Philippine Historical Buildings

We humans always have the habit of preserving something from the past, to ensure that the future generation would get a glimpse of it, of what it was like living from the old days. This is part of our instinct. Every country has preserved something, even the most littlest artifact (such as an old coin) as a memoir of how the preceding lived out their lives. The country Philippines is no exception. There are lots of Philippine historical buildings in every part of the country. But there are the main ones that really stand out. The buildings that have stood for years, even before the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese have colonized the country, and thereafter. Here are some:        

1. Malacañang Palace
   

   The Palace is built during the 1500s and is located in San Miguel, Metro Manila. It has a Spanish Colonial style to it which shows that the building was built during the Spanish era. This is where the previous and incumbent Philippine Presidents reside during their presidential term.

   
   


2. Rizal Shrine
   

   Located in Intramuros, Manila, the Shrine holds Jose Rizal’s memorabilia. It is also where Rizal lived his last days before he was shot to death. This is the site where he wrote his last piece of work entitled “Mi Ultimo Adios” r “The Last Farewell.

   
   


3. Vigan
   

   This city doesn’t seem to have changed over the years. Visit this place and you’ll see how well-preserved the buildings are! It has Spanish colonial buildings and the place would definitely take you back to the Spanish era! Vigan still has the Kalesa (Horse drawn Carriage), which is an old mode of transportation of early Filipinos. The cobblestoned pathways and the decent, remarkable buildings will surely take your breath away.

   
   


4. Corregidor
   

   This is located in Manila Bay. It served as a headquarters for the Allied Filipino and American Forces against the invasion of the Japanese army during World War II. The big guns used during the war are still preserved inside the building, as well as war memorabilia. The place also served as a hospital and food storage. Corregidor is also known as “the Rock”. 

   
   


5. Zapote Bridge
   

   The bridge connects Las Piñas and Bacoor. This is where the battle between the Filipinos and Americans during the Filipino-American war took place on February 16, 1897. Monuments have been built and the bridge has been well-preserved.

   
   


6. Basilica minore del Santo Niño
   

   This is the oldest Roman Catholic Church ever built in the Philippines, 1565. It is located in Cebu City. It is said that the spot where the church was built is the site where the image of Santo Niño was found by Spanish Explorer Miguel de Legazpi. This is the same image that Ferdinand Magellan offered Rajah Humabon’s (early warrior/leader of a tribe in Cebu before it was Christianized by Magellan) wife, which served as a gift after Humabon was baptized and Christianized. The image was later named as “the symbol of birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines”

These are just some of the many historical buildings and artifacts that represent the rich history of the Philippines. The names mentioned above have stood through time and are still very well-preserved.

Philippine Historical Buildings

Philippine Dating Customs

Formally courting someone is part of the Philippine tradition. In the early days, Filipino men court women by showing the woman and her family what he is capable of doing. For instance, the man should know to do light bulb fixtures, farming, fetch water from the well, do carpentry, and the most important of all, the capability of supporting the woman financially and show her family that he genuinely loves the woman. However, just like any other country, Philippine dating customs have also changed through time. Younger generations just text each other some “cheesy” and “kilig” pick-up lines and that’s it. You have yourself a boyfriend or a girlfriend. But, this article will focus more on the traditional way of how Filipinos win the heart of a Filipina.

1. Going to church with a Filipina and hearing the mass with her is a good indication that you are really serious about going out with her, and you want more from her than just dating for fun and excitement.


2. Filipino men and women are known to have a great sense of humor despite of the harsh problems they are facing. Filipinos are good with jokes and doing fun and silly things. Be fun and outgoing yourself can help boost both of your moods and prevent awkwardness.


3. If both of you are still in the get-to-know-each-other phase, do NOT talk to her about sex! Despite the changing world, there are still lots of Filipinas who are conservative and are not open to such conversations. They will only see you as a pervert and that you are only after lust, not love.


4. When dating a Filipina, men should make sure they give them a ride home safely. It’s not really necessary that you should own a car. Philippines have lots of jeepneys and taxis, as long as the girl is with and you make her feel safe, then everything’s good!


