The Philippine Christmas

When I hear "ber" month, I usually have in my mind that it is the start of Christmas season. Why? Since I live in the Philippines, I can really say that its Christmas at the start on the first day of September. It makes me feel excited for the upcoming Christmas. I'll give you some of the reasons why celebrating Christmas in the Philippines is awesome. 

1. Christmas season starts as early as September. Yes, you heard it right! Most of the radio stations here in the Philippines starts to plays their Christmas song every dawn on the first day of September. Everytime I tune in to my one and only radio station (if you know what I mean.. hahaha) around 4 a.m., they play nonstop Christmas song. In this way, you can somewhat feel that its christmas already where you feel a joyous and heart warming environment. This is also a rainy season where it bring cold breeze which make you feel the cold of Christmas .

2. Misa de Gallo. You really need to wake up as early as 3 a.m. in order to attend the dawn mass or what we called "Misa de Gallo". It is a mass which lasted for nine days starting from December 16 - 24. In this mass, the story behind the birth of Jesus Christ is being read. Some people believe that if you complete all of the nine mass, your three wishes will be granted. After the mass, there are street vendors who sell "kakanin" or native delicacies where you can choose from different variety. My all time favorite that I usually buy is puto bumbong. It is traditionally made from a special variety of heirloom sticky or glutinous rice called Pirurutong which has a distinctly purple color, soaked in salted water and dried overnight and then poured into bumbong or bamboo tubes and then steamed until done or steam rises out of the bamboo tubes. It is served topped with butter or margarine and shredded coconut mixed with sugar. 

3. Celebrating Noche Buena with Family. This what makes Christmas in the Philippines more special. It is the time that your parents, brother or sister which is away from you for almost a year or more return to celebrate Christmas. It feels like yesterday where you are still young and all you have to worry is to wait for the food being served to be eaten. Children are fond of giving and receiving Christmas gifts during Christmas eve. 

4. Christmas Party everywhere. Whether you are working at the office or still at school, Christmas party should not be missed. Christmas party usuall celebrated before Christmas day. This is where Filipinos practice monito-monita. It is a tradition in the Philippines where you need to give a gift to your secret friend or the one whom you have picked during the draw lots of names. Food is also served and don't forget the parlor games which make it a lot enjoyable. 

5. Hanging of Parol in every Houses. Aside from Christmas tree and christmas light, one thing that should not be missed in every house is the "Parol" or Christmas lantern. This tradition has been evolved in every generations. Traditional parol is made up of a bamboo stick and color paper then shaped into a star. Some of it put light bulb to make it glow. Some of it flickers like they are moving. Nowadays, there are diferent varieties of style has been evolved from its basic star shape. Some of this shapes like christmas tree, bells, reindeer and even santa. 

There are a lot of traditions and events on Christmas that you can only experience in the Philippines. That is why you should not missed every Christmas here in the Philippines.

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The Comeback and the Revival of my Blog!

Am I busy that I almost forgot to post on my blog? Or I don't really travel a lot that I can't feature any places that I've been? As a matter of fact, both of these reasons are qualified why I don't have any time writing (though I am not really good in writing) on my blog and forgot to share my experience with you. 

Am I really busy?

Yes. It's difinitely true that I am busy for the past two years that it made me inactive and never care about my blog anymore. I am currently working  in a company at Davao City and I was asigned as an offsource  technical designer in a signing company in California. It is very hard for me to ajust at first since I am not getting used to work at night. In short, I work at nightshift. They said the the client that I have is one of the difficult clients unlike others. Yes, I agree with them.I can compare it with my previous client. I am not saying that my previous client is too easy it's just happen that my current client now is very paricular in every details. So much for explaining on how difficult my client is.. Hahaha. Anyway, I also have my schooling which made me difficult to focus on blogging something, somewhat and somewhere. That is why every weekend , I spend it most of the time relaxing, getting enough of sleep and hanging out with my friends. In that way, I will be able to cope up my stressful week. No idea is also coming up in my mind which makes me feel lazy writing stuffs.

