Wool myths in the Philippines (What things most Pinoys do not understand about wool)

We live in a tropical country and that does not make sense in the point I want to make. Wool yarn is a product that is not manufactured or made in the Philippines. Most of the wool we get is even the surplus from countries like Japan and even China. Some people buy them new and while some get them at Japan Surplus shops. I wish there was one in Makati.

With the advent of the Internet we also get yarns from abroad and buying things with a smartphone has become something staple for many fiber artists (crocheters, knitters, weavers and so much more). Now it is easy to buy acrylic yarns (in so many colors and varieties), wool, rayon, natural, synthetic, thin or even really thick yarns.

Here are some misconceptions and myths about wool yarn I want to debunk:

1. WOOL CAUSES ALLERGIES

Yes, it is true wool causes allergies but only for a very small part of the population. Only 1 in 100,000 people suffer from a wool allergy. That means wool allergy is rare. Skin irritation, nasal congestion and eye irritation are not symptoms of wool allergy. The argument also goes with people who crazy about gluten. Only a small part of the population has gluten and wool allergy.

On the other hand real wool allergy causes the following: anaphylaxis, asthma, sinusitis, ear and lung infection. I am sure most of the people who have complained about wool had just some kind of skin irritation.

But what causes wool irritation? The main culprit is lanolin. It is weird that most people do not know that lanolin is the main ingredient for make-up. I am sure most women do not have problem with make-up. Also nowadays, manufacturers use varied ways on making wool yarn that reduces any irritation and problems.

If you do get wool allergies, go to a doctor not some so called expert on Facebook.

KnitCrate membership subscription box - March 2018

I have always thought about getting a yarn subscription online. I have watched many YouTube unboxing videos. I finally signed up for the KnitCrate box last March 21, 2018. I got my package last March 24, 2018.

The regular membership box contains the following: two skeins of specially hand dyed yarn, the pattern links, promo codes and details of the yarns, which also includes the shipping fee from the US.

Each month there would be a theme, for March 2018 it was Sugar sugar. They think of something that ties the yarn and also the free patterns. Yes, you will get two patterns, one for knitting and another for crochet.

The KnitCrate March 2018 membership box uses Uruyarn's Sugared Sock. This is a special yarn that is exclusively made by KnitCrate. The yarn is 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, and 10% Stellina. It is a fingering yarn.

The regular membership box is USD 24.99 (the actual value of the whole package is at USD 63.00). And because I live in the Philippines there would be an additional fee once you receive the package. I think it is around Php 112.00. Not that bad since you are getting all of these including the shipping fee.

There is also stash points that will give you discount and amazing deals at the site.

Of course there are other membership crates for you: Sock Crate for USD 19.95, the Artisan Crate for USD 39.99, or the Sock Artisan Crate for USD 27.99.

Here is a link if you want to subscribe: here

The hunt for Knitting books at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at World Trade Center

The event was held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. The event is held by Big Bad Wolf from February 16th until the 25th. They are open 24 hours. So you wont need to deal with people. Yes, those annoying people who keep blocking isles and is just standing there for no apparent reason.

I left my house at around 1 AM and was there in the venue really fast. There was no traffic and less people. The only problem is that it is late and the evil monsters of Manila are alive and just lurking. Especially that the place is in an area that is often dark. So be careful and be always active, especially with pick pockets and robbers. Do not flash your valuables. Dress simple.

But gladly I made it safe to the venue. The place is still open and I am glad they are really open. There were some people waiting in front. While some like me are still coming in.

Yes, not so many people. Half of the lights are on. Darker than usual

I made my way to the entrance fast, which might be long if I came in during the day.

Horitkultura Filipina 2018: The biggest horticultural show ever!

The Philippine Horticultural Society of the Philippines (PHSI) will be having its biggest show this year. It will be showcase of art also plants from the country as well as the latest trends in the plant industry. They also have guest exhibitors from other countries.

The event is made through the help of the Quezon Memorial Circle Administration, the Quezon City Government, Del Monte Philippines, Nutri-Asia, Villar Foundation and also DTI.

The even will cover a large area of the Quezon Memorial Circle with many exhibits and events.
It will be from February 2nd until the 11th. But the best time to go is on the earliest dates and the lastest dates.

Hortikultura 2018 poster

There would be exhibits of wonderful plants and flowers and landscape exhibits and competition. There would also be a commercial area where you can buy some of the interesting plants shown.

