The Pleasure of Growing Okra in My Backyard Garden

The potted mature okra plants viewed from my Family Room ( 3.5 ft tall)
 

Because of the 3-Digit temperatures here in FO, I have to water them daily-a good exercise for my aching knees.  I also have intense pleasure cooking them with my own recipes. ( see link at bottom of page)

This year, I planted only Okra in my vegetable garden in a wooden pot, because of the drought and space. The previous years, I had ampalaya, chinese eggplants and tomatoes in my backyard vegetable garden.  I planted two varieties of okra-the standard green okra and the red( purple) Okra. I started from seeds ( more than 3 dozens), but due to the bluebirds and squirrels only 7 purple okra and one green variety survived to maturity. I have already harvested more than three dozens okra and had cooked them to my gastronomic delight.  Here are some photos, I took the other day.

A close-up photo showing the yellow flowers

 

Newly harvested young okras for my stew and gumbo recipes. For recipes on okra and dishes read the following:

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2022/08/eleven-ways-to-cook-okra-my-own-okra.html

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2022/08/two-okra-dishes-available-on-line-via.html

The latest photo of my okra in bloom. The yellow flower is pretty and complemented with purple stems of the plant with green leaves with purple veins is beautiful to look while seating in my patio every day. 

 

Lumpia Ko- Filipino-Asian Eatery and Boba Shop Near Me

 

Last week I just Learn from Doordash of this Hole-in-Wall Filipino-Asian Eatery and Boba Shop Near Me

Discover Us in Antelope, CA-From the Lumpia Ko website

"We are a fun and hip Filipino-Asian fusion eats and boba shop taking on a fresh approach to combine hand-rolled Filipino LUMPIA along with our new spin on Filipino-style brunch dishes called SILOG. We will also be introducing rotating Asian fusion and Filipino dishes throughout our menu. To top it all off, we have created a selection of BOBA FLOATS that take milk and fruit teas to the next level".

 

We pride ourselves in the creation of hand-rolled Lumpias rolled daily and introducing Silogs to the food scene in Sacramento. By ‘silog’ we mean a variety of Filipino/Asian fusion inspired proteins served over a bed of housemade garlic rice and a duo of fried eggs. Our protein options for our Silogs are: Longanisa (Filipino style sausages), Tocino (pork slices in sweet-garlic glaze), SPAM, Korean insipred marinated steak, and Crispy Pork Belly (pork belly slices served with savory lechon sauce). We are excited to showcase rotating dishes in our menu that are sure to take our guests on a culinary journey through Asian-fusion dishes and Filipino dishes alike.

Lumpia Ko is the to-go spot for a delicious culinary experience focused on Filipino-Asian fusion dishes (especially Lumpias) and boba specialty drinks with service that shows the Filipino hospitality at heart. We want every guest to feel the warmness of being welcomed into a Filipino home as well as enjoy the food and drinks that we have to offer".

 

Halo-Halo-A Filipino Concoction- One has to try, if this is the first time you heard of it.(I bet you are a non-Pinoy if this is the first time you heard of Halo Halo) 

Overall  average rating- is 3.5 out of 5 based on 69 reviews. The ratings showed the waiting line is too long at times due to under staffing and the place has only 4 tables for indoor dining. So order on line( pick up) or via Doordash delivery service. The food appeared to be good but on the pricey side- $$. 

Personal Review: I ordered the Longsilog. I would rate it 3.5 out of 5. The Pinoy sausage was perfectly cook and sweet. The garlic fried rice was a little oily and needed more garlic. There is an option to substitute fried rice with just steamed rice and scramble eggs instead of over-easy fried. I will order again from Lumpia Ko with their other dishes in the Menu. The dish portion was good for 2.       

 

Travel with Me Along My Food Adventures All Over the World

I hope you are not a meat and potato person. I am inviting you to travel with me around the world via your palate. Is your palate adventurous enough to try dishes you are not familiar with? If so, travel with me as we explore dishes from over 95 countries all over the world as well as regional dishes in the US via Shef.com (https://blog.shef.com/our-story)

I enrolled on this on-line food delivery service about 4 months ago. So far I have ordered food prepared by former residents of the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Liberia, Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and regional dishes from New Orleans,Louisiana. I have ordered okra dishes as well as whole fish dishes prepared by a former resident from Southern India. I love them all. 

