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Herbs: Medicine Of The World

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Herbs
Mysterious Chinese herbs in the traditional medicine shops of Hong Kong

Herbs: Medicine Of The World

Herbs are a plant or a part of a plant that is used for its scent, taste, or therapeutic properties. Every culture has herbs that are used to help us overcome different diseases. The key is to learn which ones are good for what and when and how to use them. The herbs of the field are a blessing for our welfare. Herbalism is use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of such use. Some are very common to us and others not so much. The whole world makes up the herbal medicine cabinet. Plants have been the basis for medical treatments throughout much of human history. Especially in places like India, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan traditional medicine herbs are still greatly used.

Herbs for teas,  or tisanes, are when you seep a certain type of herb in liquid, usually hot water. Though teas  are made in a few different ways, that is perhaps the most common.  Mint is a great appetizer or cleanser, A cup of warm mint tea before a meal helps with digestion.  It is also very soothing for  stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation. It can also work wonders for a headache. In cases of bad asthma, it has been very helpful to some. When you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you almost instant relief. Mint is one of the common herbs in our society and is easy to grow. In fact it is best grown in a container unless you want a mint orchard. It will quickly spread. You can use the leaves fresh or dry them for a later time. The many mint herbs are very easy to prepare.

Decoctions are usually boiled and are  usually of harder substances like roots or bark. When I make a ginger herb tea, for example, I usually use the root or rhizomes. I like it a lot stronger and I boil the rhizomes till soft and mash. Then I continue to simmer on a very low heat for 8-10 minutes at least. The result is a very strong ginger tea. This is the type of tea you will want if you are using it to fight a major disease like Ovarian Cancer, IBS, or Alzheimer’s. It is often used along with traditional methods for added healing benefits and to help with the nausea that accompanies some of the standard treatments. If Alzheimer’s runs in your family, consider adding ginger in everything you can and drinking several cups of the strong tea daily.  In the case of Alzheimer’s, you could also make a ginger candy using honey instead of sugar.  If fighting cancer, I would want to be careful about any type of sugar. I have also found those who have good results for pain relief.  Ginger is also good for tired muscles, weight control, Glucose levels, and Arthritic inflammation.  Ginger is another one of the common herbs that are easy to use.

Maceration  is the old infusion method of herbs with a high mucilage-content, such as sage and thyme. To make macerates, plants are chopped and added to cold water. They are then left to stand for 7 to 12 hours (depending on herb used). For most macerates 10 hours is used. I generally put in a bowl of cold water and cover with a plate and let stand 10 hours. Sage is used for treating conditions from cankers to memory loss.  It is  more than just your average kitchen herb. Maceration makes a strong tea and you can serve it over a small amount of ice or serve at room temperature. Findings have confirmed that drinking lots of sage tea and using sage in all you can help the brain to function and is useful to stall off Alzheimer’s.  Sage oil is also excellent for healthy adults for increasing their brain activity.

Tinctures are usually made with either alcohol or vinegars. Often times cough syrups are made using alcohol. Different herbs can be added to vinegar to make awesome salad dressings. Tinctures seem to be used when you want something really strong with the benefit of either alcohol or vinegar.

There are thousands of herbs throughout the world and each area has their local herbs. You can also grow your own herbs and use fresh, or order many of the ones from across the world either dried or freeze-dried. The world of herbal medicines is unique and intriguing. Grow what is easy for you to get to start and then start branching out and growing other herbal plants and fruits. There are many seed exchange groups online where you can start getting things from India or South America. Once you get started, the world becomes your doctor. Of course always check with your medical doctor before using something new or different and do your own research. Google is a great research buddy. Many areas have classes on different herbs and herbal oils. The sky is really the limit!

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/herbal-medicine

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00469/Herbal-Botanical-Medicine-Dr-Weils-Wellness-Therapies.html

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Paiwan Tribes Of Taiwan

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Exploretraveler.com Team with new friends Dario and Joy, in the rich culture of the Paiwan and Rukai Tribes at Sandiman Village in Southern Taiwan

Paiwan Tribes Of Taiwan

Paiwan Indigenous Tribal people are referred to as  the “descendants of the Paipshe snake.” The Paiwan reverance the snake making it almost a deity. The likeness of the Paipushe Snake can be found on their clothing as well as totem pole carvings. The Paiwan are prohibited from eating any type of snake meat. This is strictly enforced by the Tribal Chief. The chief is the ruler of the tribe. He also enforces the social classes of the people. Each class can be determined by their name.

