A Seaside Paradise owned by Filipino-American Retirees(David Balleza Katague & Macrine Nieva Jambalos)Boac,Marinduque, Philippines
WELCOME TO CHATEAU DU MER BEACH RESORT
If this is your first time in my site, welcome! Chateau Du Mer is a beach house and a Conference Hall. The beach house could now accommodate 10 guests, six in the main floor and four in the first floor( air conditioned room). In addition, you can now reserve your vacation dates ahead and pay the rental fees via PayPal. I hope to see you soon in Marinduque- Home of the Morions and Heart of the Philippines. The photo above was taken during our first Garden Wedding ceremony at The Chateau Du Mer Gardens. I have also posted my favorite Filipino and American dishes and recipes in this site. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own, but I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights!
Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands
View of Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on photo to link to Marinduque Awaits You
Tonight, the darkness reaches its deepest point, but it also marks the beginning of the light. On December 21, we experience the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Sun reaches its lowest arc across the sky, casting long shadows and bringing an extended hush to the land. But this is more than an astronomical moment.
Across millennia, cultures have viewed the solstice as a time of reflection, rebirth, and transition. In the stillness of the cold, ancient people gathered around fires, shared stories, and welcomed the slow return of light a symbol of hope, healing, and new beginnings.
Tonight is a rare chance to pause. To honor the quiet. To feel the rhythm of Earth beneath your feet. Let this longest night be a reminder:
Even the deepest darkness is not the end it’s the turning point.
The Longest Night, and the Promise It Carries- My Reflection
In ancient times, people gathered close to firelight on this night. They shared stories, food, and warmth. They honored what had been lost during the long year and welcomed what might return. The solstice wasn’t feared; it was understood as a threshold, a crossing from darkness toward light. Slowly, patiently, almost invisibly, the days would begin to lengthen again.
I find myself thinking about that often now as I enjoyed the last stages of my life.
As we grow older, we learn that life moves in seasons, not straight lines. There are bright summers full of momentum and growth, and there are winters, quiet, reflective, sometimes lonely. There are moments when energy fades, when the world feels smaller, when the nights seem longer than the days. And in those moments, it’s easy to believe that darkness is an ending.
But the solstice reminds us otherwise. Tonight offers us a rare invitation: to pause.
To sit with stillness instead of rushing past it. To honor the quiet without needing to fix or explain it.
There is wisdom in this darkness. It asks us to reflect, to look back at what we’ve carried, what we’ve survived, what we’ve learned. It asks us to acknowledge grief and gratitude in the same breath. It asks us to trust that not all growth is visible.
I’ve come to understand that some of the most meaningful changes in life happen the way the light returns after the solstice, slowly, subtly, almost unnoticed at first. A slightly earlier dawn. A softer heaviness in the heart. A renewed sense of presence. Hope doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it simply stays.
So tonight, I choose to honor this longest night. I honor the years behind me, the work, the love, the losses, the stories worth telling again.
I honor the quiet moments that now feel more precious than noise. I honor the light that has not disappeared, only rested.
Let this night be a reminder: Even the deepest darkness is not the end.It is the turning point. And tomorrow, just a little bit the light returns.
Meanwhile,
A rare orchid once presumed extinct in Borneo has been confirmed in the Philippines, reshaping scientists’ understanding of how plants move across Southeast Asia. The finding underscores the archipelago’s role as a last refuge for fragile montane species as forests shrink across the region.
Field botanists describe 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘣𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘶𝘮 as a small, unobtrusive epiphyte distinguished by its flattened floral lip, a feature referenced in the Greek roots of its name, "plakos" (flat) and "cheilos" (lip).
Finally,
After our Group Dinner in the Comet Room yesterday, Carol Larimore called me and sang the following song that she composed as part of her educational program for teachers, parents, and children in grades K through 3 in elementary schools in a number of Bay Area districts: She titled it Gratitude and informed me the song reminded her of me. John sent it to me as follows :
[Chorus]
"Gratitude in an attitude;
A radical, positive attitude.
