Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Camp Recipes by Fish: Penne Seafood Marinara
by Chef Louie Lee Castro (UPM)Starting June 2009, Chef Louie Lee "Fish" Castro of the UP Mountaineers will give us practical tips and zesty recipes for an outdoor culinary experience!Some climb buddies have the penchant for being spectacular when in comes to campsite cooking serving meals out of the ordinary which makes the climb experience truly a gastronomical adventure as well. Pasta meal has grown to be an alternative to rice. Probably due to the reason that watching the group cook as he prepares the pasta meal is already socials and group bonding in itself.Searching the internet for the story behind ‘marinara’ led me to this website which gave a very simple story. As the name implies, it is from the Italian ‘marinaro’ or ‘sailor’ and the sauce is supposedly made in Naples for the sailors when they returned from the sea bringing with them fresh seafood as ingredients for the sauce.Penne Seafood MarinaraINGREDIENTS500 gram Penne pasta1 medium canned or 500ml whole peeled tomato200g onion2 cloves garlic (minced)40g white sugar1/2 tsp. dried oreganobayleaf/laurelginisa mix optionalcooking oilyour choice of seafood, it can be dory, prawns, mussel, scallops etc.COOKING THE SAUCEsaute onion and garlicadd the mashed whole peeled tomato bring it to boil.add laurel,sugar, dried oregano, ginisa mixlet it simmer for about 30 minutes to reduce liquid.add your seafoods and add 5 nimutes simmering time, then add your pasta.COOKING THE PASTAsee label on how long it will take to cook your pasta to make it al dente.cooking rice or pasta to the "al dente" stage without over-cooking requires a certain amount of practice and skill, since both have a relatively brief midway stage between the under-cooked phase, where rice or dried pasta stays hard in the middle and where fresh pasta tastes "floury", and the over-cooked phase, where the dish lacks texture and is considered too soft. Using plenty of salt helps achieve the "al dente" texture.Poaching is particularly suitable for fragile food, such as egg, fish, poultry and fruitswhich might easily fall apart or dry out. For this reason, it is important to keep the heat low and to keep the poaching time to a bare minimum, which will also preserve the flavour of the food.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Coca Cola and ZAFMOS team up for Coastal Clean-up of Caragasan Beach
Some forty personnel of the Zamboanga Coca Cola Bottling Company, together with members of the Zamboanga Fearless Mountaineering Society undertook the coastal clean-up of Caragasan beach last Saturday, Sept. 19,2009.
The activity is in line with the celebration of the World Coastal Clean-up day, an activity which is observed all over the world las Saturday, to drum up consciousness about the need to conserve our coastal aread from human debris.
An entire dump truck was filled up with sacks of debris, trash collected from the beach area left behind by irresponsible picnickers who throw their plastic bottles, food refuse, candy wrappers and even their clothing in the area.
The amoung of trash collected should be a wake up call to all, of how much we contribute to pollution of our oceans.
The activity is in line with the celebration of the World Coastal Clean-up day, an activity which is observed all over the world las Saturday, to drum up consciousness about the need to conserve our coastal aread from human debris.
An entire dump truck was filled up with sacks of debris, trash collected from the beach area left behind by irresponsible picnickers who throw their plastic bottles, food refuse, candy wrappers and even their clothing in the area.
The amoung of trash collected should be a wake up call to all, of how much we contribute to pollution of our oceans.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
For those interested in purchasing new equipment, T3ck Outdoor might be a worthy place to scout
T3ckoutdoor.com now ships outdoor gear nationwide!
Teck de Leon, the amiable owner of online outdoor store T3ck Outdoor and Adventure Shop, has informed me that their online outdoor shop now has a nationwide delivery service. This is a blessing for our countrymen who do not have access to a nearby outdoor shop - or to those who want the convenience of online shopping. T3ckoutdoor.com has a great selection of outdoor goods, virtually the whole spectrum from backpacks to ropes, of course tents, and even cameras. Local and imported brands are both offered. I've tried their service once when I ordered a Deuter bag and the item shipped as scheduled."Our goods are all duly-registered and we do issue official receipts for all transactions,"" Teck says, adding that their products are sourced from reputable suppliers. "And we do replace items if they are returned properly."Check out T3ck Outdoor and Adventure Shop at www.t3ckoutdoor.com.
