Great Mushroom Dishes at VC Teodoro Farm

VC Teodoro Integrate Farm is not your typical farm. This farm had mushroom, rabbits, fruit trees, vegetables,poultry and ornamental plants within the property.

Ms. Vicky Teodoro picking osyter mushroom 

This is our first stop at the Lakad Pamana advocacy and farm tour. The farm is slowly getting noticed by local government units, schools and private individuals. There are also guided tours and package meals that are available.

l-r mushroom sisig, mushroom lumpia ( deep fried mushroom spring roll),  fried mushroom and mushroom goto. (photo courtesy of Ms. Jenny See)

Among the specialties served was mushroom goto, deep fried lumpia ( made from mushroom) , mushroom tempura and mushroom sisig.

The fried lumpia and fried oyster mushroom is best paired with Paombong vinegar ( Sukang Paombong) dip. It is crispy and one will not know that it is made from mushroom.

vloggers, bloggers, media group photo ( courtesy of Ms. Jenny See)

The group had a short tour of the farm and had a great time picking some mushroom. The farm had some mushroom chicharon, fresh mushroom which can be bought at farm gate prices.

The farm also have some rabbits, native chickens and pigs.

VC Teodoro Integrated Farm

Address: San Pedro Highway Bustos, Bulacan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VCTeodoroIntergratedFarm/

 

 

Issuance of Bustos Centennial Stamp

Bustos is a municipality of Bulacan province . The town is currently celebrating their 100th anniversary as a separate municipality . Among the famous landmarks of the municipality includes Bustos Dam , Bulacan Military Area Monument , Mga Bahay at Yaman ni St. Martin of Porres , Ancestral Houses among others . 

The most iconic is the ” Minasa” a type of cookie and barquillos.

Early History

Bustos was a part of the town of Baliuag as its barrio during the Spanish Period. The town was separated from Baliuag by a tragic incident when around 1860, a rainy Sunday, a group of natives from Bustos with babies in their arms were on their way to the church  for baptismal when they drowned when the raft or planceta they were riding capsized while crossing the wild river of Angat  due to the strong water current. This fateful event led the people of Bustos to request and build their own parish church to be able to avoid crossing the wild river for community safety. The people chose Holy Child  Jesus (Sto. Niño) as their patron saint in honor of those infants that died in the river.

Technical Description 

Kind of Issue : Commemorative

Denomination & Quantity : P12 – – – 101,000

Date of Issue : January 15, 2017

Last Day of Sale :January 14, 2018

Size of Stamps : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Composition : 40 on (4 X 10)

Perforation :14

Printing Process : Litho offset (4 colors)

Paper : Imported Unwatermarked

Printer : Amstar Company, Inc.

Designer :Rodine C. Teodoro

Design : Centennial Logo of the Municipality of Bustos, Bulacan

 

Lakad Pamana of Bustos, Bulacan ( Part 4)

Bustos , Bulacan province – Philippines

 

The group then toured some of the most historical and oldest still existing houses in Bustos .

facade of the house ( Avelina Perez Ancestral House )

This house is a favorite shooting place among local films and television. Among the films that were shot at the house were Ibulong Mo sa Hangin ( Whispher to the Wind ) by Gerardo de Leon in 1966 .  Nasaan ka Maruja  1978 , Agua Bendita ( Television series Feb. 2010 to September 2010  ), Villa Quintana (November 2013 to June 2014 series) , Ang Biyahe ni Drew and I Juander QTV channel 11 .

living room

Aside from the films and television series , There are some instances that pre-nuptial photo sessions are also held at the sprawling garden.

 

plateria cabinet

Plateria is a furniture cabinet which is popular among jewelry / silversmith maker and rich families . Some of the compartments are used for storing materials that are used for making jewelry  . They are made using the best hardwood tree species and are ornately carved.

minasa wooden mold with 1874 date

What makes this furniture cabinet so special to the family is that this was one of the only 2 plateria that the Rizal family owns . And one of them is given to the family . They say that it might date backs to the late 19th century .

Sometimes, heritage and travelers would also tour the place upon coordination with the owners or tourism office.

Parts of the house was renovated , thus the facade of this ancestral house does not look old .

family tree ( courtesy of the family  )

According to the current owner of the house, They are distantly related to Reyes clan ( Nicanor Reyes Sr. of Far Eastern University  – who’s family hails from neighboring town of Baliwag ) They are also distantly related to Rizal’s -Lopez family clan, Mercado family and some prominent families in Baliwag and Bustos.

tables and chairs

There is also a book that was printed several years ago commissioned by one of the family member and written by Ms. Lourdes L. Mercado  .

library

 group photo together with Ms. Avelina Baby- Perez

We finally bid farewell to the owner of the house and the group went to the adjacent Perez Ancestral house – They owners of these houses are relatives .