Here are some photos of the dishes that I have ordered. The Pompano fish is my favorite.

The Empanadas prepared from a former resident of Argentina are my next favorites

 

Last but not least are the Filipino dishes I have ordered from Shef Albert-The mongo dish above as well as the casava cake, and kare-kare below.

 

This Jambalaya Stuffed Pepper is prepared by Shef Brittni- US southern style of cooking

If you like a bell pepper stuffed with busting flavor you should try this Jambalaya rice stuffed oven-roasted bell pepper that's loaded with the flavors of the South. You will enjoy sausages, jumbo shrimp, and delicious chicken in every bite! I promise you won't be disappointed. Main ingredients: Salt, garlic, onion oil, jasmine rice, creole spices, green pepper, red bell pepper, tomato paste, shrimps, Smoked beef sausage, chicken breast, olive oil.

The latest dish I ordered was from a former resident of Liberia, Africa- The Okra Stew with rice, plantain, onion, jalopeno, cucumber and tomatoes as sides.

Again, are you adventurous enough to travel with me with my food adventures via Shef. com. If so let me know. You will receive a $10 discount on your first order and I will get a $10 referral gift, if you sign up with  https://shef.com/refer/davidk35

 

Two Okra Dishes Available from Shef.com

This dish is prepared by Shef Farah formerly from Punjabi, Pakistan. This is in my future order list -Bhindi Masala

1.Bhindi Masala is a very simple dish, yet comforting, healthy, and full of flavors. This is one of my family's favorite dishes at almost every gathering we have. Prepared by sautéing the okra separately in canola oil and then mixed and cooked together with onions, tomatoes, ginger/garlic, green chilies, and spices. Enjoy this with fresh roti. This dish is similar to my own recipe-sauteing okra in either oyster sauce or shrimp paste with vinegar.  Price: $12.99 for 12 oz container.

Prepared by Shef Amelia formerly from Liberia, Africa
 

2. Okra Stew is a smooth and savory stew that would make anyone who is opposed to okra more willing to try this amazing dish. The main three components of this dish are the okra, chicken, and beef. The sides for the meal are three pieces of plantain, a Serrano pepper, sauteed onion, slices of tomatoes, and slices of cucumber. I ordered this dish yesterday. Delivery in 2 days. Price: $15.99 for 8 oz container.

For other recipes read:

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2022/08/eleven-ways-to-cook-okra-my-own-recipe.html

This is my own recipe-Okra with Pork and Shrimp Paste. I have a variation recipe using oyster sauce.

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Eleven Ways to Cook Okra- My Own Recipe

 

This year I am starting to have a bountiful harvest of both standard ( green) okra as well as the purple ( red okra) variety.  I have used them in Filipino dishes, sinigang( soup) and pinakbet( like gumbo) as well as my own recipe by just sauteeing it in onions/garlic and shrimp paste with a trace of rice vinegar. 

Today, I will sauteed the okra in pork binagoongan with also a trace of vinegar. The pork will be shredded and the shrimp paste I will used is the Ginisang Bagoong, Barrio Fiesta Brand. There are several brands of Shrimp Paste from the Philippines, but the only one I like is the Barrio Fiesta. This recipe is my own creation. 

Here are 2 videos on how to cook okra. The first one is very simple-okra sauteed in Oyster sauce. The second video shows 2 creative recipes used by professional cooks. The dishes are served in expensive restaurants. 

I like this easy and simple recipe and used it often, since I always have a bottle of oyster sauce in my pantry.

Here are 11 ways to prepare Okra: https://www.foodandwine.com/vegetables/okra/11-ways-use-okra

1. Gumbo. This Louisiana dish is probably what's given okra its slimy reputation—the vegetable is sliced and simmered so all of its goo leaches out. Believe or not, that goo has a purpose: It thickens the stew into something magical.