No Frequent Travelling

I'm not into travelling a lot of places now. I don't really know why. It's not that I don't want to travel and explore new places anymore, maybe I prefer to stay at home right now and focus on the things that really needs my attention. Doing asignments, projects, developing systems, finishing pending jobs, doing some household chores (sometimes, hahaha), etc. 

Why I want to revive my blog and write again?

I will reiterate it again that I'm  not good at writing or whatsoever. While I was checking my blogger account, I checked on my update column and visited published comment. I have seen that there are many comments and most of them are spam. But when I tried to read each of these, there are still people who sincerely read my post. This made me realize that it is not a matter of how many comments that you get in every post that you have, but it matters on the people that really reads your post and have their opinions about what I posted through comments (or maybe It just so happened that most the comments that I received are spam, that is why I focus more on those sincere comments. Hahaha). 

Well, I really appreciate those people who read my blog sincerely and because of you, it gives me motivation to write and write and write and write and write(to inifinity and beyond) again. I don't really care if my english is not so good as long as you understand what I am writing. (Hahahaha. Just defending my self just incase there are people who will criticize my grammar. lol)

That's all for now. Will post soon (not too soon but not too far. What?)  about my recent travels and points of view of life.. Hahaha!

K! Thanks! Bye!

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Blue Bless Beach Resort: The Second Time Around!

I have been so busy for months that I forgot to manage my blogs and make new post of my awesome adventure last 2012.  I have decided that I must relax and look for the best place where I can take relaxation just within the my province, Davao Oriental, before the year end.

Since I'm on tight budget, I looked for a place where I can spend less and enjoy more. The only thing that is on my mind is Blue Bless Beach Resort. I really thought that I will not be able to go there since most of my friend are very busy. 

December 26, early in the morning, while having a hot coffee together with my high school classmates,we had a conversation for our upcoming Alumni Homecoming. As we go along with our conversation we decided that we will not be attending since only eight of us are very sure to attend the alumni and my other batchmate are not responding. The eight of us had already a budget for the event. Instead of bringing it back on our own pockets we had a great idea what to with that money. Instead of using the money for the alumni, we made a decision to use it to go for beach outing. All of us agreed that we are going to Blue Bless Beach Resort since majority of my companions have not been there. 

Later that afternoon, we pack up our things and set out to Mati City. It take us for about three hours to arrive at the place since we had lot of stop-over. Usually the time to travel from our place to the said beach is just about one and a half hour. Although I was very tired from the last night party and the travel, it suddenly disappeared when I saw the place. It was my second visit on that place but it still amazes me. The clear, light blue waters make it more relaxing on my sight. 

There are a lot of improvement from the time it was opened. A new function room has been established that can accommodate events and parties with about 200 persons. What's really nice with the resort is their comfort room. It is very clean and maintained. The water also potable so there's no need to worry in case you ran out of water to drink. 

Aside of that when it comes to budget, theres no need to worry. The entrance fee of the resort is just only 20 pesos for children and 30 for adults. The cottages rental did not increase. We rented the six hundred cottage that can accommodate at least 10-15 persons. 

I really love the place and wants to go back again and again. Hoping that when I come back there there would be new commodities to be introduce like water  pool. 

Pathway to different cottages.

 Storefront of one of the store of Blue Bless. 

Blue Bless at night.

Morning view of the beach. 

 Blue Beach Resort Monument.

Another glimpse of Blue Beach resort in the morning.

Enjoying the clear blue waters.

Cottage Balcony.

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A Look at Some of the Latest Cruise Offers

If the changing of the seasons has got you thinking of your next holiday already then it is well worth taking a sneaky look at some of the latest cruise offers that are being made available by all the familiar names throughout the industry. You can spend a week cruising around the western Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean for just short of £650 per person, or push the proverbial boat out a little further and for under a thousand pounds take on a 20-night escape around the same seas with P&O Cruises.

