Meet More Chances

Home of pristine white sand beaches with a lesser crowd. One of the
last virgin surfing spot in the Philippines. A lighthouse that gives
you a view of the sea and the windmills. Sand dunes and rock
formations that endured time and history. Interesting culture and
colourful festivities that would arouse your curiosity. Mouth watering
dishes and snack treats that would make surely captivate your taste.

These reasons makes Ilocos a summer getaway and a food pilgrimage.


Travel and Location

Laoag is the gateway to Ilocos Norte if you are travelling by plane or
by bus. It is located north of Manila, about 484 km.

By Plane. There is a direct flight from Manila to Laoag via PAL
(Philippine AirLines), Cebu Pacific and SEAir. It will only take 45
minutes to travel.

From the airport, there are public utility jeepney, van or tricycle
you may ride on going to Laoag City proper.

By Land. It will take about ten hours to reach Laoag City proper if
you decide to take the bus or bring a car.

Bus Terminals from Cubao going to Laoag:
GV Florida Transport
Partas Trans

Bus Terminals from Sampaloc Manila to Laoag:
Farinas Trans
GV Florida Transport
Partas Trans
Maria de Leon
RCJ Lines
RCJ Trans

Bus Terminals from Pasay to Laoag:
Partas Trans

Fare varies from the type of bus you may ride on. There are sleeper
buses and super-deluxe buses with more comfortable seats. These will
cost you more but it offers a faster travel. While the regular
air-conditioned buses fare starts at around 700 Php.


In Laoag, there are numerous hotels and resorts where you can stay.
Choices from budget resorts to five star hotel are available.

Have a taste of Ilocos dishes and a glimpse of the northern paradise.
Experience the traditional hospitality of the Ilocanos. Choose Ilocos
Norte as your next travel destination.

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte is famous for its Damili or Pottery
industry. But if you are planning for a trip up north you'd probably
want to drop by the town and take home some of its tasty and mouth
watering food products.

Bagnet and ilocos longganisa are famous in the entire provinces of
Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. It is available in almost every market in
these  provinces.


Bagnet is a classic way of cooking pork, wherein large pork chops are
deep fried until it turns deep brown in color and becomes crispy. Then
chopped into bite size and served along with different sauces. It can
be chopped tomatoes and shallot(sibuyas) with fish paste(bagoong na
isda), chili flavored vinegar (sukang iloko na may sili), soy sauce
with lemon(calamansi) chili and vinegar, or simply ketchup.

Ilocos Longganisa is the garlic flavored sausage. The pork intestines
are stuffed with ground pork, seasoned with garlic, salt, vinegar and
pepper. It is an old way of preserving meat. The secret to a better
longganisa is that it is sun dried for a few hours, letting the extra
fat drip out.


San Nicolas meat vendors are proud of their bagnet and longganisa
because it is known to be real tasty. They are available in the town's
public market everyday. And along with them are araet, adobo and
dinardaraan.


Araet is more commonly known as igado. It is made from pork tenderloin
and innards like liver, kidney and heart. It is sauteed with soy sauce
and vinegar, garlic and onions, seasoned with pepper. Other igado
recipes includes bell pepper, peas and others add carrots. But this
araet doesn't include any other vegetable but it provides delicious
and tasty flavor better than those with vegetables.

The best igado in town is found at the Dawang's Place, an eatery
located just about 500 meters away from the Robinson's Department
Store. And some of its specialties are: chocolate meat (dinuguan or
dinardaraan) which has deep fried meat bits; grilled pork (tinuno)
served with fresh tomatoes; kilawen or raw beef slices dressed with
bile(papait); and paksiw or beef soup.

Adobo is a very popular Filipino dish. But the adobo being sold in the
San Nicolas public market is different. It is made of pork innards
such as intestines, liver, kidney and interestingly the ears and
tongue. And they cook it as a whole part not chopped into smaller
pieces. The reason why is, for customers to choose which part are they
going to buy. And then you may slice it into bite size. It's very
delicious especially the ears and the innards. Season it with a little
chili flavored vinegar and there you go. You won't really expect those
parts to be yummy but they sure will ruin your diet.


So if you have plans in visiting Ilocos Norte, drop by San Nicolas
with an empty tummy and you will give a big burp as a thank you.

Nowadays, coffee shops cater to indulgent coffee lovers, from espresso
shot to frappe. Coffee mixes are as well available in sachets for
people on-the-go. Coffee drinking has now become habitual.

But have you ever heard of rice coffee? How about soybean coffee? They
are not just cheaper than coffee but it is a healthier alternative.
Rice is known to combat stomach disorders. The anticancer properties
of soybean is one of the reasons why some people believed that it is a
miracle food.

In Banna, Ilocos Norte, farmers had the initiative to start selling
rice coffee to generate extra income. Rice is one of the main crops in
the province and rice coffee has started during the early years of
World War I.

The farmers struggled in finding the right market. But through the
help of government agencies, a cooperative was created and rice coffee
was introduced in the local market.

Simple Method of Making Rice Coffee:

Hybrid rice grains are sorted out and roasted until golden brown. Then
it is powdered to enjoy an instant cup.

Half a teaspoon may be enough for a cup of hot water, just add
sweetener and cream, then you may enjoy the sweet aroma of rice
coffee.


Ilocos Norte grows legumes like mungbean, peanuts and soybean.  The
first entrepreneur who ventured in the production of rice coffee,
started business with soya and peanut products. There are varieties of
soya products aside from soybean coffee like milk, burger and steamed
cake(puto).

The business needed a better technology for efficient production and
improved packaging. They received assistance package funded by the
government agencies which included equipments like roaster and grinder
as well as stainless preparation table, basins and containers, heat
gun and display cabinet.


The government assistance has played a great role in the improvement
and marketing of the rice coffee industry. The new packaging which
included nutrition analysis and barcode has provided a better image
and appeal to customers.

Rice coffee and soybean coffee are now available in big establishments
and online markets. Remember that both are better alternative to
coffee because it contains no preservatives and is caffeine free.

Chichacorn or cornick is a favorite snack, not just by Ilocanos but is
now popular nationwide. It is fried and crunchy glutinous white corn
kernels. Made special by the garlic seasoning and made even more
tempting by the additional flavouring like cheese, sweet and spicy,
barbecue and the Filipino favorite, adobo. Chichacorn is a great snack
during movie marathon, can be an alternative to popcorn.

Corn is widely produced in the Ilocos region, making the cornick or
chicacorn one of the major processing industry. Corn is a seasonal
produce and the quantity of harvest varies on the cultural practices
of farmers.

The demand of chichacorn production has continuously increased. This
paved way for better business opportunities to the people in Paoay,
Ilocos Norte. The export market gate for chichacorn has opened and the
demand is already  high.

The government agencies provides assistance with the improvement of
facilities and equipments. This is for better quality of production
and more informative label and packaging.


Simple Method of Making Chichacorn:

The kernels are separated from the cob manually. Dried under the sun
for about a week.

The dried kernels are then boiled in a lime solution for two hours to
detach the pericarp. The boiled kernels should be rinsed well.

