100 Ulam Challenge 1: Stir Fried Bean Sprouts with Tofu And Carrots

Everybody is very much affected by the pandemic.  I have lost my job and is now based at home attending to most of the household duties including the budget and meals.  It is essential nowadays to tighten the belt and maximize our money's worth.  I have decided to do a 100 Pesos Ulam (Meal) Challenge to see how far I can go and the recipes I can create.  Since it's only dinner time that I get to sit down with my partner to have a meal, all of the dishes are designed to cater to 2 persons. Here's my 1st attempt.

Stir Fried Bean Sprouts With Tofu and Carrots

Ingredients:

 250 grams Firm Tofu (30 pesos) Sliced or Cubed

1 pack Bean Sprouts (25 pesos)

2 Small Carrots (40 pesos) Shredded

From the Pantry:

1/3 cup Dried Tiny Shrimps

3 Cloves of Garlic, Crushed

3 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil

2 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

1-2 Medium Egg

Procedure:

Fry Tofu until golden brown and then set aside.

On a separate wok, add oil and saute garlic and dried shrimps.

Mix in Bean Sprouts and shredded carrots.

Add the fried tofu and season with soy sauce and powdered seasoning.

Serve 2/3 leaving the remainder for the fried rice.

In the same wok, add the egg and lightly scramble.

Add a day old cooked rice and break the lumps.

Continue mixing until the color is even.

Season with salt and pepper!

Serve and enjoy!

Comment below if you have other recipes!

A Visit To Santa Cruz Island of Zamboanga In The New Normal

Zamboanga City is known for many things, and among them is the Pink Beach of Santa Cruz Island.  The 1^st and last time we visited the island was 8 years ago, and I was just delighted that island reopens December 26, since the lock down just in time for our arrival on the 23^rd.

Sand Bar

The tint on the sand is from the crushed red corals abundant in the area and is more prominent during the summer months.

 

It is the local City Tourism that regulates the activities of the island and pre booking is required to visit.  Even before our arrival, actually while waiting for boarding on our flight, I already expressed our interest to visit. To book, you may reach the PAMO with the following details:

       Zamboanga City, Protected Area Management Office

       Email: zcpamolgu@gmail.com

      Globe: 0905-601-6316

      Smart: 0951-939-0114

 

As a displaced tourism professional myself, I look for opportunities to help local guides regain their livelihood, and hopefully this visit would do just that.

 

Immediately, I received a response with attached documents on what to expect and forms to accomplish.  They encourage minimal interaction, and pre registration allows them to manage the arrivals, which is limited to 150 per day.  I figured, an early visit would allow us to see how the island coped or recovers from the break in tourism activities.

 

Among the forms you would need to accomplish are the following:

• Health Declaration
• Commitment Form (In response to the Island Do’s and Don’ts)
• Manifest Form

 

The other attachments would be the government-imposed fees for the activities, which can be customized to your length of stay and the Do’s and Don’ts.

 

There are 3-departure times to choose from, 7AM, 8AM and 9AM. You are asked to be present 30 minutes before, but we got to the Check In Desk an hour early on the day of our schedule and left as soon as we made the necessary payments.

 

Our guides ushered us to our picnic hut where we settled our things.  

A few minutes later, we were invited back to the boat for the 10-minute visit to the Sand Bar.  The Sand Bar is actually part of the smaller Santa Cruz Island and is visible most of the year.

Unfortunately, we were not able to do the lagoon tour because of the tide condition.  We scheduled our departure at noon, just as when the water is rising.  Nevertheless, it just gives us reason to come back.

 

The rest of the morning was spent on exploring the beach, swimming, and taking photos.  With a beautiful island as your backdrop, you will never ran out of Instagram worthy images.

By noon, we were ready to go back to the mainland. 

 

The Local Tourism was very efficient with their controls and the visit was worth it.  The Do’s and Don’t’s was helpful in ensuring responsible tourism and has kept the island clean.

 

We will definitely come back!

