Philippine House Lizard Learns to Eat Rice Lightning-Fast

We all know that house lizards eat insects, and house lizards in The Philippines (known as butiki) are no exception. But there was this particular lizard that we had at the old house we used to stay in that preferred rice. We had noticed how it would linger be our table after having a meal and then right afterwards, it would scour the table for scraps of food, often rice and would grab what it can with lightning speed and then hide behind the oven toaster. It would then stealthily peek out again for another bite. It was a good thing it made a habit of waiting at the table to get his share of our meal because it was such a fascinating thing to witness.

So we thought it would be great if we could capture what it does on video and that's exactly what we did using an old Samsung digital camera. We were amazed at how the lizard, which we had named "Bart" was able to "stalk" a clump of steamed rice and grab a few grains with lightning speed. He was so fast that the frame rate of the camera was unable to capture the exact moment it bit into the rice! It was like he had the super speed of a biting snake (maybe even faster) You can watch the video and see for yourself how it played out. I hope you enjoy it.

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Alamat Ng Butiki - The Legend of the House Lizard (Modernong Alamat - Modern Legend) Paperback by Rene O. Villanueva; illustrated by Joel O. Chua

Electric Infrared Feet Massager by Hinano Tested by 6-Year-Old Kid

WATCH: 6-year-old kid tests an infrared foot massager by Hinano.

Many people have all kinds of physical complaints these days, especially involving their feet. The population is aging and more people are feeling the aches and pains associated with getting older. In the Philippines there are lots of devices being sold out there that supposedly help in encouraging blood circulation and easing pain associated with a number of ailments like arthritis, but it's hard to know which ones are safe or do the job. Unknown brands abound and there's no assurance when it comes to quality and reliability.

The device featured here is an old Hinano electric infrared feet massager and the video shows a 6-year-old child testing it. Basically, the device vibrates for a number of minutes (5 minutes in this case) and this produces a massaging effect by shaking the feet and gives the sensation that pins are pricking their underside (simulating acupuncture and accupressure). The user also has the option of adding heat to the mix. This model has eight (8) "H" levels and the speed is variable. When the heat is turned on, yellow lights flicker like fire under the feet. They're harmless and only produces a warming effect. Regardless of the setting though, there isn't any perceptible change in warmth, but this could be because the feet are being shaken too much for the user to notice.

Using the Hinano infrared foot massager will leave your feet shaken and you will feel a strange tingling sensation for a while. It could be helpful to seniors experiencing joint pain in their feet but it's still best to consult a doctor first if you intend to use this when you know you have a condition which might be directly affected.

BUY on AMAZON: Foot Massager Vibrating Foot Massage with Heat Infrared Foot Spa Massager

Strawberry Farm Market Stalls of La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

WATCH THE VIDEO. SEE WHAT YOU CAN BUY AT THE STRAWBERRY FARM

One of the often-visited tourist spots in the mountain province of La Trinidad, Benguet in The Philippines is the Strawberry Farm. There you can pay to harvest strawberries just like the locals. But if baking under the hot high-altitude sun isn't your cup of tea, then you can check out the market stalls that sell souvenirs and stuff you won't easily find anywhere else, like snake liquor and phallic ashtrays. Of course there are the ever-present strawberries.

If you will be buying raw strawberries, make sure that you get those that are not yet ripe so they can last a few days. They rot quickly and if you do not consume them on time, you'd end up with a lot of moldy lumps you wouldn't even care to look at. If you'll be traveling more after your visit, and would still like to buy souvenir strawberries, then get the jams and preserves.

To have an idea of what you can expect to buy there, watch the video (taken in 2016). Just pause it when you see something interesting so you can get a good look at the item.

BUY on AMAZON: Baguio Philippines Island Visit Vintage Travel Advertisement Art Collectible Wall Decor Poster Print. Measures 10 x 13.5 inches