Then it will be boiled for about seven hours in water. And again dried
under the sun for three days.

The kernels are now ready for deep frying. Let it just cool for an
hour after the drying process.

After frying, set aside and let it cool. Season with salt and fried
garlic. Flavouring can be added as well such as cheese and barbecue.


Chichacorn are actually available nationwide and is exported to some
other parts of the world.

An Ilocos Norte trip won't be complete without stopping by Batac City
which is tagged as Home of Great Leaders. Gen. Artemio Ricarte (El
Vibora) of the Revolutionary Government;Gregorio Aglipay, the
religious reformist; and the famous President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
They are just a few of the people who played a great role in the
Philippine history and politics.

The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum is open for public. Aside from this,
Batac City is known for its famous Empanada and Miki. These street
foods will sure give your tummy a delight.

Batac Empanada

Actually, the city is already celebrating Empanada Festival every 23rd
of June, along with the City Chartered Day of Batac. A Dance Drama
Showdown is held, as well as other activities like cooking and eating
empanada and a fireworks display. The empanada is said to be a
reflection of the creativity and resourcefulness of the people.

Empanada is an Spanish influenced food, a stuffed bread or pastry that
maybe baked or fried.

Batac empanada's crust or shell is orange in color. The atchuete used
in colouring is natural. The dough made of rice flour is crispy once
its fried. The size is bigger than the other empanadas available in
Manila.

The filling is a mix of meat and vegetables.  The vegetable makes up
more than half of the total filling, which are shredded green papaya
and boiled monggo beans or bean sprouts, seasoned with pepper, salt
and the seasoning granules.

Empanada is usually served with half-cooked egg but you may request
the vendor to cook it a bit longer if you want. I can still imagine
how other people loved their empanada with the egg yolk almost
dripping out of the crust. I always requested mine to be well-cooked.

But what makes this empanada filling special is the garlic flavored
sausage which is called Ilocos Longganisa. This tiny garlic-flavored
salty  sausage gives the empanada a kick.

The empanada is best served hot with chili flavored sukang Iloko. If
you prefer sweet sauce then a ketchup would do.


Miki Batac

Miki is the chicken noodle soup of Ilocos Norte. The aroma itself
makes someone's mouth water and someone's tummy  crave to hunger.

The secret to a perfect bowl of miki is the texture of the noodles.
The miki noodles are made from rice flour. Once cooked there should
still be that firm texture, al dente as they say.

It is cooked with chicken broth making it savory. The crispy pork
belly or Bagnet slices makes it insanely delicious. It is actually
served with a hard boiled egg.

Season it with chili flavored sukang iloko, and for me a dash of
pepper, would complete the miki espesyal!


Where to find Batac, miki and empanada?

Batac is located about 472km from Manila. And is 16km away from Laoag
City proper.

You can find food stalls at the Riverside Empanadahan in Batac.
Located just a few meters away from the Marcos Museum, in front of the
Immaculate Conception Academy.


If you're on Ilocos Norte tour, don't miss to taste these delectable
Ilocano food.

Pagudpud is a paradise for nature lovers. A perfect hideaway from the
techy metropolis. An extreme adventure for adrenaline junkies.

Mother nature has provided it all. Crystal clear blue waters of the
sea, streams, rivers and falls. The invigorating sea breeze and cool
refreshing air under the shades of trees. The picture perfect sunset.
The green scenery of the mountains. The rock formations that endured
time and tide. The rich and colourful life underwater. It is indeed a
piece of paradise on earth.


Where To Stay?

Resorts

Pagudpud is now dotted with resorts. It's not that hard to find one,
yet during peak season better book ahead of time.

HomeStay

A community wherein they let you rent a room. It's a more homey  type
of accommodation, wherein you can share the kitchen as well. It will
cost you much less.


Resorts and Activities at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon or the Baugan Bay located at Maira-ira Point, Brgy.
Balaoi, is getting the attention of tourists. Some of the best resorts
in Pagudpud are located here. And there are a lot of outdoor
activities to keep you busy.

*Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention

Recently received an award from DENR Region 1 as The Most Outstanding
Individual Initiative on Environmental Management.

It is a 7 hectare resort at the Blue Lagoon, with breathtaking views
of the mountains and the crystal clear waters of the sea.

Facilities and Amenities

The resort has rooms, suites and villas, fully furnished, air-conditioned.

The resort has five swimming pools including a solar heated gigantic
pool which they call, Banga Pool. Banga in Iloco is kitchen clay pot.

Playground/Theme Park where kids can play, with lifesize replicas of
famous movie characters.

There are nipa huts at the beach front. Tents are available for
stargazing at night.

A religious grotto is there for Catholic believers.

The resort has a restaurant and souvenir shop in one convenient place.
Beach wears, souvenir items, food, drinks and toiletries are
available. They have bars within the resort as well.

They have convention center for any kind of parties and events.

Sports and Adventures

They have a full size basketball court, a gym and a sauna.

The resort has a fish pond wherein you may experience fishing.

They have a ranch where you can enjoy horse-back riding.

They offer wide range of water sports activities like kayaking,
snorkeling, jet skiing and surfing. You can as well have fun with
banana boat, pedal boat and speed boat.

A seaside ATV ride to enjoy the sand and the wind.

And to complete the extreme adventure, a 1.2 km over the water
Zipline, which is said to be the longest in the world. Experience the
rush from the starting point which is from the mountain sliding at
about 80 kph. It's a breathtaking view of the exotic flora and fauna
under the crystal clear blue waters.

Budget : $78 - $234 per room per night


*Kapuluan Vista Resort

Received an award as The Most Innovative Beach Resort in The Northern
Philippines.

The resort is about a few minutes walk to the Blue Lagoon shore. This
will give you time to enjoy the scenery.

Facilities and Amenities

They have inexpensive dormitory-type rooms to first class private
rooms with loft and en-suite bathroom.

The resort has a swimming pool. A massage and yoga room is available
to pamper yourself.

The resort's restaurant offers local cuisine but gives you a selection
of western dishes.

The vegetables and herbs used for seasoning are picked from their own
organic garden.

A beach front bar is available during peak season.

Sports and Adventures

The resort offers Pagudpud Tour and Ilocos Norte Tour.

The tour may include a visit to the Saud Beach Cove, a more
commercialized part of the province.

Pasaleng Bay which has gray sand but still with clear waters.

Exploring the Dos Hermanos islands, which houses colourful fishes.

Ride a bike going to Bantay Abbot, a sea arch.

Take a peek at a bat cave located on steep hills. But this is for more
adventurous people.

Since Pagudpud is one of the best surf destinations, the best offer of
the resort is providing daily surf lessons by experienced instructors.

Surf boards, paddle boards and snorkel gears are available for rental.

Pick-and-Drop service in Laoag is available for a more convenient
travel for commuters.

Budget : Php 700 - Php 6,300 per room per night


*Casa Consuelo

The resort shares the same view of the marvelous Blue Lagoon and the
verdant mountains.

Though the shore in front of the resort is rocky, the white sand of
the Blue Lagoon is just a few minutes away for a walk.

