#nagacity

As ancestral homes slowly diminish its traces in the city of Naga along with time’s passing and modernization flourishing, little did we know that one ancestral home located at Peninsula street of Naga City would become a cultural hub that will bring life again to this little old home. 

I have blogged about this house especially the two businesses settling a space here several times, but there are always something new to write about it. I am still amazed with the fact of the efforts made to preserve the house. For one thing, this house has undergone several renovations and this time, a new business opened: Tugawe Cove Cafe. 

TUGAWE COVE CAFE

Tugawe Cove Cafe was once located at the ground floor of Robinsons Place Naga before they moved here in this ancestral home. Before they moved this little space here, this was once the Peninsvla Cafe and Resto which I also blogged sometime in 2019. 

With Tugawe Cove Cafe's collaboration with Savage Minds Book Shop which is situated downstairs, it became more lively now as it also became the place where books published and authored by local writers as well as artworks by local artists can be marketed and promoted as they are displayed on every shelf and corner of the cafe. Anyway, it is nice to see the renovations made and how this house was preserved and became the newest trending hangout in the city of Naga. There is always a space for history, culture, art and literature appreciation here. 

The food is also delicious. With it’s homey and relaxing ambiance, this is also an ideal space to be inspired to work. 

SAVAGE MIND: ARTS, BOOKS, CINEMA

I noticed that a lot of things also changed since I last went here. The set up, the amount of books available, the vintage stuff displayed, then remembering the memories of friends I made here during my previous visits and the lecture series I attended here. Since its opening, Savage Minds kept on upgrading its shop to be more than just as an independent bookstore but as a cultural hub that values creative minds, welcomes intellectual conversations and serves as the home of books published by local and independent authors as well as artworks of local artists. Savage Minds created a mark in the city of Naga by proving and reminding us that we have a place where history, culture, arts, films and literature collide to raise awareness and appreciation. Gesamtkunstwerk. 

Every time I would visit bookstores especially independent ones, I would tell myself, "Sana dumating rin ang araw na makita ko rin dito yung mga isinulat kong nobela."Since college after writing three novels then publishing them online through Wattpad, I have dreamed of getting them all published in print too. It is more satisfying having a physical book and feels more real because it is a tangible proof of hard work as well as ideas weaved to inspire and tell a story. But I just realized now that getting your works published and printed is not as easy as I thought it would be when I was younger. Although, those didn't stop me from being a writer or work for it to have them published on print someday. I know it is hard to tie with publishers too. Self publishing also needs money which I still cannot afford as of the moment. Believe me, if I have sufficient funds, I was able to print something already. I was only able to invest in an editor for the meantime. I did the book cover which still needs to be modified for printing. There are a lot of things to be done and I am not there yet. It is frustrating to have slow progress. This year, I think that the only progress I had was becoming a registered author at NBDB and low key launched my ebooks on Amazon, Kindle Store and Beebly (for 2022). I will start there. Maybe if I can collect enough money, I could have a printed copy being sold here too. Until then, I will try my best to keep the dream alive. I feel pressured to achieve so much at this age as a writer because I can see the younger generation achieving in it too. Perhaps my season hasn't come yet some would say but I will never stop fighting to achieve my dream. Sana sa 2022, published author na tayo. Published author cutie.

::: Friendship Goals | Let’s see how far we can travel together :::

Mt. Naupa…. Naga, Cebu

Traveling with friends is indeed a stress reliever. GO! Travel where your feet leads you. Travel to capture memories and enjoy while you still have all the time to enjoy.

To Mt. Naupa:

Travel from Cebu City going to Naga City will take an hour depending on traffic condition. You have two options: You can ride a bus from South Bus Terminal; or you can ride a public vehicle 10h or 10F going to Pardo and from Pardo - 44A going to Naga (which will take 2 rides from Cebu City).

