Tourist Attractions in Cebu

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Cebu is the “Queen City of the South” and it is very famous, especially to tourists. Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, with Cebu City as the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the Visayas. There are a lot of beautiful places that you can visit and enjoy in Cebu. It is the best and one of the favourite destinations for tourists around the world. Cebu is the tropical paradise with a touch of elegance and serenity. Here is a list of the different tourist attractions that you can explore and admire while having your vacation in Cebu, Philippines.

SINULOG FESTIVAL – The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is both religious and cultural. It is offered in honor of the Sto. Niño, the divine Child, God, Creator and Protector of the world. It is also offered for the cultural uplift and reminder for the people of the Philippines, particularly in Cebu. During the Sinulog Festival visitors from many parts of the country and tourists from abroad converge in Cebu City. They come not only to pay homage to the Sto. Niño but also to witness the display of Cebuano culture on the duration of the dances. The revelries and the spontaneous shouting “Pit Senyor!” 

BASILICA DEL STO. NIÑO – this is the most famous church in Cebu and well known all over the world. This church houses one of the country’s oldest religious relics. Just nearby by the church you can find the Magellan’s Cross, this was made to commemorate the moment when Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, planted a wooden cross on the land of Cebu to mark the conversion of its locals to Christianity.

WHITE BEACHES – Cebu offers a relaxing and serene environment with its pristine white beaches, fine white sands and crystalline waters. The following are the beautiful beaches in Cebu: Sta. Fe Bantayan Island, Tingko Beach Alcoy,Santiago White Beach in Camotes Island, Dalaguete Beach Park, Logon Beach in Malapascua Island, Hidden Beach in Aloguinsan, Lambug Beach in Badian, Basdako Beach in Moalboal, Sayaw Beach in Barili, and Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu. These are just some of the various beaches that can be found in Cebu.

CEBU GUITARS – Cebu is also famous for its high quality guitars. The Spaniards introduced the guitar to the Cebuanos and it has enhanced the Filipino’s musicality and sense of rhythm, and nowadays a typical Filipino, most especially the Cebuanos, know how to play the guitar even without formal training. High quality guitars are found in Mactan Cebu. The guitar industry in Mactan was formally started by the Malingin family in 1995 and it has gained prominence as Cebu’s best guitar source. Their factory is along the highway while the factory is in Abuno, Lapulapu City.

Tourist Attractions in Cebu

How To Choose A Vet For A Guinea Pig

When your guinea pig gets ill, it is important that you know how to choose a vet for a guinea pig. In fact, when a guinea pig is ill, all of the research should already have been done. This means that if you keep guinea pigs, then you need to choose a vet as soon as you can. Do not wait until your pet needs one, as you are unlikely to be thinking straight. If you take it to a vet who is not good with guinea pigs, then the poor thing could lose its life. By doing the research in advance of any illness, such as when you get a guinea pig, then it could save its life.

 

Not all vets are the same. Take where I live, for instance. I am surrounded by farmland, and although the three vets in the area are fine with cats and dogs, they mainly deal with farm animals. This means that they are not experts when it comes to small animals. I have to travel about 30 miles to get to a vet that is good when it comes to dealing with guinea pigs. However, sometimes even they may not be good enough if the condition is rare, and then I would go to an exotic pet vet, which is around 50 miles away. Exotic vets are expensive, but if you have a pet with a serious condition, and you want to save it, they are usually the only option.

 

Taking all this into account, here are a few pointers on how to choose a vet for a guinea pig.

 

 

* Animals do not really like to travel, especially when they are ill, as the stress can make their condition worse. So, if you can find a local vet that deals with small animals, then you are ensuring that any treatment needed in the future will be fast.

 

* It is very important that you feel comfortable with the vet. They need to put your mind at rest, and explain everything. If something does not seem right, then it probably isn’t. I have had vets keep referring to books when I have taken in a sick guinea pig, this is a red flag, find another one.

 

* The practice should be relaxed, with the staff showing that they are happy to explain everything. If this is not the case then visit another practice.

 

* Not all practices use the same treatments. For instance, operation wounds should now be closed with glue and not stitches, but some practices still use the older method. This puts the animal at greater risk of complications. So, make sure that the vet is well up on the latest developments.

