What makes Batangas beef caldereta different from the usual caldereta? Our version of it does not use tomato sauce. The secret to a super tasty, creamy sauce is the combination of garlic and onion (loads of these two), butter or margarine, liver spread, and cheese! Plus a few chops of siling labuyo if you opt for that kick.

“Sabaw pa lang, ulam na” — this line is true for Batangas beef caldereta. Of course, you have to make the beef as tender as it can get so you can have the best ‘kalderetang bakang Batangas’ experience.

Here’s how to cook Batangas beef calredeta:

1. Marinade the beef in soy sauce and vinegar to make until desired tenderness. Set aside the marinated beef (suggested time to allot is 30 minutes).

2. Saute the generous mounds of garlic and onions in butter or margarine.

3. Add the beef into the sauteed ingredients. Mix to incorporate the garlic and onions to the beef.

4. Add enough amount of water and let it simmer until the beef is really tender.

5. When the sauce has thickened, add liver spread and let it simmer again for a few minutes.

6. Lastly, put in grated cheese (as much as desired), to add extra flavor and to make the sauce creamier.

If you want a spicy beef caldereta, just add some siling labuyo after the grated cheese. Oftentimes, my dad does not add any extender (potatoes, carrots, bell pepper) but a few green olives only. It may seem so simple but its really good as it is!

Oops, I forgot to take a picture of the beef caldereta that we had here in the office last Monday. Inserted photo is from our first Asian Flavours feature.

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Single folks out there! How are you going to celebrate Valentine’s Day? I mean, who says only those in a relationship can celebrate this special day? It is for all of us, you don’t have to complain that you don’t have special someone to celebrate it with –ouch here!

I know there are a bunch of singles out there, so what are your plans on Valentine’s Day? We may be less fortunate with love but hello! We can still enjoy this day.

Here’s how:

You can do these things with your friends and family.

♥ Instead of thinking who could be the man or the woman you can have a date with, why not invite your family for a dinner? There are lots of restaurants here in Batangas where you can enjoy this day or you can just cook for them.

♥ Go to theme parks or pool/beach resorts with your pals and get your pictures taken everywhere — just don’t mind lovers around. Haha.

♥ Single ladies, bring your BFFs along for a “pamper yourselves day” in spas or salons and be beautiful while sharing the best times with your closest girlfriends. It’s time for a “sparty”!

♥ Movie marathon on V-Day. Watch movies, romantic or whatever kind of film you want with your chosen companions.

♥ Bar hopping. It could be fun with your friends and who knows you might meet someone who’s been looking out for someone like you.

♥ Watch concerts. There may be available concerts on that day so just enjoy.

There you have it, the list for things that singles can do to enjoy Valentine’s Day. You may add any of your idea regarding this topic, just post it on the comment section below.

But admit it, Valentine’s Day is in fact extra special when you have someone to celebrate it with. Haha.

Advance Happy Valentine’s Day.

Image from examiner.com

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This fund-raising event for JCI Lipa Scholarship Program will be on February 12, Sunday, at 5am. Starting point is at SM City Lipa.

Registration is now open for 3K or 5K run via the event’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/RunForLove2012.

What makes this fun run more exciting is that you can show off your relationship status by wearing the corresponding shirt color:

RED — in love or married
PINK/BLUE — single and looking
WHITE — celibacy
YELLOW — it’s complicated
GREEN — family with kids

So for those who want to get out of singlehood, you might get to meet ‘the one’ in this fun run. Just like Coach Rio.

And oh, do you know Edsel “Iking” Enriquez a.k.a. The Running Pilot and Barefoot Runner? After winning in the recent 42K Condura Skyway Marathon, he will be running for love together with his beautiful wife.

See you there!

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This article isn’t about pick-up lines. We’re counting down to Valentine’s Day though.

Monthly bills, tuition fees, groceries, emergency blunders — these are constant concerns that we deal with everyday or every month. Making ends meet for most of us is quite a struggle especially with ruthless price increases.

If you have a regular 8-5 day job or you’re a student trying to save money for field trips or conventions, for expensive school projects, or even for weekend gimiks with your friends, we understand that we all need some extra cash to pull out when the need arises.

Why not consider these sidelines for you to earn extra income? I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about these money-making ideas so let me just remind you of them.