Once you reached Naga church (St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church), you need to ride a multicab going to Lanas, Naga (fare from Naga Proper to Brngy. Lanas, Naga is 14php per person,) the multicab is near Gaisano. From Brgy. Lanas, Naga, you need to ride motorcycle (35php per person). It will be a rough and a fun ride. The Habal-habal driver will let you know how to get a “guide”going to the camp site.

Things to know:

Located at 59th Cathedral Street, Ateneo Avenue, Naga City  (Near trece Patty and in front of Felicitas Residences)

We are currently living in a generation of milktea and coffee lovers. Who would have thought that more and more cafes and milktea houses continously emerge on the very corner of the city in the middle of pandemic? Opening such business at this point in time is risky especially that we need to comply with the new normal protocols and there is uncertainty if such business would thrive nor earn profit. However, I think that having such interiors are enough to entice customers to drop by. 

So here is another one that seems to be straight out of a Kdrama. One of the reasons why my blog is named I Know Places and my username is kynaswhereabouts is because I am here to share another new discovery located near my alma mater, Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU).

Yoka Bubble is a minimalist industrial themed cafe with a warm and cozy ambiance, serving a variety of beverages from coffees, lattes, teas to milkteas at an afforadble price. Patries like cookies and muffins are also available.  

The following are more aethetic photos taken at the Yoka: 

This is Mik, my Koreana chingu. Most of the time, my buddy in these staright outta Kdrama location hunt around the city. Her face might have been familiar to you guys already since I am with her most of the time when I blog. 

By the way, I ordered a mocha milktea and chocolate chip cookie. 

Coffee corner. 

Photo taken by Mik. I was busy taking photos for this blog while she finally took a bite of the chocolate chip cookie. 

Located at Cereza Compound, Magasaysay Avenue, Naga City

One of the Hallyu’s greatest impacts today are probably our obsession to Korean food culture which has also led to the emergence of businesses like Samgyeopsal houses and Korean resto’s. And who would have thought that another K-mart will also be established here in the City of Naga?

Hangkuk Mart is not the first K-Mart in the city. In fact, there is already a K-mart existing for a very long time at WestPark which is also at along Magsaysay Avenue, not that far from Cereza Compound. Back then, that K-Mart was the only grocery store selling Korean and Japanese products.

With our fondness and love for Korean culture because of watching K-drama, it is not surprising at all that someone will invest in putting up businesses like another K-Mart grocery store. Although there are slight chances of gaining a lot of profit from this kind of business, there will be someone who definitely loves Korean food as much as I do who will be visiting the store to buy something there.

We are closer to Korea more than we think. In this time of pandemic, we cannot travel. But for the meantime, we can visit Hangkuk Mart because they bring us closer to all our favorite Korean food, drinks and K-products that we often see in K-drama. Name it, you can buy ramyeon, noodles, nori, cookies, chips, cold drinks, soju, ice cream, kimchi… etc.

Here’s a little tour at Hangkuk Mart:

RiRi couple welcoming you at Hangkuk Mart. #CrashLandingOnYou

Welcome to Hangkuk Mart.

Sa mga naghahanap po kay Park Seo Joon, nandito po siya.

A little fangirl moment. We spotted IU. Fangirl mode is on. Gusto ko na talaga sana hingiin ang poster nila pero na hiya na lang talaga ako.

Sabing wag niyo ako dadalhin dito eh. Hahaha mauubos ang sinahod natin dito.

Is it just us or talagang nag mumukha na tayong Koreana kakaK-drama natin? Hahaha our travel to Korea in the time of pandemic kuno. Hanggang ganito muna tayo.

Written by: Kyna de Castro

If I were to create a list for Fantastic Books and Where To Find Them, I would put Savage Mind Bookshop on the top of my list. Along the Peninsula St. near Naga City Montessori School, is a preserved ancestral home which serves as co-working space and restaurant and an independent bookshop. This isn’t the first time in the city that an ancestral home is restored or preserved for business purposes but Pnnsvla Co-Working Space/Café and Savage Mind Bookshop both made the ancestral home more alive as it occupies it while also silently advocating appreciation and conservation efforts for the ancestral homes.