 Perez House as viewed along the highway

The Perez Ancestral House was built around 1858, It is considered as one of the most important ancestral house both architecturally and historically .

stone carvings

The house had intricate stone hand-made carvings located at the sides of the house. Historians and architects are puzzled with the intricate stones carvings with two double headed eagle like creature with crown.

Habsburg -Lorraine royal seal -courtesy of  Wikipedia

This is like Habsburg–Lorraine ( Austrian- Hungarian ) or Augustinian in origin.

There are several theories:

1.) The family might have a royal lineage from Europe , hence they were able to have the stone carvings at their house.

2.) The family origins might be of Mexican royalty or nobles and was incorporated to the house design.

3.) Agustinian order – There are high priests and bishops who might once lived at their house.

4.) Royal merit from Spanish government for their family meritorious act or services .

Website link: http://www.habsburger.net/en

intricate stone carvings

 Jesus Christ

fray luna

Fray Luna is also called Versoza chairs which is popular during the late Spanish colonial furniture.

living room area

The living rooms of both houses looks quite similar except that this house got more crochet works and more simple.

 Cafe Apolonio

The house and compound is a good example of re-adaptive reuse by the present owner.

Dendrobium anosmum aka sanggumay

There are pocket garden and native orchids like  Dendrobium anosmum ( sanggumays ) were mounted on living trees. It seems that this is the most popular orchid species being grown by the people in this town.

They opened a cafe and restaurant located at the ground floor of the ancestral house with a garden area good for 50 to 60 people . Inside , The restaurant cafe area can host of around 20 to 30 people at any given day .

There is a patio area which can accommodate 4 to 6 people.

Ms. Ofelia Perez- Genabe together with some participants of the tour

We were met by the owner by Ms. Ofelia Perez-Genabe and  she showed us the living room and parts of the colonial house. The old ancestral house was built around 1858.

Business Hours:

M-TH: 11:00am to 10:00pm, F-S : 11:00am to 12mn

Mercado House

Mercado House is another ancestral house which is located near the Perez Ancestral  Ancestral Houses . This was built around mid- 19th century and is another sample of a house with Baroque-style carved stone corner pilasters, carved stone garland and crucifix motifs in the entrance, chrysanthemum designs, decorative reliefs, molave planks with narra sidings, capiz windows, moveable panels, graceful grilles.and baroque style.

Mercado House ( closer view of the stone carvings and pillars) 

Unfortunately, it was sold to an unnamed doctor just a few years ago and the new owners which are private people  is not keen to open the house to heritage tours from outsiders.  Based from the personal stories from the adjacent houses. The former owner is also a distant relative of the Perez. ( Conrado Mercado ).

Some of the group took photos of the exterior of the house from the street.

Bustos Dam :

Brief History : Built in 1926, 50 kilometers upstream from the Bustos Dam as a fixed type river weir without gates, the AARD, Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam (commonly known as Bustos Dam) is the longest rubber dam in Asia at 79 meters and the second largest in the world.

Bustos Dam

The present dam was rehabilitated by Kurimoto, LTD., Osaka, Japan , manufacturing date, as of May, 1997.

It has Washed Out, Intake, Sluice and Roller Gates sets. Its clear spans are 4.6% 1.53 meters. Its gate (opening) heights are 4.5 and 1.0 meters. The weights of the leaves are 5.4 and 1.0 tons. The operating speed is 0.3 m./ min.

Mr. Conrado Garcia Mercado statue

He is known as “Mr. Irrigation” or Mr. NIA . He was the first National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Assistant Administrator; Original owner of the Mercado Ancestral House in Brgy. Bonga Menor; the government created a statue for him to serve as a memorabilia for him and his contributions. The statue is located within the  park near the entrance.

commemorative marker

 The Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2001 , (JICA) has approved a P500-million grant-in aid to the government for the repair and improvement of the Angat Afterbay Regulatory Dam (AARD) in Bustos, Bulacan, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) .

closer view

six-span dam’s main features are easily deflatable and inflatable rubber body.

intake gate with irrigation canal

a boat made from cement

mermaid riding a large fish

The park and the vicinity area is a favorite shooting place for films and television shows .

picnic area

We were given a snack which consists of puto bumbong , suman and avocado tea made from the fruit .

dog sleeping in one of the picnic table

There is a small entrance fees of Php 5.00 for tricycle , Php 10 for jeep , Php 20 for car , Php 50 vans and Php 100 truck.

group photo

My only concern is that the place had a lot of graffiti and some areas  needed some rehabilitation . The authorities must try to reforest the surrounding areas with native trees to improve the water holding capacity of the place.