The Norwegian Cruise Line has an excursion around Venice and the Aegean Sea lined up with prices there comfortably under a thousand pounds per person. Meanwhile, if it's the Caribbean or bust as far as your cruise experiences are concerned, you are again well catered to, with virtually all of the top names in cruise holiday provision taking in the best sights and sites around the region at various times over the coming months. Perhaps you're best bet if you're hoping to set off from the UK is to check out the latest offers on a P&O cruise, which in many cases will depart from Southampton. 

The good news in general though if you can hardly wait a moment longer for the chance to soak up some sun and to leave you worries behind, is that there are last minute cruise packages being made available online with considerable regularity right now. Indeed, you really wont need to look all that hard to find something to suit your needs precisely even if you're booking on a bit of a whim. And let's face it, wherever you end up, it is likely to be the kind of place that's well worth visiting otherwise it wouldn't have made its way on to the cruise itinerary in the first place.

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Travel Entrepreneur Is Set To Complete All Seven Continents With Young Daughter

Travel entrepreneur RJ Samson and his 12-year-old daughter Lizzie’s travel story is a unique one. The US-based Lizzie, who lives with her mom, began traveling alone at the tender age of eight to the Philippines, and has already been to six continents by the age of 12.

Before Lizzie turns 13, the father and daughter tandem will make a trip to Australia to complete the seven continents, followed by a cruise to the Antarctic.

“Lizzie and I are definitely excited about this trip. We’ve had such a wonderful time traveling around the world, just the two of us, and we can’t wait for our next adventure,” says RJ, who runs a travel company called iTraveler Asia.

While RJ and Lizzie’s father-daughter bonding is far from ordinary, they have a routine for each trip. “Since Lizzie is based in the United States, we’d meet up at the airport of our destination and take it from there,” explains RJ.The pair doesn’t believe in setting itineraries without getting a feel of the place first, so they do the planning when they get to their destination.

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

RJ shares that Lizzie likes to explore new places and if it’s the first time they’re visiting, they first check out the landmarks and find new experiences along the way.“Most of the time, we try to find kid-friendly spots,” he says.

Having been to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America and Africa, Lizzie has her favorites. “I like Singapore because there are a lot of places to go and do there while South Africa is another favorite because of the wildlife.” RJ adds, “Lizzie has also taken a liking to Michelin star restaurants which we make sure that we visit on each trip.”

To travel the world is but a fantasy for many, but RJ and his daughter are living the dream. Yet for RJ, while traveling to exotic destinations is certainly a thrill, it’s the moments spent with Lizzie that make the trips worthwhile.

“I always tell her that she’s lucky because I wasn’t able to travel as a child,” says RJ, who is proud that his daughter’s first travel experience was to the Philippines. “Traveling alone has made her independent and it has built a special relationship for us even if we don’t see each other on a regular basis. Traveling brings us together, and that is priceless.”

Notre Dame, Paris

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Caritas Manila Continues Relief Efforts for Flood Victims

For almost a week now, Caritas Manila continues with its relief efforts for the thousands of victims of flooding in Metro Manila.

Caritas Manila’s Damayan, the relief assistance and emergency program of the Church as of August 15, 2012 has provided relief assistance to 20, 444 families in the parishes under the Archdiocese of Manila and Dioceses of Caloocan,Cubao, Pasig, Antipolo, and Malolos.

Caritas Manila so far has raised Php 2,892,635 In-Cash donations and Php. 534,618 In- Kind donations from individuals, organizations and parishes for the flood victims.

Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon will still continue to experience intermittent rains according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

____________________________________________

For Donations in kind, please call Caritas Manila at telephone numbers 5620020 up to 25 local 22 to 24.(please see attached list)

For Cash Donations, you may deposit to:

Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc.