Why is the Paipushe Snake so valuable?  The Paipushe Snake is the elder, therefore the worship of the Paipushe Snake is almost like a type of Ancestor Worship. These snakes are considered the protective spirits of the tribe. These snakes are thought to bring peace to the tribe as needed. This ancestor worship is still found today, especially in the mountains.

There are  four very distinct groups of the Paiwan Tribe, each with their own distinct culture. They are the Northern, the Southern, the Eastern, and the Central Tribes.Each of these tribes has their own fascinating habits and dress.

The Northern Tribes have been heavily influenced by the Wutai Hsiang Rukai Tribe.  The Paiwan who live in Lawaer Village of Northern Taiwan have accepted many of the traits of the Wutai Hsiang Rukai Tribe. Two main examples of this is the inheritance being passed down by the lines of the eldest male. They also wear the lily like the Wutai Hsiang Rukai.

The Southern Paiwan Tribe has been greatly influenced by the Chinese and the Ami due to their close cultures. The Southern Paiwan Tribe is historically famous for their resistance of the Japanese during the Japanese invasion.

The Central Paiwan Tribe is the only group that has been able to retain their own unique culture, the ancient customs, and the rituals of the tribe. Geographically, they are more isolated and have managed not to lose their cultural significance and differences. Their cuisine has remained the same. They dress the ancient Paiwan way. Their lifestyle reflects Paiwan Culture.  You are in for a treat on your next visit to the Central Paiwan Tribe.

The culture of the Eastern Paiwan living in Bakaluo Village are the most varied of all the groups. There is a mixture of the Puyuma and the Ami  cultures. This is displayed the most in their dress and lifestyle. They have accepted the dress and everyday lifestyle of the Ami culture. There is almost no trace of the own unique lifestyle.

All four of the Paiwan Tribal groups are different and you will experience a completely different adventure with each group. What a fun day awaits you. Plan to spend some time in each area and enjoy the art, music and culture of the Paiwan. They are a friendly tribe and each has a uniquely different cuisine. Dare to spend the day with them! Take time to be their guest for dinner.   On your next trip to Taiwan, discover the Paiwan Tribe. What an adventure is waiting in Taiwan.

http://www.dmtip.gov.tw/web/en/page/detail?nid=8

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler April 3,2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/paiwan-tribes-of-taiwan

 

Trisikads In The Philippines

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The Trisikad is a versatile Philippine Motorbike Taxi.

Trisikads In The Philippines

Trisikads, what are they and where did they come from? The word Trisikads is a word from Cebu, which includes many types of cycle rickshaws.  In past times these have been mainly bicycle pedaled. Now fast forward to current time and a small change is taking place. The old Trisikads are still on the road in growing numbers but move over and welcome these small motorbike taxis. They are colorful! They are fun! They are economical to use! They have become part of the answer,  as this island nation is recovering from Typhoon Haiyan or Typhoon Yolanda

Trisikads are a major source of transportation in the Philippines. These small and versatile motorbike taxis are known by many names with-in the country. Some refer to them as Tadyak, pedicab, motors, and still others, potpot. They are cousins to the Rickshaw and the pedicab who are generally human powered. Out of the deep poverty has come a solution that is embraced by both tourists and locals alike. What a fun solution!

It is said that these humble Trisikads were first built in Tondo, Metro Manila or somewhere in the Northern part of the Philippines. It was a local answer to the deep poverty. Many a humble unemployed worker has become a business owner overnight due to these small bicycle and motor taxis. Many others are finding work in the shops that service them. Regardless of where they came from, they are obviously here for the long run. What fun they are to watch, as they maneuver traffic, as only they can. They rarely are bothered by traffic! Traffic jam….what is that? They stop on a dime! They are fun and adventurous. Welcome to the world of the Trisikads!

The original Trisikads were nothing more than a modification of the everyday bicycle. What ingenuity! Out of a bicycle for one, came a taxi to carry three more. Just add another wheel, and a bench for three and a small roof to protect from the rain and sun. The Trisikads are now ready to make money. These common Trisikads are on the road, rain or shine. What an awesome tribute to the ingenuity of the Filipinos. And now they are at it again.