Cunanan Ancestral House

Cunanan Ancestral House had some similarities in terms of stone carvings with the Mercado House , although the house looks like there were some expansion done maybe during the early or mid 20th century  .

The house looks smaller compared to the Mercado house . The house had capiz windows and adobe stone walls hand carving in floral details .

details of the stone crucifix  carving

We manage to take some photos of the exterior parts and adobe walls and its details . Unfortunately , The current owner of the house ( around 92 years-old might not be around ) .

carved stone corner pilasters

A visit to these ancestral houses must be properly coordinated with the local tourism office set several days or even weeks in advance.

Special Mention to Mr. Edwin Del Rosario of Bustos Tourism office , Office of the Mayor and Sir Gilbert . Maraming Salamat Po !

Please visit the links:

Lakad Pamana of Bustos, Bulacan part 1: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/lakad-pamana-of-bustos-bulacan/

Lakad Pamana of Bustos, Bulacan part 2: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2016/01/19/lakad-pamana-of-bustos-bulacan-part-2/

Lakad Pamana of Bustos , Bulacan part 3: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/lakad-pamana-of-bustos-bulacan-part-3/

Lakad Pamana of Bustos, Bulacan ( Part 3)

Bustos, Bulacan province

 

Lopez Ancestral house

The group went to the nearby Lopez Ancestral House and took some time to take photos of the house.

ancestral photos

calado

Calado is made from wood exterior or metal although a lot of the lace exterior ceilings. The pierced wooden fretwork openings (calado) along the top of doors or openings. This also serves as both artistic work of art , divider which allows air to pass through the ceilings and walls of the house.

sala set  

The main sala set was done in hardwoods done in an art deco era . They are made in a style which is called Ambassador style sala set with some floral motifs and  rattan seat woven frames

bedroom with four poster bed and ceramic white urinal

The Ivatan Vernacular Houses

Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres, Inc. (Saint Martin) is committed to improve lives of disadvantaged children (e.g. street children, foundlings, abandoned children, children victims of domestic abuse, victims of child labor) through the various programs being implemented, both in the residential care center and in the community-based programs.

We were greeted by the children, nuns and priests which gave a short briefing about the foundation, their mission and vision. Then our group while eating Filipino kamayan -style boodle fight .

tour participants enjoyed the simple but very hearty organic lunch

Our group were entertained by the children of the foundation 

The group was first established in Santa Cruz , Manila which eventually flourish and was established around 2003 in Bustos with the help of generous patrons and benefactors.

one of the larger villas which can be rented out for events and retreats

According to our companion, The project of building the community started on a slow phase since the group only depended on donations from their benefactors and from people within the community.

dormitory-style house

Eventually, the dormitory -style houses where completed and more local and international donors came.

barbershop ( barberia)

Here is also a gift shop, green houses for vegetables, retreat houses , small pond for tilapia cultivation , school , barber shop, chapel and areas are planted with vegetables and ornamental plants.

Tiendesitas -Souvenir shop made by the children of the center

Currently, the Bahay houses about 150 abandoned street children , or children which their families could not afford to feed.

macaroons

The macaroon being sold at the souvenir shop also helps the children augment their everyday allowance . They are being sold for Php 60.00 per pack

ivatan style house

The children are taught on how to do household chores , given shelter, bake cookies and macaroons , make rosaries and given education.

Capilia de San Martin de Porres

We also toured the large chapel which was made from adobe stones, bricks , old wooden doors and recycled woods.  One must remove their shoes upon entering the shrine as this is one of the places where one can pray and ask for plenary indulgence.

dedication plaque

interior of the chapel

The construction started around 2007 was finished in 2009 before it was finally completed .

group photo of the participants

The group did a souvenir shot taken at the Saint Martin of Porres chapel before we embarked another journey .

Note : Those people with a good heart or want to help this noteworthy advocates set by the foundation, Please try to visit their website link or email them for pledges , contributions whether in cash or in kind. 

Website: http://www.stmartinproject.org/

Address:

Gen. Alejo Santos Highway, Claro Santos Street, Bonga Menor, Bustos,3007 Bulacan

Landline :(044) 367 0272

(+632) 6974588 (Bustos)
(+632) 7107033 (Bustos)
(+632) 5211938 (Tondo)

MOBILE
+63917 5174492

MANILA MISSION
Centro Salvador
18 Maginoo St.Brgy. 105 Zone 8 District 1, Tondo, Manila

Links to previous posts:

Lakad Pamana of Bustos, Bulacan part 4: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2016/01/21/lakad-pamana-of-bustos-bulacan-part-4/

Lakad Pamana of Bustos , Bulacan part 2 : https://renz15.wordpress.com/2016/01/19/lakad-pamana-of-bustos-bulacan-part-2/

Lakad Pamana of Bustos, Bulacan part 1: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/lakad-pamana-of-bustos-bulacan/

Lakad Pamana of Bustos , Bulacan ( Part 2)

Bustos – Bulacan

We decided to take a quick stroll while everyone is busy taking photos at the newly constructed Bustos Museum and Tourism Office .  Took the side entrance and went to the famed Pan de Bustos bakery  .