Returning Home For The Holidays To Zamboanga City, What To Expect

It has been an annual tradition for me and my partner to visit his family for the holidays.  Since my siblings and Mom are in Canada, they make sure I'm part of his family and not miss out on holiday traditions. 

Coming home this year is extra challenging because of the pandemic.  Travel restrictions has to be satisfied in order to fly.  

Flight schedules are inconsistent.  Make room for adjustments and flexibility in your itinerary.  Our flights was cancelled and moved 3 times before the actual rebooked schedule.

Also, make time to process required documents.  5 working days before departure is ideal.  The requirements are different from different Local Government Units, but Zamboanga City has the following:

The first item we secured was the proof of residency.  This can be in the form of a Barangay Certificate coming from the hometown which can be secured by a relative.  A valid ID with the provincial address is also accepted.

We then applied for a coordination pass through the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdN3vvyl7KvYAJ6y2fax_tNxqvrg4lIE0U9vKEsDbrptlbbAg/viewform

Included on the attachment requirements is the travel pass, medical certificate, swab result, and valid ID's, but we were able to secure an approval with just the Barangay Certificate uploaded on all the attachment buttons.  The coordination pass was emailed the next day after the application.

The Health Certificate is next, coming from our Barangay Health center in Mandaluyong.  This is a required attachment for the travel pass issued by the City Police Department.  Once we're cleared from the community health center, we then brought the documents to the City Police Department that takes at least 3 days to process.  Be prepared to stand in line for hours since they're the only one allowed to issue the travel pass for all destinations in the country.  The city of Mandaluyong only issues travel pass on a specific travel dates.  It is best to ensure the finality of your flight prior to getting one.

We also had a swab test done 5 days before our flight.  We went to the Philippine Diagnostic Laboratory near NAIA 4 for their standard package that costs 4k and result within 3 days.  The result actually arrived within 2 days so there's no need to rush.  Just make sure the validity is within the requirement of your destination.

On the day of our departure, we arrived at the airport early.  

Make sure to download the Traze App, the contact tracing application used by all airports in the country.  Scanning the QR Code at the doors is required to allow entry.

We had all the documents printed out which was checked by the airline representative at the bag drop counter.  It was surprisingly easy as long as you comply with each item.

We arrived in Zamboanga International Airport as scheduled.

Complete Guide to Returning Overseas Filipinos To The Philippines During Quarantine

All returning Filipinos from abroad are required to undergo a an RT-PCR test upon arrival and a mandatory quarantine while waiting for a negative result.  But the process differs on classification.

Upon arrival, the groups are segregated by the coast guards to OFW's and Non OFW.  Each are ushered to different holding areas.  

Photo by DOT NCR

FOR OFW's

The OFW's will take turns on the Red Cross Verification counter to validate their information.  

It is recommended that they are able to pre register online using this link: https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/

After validation, bar codes are issued to be given to swabber with the remaining 1 to stick on the passport.  This unique barcode is important to monitor the status of your result.

You can verify your result through this link: https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/

Nowadays, result from red cross are usually available within 3-5 Days of extraction.

After extraction, the OFW's will now be classified to either Land Based or Sea Based.  The Land Based OFW's are assisted by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) while the SEA BASED are taken to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Desk.  OWWA is in charge of providing the Quarantine Hotels for returning Land Based OFW while the Manning Agency will provide the accommodation for Sea Based OFW's at no expense to the passenger.  The privilege also includes transportation to destinations outside of Manila after the mandatory quarantine.  

But please bear in mind that only active members may avail of this privileges.  Inactive members are re classified as Non OFW.

For Non OFW

Returning non OFW's will have to undergo the RT-PCR test from private diagnostic laboratory stationed at the airport.  Price of the test is 4,500 pesos but the result is made available within 1 to 2 days, sometimes earlier.

For passengers of Philippine Airlines arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, you need to register through their own Electronic case Investigation Form using this link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=CwHXSIWn90GG3l93kpp6nm4esAJ-fclAnuuFwHYvxXZUN1I4QklBWFNKMEdDRzc4UUtZOEhIUTFGNSQlQCN0PWcu

After the swab extraction, they will be ushered to the Department of Tourism (DOT) desk to validate their hotel quarantine facility.  It is recommended that these hotels are booked in advance because the options at the airport are limited as compared to those online.  Just make sure that the chosen hotels have been inspected either by the Department of Health or the Department of Tourism.

