Why Retire in the Philippines/Marinduque Vacations: Wine Tasting and Charcuterie- Another Well-Attended THD Activity

Planning to Retire Soon!

If you are planning to retire in the Philippines soon, I suggest you visit several excellent websites on pro's and cons of retiring in the Philippines. However if you want to retire in the provinces, where life is simple, standard of living cheaper, less traffic congestion and pollution, availability of fresh seafood and vegetables compared to the big cities, my island province is the place for you! If this is your first time in my site, welcome. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. The photo above is the front yard of Chateau Du Mer- Our Retirement Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Wine Tasting and Charcuterie- Another Well-Attended THD Activity

Last Thursday at 3PM, April 10, 2025 about 30 THD residents enjoyed another outdoor activity of Wine Tasting and Charcuterie (see brochure above). The wine was provided by Buon Vino💚 ( Walnut Creek) and the Charcuterie by Brian Hirahara. Brian is the son of fellow Resident and Bridge Player, Carle Hirahara. ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hirahara-6167388/)

We tasted 4 types of wine, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and a merlot.

💚https://www.buonvinoinc.com/

My Plate of Charcuterie-A charcuterie board is of French origin and typically served as an appetizer on a wooden board or stone slab/plate, either eaten straight from the board itself or portioned onto tableware. It features a selection of preserved foods, especially cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses and crackers or bread. In Europe 'charcuterie' refers to cold meats (e.g. salami, ham etc.) and the term 'charcuterie board' would not be widely used for a board with cheese, fruit and a small amount of meat as is the case in North America. Instead the term cheese board might be used for a dish with largely cheese or some other descriptive title used for a board with a large variety of different

old food-stuffs.

Photo Credit: Jenny Shively- At Our Table- Special Guest- Indy ( Darryl Choy)

Here are the other photos I took on this well-attended Outdoor Activity at our THD Liberty Pavilion. Kudos to Ted and Monica for hosting!!! I did not see Rhyann helping in the hosting, although she was in the vicinity.

The owner of Buon Vino, Dan Matlin. Jenny Shively and Mary Ann De Wald

Thanks for coming Indy!!! Your presence at our table was very much appreciated

Smiling and Happy Mary Ann enjoying the Wine Tasting and conversation.

Gween Corbett raising her hand from the nearby table

Jenny, Mary Ann and Darryl Choy ( Indy) - My favorite Massage therapist- At out Table

Meanwhile,  Did you know that ...... 

The Philippines is home to the world’s largest coconuts! The Magsaysay Coconut variety holds the record for the heaviest coconut fruit, weighing an impressive 4.5 kg (almost 10 pounds). 

This giant coconut is not only a testament to the country’s rich agricultural heritage but also showcases the unique biodiversity of the region. Known for its thick, juicy flesh and abundant water, the Magsaysay Coconut is prized in local markets and plays a key role in the Philippines' coconut industry.

Lastly, Another turnover news Today. Rhyann Droszcz, hired 2 weeks ago as a part-time driver/activity assistant last day was yesterday so she is no longer employed here at THD. I do not know if she quit voluntarily or involuntary. This employee turnover do not surprise me anymore. It just shows that THD is an organization with frequent turnovers, and new employees appeared to disappear without anyone knowing it except thru the grapevine and rumors. I do not know Rhyann that well so I did not form a bond with her, so as far as I am concern, her departure does not affect my quality of life here at THD. However, currently there are only 2 employees in the Activity Section, Ted and Monica. I do feel THD need another activity person for the numerous and varied activities that we as residents here at THD enjoy very much.

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Fruit Trees in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer

The Mango Tree-I have three varieties in my Garden-The Indian, Guimaras and Carabao Mangoes My caretaker/gardener informed me last month that due to the El Nino drought in Marinduque, two of my Durian trees died in spite of his vigilant watering. One of the tree was attacked by insects that looks like a big fly but yellowish in color that sucks the sap of the seedling. The roots of the other tree was attacked by ants residing in the soil. However, my other fruit trees, the rambutans( 2), the lanzones(2) and the jack fruits ( 2) trees are doing well. The above eight fruit trees were given to me by Retired General Recaredo Sarmiento of Boac and Lucena., about three years ago. General Sarmiento is the “atid” of my wife. “Atid” is the colloquial term for brother. Evidently, Macrine's father, the late Bernardo Jambalos was the Godfather of General Sarmiento during his baptism and comfirmation. Gen Sarmiento's hobby is orchard planting, reforestation and farming. The other fruit trees in my garden are guayabanos, cashew, avocados, starapples, duhats, ates, guavas, mangoes( 3 varieties) and papayas as well as several varieties of bananas . Of the above fruit trees, my favorite is the guayabanos, also known as soursop tree known for its anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties . The following are photos of the fruit trees. The Durian photo is from the web. Note that it almost look like a jack fruit tree, except that the leaves are bigger and shiny. My desire is to have a passion fruit tree in the near future. You are welcome to visit my orchard and flower gardens any time, if perchance you are in the vicinity of The Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center.

The Rambutan Tree and Fruits

The Lanzone Tree and Fruits

The Jack Fruit Tree

The Durian Fruit Tree