November 2023 ZAI Newsletter

Publisher: The Zambales Association, Inc.

Google search “Dawasan Blogger” for easy access.

The Summer Ends

As summer comes to an end, it's a perfect time to explore the many wonderful things our city has to offer. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, there's always something new to discover. From hidden parks and gardens to local museums and galleries, it's a great opportunity to take advantage of the warm weather and longer days and discover what our city has to offer. If you haven't checked out the city parks in Virginia Beach recently, you'll be amazed by the upgrades.

 Woodstock Park on Providence Road has a new skate park, additional parking, picnic shelters, dog parks, and tennis courts.

Mt. Trashmore Park, located on Holland Road, has undergone significant upgrades. It now features walking, jogging, and cycling trails, as well as Kid's Cove. Additionally, there is a hill that provides an excellent vantage point overlooking the Virginia Beach Expressway, offering stunning views of the lake. Picnic shelters are conveniently located right next to the water's edge, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. These amenities make Mt. Trashmore Park an ideal destination for spending quality time outdoors with family and friends.

If you're planning a day trip to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, a great starting point would be to park your car by Rudee Inlet and take a walk down the Boardwalk. The beach is particularly busy on weekends, but do not let that deter you from enjoying all the exciting activities available. Various restaurants cater to all kinds of taste buds. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a bike or a tricycle for the return trip to your car.

As you walk along the white sand beaches, you will feel the cool and salty waters of the Chesapeake Bay gently washing over your feet. You'll hear the squawking of seagulls overhead and see juvenile crabs scurrying towards the water. As you walk, you'll feel a soothing sensation as your feet experience the rush of fresh blood flow.

The Hampton Roads metropolitan area boasts a plethora of tourist attractions that are just waiting to be explored. It is an incredible place to live, with an abundance of things to see and do, and the best part is that it won't cost you a dime! So, before summer comes to an end, take advantage of everything our city has to offer and indulge in all its pleasures. The region offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained, so you will never feel bored. Ten Free Attractions in Virginia Beach.

To make your experience even better, bring along a family member or friend and enjoy some peaceful and quiet moments together.

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Ooy Gayyem! If you have news or a story to share, attach it to a text or email and send it to zaiupdate2019@gmail.com or text 757-454-2286. Keep your fellow members informed! Salamat po.

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State Parks in Virginia Beach

You can make the most of your outdoor experience by visiting the two State Parks available in the area. Seashore State Park is equipped with campgrounds that have electric and water hookups. However, keep in mind that camping reservations are required, especially during Summer. On the other hand, False Cape State Park is located at the end of Sandpiper Road in Sandbridge. Both parks have an entrance fee, which is waived for military personnel and veterans. My wife Letty and I love visiting these parks for leisurely walks on the beach, and occasionally for fishing and crabbing.

It's currently Autumn and the signs of the season are here to stay until December. The shrimping season is from October 01, 2023, to January 31, 2024, so if you haven't stocked up on shrimp and fish for Winter, it's time to start cleaning out your freezers to make room for additional supplies. Happy stocking up, guys!

During the summer, we enjoyed growing an assortment of fresh vegetables in our backyard gardens, which created some wonderful memories. Some of us have continued to nurture our gardens, and the garden of Rey and Aida Fanugao has produced a rich harvest of Upo, eggplants, kangkong, ampalaya, and other tasty produce. We are delighted for those who have succeeded in their gardening efforts.

Gardening is a favorite pastime that provides both physical exercise and relaxation. I have a neighbor who talks to his tomatoes and dances around his eggplants. When I asked him why he does such crazy things around his plants, he said, 'Gayyem, my tomatoes, and eggplants taste sweeter when they see me happy.' Hehe! A la ngarud!

(Left: Here's Joe Aranas' picture of his summer garden. Nalangto met diay tarong na kakabsat! Madi't malaylay!)

As Halloween and Thanksgiving draw near, many of us and our neighbors are likely busy with holiday preparations. Some may even be planning to travel to visit friends and family, renewing old acquaintances and rekindling long-lost friendships. Meeting old friends from the past can add joy to the coming years, despite life's unpredictable twists and turns. So, let's move forward and make the best of what's left – have fun, everyone!

The Legend of the Witch of Pungo

Grace White Sherwood, known as the Witch of Pungo, was a Virginia Beach farmer accused of witchcraft in the early 1800s. She was subjected to an outdated trial and spent almost eight years in jail. Her legend lives on and many believe she haunts the area. In 1973, Louisa Venable Kyle wrote a book, The Witch of Pungo, and Cry Witch, a drama set in Colonial Williamsburg, inspired by her story.

She died in 1740 at the age of about 80. Governor Tim Kaine granted an informal pardon to Sherwood on July 10, 2006. A statue of Sherwood was erected near Sentara Independence in Virginia Beach, recognizing her as the first woman to be tried as a witch in Virginia. Read more <<

Echo Valley – Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

Sagada has become a popular destination for adventure and soul-searching lately, largely due to a local romantic comedy. However, beyond the beautiful mountain peaks and natural landscapes, there is one place that stands out for its eerie quality: the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley. Some of these coffins are over 2,000 years old, while others are relatively new.

This is part of an Igorot burial tradition where coffins are hung instead of being buried underground. They are placed inside caves or on the face of cliffs, and the belief is that the higher the dead are placed, the greater the chance of their spirits attaining a higher nature in the afterlife. Echo Valley has also been named one of the spookiest destinations in the world, alongside the Valley of the Kings in Egypt and the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan.

Election on November 7, 2023

It's crucial to educate ourselves about the candidates running for office, so we can select those who align with our progressive values and will benefit both our family and community. Even if our children are grown up, we may still have grandchildren attending public or private schools. The policies that affect their education are currently being discussed by parents and government officials. Therefore, it's necessary to be a part of that conversation, so we can make informed choices. Keep in mind that not voting means forfeiting your right to complain.