Gratitude sets me free
From rumblin' grumblin' negativity"
[Repeat]
'
[Verse]
"G" for Glad,
"R" a reason for
"A" an attitude for all seasons
"T" Terrific, that's how I feel,
"I, T, U, D, E, that's for real
[Repeat Chorus]
Note: Carol and I are delighted that you enjoyed your birthday celebration here at THD! John
Finally, the top Five News of the Day:
1. Major Bay Area power outage — partial restoration underway PG&E has begun restoring electricity to tens of thousands of San Francisco customers following a major outage that left much of the city in the dark. ABC7 San Francisco
2. Ursid Meteor Shower peaks tonight The final meteor shower of the year, the Ursids, is set to peak late tonight into early Monday, offering great viewing conditions for stargazers. TIME
3. Middle East tensions: Israel urges fresh strikes on Iran Israel is pressing the U.S. for additional strikes against Iran amid concerns over missile and nuclear program developments. The Australian
4. Winter Solstice marked globally Today is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere — the shortest day of the year — with celebrations and cultural observances worldwide. Forbes
5. Mass shooting in South Africa — fatalities reported Multiple gunmen opened fire near a tavern in Bekkersdal, Gauteng, killing nine people and injuring others. Wikipedia
The first place winner ( Three Places) of our THD Christmas Door Decor Contest was again Eileen Breismeister at L329. Since her apartment is at the end of the Hall her decor extended up to the wall and indeed very expansive ( see photo above). The prize was a $100 gift card from Amazon.
The second prize of $75 gift card from Amazon went to yours truly. The personal meaning and analysis of my door decor in case you have not read is in this article.
The third prize of $50 gift card from Amazon went to my neighbor Apt F102, Mary Reiser. Her theme decor was about the 49er's. See photo below.
Here's the AI Analysis of My Door Decor💚-A Repost
Your Christmas door décor reads as both festive and deeply personal, and the photograph captures that balance nicely.
Overall Composition & First Impression The primary visual anchor is the LED light edging around the doorframe. Its warm red and cool green glow immediately draws the eye, creating a luminous outline that turns an ordinary hallway door into a focal point. The lights act almost like a frame in a gallery, inviting viewers to pause and look closer. Because the rest of the hallway is neutral, the glow feels intentional rather than busy.
The Door Surface & Seasonal Texture The door itself is wrapped in a blue snowflake-patterned covering, which introduces winter symbolism without overwhelming the scene. The cool blue contrasts effectively with the warm reds and greens of the lights, giving the décor visual depth. The snowflakes subtly reinforce the holiday theme while letting the other elements shine.
The Star & Filipino Parol Influence At the center hangs a star, which carries layered meaning. Visually, it provides symmetry and a strong midpoint that balances the vertical lines of the door. Culturally, as a Filipino parol, it adds an important personal and heritage-driven layer. Rather than a generic Christmas symbol, it quietly tells a story of tradition, memory, and identity, embedded within a modern American hallway setting.
Cats as Guardians of the Door
The placement of Batman and Robin on either side of the door feels playful and affectionate. Their photos function almost like sentinels or guardians, flanking the entrance. This adds warmth and humor, transforming the décor from seasonal display into something unmistakably yours. The soft fabric elements draped beside them also echo a handmade, lived-in quality.
Lighting as the Emotional Core The lights are undeniably the emotional and visual core of the décor. They suggest welcome, safety, and celebration. The glow spills slightly onto the surrounding wall, softening the space and giving the photo a cozy, evening-at-home feeling. It feels less like a door you pass through quickly and more like a threshold worth noticing.
Overall Mood & Meaning
Taken together, the photo communicates home, memory, and gentle joy. It’s not about extravagance, it’s about intention. The décor blends culture, companionship (your cats), and the quiet ritual of marking the season. The door becomes a statement: Christmas isn’t just outside or public, it lives right here, at the entrance to your personal world.
Personal: The LED Lights, the focused of my decor is On -From 4PM to 10PM daily. I plan on taking the decor on Dec 29..
Meanwhile, here are some photos, Jenny took during Dinner at the Comet Room last night. There were 20 THD residents who joined me for Dinner. I received more BD cards from Cam, Jean, Gretchen, and Andi. Pam gave me a miniature Christmas tree, Carol and John gave Carol's decoupage Creation and Andi gave me Ferrero Chocolates ( see photo) below:
Thank You All for coming, for the BD card greetings and the Gifts. Again may I say again, "You All have touched my life, and now you All can say you have lived".
Lastly, here are the photos, Jenny S took of the Dinner Last Night at the Comet Room; A million thanks again for these beautiful photos, Jenny!!!
💗
Not in these photos is Pam Atkinson, who showed 15 minutes late after 5PM. ThankYou, Pam for coming and for the miniature Christmas tree. The above fellow residents have touched my life either via bridge, mahjong, chair volleyball, greeter's program or just my favorite meal time friends and social connections.
I hope You All have A Happy Holiday Season, 2025-2026. Last, but not least: My Greetings to All the Servers and Kitchen Crews and to All THD Staff who were responsible for making my life here another year of Gratitude and Happiness. Hello, there Martha?💗 Where's My apple Juice?
This Chapel was the heart and soul of my days at UP, Diliman Both as a Student and a Teacher💚
Today, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the blessing of the UP Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice.
