Thursday, April 29, 2021

Do You Watch Controversial Movies and Documentaries?

I have watched almost all of the recent Oscar nominated movies and documentaries streaming on Netflix and Hulu. Nomadland is of course my favorite. However, all the other nominated movies and documentaries are also worth of your time.  

I also like to watch controversial TV dramas and movies, because I am curious what is the controversy is all about. Moreover, I like to have my own opinion if the controversy is indeed real or just a biased opinion of some viewers. 

In the bottom of this page is the list of 11 controversial shows ( TV series/movies) streaming on Netflix. I have seen only two in the list( 13 Reasons Why and 365 Days), but I do not completely agree of the controversy listed on the article. 

The other nine TV shows/movies in the list are in my watch list. Are you brave and adult enough to watch these movies/TV dramas? I dare you! Watch them and let me know what you think.   Here's the list and the subject(s) of controversy:

1. 13 Reasons Why ( Encouraging teenage suicide-I disagree)

2. 365 Days( soft core porn and eroticizing Stockholm syndrome( I somewhat disagree)

3. Indian Matchmaking ( cesspool of casteism, sexism, and classism)

4. Cooking on High ( illegal drugs and cannabis)

5. Messiah- (presenting subtextual anti-islamic sentiments)

6. Insatiable-(Eating Disorders)

7. The First Temptation of Christ ( depiction of Jesus as a gay man)

8. Bonding ( stigmatizing and misrepresenting the dominatrix community)

9. The Goop Lab ( explores alternatives for physical and mental illness)

10. Atypical ( presenting autism as a tragedy)

11. Cuties ( sexualizing young girls and feeding paedophilia)

For details visit:

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/netflix-most-controversial-tv-shows-movies-cuties-365-days-b422001.html

Meanwhile enjoy this:

The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, B.C., Canada

 

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate in the Philippines

Photo Credit: Filipinohomes.com
 

My wife passed away last August here in the US and we have some property in the Philippines. Although we a have Will here in the US, our property in the Philippines was not included in our list of Assets and our Last Will and Testament here in the US will not be applicable to the Philippines.   Therefore I believe, I need to file An Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate (EJS). In case you do not know here's information from Nicholas and De Vega Law Offices in Manila.

 https://ndvlaw.com/extrajudicial-settlement-of-estate-in-the-philippines/

Settlement of an estate need not undergo judicial proceedings all the time. Rule 74, Section 1 of the Rules of Court allows the extrajudicial settlement of estate by agreement among the heirs. Said Rule states:

Sec. 1. Extrajudicial settlement by agreement between heirs.If the decedent left no will and no debts and the heirs are all of age, or the minors are represented by their judicial or legal representatives duly authorized for the purpose, the parties may, without securing letters of administration, divide the estate among themselves as they see fit by means of a public instrument filed in the office of the register of deeds, and should they disagree, they may do so in an ordinary action of partition. If there is only one heir, he may adjudicate to himself the entire estate by means of an affidavit filed in the office of the register of deeds. The parties to an extrajudicial settlement, whether by public instrument or by stipulation in a pending action for partition, or the sole heir who adjudicates the entire estate to himself by means of an affidavit shall file, simultaneously with and as a condition precedent to the filing of the public instrument, or stipulation in the action for partition, or of the affidavit in the office of the register of deeds, a bond with the said register of deeds, in an amount equivalent to the value of the personal property involved as certified to under oath by the parties concerned and conditioned upon the payment of any just claim that may be filed under Section 4 of this rule. It shall be presumed that the decedent left no debts if no creditor files a petition for letters of administration within two (2) years after the death of the decedent.

The fact of the extrajudicial settlement or administration shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the manner provided in the next succeeding section; but no extrajudicial settlement shall be binding upon any person who has not participated therein or had no notice thereof.

However, extrajudicial settlement of estate cannot be resorted to every time. There are conditions which must be satisfied such as:

1. The decedent left no will.

2. The decedent has no debts or his debts have been fully paid.

3. The heirs are all of legal age or the minors are duly represented by their judicial or legal representatives.

4. A public instrument is duly executed by the heirs and filed with the Register of Deeds.

Extrajudicial settlement of estate is often recommended to expedite the transfer of properties of the decedent to his heirs. This is in view of the fact that judicial settlement of estate takes years before the case is concluded. Furthermore, this is more adversarial and is resorted to when the heirs disagree on the properties to be partitioned and the corresponding shares of the respective heirs.

