5 Things you probably didn't know about the Philippines

5 Things you probably didn't know about the Philippines

1.       The positioning of the Philippine flag's colors indicate a message. If it is flown with the red stripe on top, the nation is in a state of war. Otherwise, during peacetime, the blue is on top.

2.      Of the top 10 largest shopping malls in the world, three are found in the Philippines: SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and SM Mall of Asia.

3.      The Philippines is the world's leading producer of coconuts, having produced 19.5 million tons of the fruit in 2010.

               4.     According to the 
  2000 census, 52 million people in the Philippines speak English, making it the third largest English-speaking nation behind the U.S. and India. 

5.      After the Second World War, the Philippine jeepney was born out of the G.I. Jeeps American soldiers brought to the country in the 1940s. It's Pinoy upcycling!

Be good to our Parents because our Parent’s grace is like the sun.

Be good to our Parents because our Parent’s grace is like the sun.

 

The children who are good to their parents are the most blessesed.

 

Being a good son or daughter is not just listening to your parents but also being nice to them to make them happy and not making them worry.

To make them feel comfortable, you have to take care of yourself. It is the way to express our gratitude and repay our parents kindness.

Our Mothers suffered a great deal of pain in giving birth to us, every time we celebrate our birthdays, it is our mother’s celebration as well.

Longest Christmas Season

Longest Christmas Season

Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season from the first day of September up until the Feast of the Three Kings (January 6). As soon as the “-Ber months” start, people start counting down to Christmas, decorating their homes and offices with anything that relates to Christmas.

Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi/ Misa de Gallo/ Rooster’s Mass refers to 9 early morning (or evening) masses leading to Christmas Day. It starts on the 16th of December and ends on the 25th of December. People believe that the wishes of anyone who completes all 9 nights will come true.

Carolling

Following the start of Simbang Gabi, children also start going from one house to another, singing classic Filipino and foreign Christmas Carols such as “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” “Silent Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Pasko na Naman.” Homeowners would give any amount they wish to the carollers. If they don’t, they may say “Patawad,” but they should also be ready to the song these kids will sing for them in response.

Gift-Giving Tradition

Since Christmas is also the season of giving, there are also various activities related to this monito/monita, 

exchange gifts, and for those with godchildren – the giving of aguinaldos and pamasko. If you still don’t know what to get them for the Holidays, here are gift-giving tips for your Filipino co-workers, friends, or godchildren.

Christmas Parties

No holiday celebration will be complete without Christmas parties – may it be in offices, schools, or organizations. These parties are usually that one day of the year where people get to de-stress and unleash their talents. One thing that is most anticipated during these kinds of events? Food, food, and more food.

Christmas songs

Christmas songs play everywhere, may it be in malls, restaurants, basically in every place where there are people. There would always be a mix of tunes – local and foreign, old and new – but there would always be staples that you would hear wherever you go. The list of songs would be endless, but it would always include Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You and Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas in Our Hears. No matter how much you say you hate these tunes, you can’t help but sing along to them as soon as you hear its intro play.

Holiday dishes

December is that time of the year where everyone simply forgets about their diet and consider everyday a “cheat day.” As soon as the month starts, everyone starts looking forward and saving up for the yearly Noche Buena – the traditional family dinner held at midnight, December 25 – and the family gatherings which wouldn’t be complete without the overflowing amount of food. Filipinos also boast their Christmas delicacies – puto bumbong (purple rice roll steamed in a bamboo tube topped with grated coconut and sugar) and bibingka (rice cake cooked in clay pots) – which they could usually munch on after the nightly Simbang Gabi.

Christmas Attractions

The places in the country, especially in the metro, transforms into a festive and colourful attraction people visit to feel the Christmas spirit. Ayala Triangle, Nuvali, Greenhills Shopping Center, Mall of Asia, and Policarpio Street are just some of the areas that light up in celebration of the holiday season. Star City also has its Snow World attraction, where visitors get to know what it’s like to experience a “White Christmas” whilst in the Philippines.

For more view blogger, Join Convolingo ^_^

Six reasons to have a Stay in the Pearl of Asia

1.        Love and Caring

This is so true! Filipinos are the sweetest and most loving people in the world. I'm not just saying this because I'm a Filipino; if you know us well, you will soon figure this out.

Men are so sweet and romantic when it comes to love. They will send their beloved flowers, bring her to a very romantic place, text her sweet quotes, and tell often how special she is to them.