This is great for budget conscious people where great food and clean
rooms are offered at low cost.

Activities

Snorkeling / Surfing. You may enjoy these activities at the white
sandy part of the lagoon.

Trek to Dos Hermanos Islands. The resort facilitates a safe trek to
the island, where you can enjoy the colourful fishes living under the
rock formation.


*Punta Azul

The resort is about two hundred meters away from the Blue Lagoon.
Still offers the same breathtaking view of the beach and mountains.

It was originally a family rest house, but they decided to share the
paradise to others by opening the resort to public.

The rooms are air-conditioned and with own toilet and bath.

Activities

You may try boat riding and see for yourself the beauty of the lagoon
and mountains from afar.

The resort offers Pagudpud tour.The tour includes a visit to the
nearby towns like the Wind Mills in Bangui, the White Rocks and the
Lighthouse in Burgos.


*Arinaya White Beach Resort

The resort shares the same view of the lagoon, where you can bask in
the sun or swim in the clear and cool waters of the sea.

They have rooms and cottages available.

Activities

Like the other resorts, they  facilitate Pagudpud and Ilocos Tour.

Beach volleyball, pumpboat ride and snorkeling may be enjoyed as well.

They offer dinner by the beach, wherein you may enjoy the sound of the
waves, the stars and the cool sea breeze.

Budget : Php 1,700 per room per night during the off season



Resorts and Activities at the Saud Beach Cove

Saud White Beach Cove is a kilometer stretch where the white sand and
blue waters are shared by many resorts.


*Terra Rikka Beach and Dive Resort

The resort is actually at the south west most part of the cove. The
view of the Wind Mills from afar is still catchy.

The resort has suites and cottages to choose from.

Activities

Beach Volleyball

Boating and beach tour is facilitated by the resort.

Water sports like kayaking, body boarding and surfing maybe enjoyed.

But the specialty of the resort is its Dive Center. They have complete
sets of snorkeling gears, scuba gears and equipments, tank refill
station and diver certificate at reasonable price.

The diving center can provide you an experience with their Snubi-doo
or underwater stroll. You may explore the rich and colourful marine
life.

Budget : Php 2,000 to 5,000 per room per night during the off season.


*Saud Beach Resort and Hotel

The resort has air-conditioned rooms with terrace and sunset view. All
rooms have toilet and bath while the suites have bathtub.

Beach huts and lounges at the beach front are free for in-house guest.

Activities

The resort offers Pagudpud tour which is included on the package.

Beach volleyball and badminton may be enjoyed.

Other activities are boat riding, snorkeling, scuba diving and wind surfing.

Budget : Php 3,600 to 6,500 per room per night during off season


*Apo Idon Beach Hotel

The hotel offers a mix of tropical and Mediterranean styles.

They have a swimming pool.

Wi-fi access in the rooms, restaurant, pool area and the beach front.

Budget : Php 2,400 to 8,000 per room per night during off season


*Jun and Carol Beach Cottages

Rooms and beach houses are all air-conditioned with own toilet and bath.

Attic rooms have private terraces perfect for romantic hideaway.

Budget : Php 2,200 to 3,800 per room per night during off season.


*Villa del Mar

The resort has a swimming pool and mini plaza.

They have restaurant, mini bar and souvenir shop.

They facilitate tours as well as car rental.

Outdoor sports are available such as snorkeling, boat riding, beach
volleyball and badminton.

Videoke, billiards, mahjong and other board games are available.

During summer, they have live bands, disco and cocktail parties. They
even conduct bikini open.

Budget : Php 1,500 to 5,000 per room per night during off season


Resorts Located away from the White Sandy Beaches

*King Fisher

The resort is located at Caparispisan, Pagudpud. It is actually a
remote and quiet place away from the busy beach.

They have budget beach huts with shared toilet and bath. But you have
enough privacy on the clean rest area.

Hammocks are provided outside the cabin to enjoy the sea and the breeze.

For perfect swimming spot you can move over to Saud Beach Cove because
the beach front of the resort is not as nice as the white beach but
still offers clear water.

But the resort is a perfect spot for kite and wind surfing. The place
has enough wind for kite surfing. The peak season is around October to
March.

During the off peak, its great for activities like kayaking, paddle
boarding and snorkeling.

They prepare fresh fish. You have a wide selection of local dishes to
international cuisine.


*Panzian Beach and Mountain Resort

The resort is located along Pasaleng Bay, with gray sand and rocks.

Rooms are all air-conditioned. They have camp site with comfortable tents.

Trek the mountains nearby, jump off water falls and take a dip in cool
and clear rivers.

Try tasting their own concoction which is the Pagudpud Sling.

Budget : Php 900 to 9,600 per room per night


There are other resorts in Pagudpud that will make your holiday
wonderful. Your eyes will surely feast on the beauty of nature. And
the Ilokano hospitality will surely make your stay perfect.

Pagudpud is a coastal town of Ilocos Norte. It lies on flat coastal
land and rolls over hills, valleys and mountains. At the west, the
South China Sea crawls on the coastline. At the east, the Cordillera
Mountain Ranges overlooking the sea. Most of the people earn a living
through farming and fishing. But tourism is now a part of the growing
economy.

Location:

Pagudpud is located north of Manila, about 560 km (350 m).

Travel

By Plane. There is a direct flight from Manila to Laoag via PAL
(Philippine AirLines), Cebu Pacific and SEAir. It will only take 45
minutes to travel.

By Land. It will take more or less twelve hours to reach Pagudpud if
you decide to take the bus or bring a car.

Buses from Cubao going to Laoag:
GV Florida Transport
Partas Trans

Buses from Sampaloc Manila to Laoag:
Farinas Trans
GV Florida Transport
Partas Trans
Maria de Leon
RCJ Lines
RCJ Trans

Bus from Pasay to Laoag:
Partas Trans

Fare varies from the type of bus you may ride on. There are sleeper
buses of Florida and super-deluxe buses with more comfortable seats.
These will cost you more but it offers a faster travel. While the
regular air-conditioned buses fare starts at around 700 Php.


In Laoag, there are buses going to Pagudpud town proper, from there
you may hire a tricycle going to the resort. There are buses and vans
going to Cagayan Province that may drop you off to the town proper as
well. It will take about an hour and a half travel from Laoag  to
Pagudpud.

You may find a resort that has Pick-and-Drop service from Laoag Airport.


Pagudpud and Nature's Best Offer

Probably you're thinking, it's going to be such a tiring long trip!
But wait until you get there and you would say, it's really worth it!

Known to be the Boracay of the North. Pagudpud is more than just white
sand, it has enriched mountains that shelters many cool springs, water
falls, streams,rivers and rock formations.


Discover Pagudpud and The White Sandy Beaches

Saud Beach Cove. It is about a kilometer stretch of powdery white
sand, turquoise waters and scenic coral reef formation. This is the
more commercialized part of Pagudpud. From here you can have a glimpse
of the Bangui Wind Mills.

Baugan Bay or The Blue Lagoon. A secluded paradise of aquamarine
waters, powdery white sand and invigorating sea breeze. At the
Maira-ira Point lies the Blue Lagoon.