5. Also, Filipinas can be frugal as well. It can be a bonus if you take her out on expensive dates and dinners, but don’t do this too often. Some girls might be impressed, but others don’t want you to lavish your savings on them, especially when you are not official yet. They prefer simple dates such as a picnic in the park, or strolling, and hanging out in the mall and watch movies.


6. Introducing you to his/her family could mean that they are serious in having a relationship with you. So be sure you make a good impression when meeting up with her family. Filipinos like to have lots of gatherings, so be prepared in meeting the family and make sure you remember all the names!


7. Last but not the least, SERENADING. This is the oldest form of dating custom in the Philippines. In the early generations, men would sing a long song along with his friends or “barkada” while playing the guitar and the woman witness them from her balcony. Now, anyone can do it just about anywhere. Many have witnessed a formal courtship and serenading in malls and parks with all the balloons and flowers. Truly, Filipinos have a unique way of courting a fellow Filipino woman!

Philippine Dating Customs

Long Haul Travel With Toddler Tips

Traveling for long periods of time can be quite tedious and really tiring. What more if you have a toddler with you, it could be a catastrophe! You need to sort out and plan what you need to bring with you, and at the same time figure out how to appease and satisfy your child. Long haul travel with toddlers can be easy if you follow these tips and do it right.

Long Haul Travel With Toddler Tips

1. Of course, toddlers have a short attention span. They can be really annoying and unruly, especially if they don’t get what they want. But here’s a tip, don’t pack all of their toys in a luggage bag. It is better to put them in a carry-on bag where you can keep it inside the airplane, for example. Or better yet, let them have their own cutie backpacks with lots of goodies inside (if they are old enough to carry one). Consider the type of toys they want. If, for instance, your child loves toy cars, don’t just pack one, but two or three of any variety so they wouldn’t get bored. Read them books or provide some coloring books to keep their hands busy. Don’t forget the teddy bears! Every kid needs one.


2. When toddlers get cranky, they can be really noisy! And it would surely disturb and annoy other passengers. You can apologize to the ones sitting in front of your child because he/she would probably have a back pain after that long haul flight. Apologies in advance, or give them something to compensate for the disturbance your child may have caused.


3. Be sure to pack some extra clothes in your carry-on bags. There are kids who feel ill during long travels. And also, it might be good if you pack up some plastic or paper bags.


4. Pack up some first aid, medical kit. No need to explain further. We all know what this is for.


5. Stash up some of their favorite food, but make sure they are healthy! Fruits like grapes and sliced apples are a good way to go because they are not messy. Cereals are good, too.


6. Filipinos tend to warn their children about a certain “police officer that admonishes naughty children”. It’s not like you should scare them about such, but this technique will really make the behave and prevent themselves from standing on the seat and kicking the seat in front of them, and making a fuss in the middle of the trip.


7. Though many parents deem this unhealthy for their growing child, other adults rely on techno gadgets to keep their kids busy. Some people will object leaving the kids to play games on a tablet, and some prefer the old-style parenting technique by giving them coloring books, reading books, crayons, and such.


8. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! You can’t possibly take care of your kids if you neglect your own health! Be sure you have enough rest before the trip and make sure you’re not stressed and everything else will fall into place.

Long Haul Travel With Toddler Tips

Top Wedding Locations in the Philippines

For every bride, a wedding is like a dream come true. While most of today’s brides already are practical with regards to managing and planning their weddings, still, most women would still rather have a wedding that at least comes close to that one they’ve dreamt about for so long. Weddings also reflect the interests or personalities of the groom and bride, and as much as the wedding itself, the wedding location, the setting of the story, is one of the topmost considerations.

With all its luxurious beaches and other attractive places, there’s no doubt that the Philippines is one place one would dream to also get married in. With that, let’s round up some of the top wedding locations in the Philippines:

Boracay

For the fun-loving, party-going, beach bums, Boracay is definitely a place to be wed in. Whether at sunrise or sunset, Boracay’s sparkling beach and white sand just cannot put your wedding into any form of subtlety. Top it all off with a fun after-party, and you’re all set to make great beach wedding memories.