An extrajudicial settlement of estate is done by executing an “Extrajudicial Settlement Among Heirs”. This is a legal document specifying:

1. Compliance with the legal conditions for an extrajudicial settlement
2. Description of the properties to be extrajudicially settled (title number, value, location, lot size, technical description, etc.)
3. Nature of the property (if conjugal property)
4. Name of the heirs
5. How the properties shall be divided amongst the heirs.
6. Posting of a bond if there is personal property involved.
7. Undertaking that the Deed will be published in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for 3 consecutive weeks.

It must be noted that the Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement must be published in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Kindly consult with the Register of Deeds where the property is located for the listing of these newspapers.

Before filing the Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement with the Register of Deeds where the land is located, it is necessary that the estate taxes be paid first. Under Philippine laws, estate tax is defined as a tax on the right of the deceased person to transmit his estate to his lawful heirs and beneficiaries at the time of death and on certain transfers, which are made by law as equivalent to testamentary disposition. According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, estate tax is not a tax on property but rather imposed on the privilege of transmitting property upon the death of the owner.

IMPORTANT:  The discussion below on the estate taxes, deduction and procedure before the BIR  is relevant only to those who died before 01 January 2018 since Republic Act No. 10963, otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law), amended the Tax Code, including the procedure, tax rates and deductions for estate taxes.  The TRAIN Law became effective on 01 January 2018.

It bears great emphasis that the Estate Tax Return must be filed within six (6) months from the decedent’s death. The deadline may be extended by the Commissioner of the BIR, in meritorious cases, not exceeding thirty (30) days. It must be noted that the estate itself is assigned its own Tax Identification Number (TIN). The Estate Tax Return is filed with Revenue District Office (RDO) having jurisdiction over the place of residence of the decedent at the time of his death. If the decedent has no legal residence in the Philippines, then the return can be filed with:

1. The Office of the Revenue District Officer, Revenue District Office No. 39, South Quezon City; or

2. The Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where decedent is residing at the time of his death.

Furthermore, the estate tax shall be paid at the time the return is filed. However, upon request and if the Commissioner of the BIR finds that payment on the due date of the Estate Tax or of any part thereof would impose undue hardship upon the estate or any of the heirs, he may extend the time for payment of such tax or any part thereof not to exceed five (5) years, in case the estate is settled through the courts or two (2) years in case the estate is settled extra-judicially. If an extension is granted, the BIR Commissioner may require a bond in such amount, not exceeding double the amount of tax, as it deems necessary.

The estate tax is based on the value of the net estate as follows:

1. If not over P200,000, it is exempt
2. If over P200,000 but not over P500,000, then tax is 5% of the excess over P200,000
3. If over P500,000 but not over P2,000,000, then tax is P15,000 PLUS 8% of the excess over P500,000
4. If over P2,000,000 but not over P5,000,000, then tax is P135,000 PLUS 11% of the excess over P2,000,000
5. If over P5,000,000 but not over P10,000,000, then tax is P465,000 PLUS 15% of the excess over P5,000,000
6. If over P10,000,000, then tax is P1,215,000 PLUS 20% of the excess over P10,000,000

The basis shall be the net estate. That means that there are allowable deductions on the estate. These deductions include funeral expenses, share of the surviving spouse, medical expenses incurred by the decedent within 1 year prior to his death, family home deduction of not more than P1,000,000.00, standard deduction of P1,000,000.00, among others. It is best to consult with an accountant on this matter to determine the accurate estate tax.

For extrajudicial settlement of estate, the following documents must be submitted with the BIR:

1. Notice of Death
2. Certified true copy of the Death Certificate
3. Deed of Extra-Judicial Settlement of the Estate
4. Certified true copy of the land titles involved
5. Certified true copy of the latest Tax Declaration of real properties at the time of death
6. Photo copy of Certificate of Registration of vehicles and other proofs showing their correct value
7. Photo copy of certificate of stocks
8. Proof of valuation of shares of stocks at the time of death
a. For listed stocks – newspaper clippings or certification from the Stock Exchange
b. For unlisted stocks – latest audited Financial Statement of issuing corporation with computation of book value per share
9. Proof of valuation of other types of personal property
10. CPA Statement on the itemized assets of the decedent, itemized deductions from gross estate and the amount due if the gross value of the estate exceeds two million pesos
11. Certification of Barangay Captain for claimed Family Home

Other documents may also be requested by the BIR.