Explore Pagudpud and The Rock Formations

Bantay Abot Cave. It's actually a sea arch on the way to the Blue
Lagoon and another seaside formation called Timmangtang Rock.

Dos Hermanos Islands. It's located north of the Blue Lagoon. It is a
twin, almost alike, rock formation, where its caves are a home to
colourful fishes. And a bat cave on the other side.


Expose Pagudpud and The Mountains

You may want to include a visit to the Kabigan and Mabaga falls.

Kabigan Falls. It's about 1.8 km from the National Highway, located at
the eastern part of Balaoi. Thick forest surrounds the concaved basin,
thus it takes a 30-40 minute trek to reach it. The trek is mostly on
flat area so you can enjoy the greenery. You may try to ride an ulnas,
a carriage pulled by a local carabao. A steep descent of water into a
deep pool below will greet you.  A breathtaking view!

Pasaleng Bay. It's far different from the white sand beach of Saud
Beach Cove and Blue Lagoon but it's unmatched to history and beauty.
It's crystal blue waters endured the Japanese Occupation and hides a
shipwreck under.

Patapat Viaduct. It's said to be the fourth longest bridge in the
Philippines. It's a 1.3 km concrete coastal viaduct, elevated 31 m
above sea level. Its right along the foot of a steepy mountainside. It
offers a great view of the Pasaleng Bay.

Agua Grande or Big Water. A stretch of thunderous rapids of the river
from the Cordillera mountains, where it meets the sea into Pasaleng
Bay. Located at the far end of the viaduct. It's an striking view. The
clear waters of the river would make you want to take a dip. Just be
ready to feel its very cold water.

Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant. The strong current produced by the
Agua Grande  river is enough to operate the power plant to generate
electricity.

Paraiso ni Anton. It's actually along the road just a bit further
north of Patapat Viaduct. Clear cool water is flowing from the stream,
which is believed to be potable. There is a grotto or a religious
statue as well. On the other side of the road are stalls selling food
and souvenir items. You may enjoy  the coolness of the place because
it is shaded by trees.

Kalbaryo-Patapat National Park. Offers a site of the Babuyan islands
on a clear day. Located within Pancian-Pasaleng-Adams. Adams is a
neighboring town of Pagudpud. It offers a scenic view of a hanging
bridge, a river and the Kiwat falls. It shelters a variety of bird
species such as the Philippine eagle-owl, hornbill, green-faced parrot
pinch and many others.


Challenge Pagudpud and Extreme Adventures


Surfing. Pagudpud is said to be one of via best surf destination in
the Philippines. The beach offers picture perfect waves. It has some
of the best and highest waves. Largest water happens around November
to April. For beginners, try to ride the waves on summer, when they
are not that strong and frequent.

Kite Surfing and Wind Surfing. Pagudpud is one of the best kite
surfing destination. The open seas and the wind are so perfect to pull
you up even with a giant kite.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Pagudpud is rich with vibrant submarine
life and scenic coral reef formation, making it perfect and exciting
for divers.

Biking. Kalbaryo-Patapat National Park is great for extreme adventure
especially to mountain bikers. Bring your bike and trek your way
around the park.

Scientific Name: Mangifera Indica

Mango is one of the most cultivated fruits in the tropics. Raw and
dried mangoes both provide health benefits. It contains Vitamins A, C
and E that may protect the body against free radicals. It contains
potassium that helps maintain the body fluids in proper balance. Mango
has low fat and carbohydrates that can be easily burned by the body.

Dried mango though has lower amount of iron and Vitamin C that's
caused by the drying process.


Mango Nutrients

*Vitamin C and Health Benefits:

Dental Care. Mango contains Vitamin C. It helps maintain healthy gums,
prevents bleeding and tooth decay. May help in preventing scurvy as
well.


*Vitamin C helps in iron absorption and mango is rich in iron. Iron
enriches the blood.

Treatment for Blood Disorder. The iron content of mango is beneficial
to people with anemia and leukemia.

Pregnancy. Mangoes may prevent morning sickness.


*Vitamin C and Anti-Cancer Benefit

Mango is rich in Vitamin C, that may forbid the production a substance
that can cause cancer, called natrosamin.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may protect the body against free radicals.

Mango has antioxidant compounds that protect against cancer of the
breast, prostate, colon and leukemia.

Lupeol is a compound in mango, that may suppress tumor cells,
especially prostate cancer.


*Pectin and Health Benefits:

Pectin is a soluble dietary fibre present in mango. It may decrease
the action of galectin 9, a protein that plays a great role in cancer.

Lower Cholesterol. The high level of pectin and tinnginya fiber along
with Vitamin C may help lower cholesterol level.


*Antioxidants, Carotenoids and Vitamin C Health Benefit:

Immune Booster. Mango may help for a better immune system.


*Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A Health Benefits:

Beta-carotene is eventually transformed into Vitamin A inside the body.

Skin Care. Vitamin A deficiency may cause skin dullness. Mango may be
used as an internal or external skin care. It may prevent acne and
unclogs pores. It can lighten the skin as well.

Eye Care. Vitamin A May prevent dry eyes that can cause further irritation.


*Vitamin B6 and Health Benefit:

Mango is packed with Vitamin B6 that may help improve brain functions.


*Fiber and Enzyme Health Benefits:

*Mango is a potent source of fiber that may help aid digestion. It
contains enzyme that may help prevent constipation by breaking down
protein.

Dried mango may lower the risk of heart burn.

Mango is good for people suffering from ulcer, chronic dyspepsia,
indigestion, constipation and diarrhea.


Other Health Benefits:

Mango may help promote better liver by increasing bile juice secretion.

Raw mango may cool down body temperature.

Mango juice may prevent loss of minerals in the body caused by
excessive perspiration.

It may help keep the alkaline reserve in the body because it contains
citric, tartaric and malic acid.


Mango doesn't just quench thirst with a delightful taste but a bunch
of health benefits. Maybe you would rather pick a pack of dried mango
slices rather than a sugary candy the next time you shop.

Growing up in a tropical country where mango trees are almost
everywhere, makes me love mangoes either green or ripe.
A crunchy green mango slices or dried ripe mangoes, are all great.
Mango flavored ice cream or mango pickles, can never be turned down.
And enjoying a glass of mango shake is a delight. But a green mango
shake is a must try.


Here are some refreshing mango recipe:


Green Mango Milk Shake

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped green mangoes
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup milk
1 scoop vanilla icecream
4 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup sago (tapioca pearls)
1/4 cup of water


Direction:

In a saucepan, simmer the sago with 1/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons
sugar, over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sago absorbs the
syrup. Let it cool.

In a blender, add mangoes and ice, process until smooth. Add the
sugar, milk and ice cream. Blend it to a fine paste. You may adjust
the milk and sugar to your taste.

Put some cooled sago in a glass then pour some shake mixture.


Ripe Mango Milk Shake


Ingredients:

2 cups chopped ripe mangoes
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup milk
1 scoop vanilla icecream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup sweet corn kernels (optional)

Direction:

In a blender, add mangoes and ice, process until smooth. Add the
sugar, milk and ice cream. Blend it to a fine paste. You may adjust
the milk and sugar to your taste.

