Torrance Farmers Market

Aloha Everyone,

Farmers market used to be where local farmers bring their green produce and eggs. That is no longer the case with Torrance Farmer’s Market. About 60 California farms participate in this biweekly activity where you can find a large selection of California-grown vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, honey, baked goods, fish, flowers and plants.

This is a place where family spend 1/2 day browsing, sampling goodies, meeting old friends and making new friends, having breakfast, lunch or snacks.

Our objective was to get some Greek food, fresh fruits, vegetables and poinsettias. At Mom’s Products, we bought three different varieties of Hummus and Pita bread. I purchased a large bagful of persimmon.

I admit that I have a weakness for beautiful vegetables in a same way some people cannot stay away from sweets. I tend to over-buy!  After spending an hour checking out one organic booth after another, we walked away happy with an armful of fruits and veggies. Only thing we weren’t able to find today was poinsettia.

Aloha -- Cathi

Family Visits in California

Aloha Everyone,

Despite of resuming our daily routine, it  took us a week to get over jet lag.

This turned out to be a beautiful day for driving.  We were on the road by 7:00 am.  

Summits of Mountains of The San Bernardino National Forest were dusted white with early snowfall.

J.J. and I will be visiting my Mother for 10 days. The two of us will then spend  Christmas in La Jolla with our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

Aloha -- Cathi

Return to the USA

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I were on the air or at airports for 36 hours. While actual flying time was approximately 19 hours, factoring pre-board waiting time, plane changes and delayed departures added to unexpectedly lengthy travel time

One of the positive things about the Manila International terminal 3 is that the facilities are new, contemporary and very comfortable. Taking advantage of our delayed departure, I was able to complete my daily walking before boarding time.

Aerial view of Manila

Aerial view as we approached Hong Kong

Our entry back into the USA was in San Francisco. The procedure was hassle free and pleasant. It’s wonderful to be greeted by an immigration officer with a cheerful “welcome home!”.  

Aloha -- Cathi

Senior Citizen Discount in the Philippines

Aloha Everyone,

Senior Citizens in the Philippines are entitled to discounts to a wide spectrum of products and services.  

Here is a quick list of benefits:

1). Medical and dental services in private and government facilities including lab tests such as X-rays, blood tests, etc

2).  Professional fees of attending physicians and licensed health workers

3).  Medicines both generic and name brands, vitamins and mineral supplements with doctor’s prescription

4).  Medical supplies and equipment including eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, dentures, crutches, etc

5). Domestic air and sea travel fares plus public transportation fares including taxis and shuttle services 

6). Hotels, resort accommodations and use of amenities including spas and gyms

7)  Restaurants and take-out for food, beverages 

8). Leisure and recreation such as cinemas, theaters, concert halls, museums, as well as sports facilities.

On Wednesday, movies are free in Makati - one of the top business and upscale neighborhoods 

Mandatory 12% VAT (value added taxes on goods and services) is removed. With an additional 20% discount on food and drink, the total discount senior citizens receive is 32%!

One needs the government issued Senior Citizen Discount certifying your legal address and that you pay taxes in the Philippines. https://www.moneymax.ph/blog/senior-citizen-discount-philippines

Aloha -- Cathi

French Philanthropist

Aloha Everyone,

Today we had a lunch with Poli and his wife Bubut at Sala Bistro, a European-style restaurant. Over soup and quiche, we heard about their involvement in philanthropy. Poli and Bubut are Rotary Club members. 

Alain Ducasse is an internationally acclaimed French-born chef. Among his accomplishments is his three stars restaurant in the Guide Michelin book. Ducasse, in association with the non-profit Tuloy Foundation of the Philippines and Rotary, has a successful project of reintegrating street children into mainstream society. This undaunted task is achieved through a comprehensive program of caring, healing, and teaching. Some of the children attend Ducasse’s culinary training program.

Poli’s eyes lit up as he related the success of this program. Poli said, “The program is a real life changer!  

Imagine these children were abandoned by their parents.” 

This is like modern day Oliver Twist success stories. After completing their training from world class chefs, former street children go on restaurant internships and even international job opportunities. Here is a link to this inspiring story of Alain Ducasse’s Philanthropy program and how the joint venture is making a difference. 

https://www.youthwithafuture.ph/

Aloha -- Cathi