The Best Valentine Gifts are Free!!!

Hey guys... Need some gift tips for your Valentine date? Here are some helpful economical ideas you could readily offer to your loved one...

 

Economic adversity strikes this present era. One, or if not all, is facing such difficulty in handling the finances of all sorts, like daily miscellaneous expenses, insurances, education, savings and for caprices If I may exaggerate.

Season of the hearts is just around the corner. Are you worrying about the best Valentine gift to your loved one?

I had surveyed ideas from friends and clients as well, on what to give this Hearts’ Day. Some said “a watch so that every minute or every second, she will remember me” while others go for luxurious jewelry or gadgets. Inviting lingerie, hearty chocolates and flowers, of course, always top the list.

Very late last night, I was contemplating the best thing I could ever give to my dearest considering that we’re at the vantage point of tightening our belts preparing for the future (especially that our kids’ budgetary requirement is inevitably expanding).

My cobweb was finally lit after a mind-numbing thinking . Well, in the end, I came to realize that the greatest or the best gift one could give is at hand and it’s absolutely free!

Here are some basic ideas that could be adopted in order to have a hassle-free and economically-wise St. Valentine’s festivity.

Bringing a resto right at your doorstep
Elicit ideas from a cooking show or review previous menu clippings on how to prepare a new and special dish for your loved one. List all the things you need for the menu and rush to the nearest supermercado to have the cheapest but absolutely fresh ingredients. Cook from the heart; ‘though you’re not a good chef previously , I’m pretty sure you could prepare an extraordinary meal for your loved one.

Movie house
Make the living room a bit dusky or hazy, resembling a cinematic scenario and play a romantic movie film which you, too, had loved watching when you were still at the stage of wanting her sweet ‘yes’. This makes you recall past love episodes, thus igniting more a beautiful love story which you, two, have inscribed.

A long walk or a jogging spree
Invite her to a walk at the park, the avenue or boulevard, or a jogging spree at the circle which you had treaded long time ago. Recall the happy and unhappy past, that after the long and winding road, you both are still heading for the future which you have both vowed to fulfill. You must be proud of yourselves because you’re still holding on to that promise, realizing the dream of your dreams.

Make a ‘history’
Creativity wise, you can write on a seemingly scrap pad (apparently unnoticeable) the many beautiful things that you like most on your partner. Stick it on the fridge or on her dressers’. This creates a feeling of how appreciative you are from the simple things she does each day up to the grandest acts she ever made in your affair.

The Gist
One needs not to spend much just to show how you truly love your partner. It’s not all about chocolates, exciting lingerie , luxurious gadgets or jewelry. It’s just a matter of showcasing how grateful you are for having her in your life – through an explicit act of appreciation, simple and free!

Love makes the world go round as she is overjoyed while he spins her

Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day from the heart! Let everyday be a Valentine’s Day.

WOMAN OF THE HOUR

                        WOMAN OF THE HOUR                   
(BACK-TO-BACK WITH KAAKIBAT’S FOUNDING)

by Bradford A. Villamar
Contributor – Madrid, Spain

The story begins here.

Left unschooled. Shattered clothes. Empty stomachs. Sluggish, frail and weak. Innocent ones fleeting around like butterflies along the streets.

What future awaits them? Who can help make their ends meet? Who can bring their dreams into reality?

She had seen all these before she left. Leaving her country with such scenarios like children living on their own was really painful for her. She wished to help but she couldn’t give them all. She wanted to share but it’s not all enough. She wanted to change their lives but how could she possibly realize this if she’s only one wing and empty hands?

Now that she’s in Madrid, she remembers these innocent kids in our own native land. In her heart and mind, all she wants to do is to help out these kids alleviate from their sufferings, from being left unschooled, and from having hungry stomachs. Before, she had wanted to sponsor even just one child.

One fateful night came. In her dream, these children were whispering into her ears that they need her help. Her heart was moved and her mind thought that it’s time to help out these children. She finally realized that since she had a circle of friends here in Madrid, the efforts and resources could be multiplied in order to realize her passion to help and reach out for others and eventually change their lives.

She is blessed with many good friends here in Madrid. With this simple step, she was able to win her friends to help these children in the Philippines. From there, she was able to form KAAKIBAT Madrid Chapter with a noble cause to bring unschooled children and experience the benefit of learning and mingling with other children in schools. She believed that the little amount shared by each member could change lives of children in our own country, and eventually change the lives of the whole family and the country at large.

