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BARDD BARDD specializes in historical and contemporary research, educational media, technology, and institutional development, promoting learning and understanding.

12/09/2026

"Arts and Cats"

ARTernative Art Supply is an art store that sells hard-to-find art materials and brands that you cannot usually find in malls, such as Grumbacher, Sakura Koi, Nevskaya Palitra, and other imported brands.

It started as a small business back in 2018 by 29-year-old Ms. Lianca Santos, who goes by her artist name, Ponkan. Now, their shop has expanded and sits in front of a commercial building in Dasmariñas Central Market.

Ms. Santos studied Fine Arts at Philippine Women’s University. She initially enrolled as a Visual Communications major but later shifted to Painting. However, she did not complete her course because she started working early as a freelancer.

Back in her college days, she sold books, ukay-ukay items, and stationery, which marked the beginning of her journey as an entrepreneur. Selling stationery became successful for her in college, as she would usually sell them during school bazaars. This experience inspired her to start an art supply business.

Growing up, she was fond of reading children’s books with colorful illustrations, which inspired her to create art at an early age. She also attended after-school art workshops during her high school days.

She is also a cat lover and established an art group called Kitty Chaos Club. She has a huge cat that she adopted from Central Market. She named her Nuggets because of the Taglish phrase “na-get,” which means “she gets it.”

Now, her business has flourished and is in its eighth year. It is currently run by their family. They have two staff members and offer a wide variety of art supplies and materials for drawing, painting, sketching, watercolor, and many more.

She is also a fan of junk journaling, where she keeps her drawings and stickers. Her drawings are inspired by her childhood. She has a character named Bahay Kuto (House of Lice), inspired by the popular song “Bahay Kubo.” It also means “Bahay Ko ’To,” which means “This is my house.” Growing up in the ’90s, she would usually get lice during summertime.

To order art materials, you may contact them at:
ARTernative Art Supply
Unit A & B, Doc Alex Ching Bldg., Brgy. Zone 4, Central Market Road, Dasmariñas City
Mobile No. : 0908 208 6756

28/08/2026

"It’s Not About the Money"

Before becoming a tennis coach, Salvador Merculio Alba, known as Coach Badz, started out as a pulot boy at RASAC (Rizal Avenue Sports Athletics Complex) in Sta. Cruz, City of Manila. At just 8 years old, he would pick up tennis balls after every game. But instead of simply going home, he would borrow rackets and play by himself. He had no coach back then, so he learned by watching, practicing, and figuring things out on his own.

Years passed, and that simple interest in tennis became something more. Now 32 years old, Coach Badz is a graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where he took up Bachelor of Physical Education, major in Sports. Originally from Manila, he and his family have been living in Cavite for about five years.

He also used to teach at Del Rosario Christian Institute, a private school in Cavite. But after finishing his three-year contract, he realized that teaching high school wasn’t really where his passion was. He found himself enjoying tennis more, not just playing it, but teaching it to others.

For Coach Badz, coaching is not really about the money. What matters to him is seeing his students learn and improve. He believes that a coach can teach the basics, but the student also has to adapt, practice, and put those lessons into action.

From picking up balls at RASAC as a young boy to now coaching the next generation of players, his journey in tennis has come a long way.

And his message to young players is simple: “Don’t lose hope, just keep playing.”

01/08/2026

"You'll Never Go Hungry”

Discover the rich history behind Original Digman Halo-halo, a beloved Filipino dessert that became part of Bacoor, Cavite’s culture. The story began with Mrs. Benjamina “Lola Nene” Toledo Gonzales, who was born in 1920. During her younger years, she started making halo-halo during the Japanese occupation, while also sewing clothes during rainy seasons to support her family. As time passed, her halo-halo became known and loved by many, allowing her to continue serving customers not only during summers but throughout the year.

Originally, the famous Digman Halo-Halo store was not located at its current place. The business was moved to Digman in 1970 during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., where Lola Nene continued sharing her original recipe. She was originally from Daang Bukid, a nearby barrio, but after transferring to Digman, the name “Digman Halo-Halo” became the identity of the family’s famous creation. Today, the legacy of Lola Nene is recognized as part of Bacoor City’s history, with Digman Halo-Halo included in the city’s heritage by Mayor Strike B. Revilla.

The legacy continues through her son, Edilberto “Boy” Gonzales, who carries the tradition of his mother’s original halo-halo. Together with his wife, who now prepares the ingredients in the kitchen, and their six children who help at the counter and source ingredients from the market, the family continues to serve generations of customers. Ana, who dedicated 38 years of service as a kitchen helper for the Gonzales family, was also an important part of this journey. Through carefully prepared ingredients, family dedication, and a recipe passed down through generations, Digman Halo-Halo remains a symbol of authentic Cavite tradition.


Special thanks to Mr. Edilberto “Boy” Gonzales, owner of the Original Digman Halo-halo, and to Mr. Khai Gonzales, Kuya Boy’s son, who continues to help and work alongside the halo-halo store.

To learn more about the famous Digman Halo-halo, check the comments for the full story.

14/07/2026

"Vibration"

Before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines, tribal music was common. It is now a rare sight to see this kind of music being performed, but some people still love it. This music is mesmerizing and connects people with nature.


Special thanks to Mr. Erik Vibrations Rodil of Mahogany Falls for sharing his passion and love for music.

12/07/2026

"Pulo Sugar Tower"

The Pulo Sugar Tower, also known as the Cabuyao Sugar Tower, is a Spanish-era sugar mill tower located in Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna. Once surrounded by vast sugarcane fields, the site played an important role in the area's sugar industry. Sugarcane was transported by rail to Canlubang in Calamba City for processing before trucks replaced the railroad during the industry's later years. The land remains privately owned by the Padilla and Cabiles families, while the surrounding sugarcane lands were eventually distributed to workers following the closure of Canlubang's sugar operations.