The Savage Mind: Books, Art and Cinema is an independent bookstore owned by renowned and award-winning Bikolano writer and director of Hinulid and Angustia, Kristian Sendon Cordero. I have seen this place grow as it fulfill its mission and being recognized in the city. Some people outside the city or residing in nearby municipalities have been visiting because of the strong value for literature and culture that is very much alive in this small space.  This is not your typical independent bookstore because it is the home of various collection of books and works of emerging and renowned local writers.

As an independent bookstore

Since Savage Mind is the first independent bookstore in Naga, it probably added intrigue into it and that is what draws us more to it. What do we mean of independent bookstore aside from being a retail bookstore that is being individually owned? To properly distinguish it from big commercialized bookstores, we can define and quote from Writer’s Digest that, “Independent bookstores directly serve the community and the individual. Their contributions are invaluable… Independent bookstores support core values of community, creativity, convening, civility, and contact.”  This was also quoted in the article of Audrey Arnold, “The Importance of Independent Bookstores”.

Unlike in other countries, independent bookshops are considered as rare and probably new for us since we also got used to patronizing the works of international authors and best-selling books that has been read by many or those that made it into motion picture. The good thing for Savage Mind is that it highly supports the works of local writers especially those written in our native language and dialect.  

As a cultural hub

It is given that the organization of books on the shelves, the artworks, posters, photographs and other displays are considered aesthetics already or “instagrammable”, in our millennial term. Since its ambiance and visuals are considered as eye pleasing already, Savage Mind continuously grow its visitors also probably because of its broad approach for art appreciation. They also held events like free film showing, book launching, lectures etc. which proves that this small space gathers not just the academe, writers and bookworms but also local history, art and film enthusiasts. Thus, making it a cultural hub as well.  

As a place of intellectual discussions and lectures

Recently, Savage Mind launched the Rumdom Series which is a series of lectures and discussion on various topics involving local history. I was able to attend two out of three of the lectures so far. One is a lecture on the Old Streets for Naga which was discussed by Atty. Luis Ruben General and the other one is a lecture on Camineros in Camarines that was discussed by Sir Leo Paulo Imperial. I would leave work early to catch the lecture discussion. I would usually be at the back and blending in a crowd of students and teachers.

I will never look at the streets of Naga the same way again after attending this discussion of Atty. Luis Ruben General today. It was like if I will be walking around Naga, I will try to identify its old name. From recalling the old names of the streets to introducing some of our local heroes that needs recognition, there were a lot of interesting points on the old streets of Naga.

We keep on naming our streets after our heroes yet, how many of them are originally from Naga or Bicol? Why do we keep on changing the names of our streets through the years? Isn't changing the name of the street is like dishonoring or discrediting the hero it was named after? Why is Naga the only city in the Philippines that doesn't have a street named after an American? What are the present laws/local ordinance that we have that could protect heritage? Those were some.

Also, why is it that there are no monument of the Arejola brothers (Thomas and Ludivico) in Naga who were actually both Nagueños? Though, I know that Ludivico Arejola has one in Minalabac. Since Thomas did not die in the battle but of old age, is that why he didn't get much recognition? Does one have to die for the country to be recognize as a hero or for one to have a monument or a street named after? 

I really cannot forget the conclusion for that discussion because I love the conclusion, "Street names are part of history. They also reveal the character of local people as they show the kind of persons we honor and the events they remember."

Moreover, I never realized the significance of the road constructions until I heard the discussion of Sir Leo Imperial on the Camineros in Camarines. I guess, we also owe that to Cameron Forbes who’s greatest contribution in our country, the Caminero Project, has led not just for the economic progress but also built connection for better trade. And off course, the first road constructions will not be completed without the Foreman, Capataz and Camineros. Mobility is seldom tackled in historical accounts. It was nice that we get to learn about Transportation History in Bicol Region too.

