Filipino-Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area

http://theguardsman.com/7_culture_soma-pilipinas_ticsay/

Last January when Dinah and I visited my grand daughter, Alix, in San Francisco she treated us to Dim Sum at HK Lounge Bistro located at Fremont and Eight Streets. On our way to the restaurant she mentioned that a few blocks from the restaurant had been designated as SoMa Filipinas in honor of Filipino-Americans in San Francisco. I was not really inform on this so I did some search and I am happy to post it for your information on the  history of Filipino- Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area( Wikipedia).   

Elderly tenants who were evicted from the International Hotel in San Francisco during the dawn hours of 4 August 1977

"One of the earliest records of a Filipino settling in the San Francisco Bay Area occurred in the mid-19th century, when a Filipino immigrant and his Miwok wife settled in Lairds Landing on the Marin County coast; many Coast Miwok trace their lineage to this couple. Significant migration began in the early 20th century, including upper-class mestizo businessmen, mariners, and students (known as pensionados). Another group of Filipinos who immigrated to the Bay Area was war brides, many of whom married African-American "buffalo soldiers".  Additionally, other immigrants came through the U.S. Military, some through the Presidio of San Francisco, and others as migrant workers on their way to points inland; many of these Filipinos would settle down permanently in the Bay Area, establishing "Manilatown" on Kearny Street (next to Chinatown). At its largest size, "Manilatown" was home to at least 10,000,^]the last of whom were evicted in August 1977 from the International Hotel. After 1965, Filipinos from the Philippines began immigrating to San Francisco, concentrating in the South of Marketneighbourhood.

 In 1970, the San Francisco-Oakland metropolitan area had the largest population of Filipinos of any metropolitan area in the continental United States—44,326. Two other nearby metropolitan areas also had a population of Filipinos greater than 5,000 in 1970, San Jose , and Salinas-Monterey (6,147).

Due to a change in the ethnic make up of the Yerba Buena neighborhood, and with the construction of the Dimasalang House in 1979, four street names were changed to honor notable Filipinos. By 1990, 30% of the population in South of Market was Filipino American.

The 2000 Census showed that the greater San Francisco Bay Area was home to approximately 320,000 residents of Filipino descent, with the largest concentration living in Santa Clara County. In the mid-2000s Filipino Americans were between one fifth and one fourth of the total population of Vallejo, having been drawn there by agriculture and Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In 2007, there were about a hundred thousand Filipino Americans living in the East Bay alone. 

By the time of the 2010 Census the greater San Francisco Bay Area was home to 463,458 Filipino Americans and multiracial Filipino Americans; Santa Clara county continued to have the largest concentration in the area. In 2011, 9% of all Filipino immigrants to the United States reside in the San Francisco metropolitan area, and an additional 3% resided in the San Jose metropolitan area. Daly City, in the San Francisco Bay Area, has the highest concentration of Filipino Americans of any municipality in the U.S.; Filipino Americans comprise 35% of the city's population.

 In 2016, although the number of Filipinos living within the City of San Francisco has been reduced, a heritage district was designated "SoMa Pilipinas". For details on SOMA PILIPINAS visit:

https://www.somapilipinas.org/

For some of SoMA activities visit: 

https://www.parollanternfestival.com/

Again, may I emphasize that I am indeed very proud of my Filipino ancestry. I immigrated to US in 1960 and became a US citizen in 1972. For some details of my autobiography please visit:  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/08/excerpts-from-my-autobiography-updated.html

    Lastly, enjoy this photo from Pacita Abad Art Exhibit at the SFO Museum of Modern Art.

Happy St Tib's Day/Leap Day to All 

Why is leap day every four years?

The reason there are leap days, and years, is because of the Earth's orbit.

The amount of days it takes for the Earth to complete a full revolution around the Sun is not a whole number. The 365 days we experience is actually 365.242190 days, according to the National Air and Space Museum.

A Hectic But Relaxing Day Here at THD Yesterday

Yesterday, was a very hectic day for me here at THD ( My Gilded Cage).💥 However, it was also a very relaxing day. My massage therapist e-mailed me the night before if he could come Tuesday instead of Thursday this week. I have no choice because I do not want to miss my weekly massage. What could be more relaxing than a whole hour body massage with the Song from the Secret Garden Music in the background?

http://vevo.ly/Oed6EI

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2013/07/time-for-some-music-for-relaxation.html

My day started with a hot shower at 7AM after Batman & Robin woke me up for their breakfast. A hearty breakfast of my own with Belgian Waffle and 2 eggs with coffee and fresh oranges ended at 9:30AM.  My massage started promptly at 10 and ended at 11 AM, followed by Corn Hole at the Yoga Room.  My 30-minute lunch was just soup and chips and watermelon and regular coke.  At 12:30 PM I have bridge for 2 hours. Then  at 3PM I have a haircut followed by a nap. 

