Some of My Coin Collections

I started collecting coins about 30 years ago. I was not serious about it. However, I was able to purchase the following coin sets.  I found these coin sets while looking for other items I have missed that are still in my unopened boxes. I have no idea of the value of these coins, but if you are knowledgeable about the value of old coins, I will appreciate your input.  Here are the photos of each set both in front and back.

  

Two of the Most Expensive Coins Listed for Sale on E-Bay -Teddy Roosevelt Panama Penny, 1920 listed for 990,000.00

and The Double Lincoln Penny 1999 -Listed on E-Bay for $555, 555.00 

And here is my miscellaneous collection of coins from US, the Philippines and other countries

The oldest are 1967 Kennedy Quarter,1971 Eisenhower Dollar, and the 1976 Jose Rizal Philippine Peso
  

For values and prices of US coins visit:

https://www.pcgs.com/prices/us

Lastly, 

Question of the Day: How do numismatists differ from coin collectors?

Numismatists study the physical attributes of the payment media rather than the use and function in an economy. The term numismatics is often used interchangeably with the coin collection, though it connotes more intensive study than just simply collecting coins.

Once Again, I have Cravings For Filipino Food

The food here at the Newton's Restaurant,THD is delicious and rated 5 Star. But eating the same dishes week after week becomes very boring sometimes.  I have resided here in the US since 1960 but with my Filipino ancestry and taste buds, my cravings for filipino dishes once in a while, I will consider a normal behavior.   

Thus after I moved here at THD, I did some Google search on the Filipino Food near me ( see reference below).

I found Imas Restaurant located in the Seafood City Compound in Concord to have the best-tasting Filipino Dishes. You can order it and have it delivered here at THD or you could drive to Imas (only 4.2 miles) in Concord. You can even order ahead for lechon if you are planning a Filipino Feast.

Alix and I admiring the Lechon ( roasted Pig Suckling) during Her Wedding Reception last September

Here's a list of Filipino Restaurant Near THD, Walnut Creek, Ca.  Bon Apetit!

filipino food near me

Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history; it is like other Southeast Asian cuisines but with heavy Spanish influence. Some ingredients of the Mexican cuisine, such as corn, tomato and chili, have also found their way to the Philippines.

Though its cuisine is not as renowned as many of its neighbours, such as that of Thailand and Vietnam, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all South East Asian cuisines.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that Filipino food is bland, though. It is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions and ginger to add flavor to the dishes. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and when done properly is often what brings out the flavor of the food, as opposed to a healthy dose of spices.

With over 7,500 islands, the cuisine of the Philippines is rather a mish-mash of hundreds of local, regional, and ethnic cuisines, and without any qualifiers, you would often think of ubiquitous dishes such as adobo, sinigang, lechon,and Filipino-Chinese dishes.

Thus, Filipino cuisine is a mesh between Chinese, Mexican, Malay, Spanish, Indian, and American cooking.

Another non-Filipino dish I missed is the Mexican Chili Rellenos. 

Chile rellenos (or ‘stuffed peppers‘ in English) are a traditional Mexican dish made from roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, then coated in a fluffy egg batter and fried until golden brown.

They’re sometimes served with a simple red or green salsa, or even wrapped in a tortilla with refried beans to make chile relleno burritos.

Photo Credit: FoodFanatic.com

Good News: I talked to Agustin, our Chef the other day. He informed me he has not forgotten my request for him to cook Chili Relleno Casserole in the future. He assured me we will have Chili Relleno Casserole in the near future.   

Newton's did have Chili Relleno Casserole in our Dinner Menu under the Vegetarian Section for the whole last week of January. Thanks, again Agustin for the delicious Chili Relleno Casserole.   

Cravings For Pigs Feet/Hocks Adobo or Humba!

Thinking of Spring- Today and Yesterday

Yesterday, Dinah visited me. She convinced me to walk with her in downtown Locust Street- Walnut Creek Restaurant Row to have Dim Sum at the Grand Opening of the newly opened franchised Dim Sum restaurant Dough Zone. It was only a few blocks from THD at the corner of Locust Street and Mt Diablo Blvd. Since it was a beautiful spring-like afternoon,  I reluctantly agree. With my cane I slowly walked the few blocks and I enjoyed the adventure very much. This was my first outing walking out from the front Gate of THD since I moved here about 8 months ago. I felt like a bird that flew out of its gilded cage. Speaking of Dough zone, I am not impressed. It has limited offerings and it did not taste as good as the Dim Sum in CreekHouse in Parkside. Here's the website of Dough Zone on Locust Street. 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/dough-zone-walnut-creek-walnut-creek-3

   

Meanwhile, while reading my Facebook page today, I see this photo of the Butchart Garden, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (above). It reminded me of my previous posting about the three most beautiful gardens that Macrine (RIP) and I had visited.   