2. Quick vegetable stew. Thickly slice okra and cook it briefly with tomatoes so it's tender but not overly slimy.

3. Stuffed peppers. Add okra to a succotash that you stuff into poblanos. The spicy peppers will distract you from any okra textural issues.

4. Pickled. A Bloody Mary must-have, pickled okra has a slight slime factor but so much flavor that you'll hardly think about it.

5. Dipped. For a fun take on crudités, blanch okra then double dip them: First in mayo, then in "sprinkles" like sesame seeds and diced chile.

6. Sautéed. Keep the okra whole and sauté them briefly in oil. Add garlic and lime zest for flavor, and cashews for crunch.

7. Grilled. Grill whole okra until charred, then toss them with a flavorful dressing. (You can also roast them whole for a low-slime effect.)

8. Double fried. Fry thickly sliced okra in oil until soft, then stir-fry with a flavorful sauce.

9. Crispy fried. Coat okra in egg and cornmeal, then fry. The crisp coating will distract you from any little bit of slime.

10. Halved and pan-roasted. Halve okra lengthwise, then char them in a piping hot cast-iron skillet, which will render them nearly slime-free.

11. Julienned and fried. For a truly slimeless okra experience—one that will convert even the most vehement okra hater, make okra the way chef Suvir Saran does: Thinly slice the pods lengthwise, then fry the wispy strands. Even the seeds become crisp.

This is how to freeze okra for later use. Okra is available commercially fresh, frozen or dried. I have never purchased frozen or dried okra. 

 

 

 

My Proposed Donation to the UPV Library in Memory Of David E Katague III

I have a Proposal for Donation to the UPV** Library Fund to honor the memory of my son, David E Katague III 

The UPIC Picnic, Bacolod City, 1953. I am sixth second row from the Right

Just recently, I have been in communication with alumni of UPIC*, now residing here in US. Our communication involved my proposed donation to the UP Library Fund for their Archive Section via the UPMASA ( University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America). I have been communicating with Dr. Josefino Ceballos, Dr Nerita Ulep and Dr Silverio Cabellon, as well as with the UPV Librarian, Analiza Linaugo in Miagao, Iloilo. Here is the current status of this proposed donation.  

Dear Dr Katague,

We are overwhelmed with your gesture of support to the UPV Library for the improvement of our service to our constituents and to the public. The amount you are about to donate would greatly aid us to put an Archive Section, in the New Library Building, that would store information for the university.

As previously mentioned, we will properly recognize all donors by engraving, in walls or in brass plates, their names in specific section/area inside the proposed UPV Archives Section.

To honor the memory of your late son, David E. Katague III, we can also engrave his name in a wall or brass plates together with his face, if possible and if it's okay with you.

We will present samples during the Zoom meeting on August 11(EST)/August 12 (PST), so that we may get your comments/suggestions regarding the recognition and appreciation that we could give.

See you at the Zoom meeting. Thank you and God bless you all.

Sincerely,
Analiza Linaugo

My Response:

The memorial proposal sounds perfect with me, Now my question of tax deduction possibility. David B Katague, Ph.D.

My proposed donation is pending and will not be released until a complete assurance and documentation that the donation in memory of my son, David E Katague III will be tax deductible and a Plaque with his name and photo will be installed in the Archive Section Of the Library as his memorial. 

With this development, It reminded me of several photos I have in my album during my two years of college life at UPIC* from 1951-1953. Here are some of the Photos:    

The UP Student Catholic Action, Iloilo Chapter. I was the Chapter President, 1952-1953. I am in the front row, 4th from the Left. Look at those shoes!

The UP Circulo Servantino- Spanish Club with Adviser - Mr. Tim Gensola and Dean Nolasco. I am first in the second row from the Left.

The above 2 photos were taken in front of the 1936-1937 City Hall (UP Visayas Iloilo City Main Building). Formerly Called UPIC, Univ of the Philippines Iloilo College.