Dinner was at 5PM and I have a choice of several Entrees/Salad/Desserts from the Menu( see photo above):    

My Baby Back Ribs Dinner after one bite last Night-Yummy!!!!

Last Monday I had shrimp scampi. I had on the Back ribs yesterday ( see photo above). For dessert I had German Chocolate Cake last night and Key Lime Pie on Monday.  

The photo above  are the Events Highlights for our February 26 to March 3 Schedule of Events. Looking forward to the Taste Of Italy Special Dinner tomorrow. 

Let me close this posting, that my regular days are not as hectic as yesterday. Normally, my mornings are free except on Tuesday when I play either corn hole, ladder ball or chair volleyball.  However my afternoons are busy with either bridge or mahjong for 2.5 to 3.0 hours on Monday to Friday. My Weekends Days are FREE except for Zumba on Saturday at 1PM. 

Finally here's my quote for today: We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.  Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-1894, Scottish Writer and Poet.    

💥A place where someone appears to live in luxury but where he or she has very little freedom. I lost my freedom when I stopped driving a couple of years ago and when I could barely walked a few blocks without getting tired.

Some of My Coin Collections

I started collecting coins about 30 years ago. I was not serious about it. However, I was able to purchase the following coin sets.  I found these coin sets while looking for other items I have missed that are still in my unopened boxes. I have no idea of the value of these coins, but if you are knowledgeable about the value of old coins, I will appreciate your input.  Here are the photos of each set both in front and back.

  

Two of the Most Expensive Coins Listed for Sale on E-Bay -Teddy Roosevelt Panama Penny, 1920 listed for 990,000.00

and The Double Lincoln Penny 1999 -Listed on E-Bay for $555, 555.00 

And here is my miscellaneous collection of coins from US, the Philippines and other countries

The oldest are 1967 Kennedy Quarter,1971 Eisenhower Dollar, and the 1976 Jose Rizal Philippine Peso
  

For values and prices of US coins visit:

https://www.pcgs.com/prices/us

Lastly, 

Question of the Day: How do numismatists differ from coin collectors?

Numismatists study the physical attributes of the payment media rather than the use and function in an economy. The term numismatics is often used interchangeably with the coin collection, though it connotes more intensive study than just simply collecting coins.

Once Again, I Have Cravings for Filipino Food

The food here at the Newton's Restaurant,THD is delicious and rated 5 Star. But eating the same dishes week after week becomes very boring sometimes.  I have resided here in the US since 1960 but with my Filipino ancestry and taste buds, my cravings for filipino dishes once in a while, I will consider a normal behavior.   

Thus after I moved here at THD, I did some Google search on the Filipino Food near me ( see reference below).

I found Imas Restaurant located in the Seafood City Compound in Concord to have the best-tasting Filipino Dishes. You can order it and have it delivered here at THD or you could drive to Imas (only 4.2 miles) in Concord. You can even order ahead for lechon if you are planning a Filipino Feast.

Alix and I admiring the Lechon ( roasted Pig Suckling) during Her Wedding Reception last September

Here's a list of Filipino Restaurant Near THD, Walnut Creek, Ca.  Bon Apetit!

filipino food near me

Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history; it is like other Southeast Asian cuisines but with heavy Spanish influence. Some ingredients of the Mexican cuisine, such as corn, tomato and chili, have also found their way to the Philippines.

Though its cuisine is not as renowned as many of its neighbours, such as that of Thailand and Vietnam, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all South East Asian cuisines.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that Filipino food is bland, though. It is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions and ginger to add flavor to the dishes. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and when done properly is often what brings out the flavor of the food, as opposed to a healthy dose of spices.

With over 7,500 islands, the cuisine of the Philippines is rather a mish-mash of hundreds of local, regional, and ethnic cuisines, and without any qualifiers, you would often think of ubiquitous dishes such as adobo, sinigang, lechon,and Filipino-Chinese dishes.

Thus, Filipino cuisine is a mesh between Chinese, Mexican, Malay, Spanish, Indian, and American cooking.