The group was able to sponsor one student last year given by ANCOP, another noble group here in Madrid which aims to help out others, too, particularly in our own country. And this year, Kaakibat can extend help to more children. Since members have been so willing to help, the group decided to bring their unused garments and personal effects for a cause. Everyone participated in the Garage Sale in order to come up with more funds in order to sponsor more and more Filipino children who can’t afford to go to schools due to poverty. 

Kaakibat International Compass

The passion to help emanated from what she had seen before she left our country.

Founded last year, Kaakibat is a noble organization, with its plight to help the less fortunate Filipino children. The strength of the communal drive for the common good of the less privileged young ones lies the foundation of this organization. Its cause, goals and dedication are based on shared values.

It also presents how the organization functions to raise funds for the maintenance and propagation of its mission by providing for the education of the less fortunate Filipino kids.

Kaakibat is not a sectoral organization. In fact, it is an open group that invites anyone with volunteerism to awaken the weakening hope of these children by creating a bright future for them through education.

Goals

By 2015, Kaakibat Madrid has already sponsored 100 less fortunate Filipino students. It has transformed the lives of the Filipino youth by ways of honing and inspiring them to pass on to others the opportunity given them as they also share their acquired education, knowledge and skills in the future. It also has reached out worldwide to any individual with the same belief that every individual has the right to education. It has touched the lives of both the beneficiaries and benefactors of the organization in an optimistic and heart-warming experience.

The woman of the hour

This is a sure step for a woman likeLindsay Grajo Gatdula to bring change in the heart of these Filipino children. With the strong support of multitude friends benefactors, men and women here in Madrid, her mission and passion to reach out for others continues.

This woman of the hour finally shared, “It’s such a great feeling to help others in dire need. For me, when I help, I feel the seventh heaven!”

ONCE IN A LIFETIME LOVE

Lyrics: BAV

Melody & Vocals: BOV

I

A flicker of hope

A star that brightens

A light that shines

A love that grows in my heart

When our eyes met alas!

II

Each day grows a seed

Of love deep within my heart

Your voice makes me enliven

Your shadows captivate me

You take my breath away!

CHORUS:

This love we have

A once in a life time love

I keep on living

Battling with the world

This once in a life time love

Will never cease until the very end. 

III

In this perfect time we’ve met

Loving unconditionally

You are my forever

I never ask for more

‘Coz this is a once in a life time love.

BRIDGE:

This once in a life time love

Be there till the end...be there till the end...

"No Te Vayas, Por Favor"

Please, don't leave!

Every time this line captures my mind, it makes my heart melt and feel that they are crying in pain. Much as I would like to stay but here comes an opportunity I have to face, a battle I have to win.

Please, don´t leave!

It’s been so many countless days and nights thinking about the offer. The lure of working in a strange land knocked my door. The opportunity came unexpectedly. “Shall I grab it now or something better awaits me here?” I was so perplexed that time but thinking of leaving them made me so undecided to accept the offer. But everytime I see them in my dreams sighing, “Please, stay and don’t leave us” made me outspoken for a moment.

Please, don´t leave!

How could I leave my family whom I call my own? My two lovely kids Godley and Dyreen who are always my source of joy, strength and inspiration? My friends who have always been there through my ups and down, through my most desperate moments and triumphs? 

Please, don´t leave!

How could I bid goodbye to my beloved profession? I had a good job at Saint Louis University (Baguio City). Every day was a happy day at SLU LES. Dealing with brilliant and bubbly kids really made my day. They learned and I also learned. Knowledge didn’t only come from me as their mentor but they, too, had a lot to share during our daily engaging discussions. 

Please, don´t leave!

How could I say farewell to my well-loved journalism club? I always loved teaching my writers how to craft beautiful stories that reflect life and beauty... stories that could melt the hearts and transform the world for a better change. I would never forget the heart-pounding and nerve-wrecking scenarios waiting for the results of winners in the writing competitions from the local to the national level we had participated in with my brilliant scribblers. We won some. We lost some. But the lesson learned was more important than the laurels reaped for I had instilled in them the power of the pen that could bring positive influence to the readers. Winning is just a plus factor and their experience counts even more. 

Please, don’t leave! 