Tagaytay

Picture this, a volcano, a lake, greens, and really cool winds and you are all set for a Tagaytay wedding. Many couples decide to get wedded in this place because of the classic scenery. It brings you close to nature with an added dose of intimacy. Add the really cool breeze which sweeps even during the summer season and you’re all set to be wrapped in the embrace of romantic and intimate celebration. The food is also fresh and Tagaytay has lots of great hotels and restaurants to choose from to cater to your wedding celebration.

Baguio

Fresh flowers come from Baguio. Fresh strawberries come from Baguio. The Philippine’s summer capital is the perfect setting for that cozy and classic wedding that leaves you with warm, and fuzzy feelings. Wrap yourselves in love and affection despite the cool temperature and light up the fire of pure wedded bliss.

Intramuros

For the history-loving Filipinos who want to stay true to their culture. Hold a Filipiniana wedding that features and highlights Filipino traditions and inspire others that being Filipino is never really out of style. Don your Filipinianas and barongs and do away from lavish gowns and suits and ties. We have such a rich culture and it’s always a great idea to explore our traditions and put it together to sort of hold a DIY Filipino-inspired wedding.

Cebu

Cebu is the perfect blend of that provincial feel with a touch of the metro. Cebu has a selection of great churches and hotels and of course, the beaches are very much abundant in Cebu. There are also elevated places, such as in Busay that leave you with an overlooking view of the city. Whether you’d want a beach wedding, a garden wedding or a traditional church wedding, you can realize these choices in places in Cebu. It is indeed becoming one of the favourite wedding venues.

Metro Manila

Metro Manila is not to be missed. It is the metro, after all. Great restaurants, five-star hotels, wedding planners, suppliers, and everything else, you can find them all at Metro Manila and then realize the dream wedding you have always wanted.

Top Wedding Locations in the Philippines

Top Vacation Places in the Philippines

The Philippines is rich in culture and it has an expansive history within them. The Philippines became a blend of the cultures that have colonized them for hundreds of years, but nonetheless have integrated their own inherent backgrounds as native Filipinos to become the Filipinos that they are today.

The Filipinos, themselves, are known for their hospitality and their unwavering smiles, optimism, and hope that could not be drowned by any storm or typhoon that could befall them. While the people are already rich in their attributes, the Philippines takes great pride in its blessedness of natural resources, sights, beaches, and marvellous natural gifts. Most of all, you can enjoy all these glorious beauties because indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines.

Here are some of the top vacation places in the Philippines:

• Batanes

The Batan Island, located at the topmost portion of the Philippines, is on top of everyone’s bucket lists. Batanes is becoming a well–loved tourist spot because of its glorious scenery and rich architecture that are reminiscent of the previous Spanish colonial era. However, the people are also rich in their cultures and tradition that you surely would love to get to know. The hills, the lighthouse, the beach, the wind—Batanes is definitely a must in every traveller’s bucket list.  

• Surigao del Sur’s Enchanted River

 

Located in Mindanao, Surigao del Sur leaves you enchanted with its Enchanted River. The river has crystal clear waters that could only remind you of the most enchanting places, and leave you with a view of the riverbed. But don’t be fooled as this river indeed runs deep. The water is cool and refreshing, and there’s none more exquisite than a taste, and an experience of a visual gradient of aquamarine and blue, all under a shade of clouds and sky and the richest greens from plants. Now that’s definitely a sight to behold!

• Bohol

 

Bohol may have been badly hit by the recent earthquake, but despite that hit, Bohol remains to be undeniable in its beauty. The Chocolate Hills is a natural wonder that you just cannot put off from visiting. The Boholanos all have different tales and folklore myths about where the Chocolate Hills came from, but all of those stories are quirky and funny and tells you a whole lot about how fun the Filipinos indeed are. The beaches of Bohol are an experience and so are the rare animals, such as the tarsier, which is local to Bohol.

• Palawan

 

The island of Palawan boasts of its majestic beaches and sights. Its waters are an experience in itself and the sight of its beaches is just so lovely, it’ll definitely leave you breathless and in the mood for some life-romance. El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Coron are the top and most visited islands in Palawan. Each of these feature beaches that are ideal for anyone who loves to lounge and at the same time enjoy waters that bring you to life and feeling refreshed.

These are just some of the most visited places in the Philippines. When you start, the fun doesn’t stop at one place. There are still plenty more to discover in this great country.