Goodies and Foodies

Investment: P1,500 will do for pastries and small goodies; passion for cooking; set of cooking appliances

Our family cooks the best cordon bleue in town. I posted this on my Facebook timeline last Friday and my friends could attest to that. Do you cook pasta? Do you make to-die-for brownies? Accept orders and share your good cooking to your future customers.

Tutorials

Investment: time and a lot of patience; personal gadgets and instruments

What subjects do you have most knowledge of? If you have patience in teaching kids, accept tutees. You can do this after your day job or on weekends.

Are you adept in playing the guitar or the piano? Or have you mastered a skill in photography? You can start your own tutorial lessons for kids and amateurs who are willing to pay to learn your skills.

Graphic Arts and Desktop Publishing

Investment: time and a good dependable computer

Not all of us have superb skills in creating professionally-looking marketing collateral such as brochures, flyers, posters, tarpaulin layout, etc. So if you have expertise in things that concern putting texts and images together in one creative output, announce on your social network accounts that you can do these for a reasonable rate.

Events Planning

Investment: time; a decent planner; a few efforts on looking good (for events emcees)

Gerlie and I have been sidelining on events planning and emceeing for almost three years now. Most of the time we do weddings. What I like about being an events planner/coordinator/organizer, however you may want to call it, is that we’d get to meet different people, go to various places, polish our management skills, and the best of all, earn extra income.

Do you think you have the potential to be an events coordinator in Batangas? Then get up and start looking for future clients.

There are a lot of ways to earn extra income at home or out of your workplace. Turn your passion into a profit and start earning for your personal financial stability.

We all need a little work to do. Just think of what you might achieve a few months after. Winks.

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Dear Miong and Julia,

Tatlong taon na ang nakakaraan nang makilala ng boyfriend ko ang babaeng best friend nya sa kasalukuyan. Marami akong hindi alam sa lalim ng kanilang samahan. Alam kong bago pa ako dumating sa buhay ng boyfriend ko ay sila ng dalawa ang laging magkasama at magkaramay.

Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong magalit o magselos man lang. Kada bibisitahin ko ang profile ng boyfriend ko e puro wall posts lang ng best friend nya na may “I miss You” or “PM me. Let’s hangout.”

Kung i-oopen up ko naman ito sa kanya, baka naman ikasama ito ng loob nya at pag-awayan pa namin. Ayaw ko din naman yon. Isa pa, ayaw ko rin naman na masira ang friendship nila. Iniisip kong baka nagrereact lang ako ng sobra.

Kaya nga sumulat ako sa inyo Miong at Julia, para malaman ko kung ano ba talaga ang dapat kong piliin? Ang sabihin ko sa kanya o hindi?

Nagmamahal,
Charie

Hey Charie!

“I miss You”
“PM me”.
“Let’s hangout.”

Tatlong tao lang ang maiisip kong tao sakaling may magsabi nito sa aking minamahal.

Una. Pagerper.

Isang pagerper na tipong ang kulang na lang ay isang bugaw na magsasalansan sa kaniya sa bintana ng aking sasakyan.

Malaswa pakinggan pero wala na sigurong mas babastos pa sa mga babaeng nanlalandi ng mga lalakeng alam nilang mayroon ng minamahal.
Pero teka, alam ba niyang nagmamahalan kayong dalawa? Baka din kasi hindi sinasabi ng boyfriend mo na mayroon na siyang ka sweet-sweetan kaya yung best friend kuno e sige lang ng sige sa kaniyang paglalambing.

Padalawa. Kaibigan.

Isang kaibigan na sa hinaba-haba na siguro ng panahon at sa lalim na din ng pagkakakilala ay naging kapatid na ng iyong boyfriend.

Sa malamang ay wala na din sigurong malisya o kung ano pa mang s**t ang namamagitan sa kanila kaya ganyan kaboka at kaprangka yung babae.

Patatlo. Kasintahan.

For reasons you know.

Pwera na lang kung magkasintahan din ang turingan nila.

===

Sa hinaba-haba man ng aking suhestyon at sa dinami-dami na ding eksena na tumakbo sa iyong isipan ay isa lang siguro ang nararapat mong gawin.