My conscience spoke not to leave. But to face new experience and opportunity challenged me to accept the offer. It’s something to prove how I could fare in another field, in a foreign land. And most importantly, my desire to give the best for my family hinted me to grab this opportunity.

Please, don´t leave!

While counting days before leaving the country, so many questions flooded my mind. Is this really the best option? Will I succeed in a strange land? Will I ever survive despite differences among people? What happens when I leave them?

Here I am in this strange land, braving new opportunities and battling day-to-day challenges in a strange place like Madrid. Its fluctuating economy is something that depresses a newcomer like me but this doesn’t hinder my plight as an OFW. The difficulty of searching for a new employment after losing the promised job was really frustrating and even came to the vantage point of quitting. But I am not quitting. Instead, these are just add-on to my experience. These would eventually make me a better person... a stronger person in a place which I don’t call my own. A brave soldier doesn’t lose hope. Beyond these complexities come greater and better opportunities when you surpass them, so they say. 

It was too difficult at first. New job, new challenges. Lost one, then found one. I am so thankful that BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) here in Madrid embraced me and answered my whispers to God during the many sleepness nights I had gone through. 

Yes, I have left my own home, my teaching job, my true friends but it doesn’t mean that I have forgotten what they have taught me. I would continue striving just as what they have instilled in me.

I have left my family but they’re always in me... in my heart and in my mind. I have left my kids, who until now, keep longing for my presence, but I promise, through prayers that we will be together soon by God’s grace.

I left. 

“But, you will always be my home and my own.”

HOW TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP FOREVER

     HOW TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP FOREVER

Wanna know how an existing relationship of yours lasts? Just read this article and you will find it helpful in keeping your relationship until the very end.

            Having one such good relationship is truly a gift from God, a blessing which has to be nurtured for years founded with positive thoughts and actions. Ideal relationships may not be a genre at this present time but come to think of it, the effects if you don't have it until the very last day of your life here on earth. Just hang on and remember this acronym (RELATIONSHIP) to be able to save your present relationship with somebody who means so much to you.

     Let's get started:

•     RESPONSIBILITY

               Remember that for every action, there is an equal and opposite force of reaction. Always be responsible in all your ways. If you're responsible enough of your actions, it means you care for this person and in return, this will be the usual yet ideal picture that exists in the history of your love affair. One is responsible in giving love (through a sort of ways) and care to one's partner.

•     ENCOURAGEMENT  

               Giving each other a word of encouragement will push your lover to pursue his / her goals in life. As a couple, you become one; hence his / her goal is also your goal. Keep it up giving him / her a push to be able to realize one's goal. Doing such would also mean getting into your relationship saved for remarkably doing things together.

•      LOVE

               Yes, you heard it right! Your burning love to each other will keep your relationship going. There are a variety of ways how you can display your utmost love and concern to your partner. A daily dose of saying "I love you" or "I care for you" coupled with responsible actions could be of help. Doing your authentic ways of showing how much you care is very much appreciated by your partner. Each one learns how to value one's existence. Without love, surely your relationship dies a natural death. For how could you stay up to this time, if you don't love each other anymore. Common guys, your actions couldn't deny. Your partner could feel  if  you're still in love with him / her. Truly, it's love that binds a couple together.

•      ALTRUISM

                When you're into relationship, you have decided to be one in most instances. You learn and accept each one's ways of life. Of course, you cling on to what is right. Move as one to the right path. In other words, you need not to be selfish. If your one old way of life is not acceptable, then it's a matter of sacrificing it by throwing it into the trash bin. Try not to be unselfish, or else you might not be able to save it forever.

•      TIME

               This is another important element for a relationship to last. Your being busy is not an excuse for not giving your partner your attention. Just a short but engaging conversation before actualizing your other businesses in life means a lot. Remember that giving him / her your limited (if you're too busy enough with your work) but quality time with your partner means significantly. Time element couldn't be removed from the list in saving one's relationship for how could you manage to have a good one if you don't even show how much you care for him / her. Most women want their partner to give their precious time (even just a so short time) to let them feel that they are still loved and cared.

•      INTANGIBILITY

               It's not material things that bring your relationship to last. It's not how many expensive presents you have given or shared. It is the intangible proof of how much you love and care for your partner. It's not always a good instance after giving him / her a gift then you squabble at the end of the day. Even though you haven't shared a gift on him / her on her birthdays or any other equally important occasions of your life as couple, your simple ways of displaying your love would count most. Taking time sharing your thoughts about life, your plans, your remarks about his / her accomplishments would mean significantly to your loved one.