Recommended Reading for Mountaineers
Hey guys, I picked this article up from the Pinoy Mountaineer blog with Gideon Lasco's permission. I believe this book is a must read for all of us who seeks some inspiration in our dreams of reaching the highest summit. I hope you take time to purchase this book for your own personal reading
Book Review: "Die Trying: One Man's Quest to Conquer the Seven Summits" by Bo Parfett
In the Philippines we have Romi Garduce who is on his way to becoming the first Filipino to complete the Seven Summits of the World. Then of course, still fresh in our minds is the triumph of our countrymen in bringing the Philippine flag at the top of the world - the summit of Mt. Everest.For many mountain climbers, however, Everest and the other lofty peaks of the Earth are just a dream. Yet dreams do come true; if only we are willing to stake our efforts and lives. One man was willing to 'die trying' - and he succeeded. This man is Bo Parfett, and he has recently published a book that is an inspiring, uplifting tale of courage and resolve; at the same time a candid memoir that gives an in-depth, realistic view of what it takes to be in a mountain expedition.Bo Parfett takes us to the Seven Summits of the world. In his case - just like great tales of inspiration - it begins with a dream and a confidence. You have to believe in yourself. Mind you, before he began he was an overweight investment banker from New York City. Then the adventure begins: Kilimanjaro, Denali Peak, Aconcagua, Everest, Kosciuszko, Vinson Massif, and Mt. Elbrus, and Puncak Jaya. If you're aiming to follow his and Romi Garduce's footsteps, you can learn the raw details of what climbing these mountain giants entail from Bo's account.I must not fail to mention that honesty of the book is a remarkable achievement. Bo does not romanticize the already romantic. Instead, he tells his story with humility and candor, enabling him to connect to a much wider audience. He connects his experiences in mountains with business and career, generating "life lessons". And of course, the story itself is that of adventure: facing life-and-death situations, confronting personal struggles, seeing the most beautiful places in the world, and reaching the seven summits of the world."Die Trying" is one inspirational success story and a marvelous, intimate tale of a mountaineer's personal quest. Whether you're aiming for a higher mountain or your next big hurdle in life, the book is a must read for the adventurer in all of us.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The Irresponsibility of the Mining and Geological Bureau
The manner by which the Mining and Geological Bureau , which is the office designated by law to issue out mining permits in the Philippines, issues out their permit to any applicant for mining in the Philippines, is one for the record books. While this country is a signatory to the international campaign against global warming, it is ludicrous to think that the MGB would wantonly give out a mining permit to the Rigid Aggregates Mining Corporation to mine within the Proposed Ayala Watershed of the city of Zamboanga, considering that the area has already been identified as a watershed area under a co-management agreement between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the City Government of Zamboanga. with no less than the Ambassador of the United States, Kristie Kinney as key witness to the signing of this agreement.
The MGB being a suboffice of the DENR cannot claim it does not know of this agreement, when they gave a permit to the RAMC, considering that they were aptly represented during the signing of the agreement... What is more, is that the Nipas law, strictly prohibits mining in critical sloped areas of the country, and any geologist worth his license will tell you that the Ayala Mountain ranges is a 90 degree sloped area adjacent to the Dumalon river, which is the main source of water for the different sardine canning industries of the city of Zamboanga.
It is strange that the MGB, in presenting the application to the city council for an exploration permit for the RAMC did not present the geological studies conducted by PHILVOLCS identifying the mountain ranges of Ayala as critical to landslides and erosion, considering that it is directly in the path of the Zamboanga fault, making it prone to earthquakes.
The deliberate ommission of this critical finding , which was already available as early as the year 2004, makes it criminal on the part of MGB officials, who are mandated under the law to conduct a thorough study before they grant any permit for a mining application to the area in question.
The ayala watershed present acts as the buffer zone for the Pasonanca Forest Reserve, a declared national wildlife reserve and watershed for the city of Zamboanga. We call on all ecological groups to act on this rape of our remaining forest reserve for the sake of the s elfish profit of a mining company and the pocket of corrupt polititicians in the city of Zamboanga, who look at this as an opportunity to line their wallet as capaing kitty for the next election.
The MGB being a suboffice of the DENR cannot claim it does not know of this agreement, when they gave a permit to the RAMC, considering that they were aptly represented during the signing of the agreement... What is more, is that the Nipas law, strictly prohibits mining in critical sloped areas of the country, and any geologist worth his license will tell you that the Ayala Mountain ranges is a 90 degree sloped area adjacent to the Dumalon river, which is the main source of water for the different sardine canning industries of the city of Zamboanga.
It is strange that the MGB, in presenting the application to the city council for an exploration permit for the RAMC did not present the geological studies conducted by PHILVOLCS identifying the mountain ranges of Ayala as critical to landslides and erosion, considering that it is directly in the path of the Zamboanga fault, making it prone to earthquakes.
The deliberate ommission of this critical finding , which was already available as early as the year 2004, makes it criminal on the part of MGB officials, who are mandated under the law to conduct a thorough study before they grant any permit for a mining application to the area in question.
The ayala watershed present acts as the buffer zone for the Pasonanca Forest Reserve, a declared national wildlife reserve and watershed for the city of Zamboanga. We call on all ecological groups to act on this rape of our remaining forest reserve for the sake of the s elfish profit of a mining company and the pocket of corrupt polititicians in the city of Zamboanga, who look at this as an opportunity to line their wallet as capaing kitty for the next election.
