South Spring Mushroom Chicharon Product Review and the Health Benefits of Eating Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster Mushrooms

Long before the hype on Oyster Mushroom began, I have tried experimenting on white oyster mushrooms by making what my cousins then called as "fake fried chicken." I would put some breading and dredge them over eggs before having them deep-fried and thus making them taste like it's real fried chicken when in reality it's a lot cheaper and perhaps healthier versions. Two years ago, I also had a privilege to visit some of Bulacan's mushroom farms. So I'm no longer surprised when people started exploring with oyster mushrooms. While there are other kinds of mushrooms like abalone, shiitake, button mushrooms and many others, Oyster mushrooms still managed to become a favorite among fungi because of their distinct flavor and extensive health benefits. 

Oyster mushroom is called as such because of its obvious similarity in its appearance to oysters. It has become an instant favorite by many because of its versatility and with a mild flavor and licorice-like aroma, it's become an integral part of many Asian dishes. Best of all, health expert says that oyster mushroom has been proven to be packed with anti-oxidants, lower cholesterol levels, alleviate inflammation, boosts brain health and may also block certain cancer growth.

South Spring Oyster Mushroom Chip in Sour Cream flavor

Bulacan Agricultural Farm Tour with Outreach at Basuit Elementary School

Basuit Elementary School in San Yldefonso, Bulacan

Working with kids is a very rewarding experience; however it is not without its challenges. I have had the privilege to work with kids before when I was invited by the Department of Education-Quezon City chapter to teach features writing to public elementary school children. I loved the experience of being a teacher for a day. So when opportunity knocks where I can be with children, I could never say no to that. Recently, I found myself in Bulacan where part of the Agri-farm tour was an outreach for public school children in Basuit Elementary School in San Yldefonso.

Purple Plum Fairy with her features writing students from different QC public schools back in 2011.
 

Prior to the Agri-farm tour and outreach day, I was informed by one of the organizers that we needed to gather school supplies because someone has pledged to give out school bags for public school children. Of course, the kids would be needing school supplies apart from the bags itself, right? So I randomly asked friends and posted on my social media networks if there's anyone who's willing to help us, even if on a short notice. Thank God for the outpouring miracles--things seemed to fall on their right places. A former client of mine immediately messaged me and asked how many school items do I need. It took a while before she was able to deliver it to our house because of the heavy rains. But she had to shop by herself just so she would be able to donate all the school supplies I had asked from her. As if her pledge wasn't enough, she also gave out boxes of chocolate bars and lollipop candies to give out the kids. 

Yes, my former client had donated all of these items!

By God's grace, another good Samaritan had messaged me, my former fellow writer at Psst.ph had also pledged boxes of crayons, pencils and papers. Woot! My good friend and fellow blogger, Dems Angeles had also made efforts to pool donations from her own network of friends. And alas, by the end of the week, we were able to pool out everything that we need and so much more. Other people also made their own donations, Ms. Jenny Sy also brought some 30 plastic envelope school supplies for the kids. Princess Amirah Shine R. Magdangal gave away 100 school bags while Ms. Cherry Castro and her family gave some umbrellas too so that kids had something to use during rainy season. Truly, God knew what we were doing were something for His glory. He made use of different people to become instrumental in making this community outreach possible. 

This is what I was able to pool out from donor friends.

A school supply drive is an easy way to have a profound impact on students and their learning experience. Make school a better place for both students and teachers by the simple act of providing school supplies. Many families are struggling. With high unemployment, and more than 30 million students enrolled in the free and reduced meal programs, many parents are unable to provide the basic school supplies their children need to be effective. In addition, schools across the country are facing severe budget cuts and lack the funding to purchase necessary supplies. We can help children in school by giving them the tools they need to succeed. 

Here are many great reasons to do this project, including:

• Feel great about ensuring that children start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
• Help teachers by providing them with proper tools for their classrooms so they don’t have to spend money from their own pockets.
• By providing school supplies, you are supporting students, teachers and your local schools.