Tuesday and Thursday from 9AM to 1PM. I wish I could hired her more days, but she has clients all week, except on Monday on her day off. MR rating is A+.

Second Care Giver: I will call her LS. She is a 50 year-old Mexican-American, married to another Mexican American and has three girls with ages ranging from 15, 13 and 8. Her husband works in the field of computers and information systems. LS has work for the Helping Hearts Agency also for a number of years. Macrine likes her because of her Spanish and their common love for Julio Iglesia's music. Compared to MR, LS is a little bit lazy. She does not do any housekeeping duties even if Macrine's is asleep. She reads her pocket book. Occasionally, she takes care of the garbage or put the dishes in the dish washer. What I like with LS, oftentimes she help Macrine with her Physical therapy exercises. Occasionally she prepares breakfast for Macrine and help the physical therapist and the nurse if she is around. LS comes in MWF from 9 to 1PM.
LS rating is B.

Third Care Giver: I will call her MT. MT is the partner of David's work mate. She is a 32 year old Tongan-American. She has a full-time job also in the Home care business. Besides taking care of Macrine physical needs she also does manicure and pedicure services for Macrine. She does errands for me and David III during her 30-minute lunch break. She is very dependable and Macrine also likes her because of her computer expertise in playing Julio Iglesia's and Filipino music. Occasionally, she helps with the PT exercises and washing of the dishes. MT rating is B+.

All the three ladies above are good in transferring Macrine from her wheel chair to the bed or toilet. At the beginning LS was a little bit insecure and she wanted someone around when transferring Macrine from her wheel chair to the bed or toilet seat.

Other Home Health Care Services: Blossom Ridge Home Health Care provides nursing, physical therapy and home care aide( bathing) services for Macrine. These services are covered by my insurance and Medicare. A nurse or LVN comes to the house once a week for catheter care. A physical therapist comes to the house 3 times per week. A Home Care Aide comes to the house twice a week to give Macrine a bath or shower. We are very happy with the services provided by Blossom Ridge. Blossom Ridge Rating is A.

My greatest fear is the time when I get burnt out or get sick myself. I pray to the Lord everyday that I stay healthy for Macrine's sake!

Life at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in the Early 1950's

Some members of the UPSCA-LA Chapter with Fr John Delaney, 1954.

About a year ago, I joined the Narra Residence Hall (UP Men's South Dorm) FaceBook group. I had numerous discussions with several members of the group about life in University of the Philippines(UP) during the 1950's and had published a number of photos during my college years. Among the active participants in our discussion were: Oscar Evangelista, Dan Etsirc, Willy Banlaoi, Guillermo Canlas, Ricky Sasil, James Esquerra and Kalder Eduardo.

This blog is a response to the query of Ricky Sasil regarding my activities in the mid 1950's in UP Diliman. I searched my souvenir files today and found the following events that I have attended ( I have still the ticket stubs/souvenir programs of the five events in my scrapbook. This is in addition to the monthly socials sponsored by the Women's Club and UPSCA Meetings that I attend regularly. I was an Active UPSCAN and consider myself one of Fr John Delaney admirers/worshippers.

I was in UP Diliman from 1953 to 1955 as a Chemistry student and a later as a Chemistry Instructor from 1956 to 1959. I stayed at the South Dorm ( Narra Residence Hall) from 1953 to 1959.

South Dorm Officers, 1954. I am in the first row kneeling from the Left.

The five events are as follows:

1. A Song Recital of Helen Traubel, world-famous soprano, sponsored by the Conservatory of Music and the President's Committee on Culture, January 16, 1953

2. A Garden Party in honor of the visiting members of the International Olympic Committee and the Heads and members of the Delegation to the second Asian Games, Kawilihan, Mandaluyong, Rizal, May 9, 1954

3. Lecture Forum, The Intellectual and his Faith, sponsored by the Iota Eta Sigma and conducted by Rev Horacio de la Costa, S.J., July 24, 1953

4. A song recital of Aurelio Estanislao, baritone with the UP Symphony Orchestra, conductor, Ramon Tapales and Accompanist Regalado Jose, January 12, 1955

5. A dramatic presentation by the UPSCA Dramatic Guild, The Woman of the House directed by Alejandro Casambre. Some of the actors were Isabel Seviila, Letty Tison, Violeta Mariano and Rudy Aluyen, Feb 22, 1955. Other names associated with this play were Basilisa Manhit, Dionisia Rola, Conception Dadufalza, Angelina Villanueva and Ma Luisa Lorenzo.

I have attended several other plays, lectures, recitals and dances, but the above five events I will always remember.

UPSCA General Meeting, UP Diliman, 1954

Pleasant Memories, Indeed! Some photos of my college years at UP, Diliman, QC, Philippines
https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2012/11/photo-memories-of-my-college-years-as.html

Carenna KT Video Interview-Tearing Walls Apart

https://youtu.be/LjQ-Opq9d7k

Here's a short write-up two years ago on Carenna's Song writing guitar playing and other art activities

davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2016/12/carenna-performs.html

Here's more on tearing walls apart in Sacramento:

https://www.tearingwallsapart.org/

Note: Carenna is 15 years old and my youngest grand daughter.

Time for One of My Favorite Music Today

I feel like listening to one of my favorite music today!

My favorite section is On the Trail. Enjoy

https://youtu.be/IVGOUHcdXy4

Ferde Grofé (27 March 1892 – 3 April 1972) was an American composer, arranger and pianist. During the 1920s and 1930s, he went by the name Ferdie Grofé. Grofé is best known for his composition of the Grand Canyon Suite (1931), a work regarded highly enough to be recorded for RCA Victor with the NBC Symphony conducted by Arturo Toscanini (in Carnegie Hall in 1945, with the composer present). The earlier Mississippi Suite is also occasionally performed and recorded. Grofé conducted the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in his Grand Canyon Suite and his piano concerto (with pianist Jesús Maria Sanromá) for Everest Records in 1960; the recording was digitally remastered and issued on CD in 1997.

My first posting on the Grand Canyon National Park: https://lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com/search?q=grand+canyon+suite

I was Bullied in High School and Never Told My Parents

The Bert Kavanaugh confirmation fiasco reminded me of my high school years(1947-1951) when I was bullied by an older and bigger classmate during my freshman year. The bullying was both verbal and physical. I have never told anyone even my parents, except for the high school principal-the person I complained when the verbal bullying becomes unbearable and turned physical.

Today my neighbor and I were discussing the Kavanaugh's confirmation process. He believes Kavanaugh is telling the truth. My neighbor asked me why Dr Ford just came out now and not earlier of the sexual molestation during her high school years. The answer in my opinion is that she is ashamed of what happened and probably partly blame herself of what happened.

In my case I was also ashamed to tell my parents and partly blamed myself for not fighting back. Today, I could still remember the details of my bullying, but I will not discuss it here in detail. Some of the details, I wrote in my autobiography, but a friend suggested I delete it, and I did! The bullying lasted for almost a year. It stopped when I complained to the high school principal.

I believe in Dr Ford testimony. Her story was very compelling and I have no doubts in my mind that Kavanaugh was a drunk. He has told lies and should never be confirmed to the Supreme Court position.

No to Kavanaugh!

Personal Note: When I told my son I was bullied in high school, he asked me if I will come out and tell my story. I told him unless the person who bullied me becomes President of the Philippines, the story of my high school bullying will forever remain in my memory.

Read why the abused do not tell their Parents:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/newsfeature/dear-dads-your-daughters-told-me-about-their-assaults-this-is-why-they-never-told-you/ar-BBNPCiK?ocid=spartandhp