What to expect at Hortikultura 2018

They also encourage people to join their lectures and seminars. They will be free if you pay the the very minimal entrance fee.

Lectures at the Hortikultura 2018

That is almost one-fourth of the whole area.

The whole extent of the event will be at the following: Hardin ng mga Bulaklak, Tropical Garden, RUNNEX Garden, QCX and Rock Garden.

Event map for Hortikultura 2018

For more information please contact the PHSI secretariat:

0917-712-6392

577-52-34 

look for Ms. Angel

71st Mid-Year Orchid Show: Ti's the season for Waling-waling

The Philippine Orchid Society in cooperation with Quezon City government, Quezon City Memorial Administration with special participation of Del Monte, Philippines, Villar Sipag Foundation and other plant society presents to the gardening public the 71st Mid-Year Orchid and Garden Show from September 2nd to 16th, 2017 .

There will also be a trade fair, landscape exhibits, plant and orchid competitions, and daily lectures.

The venue of the exhibit and trade fair will be at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak or Flower Garden which is near the East Avenue gate entrance.

According to the Philippine Orchid Society's facebook page:

Flora de Filipinas 2017

The first edition is the Flora de Filipinas según el sistema de Linneo (1837) or  Flora de Filipinas by  Francisco Manuel Blanco (1778-1845).

Flora de Filipinas
Source: Wikipedia

Other editions of the book exists and are all highly valued. They are:

Innovative Bonsai at the QCX

The Bonsai and Suiseki Alliance of the Philippines will having its National Show this coming July 22 and 29, 2017. The project is supported by the Quezon City Memorial Circle administration, Quezon City government , Department of Tourism  and Del Monte Philippines.

There would be seminars from July 22 to 23 and July 29 and 30 at the QCX Museum. Foreign and local speakers will discuss a wide range of topics about bonsai and suiseki . A commercial trade fair will be held at the nearby Planas Garden beside the QCX Museum.

San Marino's Indoor Bike Challenge at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga

San Marino has always been a proponent of healthy living since its start years back. They are famous for many brands and is one of the well know canned foods in the Philippines. San Marino corned tuna by Foodsphere Inc. local manufacturer and distributor of popular brands like CDO, Bibbo hot dogs, Highlands corn beef, Holiday Cheese dogs.

San Marino and Robinsons Mall started last year an advocacy to help improve the lives of the shoppers, thus they launched an Indoor Bike Challenge at Robinson’s Magnolia. This year there are 3 legs for the Indoor Challenge, one held last June 3 at Nuvali, Laguna; June 24 at Robinson Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga; and July 8 at Santa Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta, Rizal.

71ST MID-YEAR PHILIPPINE ORCHID SOCIETY SHOW

The Philippine Orchid Society in cooperation with Quezon City government , Quezon City Memorial Administration with special participation of Del Monte Philippines, Villar Sipag Foundation and other plant society presents to the gardening public the 71st Mid-Year Orchid and Garden show from September 2 to 16, 2017.

There will also be a trade fair, landscape exhibit, plant and orchid competition,  daily lectures.

The venue of the exhibit and trade fair will be at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak or Flower Garden which is near the East Avenue gate entrance.

There is a minimal entrance fee of Php 30 for the general public and Php 20 for students and senior citizens with valid ID’s .

There would be lectures and workshops. Don't forget to bring your camera.

Gantsilyo Guru: another adventure with yarns

If you love working with yarns and is a crochet addict then this place is for you. Gantsilyo Guru is one name that stands out when it comes if you are talking about places to buy yarns and crochet materials. But mind you this place is also good for other yarn crafts like knitting, macrame, and others.

Philippine Orchid Society’s 71st Annual Orchid Show

Philippine Orchid Society had its 71st annual orchid and garden show from February 25 to March 7, 2017.

There were the daily schedules of workshop and talks at the upcoming orchid show . The lectures and workshop is part of the awareness and public lecture conducted by the organization .

The first stop we had was at the commercial section, which sometimes has more interesting plants and flowers than the exhibits themselves.

The orchid show for sometime now has also been a place to see pets like bantam chickens.

There are plant based products that are also selling stuff.

Ikenobo ikebana at Shangri-la Plaza Mall

The Ikebana Society of Manila with cooperation with the Japan Embassy And Shangri-la Plaza Mall had a show for ikenobo.

Minasa Festival, Sto. Nino and Heritage Houses: Lakad Pamana Tour (Part 2)

Now I go into the small Municipal Hall of Bustos. It's tight and fully functional. Again with many government offices the restrooms needs a real good clean. It stinks.