Peso Bank Savings Account:

BPI S/A 3063-5357-01

BDO S/A 5600-45905

Metrobank S/A 175-3-17506954-3

UnionBank C/A 00-030-001227-5

Dollar Savings Account:

Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc.

BPI Dollar Account: 003064-0033-55

PNB Dollar Account: 252-703687-1

For questions and comments please feel free to contact our Mr. Joseph G. Navarro, PR, Communication and Events Officer at numbers 5620020 loc. 13 or 0916-396-9123

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Take to the Waters: Learn to Sail in 2013

Europe offers so much for the avid traveller nowadays – no matter what destination is chosen, you will be sure to find something that suits both you and your budget. Water can be a powerful thing and there’s nothing better than feeling in control at sea. Enrolling on any of the available sailing courses can teach you the basics and the Greek Ionians can be a perfect backdrop for your tuition. 

Once you have mastered the ways of the seaman, cheap Lake Garda holidays can encourage you to try something different to the average beach panoramas for your yachting expedition. Opt for any of the resorts dotted along the shoreline and you will never be far from the water’s edge where your flotilla or yacht could await you.

The concept of learning to sail is a bit of a daunting one, but once you have been taught the basics, you will realise it’s not as hard as it seems. Spend some of your holiday with qualified sailing instructors and it’ll be almost like riding a bike – a skill you will never forget.

Perfect for families with older children, sailing courses can teach you navigation and seamanship skills as well as being a great, fun experience. You could learn to sail in as little as a week which will set you in good stead for any forthcoming voyages.

The Greek Ionian is a great place for the novice sailor as well as the experienced seamen. Nidri, a base in the southern Ionian Sea, is a perfect place to start, offering a wide range of sailing courses for varying competencies.

Be sure to absorb the awe inspiring scenery whilst you learn to sail. Take a dip in the surrounding waters to cool off and relax onboard, catching the sun’s rays. Whatever you decide, you can be sure to trust in the qualified yachtsmen who will teach you a skill you can use in future endeavours.

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Huling Hirit sa Tag-init: Mainit Hotspring and Pangyan Falls

It's been a while since I posted on the places that I visited. Before the summer ends, we have decided together with my friends to visit the Hot spring and the Falls located at Brgy. Don Mariano Marcos, Lupon, Davao Oriental. 

Last time that I heard this place was during the Extra Challenge T.V. show that was hosted by Miriam Quiambao and Paolo Bediones. One of the actress who visited that place was Alec Bovick where he did rappelling on the said falls. At that time I wished that I can go to that place and do some rappelling on that falls.

Well this time is the time that I will be able to see the place that I once wished to visit.  The road on the way to the site is a little bit rocky and steep.While on our way, there were light rainfall which make our travel a little bit difficult since the rain makes the road muddy. But thanks God, we were safe when we arrived at our destination. Unfortunately, I am a little bit disappointed about the place since the waters has a muddy color. The caretaker told us that the river is not good at that moment because a very heavy rainfall came last night. But still we try to make our stay there an enjoyable one. 

One of the thing that makes our stay there enjoyable is the trek that we travel in order to reach Pangyan falls. The water current is strong which make us a little bit difficult to cross the river. When we reach the falls, I was facinated on the view that I saw.  You can really say that place is refreshing and relaxing even though a heavy rain shower had cross on the place that night.

After we visit the falls, we dive and take a bath on Mainit hot Spring. The spring is located just below the falls, so theres no hard time to travel from the falls to the hot spring. The hot spring makes your body relaxed especially on a very long trip all the way to the location. The hot spring pool is a little bit small which is only good for small group of people. 

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It's More Fun In Lupon: The 63rd Araw ng Lupon Schedule of Activities

It's been 64 years since the Municipality of Lupon has been established. In order to commemorate this unforgettable event of my hometown, they will be celebrating 64th Araw ng Lupon. In my 22 years of existence in this world, I have observed that the celebration for the said event became more prestigious. You can really say that It's more fun in the Philippines specially in Lupon if you attend the occasion. Below are the list of the schedules and events for the upcoming celebration.