The Old Iloilo City Hall from 1937 to 1947. It was designed by renowned architect Juan Arellano. Relief done by Francesco Monti. It served as Japanese garrison during World War II. It was donated to the University of the Philippines in 1947 during the administration of Fernando Lopez. It is a National Historical Landmark and currently houses the Center for West Visayan Studies of UP Visayas. (Photo by Berniemack Arellano, 2019)

 My other extracurricular activities during my two years, 1951-1953

The UPICSCA Symposium with Catholic Church Dignitaries, Jaro Dioscese, 1952

I am first seated in the front row from the Left. The back row were student members of UPICSCA and symposium participants

I am one of the 2 UPIC alumni who took Honors on the National Board Exams in 1957. 

A Tableau sponsored By UPICSCA- On the christian colonization of the Philippines by Spain( 1521-1898). I was playing a Spanish Friar holding a Cross and a Bible.

* UPIC( Iloilo City) is now a branch of UPV, University of the Philippines Visayas with the main campus in Miagao, Iloilo. For details visit:

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Philippines_Visayas

 

Seventeen Easy Things To Do When You Are Feeling Lonely

Today, the pangs of loneliness attack me. For the last week, I did not have company except for my 2 babies ( Batman & Robin) because my Part time Caretaker ( Cook) had been sick.  Normally when I feel alone, I would call on my two neighbors, just to say Hello.  Or I just walk and enjoy my garden. Lately the presence of my 2 pets really helps me of coping up with living alone in this huge house( 4BR and 2.5BR) with over 2000 sq ft of living space and 3 Wide Screen TV's. Watching Netflix or Prime Video also helps, but today none of the above seems to appease my feeling of being lonely. So, to cope up with this feeling of being alone, I did some Internet Search. I found the following article informative and some of the things listed I have already done or are doing. However, for those millions of us who suffers the pangs of Loneliness every now and then, I suggest you read the following article listed on the bottom of this page. Meanwhile here are some highlights:        

"What is loneliness, exactly? Simply put, "it's the discrepancy between what you have and what you want from your relationships," says Stephanie Cacioppo, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago, who specializes in the study of loneliness and social cognition.

It’s not necessarily about being physically surrounded by people—because you might feel especially lonely in a crowd—but about your mentality. When you feel lonely, it’s usually because you aren’t quite satisfied with what you have, whether it’s in that moment or throughout your life, Cacioppo explains. And until you're able to pinpoint and then address what you're dissatisfied with, you'll feel isolated, left out, and in need of companionship.

The upside: Feeling lonely isn't necessarily a bad thing, Cacioppo notes. It's a reminder that something's off about your social environment and that you need to prioritize your happiness.

Chances are, though, you're not too grateful for loneliness while you're experiencing it. In fact, the feeling makes you more likely to interpret reality negatively, which can bring on a ton of self-loathing and self-criticism, she says. The key to turning your mood around? Adjusting your social lens to one that’s more positive". Here are the 17 easy things to do when you feel lonely:

 https://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/news/17-easy-things-do-when-youre-feeling-lonely 

Note: After writing this article, My feeling of loneliness disappear and I am ready to face another 3-digit hot day here in Northern California. Let me know what things do you do to ease your feeling of loneliness once in a while.  

 

What Should be Inside Your Medicine Cabinet

Sometimes, some of us become curious of what other people have in their medicine Cabinet. Most people have their pills stored on it ( not a good idea) such as their tranquilizers, aspirins, sleeping pills etc... Mine is a collection of Men's after shave, cologne and one or two men's perfume ( see photo above). I know my Medicine in the Master Bedroom is not typical, but here's an article what you should have in your medicine cabinet under ideal conditions.

According to Dr. Hare you should have the following 8 items in your Medicine Cabinet.

8 things you need in your medicine cabinet

Which essentials should you have in your medicine cabinet at home? Charmille Hare, D.O., a family medicine physician at Piedmont, shares the key products everyone should keep on hand in case of a minor illness or injury.

1. Pain reliever

Whether you have a headache, menstrual cramps or a pulled muscle, non-prescription pain relievers can come in handy. There are three main categories of pain medication, all of which reduce fever and relieve pain, explains Dr. Hare. You may find one particular variety works best for your needs. The most common over-the-counter pain relievers include:

• Aspirin. Aspirin can cause stomach irritation in some people.
• Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve).
• Acetaminophen, like Tylenol. Too much can affect the liver.