Put some corn kernels in the glass before pouring the shake mixture.

Design

Dimensions 134.4 x 69.9 x 8.9 mm (5.29 x 2.75 x 0.35 in)
Weight 130 g (4.59 oz)

One X is a large phone but quite balanced in the hand. Its thin
chassis and sleek design is amazing. The exquisite physical keys on
the front makes the phone more convenient. Its presence in the pocket
is almost unfelt.

One X will be a struggle to people with small hands. The power button
on top is pretty hard to hit. The white version can easily get smudges
in just a few hours.


Display/Screen

Super IPS LCD2 capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors

Size 720 x 1280 pixels, 4.7 inches (~312 ppi pixel density)

Protection Corning Gorilla Glass

The One X 4.7" screen is one of its best features. The web pages look
great on the enormous screen even on full zoom.

The life-like images on movies and games are due to the technology of
the Super IPS LCD 2. Bad thing is, it struggles on low-light scene.


Processor

Operating System Android OS v4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to
v4.1.1 (Jelly Bean)

Chipset Nvidia Tegra 3

CPU Quad-core 1.5 GHz

GPU ULP GeForce

Sensors Accelerometer / gyro / proximity / compass

Speed

The One X has quick speed on loading websites, provided by the best
processor. Internet browsing experience is great.

There is just a bit idle time in switching between sites.

Opening of application is easy, thanks to the powerful processor.


Memory

Internal 16/32 GB (26 GB user available) 1 GB RAM

It's just inconvenient to not have a micro-sd slot.


Connectivity

GPRS

EDGE

HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps

WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot

Bluetooth v4.0 with A2DP

NFC

USB microUSB v2.0 (MHL)

The One X is loaded with top end connections.

Camera

Primary 8 MP / 3264x2448 pixels / autofocus / LED flash

Secondary 1.3 MP, 720p

Features
Simultaneous HD video and image recording / face and smile detection /
geo-tagging

The auto focus along with the white balance works well together to
provide the best picture. The colour and sharpness settings help
improve the quality of the picture.

The simultaneous film and photograph feature is great.

It doesn't provide the best quality of pictures, the HDR mode even
blurs quite easy.

Video

1080p@24fps /stereo sound recorder / video stabilization

The video quality is good enough on phone.

The video shown on bigger screen is a bit unclear. The recorded sound is poor.


Movie Playback

The One X is awesome for watching movies. The sharpness on the screen
and the rich colours, together with Beats Audio provide an awesome
video quality that you want to watch.


Audio

It's audio performance is superb. The earpiece and the loudspeaker
provide clear loud sound.


Calling / Call Quality

The call quality of One X is great because of the noise reduction feature.

Signal management provides almost full bars most of the time.


Car Mode

It's packed with necessary applications while on the go like map,
phone, clock  icon.

The applications in there cannot be customized.


Battery

Non-removable Li-Po 1800 mAh battery

In case of power outage, the battery cannot be changed because it is
sealed within the phone's chassis. So inconvenient.

The screen is power hungry. Even playing games sucks huge amount of power.

Scientific Name : Capsicum Annum

Chilli, chile or chili pepper is one on the most popular spices in the
world. It is a perennial shrub with a woody stem, which can reach a
meter in height and bears white flowers. The fruit pod contains
numerous seeds that clings around the central placenta. The seeds are
tiny, circular and flat with white or cream color. The fruit pod has
different shape, size, color and pungency.

Red chilies are loaded with beta-carotene. While red and green chilies
are a good source of Vitamin C, which is known as an antioxidant.
Although people take a limited quantity of chili, it still provides a
significant  amount of Vitamin C.

The chili may promote health and help prevent diseases because it
contains plant derived chemical compounds. The capsaicin, capsanthin
and capsorubin give burn in chili.

Capsaicin has antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic and
analgesic properties.  It acts as an antioxidant and an
anti-inflammatory agent.


Health Benefits:


Treat pain, arthritis and painful joints. Capsaicin is used as a
topical pain reliever. Hotter variety of chili may reduce inflammation
and discomfort because it can stimulate blood flow in the affected
area.


Psoriasis. According to study, it may reduce itching, redness, scaling
and thickness.


Anti-Cancer. Capsaicin may encourage apoptosis and growth arrest on
cancer cells.


Cardiovascular Benefits. According to research it may reduce the risk
of heart disease because it protects the fats in our blood against
free radical damage.


Weight Loss. Chili may increase metabolism and curb appetite.


Congestion Reliever. It may aid stuffy nose and help people breath
easier. It can as well prevent sinus infections, colds and sore
throat.

Chili pepper when added in chicken soup may help treat bronchitis,
colds and sinusitis.


Effects on Digestive System. Chili may act against peptic ulcer
disease. It is able to rebuild stomach tissue and helps control
bleeding.


Endorphin High. The chili burns produce discomfort causing the brain
to release endorphin that creates sensation of pleasure.

Chilies grow well in hot climates and it comes in thousands of
varieties. Green chili with mild hotness are often consumed in the
Philippines. It is commonly used to spice up broth such as pork in
sour broth and shrimp/fish in tamarind broth. Interestingly, chili has
already been used as an ice cream flavour.

Here are our version of two, famous and well-loved chili recipe:


Binagoongang Baboy  (Pork Sauteed in Shrimp Paste)

Ingredients:

750 g boneless pork shoulder, cubed
4 tablespoons fermented baby shrimp (bagoong alamang)
8 pieces long green chili (siling haba)
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup water

Cooking procedure:

Put the pork in a bowl, mix the vinegar and pepper. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium fire. Add the garlic and
stir-fry until golden brown. Then add the onion, stir-fry until
translucent. Add the tomatoes, cook until soft.

Add the pork and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pork turns
brown. Add the fermented shrimp, stir occasionally for about 5
minutes.

Add the water and cover. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stir occasionally.

Add the chilies, simmer for another 15 minutes and stir occasionally.

Serve hot with rice.

Serves 4–6


Our version of  Dinamita Wraps (Chili Cheese Wrap)

Ingredients:

20 large size long green chili (siling haba, pangsigang)
500 g ground pork
1/2 block cheese, cut into strips
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onions, minced
salt and pepper to taste
lumpia wrapper
cooking oil

Dipping sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup tomato ketchup

Cooking procedure:

Cut a slit on the chilies lengthwise and scrape the seeds out. Rinse
with running water and drain. Set aside.

Saute onion and garlic in a little oil until golden brown. Add the
pork, season with salt and pepper. Saute until pork is cooked. Set
aside to cool.

On a plate, spread one piece of lumpia wrapper, place one chili, make
sure the stem is exposed once rolled. Stuff the chili with the sauteed
pork and cheese strip. Fold ends and roll wrapper. Wet the end of the
wrapper with water to seal. Repeat the process with the rest of the
chilies.

Heat a generous amount of oil in a non-stick pan or wok. Deep fry each
roll, at medium to low heat, until the wrappers are crisp or turned to
golden brown. It may take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from wok and drain
excess oil on a paper towel.