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday:

To all who celebrated their special day from August to November, may your lives be filled with blessings and love. Cheers to the celebrants!

ZAI Casino Outing, September 16, 2023

Whenever we go out with our friends, we have a great time and feel like winners. The experience of being outside and spending quality time with our loved ones is invaluable. As time passes, these moments become cherished memories that we hold dearly. Congratulations everyone!

The Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center (JCVCC) will officially open its doors on November 10, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. The center is located in the Princess Anne section of Virginia Beach on a 25-acre site that is adjacent to Nimmo Parkway (extended), West Neck Rd, and N. Landing Rd. The City of Virginia Beach generously donated the land for the care center. The 128-bed facility features all private rooms, which are organized into eight 16-bed households that surround a central community center. Construction was completed, and the building was turned over to the Department of Veterans Services on August 3, 2023. They are planning to start admitting residents later this year. To learn more about JCVCC admissions, please contact Ms. Bianca Freeman at Bianca.Freeman@dvs.virginia.gov. — Story contributed by Pepe Cabacoy

Happy Veterans Day – November 11, 2023

Many businesses are offering free meals, discounts, and deals to veterans in appreciation of their service. Read more.

Hampton Roads Social Events in November 2023 – 

Check out what is happening in your neighborhood. Join the crowd and have fun, folks! Read more! 

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Jokes (Gargarekgek laeng po!)

Story by Robert Jobson – Royal Expert • Sunday

Is it unusual for Queen Camilla to experience diplomatic indecision? In this case, it is a resounding, “Yes!”.

For the American president, the situation is normal considering his age. It is human nature to fart. Accidental farting happens to the best of people. A rhapsodic farting sound of a clarinet produces uncomfortable behavior among friends. But a fart liken to the shocking bombastic sound of a tuba would dwarf the anger of Zeus.

Queen Camilla will think twice before standing near President Biden after he farted loudly and looked at her accusingly.  😎 Hehe. 

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•  Something to read if you have the time

 This I Believe by Carlos P Romulo  

Carlos P. Romulo | Filipino Diplomat, Pulitzer Prize Winner

This, I Believe. Carlos P. Romulo was a journalist when the Japanese struck the Philippines. He offered his services to General MacArthur and became a symbol of Filipino heroism and the spirit of independence. As a delegate to the United Nations, president of the 4th General Assembly, and an ambassador of the Philippines, he has earned the admiration of Americans. Here now is the personal credo of General Carlos P. Romulo. Read more << click here.

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• Trivia

What are the five foods that relieve constipation? 😌 Hehe!

Prunes – which are dehydrated plums, are high in fiber and promote regular bowel movements

Kiwi – A recent study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology discovered that consuming two kiwi fruits daily helped alleviate constipation. Additionally, research indicates that kiwi is better tolerated than prunes or psyllium.

Oatmeal – is a good source of soluble fiber, which can absorb water. When you add hot water to oatmeal, it gels due to the presence of soluble fiber. Ashley Baumohl, a registered dietitian in the division of gastroenterology at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, explains this phenomenon.

Papaya – is known for its beautiful orange color when it's ripe. It has many digestive enzymes, a lot of fiber, and some fructose that can help jump-start a stalled digestive system. For some people, fructose can cause a laxative effect. Mango is another fruit that shares similar traits.

Aloe vera juice – is said to have various health benefits, including improving skin health and relieving heartburn and constipation. It can also be used in combination with fresh rhubarb for constipation relief.

Disclaimer:  The information provided is not expert advice for treating constipation. It is important to thoroughly study these fruits and consult your primary care physician before consuming them.— Mike Colorado.

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What is Cooking

Arroz A La Valenciana

Recipes of the Philippines by Enriqueta David-Perez

To prepare the dish, first, season the chicken and pork meat with salt and pepper, and fry them until they turn slightly brown. Then, in a deep pan with a cover, fry the garlic, onions, and tomatoes in the order given. Add potatoes, chicken, pork, and chorizos, and mix everything well. Cover the pan and cook until the meat and potatoes become tender. If required, add water. Later, add sweet pepper, sweet peas, and olives. Once the meat and vegetables are done, remove some stock from the pan and set it aside. Now, add cooked rice to the meat mixture and blend thoroughly using a wooden spoon. Add remaining stock and seasoning to taste, and cook on low heat until the mixture becomes dry. Finally, garnish the top with sliced hard-boiled eggs, stuffed olives, and red pepper slices.

Ingredients

1 young chicken cut into regular pieces

1/2 kilo pork meat, also cut into regular pieces

2 pieces Chorizos de Bilbao, sliced

6 potatoes, quartered

1/2 cup shortening

2 segments garlic, macerated

1 onion, sliced

1 cup (0.24 liters) tomatoes

Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Slices of sweet red pepper

1 cup (0.24 liters) sweet peas

1/4 cup olives

Slices of hard-boiled eggs

3 cups (0.71 liters) rice, boiled in 3 cups (0.71 liters) of water and 

2 cups (0.47 liters) coconut milk

1 teaspoon salt

Note: Spanish Paella can be made with various seafood, such as mussels, squid, shrimp, and octopus, instead of chicken and pork used in Arroz A La Valenciana. 

 In Memoriam | Obituary  |  ZAI Officers  | 

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We apologize for any unintentional errors in our writing. English is not our native language, and we are not experts in grammar, so there is always room for improvement. We aim to deliver the best possible content, and we hope that you understand if we make any mistakes.

Your support has been invaluable in encouraging us to continue despite our limited resources. We appreciate your patience and assistance in growing our newsletter. — Mike Colorado

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Thank you for spending time with us. Until the next issue – God bless.

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