After the estate taxes have been paid, the heirs may proceed to the Register of Deeds where the land is situated. If the Register of Deeds would allow it, the filing with the BIR and Register of Deeds may be simultaneous. The proof of payment of the estate tax, Affidavit of Publication of the Deed, the Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate are the basic requirements to be submitted to the Register of Deeds. When all pertinent documents are submitted, the Register of Deeds will correspondingly issue the Transfer of Certificates of Title to the proper heirs.

On a final note, it must be borne in mind that the extrajudicial settlement can be nullified if it was done in fraud of creditors or other rightful heirs. Furthermore, this can open the erring heirs to criminal liabilities.

Nicolas & De Vega Law Offices is a full service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 4706126+632 4706130+632 4016392.

For Details visit:

https://www.caymobenedictolaw.com/blog/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-extrajudicial-settlement-of-estate





 

Saturday, April 24, 2021

To Cultivate a Garden is to Walk with God-Spring Planting Time

Yesterday, I planted 6 tomato plants ( Early Girl variety) in pots in my backyard. I plan on planting ampalaya( bitter melon), Japanese eggplant ( Ichiban) and some Okra in the next two weeks. The weather is getting warmer during the day (high 70'sF), but still cool in the mornings ( mid 40'sF ).  Here's a guide on how to grow this variety of tomatoes.

https://www.gardeningchannel.com/guide-to-growing-early-girl-tomatoes/

 


 


This planting reminded me of my article below that to cultivate a garden is to walk with God. I think most Gardeners will Agree to this Quote. 

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2017/04/to-cultivate-garden-is-to-walk-with-god.html

 

Thursday, April 22, 2021

My Christmas Cactus Finally Bloomed After Four Months Daley

My Christmas Cactus enjoying its new location-Window Sill of our Kitchen
 

This plant was a gift from my Daughter last Christmas. It was just budding then. However, I was so delighted when I see the blooms yesterday. Here's a video on how to care for this beautiful plant.

While the Christmas cactus may be known under various names (like Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus), the scientific name for Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgessii, remains the same – while other plants may differ. This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. Christmas cactus is not only easy to care for but propagates easily too, making it an exceptional candidate for holiday gift giving. Let’s look at how to plant Christmas cactus and care for it. How to Plant Christmas Cactus The Christmas cactus is easily propagated by cutting a short Y-shaped segment from the stem tips. Make certain, however, that the cutting is taken from healthy plant foliage only. Plant the segment approximately a quarter of its length deep in slightly sandy soil. Moisten evenly and place the cutting in a well-lit area, staying away from any direct sunlight. To root cuttings for new plants, cut back shoots from the tips, cut at the second joint of each tip. The cutting should show signs of growth within a few weeks, at which time the plant can be transferred to another container, if desired, with a looser potting soil mix of compost, loam and sand. How to Care for Christmas Cactus Advice for Christmas cactus care tells us that it performs well under average home conditions with moderate care. The Christmas cactus will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will produce blooms more readily if exposed to brighter light. That being said, too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Christmas cactus moisture is important as well. The plant requires frequent and thorough watering, during its active growth in spring and summer, keeping the soil slightly moist. Allow Christmas cactus moisture levels to drop and dry out some between watering intervals, but never completely, and never let the plant sit in water, as this will lead to root and stem rot. Applying a mild houseplant fertilizer solution every other week is also acceptable. When considering how to care for Christmas cactus, keep in mind it also prefers temperatures hovering between 60 and 70 degrees F. (15-21 C.) with average to high humidity levels. Placing a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath the Christmas cactus container is a good way to add more humidity to the home. Once the Christmas cactus has ceased all flowering (usually by fall), or about six to eight weeks before you want the plant to rebloom, you should allow the plant to begin its dormancy cycle by cutting back on Christmas cactus moisture and reducing both light and temperature. Simply cut back the watering and make sure the plant receives 12-14 hours of darkness and average temperatures around 50-55 F. (10-12 C.). Also, keep the Christmas cactus away from drafty areas. When you know how to care for Christmas cactus, this plant is not difficult to manage, and when given proper care and placed in a suitable location, the Christmas cactus may even surprise you with additional blooming cycles