At yan ay ang komprontahin tanungin mo ang iyong boyfriend kung ano nga baga ang mayroon sa kanilang pagkakaibigan.

Dahil kung wala naman sigurong namamagitang karumal-dumal sa kanila e maipapaliwanag niya ng maayos at matiwasay mong maiintindihan ang lahat.

Nasa BF at sa BF mo lamang, Charie, ang siguradong sagot sa iyong mga katanungan.

Sana’y tandaan mo din na ikaw, higit sa lahat ng kaniyang mga chix na kaibigan, ang siyang dapat may tangan ng pinakasinsero at pinakatapat na komunikasyon.

Huwag mong hayaang maging hindrance ang “friendship” nila sa supposedly ay “intimate relationship” n’yo. Dahil sa tunay na buhay, pag hinayaan mong mangyare yon ay napakatungaw mong babae ka.

Let’s hang out sometime if you make amends na with him. PM me.

Tse.

MIONG

Dear Charie,

Excuse me, sino si Julia?

Come on, girl. Admit it, paranoia strikes you from time to time, right? Take it from me. I know a lot of girls who are dealing with the same BS that you have.

May iba’t ibang anggulo kasi yan eh. Unang issue – yung kung sino ang nauna sa buhay ng boyfriend mo. Obviously, si girl bestfriend yun.

Big deal ba yun? I guess not. Ikaw o sya, pareho kayong parte ng buhay ng boyfriend mo. At hindi kayo dapat mag-compete sa bagay na yun.

Next issue – your frequent tracking of her posts on your boyfriend’s Facebook wall. Listen to me, maraming napapahamak at mga relasyong nasisira dahil sa pag-stalk sa Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr ng sarili nilang boyfriend/girlfriend.

Nakakapraning! Tantanan mo na, utang na loob. Gusto mo bang magkaroon ng anxiety attack anytime soon?

Third issue at ang ugat ng lahat ng kapraningan ng mga babae – trust issues.

All of these, all of your worries and the little monster thoughts crawling into the crevices of your brain, these are all ugly results of your lack of trust. Or wait, do you trust him?

Dapat ka bang magalit? Pwede. Anong masama dun? Kung napapadalas na yung ganung mga eksena ni girl best friend eh talagang nakakagalit naman. But learn how to manage your anger.

Dapat ka bang magselos? Sure. Karapatan mo naman na maramdaman yan eh. Be honest with how you feel. It’s always better to let it all out kesa kimkimin mo.

Dapat mo bang tanungin o i-confront ang boyfriend mo? Hell, YES!

I’ve got some few reminders, Charie. Over-thinking is unhealthy so open the issue up with your guy. Resolve it in a calm conversation. Don’t let your emotions rule out your valid reasons.

Once na-voice out mo na at naresolve nyo na, tama na. Wag nang balik-balikan pa. Most guys get pissed off with dealing the same issues over and over again.

Kapag umulit pa si girl best friend sa mga eksena nya, sumulat ka ulit at i-attach mo ang Facebook profile nya. Winks.

Wishing you well,

JULIA JULIETA

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Valentine’s Day is up for about two weeks from now. This is another much-awaited event of the year and lucky you if you have someone to share this should-be romantic day.

Of the infinite topics there are in the world, one in which anyone could relate to is love. Yes, including the members of the bitter circle.

When you are hit with the love bug, you get to appreciate the beauty in everything around you. And, you get to click links to articles like this one.

I’d like to believe that seeing happy couples – whether they are real people or creations of clever, creative minds of animators – contributes to anyone’s effort to keep the relationship he/she is in to be stronger.

Let’s get a rundown of the famous fictional and non-fictional couples who inspired the world with their love for each other. Sorry, the search for famous inspiring real-life couples is still on-going. Haha. Wala talagang nahanap!

Hey, this is a personal list and objections and violent reactions are welcome but no cyber-bullying. So, relax.

From Animations

Popeye and Olive

Because Popeye is strong to the finich and he eats spinach… and he won’t dare let Bluto take his Olive away.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Just because they’re cute. Just because they’re famous. Just because they’re in love.

Shrek and Fiona

Their monsterrific love story is the perfect example for the line “I love you for what you are and what you are not”. ‘Nuf said.