Move over little cousin and let the big boys by! Welcome your cousin the motors, also called Trisikads. Same small carts with a roof, but instead of a peddled bicycle, they used a motor bike. Again we can marvel about the planning and ingenuity of these local business owners. Out of the Philippines once again, has come an answer to a need. These people from the cradle up are taught to use every part of the blessings they have. Just look at all the different products that are made from the coconut. So it is not surprising that they took care of their transportation needs in such an economical way.

The land of the Trisikads has just widened and added a cousin. It is delightful and allows them to go even farther than they could with human power. It also opened doors to some who were unable to pedal all day, but have no trouble using the motor bike. It gave people transportation that had no way to go to work after Typhoon Haiyan. It provided transportation to tourists, as they returned. It opened small repair shops to work on these little taxis, which gave even more people jobs.

So when you are in the Philippines, be sure to use  Trisikads and allow a local, to show off his island. They will save you money, help a struggling economy, feed a family, and be an adventure to tell your children about. Welcome to The Philippines, the land of the Trisikads

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Published in steemit.com@exploretraveler April 2,2017 at:

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Lechon: National Dish Of The Philippines

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The Lechon, Spanish word meaning suckling pig is the national dish of the Philippines

Lechon: National Dish Of Philippines

Lechon is a famous pork dish that begins with a suckling pig that is roasted over charcoal. Lechon is originated in Spain and spread throughout all the areas where she had former colonial powers. The word lechon comes from the spanish word, lechón, which means suckling pig. Lechon is a favorite food in the Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Hawaii (where it is called a Kalua pig), and Spanish Latin American countries. It is the national dish of The Philippines and Puerto Rico. Cebu is considered to have the best Lechon on the Islands of The Philippines. It is delicious! It is unique! It is Lechon!

Throughout these areas, Lechon is prepared during the year for special occasions where they roast a suckling pig over a bed of charcoal in a ditch that is covered by sticks , banana leaves ( can also use Ti leaves) and then earth. In Hawaii, the people roasts a Lechon whenever there is a Luau. In rural Hawaii a Lechon is roasted if you have a new baby, get married, graduate from school, get a new job, have an anniversary, etc. Any happy occasion is time for a Luau.  A luau begins with lechon. In other areas this is called a fiesta or party. Anytime is fiesta time!  Let’s celebrate!

The first thing you do is to prepare the Imu or the underground pit oven that is used in most of the Spanish World and Hawaii. The first thing to do is to build a large fire in the pit using about 1/8 cord of Hardwood to roast a Lechon. Next you build the imu where the lechon goes. The secret of the imu is in the rocks. Good volcanic rocks makes a good oven. Try to use the best volcanic and porous rocks that you can find. They do not explode and stay hot for hours. You separate the Imu from the fire pit with the rocks and then line the Imu with rocks and then with the banana leaves. The pig is then placed inside  a cage that is usually made of chicken wire. It is then completely covered with the banana leaves and then banana sticks. then the earth is replaced to cover the pit completely. Now the wait begins!

Your Imu  (Oven) is now ready to be fired up! 2 hours are needed to preheat the imu
plus 8-10 hours cooking time, total of 10-12 hours. Usually it is done the night before and served the next afternoon. After 10-12 hours your Lechon  should be done. It is served with the crispy skin and the blood pudding. You can also get up very early and get your suckling pig ready for a late afternoon fiesta or Luau. This is fiesta time!

Where ever you may travel, Cebu is famous for the best Lechon in the Philippines. While in Cebu, be sure and try Lechon, the National Dish of The Philippines.

http://travelfoodanddrink.com/philippines-national-dish/philippinelechonontable/

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Seediq 賽德克族 Taiwan’s Aboriginal Tribesmen

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Seediq: Taiwanese Austronesian People

Seediq People, a tribe from the Puli mountain area, was officially recognized as Taiwan’s 14th indigenous tribal  group on April 23, 2008. Seediq people are made up of three recognized sub-groups: the Tgdaya , the Toda , and the Truku. The Seediq traditionally have called the border area home that lies between the counties of Nantou and Hualien. This is a fantastic area to explore. Until their recognition in 2008, they were considered a branch of the Atayal Tribe. Because of what some believed to be major linguistic and lifestyle differences, they were given complete Tribal recognition in 2008.

