Marinduque Island, Philippines-Our Second Home

Reminiscing Our Pleasant Years in Marinduque, Philippines- Our Second Home 

MARINDUQUE ISLAND, OUR SECOND HOME: Even today, the island’s silhouette remains a favorite sight for travelers passing through Barangay Tungib–Lipata, where visitors often stop to take photos with Bellarocca gracing the horizon. Though its doors are temporarily closed, the island’s allure endures, its white structures glowing against sea and sky, a reminder of the luxury and tranquility that once awaited on Marinduque’s own slice of paradise. This resort was once a 5 Star luxury haven, only about 30 minutes drive from our beach house, Chateau Du Mer in Amoingon, Boac.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/chateau-du-mer-according-to-chatgpt.html

During Bellarocca's few years of successful operation, it has been compared to Santorini, Greece. Macrine and I stayed at this resort for 3 Days at $400 per night. For Details and more photos of Bellarocca, read the the three related article at bottom of the page.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1026955-d1547488-Reviews-Bellarocca_Island_Resort_And_Spa-Marinduque_Island_Mimaropa.html

Related Articles: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/08/photo-memories-of-chateau-du-mer-and.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/08/is-this-true-about-bellarocca-resort.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/03/is-bellarocca-resort-and-spa-closing.html

On Our Way to a Private Tour of Bellarocca ( Macrine and I with Annie Miles and Aquilina Rivas), Dec 28, 2010

Today,  January 21, 2026, President Trump made several major announcements regarding his bid to acquire 

Greenland

 during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 

Key Developments from Davos

• Rules Out Military Force: In a significant shift in rhetoric, Trump explicitly stated he "won't use force" to take control of Greenland. He previously refused to rule out military or economic force but now claims he "doesn't have to" because the U.S. is "unstoppable" regardless.
• Suspension of Tariffs: Trump announced he will not move forward with a 10% tariff on eight European nations that was scheduled to begin on February 1. These tariffs were previously threatened as a pressure tactic against countries opposing the U.S. acquisition of the island.
• "Framework" Deal Reached: Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump claimed they have formed a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland and the broader Arctic region. He did not provide specific details but stated the solution would be "great" for both the U.S. and all NATO nations.
• Ultimatum to Allies: Despite dropping the immediate threat of tariffs, Trump issued a warning to allies: "You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember".

Fireflies Reminds Me of Chateau Du Mer

This posting reminds me of watching fireflies at Chateau Du Mer Beach House in the Philippines

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2017/08/night-activities-at-chateau-du-mer-boac.html

We might be witnessing the twilight of fireflies, one of the last generations to drift through the summer dark like living embers. But this isn't nature’s doing. It’s ours.

Fireflies are vanishing fast. Across North America, over 130 species are now at risk. Rare ones like the amber comet firefly are hanging by a thread in just a few patches of Texas. It’s not just one threat, it’s a perfect storm. Expanding cities pave over forests and wetlands. Backyard floodlights blind their courtship signals. Pesticides poison the soil they breed in. And climate change scrambles their life cycles with heatwaves and droughts.

The amber comet, once thought extinct since the 1940s, was rediscovered recently but only in scattered wet grasslands. It flashes like a slow-motion meteor across the night. A signal in the dark. A warning.

Fireflies are more than nostalgia. They’re indicators, when they disappear, it’s a red flag for the whole ecosystem. Their larvae eat snails and pests. They need moist soil, native plants, dark skies. When their world collapses, it’s a sign that frogs, birds, and bees are next.

But the spark isn’t gone yet. There’s still time to reverse this. Cut the glare, use less outdoor light, install motion sensors, choose warmer bulbs. Skip the pesticides and let your yard go wild. Build patches of native plants, damp soil, and leafy undergrowth. Protect the shadows. Let nature breathe.

Join a citizen science group. Count fireflies. Map their glow. You’ll be doing more than watching insects, you’ll be protecting an ancient conversation between light and night.

Or we can keep doing what we’re doing. Keep building. Keep spraying. Keep lighting up the night until it goes quiet.