•      OPENNESS

               How often do you spend time sharing about your daily experiences with your partner? Or have shared about what you like or don't like about him / her? How could such present relationship last if you're not open enough about your relationship? If this is disregarded, improving oneself would not take place. As a couple, feel free to share how both of you could lead your relationship to an open book where each of you could read what are and what aren't to, which are and which are not.

•      NOBILITY

               We cannot deny the fact that in choosing a partner in life, his / her character or personality should have to be considered much. Being noble in ways is always appreciated, hence it helps in keeping one's relationship. Your partner's impressiveness or magnificence can win your heart. Your partner may not be perfect in all his / her ways (for nobody's perfect) but at least he / she is exhibiting acts making each other happy with the relationship.

•      SINCERITY

               Are you sincere enough? Have you been so true about what you feel? Then, show it. After all, this is one such element of a relationship to keep it grow and last forever. Sincerity is something that lets each of the pair to realize that he / she is the focus of the relationship. Outside forces may intervene but once compounded with sincerity, no one can break the chain. Just let your partner know that he / she makes your world go round.

•      HONESTY 

               As the saying goes, "honesty is the best policy". Certainly, this element of relationship is so important to keep it growing. Just be true to yourself. Share what you feel. If you don't like his / her ways, tell it. After all, if it's left undone, it will create more problems in your relationship. Being honest at all times will keep her truest in you till the rest of time. Once trust is lost, it's difficult to win it back.

•      INTIMACY

              It may not necessarily refer to a private act of a couple but it would also mean how 'personal' is your relationship with your partner. Having a close relationship means you're making a point that one is connected with each other, in many ways of your lives as a couple. Being intimate lets one feel how much each one is being loved and cared. It lets your partner believe that he / she is the most important person in your life.

•      PATIENCE

              Patience is a virtue. As a couple, there are many plans that each would like to realize. These plans cannot be done in just a click of the finger. Some may be realized quickly but others take a long time. Whenever things do not turn out right, have patience. Little by little, your plans will be realized through waiting patiently. Do not lose the track. Do not blame each other for any failure in your plans or for not being in effect for a long period of waiting. Take note, things happen at the right time.

          RELATIONSHIP. This is such a powerful acronym to remember how you could make your love affair existing until the very end. Just take each letter of the word to be a guide to be able to reach your ultimate goals in life by sticking together at all times!

HIS AMAZING LOVE

            Night fell. He felt all alone in his room again. Pictures of the past flooded his mind. They played on his memory lane once more. Their bygone days of happy moments as a couple made him smile a bit as he reminisced them. But, his solitude kept him longing for her presence. Her absence for less than a decade now made him feel that the world was so cruel to him. Sometimes, he felt numb of her lost. When each night came, he tried putting himself into oblivion. But, how could he ever forget her? She’s the love of his life, after all. Can he still win her back after all these years - back into each other’s arms again?

            The first chapter of their love story took place in Balanga, Bataan in 1981 when Charles visited his elder sister Grace. Because he found the people so accommodating, he learned to love the place. So, he extended his vacation and tried seeking for employment. He applied in an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in a nearby place. Three days after he forwarded his resume and completed the needed requirements, the EPZ selection committee finally released the result and only five out of the 200 job seekers were taken. He leapt for joy for he was one of the chosen five.

 “Thank you, Lord, for giving me this opportunity. I really need it,” he sincerely thanked the Lord.

 The group had to wait for one month as slated in their contract. Since he didn’t want to waste time, he applied for another job which lasted for a month, then worked at the EPZ.

            Sunday came. Charles and her elder sister attended the mass. Many came and majority of the mass attendees was female. One fine young lady caught his attention. His heart was beating so fast every time he looked at her. “Is this love? Will she be the girl of my life?”These questions popped out while giving a second look at her. After the mass, Grace introduced his brother to this pretty lass. Charles greeted her so sweetly, “It’s my pleasure to meet you Karla! Hope, we can be good friends”. No words came from her lips but the lady just nodded and smiled. This lad couldn’t explain his feelings at that very moment. Their friendship started after that acquaintance.