The Seediq males are famous for their hunting skills and the Seediq women are famous for their fantastic weaving skills. Since the men were skilled as headhunters, these sills were applied to other types of hunting skills. Today, we find that the men are avid hunters. They are very adept in keeping food on the table.

The weaving skills of the women produce some of the best aboriginal crafts in Taiwan. These ancient weaving skills are being kept alive today. The older women of the tribe are skilled weavers. They are handing down the skills to younger women. Their work is magnificent! When in the area look for their work. Though a small tribe, they are world renown  for their weaving! Many gift stores carry hand woven garments made by these skilled women. Don’t forget to look for their handiwork to give as gifts , or to take home. It is fantastic!

Currently, there are 14 recognized tribes and 11 unrecognized tribes in Taiwan.  Most of indigenous population  live in the mountainous and coastal area of the main island. The Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan make up approximately 2% of the total population of Taiwan.  It is believed by many scholars that Indigenous Peoples inhabited the island approximately 8,000 years ago. This was long before the Han Chinese migration from China  which began in the 17th century. The Indigenous People have been gaining skills in tourism and this is a fun area to explore. Take time to join a tribe for dinner! It will be a delightful experience.

The Atayal Tribe is the second largest indigenous  Tribe in Taiwan. The Amis Tribe is the largest of the Aboriginal Tribes in Taiwan. The Amis make up 37% of the indigenous population. The Seediq Tribe, though smaller,  are a well known tribe worldwide. This in part, is due to the movie, “Warriors of the Rainbow.”

The Seediq Tribe only became well-known with the production of the movie, “Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale”, a sensational drama adapted from the historical events of 1930.The movie was adapted from the famous Wushe Incident. The Seediq tribal people in the area of Taroko attacked the Japanese in response to their long-term oppression.  The Wushe Incident caused 130 Japanese deaths. Over 1,000 Seediq people died in the crackdown of the Japanese.” Warriors of the Rainbow Seediq Bale” brought the Seediq people much attention and recognition. There are many disagreements of the accuracy of the historical drama. It is considered to be on the same level as “The Last of the Mohicans” a 1992 film.”Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale” is the most expensive movie to be produced in Taiwan. The drama premiered at the 68th Venice International Film Festival. It was Taiwan’s entry into the Oscars. It received two awards at 84th Academy Awards. It won the 48th Golden Horse Award and the 2012 Asia-Pacific Screen Award. Though it is not a light movie to watch, it is worth watching for the overview of the history of the  area. Grab the popcorn and enjoy.

“Warriors of the Rainbow:Seediq Bale” can be viewed at:

http://vios.us/hd/play.php?movie=2007993   (Run Time is 4 Hours 36 Minutes) There is major violence in the drama and viewer discretion is advised. It is not appropriate for young children.

On your next vacation to Taiwan, take time to learn about the Indigenous Peoples. For those who desire to prepare for your trip, the following government website has a lot of the history of the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan. You will also find many tour suggestions on our website. Make this the year that your discover the The Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan! This is adventure waiting to happen!

ttp://en.nmp.gov.tw/per04-1.html

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Tropical Rainforests Of The Philippines

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Lost in the Jungles Splendor of Agas Agas Leyte in the Philippines

 

Tropical Rainforests: The Lungs Of The Earth

Tropical Rainforests make up only about 2% of the world’s resources but they give us the air we breath. They take in large amounts of Carbon Monoxide and clean it up through photosynthesis and return it to us as breathable air. We need our tropical rainforests for life, as we know it. Destroy the rainforest and you destroy life as you currently live.  The tropical rainforests are one of the greatest gifts on earth we have!

Tropical rainforests the world wide are a vast source of medicines. We have yet to test more than 1% of the plants that are endemic of the rainforest for medical properties. For generations the indigenous people have used the vastness of the plants found here to provide for their health. Health without modern medicine and all the many side effects that come with it have been the norm. The indigenous peoples world wide have remained healthy, living to a ripe old age. Not until they started eating Western diets did they cease to live long and healthy lives. Nearly 70% of all the plants that have been identified to contain anti-cancer properties come from the rainforest. Modern medicine has yet to even consider over 90% of these plants. Out of the plants of the rainforest came cures and treatments for leukemia, breast cancer, high blood pressure, and asthma. What a gift to mankind we have in the rainforest. Make it your time to discover this vast resource!

