Photos of our Bancroft Garden and Sculpture Tour- Part 1

The Sculpture in the Garden Tour is scheduled for June 21 to August 10, 2025

Saturday, July 5 from 10AM to 11AM, Daughter-in-law Ruth Carver Katague treated me for a one hour of invigorating and a much welcome garden and sculpture tour of The Ruth Bancroft Garden here in Walnut Creek, CA ( ruth bancroft garden ). The weather was perfect ( not too hot) and we took our time. There are benches and tables scattered all around the Garden Area that you can use. I took 70 photos and Ruth 5 Photos making it a total of 75. Thus, I am posting only 25 photos in a 3-part series in my blogs. If you love, cacti, succulents and Garden sculptures, these 3 postings is a must read for you. If you follow my blogs, you probably knew I love Cacti, Succulents and Garden Sculptures and Plaques.  

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

The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a 2.5-acre (1.0 ha) public dry garden established by Ruth Bancroft. It contains more than 2,000 cactus, succulents, trees, and shrubs native to California, Mexico, Chile, South Africa, and Australia. It is located at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek, California, USA.

Here's Part 1 ( Out of 3) Series with 25 Photos I took During the Tour. 

The sculptures are for Sale. The prices are listed above. 

    

To Be Continued Part 2 and 3

Celebrating Love Through the Years: Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year

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This posting is inspired from a recent meal time conversation about wedding anniversaries and the traditional gift guide for each year. 

Celebrating Love Through the Years: Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year

Marriage is not just a union of two hearts, but a journey filled with moments, milestones, and memories. Each wedding anniversary is a yearly opportunity to celebrate that enduring bond. For centuries, couples have commemorated these milestones with symbolic gifts, each representing the strength, beauty, and character of the marriage at that stage.

Whether you're newlyweds or celebrating your golden years together, understanding the meaning behind traditional anniversary gifts adds depth to the celebration. Here’s a guide to the classic anniversary gift themes by year:

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Wedding Day, May 8, 1957, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Year-by-Year Traditional Anniversary Gift Guide

1st – Paper

Symbolizing a blank page and the fragility of new love, paper signifies the beginning of the couple’s story.

2nd – Cotton

Cotton represents comfort and strength as the relationship grows more intertwined.

3rd – Leather

A durable and flexible material, leather symbolizes protection and resilience.

4th – Fruit or Flowers

These represent the blossoming of the relationship and the nourishment love provides.

5th – Wood

Wood signifies strength, stability, and deep-rooted love.

6th – Iron

Iron stands for the strength and firmness of the partnership.

7th – Wool or Copper

Wool provides warmth and copper conducts energy — both reflect protection and connectivity.

8th – Bronze

A blend of copper and tin, bronze symbolizes a strong, blended relationship.

9th – Pottery or Willow

Pottery reflects beauty crafted with care; willow is flexible and enduring.

10th – Tin or Aluminum

These metals signify the preservation and flexibility necessary for a decade of love.

11th – Steel

A symbol of strength and durability in a relationship entering its second decade.

12th – Silk or Linen

Both represent the refinement and elegance that have developed in the relationship.

13th – Lace

Lace signifies intricate beauty and delicate elegance — like a well-woven marriage.

14th – Ivory

Rare and valuable, ivory represents purity and long-lasting love (modern alternatives now suggested for ethical reasons).

Our Charcoal Profile- A Gift for our 15th Wedding Anniversary 

15th – Crystal

A reflection of clarity, sparkle, and transparency in the relationship.

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Milestone Years and Their Iconic Gifts

20th – China

Elegant and delicate, china symbolizes the fine balance of a two-decade marriage.

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary Party, May 8, 1982, Pinole, CA, USA  

25th – Silver

The Silver Anniversary is a significant milestone. Silver represents brilliance, value, and strength. Many couples celebrate with renewed vows or family gatherings.

30th – Pearl

Pearls, formed over time, symbolize hidden beauty and the growth of love through life’s pressures.

35th – Coral

Once considered a precious gift from the sea, coral represents longevity and protection.

40th – Ruby

Rubies are passionate and enduring — the deep red color symbolizing the fire of love that never fades.

45th – Sapphire

Sapphires reflect wisdom, loyalty, and nobility — the gems of true commitment.

Our Golden Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

50th – Gold

The Golden Anniversary is one of the most celebrated. Gold stands for prosperity, strength, and timelessness. A love that has endured for half a century deserves nothing less.

55th – Emerald

Emeralds, known for their beauty and rarity, symbolize renewal and eternal love.

Our 55th Wedding Anniversary, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines  

60th – Diamond

A Diamond Anniversary celebrates an unbreakable bond. Diamond represents strength, durability, and everlasting love.