And fireflies become just another story we tell around the campfire.

Meanwhile, Did you know.......

Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is native to the Philippines and it's 3x stronger than cotton! This durable fiber was prized globally: it was used for ship rigging, ropes, paper, and even U.S. dollar bills. Its natural resistance to saltwater made it essential for naval use.

Today, the Philippines remains the world’s top exporter of abaca fiber a hidden powerhouse of natural industry. Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is native to the Philippines and it's 3x stronger than cotton! This durable fiber was prized globally: it was used for ship rigging, ropes, paper, and even U.S. dollar bills. Its natural resistance to saltwater made it essential for naval use.

.

A Poem about the Philippines and Chateau Du Mer by ChatGPT

Chateau Du Mer- Main House, Amoigon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines  

I am getting addicted to ChatGPT- Here's a Poem about the Philippines and My Beach House- Chateau Du Mer in Marinduque

I asked ChatGPT: Could you write a poem about the Philippines 

ChatGPT said: Certainly! Here's a poem celebrating the beauty, culture, and spirit of the Philippines:

---

Islands of the Morning Sun

by ChatGPT

Beneath the arch of golden skies,
Where ocean sings and eagles rise,
A thousand isles in emerald hues
Breathe tales the trade winds can't refuse.

The pearl of seas, a woven strand,
Of mountain, forest, sea, and sand—
From Batanes’ calm, wind-whispered air
To Mindanao’s bold, sun-tempered glare.

Volcano's fire and rice field’s grace,
The carabao’s unhurried pace.
In every smile, a nation's soul—
Resilient, warm, and proudly whole.

Banig dreams and bahay kubo nights,
Jeepneys dancing in neon lights.
Festivals blaze in vibrant thread,
Where songs of ancestors are spread.

Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano blend,
In voices where the past transcends.
From bayanihan’s steady hand,
To heroes carved from heart and land.

O Philippines, bright eastern flame,
You rise with joy, endure with name.
With every wave your shores embrace,
Lives bloom in beauty, strength, and grace.

---

Would you like a version in Filipino or with a different tone (e.g., historical, romantic, or nature-focused)?

You said:  Yes, Romantic

ChatGPT said: Here's a romantic version of the poem, inspired by the beauty and passion of the Philippines:

---

Whispers of the Philippine Breeze
by ChatGPT

In your warm embrace, the stars take flight,
As moonlight dances on the waves so bright.
The shores of Palawan kiss the sky,
And in your eyes, the heavens lie.

Through fields of gold and mountains tall,
I hear your heart, my sweetest call.
Beneath the shade of ancient trees,
We find our love within the breeze.

Your gentle shores, your winds so sweet,
A rhythm like a lover’s heartbeat.
With every touch, the ocean sighs,
As I surrender to your skies.

In your warm hands, the sunset’s glow,
Reflects the love we’ve come to know.
With every dawn, a promise true,
The sun will rise and shine for you.

From Bohol’s shores to Siargao’s seas,
Your beauty whispers on the breeze.
And in your soul, I find my place,
A love that time cannot erase.

O Philippines, my heart’s delight,
Your beauty fills the endless night.
In every wave and every star,
You are my love, both near and far.

---

I hope this captures the romantic essence you're looking for! Let me know if you'd like any changes or adjustments.

You said:  How about a poem of my beach house, Chateau Du Mer in Marinduque

ChatGPT said: Here's a romantic poem dedicated to your beach house, Chateau Du Mer, in Marinduque:

---

Sunset Over Amoingon Bay, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Chateau Du Mer
by ChatGPT

At the edge where the sea meets sky,
Chateau Du Mer stands, so high,
A haven where the waves whisper low,
And golden sunsets steal the show.

With walls of warmth and hearts that gleam,
You hold the stories, the dreams we dream.
The breeze that dances through each door,
Carries the promise of love and more.

Soft sands stretch where our feet may roam,
A peaceful escape, a place called home.
The ocean’s lullaby at night,
Guides us softly through the moon’s soft light.