Those of us who have studied nutrition know that fruits and vegetables should be the number one staple in our diet. Foods that we use today which originated in the rainforests world-wide  include many herbal teas,  coffee, cocoa, many fruits and nuts, spices, and rice. Out of the rainforest comes over 1,650 new edible plants for our consideration. These are foods that we have yet to try.  Yet so often we limit ourselves to those we know. Just as coffee and tea were once foreign and are now staples, so could be others.  Out of the rainforest comes the call to broaden our horizons beyond what we currently have experienced. On your next trip to The Philippines take time to eat and discover the many known plants of the rainforests. They are endless and the so are their benefits. Rainforests  offer a bounty of foods! Is it not time to expand our vision?

Lost in the Jungles Splendor of Agas Agas Leyte in the Philippines

Many of the things we use in our modern homes have their humble beginnings in the tropical rainforests.  Products such as rubber, gums, resins, dyes, tannins and cane all had their beginnings in the tropical rainforest. What would our cars look like without tires? Tires that are made from rubber. How many resins and dyes are used in our homes? So much of what is “modern” came from the indigenous peoples living in the jungles of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Listen to the call of the tropical rainforest! Expand you horizons to include something new. There are yet 75,000 new edible plants to consider in nature world-wide. Agriculture has discovered a mere 150 of these and only a few make it to the consumer. Make this the year that you change those statistics for you and your family. Come on over to The Philippines and dare to try the many edible plants and flowers that make up the indigenous diet. Who knows, you may change your life.

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Sogod Bay Southern Leyte, Philippines

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Treasuring the moment as evening sets at Sogod Bay in the Philippines

Sogod Bay As The Evening Sets

Sogod Bay, as the evening sets, is so beautiful. When you look across the bay, the water is so blue that it blends into the sky. Can you picture watching the sunset across the bay? What majestic beauty! The perfect end, to a delightful day.

Watching the natural beauty of the bay is a fantastic experience, but it does not end there. As beautiful as the bay is, there is more! Sogod Bay is an underwater paradise teaming with soft and hard corals. These waters are home to an endless variety  of beautiful marine life – all waiting to be explored.  With extraordinary reefs, divers delight in beds of coral with amazing and steep drop-offs. For the more experience diver, there are shelves and walls to delight you. On the floor of the bay there is   black sand teeming with  life. This is the other side of Sogod Bay!

What might you see on the underwater side of the bay? First you will notice an awesome cover of soft coral with beds of hard coral. As you move through the coral beds you may see the shrimp fish, the pipe fish, the frog fish, and the bat fish.  There are so many amazing creatures for us to see. You might see Sea turtles and lion fish. There is a Charismatic Signal gobie fish that lives on the sandy seabeds. They mimic the eye spots and claws of a crab. This is their built in way to fight off predators. It is amazing what you can see and this is just the beginning. If you have a trained eye, you may spot the frog fish and the scorpion fish waiting to ambush an unsuspecting predator. The blue-spotted Ribbon Tail Rays are extraordinary.  Large families of snapper run through the reefs and are awesome to watch. If you watch you may see the odd looking Dogtooth Tuna or a Great Barracuda.

Not only is Sogod Bay a divers paradise, but it is a snorkelers dream. Because of the massive numbers of plankton in these waters, the Whale Shark also calls this their home between November and April as they drift through the bay on their migratory route. There are many snorkeling trips that seek out opportunities for snorkelers to swim with the  Whale Shark. These huge sharks move with a smooth continuous motion, making very little noise. Those who have had the privaledge to swim with these magnificant creatures of the sea, know that it will take all your best swimming skills to keep up.

Not only is Sogod awesome for the tourist looking for peaceful sunsets and an awesome beach, it is a delight to the photographer. Underwater photographers often return multiple times to the same spot or shelf to get as many of the different shots available. Sogod is an underwater photographers dream, with an unlimited number of wide angle shots.