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Why Celebrate Each Year?

Anniversaries are more than dates on a calendar — they are reminders of vows kept, trials overcome, and love that grows stronger over time. Whether it’s a simple handwritten letter for your paper anniversary or a grand celebration for your 50th, the essence lies in honoring the journey.

As someone who had celebrated a Golden Wedding Anniversary, I can personally say that the real gift is the shared life itself — full of laughter, challenges, faith, and family. Still, it’s heartwarming to mark each year with a thoughtful symbol that reflects the evolving beauty of the bond.

Let your marriage be not just a memory, but a living tradition and be grateful. 

Carenna Witnessing the Cutting of the Cake ( 50th Wedding Party), Chateau Du Mer  

Personal Note: If you have been married for more than 60 years, I believe any gift is proper.  But to me it will be a Gift of Gratitude and Thanksgiving for reaching that milestone. I know of one couple here at THD who had been married for over 68 years. My own marriage lasted for over 63 years, and indeed I am super thankful for reaching that milestone.

If you read this blog, I would like to hear if you have been married for over 60 years and your memories of that marriage. Hoping to hear of your comments soon. 

Finally, Did you Know that....

For the Filipino Alliance (FA) in Brown University, the chance to learn Tagalog isn’t only about reconnecting with cultural roots. It’s a chance to reverse colonial injustices.

The Rich and Flavorful World of Filipino Cuisine

This posting is inspired from my recent mealtime conversations with fellow residents here at THD. I have written several articles on Filipino food and cuisine, but today's blog is a brief summary of what you should know about filipino cuisine. In this blog I listed the three Michelin rated restaurants in the US. In addition, I have A LIST of Bib Gourmand recommended restaurant that includes FOB in Oakland. THD had an excursion at FOB restaurant last year. I have suggested this year a repeat lunch to FOB and our Activity Section is considering my request. 

“More than just food, Filipino cuisine is a story—of resilience, community, and love passed down through generations.”

When people think of Asian cuisine, their minds often go to Japanese sushi, Thai curry, or Chinese dim sum. But nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia is a culinary gem waiting to be fully discovered: Filipino cuisine. It’s bold, savory, sweet, tangy, and sometimes all of that at once—an embodiment of the Filipino spirit.

A Tapestry of Influences

Filipino food is a product of centuries of history and cultural exchange. From the indigenous cooking traditions of the pre-colonial period to the lasting influence of Spanish, Chinese, American, and even Mexican cuisines, the Filipino table is a colorful fusion of flavors.

• Spanish Influence: Over 300 years of Spanish colonization introduced ingredients and techniques like sautéing in garlic and onions, tomato-based stews (menudo, afritada), and festive dishes like lechon and paella.

• Chinese Legacy: The love for noodles (pancit), dumplings (siomai), and savory broths (mami, lomi) comes from early Chinese traders.

• American Era: Fried chicken, hot dogs in spaghetti, and corned beef for breakfast—Filipino adaptations of American favorites are everywhere.

• Southeast Asian Roots: Coconut milk, fish sauce (patis), and rice as a staple are shared regional elements that tie the Philippines to its Southeast Asian neighbors.

The Quintessential Filipino Dishes

Here are some iconic dishes that showcase the soul of Filipino cooking:

• Adobo: Often dubbed the national dish, adobo is a braised meat dish (usually chicken or pork) cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Each household has its own twist.

  

  Sinigang: A tamarind-based sour soup filled with vegetables and protein, sinigang is the comfort food of many, especially on rainy days (pork, shrimp or fish based)

  

  Kare-Kare: A rich peanut stew often served with oxtail, tripe, and a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). I have also used pork hocks and beef shanks. 

  

  Lechon: A whole roasted pig, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and the centerpiece of any Filipino celebration. Photo taken at Alix and Brendan Wedding Reception. 

  

  Halo-Halo: A colorful dessert made with crushed ice, sweet beans, jellies, leche flan, purple yam (ube), and evaporated milk. It literally means “mix-mix.”

More Than Food: A Reflection of Filipino Values

Filipino cuisine is deeply tied to family, hospitality, and celebration. Meals are rarely eaten alone. From simple merienda (afternoon snacks) to grand fiestas, food is a love language in the Philippines.

• Bayanihan in the Kitchen: Cooking in Filipino households is often collaborative. Grandmothers, aunties, and cousins gather around the kitchen, sharing stories as they prepare meals.

• Feasting and Fellowship: From birthdays to town fiestas, the Filipino table always overflows with dishes, welcoming guests with warmth and generosity.

A Cuisine on the Rise

In recent years, Filipino cuisine has been gaining international attention. Chefs like Tom Cunanan, Crista Luedtke, and Jordan Andino have brought Filipino flavors to global stages. Ingredients like ube, calamansi, and longganisa are popping up in fusion menus and gourmet restaurants worldwide.