Read more at Gardening Know How: Advice For Christmas Cactus Care https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm
While the Christmas cactus may be known under various names (like Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus), the scientific name for Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgessii, remains the same – while other plants may differ. This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. Christmas cactus is not only easy to care for but propagates easily too, making it an exceptional candidate for holiday gift giving. Let’s look at how to plant Christmas cactus and care for it. How to Plant Christmas Cactus The Christmas cactus is easily propagated by cutting a short Y-shaped segment from the stem tips. Make certain, however, that the cutting is taken from healthy plant foliage only. Plant the segment approximately a quarter of its length deep in slightly sandy soil. Moisten evenly and place the cutting in a well-lit area, staying away from any direct sunlight. To root cuttings for new plants, cut back shoots from the tips, cut at the second joint of each tip. The cutting should show signs of growth within a few weeks, at which time the plant can be transferred to another container, if desired, with a looser potting soil mix of compost, loam and sand. How to Care for Christmas Cactus Advice for Christmas cactus care tells us that it performs well under average home conditions with moderate care. The Christmas cactus will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will produce blooms more readily if exposed to brighter light. That being said, too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Christmas cactus moisture is important as well. The plant requires frequent and thorough watering, during its active growth in spring and summer, keeping the soil slightly moist. Allow Christmas cactus moisture levels to drop and dry out some between watering intervals, but never completely, and never let the plant sit in water, as this will lead to root and stem rot. Applying a mild houseplant fertilizer solution every other week is also acceptable. When considering how to care for Christmas cactus, keep in mind it also prefers temperatures hovering between 60 and 70 degrees F. (15-21 C.) with average to high humidity levels. Placing a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath the Christmas cactus container is a good way to add more humidity to the home. Once the Christmas cactus has ceased all flowering (usually by fall), or about six to eight weeks before you want the plant to rebloom, you should allow the plant to begin its dormancy cycle by cutting back on Christmas cactus moisture and reducing both light and temperature. Simply cut back the watering and make sure the plant receives 12-14 hours of darkness and average temperatures around 50-55 F. (10-12 C.). Also, keep the Christmas cactus away from drafty areas. When you know how to care for Christmas cactus, this plant is not difficult to manage, and when given proper care and placed in a suitable location, the Christmas cactus may even surprise you with additional blooming cycles

Read more at Gardening Know How: Advice For Christmas Cactus Care https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm

 


 For details on caring for this plant visit:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm

Meanwhile enjoy this short video of what I cooked the other day


 

 

Saturday, April 17, 2021

I will be Losing My Independence Soon By Not Driving

My Car ( 2000 Nissan Maxima-above), is showing signs it will probably conked out soon. My car would not start. David diagnosed it is either the battery or the starter. However, when he check it, it seems that the battery and starter are OK and the problem may be related to the programming of the anti-theft system. I have an appointment via mobile auto mechanics for diagnosis next week with estimated cost of $125.   If the cost for repair exceeds $1K, I may not have it repaired. 

Today, I am debating whether I buy a second hand car or not, if the repair cost of my car exceeds $1K. Next week, I will decide whether I buy a second hand car if the repair cost exceeds $1K.  I only use my car once or twice a week just to go to the grocery store, bank and other errands since last year when the pandemic started. 

I purchased my 2000 Maxima in Maryland for $21K two decades ago. Five years ago, I had a major engine-transmission overhaul costing around $5K. After the overhaul and four brand new tires, the car drove like new.  The current trade-in value for my car varies from $200 to $1500 depending on condition and mileage. My car has low mileage because in 2002 I retired so most of the time the car is just in the garage. I plan on just donating the above car to charity. The new 2021 Nissan Maxima is listed around $41K ( see photo). If I were young and still working, I will have no hesitation in buying this new model.

By not buying a car I saved money on insurance and maintenance. Moreover, my driver license will expire at the end of the year and I do not feel like renewing it.

David III promised me he will drive me to the grocery store once a week. Currently, I order my grocery on line once a month. Ordering on line is more expensive and your choice is limited. I also used Door Dash and or Postmate Food Delivery Services almost every other day for restaurant food. I attend Mass on line every Sunday via Heart of the Nation. I go to the bank (ATM) once in a month.  So I really do not need a car, except the thought that by not driving  I will lose my independence. After all, I have been driving since 1960 here in the US (with untarnished driving records in California, Missouri and Maryland). 