DOT Desk at Terminal 1 (Photo by DOT NCR)

DOT Desk at Terminal 2 (Photo by DOT NCR)

List of Accredited Hotels For Mandatory Quarantine by DOH: http://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-september-30-2020/

List of Accredited Hotels For Mandatory Quarantine by DOT: Click on the Accreditation Page on the link http://www.tourism.gov.ph/

Please note that only hotel within Metro Manila are allowed as mandatory quarantine for returning overseas filipinos.  A booking confirmation must be presented at the desk.  It's best that you keep a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready on your device.  Messages and handwritten documents will not be honored.

Transportation

For OFW's

OWWA and Marina will provide shuttle transfers free of Charge.

For Non OFW

The are 3 options for returning non-ofw all to be paid by the passenger.

1. Hotel Transfer with identification

2. Coupon Taxi (Fixed Rate, SUV)

3. Yellow Metered Taxi

A handful of forms will be given, but the most important is the Affidavit of Undertaking.  This will be given to the Philippine Coast Guards upon exit.  Get ahead by downloading and filling out the form below:

This will serve as your gate pass.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I ask my relatives to pick me up?

Only accredited transport is allowed to enter the arrival area.  Having your relative pick you up totally defeat the quarantine purpose.  Only when a negative result is available and presented to the hotel representatives will you be allowed to reunite with your families.

I have my own condominium unit or apartment, and I'm the only one living there, why do I need to incur additional expense and book a hotel as a quarantine facility?

The Accredited and Inspected facilities adhere to strict health and quarantine protocols imposed by the government.  They will limit your mobility and report to IATF any violations.  Something the government cannot impose on private homes.

I just had a negative result before flying, why do I need to get one upon arrival?

The government is exerting all efforts to protect our borders from the virus.  Although you can vouch for your own health, there's no guarantee that the rest of the passengers on the same flight did the same thing.  You become a vulnerable candidate the moment you boarded the flight especially the long ones.  It also serves a preparatory document to your next destination.

What if I don't have money to pay for the swab test and hotel?

In extreme cases where you can't afford to pay for private swabbing, you may opt to avail the one by Red Cross, but be prepared to wait a bit longer for the release of result.  Government Quarantine facility is also available free of charge, but you might have to wait up to the last flight of the day to be taken to Eva Macapagal Quarantine Complex.  The Coast Guard needs to gather all availers from different flights and terminals before the transfer.

Please comment if you have other questions below!

An Act Of Kindness In The Airport

For the last 2 months, I have been doing work for the Department of Tourism at our International Airports.  Since, tourism activities are not allowed during ECQ, serving our arriving overseas Filipinos is a welcomed opportunity because it still allows me to interact with guests.

Last September 10, me and fellow DOT frontline Lara were assigned to Terminal 3 assisting 2 arriving flights.  One from Dubai and the other from Quatar.  Our duty went smoothly until an elderly passenger was taken to our desk.  He was a 73 year old Navy Veteran from the US.  He is suffering from early stages of alzheimer, not knowing his whereabouts on certain periods of our encounter.  We need to constantly remind him that he's at the Manila International Airport, and only then will he be able to remember his trip and journey.  He seemed to have lost his mobile phone and ipad, and only a small note bearing a number is our contact to his final destination in Samar.

As part of the protocol for arriving tourists, RT-PCR test is done upon arrival and a negative result is required before his connecting flight to Tacloban.  He needs to stay at a hotel Quarantine Facility to wait for his result, but the Airline personnel was worried that he might not remember his flight if left without a companion.  His money was just enough to pay for the private swabbing and got only 1000 pesos from his ATM account, not enough for a night stay.

The DSWD can only offer to escort him, but with his frail condition, we don't want to risk leaving him in a hotel room by himself, because he can barely walk and would not touch the food we gave him.