Despite this growing fame, the heart of Filipino cuisine remains humble—centered around shared meals, simple ingredients, and the joy of coming together.

Final Thoughts

Filipino food may not be as globally dominant yet, but for those who taste it, it leaves a lasting impression. It is complex but comforting, familiar yet unique, and deeply rooted in history and heart.

So if you haven’t tried it yet, go ahead—take a bite of adobo, a slurp of sinigang, or a spoonful of halo-halo. You’re not just tasting a dish; you’re experiencing a culture.

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The Michelin-rated Filipino restaurants in the U.S., categorized by Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand is listed below:

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⭐ Michelin-Starred

• Kasama (Chicago, IL) –https://www.kasamachicago.com/
  • 1 Michelin star, awarded in 2022 — the first Filipino cuisine restaurant in the world to receive this honorfoodandwine.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15chicago.eater.com+15coconuts.co.
  • Opened in 2020 by Tim Flores & Genie Kwon, it serves a creative tasting menu reimagining Filipino classics like adobo and pancit goodnewspilipinas.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5foodandwine.com+5.

  

  Soseki (Winter Park/Orlando, FL) –https://www.sosekifl.com/

• • 1 Michelin star, awarded in the inaugural 2022 Michelin Guide for Florida forbes.com+1philstar.com+1.
  • Chef Mike Collantes blends Filipino heritage (use of calamansi, sinigang, calamari, etc.) with seasonal Florida seafood in an intimate omakase setting houstonchronicle.com+6forbes.com+6philstar.com+6.

  

  Kadence (Audubon Park/Orlando, FL) –https://kadenceorlando.com/

• • Also awarded a 1 Michelin star in 2022; co-founded by Mark & Jennifer Berdin with Filipino rootsforbes.com+1philstar.com+1.
  • A refined Japanese omakase experience infused with Filipino hospitality (complete with karaoke!).

Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand distinctions both recognize culinary excellence, but they differ significantly in focus. Michelin stars signify the highest level of fine dining, emphasizing creativity, quality ingredients, and exceptional execution, while Bib Gourmand awards highlight restaurants offering great food at more affordable prices, focusing on value and quality ingredients. 

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🍽️ Bib Gourmand (Exceptional Value)

These spots serve excellent Filipino food at moderate prices:

• Boonie’s (Chicago, IL) – Homey comfort dishes like sisig and kare-kare earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmandla.eater.com+15philstarlife.com+15goodnewspilipinas.com+15.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• FOB Kitchen (Oakland, CA) – Modern Filipino with fun twists like adobo tofu and sweet-sour sinigangphilstarlife.com+1sonomamag.com+1.💚

• Purple Yam (Brooklyn, NY) – A staple in Ditmas Park, serving traditional Filipino fare and recognized in 2021philstarlife.com+2goodnewspilipinas.com+2goodnewspilipinas.com+2.

• Bayan Ko (Chicago, IL) – Filipino & Cuban fusion; highly recommended by Michelinaxios.com+2chicago.eater.com+2reddit.com+2.

• Kamayan ATL (Atlanta, GA) – A beloved Filipino feast-style eatery honored with a Michelin recommendation and Bib Gourmand atlanta.eater.com+1atlanta.eater.com+1.

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📊 Summary Table

Designation	Restaurant	City
⭐ Michelin Star	Kasama	Chicago, IL
⭐ Michelin Star	Soseki	Orlando, FL
⭐ Michelin Star	Kadence	Orlando, FL
🍽️ Bib Gourmand	Boonie’s	Chicago, IL
🍽️ Bib Gourmand	FOB Kitchen	Oakland, CA
🍽️ Bib Gourmand	Purple Yam	Brooklyn, NY
🍽️ Bib Gourmand	Bayan Ko	Chicago, IL
🍽️ Bib Gourmand	Kamayan ATL	Atlanta, GA

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🧭 Takeaway

• Kasama remains the only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant focused squarely on Filipino cuisine.

• Soseki and Kadence in Florida, while Japanese-leaning, are Filipino-operated and draw heavily on Filipino heritage.

• Popular Bib Gourmand venues—Boonie’s, FOB Kitchen, Purple Yam, Bayan Ko, and Kamayan ATL—offer authentic, flavorful experiences at excellent price points.(affordable). 

  💚https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/06/lunch-at-fob-kitchen-gastronomic-delight.html

  
  

  Meanwhile, here's my photo of the Day

  
  
  Lastly from our Dinner Menu for July 7th to 12th. Will this be available just this week or for the whole year ?
  
  This would be great if it will be available all year.  
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