My oldest son suggested that I try not buying a car for 3 to 6 months and see how I feel.   Wish me luck with my new future life style. If I need to go out and David or Ditas is not around to drive me, I could always call Uber or Lift.   In case of emergency I can call 911 for ambulance services.

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of my mini-succulent Garden I cultivated just recently.


Personal Note: With my children driving me for errands it will be a Reversal of Roles. When the 4D's were young, I drove them to their school and personal activities specifically during our week-end outings to the zoos, beaches, national parks and other recreational areas.  

Post Mortem as of 4/21/21: The RepairSmith Mobile Mechanic diagnosed I need a new starter and serpentine belt which will cost around $599 installed with warranty of 12,000 miles or one year. I decided to have my car repaired.  

Thursday, April 15, 2021

It is Spring Time-It is All About Flowers

 

Rafflesia Arnoldii: One of the two largest flowers in the world:Photo Credit-You Tube

Do you know what is the largest flower in the world? How about a list of the most expensive flowers? How about a list of top twelve most beautiful flowers in the world. According to the recent article here are the twelve most beautiful flowers in the world. Passion Flower, Gazanias, Plumerias, Dahlias, orchids, tulips, calla lilies, water lilies, clematis, magnolias, Bird of Paradise and Roses. 

 


All the above twelve most beautiful flowers with the exception of the water lily , I have grown and cultivated in my gardens in the Philippines ( Chateau Du Mer, Marindque) and also here in US ( Bay Area, Sacramento Area, Central Valley of California, Kansas City, Missouri and Silver Spring, MD). 

Not in the top twelve list, the flowers that I have cultivated are Camelias, Peonies, Hibiscus,  Bougainvillas, Hydrangeas, Geraniums, Azelias, Rhodondendrons and Begonias.

Here's a video of the largest flower in the world- Rafflesia arnoldii.


Here are 3 videos for the most expensive flowers in the world




Meanwhile enjoy this photo of my Clematis, Azeleas and Peonies in the Front Yard of our Residence in Silver Spring, MD, 1994


and some of my orchids in the Philippines in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer


 


 

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Popular House Plants that Can Improve Your Health


My Orchids Blooming in Our Living Room- April, 11, 2021

I have always enjoy houseplants and indoor plants as a home decor since we bought our first home in Kansas City, Missouri in the early 1960's. I was not really aware, conscious and knowledgeable how it improves your health, until a few years ago when I started reading and searching the Internet.

Today's blog is inspired when I learned a few months ago that Macrine's(RIP) first cousin wife has started decorating their beautiful condo in Makati with huge indoor plants. Also, several months ago, I learned that my grand daughter in Graduate School in the East Coast,  is now into collecting houseplants in her apartment. So Houseplants is not only good for decor but also have health benefits. Do not forget to click on the video ( houseplant tour) at the this page.

Here are eight houseplants that can help solve a few common health-related problems. My two favorites are the spider and snake plants. I have these two plants in our house for several years now and are still thriving. 

1. Spider Plant

Photo Credit: You Tube

Spider plants are great for removing formaldehyde from the air in your home. This is the stuff that comes from all sorts of things you bring into your home including paper bags, waxed papers, facial tissues, paper towels, napkins, particle board, plywood paneling and synthetic fabrics.

If you have poor indoor air quality and not much of a green thumb, a spider plant may be exactly what you need. It’s one of the easiest plants to care for and can be kept in less sunny places in your home since it typically doesn’t like to be placed under direct sunlight.

A spider plant can grow in any type of soil and only needs to be watered occasionally. If you can remember to water it often enough that its soil stays moist, then that’s all you really need to keep this plant alive and thriving.

2. Aloe Vera

Several varieties of Aloe Vera- I have three of them in Marinduque( CDM)

Chances are you’ve probably heard of or used commercially sold medicinal creams or ointments that say they contain aloe vera on their labels. Despite a lack of scientific evidence that aloe vera has any substantial healing properties, it’s been used for thousands of years as a common natural remedy to soothe irritated skin.

The clear, gel-like substance found in the inner part of the leaf can be applied directly to the skin. According to WebMD, people typically use it to help treat burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis and cold sores. Make sure you speak to your doctor first in case you have any allergies.

