All Articles With Category : Lifestyle

The latest and the best financial news, tips and tricks.

15 Cool and Creative Ways to Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is right around the corner. Already got something planned? If you have nothing yet, better start cooking up something cool and creative to make your pops feel like the man of the hour on his special day. After all, this occasion happens just once a year—and all thanks to a woman who fought to honor men![1]  Dads deserve all the love in the world—not just once a year but all year round. Father’s Day is just the perfect excuse to throw a little more hoopla and hype to give your dad a celebration that’s one for the books. In the Philippines, the specific date of Father’s Day changes each year. In 2022, it falls on June 19th, the third Sunday of the month. That’s only a few days away! So if you’ve run out of ideas for Father’s Day and need a bit of help, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some activities you can do to plan a day to remember. 15 Celebration Ideas for Father’s Day Show your dad some appreciation every chance you get. Check out these Father’s Day celebration ideas that work for any budget and can be enjoyed by the whole family:  1. Treat Him to a Backyard Picnic Celebrating Father’s Day shouldn’t be a hassle. You can just gather the whole fam, invite some of your dad’s close buddies, and throw a simple backyard picnic. Juicy burgers, grilled hotdogs, and cold drinks are enough to whet people’s appetites and set the mood for some lovely afternoon chatter. If you’re worried…

Read the Article

Best Prepaid WiFi Options for Remote Workers and Online Students

In the digital age, it’s already obvious that an internet connection is a human right. Such a truth has been exposed when the COVID-19 plagued the world.[1] Everyone was forced into working and studying at home, and having a reliable connection was a must. Otherwise, every aspect of your life would have been unfavorably affected. The sad news is internet access in our country can be expensive.[2] On the brighter side, network providers offer more affordable data options. They come in the form of prepaid WiFi in the Philippines. Two of the country’s biggest networks offer prepaid home WiFi kits. Take a look at their offerings and see which prepaid WiFi package is the best for your remote work or your kids’ online schooling. Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced Price: ₱1,995Internet Speed: Up to 40Mbps, depending on your locationWhere to Buy: Smart Stores nationwide, Smart Online Store, Lazada, and Shopee If you have about 10 people at home needing a reliable internet connection, Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced may be what you need. This Smart prepaid WiFi in the Philippines offers 2x faster LTE vs other Smart Bro Home WiFi devices. Its modem has LAN ports, so you can connect your desktop devices directly to it. It also comes with free 10GB worth of data valid for seven days. How to Set Up Your Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced Device The package comes with the unit itself with the SIM already installed, plus an AC power adapter, an ethernet cable for LAN connections, and quick guides and documentation. Upon unboxing,…

Read the Article

Typhoon Emergency Kit Items You Shouldn’t Forget for the Rainy Months

Rainy season in the Philippines has officially started, which means intermittent rains associated with the Southwest monsoon will start to affect Metro Manila and the western sections of the country.[1] With that, it’s important for us to prepare the necessary emergency kit items should there be flash floods or emergencies that will arise because of the non-stop rains. Typhoon season’s also fast approaching, so there’s really no better time to prepare than now. How prepared are you for the rainy season? Will you have enough food and supplies, as well as battery sources to power up small household appliances and gadgets? If you don’t have a typhoon emergency plan yet, you can get started by preparing these typhoon emergency kit items. Roadside Emergency Kit Items The rainy season won’t treat your vehicle that lightly. That’s why you need to prepare a roadside emergency kit to help you maintain your car wherever you are, especially if you get stranded on the road. In fact, you can just keep it in the trunk of your car, regardless of the season. Get a storage box from surplus stores for ₱88 to ₱400, depending on the size you need. It can be as simple or as complex as you want, but you need to have the necessities. Extra car battery and jumper cables Supply of coolant and motor oil A small tool kit with pliers, wrenches, multi-tool A flashlight and spare batteries Protective work gloves Extra umbrellas or raincoats Hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes A basic first aid kit Bottled water Aside from the…