Dipping sauce:

Mix the mayonnaise and ketchup together. Blend well.

Serve while hot and the wrappers are still crisp with the dipping sauce.

Reminder:

You may use a plastic gloves in preparing the chilies, to avoid
burning your hands.

Bitter melon or gōyā in the Okinawan language, nigauri or tsuru reishi
in Japanese. Bitter melon is grown primarily in the southern part of
Japan including Okinawa. And Okinawa is known for the unusual long
lifespan of its inhabitants, and since bitter melon has long been used
in their dishes, then it is closely associated.

Anyway, here are some of the favorite easy to prepare bitter melon
recipes in Japan.


Goya Chanpuru.

This is a stir fry dish that is most popular in Okinawa. It is
actually featured in TV shows and available in restaurants.

Ingredients:

1 large bitter melon, halved lengthwise, deseeded, sliced diagonally
about 1/8 inch

1 block firm tofu, drained, cubed

250g ground pork

2 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vegetable soup stock granules

salt and pepper

Directions:

Cook the sliced bitter melon in a salted water. Boil for about 3-5
minutes. Drain. (This is done to tame the bitterness).

Season the ground pork with salt and pepper.

In a non-stick pan, heat up the oil and add the ground pork. Stir fry
until it starts to turn brown. Add the tofu, stir over high heat to
evaporate excess water from it. As the tofu and pork turns brown, add
the bitter melon and sprinkle the soup granules. Cook for about 5
minutes. Add the beaten eggs and scramble it quickly. Stir until the
eggs are cooked. Add salt or pepper if needed.



Bitter Melon Salad

Ingredients:

1 large bitter melon, halved lengthwise, deseeded, sliced diagonally
about 1/8 inch

1 firm tofu, drained

For seasoning:

1 inch fresh ginger, crushed

4 Tbsp. roasted white sesame seeds, ground

2 Tbsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt


Directions:

Cook the sliced bitter melon in a salted water. Boil for about 3-5
minutes. Drain. (This is done to tame the bitterness).

Soak the bitter melon in cold water for about 5 minutes, then drain well.

Wrap the tofu with paper towel, microwave it for a minute to drain
excess water. Cool and slice in dice.

Mix all the seasoning ingredient in a bowl. Add the tofu and bitter
melon. Mix well.

Serve right away.

The S3 Mini inherited the name and the look of Samsung Galaxy S3. This
smaller version of S3 has inferior technical specifications, but is
understandable for the price. Still worth to give it a try.

Design

Dimensions 4.79 x 2.48 x 0.39 inch
Weight 111.5g

The Mini looks superb and more convenient to hold. The curved rear
plate ensures that it will sit right in the hand.

The Mini is a compact rendition of the S3. Its smaller built makes the
buttons more accessible in one hand.

Bad thing is the micro-sd slot is not pop-in, instead it is located
behind the battery  which is so inconvenient.


Screen/Display

4" Super Amoled Capacitive Touch Screen (16M Color, 233 PPI)

The display is sufficient for a pleasant experience on what is being
shown. The viewing angles are adequate. The images and videos are good
enough for casual viewing.

The Mini offers great screen brightness, thanks to the inbuilt light sensor.

Bad thing is the combination of the optimal Amoled screen and the
greatness of the colours takes the images away from  natural.


Camera

Primary  5 MP
Secondary  VGA

It features auto focus and LED flash. It's pretty enough to provide a
decent picture. The color looks clear.

It's just not good enough to drop the front camera to VGA resolution.


Operating system

 Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean OS) with TouchWiz UI

SoC ST-Ericsson U8420

CPU 1 GHz Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9

GPU ARM Mali-400MP (single-core)

Memory 1 GB RAM

Storage 8 GB or 16 GB flash memory

Removable storage microSD up to 32 GB


Speed

The Mini was left out with some features compared to S3 because of the
processor, memory and screen size.

The Mini responds well to surfing the net. Its pretty easy to
navigate the internal menu. The TouchWiz runs good.

Limitations are felt in loading applications and games.


Connectivity

HSPA, Bluetooth 4.0+LE, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Hotspot, DLNA, Kies Air,USB 2.0
High-Speed, NFC (NFC version only, GT-I8190MBNDBT)

Other Wi-Fi hotspot, Google Play, Social Hub, Readers Hub and Game Hub.

The Mini holds on to network connectivity pretty well.


Battery

1500 mAh

The battery can last through moderate to heavy use. The decent battery
life is due to the dual core processor and the small screen, which are
not that power hungry.


The Mini is not really the pocket version of S3 because of the
mediocre processor, less screen resolution and VGA camera,
inferiorities. But if you're looking for an stylish phone which is
more compact and more affordable, this phone can be great to you.

Design/Build

To start with, HTC One has a great and unique design.  The aluminum
frame gives the device an exceptional quality, compared to other smart
phones.

It's  somewhat light and thin but it feels compact. The curved back
will help you grip it, avoiding unnecessary tumble to the ground.

Display/Screen

Super LCD3 capacitive touchscreen, under Gorilla Glass 2. Its 468ppi
brings great sharpness.

It's awesome getting a full 4.7" HD display, because the screen is
extended to the edges.

Marvelous screen size and resolution. Texts are easy to read on pages.
And the good thing is, when you double tap to enlarge letters, the
text will fit the screen as well.

Camera

Camera

On top of the phone is a wide-angled camera. The One made a big change
compared to other smartphones.

with Ultra Pixel image sensor

Other phones use smaller pixels on sensor. The Ultra Pixel method is
applauded. It provides faster sensor providing more photos on the go.
It provides more data in your picture since it allows more light in.
You would love to take photos in variety of scenes.

The camera is enhanced by improved camera software and the image
processor, the image chip 2.

The photo quality will impress you because of its HDR mode, fast
shooting and accurate focus.

What's a bit bothering is the picture size, the phone shoots 16:9 size
while the most common on other phones is 4:3

Zoe

It is the new shooting mode. A short video is captured together with
each photo taken. The photos taken are displayed in the gallery with
animated thumbnails.

Bad thing is, the HDR mode cannot be used while using zoe.

Audio System

Located above and below the screen, front facing BoomSound stereo
speaker, to provide you an actual stereo sound. Even he you maximize
the volume, it still sound great.

Software

Powered by 1.74GHz  quad core Snapdragon 600 processor. It has 2GB of RAM.

Speed

The One opens and closes  applications quickly. It won't slow down on
opening multiple tabs as well.

It connects fast  over 4G as well as WiFi.

Blink Feed

The One attempts to create something unique, away from the common home screen.

Instead of a home button the BlinkFeed pops up. Shows you the news and
updates that matter to you. It shows updates from Facebook and
Twitter.

Bad thing is, it can't be customized well. You may use other launchers instead.

Battery Life

The One provides a decent battery life. A single charge will do for a
day with minimal use of the phone.


HTC One is the one. The great design and innovative camera stands out.
Just that, the non-expendable storage would bother people who are into
games, apps and taking snaps.