The Municipal Hall could also get an overhaul on how it looks and presents itself. True to its history and function.

The insides as I was told is more in keeping to the original look of the Municipal Hall. The grandstaircase with its big painting captures you.

Looking up you see the different leaders of the Municipality til the present.These are the people who helped contribute to the Municipalities history.

Minasa Festival, Sto. Nino and Heritage Houses: Lakad Pamana Tour (Part 1)

Another great town from Bulacan has opened its door to its rich culture, history, heritage and amazing food.

The tour starts at the Plaza Bustos Bulacan.

The Bustos Heritage Park is a nice quaint place where you can experience fun and art in one place. Do not think of anything like the mall. This is the country side. They are not that stupid and gullible with consumerist lifestyle yet.

Registration is straight-forward and easy. And all of the participants are awesome.

I am here to see what Bustos has to offer and the things that might make the place apart from the rest of historically rich Bulacan.

69th Mid-Year Philippine Orchid Show by the Philippine Orchid Society

August 3, 2015, and it's once more the Philippine Orchid show. By this time waking up is no longer a problem but the problem arises because I have to leave the show as soon as possible for we need to fetch our Buddhist Master at the airport.

It's another great day to see beautiful flowers and plants.

Blogapaloza 2015

It's another day to meet and see friends. And of course meet new friends.

Unlike last time, where I had to attended the Blogapaloza late. This time I was a little motivated to attend the event early despite I have other things to attend to in life. I made it an earlier appointment and signed up soon as my other friends signed up.

So the grumpy guy steps into the lion's den. BTW if you don't like honesty about my filthy language and narrow mind I tell you to stop and go to another blog who will talk about nice things and all.

First stop is the registration booth. I arrived way past 10 am to be greeted by registration people who are not caring enough to assist. I have to ask where to register and how to do it. It seems most of them are not in the mood to talk with me. Fine, I register on the tabled and were given some ID that I have to sign myself, some flyers I won't even read and a voucher that will never be used.

Then off to the booths. Everything was arranged into the so called four seasons. Cute. I think they made effort on how each of the booth will look fit for the season they are representing. Too bad it all starts with winter. I wish also there was a direction pointer on where to start but I guess anywhere is good.

It seems also that 10 am is still an early time since most booths are still prepping up. Of course no celebrities at this unholy hour for many bloggers or celebrities. I thank God that I did go early. As you know I am not a big fan of celebrities.

I surveyed the area about three or four times in just less than 30 minutes and took the following pictures. The place is bubbly and alive with people signing up and doing certain activities.

36th Manila International Bookfair

It's that time of the year again for me to buy postcards and to drool at nice books. It is always good to go early on such big events. There are less people still and there are no fucking annoying stupid cosplayers. Yes, I fucking hate cosplayers.

Entrance fee for the MIBF is just Php 20.00

There are rows and shelves of books everywhere. There are textbooks, technical books, tons of religious books and even hobby books.

Hell and Heaven meet at the National Bookstore Warehouse Sale

Without any sleep just to wake up early  and on the first day. I was a bit worried about going there too early since I really don't have money to things with. And I usually do my buying quick.

I arrived at the Warehouse at around 9:30 and it was shocking that its already packed and full of people. So far this is one of the best sales they have because they have good titles for everyone. Of course the books and other stuff was just priced right.

#NBSGreatWarehouseSale 2015! (National Bookstore Great Warehouse Sale 2015)

OMG! I am so excited for this one even though I am broke as fuck! This is even way awesome than that shit called the Manila Christian International Bookfair whose real name is the Manila International Bookfair.

There would be lots of interesting books and annoying people. But I hope there are postcards.

Find great bargains and great finds at National Book Store’s “The Great Warehouse Sale” in Quezon Avenue. Get up to 90% off on books, supplies, and gift items from August 13 to 18, 2015, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., only at the 4th Floor National Book Store, Quezon Avenue cor. Sct. Borromeo and Panay Avenue. Hurry, 6 days only! Make your pre-Christmas shopping sprint at #NBSGreatWarehouseSale. Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 10219, Series of 2015.

Shop online and buy eBooks at nationalbookstore.com.Follow National Book Store on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@nbsalert).

source: National Bookstore Facebook page

Revisiting the Joy of Urban Farming and the Quezon Heritage House at the Quezon Memorial Circle

Since we are already at the area. As part of the tour we also re-visited the Joy of Urban Farming and the Quezon Heritage House.