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-three-most-beautiful-gardens-that.html

Macrine (RIP) and I loved Gardens. We spent a lot of time, money and energy in our younger years to make Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, a Garden Paradise.  Here's a repost of my article on the subject.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2019/04/pleasant-memories-of-my-gardens-at_14.html

Here are two old photos of our visit to Butchart Gardens, Victoria, B.C. Canada in 2005.

 

Meanwhile Here's a photo of the Daffodils in our THD Garden Court Yard

 Here are two of my favorite spring quotes:

• "The first blooms of spring always make my heart sing." — ... 
• 
  
• "Blossom by blossom the spring begins." — ...

Lastly, this is part of my orchids collection along the Driveway of Chateau Du Mer (CDM)( our second home),Boac, Marinduque,  Philippines, 2015 

Chateau Du Mer-Top 5 Places to Stay in Marinduque in 2018

Orchids in the Driveway Of Chateau Du Mer (CDM) 2018

I was surprise to learn today that my Bed and Breakfast Chateau Du Mer resort was listed by Ikot.ph.com as one of the top  5 best places to stay in Marinduque in 2018. Here's the posting from the Ikot.ph website.

"Known as one of the smallest Southern Tagalog provinces, Marinduque is located between the Bondoc Peninsula of Luzon and Mindoro Island.

Most famous for the Moriones Festival, the province of Marinduque is one of the top tourist destinations during Holy Week. This festival is a celebration that involves the re-enactment of the passion and the death of Jesus Christ with the use of colorful Roman costumes, painted masks, and helmets. The term Moriones was derived from the type of open helmet used during the 16th up until the early 17th centuries called “Morion”.

Aside from the festivities, though, Marinduque has a lot to offer for tourists willing to explore the place. The place is teeming with hidden gems like unexplored caves, undulating hills, scenic valleys, seaside cliffs, and other awe-inspiring sceneries waiting to be discovered.

Are you ready to explore the province of Marinduque? What are you still waiting for? Go ahead, and visit the province of Marinduque! Having trouble looking for a place to stay? Check out our list of the 5 best places to stay when in Marinduque:

 Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort

A simple yet stunning beach resort owned by Filipino-American retirees, Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort is a lovely resort that encapsulates the charm of its surroundings. The sound of the calm waves of the emerald sea and the lush greenery surrounding the resort combine to make up the naturally romantic charm that the whole place has. If you’re planning a peaceful romantic getaway with your partner, try booking your stay in Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort.

The 4 other Places Listed are: Katala Beach Resort, Cagpo Beach Resort, Zenturia Hotel and Bellarocca Resort.  Today, Bellarroca and Chateau Du Mer are no longer in operation. 

For Details visit:

https://www.ikot.ph/top-5-best-places-stay-marinduque/

For Current Places to Stay in Marinduque:

https://www.trip.com/hot/marinduque-resorts/

Excerpts from My Autobiography for the Herald (THD)-Updated 8/4/23

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/08/excerpts-from-my-autobiography-updated.html

Mahjong as Part Socialization and Gambling Activity for Filipino Americans

In my latest article/posting, I discussed some tips to consider when purchasing an automatic mahjong table. This was inspired when when my Pinay Home Care Aide informed me that every month as part of her entertainment, she plays automatic mahjong in the residence of a friend ( another retired Pinay) a few minutes away from my house. This activity is also part socialization and part gambling. The last time she played she lost $200 after playing for 8 hours. I advise her to adhere to a monthly budget for this activity.

This incident reminded me of my younger years in the Philippines. At that time automatic mahjong tables had not been invented/manufactured. But playing mahjong in people's private residences as a gambling activity was  a very popular activity as there are no public parlors for gambling at that time. 

My aide information on this activity did not surprised me. Knowing that mahjong could be addictive I now believe that this is becoming popular in Filipino-American Homes specially for Seniors and Retirees here in the US. 

The host of this mahjong parties may make a little money from the TONGs ( contributions/payment/donation)  from patrons of the game. During my childhood years in the Philippines, I remember that the tongs varies from 5 to 10% of the winnings of the player per game. Here in Sacramento my aide informed me that the tongs is calculated based on the amount of the winnings of the player and a little bit complicated depending on the complexity of the game won.