August 1 (Wednesday)
4:30 am PAMUKAW (DAYANA)
8:00 am IMMUNIZATION DAY
7:00 pm RAK-RAKAN SA PARK (Free Concert)


August 2 (Thursday)
6:00 pm- SKMF BASKETBALL CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
7:00 pm LAKANBINI 2012 (Miss Gay Contest)


August 3 (Friday)
8:00 am SEPAK TAKRAW TOURNAMENT
9:00 am MAYOR DOMINGO A. LIM FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP
7:00 pm KALSADANZ (Free Disco at the Street)


August 4 (Saturday)
4:00 am LINGAW-DAGAN (Fun Run)
9:00 am LAWN TENNIS TOURNAMENT
9:00 am BLOOD LETTING @ DONCAMAR
7:00 pm MUTYA NG LUPON 2012 TALENT NIGHT


August 5 (Sunday)
8:00 am BLOOD LETTING @ POBLACION
8:00 am LAWN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
9:00 am SHOOTING COMPETITION
7:00 pm PASUNDAYAG SA KAGABHION 
            (Inter-Agency Night) and GABI NG PARANGAL


August 6 (Monday)
8:00 am JOB'S FAIR 2012
7:00 pm MUZIK SANGKAAN 2012 (Battle of the Bands)


August 7 (Tuesday)
8:00 am ARAW NG LUPON BANCARERA 2012
9:00 am AGRI-TRADE FAIR JUDGING DAY
7:00 pm MUTYA NG LUPON 2012 PAGEANT NIGHT


August 8 Grand Celebration (Wednesday)
7:00 am MISA PASALAMAT
8:00 am GRAND PARADE
8:00 am PARADA/INDAK-SAYAW SA KADALANAN (Street Dancing Competition)
10:00 am GRAND CELEBRATION PROGRAM
1:00 pm INDAK-SAYAW SA KADALANAN SHOWDOWN
2:00 pm LIBRENG GUPIT
7:00 pm GMA KAPUSO SHOW


You can also check this link to see the previous celebration of 63rd Araw ng Lupon. 

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Holidays in the Sun: Goa

When you are choosing to travel outside of the UK summer season, trips abroad to winter sun destinations can seem restricted to expensive long haul jaunts.  Cheap holidays in Goa are the perfect budget holidays in the sun if you are looking to get away to sunny climes during spring.

Although it is a long haul destination, cheap holidays in Goa make jetting to these exotic faraway shores an affordable possibility. Flight times from most UK airport to Goa last approximately six hours which is a manageable timeframe for entertaining tots, if you are travelling with young family.

When visiting a faraway destination, don’t be tempted to settle for less than ten nights abroad. The length of time you spend travelling to and from your selected resort can eat into your quality time. Be assured that Goa is full of exciting excursions and opportunities if you do choose to splurge and stay for a recommended two week stint. 

Do not miss the opportunity to visit Goa’s array of wildlife sanctuaries. Watch as elephants bathe and are fed and even take the trip of a lifetime on the back of one of the splendid animals. In addition, enjoy escorted tours to areas such as the Tyavarekoppa jungle reserve - the ideal spot for spotting some of the resort’s free roaming tigers. 

As well as the wildlife in Goa, the backdrop to your stay is a beauty to behold in itself. Enjoy beautiful stretches of sands and impressive waterfalls such as the Dudhsagar, with falls of over 600 meters. 

Put time aside to visit the flea markets which are scattered throughout the region. One of the largest markets, with hundreds of stalls, is held on Anjuna Beach. Pick up some spices and haggle for any goods you choose to purchase.

If you’re tempted to try Goa, book cheap holidays in Goa online, for any time from March to June, for the best of spring holidays in the sun. 

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