Another non-Filipino dish I missed is the Mexican Chili Rellenos. 

Chile rellenos (or ‘stuffed peppers‘ in English) are a traditional Mexican dish made from roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, then coated in a fluffy egg batter and fried until golden brown.

They’re sometimes served with a simple red or green salsa, or even wrapped in a tortilla with refried beans to make chile relleno burritos.

Photo Credit: FoodFanatic.com

Good News: I talked to Agustin, our Chef the other day. He informed me he has not forgotten my request for him to cook Chili Relleno Casserole in the future. He assured me we will have Chili Relleno Casserole in the near future.   

Newton's did have Chili Relleno Casserole in our Dinner Menu under the Vegetarian Section for the whole last week of January. Thanks, again Agustin for the delicious Chili Relleno Casserole.   

Cravings For Pigs Feet/Hocks Adobo or Humba!

Thinking of Spring-Today and Yesterday

Yesterday, Dinah visited me. She convinced me to walk with her in downtown Locust Street- Walnut Creek Restaurant Row to have Dim Sum at the Grand Opening of the newly opened franchised Dim Sum restaurant Dough Zone. It was only a few blocks from THD at the corner of Locust Street and Mt Diablo Blvd. Since it was a beautiful spring-like afternoon,  I reluctantly agree. With my cane I slowly walked the few blocks and I enjoyed the adventure very much. This was my first outing walking out from the front Gate of THD since I moved here about 8 months ago. I felt like a bird that flew out of its gilded cage. Speaking of Dough zone, I am not impressed. It has limited offerings and it did not taste as good as the Dim Sum in CreekHouse in Parkside. Here's the website of Dough Zone on Locust Street. 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/dough-zone-walnut-creek-walnut-creek-3

   

Meanwhile, while reading my Facebook page today, I see this photo of the Butchart Garden, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (above). It reminded me of my previous posting about the three most beautiful gardens that Macrine (RIP) and I had visited.   

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-three-most-beautiful-gardens-that.html

Macrine (RIP) and I loved Gardens. We spent a lot of time, money and energy in our younger years to make Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, a Garden Paradise.  Here's a repost of my article on the subject.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2019/04/pleasant-memories-of-my-gardens-at_14.html

Here are two old photos of our visit to Butchart Gardens, Victoria, B.C. Canada in 2005.

 

Meanwhile Here's a photo of the Daffodils in our THD Garden Court Yard

 Here are two of my favorite spring quotes:

• "The first blooms of spring always make my heart sing." — ... 
• 
  
• "Blossom by blossom the spring begins." — ...

Lastly, this is part of my orchids collection along the Driveway of Chateau Du Mer (CDM)( our second home),Boac, Marinduque,  Philippines, 2015 

Chateau Du Mer-Top 5 Places to Stay in Marinduque in 2018

Orchids in the Driveway Of Chateau Du Mer (CDM) 2018

I was surprise to learn today that my Bed and Breakfast Chateau Du Mer resort was listed by Ikot.ph.com as one of the top  5 best places to stay in Marinduque in 2018. Here's the posting from the Ikot.ph website.

"Known as one of the smallest Southern Tagalog provinces, Marinduque is located between the Bondoc Peninsula of Luzon and Mindoro Island.

Most famous for the Moriones Festival, the province of Marinduque is one of the top tourist destinations during Holy Week. This festival is a celebration that involves the re-enactment of the passion and the death of Jesus Christ with the use of colorful Roman costumes, painted masks, and helmets. The term Moriones was derived from the type of open helmet used during the 16th up until the early 17th centuries called “Morion”.

Aside from the festivities, though, Marinduque has a lot to offer for tourists willing to explore the place. The place is teeming with hidden gems like unexplored caves, undulating hills, scenic valleys, seaside cliffs, and other awe-inspiring sceneries waiting to be discovered.

Are you ready to explore the province of Marinduque? What are you still waiting for? Go ahead, and visit the province of Marinduque! Having trouble looking for a place to stay? Check out our list of the 5 best places to stay when in Marinduque:

 Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort

A simple yet stunning beach resort owned by Filipino-American retirees, Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort is a lovely resort that encapsulates the charm of its surroundings. The sound of the calm waves of the emerald sea and the lush greenery surrounding the resort combine to make up the naturally romantic charm that the whole place has. If you’re planning a peaceful romantic getaway with your partner, try booking your stay in Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort.