It was on this day in 1955 that Archbishop Rufino Santos blessed the peculiar and novel church-in-the-round designed by Leandro Locsin. That it was called Holy Sacrifice was very apt as it was the fruit of the countless sacrifices of the UP Catholic Community and their chaplain, Fr. John P. Delaney, SJ.
But it was not their sacrifices that was honored in this new edifice. It was a greater and nobler sacrifice. It was the oblation of the Son of God on Calvary and renewed daily on the altar. It was the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that was the center of the community since its infancy in 1949.
And when Providence willed the building of a more permanent chapel, it was, now more literally, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that was in its center.
However, amidst the joy of this anniversary, we also remember that the UP Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice would turn out to cap to the life's work of Fr. Delaney. He would die 23 days later, never having returned to his beloved chapel.
Now, as we look back on the long history of our chapel, we cannot help but be grateful. The spiritual nourishment that we enjoy today is a treasure that was won for us by our predecessors in the UP Catholic Community, students, faculty, and workers who dreamed of a place where God would be honored, a concrete testament to the faith that they held dearly against the backdrop of this secular university; a place where from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to God's name.
Truly, for 68 years, the prayer uttered by Archbishop Santos from the Ritual has been a constant reality. "That all who here invoke Thee, may experience thy assistance."
--
"And our prayer, my dear friends, our prayer for all who are gathered here this evening, our prayer for the Diliman community is only one: That as the years go by, this Chapel will always draw people closer to the altar, closer to Calvary, closer to God. That as the years go by, people will come more and more to realize that the altar and the Cross must be the center of their lives. That people will realize more and more that when they come to offer themselves at the altar, they are offering themselves to Christ who is King-King of our individual lives, King of our family lives, King of our vocational lives, King of our business life, King of our industrial life, King of our political life, King of our international living."
—Fr. John P. Delaney. 25 December 1955
My Student Days at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Can you guess where am I in the photo below? Hint: I am in the Front Row..
Top DOJ official denies effort to redact Trump mentions from Epstein files — The No. 2 official at the U.S. Department of Justice says there’s been no attempt to remove President Trump’s name from public releases of Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents, countering political claims. ABC News
Venezuela’s Maduro tests Trump with “Plan B” oil tanker strategy — Tensions rise as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro escalates an oil-related standoff with the U.S., raising concerns about potential conflict in the Caribbean. Axios
Trump announces 9 pharmaceutical companies will lower prescription drug prices — President Trump unveiled an agreement with nine drugmakers to reduce costs for certain medications in the U.S. PBS
Three police officers shot in Rochester, NY — Three law enforcement officers were shot at close range while responding to a domestic call, shocking the community. ABC News
Student killed, two injured in India after signboard collapse; major investment announced in Odisha — A tragic accident in Mayurbhanj, India, combined with big economic investment news from the Odisha Investors’ Meet, is leading headlines internationally.
Finally, here's some photos during My Birthday Lunch Today at FOB Kitchen, Temescal District, Oakland
My Family: Left to Right: Dinah, Ditas, Carenna(youngest grand daughter), Me, Ruth( my daughter-in-law) and Dodie.
We had Pancit ( for long life), adobo, lechon, lumpia and sinigang. For Dessert, we have suman, Turon, ube ice cream and mango slices with Steam White rice. For Drink, we have mango and calamansi lemonade.
The Many Flavors of the Philippines: A Journey Through Regional Filipino Cuisine
For years, I’ve written about Filipino food as the heart of our culture, how meals bring families together, how celebrations revolve around shared dishes, and how food becomes a symbol of memory and identity. But one thing I’ve never explored in depth is the extraordinary diversity of Filipino cuisine across our archipelago.
With more than 7,000 islands and seven major regions, the Philippines is really a tapestry of regional food traditions shaped by geography, history, climate, and local ingredients. From the earthy and simple dishes of the north to the coconut-rich, chili-infused fare of the Bicol region, our culinary map is as varied as our languages.
Today, let me take you on a tour of these major variations, an overview of what makes each region’s cuisine distinctive and meaningful.
1. Ilocano Cuisine (Northern Luzon): Simple, Savory, and Earthy
Ilocano food is known for its simplicity and practicality. The harsh climate and rocky terrain of the north taught Ilocanos to rely on what’s available, vegetables, preserved meats, and local greens.
Key characteristics:
Salty and savory flavors, especially through bagoong (fermented fish paste)
Heavy use of leafy vegetables: saluyot, malunggay, kangkong
Dishes that highlight resourcefulness and minimalism
Ilocano cuisine is humble but deeply satisfying, comfort food for many of us who grew up in the north.
2. Pangasinense & Central Luzon Cuisine: Abundance of Seafood and Grilled Meats
Moving south, Pangasinan, known for its salt beds, leans heavily on seafood and salted products, while Pampanga in Central Luzon is often called the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.