            After attending several church activities, they took time sharing their stories and plans in life. They made sure that they were comfortable with each other every time they met. When Charles visited her at home or went for a spree, they sang beautiful love songs joyfully. Karla loved his music because he’s a good singer and could play the guitar well. She laughed out loud (LOL) whenever he cracked sensible jokes.

            Charles could not believe himself on their closeness after several meetings with her. At the back of his mind, he thought that she’s always with him, accompanying him because he’s new to the place. But, their sweetness or closeness could speak that these two were starting to fall in love with each other. How could they deny that something’s happening between them? They were inseparable. Their eyes couldn’t deny so with their actuations. Their friends even noticed how intimate they were during gatherings. Since they were at a young age, they defended themselves that they’re just simply good friends.

It came to a point that they longed for each other’s presence. Charles wrote letters and Karla replied. They exchanged letters every now and then. The moment of truth came; they couldn’t hide their feelings anymore. They were brave enough to express how they deeply loved each other. “I love you very much, dear. You are the love of my life,” were the words from their lips.

Their beautiful relationship continued - an ideal relationship, indeed.

 After several months of working at the export zone, Charles decided to stop for he wanted to pursue his college degree. He went to school then. Their communication was not stopped even if he’s busy with his studies. He made sure that they had spare time for their relationship to grow.

He was in second year college when he stopped pursuing his degree. By then, he applied for another job at San Miguel Corporations as a casual employee. After his contract, he went home to his own town in Munoz (Nueva Ecija) and continued his college education. With God’s grace, he was able to obtain his college diploma in Bachelor of Elementary Education.

Since it was too difficult for him to land a teaching job in their municipality because of rampant nepotism and the lure of working abroad called, he then decided to work in United Arab Emirates for three years. While working abroad, he no longer heard any news about his girlfriend since cellular phones and internet were not at one’s fingertips yet.

Charles devoted his time on his job. After his contract in UAE, he again applied in another country, in Qatar. He found ways to contact her girlfriend, sending letters to her and even her friends asking her whereabouts but not a single response reached him.

He went home to his native land (Philippines) after his contract. He was so happy when his sister Grace handed him a letter. For sure, it was Karla’s letter! He read it and to his amazement, he found out that she’s working in Lebanon for years already. This was the reason why his mails did not reach her. After reading her letter, the air was filled with love again. His love for her became more intense! How he missed her so much! He replied and in two weeks of waiting, he received her much-awaited response. According to a common friend, Karla had been so hopeful that they would meet again.

The second chapter of their love story began.

 With technology which is no longer far-fetched by common people, they got series of long talks over cellular phones. Sometimes, their calls would last for about four hours of engaging conversation. (Thanks to technology!) They had to replenish those gloomy days of not hearing anything from each other into blissful chances exchanging sweet nothings and ‘look forward to’ plans of their lives.  

Karla and Charles talked about marriage in one of their phone conversations. They wanted to settle down. Unexpectedly, Karla’s father died, so she had to go home from Lebanon and see her father for the last time.

After the burial of Karla’s father, she gave Charles a call telling him to meet her up in Manila. He had to travel a day after their talk. The lovers were so eager to see each other after several years.

In their talk over the phone, they agreed to meet up at Farmer’s Plaza Food Court in Araneta, Cubao at 11:00 A.M. They had to wear green (since it’s their favorite color) for them to find each other easily in a crowded place. To surprise her, he did not follow what was agreed upon. After several minutes of waiting, Karla felt so anxious when he couldn’t find one wearing green t-shirt. She feared he would not appear that time. She made him a call and he responded telling her that he’s just two stones throw away from her.  She was so happy to meet him, so she embraced him tightly. Charles gave her a tighter embrace! Oh, how they missed each other! They didn’t mind the passers-by who were looking at them as they cuddled each other.

“How happy I am that we’ve finally met! I thought this day wouldn’t come but my prayers were answered!” They exchanged stories about those lonely years of their love affair.

Karla decided to go with Charles in his hometown . They planned to get married the soonest.

When a leader of their church visited them, she extended her help to arrange everything they need for their wedding. Their church had been a big help to realize their plan to build a simple yet happy family.

The much-awaited time of their lives came - their wedding day! They were blessed by the pastor of the church. It was only a simple wedding celebration with a few guests joining them since Charles hadn’t ‘much’ that time.

Their happiest moment came as a couple. Night fell. They expressed how they loved each other dearly. The couple exchanged their own expressions of love. It was the happiest night in their lives as a couple.