 

* Neutering is best done when the guinea pig is young and healthy, as complications are less likely to arise. However, it is always worth keeping any health problems in mind when it comes to neutered males. I had a beautiful guinea pig that suffered from terrible bloat for three months. It was not until I took him to an exotic vet when he was near death’s door that the problem was discovered. Part of his intestines had slipped through the hole left when he was neutered, probably called a hernia in humans. This was very bad luck, and meant his gut kept getting blocked. Alas, he died within a couple of days of the operation, as there was too much damage to his intestines from the severity of the bloat.

 

* You should be able to relate to your vet as you do with friends and family. Even though you are worried about the health of your pet, the environment between you and the vet should be pleasant and relaxing. If your pet has an ongoing condition, then it is important you see the same vet every time, or something may be missed. Not all vets allow this, so ignore them.

 

* Trust is an important part of a relationship with a vet when it comes to a small animal, and not having cats and dogs roaming the practice is a way of showing this. Although these animals will be in the waiting area together, and elsewhere in the practice, they should not be able to get near to your pet.

 

* If your pet is being stressed by other animals, then the practice should ensure that you and the pet are put in a different area.

 

* Most guinea pigs live in at least pairs, and if you only have a single, then it is very important to get it a friend. When a sick guinea pig needs to stay with a vet for a time, if they are decent enough, then they should allow its friend to stay as well. This can help in the recovery of the ill animal. Especially if it has had an operation.

 

* One last thing, and that is to make sure that the premises are staffed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. You would be amazed at home many practices leave all of the animals alone during the night.

 

Remember, you are paying for the vet, and that means that you are employing them. You are paying them for their expertise, but not all the vets are experts in the same thing. If for any reason whatsoever you are not happy with what the vet is telling you, go and visit another one. It could save your animal’s life.

How To Choose A Vet For A Guinea Pig

Tips for Living in the Philippines

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The Philippines has been known for its hospitality, beautiful beaches and warm and friendly people. It is the only English speaking country in Asia. You can experience a high quality standard of living for a very low cost. If you are planning to settle down in the Philippines, here are some tips to make your stay a great one.

Culture Shock

Filipino people are so frank and observant. They may openly comment on your appearance in ways that Americans don’t (e.g. “wow, you are fat!” You are SO tall! “your feet is huge!”) This may sometimes be accompanied with pokes and pinches. This is observational and nothing mean is meant by it. The Philippines is a country that, right or wrong, aesthetically prizes light skin and European noses, so it’s not uncommon for young women to come up to just start stroking their cheeks. Nothing untoward is meant by it, and it’s actually a complement.

Learn Tagalog

In the Philippines, English is one of the official languages. The other is Filipino (sometimes referred to as Tagalog). There are also many regional dialects. It is well worth learning a little Tagalog not that it is necessary to use it all day every day, but, as always, it’s polite to your hosts and for you not to be out of place. Filipinos are really fond of foreigners speaking Filipino.

Foreigners Cannot Own Land in the Philippines

Be advised that foreigners are not allowed to own property in the Philippines. You can buy a condo, but someone else owns the land and you are at their mercy in that type of sale. If you are married to a Filipino/ Filipina then you can buy a place in his/her name.

Cost of Living in the Philippines

Make sure that you have some savings so that you can live on your own without a job, or without relying on someone for at least a year. A budget of $1000 a month will be a good start, depending on your lifestyle and area where you want to live. Standard of living in the Philippines depends on the location where you want to stay. If you go to the countryside, $1,000.00 could give you a comfortable life.

Job Opportunities in the Philippines

There are a lot of call centers, English institutes, especially in Metro Manila, Baguio, and Cebu. There are tons of opportunities available, depending on your expertise. Most people find jobs or work through making contacts with friends, relatives and co-workers.