Belle and Beast

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney movies. Belle and Beast’s love story may be too fictional but in some ways, it would be so nice to know that love can truly change a person no matter how beastly he/she can be.

Carl and Ellie

They’re my favorite. I love Up’s montage of their love story and cried when Ellie died. Their story is believable as it can happen in real life. They have the greatest adventures together and they grew up taking care of each other. If you don’t believe that there can be that one great love, watch Disney-Pixar’s Up.

Couples from the Big Screen

Edward and Bella of as-if-you-still-don’t-know The Twilight Saga

Theirs is a love that defies all.

Noah and Allie from The Notebook

From Noah to Allie: “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that’s what you’ve given me. That’s what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I’ll be seeing you.”

Christian and Satine from Moulin Rouge

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” This line from the extravagant musical film production is one proof why Christian and Satine’s complicated love story is one that will be a classic.

When you visit this page again, more fictional yet inspiring couples will be added.

It’s the start of the Valentine Month. Spread some lovin’! ♥

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Of course, we have world-class destinations here that local and foreign tourists are visiting every now and then.

Batangueño hospitality is another reason why non-natives are fond of staying in our province. Oh, don’t forget the food! Batangas cuisine is definitely one of the bests in the country.

And in Gia Recio’s blog yesterday for FemaleNetwork.com, she included the towns of Nasugbu and Anilao (barangay, actually) in the 30 Must-Visit Philippine Towns and Cities list.

Why visit Nasugbu?

Nasugbu is a 1st class municipality in the province and is popular among travelers who love going to the beach, camping, and trekking.

Mt. Batulao is Nasugbu’s pride. The dramatic slopes and land formations you would see when you reach any of the two peaks is, I bet, one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the natural beauty of Batangas.

Here’s a quick note from our resident mountaineer, Alva:

“Masarap maghalo-halo sa camp 6. P25 lang pero pag madami kayo pede na sa bente tapos pede pa humiling ng asukal.. hehehe.. Masarap din ang picturan doon kaya magdala ng camera.. Nobyembre hanggang Pebrero ay medyo malamig at mahangin kaya kasarapan dun umakyat. Balita ko eh sa mga bandang December 8 ay makikita mula sa baba ng Batulao na duon lumulubog ang araw eksakto sa gitna ng twin peaks. di ko pa nakita pero yun yung sabi ng mga locals. Dabest dun.”

This phenomenon which happens in December was where the name “Batulao” originated from. When the sun sets between the twin peaks, the surrounding rocks appeared to be illuminated hence the phrase “bato sa ilao” which they shortened and eventually became “batulao”.

Nasugbu also cradles the posh resort Terrazas de punta Fuego, the Chapel of Transformation in Caleruega which is a famous option for intimate weddings, Sandari Batulao which is the first residential resort situated on a mountainside, and another residential area which is the Kawayan Cove.

Beach bums and island hoppers should not miss Tali Beach, Twin Island and Fortune Island. Aren’t these enough reasons why you should head to Nasugbu anytime soon?

Photo insert shows the statues of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and two of his men located on this Nasugbu beach to commemorate the start of the liberation of Luzon from the Japanese invasion. The local government celebrates its foundation anniversary every 31st of January (and that’s today), the day of the Nasugbu landing.

Why visit Anilao?

Anilao is paradise for divers. It is such a lovely destination both over and under the sea.

Anilao’s marine sanctuary is one of the most precious gems of the province and we hope people would continue to preserve the magnificence under its waters.

Situated in the town of Mabini, Anilao is also a point to be at for mountain climbers. I love the way I say “Mt. Gulugod Baboy”, which you’d never hear here. Haha.

Here’s what Alva has to say about the “climber-friendly” Mt. Gulugod Baboy:

“Napaka climber-friendly na bundok. Relax lang ang akyat.. di masyadong matarik, di masyadong mahaba. Pede ka magsama ng pamangkin. Tapos ang camp site eh parang malaking playground. Malawak na grassland (na madami din nga lang pupu ng cow) wahihihi.. Pero suabe lang. Halos 360 din ang view at suabe pa sa pagbaba dahil sa nakapilang resorts na may mura lang at meron din namang kainaman. Mas magandang umakyat dun kung malaking grupo dahil ang mahirap doon ay ang sasakyan. Kunwari ay ginabi kaya mas maganda kung sisita kayo ng jeep. Kung madami kayo di syempre madaming maghahati-hati kaya suabeng suabe na.”