Again, following package directions is crucial, because taking too much of these medications long-term can lead to complications such as stomach irritation and even liver failure.

2. Cough medicine

“For coughs, you can use anything over-the-counter and it will work pretty well,” says Dr. Hare.

If you have a productive cough (i.e., you have mucus in your chest), look for a product with the expectorant guaifenesin, which will help loosen the secretions.

“Then you can actually cough up the mucus you have,” she explains.  

3. Cold medicine

“For colds, over-the-counter medications work very well,” says Dr. Hare.

Decongestants help with congestion associated with the common cold or a virus, while other ingredients help relieve pain and even promote a better night’s sleep.

4. Antihistamines

For allergies, antihistamines can be your best friend. While there are many varieties from which to choose, Dr. Hare recommends paying close attention to the words “non-drowsy.” For daytime use, non-drowsy medication is your best bet, but if your allergies are keeping you from a good night’s rest, a sleep-promoting medication (such as Benadryl) can be beneficial.

5. Digestive aids

For digestive issues, there are three types of at-home medications you can use:

• Tums or Rolaids for mild, food-related heartburn. While they do not provide long-term relief, these quick-release formulas tame symptoms quickly.
• Mylanta or Maalox are helpful for those who have heartburn on a regular basis and are longer-lasting than fast-release chewables like Tums.
• Zantac or Prevacid for long-acting relief. These are recommended for those who suffer from daily heartburn.

If you suffer from chronic heartburn, see your physician. He or she may recommend a regimen of the medications listed above and/or other therapies, particularly if you have an underlying condition causing your symptoms.

6. Ointments and creams

“For itching, burning or irritation of the skin, there are several categories of topical medications you can use,” says Dr. Hare. They include:

• Calamine lotion, an “old favorite” that helps relieve itching and irritation of the skin.
• Topical Benadryl cream if calamine lotion doesn’t alleviate symptoms. This cream blocks histamine, which is a common culprit behind skin itching and irritation.
• Topical steroids, if the previous two creams don’t provide relief. The most common over-the-counter topical steroid is cortisone, which is a low-potency steroid that works very well for itching.

7. Infection prevention

Dr. Hare recommends keeping hydrogen peroxide and an antibiotic ointment on hand for minor cuts and scrapes.

8. Minor burn remedies

For minor burns, she recommends a topical antibiotic, like Neosporin, to prevent infection.

“It’s important to have these things on hand because you never know what could happen,” says Dr. Hare. “Emergencies and illnesses happen all the time and some things don’t require you to rush to a doctor.”

Source:

https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/8-things-you-need-in-your-medicine-cabinet

I have the above 8 things in the house, but not in my medicine cabinet in my bathroom. I also have a First Aid Kit.

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my album.

 

Are Good Writers Born or Made?

 

My last two recent blogs discussed the genetics components of musical, artistic as well as vocal ( singing) talents and abilities of some of us. This article will be a related article, but the subject are about good writers, reporters, and novelists. So are Good writers Born or Made? Here's an article I found informative.

Good writing is a combination of both talent and skill by

Yewande Ade

As a writer, I believe that writing is a fantastic blend of talent and acquired skill. No writer can function without the two.

For every writer, there must at least be a great deal of passion. This is because when someone doesn’t fancy writing, no amount of training will make him want to write anything.

To this extent, K.M Weiland notes that a person may have the mental skills and experience required to be a better writer, but in the absence of a genuine interest in writing, his skills may not do him any good.

You can’t give what you don’t have.

There are natural-born writers who can simply pick their pen and creatively express themselves in the best way possible. However, talent is never enough.

Without regular practice and devotion, even the best writers won’t be as great or popular as they are. They keep showing up every day; that’s the root of their success.

Truly, one may possess the ability to write, but it’s like iron which must be sharpened regularly so it doesn’t become blunt.

We can’t compare a writer who exhausts hours refining and correcting his drafts so he can get the finest output to one who has the innate talent but does nothing to improve himself.