Top Vacation Places in the Philippines

Top Romantic Places in the Philippines

What is your idea of romance?

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” ~Anais Nin.

Perhaps we could travel instead to discover new places and to rediscover the soul of our companion and of who we are when we are with them.

Filipinos are romantics by heart. Nature simply had that in mind, too, as the Philippines is blessed with places that are romantic and if they are not, the “lonely” traveller in you could redefine your own idea of romance once you experience and truly immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of these top romantic places in the Philippines.

The Cold Never Bothers You, Anyway. Wrap yourself or your partner with the warmth of love.

Baguioand Tagaytay are perhaps the coldest places in the tropical country of the Philippines. Elevated from the normal ground, these mountain areas encourage you to be wrapped in an embrace of arms that hold you up or simply with warmth in your heart. There’s nothing better than sharing these romantic sceneries, the cold air, the volcano and the lake with a cup of coffee or warm chocolate, complete with strawberries, or horses, or flowers with your loved one.

It’s the Climb. And the awareness of the lending hand and the support.

Trekkers enjoy the Philippines because of its trails and mountainous areas that encourage you to take the hike, trek, climb, and camp just to touch the sky. Of course, all of these hiking and climbing, huffing and puffing, gets all the more easier when shared with a loved one who gives you a steady and strong hand to hold and support. Now, that’s pretty cheesy. But wait, when you get to see the view. Visit Mt. Pulag, or Sagada in the Mountain Province, or Mt. Apo, or Mount Pinatubo, and take the climb.

To the Depths, You and I.

It’s a secret that can never be concealed: how the Philippines have the most romantic beaches, surrounded by pristine waters and marvellous sceneries. The greens, the blues, the whites, and the pretty flowers, too…The cool, the fresh, and everything else that spells true bliss. The Philippine waters never run dry of any enchanting capacity to put out the romantic in you. Surf in Siargao, take a dive in the Enchanted River in Surigao. Swim in Panglao, Bohol, or explore Palawan—Coron, El Nido, Puerto Princesa. Take a dip at Malapascua, Bantayan, or in Olango in Cebu.

There are also magnificent caves to visit in the Philippines. Go and explore into the deep in these caves: Palawan Underground River, Callao Caves in Cagayan, Tabon Caves in Quezon, Biak-na-Bato in Bulacan and some other more to discover.

 

The Rest is History

There’s something about walking through old places and knowing its history that leaves you with a feeling of gratitude and pride. And for the romantics out there, this experience is worth sharing with your loved one. It’s like walking down through memory lane and knowing you too would soon carve your own history together. Visit Batanes and Vigan, Ilocos Sur while creating historic memories together.

Top Romantic Places in the Philippines

Manchester United 1998/99 - A historic treble

 

Given Manchester United’s rich history, there are a lot of great moments which will go down long in the memory of football fans all around the world but arguably the Red Devils’ greatest achievement has to be their brilliant 1998/1999 treble triumph.

The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson is a born winner and the trophy less 1997/98 season would have certainly hurt the Scotsman’s pride. Therefore, Ferguson was intent on making amends during the following campaign and he assembled a formidable squad to do so.

The fabled class of ’92 consisting of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville – along with established stars such as Roy Keane, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer formed a strong squad and to add to the strength in depth, a lot of cash was splashed to bring in the likes of Jaap Stam, Dwight Yorke and Jesper Blomqvist.

Despite the ridiculously talented group of players, United did not get off to the best of starts and had to wait till mid September to claim their first victory of the season. Then to make matters worse, the Red Devils succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of title rivals Arsenal early on.

While United struggled domestically, they were decent in the Champions League after claiming thrilling draws against the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich before thumping past Brondby.

Building on from their good performances in Europe, United were able to translate such form into the league and keep themselves afloat at the top of the table alongside the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Arsenal.

A terrible run of only one win in eight matches during the month of December looked like United’s season was put in jeopardy but it was after their blues in the winter that the Red Devils embarked on a sensational 33 match unbeaten run to conquer all before them.

United raced to the top of the Premier League table by February and were still going strong in the FA Cup as well as the Champions League. Then as the business end of the season approached, there were murmurs that the Red Devils could even achieve the impossible by claiming the treble – with football betting experts and pundits all excited at such a prospect.