What are you waiting for? Make this the year you discover Sogod Bay Southern Leyte, Philippines. Grab your passport and pack your bags.

 https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-philippines/

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Sogod Southern Leyte, Philippines

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A picturesque forest with endless waterfalls in Sogod Southern Leyte in the Philippines

Waterfalls of Sogod Southern Leyte

Sogod, a beautiful mountainous municipality of the province of Southern Leyte, is just 76 miles south of  Tacloban City, Philippines. Sogod is a mountainous area with flat fertile plains in the center and to the South. There are many river systems that feed the area with a rich and fertile soil. This fantastic soil is able to sustain high productions of rice, corn, copra, tobacco, abaca, and many root crops. Sogod is also blessed with an endless supply of waterfalls. Some are small and others very large. They are extremely beautiful and several are just breathtaking. Come along as we discover some of the favorite waterfalls in the area.

Malnuto Falls is one of the most amazing of the smaller falls. The river system is rather shallow and the rain-forest is thick and green. The many rocks and boulders provide a perfect bed for this cascading falls. The pool at the bottom of the falls is about waist deep at it’s deepest point. This is amazing beauty. The colors are so deep and intense. Where can you find a deeper green ? This is Sogod at it’s best.

Luman Falls is another of the smaller falls  in Magsuhot Park, Sogod, Southern Leyte Providence, Philippines. Luman falls is a perfect day trip and is one of the lesser known falls in the area. It is a favorite spot for locals who like the cool cascading water in the midst of the tropical rain-forest. If you like natural beauty, then Luman Falls is waiting to be discovered.

Magsuhot National Park is home to four beautiful waterfalls that fall into a common basin. This is raw beauty. Malnuto Falls and Luman Falls are only two of the falls that fall into this basin. Mahayhay Falls is another of the falls in the park. If you like waterfalls, Magsuhot National Park has four of the best.

Mahayhay Falls is a beautiful waterfall also in Magsuhot Park, Sogod, Southern Leyte providence, Philippines. Mahayhay Falls is absolutely stunning. There is also a huge rock with stairs going up to the top. From there you can see forever! The views of the falls and the dense rain-forest are magnificent. What adventure is waiting in Sogod!

Gunhuban Falls is found deep in the rain-forest. This is a majestic two-tiered waterfall located in the town of Bato, Leyte.  This is a well-developed area and is a major tourist destination in the Sogod Municipality. This is quickly being developed and there is an entrance fee to the park. Even though this is a developed site, it is one you will not want to miss.  This is yet another amazing waterfall in the Sogod Municipality. Sogod seems to have an endless supply of waterfalls.

Located in beautiful St. Bernard, Hindag-an Falls  is one of the most beautiful falls in the Philippines. This is beauty that you will not want to miss. Hindag-an Falls is about an hours drive out of  Sogod.  It is overwhelming beauty. For sure, it is definitely worth the effort to get there! This is another Falls that has been developed and there is an entrance fee. There is also a bus that runs several times a day from Sogod.

One of the newest adventures in Sogod is Canting Cave and Falls. This cave was recently discovered by visitors to the area. It has been completely undisturbed by humans since the beginning of the island. There is a beautiful cascading waterfall at the cave. Neither the cave or the area of the waterfall has been fully explored to date. It is also the meeting point of three rivers. There is a beautiful natural pool below the cascading water. Canting Cave is another of the fascinating sites in the lush Sogod Rainforest.

If you like natural beauty, then a trip to Sogod, Southern Leyte Providence, Philippines is a must on your next Philippine vacation. Adventure awaits in the Sogod Rainforest!

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Fishing in the Philippines

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Watch your step on the old bamboo boat docks in the southwestern Islands of Leyte Philippines

Fishing On The High Seas

Fishing, a constant game of cat and mouse, is a way of life in the Philippines. On any hot and muggy afternoon, fisherman prepare their boats for the night a head.  Sleepy villages come alive as blocks of ice are hauled aboard these small wooden fishing boats. Sometimes it is made even more difficult, as the boats may be bobbing at the end of a very old rickety bamboo dock. These docks are still in use and these skilled fisherman maneuver them with care. Not much room for error!  Fishing is a way of life here and the docks are just a minor inconvenience. By night fall these wooden boats will be out to sea…. heading toward one of the many coveted fishing grounds.

Bangka boats have bamboo outriggers to give them stabilization in the rough waters of the sea. Bangka fishing boats usually are no more than 30 feet long.  These small fishing boats  work the reefs during the sultry nights. These fisherman are bound for the rich reefs in the China Sea. Here they hope to encounter blue marlin, red grouper, yellow-fin tuna and lobster to name a few. Many are the species of fish that call these reefs home. Fishing the reefs is the life of a Philippine fisherman. These reefs are a haven for those who make their livelihood from the sea.

