Archive for April, 2009

Pasalubong From La Union

Few years back, I was thinking of what to bring home as pasalubong from La Union. Since I was in La Union, pasalubong should be their native products. I didn’t know that their major products are basi, sukang iloko, honey and inabel not until I visited their website before we travel to La Union. Dried fish along the highway before Bauang, you could see stalls selling various kinds of dried fish.

Many years ago, we used to buy daing na espada (dried swordfish) in a specialty store in Baguio. I guess, this is also one of La Union’s products since I can’t see any store selling daing na espada in Baguio. I could say that its one of my favorites because of its crispiness and its not salty unlike any dried fish. However, I’m lucky to find a vendor selling the said dried fish on the overpass near Burnham Park and bought Php 100 worth of daing. I should have bought more…

Anyway, if you’re looking for authentic La Union products, you could visit La Union Trade Center beside San Fernando, La Union Municipal Hall. The products from image above, from top to bottom: Basi, a native wine from sugar cane juice and tastes like red wine… sukang iloko, native vinegar of Ilocos and honey.

Ted Failon's Wife Negative Of Paraffin Test

Ted Failon’s case is the headline news these days, I’m avoiding to post updates but not my observations on the said case. It was aired on Teleradyo this afternoon that Mrs. Trinidad “Trina” Etong’s paraffin test result was negative. To ordinary people, they may think that Ted Failon is guilty of parricide.

An interview with Dr. Racquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist explained everything, I’m sure it will be aired later tonight in TV Patrol. She said that other countries have stop using paraffin test as part of scientific investigation in the 60s because it was unrealiable. Its odd that Philippines still continue using paraffin test until now. She said that in this case, powder burns is already gone because the so called “shooting” happened in Tuesday (today is already Friday) and Mrs. Failon was hospitalized. For example, before an IV or dextrose was inserted on a patient’s hands, it was wiped with cotton moistened with alcohol. There are other hospital procedures that could wiped the powder residue from the hands of Mrs. Failon.

With the release of the paraffin test result of Etong, QCPD is now investigating for parricide and/or homicide case for ABS CBN Newscaster Ted Failon. Did they forgot that Failon was also negative for powder burns? Whatever QCPD says that its not “something personal” between QCPD and Failon, but it shows. Thank God that CHR (Commission on Human Rights) is also investigating on police brutality on this case. I’ve mentioned that from my previous post. I agree that these policemen should be removed from their position, not suspended.

My sympathy with Failon’s family, I don’t think that there’s a conspiracy here because everyone is part of the family. Even the house helpers are working with the Failon for so many years, its impossible not to threat them as part of the family. I should know because I also have a nanny that worked for me for over 10 years.

As of this writing, Mrs. Trinidad Etong remains is already in Arlington and closed door for family only, relatives and friends will be allowed tomorrow at 1:00 pm.

Insights On Ted Failon's Family Tragedy

It was all over the news yesterday about the suicide of Mrs. Trinidad Etong, wife of ABS CBN News anchor Ted Failon. Yesterday, there was many speculations that allegedly it was not suicide. I didn’t made a post yesterday but from time to time I monitored the updates. I felt sorry for their loss especially now that the attending physician had declared Mrs. Etong dead at 10:50 pm tonight. I felt their grievances for loosing a wife and a mother but some people took this differently.

I have high respect with Ted Failon, I don’t know him personally but I don’t think its in his character that he could do such thing as some people are accusing him. He was released in Camp Karingal because he was negative of paraffin test. Their household helpers were even arrested for “Obstruction of justice” for cleaning the so called “crime scene” and not reporting to the authorities the incident happened. If this case happened to an ordinary person, every updates and events could be different but the involved is no other than Ted Failon… a newscaster.

I could say that Ted Failon is “astig” (tough) commentator, there could be some people angry of him. I hope this case would not be used to get even. Have you seen the news that Department of Justice Raul Gonzalez Gonzalez has ordered the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) to stop meddling with Failon’s case.

Suicide or foul play? Its the authorities job to investigate but I hope they won’t forget human rights. I saw TV Patrol news when police arrested Failon’s two househelps for further investigation. I don’t know if its me but I think its harsh on pushing the girl househelp inside the police car avoiding the PAO Attorney. Is he protecting the househelp from the media? Its how I see it, correct me if I’m wrong.

Whatever happens, the truth will prevail. I hope the Failon family will recover soon. My condolences.

Ifugao Woodcraft

Vacation To Bauang, La Union

Few pictures from my vacation to Bauang, La Union. There’s nothing much to see in Bauang except their beach. Surfers are frequently in San, La Union and we failed to go there because its not surfing season. We always spent few days vacation here yearly because my friend is a part owner of the beachfront compound. We didn’t spent much money except for transportation and food, we call this “budget vacation”. Beach sunset is always a theraphy on our stressful mind and body and we love going back here yearly, and avoided peak season especially during holy week ang summer vacation.

I took pictures of the cottage we stayed, the bamboo bridge so pass by the fishponds with lots of mangroves, the sunset, the fishermen… feel free to click the images for larger view. Since we are always here, my 5th time according to my friend, I was looking forward to explore more places near the area. I research for places in Bauang but their website is not yet accessible. I guess, exploring Bauang will be the next priority aside from visiting San Juan, La Union on our next trip here.