The 4 other Places Listed are: Katala Beach Resort, Cagpo Beach Resort, Zenturia Hotel and Bellarocca Resort.  Today, Bellarroca and Chateau Du Mer are no longer in operation. 

For Details visit:

https://www.ikot.ph/top-5-best-places-stay-marinduque/

For Current Places to Stay in Marinduque:

https://www.trip.com/hot/marinduque-resorts/

Is Avocado a Fruit or Vegetable?

Some of My Avocado Harvests from My Fruit Orchard Chateau Du Mer, Philippines 

When I was growing up in the Philippines my favorite ice cream is Avocado Ice cream.  I also enjoyed smashed avocado in condensed milk. So in the Philippines it is considered a Fruit.

However, when I moved to the US in 1960, I have Avocado in My Fish Taco and my Green Salad, so it is a Vegetable here in the US.     

So the Answer the Question is Avocado a Fruit or Vegetable, Read the following.

https://www.rd.com/article/is-avocado-a-fruit-or-vegetable/

You may be surprise of the answer. It is Both! 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of avocados and other popular Fruits in the Philippines. 

 https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/11/some-of-most-popular-fruits-of.html

I have also an avocado plant in a pot now inside my apartment here at THD, but it will moved outside to my patio next Spring.

Here are other photos of avocados in my photo collection

Sprouting Avocado from Commercial Seed- Indoor in Fair Oaks, in my Kitchen Window

 

My Potted Avocado Plant in my bedroom here at THD

My Potted Avocado Plant In My Patio Here at THD 

Meanwhile enjoy Chinese New Year Here at THD

The Chinese Lunar Year Parade in SFO China Town will be tomorrow. Have you personally attended  an event similar to this Celebration?    

Final Note: A Resident told me "I like Avocado and I really don't care whether it is a fruit or vegetable". Can you write on a more serious subjects similar to your previous blogs about THD( suggestions for improvement) or is Biden too old to be President or Skin Hunger and other senior citizens issues.  I do enjoy reading your blogs, though and I am a loyal reader." 

My Response: I write on any subject that comes to my mind except on sex and religion and rarely on politics. 

Another Resident Reader: I do not like Avocado, It has no taste. 

I responded, Have you tasted Avocado ice cream or milk shake?   

U.S. annual avocado consumption 1985-2022That number has increased six-fold to over 2.7 billion pounds of the berry being consumed by Americans in 2022. Per capita consumption has increased from 2 pounds in 2001 to over 9 pounds in 2022.

Lastly, Here's my Quote of the Day: "The mind is its own place, and in itself.  Can make a heaven of hell,  and a hell of heaven"- John Milton, 1606-1674,  English Poet

Suggestions for the Improvement of the Quality of Life Here at THD

Let me start by saying that this is Not a Complaint, But Just a Suggestion.  I am very Happy with my Living Conditions Here at THD. Again Congratulations to THD, A Place For Mom Winner of the Best of Senior Living Award for 2024.   

THD receiving the Best of Senior Living Award for 2024 from the "A Place for Mom" meant that majority of the senior residents and their families are happy and satisfied residing here at THD. 

However, there is no perfect place and there is always room for improvement. There are 109 residents here at THD based on the February phone Book. I have interviewed about 50 of them. My question was:

If you have a wish, what will you suggest to improve the well-being and quality of your life here at THD?

A number of the residents did not answer me right away. They said they are happy and will think about it. Most residents rated The Staff, a perfect 5, mentioned the great variety of activities, good food and excellent housekeeping and transportation services.   

Here are suggestions from some residents :  I am listing it in three categories as (1)Minor and Feasible, (2) May be Feasible and (3) May Not be Feasible because of High Cost and Infra Structure Inadequacy.

1. Minor and Very Feasible; 

a. Serve French Toast for Breakfast and Chocolate Drinks

b. Designate Additional Space for Meetings and More Games ( Billiards and/or Table Tennis)💥

c. Put signs in the Front Gate- the 3 other Addresses for each Building, 1725, 1745,  1765 besides the 1785 Address. 

A number of Delivery Persons are confused of the 4 addresses and just leave packages/Door Dash orders outside the Front Gate. Some of us are lucky if our packages are left in the Front Desk.  When my daughter visited me last year from Washington DC, I gave her the address of 1745 Shuey for the Fairmount Building. The Uber Driver dropped her at the Exit Gate at the back side of Fairmount. She had to walk several blocks with her luggages to the front gate. Needless to say, she was not too happy!  

d. A written history of THD from its start as a Condo about 30 years and its conversion to a Senior Independent Living Community with ratings starting on the average of 3 to its current rating of 4.5.   