The Visayas, lying at the center of the archipelago, offers a spectrum of flavors.
A. Ilonggo Cuisine (Western Visayas) – The New “City of Gastronomy”
Iloilo was honored last year as a City of Gastronomy, and rightly so. Ilonggo cuisine is known for gentle sweetness, fresh seafood, and complex broths.
Mindanao’s food culture deserves far more recognition for its depth and complexity.
7. The Cordillera & Mountain Provinces: Indigenous Strength and Tradition
Though smaller in population, the Cordillera region has a unique culinary identity built on tradition and sustainability.
Key characteristics:
Use of root crops, grains, and smoked meats
Minimal seasoning, letting natural flavors shine
Ritual and rice-based dishes (tapey, etag, pinikpikan)
This cuisine is a window into pre-colonial Filipino life.
A Final Reflection
As someone who has tasted, cooked, and written about Filipino cuisine for decades, I continue to marvel at how our food tells the story of our people. Each region offers a distinct flavor profile, yet they all share a common spirit, hospitality, resilience, and the joy of gathering around the table.
Filipino food is not just one thing. It is many things, woven together like the islands themselves. And that is what makes our culinary heritage truly special.
Meanwhie here's the AI Overview on the Diversity of Filipino Cuisine
The Philippines boasts a vibrant, diverse cuisine shaped by indigenous ingredients, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences, offering a journey through regional flavors from savory Ilocos (like Pinakbet & garlic-heavy dishes) to tropical Davao, featuring staples like sour Sinigang, soy-vinegar braised Adobo, crispy Lechon, and street foods like Empanada, all blending sweet, sour, salty, and savory notes in a unique culinary tapestry celebrated in cookbooks and food tours.
Key Regional Flavors
Ilocos (North Luzon): Known for bold, savory, and sometimes garlicky food, using local produce and vinegar. Must-tries include garlic-rich Bagnet, vegetable stew Pinakbet, and crispy, orange-hued Ilocos Empanada.
Bicol (Bicol Region): Famous for its use of coconut milk and chili, creating spicy, creamy dishes like Laing (taro leaves in coconut milk).
Cebu (Visayas): Renowned for its grilled seafood (sutukil: Sugba/Grill, Tuwa/Soup, Kilaw/Ceviche), hanging rice (Puso), and rich Lechon.
Mindanao (Southern Philippines): Features unique dishes like spicy curries, fresh seafood (king tilapia, giant crabs), and influences from diverse ethnic groups, often overlooked but incredibly flavorful.
Iconic Dishes & Influences
Adobo: A cornerstone dish of meat (chicken/pork) braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns, reflecting Spanish "adobar" (marinade).
Sinigang: A tangy, sour soup using tamarind or other souring agents, a comforting taste of home for many Filipinos.
Lumpia & Pancit: Chinese influences are clear in these popular spring rolls and various noodle dishes.
Kinilaw: The Filipino version of ceviche, using vinegar, calamansi (native citrus), and fresh seafood.
Street Food: A vibrant scene with skewered meats, fried delights, and unique items like Balut (fertilized duck egg).
Cultural Context Filipino cuisine is a fusion of indigenous techniques with Malay, Chinese, Spanish (adobo, stews), and American (fried chicken, hot dogs) influences, creating a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory without being overly spicy. It's a cuisine rooted in family, fiestas, and abundant fresh ingredients from the archipelago's vast waters and fertile lands, celebrated through generations and in modern culinary explorations.
Just IN:
Filipino food is climbing the world rankings. In the TasteAtlas Awards 2025/2026, the Philippines secured the 25th spot among the world’s best cuisines, a major leap that reflects growing global love for dishes like sinigang, inasal, lumpiang shanghai, lechon, leche flan and Adobo.
This is one of my favorite delicacy from Marinduque-my Second Home
The term "igod" (or sometimes spelled as "igot") is the local name used in the province of Marinduque, Philippines, for the coconut crab (Birgus latro). In other parts of the Philippines, such as Batanes and the Caluya Islands, it is known as "tatus".
Another one of my favorites from the province of my Birth-Iloilo are the fresh water river eels.
The Anguillidae are a family of ray-finned fish that contains the freshwater eels. All the extantspecies and six subspecies in this family are in the genus Anguilla, and are elongated fish of snake-like bodies, with long dorsal, caudal and anal fins forming a continuous fringe. They are catadromous, spending their adult lives in freshwater, but migrating to the ocean to spawn.
Eels are an important food fish and some species are now farm-raised, but not bred in captivity. Many populations in the wild are now threatened, and Seafood Watch recommend consumers avoid eating anguillid eels.
