Nayong Pilipino

Mabuhay!!!

Since we are going to the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival, I checked some place which we can visit while within Pampanga. Nayong Pilipino is within that list. So after feasting our eyes with the colorful, gigantic, and mushy hot air balloons, we went to Nayong Pilipino.

When I was in elementary, I remember we used to have field trips in the old Nayong Pilipino. The one in Pasay I think. It was closed many years ago so I was surprised to learn that there is a new Nayong Pilipino in Clark Freeport Zone at Pampanga. Entrance fee is affordable P50 for adult, P20 for children and additional fees for different facilities such as if you want to rent a table or ride their coasters.

Overall, I am not satisfied for only few places are highlighted (Barasoain Church, Emilio Aguinaldo House, and Aeta's replica houses). If I am a foreigner and I want a quick tour of what Phillipines has to offer, Nayong Pilipino could not do what its purpose is. According to this site, this park is essentially a representation in a miniature-version of the diverse Philippines and its culture, all in one place. As I've said, there's nothing much to see. I wish the government would develop it because it is such a nice idea to have an area where you can see ALL the beautiful sceneries in our country all in one place. And I tell you, there are LOTS of breath taking tourist spots in the Philippines! I think it would also help our economy if tourism would flourish here. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our stay there and took something with us as we explore the place - pictures!!!

the replica of Barasoain Church.

(I'm from Malolos, Bulacan and the real thing is much more charming

so visit the real Barasoain Church in my hometown :) )

Kalinga Village's replica houses

cool interior

very colorful and fashionable!

And that ends our Nayong Pilipino trip.

Mabuhay!!! :)

Corn Flakes Sweets

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
9 cups corn flakes

Directions:

1. Bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Mix in butter and peanut butter.
4. Stir in corn flakes.
5. Press into the bottom of a 9 X 13 inch dish.
6. Let cool.
7. Cut into squares.

17th Hot Air Balloon Festival

Last February 12, we went to Clark Field Pampanga to watch the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival. We almost make it on time. Almost! We left Bulacan 4 am and arrived at the place around 6. But the journey from the entrance of Clark Freeport Zone to the Air Field was CRAZY! So my advice if you're planning to go here next year, be sure to arrive early. To avoid traffic like this:

We were still outside the venue but we can already see activities up there in the sky. It's not a bird! It's not a plane! It's paragliders with our National Flag.

And more follows:

After a loooong line to entrance and paying P200, we are inside the place to take a closer look at those giant balloons that my son can't take his eyes of.

I think my son is eyeing this one right here,

And this too! Well, I couldn't blame  him. I was mesmerized too. :)

Up close they are even more wonderful :)

Up, up and away. And bring happiness to every one who see you soar! :)

Next entry: Nayong Pilipino.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup margarine , softened
3/4 cup butter flavor shortening
1 1/2 cups brown sugar , lightly packed
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
3 tablespoons water
3 teaspoons vanilla
3 3/4 cups flour , unsifted
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups chocolate chips , semi-sweet

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place baking rack in middle of oven.
2. In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3.In a seperate bowl cream the margarine and butter flavored shortening.
4. Add the sugars and beat until creamy.
5. Add the eggs to incorporate.
6. Add the corn syrup, water and vanilla extract, mix well.
7. Gradually blend in the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.
8. Stir in the chocolate chips; make sure they are evenly distributed.
9. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart and bake until the cookies are slightly underdone, between 10-12 minutes (maybe longer, depending on your oven's calibration).
10. The centers should be just set and a light golden brown. They will continue to cook, from the heat in the cookie sheet, after they are removed from the oven.
11. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet.
12. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute before removing to cooling racks until they are completely cooled.