However, it was going to be anything but straightforward for United as they were being pursued by Arsenal in the table as well as in the FA Cup while the mighty Juventus laid in wait in the Champions League.

Great teams prove their worth during the big occasions and it was exactly what United did by defeating Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final extra time through a wonder goal by Ryan Giggs, while launched a wonderful comeback victory against Juventus to seal their place in the final of the competition against Bayern Munich.

Despite their wonderful feat throughout the season though, it all came down to the final three games which would decide whether the campaign would end in a dream or tragedy for United.

First of all was a must win Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur to decide the fate of the title and in typical United fashion, they went behind early on. Nonetheless, goals from David Beckham and Andy Cole saw the Red Devils claim the victory and in turn, the title.

The FA Cup final against Newcastle United was more of a straightforward victory as Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes guided United to a 2-0 result.

However, the same could not be said regarding the Champions League final against Bayern Munich where United came back from the jaws of defeat to claim a victory.

Having been dominated throughout the match, it looked like Bayern would crush United’s treble dream but the Red Devils managed to claim the most sensational comeback victory ever as goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in injury time helped them to a wonderful triumph and an improbable treble.

By: http://www.footballbettingo.com

 

Manchester United 1998/99 - A historic treble

Meeting the Ladies with the Tao of Badass

If you’ve been struggling to form meaningful relationships with women or are too afraid to even meet women, then consider this Tao of Badass review as your first step to conquering your fear. Written by Josh Pellicer, the Tao of Badass has helped many men to learn the secrets of meeting women and how to get them interested. He’s had experience over the past four years in discovering what makes women attracted to certain men and has shared that information in this tell-all book.

 

When it comes to techniques, they couldn’t be any simpler. With the Tao of Badass, you can learn to be original in your conversations with women. Talking of the weather or sports usually leads to nowhere fast. Instead, learning about what makes you interesting first of all can lead to some interesting conversations. Develop humor and know how to converse; women tend to be more social beings and love to be around those who know how to talk. Humor can lead to breaking the ice. Getting a woman to laugh can go a lot further than you think.

 

These are just a few of the techniques discussed in the Tao of Badass, but are the key stepping stones to developing the skills that you need to learn how to talk to women. By learning the tips and applying them to your own life, you can learn to communicate with the opposite gender much more easily, and help you develop long-standing relationships with women. What’s useful about the Tao of Badass is that it not only comes with the book, divided into separate chapters to help you understand the secrets behind dating, but it also comes with audio tips and training videos that can help you to improve your skills.

 

The Tao of Badass book covers everything from understanding gender roles to being able to read body language. And when you can’t carry the book with you, you can listen to the audio files while you’re jogging or driving your car, so you can digest these lessons even further. And if you think these lessons haven’t helped anyone, then you’re sorely mistaken. The feedbacks left in the beginning introduction of the book were written by real men who have benefitted from the Tao of Badass, and have gone on to experience wonderful relationships with women.

 

The advice of Josh Pellicer in this book may seem like common sense, but it’s sometimes the common sense that men miss out on when they’re trying to talk to women. By reading what women find attractive in men, you can tailor your behavior in a natural way that doesn’t come across as overbearing or fake. We hope this Tao of Badass review has helped you to appreciate the good that these tips can bring to your life after the rejection you have faced on previous occasions. Call and order your copy today.

Meeting the Ladies with the Tao of Badass

What To Do On An Airplane When Bored

You might be what they call a “Frequent Flyer.” However, it’s not the number of flights you’ve survived, but the hours you spent and how you spent them that matter; but, not as much as the destination itself, of course.

Even if you are an expert at flying, there’s always a pretty good chance you just might have ran out of ideas on what to do while you’re on board. To the sleepers, this has never been a problem, but to the ecstatic explorers, what are you to do?

Settle down your restless heart and your restless feet, and consider these friendly tips on what to do on an airplane when bored:

1. Read. Bring a book with you. Whatever’s your fancy, open that book, and start flipping through the pages. On flights, it might be best to bring a book that captures you, like a mystery or a thriller or a detective novel, or a romantic story. Bring a book that you know you just cannot put down.