Aloe vera plants need to be deeply watered and their soil left to dry just slightly (about 1 to 2 inches deep) between watering. They do very well with lots of sun but can turn brown if they get too much of it, so keeping your aloe vera plant under indirect sunlight is best.

3. Lavender

Lavender is a flowering plant that has a very gentle and pleasant aroma. Best known for its stress-relieving mental benefits, the scent of lavender is often used in spa products like bath salts, skincare creams, soaps and candles.

You can place a lavender plant anywhere in your home, but putting it in your bedroom is especially helpful since it may help you sleep better. Catching a whiff of lavender may help soothe restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Lavender plants prefer well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. They also need deep watering, but be careful not to water them very often. Aim to water your lavender plant when the soil is nearly dry.

4. English Ivy

Nobody ever wants to think about the possibility of mold thriving in their home. If you’re worried about it, bringing an English ivy plant into your home can help you rest easy since it’s well-known to purify up to 94 percent of airborne mold particles that can trigger allergies.

Like the aloe Vera plant, English ivy is another great plant to put in your bedroom. If you have asthma or difficulty breathing at night, it can help you breathe easier and get a restful night’s sleep.

Be aware that English ivy is poisonous, so it should be kept well out of reach from children and pets. The plant thrives under fluorescent light but not direct sun, so it’s the perfect houseplant for darker than normal bedrooms with artificial light. Soil should be kept most at all times, but not soggy.

5. Snake Plant

Another great houseplant for the house is the snake plant (also known as the “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue”). It is one of the most popular choices for improving indoor air quality and easy to grow inside. It actually gets most of its job done at night, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen as you sleep.

Snake plants also remove all sorts of toxins from the air including trichloro ethylene, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene and xylene. To optimize its air purifying power throughout your entire home, you’ll likely need more than one plant. Plan to get anywhere from 6 to 8 snake plants that are of waist-high height for optimal air purification.

Considered to be one of the easiest plants to care for, snake plants do great when placed under indirect sunlight. You really don’t have to water them much at all, and they’ll actually grow better if you let them dry out quite a bit between watering.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb that’s been used in folk medicine for centuries to help improve concentration and memory. It turns out that there may be some merit to this claim since a study conducted by Northumbria University found that people who were exposed to the scent of rosemary essential oil performed better on questionnaires compared to people who were exposed to no scent at all.

The memory-boosting component of rosemary is thought to be caused by a compound called 1,8-cineole, which may cause increases in a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Although you may be able to take advantage of a more potent scent by using rosemary essential oil with a diffuser in your home, it doesn’t hurt to keep a rosemary plant nearby in places like your home office or any other room where you could use a mental boost.

Rosemary can be planted in a pot and put in any spot where it has access to bright sunlight. It should be watered evenly throughout the growing season, but will need less water in the winter. Avoid over-watering and remember to trim your rosemary plant after it flowers.

7. Peace Lily

Peace lilies will really compliment your home decor in the summer when their beautiful white flowers are in full bloom, but that’s not all that they can do. This pretty and powerful houseplant is a master of air pollutant removal – working hard to absorb ammonia, benzene, xylene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene throughout your home.

Since this is a flowering houseplant, it will produce some pollen and a floral scent, which isn’t always suitable for people with plant and pollen-related allergies. With that in mind, peace lilies can make a gorgeous addition to any dining table, side table or entryway table.

Peace lilies should be planted in a pot with all-purpose soil and kept slightly most throughout the entire year (without overwatering). They can thrive in both low and bright light, but do best in shaded areas.

8. Boston Fern


If you live in a location where humidity tends to be a problem, the Boston fern may be the most ideal houseplant to bring into your home. Said to be a natural humidifier, Boston ferns are among the best air purifying plants that also combat formaldehyde, xylene and other unwanted toxins.

Place this type of fern in any air-conditioned room of your home. It may also indirectly benefit any dry skin you may suffer from, which can often be a side effect of highly air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Boston ferns are easy to grow and prefer indirect sunlight, but you should check the soil daily to make sure that it’s kept moist. They’re most efficient in rooms kept at a cool temperature with a humidity level of 50 to 80 percent.

Never discount the power of what a simple and innocent looking houseplant can do for your health. It’s worth doing some further research on the type of plant you choose and how to care for it if it means it will make a difference in how you feel.