Tips for Living in the Philippines

Attract Younger Women

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If you are interested in attracting women who are in their twenties (or early thirties depending on your age), these simple guidelines will help you learn how to attract younger women…

The first step to knowing how to attract younger women is knowing how they think and what qualities that they’re looking for in a man. The most important thing is that they don’t need as much certainty as older women do. In fact, they would prefer to have a little bit of uncertainty and mystery. If you lay all the cards out on the table up front, they’ll get bored really fast. So keep a little mystery about yourself and especially about your interest in her. This will get her curious, which will make her think about you when you’re not around and that curiosity will solidify into attraction. Also, you need to know that you have a maturity and strength of character that all women really want…they’re attracted to it. The problem is the younger one’s also want a man who is a little bit edgy and fun…a bit of boyishness left in him. The advantage you have as an older man is that you can develop (or revive) your youthful personality traits and offer younger women the best of both worlds.

The best way to do this is to start doing some things that help you to get in touch with your youthfulness. Do adventurous and fun things that you can do with younger women without them feeling that they’re with an old man.

The most important part of knowing how to attract younger women is being able to communicate that you have a high social value. In other words, that you are pre-selected by others…especially women. For example, if you’re alone when you go places, that demonstrates a lack of social value. But if you go places with other people, especially if you have women with you (preferably younger and attractive women), that demonstrates that you’re a man of high social value. Try some of the dating tips and ideas for first dates at www.facebook.com/onmutualterms.

You see, women are very competitive and when they see that another women might have, or be about to get a hold of, something that they don’t have, it makes them want it even more. Being seen with other women also demonstrates that other women think you’re attractive which must mean that you have something of value to offer them.

It goes without saying that in order to attract a younger woman the first step to get out there and start meeting some of them. Find a few friends (remember, women friends are best) to go out with, remember to build a little mystery and to find some way to get in touch with your youthful and adventurous side. You can always start this process online as well. There are online dating sites (like www.OnMutualTerms.com) dedicated to older, successful, and mature men looking for a young, fun, attractive mate; and remember, if you’re an older and more emotionally mature man, these things will put you at more of an advantage when it comes to knowing how to attract younger women.

Attract Younger Women

Things to Do at Night in Manila

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Filipinos exemplify the notion that they always are the life and soul of the party, their ability to sing and dance is an innate characteristic belonging to the majority of the people. Combined with a great sense of humour you can guarantee some great partying while in Manila. Karaoke, as in most Asian countries, is a national sport and mercilessly encouraged by the locals. Filipinos like to go out in Manila be it a weekday or a weekend. That is why there is more to Manila than Karaoke bars. Close to the airport, you can have a lot of fun with the nightlife kicking off in venues like Opus Lounge where you can have a drink and dine amidst renaissance murals and DJ sounds.

Many first-time foreigners are dazzled by Malate and Ermita’s nocturnal street scene, buzzing with lively clubs and realistic music alongside sleazy girlie bars. Meanwhile, dedicated clubbers and ice-cool cats are likely to be slinking off to Makati City or Quezon City to seek out drum and bass DJ sets or sip the latest imported vodkas. Malate is one of the most famous party districts and much more lively during the night. Makati and Global City also have bars in the Greenbelt and Bonifacio High Street malls respectively. You can also find upscale wine bars, booming clubs, jazz joints and American style pubs in and around Manila. Eastwood City in Quezon City is another favourite hangout of locals. Keep in mind that night time in any city is generally when the low life factor emerges and when you should exercise extreme caution for your own safety. Always bear in mind that safety comes first, use common sense.

The hottest musical guests in town playing to a crowd that is sharply dressed and ready to party hard is found at the Republic, which remains one of the city’s super clubs. This venue is located within the gaming and entertainment cluster called Resorts world.

If you want to spot a local celebrity in the Philippines, just head to Bonifacio Global City’s exclusive Prive Bar. But if you really want something more eclectic, go to Quezon City. You can marvel at the mismatch of a church located on the same street as the bars. Your experience wouldn’t be complete without stopping by a comedy club like Klownz, where gay go-betweens get Filipino volunteers to come up on stage and entertain everyone.

Things to Do at Night in Manila

The Best Philippine Fish Dishes

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Filipinos love to eat, which makes them food lovers. Filipino people are also good at cooking, and some well known chefs and cooks worldwide are Filipinos. If you are going to visit the Philippines, one great experience would be the opportunity to taste their different delicacies and food especially sea foods. Here is the list of some of the famous Philippine fish dishes which Filipinos really love.

Cream Dory in Sweet Soy Sauce is a simple and quick fish dish that consists of cream dory cooked in sweet soy sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch and sugar. This can be served together with steamed rice.