At the crack of dawn, Karla had to go back to Manila since it’s her flight back to Lebanon. While heading to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, they did not miss a chance to show off their affection as if this were the last time that they would be together again.

Was that really their last meeting?

            While his wife was working abroad, Charles was so active in church activities. With her absence, his life was so focused to God. Their communication continued. Through phone calls, they felt tranquil that each one was in God’s safe keeping.

            Three years after, Karla filed her application to work in Milan, Italy and it was approved. There, it started their love story to slowly come to an end. He seldom received a call from her. Whenever he received one, Karla was so apathetic. He was perplexed. He couldn’t find any single reason why this had to happen, why he had to suffer this much. He was sincere enough.

            Charles did not lose hope. Instead, he poured his time tending his flock. He became a pastor of their church – the Christian Fellowship. He gained many friends. He served the people. Most of all, he served God. He lifted everything to the Lord all his sorrows and pains. He never doubted Him that the truth would prevail, that his wife would soon believe in him for he didn’t do wrong which caused her to lose her trust in him.

            Day after day, he offered everything to the Lord all the trials of his life. Year after year, his questions were slowly answered why his wife was poisoned of false accusations against him which he never did. One person had been so unkind of him, telling false allegations to his wife that he spent their money to nothing and had relationships with several women in their place. Now, he knew why his wife did not trust him anymore which resulted in ending the few chapters of their love story.

            For now, it’s been eight long years that they’re not together – no communication at all. 

Night is about to fall again. Their blissful memories as a couple play on his mind once more. He can’t help but cry reminiscing their past. He still doesn’t lose hope. He fervently prays to God that the truth will set him free. His amazing love to his one and only woman in his life never wanes. He still hopes that God can change her mind and believe in the pureness of his love.

‘Til now, he’s still waiting for that fateful moment for her to finally come to his loving embrace.

Will their love story have its third chapter?

Only time can tell.

THE PEARLS OF LAPOG (SAN JUAN, ILOCOS SUR)

     As our nation struggles for its economic recovery, the Municipality of San Juan (Ilocos Sur) strives to move forward for progress, peace and prosperity.
     Amidst the economic strife, San Juan (then Lapog) is now on its first level of metamorphosis. The infrastructure projects like the construction of the public market, municipal hall, bridges and paving barangay roads to boost ventures in agriculture and local industry will totally facelift the whole municipality.

St. John the Baptist Parish Church

     Speaking of natural beauty, the panoramic view in the east is invigorating to see. The Pikkang Falls at Brgy. Malamin invites tourists to bathe in its cool, pristine and fresh water. The mountains in the eastern part of the municipality promise abundance of resources for life's sustenance: food, medicine, lumber and habitat for wildlife. Mountain hiking in Brgy. Barbar is totally enjoyed by mountaineers or hikers when they pass by the nerve-wrecking Asilang footbridge to complete the trail.

Tapao Mountain Resort

     The fertile soil of Lapog terrain assures plenty of harvest for farmers economic boom. Eggplant, onion, bulbs, corn, rice, tobacco, pepper, string beans, squash, bitter gourd, and the Ilocano favorite food - Malunggay grow in abundance in every barangay's fertile soil.

Buri Festival

The buri industry in Malamin, Darao, Bannuar, Immayos Norte, Caronoan, Camanggaan and other barangays starts to bloom. The weaving industry has been featured in local and national networks to showcase its products. The municipality  has been staging its Buri Festival every year (done in April previously but moved in June to coincide with St. John the Baptist Feast Day). Its 2nd Buri Festival featured the longest Buri mat in the country. For sure, this will push the economic growth for the Lapoguenios.

Solotsolot Beach

     The seascape in the west promises a beautiful destination for tourists here and abroad. The richness of the sea guarantees lifetime nourishment of the folks along coastal areas like Barangays San Isidro, Saoang, Sabangan, Camindoroan, Solotsolot and Dardarat. Who would forget the unique taste of sea urchins, spiny puffer, sea ganyde, lobsters, shellfish such as balinggasa, kallu-it, battuki, and sea weeds like urba, pokpoklo, ar-arusip, balballulang, kanut-kanut, kaw-kawayan, ar-aritos and nagpurok?
     San Juan is truly blessed with nature's gifts. These blessings which are considered precious "pearls" need to be taken care of for the sake of the coming generations.