Nietzsche identified three kinds of history: antiquarian, monumental and critical history. I was once again reminded of my Rizal class in college where we discussed it. Where does these fall under? One thing is for sure though, Savage Mind has already made its mark in history for being the first independent bookstore, cultural hub and a place for intellectual discussions and lectures in Naga City. What more can we ask for?

Written by: Kyna De Castro

In this digital age where everything you need to know can be found with the help of technology, public street libraries are a rare setup especially in the Philippines. Although there are some that can be found in different parts of Manila, these are hardly noticed and only recognized by those who have keen interests for knowledge and books.

Naga City took a long journey to become a central business hub in Camarines Sur. While this shows progress, it is no surprise that this city also has a room in improving its cultural and art scene through the emergence of public street libraries which molds the city’s appreciation not just for literature but also to push the advocacy in giving significance to free access to knowledge and education.  

Just last month, the Public Good Library opened its first branch at Princeton Street, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City. It is owned and managed by Mr. Ernest Asence. Two more branches located in Jacob and Queborac Street, Naga City were also opened later following the opening of the first branch.  A wide array of book collections in different genres came from donors all over our country and was given to Public Good Library while at the same time found a new home.

The Public Good Library was first established in 2017. However, it was not accessible during that time and they need to add up the volume of available books in order to encourage people to visit. When they opened an online contact through a Facebook page, more book donations from his students, siblings, relatives and fellow colleagues from City Hall came and made it possible to finally launch it. This year, it finally opened its doors to bookworms seeking a place of refuge where they can freely read and get lost in their own world.

WHY OPEN A PUBLIC STREET LIBRARY?

“I didn’t really thought of it. It just happened. We do not spend much time anymore thinking about the things happening to us,” said Mr. Asence when we asked him why he decided to open a public street library. “I have been asked that same question many times since the opening of the first branch by visitors and media. I have only one answer. It is the same answer for everyone.” He added.

“My original plan is to sell books. But I also realized that the market for books are quite few these days and considering the situation that we also have Book Sale. The presence of technology and internet also made the information easier to access,” he also shared. Moreover, he stressed that everything started with his personal book collections he hoarded since college. He also got the idea of opening a library when he visited a 2-storey house thrift shop with used items and mostly books in Los Banos.

PRINCETON STREET BRANCH

The branch at Princeton Street is the first Public Good Library that was opened to public. It is composed of Mr. Asence’s personal book collections and also some of the donations he was able to acquire recently. This space is actually his house turned into a working space and library. Also having the keen interest for plants and herbs, this place was turned into a fusion of his two passions: books and plants.  

JACOB STREET BRANCH

This branch is an apartment owned by one of Mr. Asence’s students who made the space open as a library. It is the second branch to open. Most of the books available here are young adult and best-selling novels which are also donated by his students. The ambiance here is very homey. It is a good place to read your favorites.

QUEBORAC STREET BRANCH (WITTY CAULDRON CAFÉ)

The Witty Cauldron Café is a simple Harry Potter-themed café which brings every Potterhead’s dream come true. It brings you closer enough to the magical world and becomes your safe haven to fangirl/fanboy without being judged by muggles. Here, you will feel that you are home.

The Public Good Library had allotted space for some of the book donations especially the book collections of music instructor and composer Digs Villabroza. It is also a conducive place for reading while eating and enjoying the Hogwarts ambiance. You can definitely unleash your inner Hermoine Granger now.

Being located at Queborac, it is strategic location and very accessible especially to students because it is near universities like Ateneo de Naga University and University of Sta. Isabel.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?

The Public Good Library is a haven for all bookworms and literature enthusiasts where they can freely read any book available. It lives up to its name “Public Good” because most books are donations and the collections available are beneficial to students as well for researchers. Each branch has student volunteers who manages the libraries to ensure that the books are well taken care of. It is free space for reading/studying and you will never feel guilty for being there for so long because it is serving its purpose.