Baked Pesto Cream Dory is another simple and easy dish. This dish consists of dory fillets baked in a blend of pesto sauce, oyster sauce, and cayenne pepper.

Kinilaw na Dilis is another variety of raw fish salad made of fresh anchovies fillet mixed with vinegar, chili, onion, ginger, calamansi juice, salt and pepper. This dish is another Filipino delicacy and usually served as appetizer or pulutan. Make sure it is fresh because the taste of kinilaw depends on the freshness of the fish.

Paksiw na Dilis or anchovies is another quick and easy fish dish by Filipinos. The procedure is similar to other paksiw. Normally the fish and vegetables are cooked in a blend of vinegar and some spices like garlic, onion and ginger. Then covered and simmered for 10 minutes or until done.

Pinais na Bangus is another simple and easy native dish. The fish is usually stuffed with tomatoes, onions, and ginger and wrapped in banana leaves. Then it is also cooked together with kamias or tamarind together with other vegetables.

Relyenong Bangus or Stuffed Milkfish is one of the most delicious and popular Filipino dishes. This dish is considered as a special dish because it requires a lot of patience, effort and time. The fish meat sautéed and then cooked with other ingredients and seasonings. The milkfish skin is stuffed with a meat mixture until it resembles its original shape, then fry until golden brown.

Fish Menudo(maya-maya) is another variety of mouth-watering tomato-based dish. The fish should be boiled in vinegar with salt to get rid of the fishy smell and taste. Then drained and cooked in tomato sauce together with potatoes, carrots and other vegetables.

Sinigang na Danggit or Stewed Rabbitfish is another simple and easy Filipino dish. The procedure is similar to other stews, normally the fish cooked in a combination of onions, tomatoes, vegetables and tamarind soup which gives a sour taste.

The Best Philippine Fish Dishes

Information on Culture of the Philippines

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The Philippines is a country that contains different cultures and has been influenced by previous colonization and derived mainly from the cultures of Spain and the United States. Despite the visual Hispanic and Western influences, the older Asian aspects of Filipino culture are seen through the way of life, beliefs and customs of the people.

The Philippines had been under Spanish rule for three centuries followed by fifty years of American influence. Through a thick layer of Spain and America, you can glimpse the Filipino soul trying to express its unique, cultural identity through creativity.

ART

The Filipino people are naturally artistic; you’ll see their penchant for color and craftsmanship even outside museums and galleries. It can be seen in their handicrafts, design and fashion. It is very evident in their churches or parks. It can be as loud as their jeepneys or as clean as their embroidery, as brash as their tribal tattoos or as delicate as Lang Dulay’s weaving.

FOOD

Filipinos’ distinct cuisine came from the comfort food that reminds Filipinos of family, home, and simple joys. Its various unique flavors are expressed differently from kitchen to kitchen. The national dish of the Philippines is ADOBO (pork stewed in garlic, soy sauce and vinegar) this is from the influence of Spain. The Philippines has as many recipes as their number of islands, its culture is a buffet of fun and festivity. Wherever you go, you will always be welcomed by people as warm as summer. As “Lonely Planet” once stated, it is worth a trip here just to see the famous Filipino smile which is very contagious.

 

MUSIC and DANCE

Filipinos really love sosyalan (socializing), dancing and music, especially the province-wide street party and town talent show – the fiesta (festival). There are different celebrations and fiestas all around the country which make the country worth visiting. Every time Filipinos celebrate, be ready to dance in the streets to tribal drum rhythms (listen for the Latin influence). Or simply marvel at the elaborate floats blooming with the season’s harvest, and the town folk’s crafty work. Filipinos play a variety of musical instruments including flutes, guitar, ukulele, violin, trumpets and drums. They perform songs and dances to celebrate festive occasions.

 

By the 21st century, many of the folk songs and dances have remained intact throughout the Philippines. Philippine folk dances include the Tinikling and Cariñosa. They perform songs and dances to celebrate festive occasions. In the southern region of Mindanao, Singkil is a popular dance showcasing the story of a prince and princess in the forest. Bamboo poles are arranged in a tic-tac-toe pattern in which the dancers exploit every position of these clashing poles.

Information on Culture of the Philippines