Filipino women are also romantic and very caring, which often makes foreigners want to marry them. Women tend to prepare dinner before their husband comes home. They are loving, and value the relationship, always staying faithful to their husbands. They love deeply and sincerely.

2.        Respect

This is often observed—not just by younger people—but also by people of all ages.

    

3.      Strong Family Ties and Religions

Yes. Filipinos value their families so much that they tend to keep families intact through the generations.

Families go to church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a strong bond, marking God as the center of their lives.

Families make sure to have quality time together especially after a day's work. Just watching television or eating a family meal will be valued and prioritized in everybody's schedules.

4.        Generosity and Helpfulness

Filipinos are generous people. Even when we have very little, we always share with those around us.

During special occasions such as birthdays or "fiestas" —parties when people from other places visit your home to celebrate with you—there are lots of foods specially prepared for everyone! Friends, family, friends of friends, and even strangers can gather and they are always willing to share food and help out.

When a neighbor is in trouble, Filipinos are always ready to help them.

5.        Strong Work Ethic

Yes, we are hardworking people to the point that we are willing to work almost the whole day just to feed our families. That's how Filipinos are.

One example of a hardworking person is a farmer. They earn so little but they still work very hard for not much compensation.

Filipinos always find creative ways to earn a living, like creating a small business from their home where they sell foods or other items for the convenience of their neighbors.

6.    Hospitality

This is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos. Foreigners who have gone to the Philippines find themselves falling in love with the warm hospitality they are shown. It's a different kind of value system, which has existed for thousands of years. Here are some examples of the hospitality that Filipinos show, not only to foreigners, but also to their fellow citizens.


For more view blogger, Join Convolingo ^_^

    

Boracay

Boracay is paradise for certified sun-worshippers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live on this haven.

Boracay can be found on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan, a province on the Visayas island known for its colorful Ati-Atihan festival.

Boracay's thousand-hectares boast of all the elements of a tropical heaven - crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy and diverse marine life.

Boracay has three little communities - Yapak in the north, Manoc-Manoc in the south and Balabag in between. Hilly elevations of up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manoc-Manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages and lead to lush tropical jungles.

The culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Chinese, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai - are all fused into the native cuisine. Truly, Boracay, has become the premiere destination of beach lovers around the globe.

There are no direct flights to Boracay. By air, you have two ways to get there if you're coming from Manila. The faster route is a flight from Manila to Caticlan in Panay Island, which takes approximately 50 minutes. From Caticlan Airport, you can take a 15-minute ferry/boat ride to Boracay.

The second route is a flight from Manila to Kalibo, which is also 50 minutes long but from Kalibo, you still have to take a 1½ van or bus ride to get to Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, you take a 15-minute ferry/boat ride to Boracay.

Why take the longer route, you may ask. The second route is cheaper, with air tickets ranging from PHP 1300 to PHP 2500 (normal rates). This is usually included in airline sales and promos. Tickets to Caticlan go for PHP 7000 to PHP 10,000, and they are usually not covered by promo rates. This makes the second route more popular among budget travelers. Keep in mind that you still have to factor other fees (ferry fare, environmental fee, terminal fee) in your list of expenses. You need to shell out PHP 200 for Caticlan Jetty Port fees (which covers cooperative, terminal, environmental and admission fees).

Boracay is divided into three portions: Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. The posh and expensive hotels are mostly located at Station 1, while the budget accommodations are mostly at Station 3. Station 2 is known as the center of nightlife in the island.

If you're planning to spend your Boracay vacation in style and with a specified budget in mind, Alta Vista De Boracay's fully-equipped suites should be included in your list of options. The hotel's hilltop location will give you the most breathtaking views of the island. The luxurious hotel ensures a worry-free escape that you deserve during your vacation. On top of this, Alta Vista offers the lowest reservation rate via bookings made directly on their website.

City of Pines, Baguio City

City of Pines, Baguio City

Baguio City has been called a lot of things, the City of Pines, the Summer Capital of the Philippines, but what it is, really, is my favorite city in the Philippines. 

It is arguably the hub of tourism in Luzon, especially during the month-long festivities of the Panagbenga Festival. It has the best thrift shopping places with its ukay-ukay stores. A food trip paradise with its numerous restaurants. And a weekend-getaway haven, with its numerous tourist spots and general accessibility from Metro Manila. Its year-round cool and temperate weather only adds to its charm as a tourist destination.