Pan de Bustos bakery

Some of those who went there ate their breakfast that this bakery near the municipal compound along the main street. The bakery started their operations around 3 years ago . Their bread is like the ordinary pandesal but is smaller and sweeter .

Pan de Bustos

The bread only cost Php 2.00 each and this is a MUST for everyone that is visiting the town. We decided to buy some for some tasting .

old municipal town hall

Bustos Municipal Hall

Closer view of the main facade of the Bustos Municipal Hall . It was first built during the early American era in bahay -na- bato style and the current building was built from 1956 to 1959 .

Bustos Municipal Hall

commemorative marker

staircase going to the second floor

The main hall was quaint with a grand wooden staircase and large painting which depicts the history of the town .  We were allowed to get inside the hall despite it was sunday .  There were several awards  like seal of good house keeping, galing pook awardee and among others that were prominently displayed at the main lobby going up to the second floor .

portraits of the previous town mayor

Mayor Arnel F. Mendoza ( incumbent mayor )

Origin :

Bustos was a part of Baliuag ( Baliwag )  during the Spanish and American colonial period. The town was separated from Baliuag by a tragic incident when around 1860, a rainy Sunday, a group of natives from Bustos with babies in their arms were on their way to Saint Agustine Parish Church of Baliuag  for baptismal when they drowned when the raft or planceta they were riding capsized while crossing the river of  Angat due to the strong water current. This fateful event led the people of Bustos to request and build their own parish church and decided to choose the Hold Child Jesus (Sto. Niño) as their patron saint in honor of those infants that died in the river.

school children dress in a period baro’t saya and barong tagalog

The group waited for the Tugyaw ( Tugtog at Sayaw) and Santo Nino parade to start .

santo nino dressed like a baker

There are several hundreds of Santo Nino statues that were accompanied by dancers from children to teenager and adults .

santo nino dresses in yellow dress ( notice the candies were part of the processional carriage)

different images of santo nino being driven by a lady pedicab

There are a lot of images of santo nino and are dress-up in different outfits and some are owned by private individuals and families.

santo nino being paraded on the main municipal ground using pedicab

The santo nino procession had different kinds of dance beat from the ati-atihan , sinulog , turumba , modern and even Ms. Willie Revillame -igiling-giling

The mood was very festive and some processional carriages throw away candies , packs of biscuits and snacks.

children had their own processional carriage with miniature sized holy child jesus

Zeny’s Minasa

Zeny ‘s Minasa  one of the 3 iconic bakery which had preserved the age -old tradition of making Minasa along with Fe’s Minasa located along the highway by Ms. Lourdes Luz and Aling Liling’s Minasa.

making of minasa

The group was given a short demonstration on making minasa and its traditional wood mold .

minasa dough

minasa dough before baking and the utensils, wooden mold, used for making the dough

There is also a large Minasa cookies , ideal for giveaways and pasalubongs.

Aling Zeny’s Minasa is located near the municipal hall with large tarpaulin poster and a small store. Their specialties also includes barquillo , lengua de gato and uraro biscuits. They are most in demand by OFW and Balikbayans as their keep-sake food stuffs for their families, friends and work mates in foreign countries where they stay.

Ms. Febe Sevilla together with Ms. Elena de Lara ( proprietor ) seated

Ms. Elena D. De Lara is a third generation minasa maker , according to her , The art of making traditional minasa was taught to her grandmother then to her mother .  She was interviewed and featured on television stations , newspaper and blog sites.

The group was also given some samples of minsa cookies and the store almost ran out of minasa cookies stock on that day.  Everyone bought some minasa cookies in plastic jar and other sweets. According to one of the store staffs ( They are usually open for half day during sunday )

Small plastic minasa jar cost Php 110 and large one cost Php 150 each

The original minasa cookies uses arrowroot flour and now uses cassava flour.

Address: #6 Tanawan , Bustos , Bulacan

Telephone (044)-761-0007 / 0917-200-9757, 0943-521-2465

email :zenyminasa@yahoo.com.ph

Special Thanks to Sir Gilbert Diño of San Miguel de Mayumo together with Bustos municipal tourism officer , office of the mayor.

Please Visit the Link :

Lakad Pamana of Bustos , Bulacan : https://renz15.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/lakad-pamana-of-bustos-bulacan/