In a time where often there are International disputes and international poaching in the reefs, these fisherman are on the front lines.  Many days they return to their ports with fewer and fewer fish. Fishing is a way of life and fish is the main source of protein eaten in The Philippines. So generation after generation of fisherman make their way out to sea each night. Their hopes……. to haul in as many fish as they can.

Fishing is the main source of income for many of these tiny villages.  Rice farming is also a major resource and a close second. They have no other industries to fall back on. You are either a farmer or a fisherman. If you are the son of a fisherman……you fish. If your father was a farmer….you farm. So down at the sea shore a community waits each morning, to see the fishing boats return to port. They have fished all night and hopefully they will bring back many mackerel or octopus.

Down on the docks in the small fishing village are wives who have waited all night and now look for their men to come home. These may be sleepy villages, but they are wide awake when the call goes out ……the fishing boats are coming! The fishing families are a unit, as the women wait to mend the nets that were damaged in the night.  The boats will once again dock at these small bamboo docks, the fish are hauled in and sold. Restaurants and markets are eager to get their share, of the catch of the day. Fish is eaten by most of the local population. Good fresh fish is a must, if you want to stay in business.

The sons clean the boats for the next night and the fisherman go home to sleep. All too soon it will be time to do it all over again. This is the life of a fishing village in The Philippines.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler March 25,2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/fishing-in-the-philippines

Jeepney Tour Adventure In The Philippines

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Jeepney Tours Are Fun In The Philippines

Jeepney tours are the only way to go when touring the city. What better way to see all there is to see? When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in the Philippines, join the locals and grab a Jeepney. Tour the city Philippine style.  Hop on, hop off! This is Manila style. Discover the rich heritage of Manila! As you travel through the city, do you see something you want to take a picture of? No problem, hop off and catch the next Jeepney when it comes along. This is the only way to see what you want to see in this magnificent city. Jeepney is sure to become an icon in Manila. So join in the fun, explore the major attractions of Manila Jeepney style! Hop on, hop off!

So what do you think? Is this a low-class or frumpy tour bus? NOT ON YOUR LIFE! The Jeepney has it all! It is air-conditioned for your comfort, as the tropics can be hot for tourists. It has a TV to entertain your children when there is nothing they want to see.  They even have the magic of a sing-along on-board. What fun this trip is! This is an adventure in the Philippines.

Go to London, Barcelona, New York, and India and you will see those awesome Double Decker buses to tour the area in style. Now Manila is adding its name to the famous tour buses in the cities of the world. The Jeepney has just emerged as the bright yellow tour bus of Manila. How awesome it is to see the Jeepney run between Makati and Manila bringing tourists to premier historical and cultural centers.  It stops at major shopping centers and restaurants throughout Makati and Manila, Philippines. Jeepney is a major link between hotels, hostels, restaurants, and tourist events. If you want to really see Manila and Makati, Jeepney is the way to go. Just hop on, and hop off!

Karaoke is a major love in The Philippines. On the Jeepney, you will sing to your heart’s content with the Wow Magic Sing.  There are no dull moments on the Jeepney Manila. The tour guides are dressed in Philipinina costumes. They offer tid bits of information as you reach different pit stops or places of interest. What fun it is to join in a grass-roots program that is all Filipino.

So what are some of the places you will see on the Jeepney Manila? A few of the more famous stops are the Coconut Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Museum, Orchaderiam, and Ritzal Park.  Other places of interest you will see are Port Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Ilustrado, and Silahis Arts.  There are many restaurants on the route including the Barbara’s Restaurants. There are stops at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati  Shangri-La Hotel, Diamond Motel, and Heritage Motel. For those who like to shop, hop off ….hop on at the SM Mall of Asia.

So what are you waiting for? Make this the year you travel to Manila Philippines. Hop on, hop off…….see Makati and Manila in style, Jeepney style! Discover the Historic District of Intramuros in Manila, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rich district.  Immerse yourself in Filipino culture! Be sure to savor the Pinoy treats of The Philippines, they are a culinary delight! So grab your passport and pack your bag. The time to visit The Philippines is now!

http://jeepneytours.com/

Exploretraveler.com

Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on March 19, 2017.