On mornings painted in hues so bright,
You greet the sun with pure delight.
Each sunrise brings a new embrace,
As waves caress the shore with grace.

Chateau Du Mer, a name divine,
Where love and nature intertwine.
In Marinduque’s embrace, so true,
Forever, my heart belongs to you.

---

I hope this captures the essence of Chateau Du Mer and its special place in your heart! Would you like any changes to the tone or imagery?

You said: Do you have a photo on file on Chateau Du Mer

ChatGPT said: I don't have a photo of Chateau Du Mer on file. If you'd like, you could share an image of your beach house with me, and I can help with any edits or enhancements you might need!

You said:  That's Fine, I love your poem very very much.

ChatGPT said:  I'm so glad you loved the poem! Chateau Du Mer sounds like a beautiful place, and it was a pleasure to capture its spirit in words. If you ever want more poems or anything else, feel free to reach out!

Meanwhile, here's an acrostic poem on Chateau Du Mer written by a Friend.- EngVV2012 

For Details visit: https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/photo-memories-of-chateau-du-mer-beach.html

A Poem Dedicated to Me on Turning Ninety Last December, 2024

AI Generated Image of Me at the Balcony of Chateau Du Mer Beach House. The Balcony Baluster is the exact replica of the Baluster of our Beach House in Marinduque. 

With the Help of AI technology here's "Ninety Summers Ago" written as a reflective poem, capturing the essence of my journey, memories, and identity as a Filipino Becoming An American:

 Ninety Summers Ago

Ninety summers ago, and still I rise,

With morning light in aging eyes.
The sea before me, calm and wide,
Chateau Du Mer, my soul’s high tide.

I sip my brew, Kapeng Barako bold,
The cup is chipped, the hands are old.
Yet still they write, still they tend,
To stories that refuse to end.

A boy from Barotac, barefoot, free,
Who climbed guava trees in memory.
The eldest child with dreams so wide,
Who crossed an ocean with love as guide.

Becoming American wasn’t a line,
Drawn in a passport, signed in time.
It was laughter in two tongues heard,
It was poems shaped in every word.

It was loving Macrine, my island star,
Raising children from near and far.
It was orchids blooming in foreign clay,
It was prayers said both night and day.

Now love is softer, slow and wise,
In wrinkled hands and misted eyes.
In caregivers who smile and stay,
In old men flirting like it’s May.

At ninety, grief is a gentle guest,
That sits beside me, lets me rest.
And memory is not sharp or clear,
But warm, like voices I still hear.

You cannot kill a cactus, they say—
It blooms through drought, finds its way.
So too, this soul, though bent with years,
Still gardens hope, still dries its tears.

I write to Macrine in the breeze,
To Derek who cured age with leaves.
To every child who seeks their name,
In stories that outlive the flame.

So here I am, both root and wing,
A poet, father, wandering king.
And every line I leave behind,
Is love preserved, a life defined.

Salamat, Ginoo—my final toast,
For the life I lived, the ones I lost.
For ninety summers, vast and true—For the gift of becoming… and becoming you.

Meanwhile, Did You Know that...... 

One volcano once cooled the entire Earth.

In 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted with explosive force. It was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century.

But its impact reached far beyond the ash cloud.

What really happened?

• Pinatubo shot 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere

• These particles formed a reflective layer around the planet

• That layer blocked sunlight and temporarily cooled Earth by 0.5°C

Yes, half a degree might not sound like much, but it affected global weather.

Cooler temperatures led to shorter growing seasons.

Sunlight levels dropped in many regions.

Even sunsets looked more dramatic due to the volcanic particles.

For a while, one mountain shaped the world’s climate.

Nature has power on a scale we rarely see... and sometimes, it only takes one eruption to shift the balance.