2. May Be Feasible: 

a. Add Dance Lessons besides ZUMBA in the Activity Calendar

b. Schedule International Dishes or Soups Once a Month in the Newton's Menu 

c. Extend Lunch Times Another 15 Minutes from 11AM to 1PM instead of 12:45PM. 

d. Form a Resident's Council with two Representatives from each of the buildings and Chaired/Presided by the Resident Liaison or any Designated THD management Personnel.   This should be an umbrella group for the Greeters Program, Library Services and The Herald Newsletter and Activities run by Residents.  

3. May Not be Feasible Because of Cost and InfraStructure:

a. Improve Acoustics in the Newtons Dining Room and the Yoga Room 

b. Install Public Address System for Emergency and Special Announcements 

c. Install Generators for the Fairmount and Liberty Buildings for Power Outage Emergency

d. Install a Toilet in the Cinema

Let me reiterate for THD management: I am personally very happy here with my living conditions and all the amenities provided by THD. But again, there is no perfect place and there is always room for improvement.  Would it be excellent publicity if THD received a perfect 5.0 review ratings next year?  

Note: If you have other suggestions not listed here, please let me know.  I have talked to Teresa Nudo, our Resident Liaison  on the suggestions above and she said she will look into it and passed it to her superiors for evaluation.  As they say, to achieve your goal, one does not only Act, but also Dream ( or Wish). Again,  I thank Teresa for initiating a dialog with me about this blog. You are doing a great job as Resident Liaison.     

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of the Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi-Part of the Excellent Amenities offered by THD  

My Quote of the Day:   Old Age is not an illness,  it is a timeless ascent.  As power diminishes,  we grow towards the light- May Sarton, 1912-1995, American Writer and Poet  

💥Table Tennis (ping pong) will give me pleasant memories of my younger years at the Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center, Philippines

Skin Hunger- Benefits of Massage Therapy

In my previous two postings, I mentioned that I pamper myself currently by signing a 10-session - I hour whole body massage from a local reputable massage therapist Darryl Choy ( Indy). Indy comes to my apartment every week and gave me a whole body massage that I really need because of my leg and lower back problems. In the article below I summarize the benefits of massage therapy.
https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/01/pamper-yourself-once-in-while-you.html
Here's a summary of an article I read recently on the effects of skin hunger and the need for massage therapy. 
"Skin hunger, or touch deprivation as it’s more commonly known, is the unfulfilled need for receiving touch and physical contact. 

Touch is the first sense that develops in the embryo and research suggests that alongside water, food and rest, we need touch and affection for our bodies to function at their best. Saul Schanberg once said that, “We forget that touch is not only basic to our species, but the key to it.” 

P.N.K Heylings wrote an article in the British Medical Journal, called, ‘The No Touch Epidemic – an English Disease’. It lists a number of symptoms of skin hunger, which include:

• 
  Loneliness, Unusual reactions to being touched or touching others, A sense of insecurity, A reduced ability to communicate with others standing close and by questioning the loyalties of other people. 

While we may not be able to trace the exact roots of this touch avoidant attitude mentioned by Heyling, we know that the issue has become more pronounced given that we’re spending more time with our technology and less time engaging in person. 
The fact that we’re also living through a loneliness epidemic suggests that we’re not receiving the connections we desire, and this is having a knock-on impact on our mental and physical health ". 

So My dear fellow residents, pamper your self by having a whole body massage once in a while. It is not cheap, but at the stage of our life, we do not need to suffer of skin hunger or touch deprivation. If you can not afford a massage, here are some suggestions. Hugs relatives, touched pets ( cats and dogs) and self-massage, hug a pillow or sleep with a weighted blanket. 

Finally, Massage is an excellent substitute for sleeping pills if you are suffering from insomnia.  A substitute for Pain Killers if you are suffering from back aches and pains.  

For complete details on skin hunger read the following.

https://www.rebekkamikkola.com/post/8-effects-of-skin-hunger-that-will-make-you-seek-out-a-nurturing-hug#:~:text=Skin%20hunger%2C%20or%20touch%20deprivation,to%20function%20at%20their%20best.

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo I took of the Daffodils blooming in the THD Court Yard just recently.

My Quote of the Day:  Friendship improves happiness and abates misery by doubling our joy and dividing our grief- Joseph Addison, 1672-1719- English Essayist