Our initial plan was just to let him stay at the airport, under the custody of the Philippine Coast Guard while being monitored by the medical team at Terminal 3 so that he can easily catch the earliest departing flight to Tacloban leaving the next day.  The Bureau of Quarantine issued an exemption and expedited a fast release of his result.

During our conversations and the search for his missing devices and phone book, we stumbled upon his medical kits for Diabetes.  Its only at that time that we realised that he's not been taking his insulin shots since he started travelling.  That explains his heavy breathing and the medical staff immediately checked for his blood sugar levels.

With Lara's conversation with his deceased wife's relative, although they know of his pre existing diabetes, they were not aware that he's experiencing Alzheimer.  They offered to care for him here in the Philippines since it's here that he feels he has family and he cannot afford to pay for his nurse in the states anymore.  Lara was in tears after the phone call.

His blood sugar was high, and his pulse rate extremely low.  The doctor on site recommended that he'd be taken to a hospital to get proper care otherwise risking him getting into a coma.  He even administered his own insulin shot, but his condition did not improve.

With no money, the Undersecretary of Transportation Raul Del Rosario offered to pay for his bills while coordination with the US Embassy was undertaken.

Because of Covid, we had a hard time looking for a hospital that would take him.  We called 6 hospitals until eventually Manila Doctors Hospital accepted him.

It was past midnight when he was taken to the hospital.

The following day, we were informed that his SWAB test result came out negative and he made it safely to Tacloban.

As of this writing, he's now in the care of his wife's relative undergoing home quarantine in Samar.  

I have never seen kindness to strangers exemplified in this manner.  The relatives wanted to extend their gratitude to the Airline staff who did not leave his side until his connecting ticket was issued.  The airport porter who took him in his wheelchair at every stop, even when he got mad because it was not his home toilet he was taken to when he wanted to visit the restroom.  To the Philippine Coast Guards who made sure he's safe at the airport even escorting and staying at the hospital.  To the DSWD staff who made sure the relatives are informed of what's happening and ensuring he'd be picked up upon his arrival in Tacloban.  To USEC Del Rosario for not hesitating to take care of the hospital bills and remotely staying on top of everything.  To Lara for searching for the hotdog sandwich (Jolly Hotdog) he requested and coordinating with every agency involved.

I was merely a spectator as I watch this story of kindness unfold, apart from making him feel comfortable with small chats.  It was these people who went beyond their call of duty for this man.  

We all had the same mindset, that if this would have been our relative or us in the future, we're hoping people would still extend the same treatment.

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How To Cook Pinakbet With Bacon

Pinakbet Is A Popular Filipino Vegetables That is A Staple for people residing in the northern part of the country.  I have made it more appetizing by adding bacon.   Because everything tastes better with it!

Ingredients:

250 Grams Bacon

1 Medium Sized Onion

4 Cloves of Garlic

2 Medium Sized Tomatoes

2 Table Spoon of Shrimp Paste

1 Cup of Squash Cut Into Cubes

2 Eggplant Cut Into 2 Inch Strips

1 Bitter Gourd Slice Thinly

1 Cup Of Water

1 Beef Broth Cube

1 Cup of String Beans  Cut Into 2 Inch Lengths

1 Cup of Okra Cut Into 2 In Lengths

Salt and Pepper To Taste

Procedure:

1. Fry Bacon until golden crispy brown and reserve the rendered oil
2. On the same pan, saute onions and galic and crush the tomatoes with a spoon.
3. Add shrimp paste and saute for 2 minutes
4. Stir in Squash, Eggplant and Bitter Gourd.  
5. Add the water and beef cubes.
6. When the squash is slightly cooked, add string beans and okra and simmer until tender.
7. Add pepper and adjust with salt when necessary.  
8. Transfer to a serving dish and top with bacon slices
9. Enjoy!

Make sure to try this at home and comment below how it goes!

Best Foodie Spots In Mandaluyong During Quarantine

The quarantine should not stop us in experiencing places. One way to get to know your city is through its food. Now that most food establishments are open, join us on a food tour of Mandaluyong City in the Philippines to get to know our culture through our food!