► WHERE TO STAY IN BAGUIO CITY

There are uncountable number of lodgings and accommodations in Baguio City. They range from cheap backpacker types to really posh hotels. It would take a dedicated website to list each and every inns, hostels, motels, dorms, homestays and hotels in Baguio City, so I’ll simply list down those where I’ve stayed in. Although it’s usually very easy to get a lodging as you arrive in Baguio City, I advise that you book ahead, especially during the busy Panagbenga and Christmas seasons.

AKAP DORMITEL
Room Rates: Starts at Php 300.00 (1pax)
Address: 11 Artiaga st., Quezon Hill Road 2., Baguio City
Contact Number: (0926) 165-0980, (074) 443-4769 

HOTEL 45
Room Rates: Starts at Php 1,000.00 (1pax)
Address: Bagong Bayan St., Brgy. Salud Mitra, Baguio City
Contact Number: (074) 446-6306, (0917) 588-2759

HOW TO GET TO BAGUIO CITY

Baguio City is located some 250 kilometers from Metro Manila and is elevated 1,450 meters above sea level. Buses are the usual transportation of choice when going to the city and travel time usually clocks in at six hours (from Manila). There used to be flights in and out of the city in years past, but is has been discontinued indefinitely. The city can also be accessed through the Ilocos Region and other parts of Luzon through various provincial bus lines and vans.

VIA METRO MANILA ○ 5-6 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE PHP 445.00 +/- 

● DAGUPAN BUS - Cubao | Aircon | (02) 727-2330 | No Wi-Fi 

● GENESIS - Manila, Cubao | Aircon | (02) 709-0803 | With Wi-Fi 

● JOY BUS - Manila, Cubao, Pasay | Aircon | (02) 733-8622 | (02) 421-1413 | (02) 853-3115 | With Wi-Fi 

● PHILIPPINE RABBIT - Manila | Aircon | (02) 734-9836 | No Wi-Fi 

● VIRON TRANSIT - Manila, Cubao | Aircon | (02) 741-6588  

● VICTORY LINER - Pasay, Caloocan, Cubao, Manila | Aircon | (02) 727-4688 | With Wi-Fi

VIA AURORA ○ 8 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE PHP 300.00 +/- 

● D LINER BUS - Maria Aurora | Non-Aircon | (0919) 622-1649 | No Wi-Fi 

● LIZARDO TRANS - Baler | Non-Aircon | No Wi-Fi 

● VICTORY LINER  - Non-Aircon | No Wi-Fi 

● FRED & CATHY TRANS - Bangued | Non- Aircon 

● GENESIS - Bangued | Aircon | (047) 237-3310 

 

VIA MARIVELES ○ 7 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE PHP 522.00 +/- 

● GENESIS - Mariveles | Aircon | (047) 237-3310 

● DALIN BUS LINE - Tuguegaro, Aparri | Aircon | (074) 424 4301 | With Wi-Fi 

● GABRIEL TRANS - Aparri | Aircon | (0927) 515-0170 

● VAN - Tuguegarao | Aircon | (0947) 148-2544, (0936)

Inflatable Island

If you have been looking for a unique yet fun way of spending your summer vacation, then we’ve got good news for you. The Inflatable Island in Subic Bay, Zambales, is set to bring your inner child back as you splash, spray, and soak in a playground that’s not just for kids—but for adults as well. As you read on, Philippine Primer gives you a list of what to expect in this newest summer destination in town.

Aside from the floating playground itself, one thing that makes The Inflatable Island worth a visit is because of its Bali-inspired lounge area.

At the shore of the island you’ll see colorful bean bags and pretty umbrellas where you can relax as you watch people play in the play area. If you just want to bask in the sun, eat snacks, or read a book—do so at the lounge. One more thing: it’s totally a picture-perfect spot too!

Who says playgrounds are just for kids? At The Inflatable Island, adults will definitely enjoy the inflatable playground as you run, jump, and slide by the waters. This floating playground has towers, bridges, tarzan swings and more that will test your “playing ability” through the obstacles. Get ready to get wet!

Located just 3 hours away for Manila, this bouncy playground is almost the size of 8 basketball courts and is loaded with playground-like obstacles like slides, swings and bouncy trampolines. All this while floating above water!

Credit: Mr.Juanico Fernandez