Part of the TONGS is spent for the food and drinks provided by the Host to the Players. The rest of the tongs is income for the host. My aide informed me that her friend hosted automatic mahjong games three times a week from 11AM to 9PM. A few of the mahjong players have jobs, so scheduling is flexible. Bets are as low starting at $2/4 per game or as high as your budget allows. 

Here are more tips if you are really serious in buying an automatic mahjong table.

An Automatic Mahjong Table works by using magnetism. The table contains 4 powerful magnets which influence the magnets inside of the Mahjong tiles. By using magnetism we can establish which side of the tile will be facing up. This is accomplished by installing the magnets inside the tiles with their poles facing in the same direction of the magnets inside of the table. This will cause the magnets to repel and turn onto the side where the tile numbers are not seen. We also use the magnets to load the tiles onto a small conveyor belt to be distributed to each wall. We then use sensors to count how many tiles will load onto each wall and distribute the remaining tiles to the other walls where needed. This process is repeated every time a new game is played.

https://versatilemachinery.com/automatic-mahjong-table-faq/

 

 

Tips on Purchasing Automatic Mahjong Tables

 

Last Monday my home care aide (A Pinay) was 30 minutes late. I was worried as she was always on time even 5 minutes early. She told me she overslept. Later on she volunteered the reason why she overslept was the fact that she played automatic mahjong in her friend's house up to 2AM. Because it was late she did not go home and slept on her friend's couch. Her Friend's house is only 5 minutes away from me. Her own residence ( son's house) is 25 minutes away. I was curious about automatic mahjong table so I did some search here's what I found.

The automatic mahjong table cost varies from the cheapest model of $300 to the most expensive model-$50,000.00. The one I like is described below and can be purchased from Amazon.

https://www.google.com/search?q=automatic+mahjong+table+price&client=ubuntu&hs=rhz&channel=fs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj306f3juP7AhW4JDQIHQHNACgQ_AUoAnoECAIQBA&biw=1373&bih=719&dpr=1

Amazon.com - Seller · $1,249.99

USA Mahjong Table 144Tiles 44mm 松乐 超大手感牌 Folding Automatic Mahjong Table with 4 Drawers & 2 Sets of 44mm No Number Chinese / Philippine Tiles ( Blue & Green) Not Fit

Visit

下单后您会收到一封确认邮件,请及时回复以便我们尽快发货,谢谢您的理解!You will receive a confirm message from seller, please reply it so that we can ship your order ASAP. Thank you for your understanding! 驰名品牌松乐,品质有保障。Tabletop Dimensions: 39′′ x 39′′ x 30.5" high from floor to tabletop Weight: 220 lb Cable:110v, Length: 5 feet long The folding table automatically shuffle tiles and push a button to roll the dice and start playing in 3 seconds! Comes 2 sets of 144pcs 44mm (43mm x 32mm x 22mm) large size magnetic tiles plus 8 blank tiles. 超大手感牌 

Never use MAGNETIC CHIPS! They will cause table breakdowns!We will provide the foldable table assembly instruction and Mahjong Table Convertible Modes electronic document Never use MAGNETIC CHIPS! They will cause table breakdowns! 

Contemporary Pedestal Automatic Mahjong Table comes 2 sets of magnetic tiles 144 tiles (1 Blue & 1 Green) The table can be used not only with Chinese mahjong set, but also Philippine style, India style...etc, but please double check the tiles picture and make sure that is what you play, usually not for American mahjong style. 

You can easily switch the modes on the table according to your preference : ) Example: Switch the code to "01" --- when playing 144 tiles (Traditional Chinese Mahjong ) Switch the code to "01" --- when playing 144 tiles. Tabletop dimensions: 38′′ x 38′′ 30.5" high from floor to tabletop Weight: 220 lb Cable:110v, Length: 5 feet long High quality table motor was designed by SOLOR Inc. and with the corporation of Panasonic team. The tiles are pretty and it's nice to have the numbers on the Chinese character tiles. Tiles were made of melanmine. 144 tiles Full Size Mahjong Set unfold dimensions: 110 cm x 101 cm x 77 cm Package included 1 automatic mahjong table + 2 sets of magnetic tiles 144 tiles (1 Blue & 1 Green)

 Here's a video of how the automatic mahjong table works.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpbjH_eHc6A

For the article why mahjong is a Katague clan Tradition read:

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2021/12/playing-mahjong-reliving-my-favorite.html 

 Here's a video for Beginners-13 tiles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix6DmwP4Ets 

 

The reasons why Mahjong is Addicting:
 

 https://techstory.in/the-science-behind-why-mahjong-can-be-so-addictive-lets-find-out/