With constant writing, the burning desire to get better should exist for any writer who is truly passionate about his craft.

As much as we try to convince ourselves that writing is strictly inborn, if you don’t have the right tools or time to enhance it, no one will truly know how good you are. For this reason, writing comes with research, organization, deep thinking and analysis. Ordinarily putting pen on paper may suffice.

Truly, a good balance between both is what makes a good writer.

I often ask myself: would I even be able to write at all if I wasn’t constantly reading and learning it consciously and unconsciously?

Indeed, consistency and intentional effort is what got many writers to where they are today. By daily showing up, they carved a niche for themselves in the hearts of their readers.

When focusing on great writers, we are caught up in the success stories that they have become. No one particularly pays attention to the hard work which they put in before they reached a place of excellence. Training to be a better writer requires a lot more than talent.

You can’t completely enjoy the writing process if you aren’t willing to put in more time and energy.

Here are some quotations on this subject-The 90 secrets of the best selling authors. 

https://www.writersdigest.com/improve-my-writing/the-90-secrets-of-bestselling-authors

 And here's my take and personal account on the above subject.

 Am I a Born or Made Writer?

I am not quite sure what the correct answer is, but I feel I am both. My early childhood has never been devoted to writing or art activities. It was science and mathematics that was emphasized in my early education. Later in my high school years, for some twist of luck, I was chosen by my English instructor to be editor of our high school newspaper. I was forced to write articles as fillers for the newspaper and was taught the basics of news writing and editing. I also started writing poetry in both English and our national language (Tagalog). During my high school years, I entertained the thought of taking journalism as a career in college. My parents however discouraged me, stating there is no money in writing and I will not be able to support a family. They wanted me to be a lawyer, doctor of medicine or a catholic priest. At their urging, I enrolled as a pre-medical student at the University of the Philippines, Iloilo College. At the end of my second year, I learned I will never be a good doctor as the sight of blood nauseated me. I shifted to Chemistry and the rest is history.

My years as an undergraduate and graduate student emphasized science, mathematics and engineering. It was only after my retirement that I started blogging and learned that I enjoy writing. This is true also for my oldest son. He wrote a novel (Cloyne Court) after finishing law school and now is on his second novel. He told me he writes as a hobby and is a relaxation therapy for him. Writing to him is a good diversion from his hectic life as a prosecuting attorney here in Northern California.

There is a common saying that if you can talk, you can write. But great writing is a born talent and I believe can not be taught. The passion to write is born. People have different reasons why they write. A few writes for the sake of writing and can not survive without it. Others write to earn a living and work hard to be a successful writer, reporter or novelist.

So why do I write for Hubpages.com and continue writing for my blogs. First, I enjoy writing. Second, to advertise my beach resort in the Philippines and last but not least is to get affirmation from readers and other writers that they enjoy reading my articles. Reading positive comments from others is an ego boost and makes me feel alive and useful during this stage of my life (retirement and old age). It kept away the feeling of boredom and uselessness.

Getting a monetary award is another ego boost, but I have learned this is no longer my primary incentives why I am writing for Hubpages.com and blogging for my Googles Adsense earnings. I have also learned not to compare myself with the other writers/bloggers. I have my own style of writing and if I write from the heart, nothing can go wrong.

Most writers that I know write because they love writing. To them writing is just like breathing. These born writers do not work hard to create an excellent article, because their writing comes from the heart and their soul. Others write with a lot of work, training and pain. Good writers run in the family as exemplified by the family of Stephen King. Most writers however are made and only become good writers through hard work and constant practice. The most common traits of good writers are patience and persistence, whether their writing talent is inborn or just developed.

Allow me to quote Jan Bird a Face Book friend from UK and an excellent writer from her article, The Writing Bug. "Writing for me right now, is like love. It isn't something I do, it happens to me. It takes me completely by surprise when I least expect it and then it absolutely refuses to let go until it wants to. It's intoxicating and irrational".

This is how a born writer feels everyday of his/her life. Writing to inborn writers must feel like addiction or a compulsion that must be satiated.