Friday, September 11, 2009
ZAFMOS Joins the Protest Against Mining in the Ayala Watershed
The officers and members of the Zamboanga Fearless Mountaineering Society joined 15 other concerned civic organizations in the city to oppose the application of the Rigid Mining Aggregates Corporation for mining rights within the city' s Ayala Watershed Forest Reserve.
Zafmos headed by its president, Ronnie Lledo presented a manifesto in the city council of Zamboanga to vehemently oppose the mining operation. In its manifesto, ZAFMOS presented a PHILVOLCS study, showing the area of the west coast as an earthquake prone area. which would gravely endanger the entire community of the west coast should the soil integrity in the area be affected by mining operations. It also presented its opposition to mining's wanton destruction of the ecology which is vital to the water source of the city of zamboanga and to the survival of endemic species in the area, like the flying lemur, krite eagles, wild boar, tarsier, and marmoset monkeys
Zafmos headed by its president, Ronnie Lledo presented a manifesto in the city council of Zamboanga to vehemently oppose the mining operation. In its manifesto, ZAFMOS presented a PHILVOLCS study, showing the area of the west coast as an earthquake prone area. which would gravely endanger the entire community of the west coast should the soil integrity in the area be affected by mining operations. It also presented its opposition to mining's wanton destruction of the ecology which is vital to the water source of the city of zamboanga and to the survival of endemic species in the area, like the flying lemur, krite eagles, wild boar, tarsier, and marmoset monkeys
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
ZAFMOS Joins in Protest Against Mining Operations inthe Ayala Watershed
Members of the Zamboanga Fearless Mountaineering Society, together wiith several other concerned organizations, have joined in a common protest against the encroachment of mining operations in the Ayala Watershed.
This came about after we learned of the sureptitious way by which the Rigid Aggregates Mining Corporation has managed to get permission from the Mines Bureau to operate in the area, obviously by bribing local officials into signing a no objection resolution in their favor.
The watershed in Ayala is only one of three remaining virgin forests in the country, and is the main source of water for the city of Zamboanga. What is worse is that the operation of mining in the Ayala district would cause soil erosion and siltation, and may be the cause of major landslides that would endanger residents in the west coast area of Zamboanga.
Mining operations will pollute our rivers, with mercury, affecting the sardine industry in the city, a major supplier of sardines to the European countries. If this happens, Europe might close down its importation of sardines from our country, thereby killing the livelihood of several thousands of Filipinos.
This came about after we learned of the sureptitious way by which the Rigid Aggregates Mining Corporation has managed to get permission from the Mines Bureau to operate in the area, obviously by bribing local officials into signing a no objection resolution in their favor.
The watershed in Ayala is only one of three remaining virgin forests in the country, and is the main source of water for the city of Zamboanga. What is worse is that the operation of mining in the Ayala district would cause soil erosion and siltation, and may be the cause of major landslides that would endanger residents in the west coast area of Zamboanga.
Mining operations will pollute our rivers, with mercury, affecting the sardine industry in the city, a major supplier of sardines to the European countries. If this happens, Europe might close down its importation of sardines from our country, thereby killing the livelihood of several thousands of Filipinos.
ZAFMOS Undertakes Pulong Bato Mountain Clean-up
Members of the Zamboanga Fearless Mountaineering Society undertook a project to clean-up Mount Pulong Bato, in Pasonanca on Sunday, August 30, 2009. The whole day activity concentrated on the picking up of rubbish left behind by irresponsible trekkers, who leave their water bottles and candy wrappers along the trail up to the mountain.
Pulong Bato, has a very historical significance to the city of Zamboanga, particularly to the Subanon tribal group,as it is considered to be a sacred mountain and home of their deity. In the past, when the rivers of Pasonanca was still deep and could be accessed from an inlet in Mulu Muluan, the tribal group of the Subanens, or people of the river as their name is literally translated, would travel by canoes to Pulung Bato and would offer sacrifices to an ancient balete tree at the foot of the mountain.
Several legends have been linked to this mountain, making a climb of this ancient rock a mystical experience for adventurous climbers. During Holy Week, people making their holyweek sacrifice would climb up for prayers. While this makes this mountain popular, it also brings a long with it the common problem of climbers who irresponsible throw their garbage anywhere.
Pulong Bato, has a very historical significance to the city of Zamboanga, particularly to the Subanon tribal group,as it is considered to be a sacred mountain and home of their deity. In the past, when the rivers of Pasonanca was still deep and could be accessed from an inlet in Mulu Muluan, the tribal group of the Subanens, or people of the river as their name is literally translated, would travel by canoes to Pulung Bato and would offer sacrifices to an ancient balete tree at the foot of the mountain.
Several legends have been linked to this mountain, making a climb of this ancient rock a mystical experience for adventurous climbers. During Holy Week, people making their holyweek sacrifice would climb up for prayers. While this makes this mountain popular, it also brings a long with it the common problem of climbers who irresponsible throw their garbage anywhere.
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