Lastly, Here's my Joke of the Day

Los Altos, California- Wealthiest Suburb in 2025

From My Travel Readings This Week:

California's Wealthiest Suburb In 2025 Is A Tree-Lined Haven Packed With Boutiques, Cafés, And Small-Town Charm  By Lauren Kershner   Aug. 1, 2025 7:15 pm EST

 
Gleaming with affluent cities like San Francisco and Malibu – whose star-studded beaches are lined with luxurious oceanfront homes – California hosts an array of expensive destinations. According to data collected by GOBanking Rates, as of 2025, the Golden State's wealthiest suburb is Los Altos. Located on the outskirts of San José, the average household income is around $404,000. Given that the average household income for California is $136,730 (24% higher than the national average, per Income By Zip Code), it's quite a whopping number.

However, despite Los Altos' price tag, the city exudes plenty of small-town charm. Its historic downtown comprises picturesque streets lined with lush trees, quaint sidewalk cafés, and cute boutiques that lend to its village-like vibes. Surrounded by scenic hills and deep canyons, Los Altos is a glittering gem in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering everything from fine dining experiences to outdoor adventures. If you want to bask in the riches of one of California's wealthiest destinations, but you still want a warm, small-town atmosphere, pack your bags for Los Altos.

Shop and dine in Los Altos' charm-filled downtown  Mattgush/Getty Images

If you're flying into the area, landing at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) – one of America's least-crowded airports – will place you about a 30-minute drive from Los Altos. To soak in the small-town splendor, head to the historic downtown district. Nestled within its six-block radius, you'll find a treasure trove of shops and eateries. Better yet, the neighborhood offers free street parking, as well as complimentary plaza parking, for added convenience.

If you're a shopaholic, there's an array of local boutiques to explore. Répéter Consignment boasts a collection of chic secondhand apparel from brands like Banana Republic and Prada, while Sethi's showroom sparkles with designer jewelry and home decor. If you're shopping for a gift or a souvenir, Cranberry Scoop has been a neighborhood favorite since the 1970s, dishing out unique accessories, greeting cards, and personalized treasures.

After shopping up an appetite, venture to a charming café like Le Boulanger, whose fresh-baked pastries and beloved sourdough breads are served alongside gourmet coffee. For heartier fare, grab a table at Los Altos Grill. Tucked into dark, wood-paneled booths and stone walls, the intimate restaurant is the perfect backdrop for enjoying classic American entrees with a Southwestern twist and sipping glasses of Napa Valley wine.

Indulge in an overnight retreat in Los Altos  Mattgush/Getty Images

After exploring the quaint downtown streets dotted with unique art sculptures and old-fashioned lamp posts, settle in for the night at one of Los Altos' idyllic hotels. Most enchanting is the appropriately named Enchanté Boutique Hotel. Inspired by a lavish French chateau, the elegantly appointed hotel will transport you to Paris with its luxurious guest rooms adorned with European furniture and art. You needn't wander far for dining to get a taste of France, either. The hotel's on-site bistro, Campagne One Main, serves delectable French-American cuisine, with outdoor dining available on its picturesque patio.

If you're on a more limited budget, book your stay at Courtyard Palo Alto Los Altos. The tidy hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms minutes from downtown Los Altos. While you're in the area, take a journey to California's most bizarre mansion that's supposedly haunted, the Winchester Mystery House in San José. The home's former owner, Sarah Winchester, played a pivotal role in the creation of Los Altos after building a sprawling ranch on the land that now comprises downtown.

Meanwhile, here's The 3 Best Hidden Hot Spring Hikes In California

By Sharon Kong Perring   Oct. 20, 2024 10:45 am EST

 

Siraphob Tatiyarat/Getty Images

Soaking in a hot spring pool sounds like something straight out of a hotel's spa service menu — an experience that could cost you a pretty penny in a curated bathhouse, especially somewhere in California. But in the state of glamorous saunas and expensive hotels, there are some hidden spots where you don't necessarily have to break the bank to indulge in a spa-like atmosphere. California has some geothermal wonders that are non-commercialized, natural hot spring pools that the public is permitted to use at low or no costs. However, some of these natural saunas can be a bit hidden and off the beaten path, necessitating substantial walks or hikes to get to them. The trek is often well worth it, though, offering its own experience apart from the pools themselves. As the adage says, sometimes it's about the journey, not the destination.