Preparation of Bitter Melon:

Cut the pod in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds and the pithy
parts using a teaspoon. The pith is extremely bitter, you need to get
rid of it.

Wash it with running water. Slice it diagonally. Put into a pan, add
some water and a bit of salt. Bring to a boil.

Boil for a minute and drain. You can now use it in any dish you like.

Other Ways to Tame the Bitterness:

Soak the sliced bitter melon in salt water for a few minutes.

Massage the sliced bitter melon with salt. Wash with running water.

Pinakbet - MMC version of Asian Ratatouille

Ingredients:

4 big tomatoes (about 250g), coarsely chopped
large bitter melon, halved, sliced diagonally, pre-treated with the
above instructions
1 Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise, sliced diagonally
5 pieces okra, sliced diagonally
(about 500g for the bitter melon, eggplant and okra)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
about 100g dried shrimp, washed with water
1 tbsp fish sauce or half tsp salt to taste
1 tsp of vinegar
1 tsp vegetable stock granules(optional)
half glass of water

In a medium-sized saucepan, put the water, garlic, vinegar, stock
granules and fish sauce. Bring to a boil. Add the vegetables, make
sure the tomatoes are on top. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add the
dried shrimps and cook over low heat for another 15 minutes, or until
the vegetables give up their moisture.

Brassica oleracea or commonly known as broccoli. It was called the
king of the cruciferous family where cabbage and cauliflower belong.
Broccoli boosts a delicious flavor, dozens of nutrition and packed
with health benefits. It is loaded with special and unique disease
fighters.

Nutrients and Health Benefits in Broccoli:

*Anti-oxidants. Broccoli contains a variety of anti-oxidants, this
synergy is very good in fighting cancer. According to research, it
lowered the risk of prostate, colon, breast, bladder and cervical
cancer.

Vitamin C. Broccoli is a concentrated source of anti-oxidants like
Vitamin C along with flavonoids, which provide longer support of
oxygen metabolism in the body.

Sulforaphane. Another strong anti-oxidant called sulforaphane in
broccoli sprouts, has a strong impact on the detoxification system of
the body.

Sulforaphane. It helps stimulate production of detoxification enzymes
that may reduce tumor size.

Sulforaphane. It boosts the detoxification abilities of the skin. It
helps repair skin damages brought by over exposure to the sun.

The anti-inflammatory property of sulforaphane, may prevent damage to
the blood vessels. It may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Sulforaphane and Dietary Fiber. The intestines are supported and
regulated by dietary fiber, therefore it fights constipation and
indigestion. The sulforaphane helps protect the stomach lining, it may
help prevent peptic ulcer, gastritis and esophagitis.

There are other anti-oxidants like Vitamin E, manganese, zinc,
beta-carotene, glutathione, lutein, glucarate, indoles. Broccoli is a
real source of concentrated anti-oxidants.

May prevent birth defect. Anti-oxidant compounds help protect sperm to
prevent genetic damage and birth defect.

Eye Disorder. The anti-oxidant level is a good defense against eye diseases.

*Glucosinolates. It is an anti-estrogenic compound that may help in
the excretion of excess estrogen, associated to breast cancer.
Sulforaphane and glucosinolates. They help regulate detox activity in
the body.

*Another anti-cancer compound called indole-3-carbinol, has been shown
to fight breast and prostate cancer.

*Cholesterol Lowering Ability. Broccoli may lower cholesterol and
since it is rich in B Vitamins as well, it can support cardiovascular
health.

*Metabolism of Vitamin D. Broccoli is a good source of Vitamins A and
K. Their strong combination helps keep Vitamin D metabolism in proper
balance.

*Bone Building. Broccoli provides better calcium than cow's milk, thus
it helps build stronger bones.

Broccoli is as well good source of Vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium
and potassium.

Selection of Fresh Broccoli:

Color. Fresh broccoli is dark green, sage, purple green with no yellowing.

Stalks and stems. They should be firm and no slimy spots.

Floret Clusters. They should be compact, not bruised.

Storage. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Do not wash
before storing as it may cause spoilage.

Consumption:

Raw juice provides the most nutrition. It can be combined with fresh
carrot or apple juice for better taste.

Steamed. Broccoli cooked by steaming provides much of its
cholesterol-lowering ability, compared from eating raw broccoli.

Steamed or Quick Stir-fried Cooking. The broccoli's anti-oxidant
compounds may be preserved well.

Celery, with scientific name Apium graveolens, has powerful and
amazing health benefits. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
All parts of celery are edible. It is used in different cuisines. And
unlike other vegetables, it can keep its nutrients during cooking. If
the celery juice is combined to other powerful juices, it may help
treat other conditions.

Nutrients in Celery:

Celery is a rich source of folio acid, potassium, calcium, iron,
sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and plenty of essential amino acids.

The leaves are a good source of Vitamin A.

The stem has high content of Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin C.

It is a good source of fiber.

Health Benefits:

Anti-Cancer. The celery is known to have anti-cancer compounds. The
Coumarins may help damage free radical cells, thus celery may be
effective for cancer prevention. The Acetylenics may stop tumor cells
from growing. And Phenolic acids may as well block the growth of
tumor.

Diuretic. Celery has diuretic compounds that helps the body get rid of
excess fluids. Celery juice contains sodium and potassium that helps
stimulate urine production. The seed helps improve the quality and
quantity of urine.

Celery helps cure Urinary Tract Infection.

Its diuretic compounds help treat bladder infection.

Its diuretic effect may prevent kidney stones formation while it
assists in breaking and eliminating urinary and gall bladder stones.

Cholesterol. Celery juice is said to be effective in lowering total
cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL).

Lower Blood Pressure. The coumarin compound in celery juice helps
relax the muscles around the arteries that helps blood to flow
normally.

Inflammation. Celery has analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds
that helps relieve inflammation like gout, arthritis, osteoarthritis,
bronchitis and asthma.

Nervous System:

Weight Loss. Celery contains hormones that soothes the central nervous
system that makes losing weight easier. Celery juice will lessen
cravings for sweets. It has no  calories and it contains fiber that is
good for weight loss.

Sleep Disorder. The organic alkaline mineral and magnesium in celery
juice helps calm the nervous system, that is good for insomniacs and
may heal other sleep disorders.

Stomach. Celery can provide special benefits to the stomach. According
to studies, it may decrease the risk of stomach cancer.

Constipation. Due to its natural laxative effect it helps relieve
constipation. Celery juice is a good source of fiber, that boosts
bowel movement.

Halitosis. Celery helps cleanse bacteria caused by improper brushing
and left food particles, from the back of the tongue.

Fungal Infection. Celery contains fungicides that may help in treating
fungal infection.

Acidity. The celery has high sodium content at is balanced by the high
level of potassium. The juice neutralizes acidity in the body.

Celery juice is a good after workout drink because it replaces lost
electrolytes. And its rich minerals rehydrates the body.

A glass of celery juice a day can be added to a weight loss diet.

For treating gout, you may drink a glass of celery juice daily, or
munch a stalk instead.

To cure indigestion, celery soup or salad is good.