Did we give you good reasons to visit Nasugbu and Anilao? Don’t just count on the words that excite you here. Go and explore more of Batangas. We guarantee you the best summer adventure here. Winks.

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Among the topics discussed during the summit were “Rescuing the Taal Lake Basin” by Atty. Maria Paz G. Luna, Board Secretary of PUSOD, “Assessing the Vulnerabilities of Mt. Malarayat Forest Reserve” by Mr. Enrique Nunez, Manager Verde Island MBCC and President of PUSOD, “Updates on STAR Tollway Balete Interchange” by Mr. Adolfo Dioquino, President/CEO STAR Tollway Corp., “The Importance of Disaster Preparedness in the Era of Climate Change” by Mr. Michal Melchor of International Response Network, “Batangas Ecotourism Road Map” by Hon. Vice Governor Mark Leviste and “Ecotourism Ala Batagas” by Atty. Vicky Antique-Garalza from the office of Provincial Administrator.

The event was attended by faculty members and students from various colleges and universities in the province, officers and staffs from the provincial government and North Batangas municipalities (Sto. Tomas, Tanauan, Malvar, Balete, Lipa, Mataasnakahoy, Talisay and Laurel). There were also some attendees from the different business sectors and non-government organizations in Batangas.

“We need to take care of our environment. We are blessed to have beautiful Batangas, a place for all seasons. Be one with us in fulfilling our mission for Batangas,” Hon. Vice Gov. Mark Leviste concluded.

VG Mark was referring to the following missions that he discussed during the summit:

Indeed, the event has become a great venue for those in the government, NGO and the rest of the stake holders to discuss the concerns, problems and solutions in developing a better North Batangas for us and the generations to come.

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Last night, we asked our Facebook supporters as to where we should start this year’s summer adventure. We know a lot of you are looking forward for our adventures. Well, we are too.

And because we know there is still a long, long list of places to go to around Batangas, it’s best to hear from you. These are some of the responses we got from our Facebook community.

From Cheche Laurel: “Laiya!”

Check. We’ve been to Laiya for a number of times and would surely go back soon.

From Edward Dimaano: “Sa Balete. Pagkakaganda dine.”

Check. Sunset in Balete is amazing. Last time we were there was in 2010 at Galilee Place Resort and Spa.

From Pusod TLCC: “Mag-kayak sa Pusod TLCC, Sitio Lipute, Brgy. Kinalaglagan, Mataasnakahoy ”

Aw. We’re fond of kayaking but it’s sad that we haven’t done that yet in our hometown, Mataasnakahoy. Invite us, Pusod TLCC. Haha.

From Joyce Anne Marasigan: “TINGLOY ”

Say yes to Tingloy! We’ve been wanting to go there for such a long time now and if the schedule and the waves will permit us to do so, we know it’ll be so much fun to discover the island municipality.

From Ailine Macalintal Cuya: “Mt. Maculot Resort, Cuenca”

Don’t worry, we’ll get in on the list. Winks.

From Melanie Aala Palomeno: “TAAL VOLCANO..”

Wow, ang init sa bibig ng Taal Volcano ha. Check. Kahit hindi summer, it’s always worth anyone’s time to visit this magnificent baby volcano.

From Heartofdocean Beachresort: “Itry nyo po d2 sa amin sa Heart of D’ Ocean located @ Brgy. Nonong Casto, Lemery, Bats… Black Fine Sand Beach with Semi- Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Children Pool with Water Slides and Kiddie Pool with Water Falls and Have a Great Fun!”

Free accommodation?

From Mark Patrick Delgado: “Dito po sa The Barcelona Garden Resort Maganda po dito.”

The resort name sounds familiar. If I’m not mistaken, I’ve met the owner, Marlon Barcelona, during the Sinukmani Festival in Rosario last year.

Definitely, there are still more places to discover in Batangas for you to enjoy the nearing summer vacation. If in case you know a destination we could feature here, the comment box is just below.

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Below is the schedule of activities for Ibaan’s 180th foundation anniversary.

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