There are dozens upon dozens of pools, both natural and manmade, from the unspoiled to the built bathhouse, in California — so much so that sites like CaliHotSprings.com offer insight into the pros and cons of each site. Focusing on hot springs with lovely journeys and positive reviews on Cali Hot Springs and Google, this list features the five best hidden hot spring hikes. Accounting for decent lodging availability, trail intensity, and reviewer experience, you can't go wrong visiting California and experiencing any of these natural spa spots. 

Hilltop Hot Springs (Near Benton Crossing, California)

A decent option for the beginner hot spring aficionado, Hilltop Hot Springs is a remote pool filled via pipes that funnel the area's plentiful, natural geothermal water. Highly rated by travelers on Google, the pool is known for its expansive, panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a prime spot for the best autumn views in California. The hike here is more of a well-marked walking path which only takes about 15 minutes from the pool's small parking lot and totals a little more than half a mile. Despite its rather curated experience, the pool is still very much in nature, so visitors are strongly encouraged to leave the pool as they found it — take your trash, avoid using glass, and carry out anything else you may have brought with you.

Yosemite National Park is only about 50 miles away from this spot, an easy day trip from any lodgings you choose in that area. Mammoth Lake is even closer, only 16 miles from the Hilltop Hot Spring. The combination of its short, but sweet hike, beautifully remote location, and budget-friendly status (read: free to the public), Hilltop Hot Springs is an easy way to experience a hidden gem.

Wild Willy's Hot Springs (Near Benton Crossing, California) melissamn/Shutterstock

The benefit of Wild Willy's Hot Springs, one of the most widely known "hidden" hot springs in California, is that there are a few (sort of) facilities that make arriving and getting to the hot spring just a little bit easier. It is outfitted with a small parking lot and a nicely constructed boardwalk to even out the 10-minute hike to the pools, making it one of the more developed options on this list. "Hidden" definitely describes these popular pools — plunged in the depths of the grasslands (enough that bathers are comfortable going in the nude), the boardwalk is a real help since you likely won't get lost. The trail is elevated; and, in total, it's about a half-mile round trip from the parking lot to the springs and back. If you're a beginner hiker and looking for an easy hot spring, then Wild Willy's is likely for you. But beware, you will be driving on unpaved, dirt roads for at least a mile-and-a-half before arriving at the lot off the main road, so take caution of weather and vehicle types.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-DNA Connection

Chronic fatigue syndrome also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is not “just in your head.” A landmark genetic study has uncovered compelling biological evidence that the illness has deep roots in our DNA. Researchers identified eight regions of the human genome that differ significantly between people with and without ME/CFS, with many of these areas tied to immune system function and nervous system signaling.

The DecodeME project, led by the University of Edinburgh alongside patient groups and charities, analyzed genetic data from more than 15,000 ME/CFS patients and over 250,000 healthy controls. The findings suggest certain genetic variants may increase susceptibility by weakening infection-fighting abilities or altering chronic pain pathways. For millions of people living with debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise, these results offer long-awaited validation and a new direction for scientific research.

While there’s still no cure or definitive diagnostic test, this is a turning point in how ME/CFS is understood and treated. The results could lay the groundwork for genetic screening, targeted therapies, and deeper studies into why the condition disproportionately affects women and how it differs from illnesses like long Covid. Above all, it’s a powerful step toward ending the stigma and ensuring ME/CFS is recognized as a serious, biologically driven disease. Source: DecodeME Consortium (2025). Genetic associations with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Meanwhile, here's 35 examples of Antanaclasis

Finally Did you know that......

Located in the quiet town of Amoingon in Boac, Marinduque lies a hidden gem called Marl Insects and Butterfly Garden. Incidentally, Amoingon is also the location of my beach house, Chateau Du Mer.

This enchanting sanctuary owes its existence to the passion and perseverance of its owner, Leodegario Layron, who founded the farm when he was only 15 years old.

Read the full article here: https://agriculture.com.ph/.../wings-of-hope-how-a.../