How about you? Are you a born writer or a made writer? Do you agree with the statement that good writers can be made but great writers are born? I will be glad to hear from you!

 https://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com/2014/01/am-i-born-or-made-writer.html

 

Empanadas, Cheese Rolls and Pastries from Porto's Bakery

Last weekend my longing for empanadas has been satiated. Ditas had a 3-day visit with me. She brought with her 2 boxes of Porto's pastries, empanadas and cheese rolls that I have been enjoying the last few days. The empanadas both chicken and beef reminds me of Pinoy empanadas. But Porto's is of Cuban origin and its story is detailed in the reference at the bottom of this page. It is listed in the top 10 best and famous bakeries in California.

To be honest, this is my first time I heard about Porto's Bakery. All my bakery needs are fulfilled by Pinoy bakeries in the area( Starbread, Valerio and Goldilocks). All of my Empanada purchases are on line from Shef.com. All of my other bakeries needs are filled by either Safeway or Dash Mart Grocery. 

Here's the current menu of the bakery.

https://www.portosbakery.com/current-menu/

 

The Guava Rolls

The Chicken Empanadas

The Cheese Rolls

The bakery offers also cakes. This mango-mouse cake looks delicious.

 

Besides the above, Ditas brought with her the Chicken and Ham Croquettes

  For Details read:

 https://www.portosbakery.com/our-story/

Meanwhile, here's the latest photos of my red okra flowers

 

 

Are Good Singers Born or Made?

Macrine (RIP) and I are in this Choir of 250 Voices, 1954, UP Theatre, Diliman, QC, Philippines

The University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action (UPSCA) Choir, with Fr Delaney, President of UP Vidal Tan and Prof. Molina, 1954

In my last blog I discussed the genetic components of musical talent and artistic abilities. Today, I will answer the question "Is being a good singer Genetic"?

"Musicians are often described as talented or gifted, but is the ability to sing a talent or a gift? Are we born being able to sing or can we learn to sing? Singing is a very complex ability and its origin may not be as simple as a matter of nature vs nurture. 

Genetics undeniably play a role in singing. Your physiology affects the timbre of your voice and some singers are born with vocal apparatus that naturally makes their voice sound good. But there are many factors aside from genetics that create a good singer. 

The ability to sing isn’t necessarily something you’re born with. You can be born with the right genetics and physiological features that put you at a better vocal disposition to become a singer, but that doesn’t mean singing is innate. You have to learn how to use this vocal apparatus to be able to sing. 

Singing is partly innate, and partly a learnt skill. You can be born with vocal tracts that are physiologically sized and shaped to give your voice a more pleasing sound, naturally leading the way to becoming a singer. But controlling and configuring your vocal muscles in order to sing well is a learnt skill.  

Singing can come more naturally to some, but having a good voice isn’t something that’s determined from the moment you’re born. Singing is something that can be learnt, taught, and developed". 

Here's the article on both Macrine's(RIP) and my own singing activities in our younger years.

Macrine and I loved singing in the choir here in Northern California. In the late 1980's, we sang in our church choir on Sunday masses in Pinole, as well as with the UP Alumni, Berkeley Chapter Choir based in El Sobrante, California.

Nine years ago, we sang in our Church Choir here in Fair Oaks. We even sang a duet of Silent Night in Tagalog at the concert before the Christmas midnight mass. I am terrified to sing solo for the public to hear.

Macrine and I had also organized the Marinduque Association of the Capital Area( MACA) Christmas Caroling Group in Colesville, Maryland in the late 1990's.

Macrine used to be a soloist. She sang soprano coloratura in her younger days. Today her voice is ruined by her cigarette smoking. Her last singing activity was being paid to sing for a friend's wedding in the Philippines as well as here in US.