2. Play games. Gaming is a favourite past time. I mean, who plays and become so conscious of time, anyway? Gaming is a pretty good way to waste time, and this flight time might be the best to level up a few times. Bring your gadget with you and make sure it’s fully charged.


3. Watch a tv series marathon. Tv series are just clever. They always know how to end each episode with an unanswered question, an unsolved mystery, or some other things that can leave you hanging. Now is the best time to run that marathon and watch your favourite tv series without being left hanging what’s going to happen next. You can finish it.


4. Daydream and reflect. You are leaving a place and then you are going to a place. You are several thousand feet up in the air. You’re aboard a strange winged thing with people you do not know. On top of clouds, seas, mountains. It’s about time we get that imagination going. Let your mind wander. Travel across the borders of your imagination and sync up with your soul. Reflect on what you are leaving and on what’s waiting for you ahead.


5. Make a friend. Your new best friend might just be sitting next to you. Why not start a conversation and get to know someone else. Make a new friend and get the conversation going. Some of the most beautiful friendships come from surprise encounters. This might just be yours.


6. Write. Practice your own font, your handwriting. These days, calligraphy, typography, watercolour prints are very popular and they all involve fonts and handwritten types. Practice your handwriting by writing down your favourite quotes or the song lyrics to the song you’re currently listening to. Write.


7. Eat. There’s always time to keep your hands and mouth busy. Seize it.

What To Do On An Airplane When Bored

Manila Airport Tips

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila might not have the best reputation, but nonetheless, an airport should never hinder you from discovering the magic and beauty that becomes revealed as you explore your destination.

The Philippines is a unique and a naturally well-bestowed country. Here, you have a luxury of the beautiful beaches with warm and clear waters, and some other caves and rivers that you can visit. Mountains, hills, and volcanoes abound in the Philippines— all of which possess a unique touch in them that would lead you closer to the gift and the blessing of nature.

To get you started on your trip, first here are some Manila airport tips:

1. Breath and offer a smile. When you arrive especially form a really long flight, it might be best to take a break, breathe, smile, and refresh your outlook. You’re on a new journey, so take it all in and prepare yourself for what awaits and the surprises that will become beautiful along the way. Don’t rush yourself too much. Filipinos are generally friendly and hospitable, so that warm, genuine smile together with a positive outlook will definitely take you a long way around the Philippines. You’d be surprised at the amount of kindness that are just knocking around your doors, or luggage, at this this time.


2. Know your way around. Manila airport may not be too big as compared to other international airports that you might have already visited. Knowing your way around the terminals may not be that difficult for you. Plus, you can always ask around, should you decide not to navigate your way on your own. There are also a lot of food chains in the airport, so you might as well have your first taste of some Filipino dishes. A warning though, they could cost you more than how they would cost outside the airport. But, as you wait, it would be nice to wait with a happy stomach.


3. Have lots of patience. You might have to fall in long lines as you wait for your turn for an interview at the immigration counters. The interview does not take that long, just a couple of short and simple questions that require your honest answers and intent in the country. The lines might be tricky because they would be long, thus requiring your extra patience. Not only that, you may have to be checked and searched, so it’s better to be prepared for that so that you do not become stressed as you wait for your turn or when it is already your turn. Don’t grow impatient. And unless anyone is harassing you, it is always best practice to keep in minds that your security is the airport’s priority so it would be best if you cooperate.


4. Airport taxi. The yellow airport taxis just waiting outside the airport might be too pricey because they have higher flat rates. This comes from experience, so if you have good negotiation skills, negotiate with the driver. If you have enough patience left, you can walk straight and just right across from where the yellow taxis are parked, you’d find the other taxis (the white painted ones). These taxis have lower flat rates and thus are cheaper. This is the better choice.

Manila Airport Tips

Long Haul Travel Essentials

“Why fly? Simple. I’m not happy unless there’s some room between me and the ground.” ~Richard Bach

If only we had that same spirit every time we fly. Not too many people are psyched and excited when flying. Some would rather dread for the worse than enjoy the fact that they are soaring above ground. But then, there are also the flights that probably get the better of us, such as long–haul flights.

How can we survive 12–hr or 13–hr flights, taking flight on one date and then finding out we have arrived at another destination on the same date? Now, flying on business class might be convenient, but then, not everyone among us are privileged enough to fly in business class, so to the majority of us who fly in economy, how do we survive?