To reduce bad breath, munch a stalk daily.

For Consumption:

Choose fresh green celery. The ribs should be firm and crunchy.

Raw celery can be used for salad. It can be chopped and added to other
salad vegetables. It can be served steamed. It can be an addition to
soup or vegetable stir-fries. And it can be made as juice.

Bitter melon has been used as a traditional medicine because of its
therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in Asia and Africa as
treatment for fever, burns, dysentery and skin problems. It is known
to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

It is as well said to treat painful menstruation. But since it can
bring menses, it may decrease fertility, it is an abortifacient, and
is used for birth control.

Some of bitter melon's purported health benefits are treatment for
diabetes and viral infection, and may prevent cancer.

Nutrients and Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

Pods are rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, antioxidants,
vitamins and minerals. Since it's a source of dietary fiber, therefore
it maybe helpful in relieving indigestion and constipation problems,
as it was used in traditional medicine.

The phytonutrient, polypeptide-P, which is a plant insulin, along with
charantin, which is a hypoglycemic agent, are responsible in reducing
blood sugar levels, that is helpful for the treatment of Type 2
diabetes.

Pods are a good source of folate. Folate or folic acid may boost red
blood cell development. It may help prevent cancer.

Bitter melon is a good source of:

Vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant.

Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (panthotenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium and manganese.

Flavonoids and Vitamin A compound that may act against aging and cancer.

According to study, there are two anticancer compounds extracted from
the seed and fruit that may cause self-destruction in leukemia. It may
kill and prevent breast cancer cells from growing.

According to laboratory tests, there are compounds in bitter melon
that may be effective in treating HIV infection.

Cautions:

Bitter melon may contain alkaloid which may be intolerable to some people.

The seeds may contain vicine, that may trigger symptoms of favism.

Fruit is not advisable for consumption to pregnant women.

It is reported that the red arils of the seeds can be toxic to children.

It is not recommended be  consumed in excessive amount, because it may
be toxic at an extreme large quantity.

Toxicity Symptoms. It may include excessive salivation, vomiting,
nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial redness, and dimness of vision.

Precaution. If bitter melon is used to control diabetes, consult your
doctor regarding the dosage you need to take.

Side Effects:

If bitter melon is taken to lower blood sugar level, at the same time
with a medication for the same purpose, it may cause complications.

If it is taken for an extended period of time for diabetes control, it
may increase the risk of developing liver inflammation.

Momordica Charantia or known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one
of the most bitter culinary vegetable but one of the healthiest
vegetable as well. It belong to the same family of squash, cucumber
and watermelon.

Bitter melon is said to have originated in Asia. Therefore it is
widely consumed in South Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam,
Japan and Philippines as well as in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Turkey and many other countries in the world.

It is used as traditional medicine for a long time and as food in many
culture. Bitter melon fresh fruits are used mainly in dishes. The
young leaves and shoots can be eaten as well. And since it is an
all-year vegetable, you may shop at anytime. Buy fresh pods with no
blemishes and cuts on the surface.

If you have low tolerance for bitterness, choose the immature pods
which are less bitter. They are young and tender pods with pale green
color. As the pods mature  the bitterness increases and the green
color becomes darker.

Preparation for Cooking. Thoroughly wash the bitter melon in running
water. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.

To Tame the Bitterness. Blanche or parboil with salt water to reduce
the bitterness.

Storage. Fresh fruits can be placed in plastic pouch. They can stay
fresh for about a week if stored in the vegetable compartment of the
refrigerator.

Things to Consider in Bitter Melon Cultivation

Climate. It is a warm season plant that can thrive in hot and humid
climate, with daytime temperature of up to 80F.

Soil. It can survive any soil with good drainage system, even in sandy
and poor soil. Moist soil should be avoided because the plant may rot.
Fertile and well-drained soil is still the best for cultivation.
Prepare soil by adding organic matter like dried manure or compost.
For faster germination, soak seeds in water before planting, with soil
temperature of about 65F.

Planting. Bitter melon has vines with thin stems and tendrils that
need trellis for support. Trellising will help the vines grow fast,
producing more fruits, and for easier harvesting.

Caring. Bitter melon needs regular watering and fertilizing. It is
recommended that the growing tip of the vine be cut off once it
reaches the top of the trellis. Even the lateral branches from the
soil must be cut, this will boost the upper branches to produce more
yield. In about six weeks, flowers should start to show. And within
2-4 months, fruition will occur.

Harvesting. Mature fruits ready for picking in about 3 months from
planting. Mature fruits are light to dark green in color. Pick mature
fruits regularly for new fruits to grow.

Seed Production. Fruits when fully mature will break open to release
white or brown seeds. Some vine and fruits must be left to produce
seeds. Seeds that are sorted must be washed and stored in a cool, dry
place. They are viable for about three years, reserved for subsequent
crops.

Pests and Diseases. Bitter melon vines are vulnerable to some insect
pests and certain diseases. Better choose resistant varieties to
plant. Pesticides to use must be non-toxic to honeybees. Bitter melon
fruits are exposed to fruit flies. So before the pests attack, wrap
the fruits with newspaper when view are a few centimeters long.

Design and Construction

The body was designed with heavy duty features in an ultra slim, ultra
thin package. One thing you would love about it, there's not much to
worry about fragility. The frames has solid design, the outer
exoskeleton absorbs the impact during unintended tumble. The
soft-touch coating at the back will somehow prevent the tablet from
slipping.

It's water resistant feature will give you time to use it while you're
cooking, you're beside the pool and you won't worry too much when it
accidentally dives under a meter of water for about thirty minutes.
This feature is really awesome.

The plastic flap protecting the ports is just somewhat annoying. As
well as the plastic cover and the plastic tray of the micro simcard is
not that easy to manage.

Display and Screen

Of course you have to expect a breathtaking display because it is
created by the people behind HDTV. The reality display is bursting
with the widest colour of spectrum. You would love the vibrant colors
and vivid life-like images.

The OmniBalance design focuses in creating balance and symmetry throughout.
Screen protector is permanently attached to the screen.  It's not much
favorable since it's easier to scratch and it's easier to attract
smudges than the glass its protecting.

It's multi-touch feature is great. You would love the software feature
to set double-tap to wake the screen.

Camera

The 8.1 megapixel for the primary camera captures stunning pictures.
It comes  with features you would surely love, like face and smile
detector and touch focus.

The rear camera only comes with 2.2 megapixel.

Sound

It delivers high quality sound with the Surround 3D technology. Movies
and music are delivered loud and clear. The sound is full of life with
the clear audio + technology.

Hardware

It's powered by Snapdragon S4 Pro which provides amazing speed on its
performance.

The S4 Pro Adreno 320 would provide best performance and stunning
graphics for high-end games. Games enthusiast will love it.

Connectivity

It's complete, from Data to WLAN, with Bluetooth and InfraRed ports.

NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology provides convenience for
sharing content from your tablet to other electronic devices like
smartphone or TV. It's a cool feature for convenience.

Battery

It provides decent battery life. Despite the speedy performance, the
battery doesn't drain easily.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z pushes ahead. It's awesome!