Singing solo and duet with Macrine at our residence in Silvercrest Street in Pinole, Ca. The bottom photo is view of our backyard and deck with the setting sun in the background hanging over the Pinole hills, 1989

 

 

Personal Note: There was an incident in my singing activities that I will never forget. For some reason or another, my solo voice( Church choir) was heard for a few minutes during mass at communion time when we were still residing in Pinole, CA. The whole congregation was surprise to hear a new soloist that they have never heard before. I was frozen with anxiety that my voice was horrible, but judging from comments I heard later, my solo voice was not that bad. That was my first and last solo performance for the public in my whole life. I later learned that the microphone of the other singers were off and mine was the only one working. This is a true story.  Hearing my amplified voice in the church did not sound too bad. It was terrifying but at the same time exciting to hear your own amplified voice heard by the whole congregation of more than 300 people. I am not a bad singer after all! But I am still a frustrated singer and will never sing solo again in public except in my bathroom.     

https://marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com/2019/10/choral-singing-reminds-us-of-our.html

https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/can-you-learn-to-sing/

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my collection.

Amoingon Sunset, Chateau Du Mer, MRQ, PI (Photo Credit-Ella Lazarte)
 

 

Is Musical Talent or Artistic Ability Inherited?

Carenna( my youngest grand daughter) -Singer, Guitar Player and Composer

The other day I was reading my FB messages. There were communications  between my sister and brother. It was regarding my brother's children and my sister's grand children musical talents. It also reminded me of Carenna's musical abilities as a singer, guitar player and composer during her growing years.  This inspired me to write this blog. It answers my question if musical/artistic talent is inherited. Here's a summary on the genetic components associated with musical/artistic talents. References are at the bottom of the page.

"The gene AVPR1A on chromosome 12q has also been implicated in music perception, music memory, and music listening, whereas SLC6A4 on chromosome 17q has been associated with music memory and choir participation. Replication of these results in alternate populations and with larger samples is warranted to confirm the findings. Through increased research efforts, a clearer picture of the genetic mechanisms underpinning music ability will hopefully emerge".

There are research that points to personality traits and variables being tied to genetics.

“Being artistic or creative is associated with the personality trait of being open to experiences,” Garrison says. “Some research suggests that there are neuro biological foundations for creative individuals. Based on all available information, it is very likely that the capacity for creativity is shaped by genetic influences –– it’s a complicated way of saying that creativity and artistic interests can almost certainly be inherited.”

Personally, I never consider myself as talented in music. When I was in my preteens in the Philippines, my Mom forced me to study piano and the organ. I hated it and quit only after 2 weeks. My Mom was disappointed and never mention her dreams of molding me as a piano player. However, later in life I learned the beauty of music appreciation. Of course, my love for singing in the college choir during my college years as well as my participation with the church choirs at the urging of my wife Macrine(RIP) are the musical activities that I have enjoyed in my adulthood.   

Here's a statement about my Father on my blogs about his Drawing Abilities:

My Father could also draw freehand. His sketches and freehand drawing were beautiful. I know now that my children and grandchildren talents of drawing, sketching and painting is from his genes, since I have no ability at all to draw, paint or sketch.

 Here are the summaries about the genetics on musical and artistic talents:

 https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-inherit-creativity-science-says-yes#Your-artistic-skills-might-be-as-heritable-as-your-eye-color

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073543/

 

An Attempt to Steal One of My Statuary or is it a Prank?

The other day, I woke up and saw the garden statuary (see photo above- From Ditas) in the middle of my brown lawn. It was taken from its location on the side of my house by the driveway. Whoever, did this decided not to steal it ( a little bit heavy) and just dumped it in the front lawn. I decided to transfer it in backyard. It is seating very well with my okra plants as background. I have a good view of it from the sliding door in the Family room.

 

I have several garden statuaries and plaques. I love them as much as the plants, shruberries and flowers.   Here are two articles on my garden Statuaries, solar lights and Plaques.

Our Four Favorite Gardener's Plaques

During our more than 62 years of marriage, Macrine and I have collected several garden plaques and statues. The following four are our favorites. Do you decorate your garden with plaques and statuaries?

To Cultivate a Garden is to Walk with God

Gardeners Rule the Earth

All Things Grow with Love Plaque

One is nearer to God's Heart in a Garden than anywhere else on Earth

This is the second article on my solar lights.   

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2016/04/solar-lights-and-statuaries-in-my-garden.html