According to Mr. Emiliano Mandigma, Deputy of Barangay Pulo, the Cabuyao Sugar Tower had already become a familiar landmark during his childhood and has long served as a symbol of the barangay. He recalled that tenant families once lived and worked around the estate, reflecting the area's strong agricultural community. Mr. Mandigma also remembered the traditional farming practice known as gama, in which laborers received one sack of rice in exchange for working in the fields, illustrating the agricultural heritage and self-sustaining way of life that once defined Barangay Pulo.

Special thanks to Mr. Emiliano Mandigma, Deputy of Brgy. Pulo, Cabuyao City, for sharing the history of the Pulo Sugar Tower.

To learn more about the Pulo Sugar Tower, check the comments for the full story.

08/07/2026

"First Year"

A year of commitment, progress, and dedicated public service for the Municipality of Amadeo. The 2026 State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) of Mayor Jojo Domingo highlights the achievements, programs, and initiatives that continue to shape a more progressive and united Amadeo.

Beyond projects and accomplishments, true progress is measured by the positive impact created in the lives of the people. Congratulations to Mayor Jojo Domingo for his first year of service and leadership, as he continues his commitment to serving the people of Amadeo with dedication, compassion, and accountability.

16/06/2026

"Peace and Quiet"

Bahay Laguna is a heritage museum in Brgy. Bungkol, Magdalena dedicated to the life and legacy of former Laguna Governor Felicisimo T. San Luis. The place holds his memorabilia, personal belongings, campaign materials, and historical documents that reflect his years in public service. One of the notable pieces inside is the poem “Pangarap,” written by the late governor in 1973, which adds a more personal side to his story. He is also the father of Mayor Edgar "KUYA EGAY" San Luis of Santa Cruz, Laguna.

According to caretaker Ms. Delia Quijaro Ramos, who looks after the property, the governor’s wife, Ms. Felicidad Sagalongos-San Luis, often visits Bahay Laguna. She was supposed to come on the day of the visit but had to attend a Gawad Laguna ceremony in Cabuyao, an initiative she founded to recognize outstanding youth in Laguna.

The museum also has an irrigation system that supplies nearby rice fields, showing its connection to the surrounding agricultural community. Ms. Ramos also shared that the nearby river, which used to be clean and even used by residents, started to decline about ten years ago due to urbanization and houses being built along the riverbanks.

Today, Bahay Laguna remains a quiet and peaceful place. It sits near the Battle of Mainmpis marker, a historic site linked to Emilio Jacinto and the Katipuneros’ encounter with Spanish forces. Together, these details make it a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Laguna’s local history, heritage, and provincial life.

Special thanks to Ms. Delia Ramos, caretaker of Bahay Laguna, for sharing her insights about the museum and Gawad Laguna Inc., which operates the museum.

14/06/2026

"Peanut Butter"

The DTI Philippines's OTOP (One Town, One Product), with the support of the Dasmariñas City LGU, sought a product that would best represent the City of Dasmariñas in 2024. One of the participants was Michelle’s Peanut Butter, a locally made product in Dasmariñas City. It comes in different variants, including chunky and chocolate peanut butter, as well as other spreads such as yema spread and coco jam. Michelle’s Peanut Butter placed third in the OTOP competition, while the winner was Letcharon Bulaklak.


Special thanks to Ms. Bautista Michelle, the owner of Michelle’s Peanut Butter. To order their delicious and creamy peanut butter, you may contact their page here:
Michelle's Peanut Butter Dasma Branch

13/06/2026

"Long Way From Home"

Mr. Ivan Dela Peña is a worker at a clothing store located in Barangay Langkaan, Dasmariñas City. He previously worked in Parañaque before being transferred to Dasmariñas, Cavite, where he now lives and works in the same place. This arrangement allows him to have a more convenient daily routine, as he rarely commutes and usually just walks to his workplace. He typically commutes only about twice a month, mainly when buying groceries or handling essential errands.

Regarding the continuous increase in fuel prices and transportation fare hikes, Mr. Dela Peña observed that public transport has been directly affected, with noticeable increases in jeepney and van fares. He also noted that there are now fewer commuters compared to before, which he associates with rising transportation costs. For longer trips, such as traveling to Batangas Port, he usually passes through or rides from Pala-Pala Terminal in Dasmariñas City. Despite these changes, he describes Cavite as generally safe and more comfortable to live in compared to Metro Manila, which he observes as more polluted and dusty due to heavy traffic and congestion.


Special thanks to Mr. Ivan Dela Peña for sharing his insights on workplace environment, public transportation, and the increase in fuel prices.

12/06/2026

"The Original Marker"

The original historical marker of the Battle of Alapan (May 28, 1898) is located within the school grounds of Alapan 1 Elementary School in Imus, Cavite. It was originally built with a thin, tall steel pole and later upgraded to a thicker steel structure, remaining one of the tallest flagpoles in the Philippines. The site began as a simple memorial surrounded by Bermuda grass, but over time it was improved and a covered area was added beside it to accommodate visitors and ceremonies.

The marker is frequently visited by the Philippine Navy, Army, and even the President of the Philippines due to its deep historical significance to national independence. However, because the original location is limited in space and cannot accommodate large crowds, a new and more spacious marker was later constructed near Lancaster New City for bigger public gatherings. Every barangay fiesta, reenactments of the historic Battle of Alapan are performed, often portrayed by students of Alapan 1 Elementary School, keeping the legacy of bravery and Filipino independence alive.

Special thanks to Mr. Regulus Ferraris, the security guard of Alapan I Elementary School (DepEd Tayo Alapan 1 ES - Imus City), for sharing his knowledge about the historic marker.

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