 Meanwhile enjoy this video of Popular House Plants in the Philippines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCaxFXrm580

 

My Orange Ice Plant in My Front Yard-April 7, 2021

 

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

My Youngest Sister Collection Of Ornamental and Foliage Plants in the Philippines


A part of My Sister's Collection on the Front and Side Yard of her Residence

One of the best and healthful hobbies is container gardening. My youngest sister in the Philippines started her container plants collection(foliage plants) last year. 

In her collections are several varieties of philodendrons, coleus, ferns, orchids, caladiums, euphorbias, begonias and other rare and popular foliage plants of the Philippines.   

Here are some photographs of her collection of plants. In the Philippines, they are grown outside but here in the US they are grown as house plants ( inside) or in the Greenhouse except in Southern Florida and maybe San Diego, CA which has tropical climate similar to the Philippines. Enjoy these photos.   


 




 


 




Meanwhile here are two photos of my geranium growing outside in my front yard and my orchids in the living room of my residence here in Northern California


 

For more information on foliage plants and varieties of philodendrons visit:

https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/foliage.html

https://smartgardenguide.com/philodendron-varieties/ 



 

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Dungeness Crab and Manila Clams for Our Easter Dinner This Year


Ditas and I are both excited at the above purchase!
 

Ditas went to her nearby Sea Food Market( Sunh) today to buy some Manila Clams. Luckily, live dungeness crabs for only $12.99/lb were also available.  This is not bad a price since I had been comparing prices for steamed Dungeness Crabs in our local grocery stores. The price ranges from $12.99 to $16.99 per pound depending on the grocery store. I had also been pricing whole cooked Dungeness crab with spices at our local seafood restaurants. The price ranges from $35 to $50 for one crab.  For more details about Dungeness Crabs visit the following site:

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-did-i-do-to-deserve-this.html

Meanwhile here are the photos of the cooked Dungeness crab, the Manila Clams and our Easter Eggs. 

Again, Have a Blessed Easter to All!!!




 

Friday, April 2, 2021

I Tasted Blue Rice for the First Time the Other Day

Spicy Pompano (Whole Fish)-Sautéed deep fried Pompano with onions, green beans, red bell pepper, jalapeño, zucchini, basil, garlic, chili sauce, and topped with crispy kaffir lime leaf.

 


I ordered Blue Rice from a Thai Restaurant the other day along with fried and Spicy Pompano. It was my first time to taste blue rice. The taste is similar to the regular Steam Jasmine white rice. Below is a description of what blue rice is      

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/blue-rice-is-the-latest-craze-that-is-insta-worthy-too/articleshow/80313239.cms

While Blue Rice is not new to Asian cuisine, it is the striking colour that has made people sit up and take notice of the dish lately. Recently, even actress Jacqueline Fernandez was seen indulging in this dish along with her friends. Blue Rice, also known as Nasi Kerabu, is prepared using butterfly pea flower and is commonly consumed in Malaysia and Thailand. Though mixologists across the country have previously used butterfly pea flowers to impart blue or purple colour to drinks, it is only recently that blue rice has been introduced in restaurants in the city. Chef Tarun Sibal, who serves Blue Rice with Yellow Tofu curry at his eatery, shares:

How to prepare it
Take a cup of Jasmine rice and cook it like you prepare regular white rice. To the water add a handful of butterfly pea flower. “You will need a lot of blue pea flower so that the rice gets the blue colour,” he says.
Pair it best with
This rice can go with all kinds of curries. “Since it is fragrant rice, personally, I prefer to pair it with Asian flavours. So, an Asian curry with mild flavour is definitely a good choice,” he adds. 

Nutrition aspect
Butterfly pea flower is packed with anti-oxidants and is said to detoxify your body and enriches skin texture as well.

 

 

Personal Note: Rice Farming and its income made me of what I am today. My Parents and Grand Parents from Iloilo were Rice Growers and Landowners during their time. My Parents had more than 30 tenants planting rice annually in Barotac Viejo. It was our primary income. 

On the other hand, Macrine's (RIP) Dad in the island of Marinduque was a coconut grower and copra dealer( coconut plantation). Macrine's Mom was an Educator! My own Mother was a full time homemaker. My Dad on the other hand was a Dentist in his younger years. Later on he retired from Dentistry and helped my Mom managed our farm land and other properties, including a commercial building in Iloilo City.  

 

 

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