To guide you on your journey, here’s a list of some long haul travel essentials:

1. Plan for your seating arrangement. As with any travels, choosing where you are seated is vital. When you book your flight ahead of schedule, you get to have the advantage of choosing the best seats because most likely, they are not yet taken. Choose an aisle seat. This makes it easier for you to go to the bathroom when you need to. Plus, it gives you extra space for movement as opposed to being seated in the middle. When you are in the window seats, you might find it difficult to navigate your way out form your row just to go to the bathroom, a destination you might not be able to avoid as you wait to arrive at your real destination.


2. Stretch and move. You’d think it would be best to just sleep through the whole flight, but chances are you might just have aching muscles due to the prolonged time of being stationary. So, taking those bathroom breaks is your opportunity to stretch those legs and to move that neck (just so you can also avoid having stiffed necks from a poor sleeping position).


3. Eat light. Before you embark on a long-haul flight, it is best practice to avoid foods that are hard to digest. I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t want to have a sick stomach aboard an airplane through a long flight and with perhaps only one or two bathrooms that you share with hundreds of other passengers, right? It would be best to just eat the stomach-friendly foods, light but enough to satisfy your hunger and sustain your strength.


4. Sleep. Sleep and get some rest. Wander in your dreams. But then, before you doze off, see to it that your position is more comfortable to avoid any strains after. Sleeping when seated is definitely not a friendly and comfortable to our muscles.


5. Bring your own entertainment. What better way to kill the time and enjoy along the way than to watch your favourite movies and read your favourite books. Bring them with you and you’ll never even notice that 12-hrs have already passed.


6. Wander. You’re up in the air. Enjoy the ride, just like Richard Bach sees the joy in flying.

Long Haul Travel Essentials

What Does The Philippine Red Cross Do?

Each country has a nationwide organization which establishes disaster relief programs and preparedness should mainstream natural catastrophe trike the country. In the Philippines, they have the Philippine Red Cross. While the name of the organization is known to many Filipinos, some are still unaware what does the Philippine Red Cross do?

• The organization sends out response teams to the affected site/s after being struck by a certain natural disaster, and check which areas (city, town, poblacion, and/or barangay) are severely damaged. After assessing the worst damaged areas, these are immediately a top priority places where relief goods should be sent out first. But it does not mean other affected areas are neglected.


• The Philippine Red Cross organization accepts volunteers to help with the people who are affected and can work with professional response teams as well. But please take note that they do not pay volunteers for their work. That would be contradictory.


• The organization provides training to Red Cross personnel as well as the volunteers. With the Philippines experiencing an average of 20 typhoons per year, the Philippine Red Cross personnel must be ready to adapt to any kind of situation they are in. The people involved in relief operations and rescue response teams have been through a lot of extensive experiences. So there is no doubt that each personnel will fall short when it comes to providing help to those in need.


• The organization provides evacuation centers and gives food, shelter, and health service to people in the affected areas. The Red cross is prepared to react to certain dangerous situations, reunite individuals with their families, and help the community to get back up on their feet.


• The Philippine Red Cross does not only focus on disaster reliefs, but is also blood bank. The organization provides blood donating services which makes it the country’s largest blood bank. Donating your blood can change someone’s life in a any possible way you can imagine. Donate blood, and you might just save a life!


• The organization can also help volunteers to host for a blood drive. Also, the Philippine Red Cross accepts any type of donations from the rest of the country and the world. They also provide fundraising events and accept sponsors to financially aid the people who are in need.

                Bottom line: The Philippine Red Cross Organization responds to multiple disasters. Be it typhoons or volcanic eruptions, the Philippine Red Cross will surely be ready to work together and reach out to those who are in need during catastrophic times. Their sole purpose is to make people who are affected by disaster feel that they are not alone. Helping others is not just about donating money or donating your blood. There are other ways to support the Philippine Red Cross by means of volunteering and getting involved in their program (health service training, risk management, shelter, relief, etc.). Many lives have been changed by just this organization. Then how much more can be changed if each and every one of us becomes an advocate?

What Does The Philippine Red Cross Do?