Read the Article

Trip to Asia 2022: Cheapest Country to Travel from the Philippines

You’re itching to go out again—we get it. The prolonged lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 made the four walls of your house seem too constricting. Now that travel restrictions have eased, you feel like you deserve the same freedom you enjoyed pre-pandemic. Of course, things aren’t exactly the same as before—and probably won’t be for a long time. You’re still expected to observe proper health guidelines when going out, such as wearing a mask, regularly sanitizing your hands, and bringing your vax card wherever you go. But now that many countries have lifted their travel bans, you’re already making a beeline to the cheapest country to travel from the Philippines. The problem is you don’t know exactly what that country is. That’s what this article is for! We give you some visa-free countries for Filipino tourists, as well as a few that may require a visa to travel—all at affordable costs! Cheapest Countries to Travel from the Philippines If you’re wondering about what the cheapest Asian country to visit is, read on. Below are some of our neighboring countries that offer the cheapest options for Filipino tourists. Cambodia It’s home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in existence. But apart from historical sites scattered across the country, Cambodia is also known for its night markets, floating villages, and island parties—especially along the beaches of Koh Rong. The Poor Traveler, an internationally recognized blog, created a budget travel guide[1] to Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia. If you plan to stay for three days, prepare ₱10,000…

Read the Article

Let the Travels Begin: Check Out the Best Family Holiday Destinations in the World

The pandemic definitely put our plans to travel and explore the world on hold. But as the vaccination drives in the country resulted in 63 million vaccinated Filipinos[1], travel restrictions are now easing and more countries are opening their doors to welcome tourists. With that, you might need some recommendations on the best family holiday destinations in the world to kickstart your travel plans this year.  Going on a trip with the family is always a rewarding and memorable experience. And if you’re looking at touring out of the country soon, you should know where to take your loved ones. After all, the best family holiday destinations in the world are now within your reach. Sit back, read on, and allow us to help you plan.  Best Family Holiday Destinations in the World What’s the best place in the world for kids? Where should you go on vacation with your family? Depending on the country you want to visit, there are destinations that cater to tourists of all ages. Let’s find out and unveil treasures in some of the world’s greatest tourist destinations.  1. Australia Where in Australia, specifically? You can start with beautiful Canberra, which lies between Sydney and Melbourne. Its cultural treasures and natural wonders make it one of the best family holiday destinations in the world.  Where to Go in Canberra Lake Burley Griffin – If you want to go walking, biking, and strolling in a picturesque setting, visit Lake Burley Griffin. It’s an artificial lake graced by a 147-meter-high fountain called Captain Cook Memorial Jet. Kids…

Read the Article

Sama All This Summer: Best Outdoor Activities in the Philippines for ₱3,000 or Less

Sun’s out, so everybody should be out! Before the country ushers in the rainy season, you should make the most of these bright, warm days. And what better way to do that than organizing your gala with the people who matter? However, it’s just right to acknowledge that budget is a concern. Skimp on it, and you won’t be able to go anywhere fun. Spend too much, and you’ll run the risk of putting a dent in your wallet. In short, you need to find your happy middle. Don’t worry, as you can still cut some corners, depending on your destination and activities. We’ve listed down some of the best outdoor activities in the Philippines that you can enjoy with your fam or pals for ₱3,000 or less. Included are the approximate breakdowns of expenses to guide you with your planning.   Best Outdoor Activities in the Philippines This Summer The costs below are just approximations. Total expenses may change, depending on your purchases or modifications in prices of certain services. Gather the family or barkada, pack your bags, and have a great, unforgettable summer with these outdoor activities in the Philippines. Overnight Outing in San Felipe, Zambales Just three hours away from Manila, San Felipe, Zambales offers you that much-needed nautical break from the city’s hurried pace. Liwliwa Beach, perhaps the town’s most popular beach, boasts a long stretch of shoreline where you can sunbathe and strong waves that are perfect for surfing. Somewhere in the village, there’s a narrow alley lined by tall trees whose imposing appearance gives…

Read the Article

Pristine White Sand Beaches in the Philippines for Your Next Beach Getaway

In 2018, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay in an effort to “rehabilitate” the island.[1] With the country’s top tourist destination closed for six months, travelers were left clueless as to where to spend their summer vacation. Some tourists who were forced to rebook their flights didn’t find it too easy to look for alternative destinations. That shouldn’t have been the case as the Philippines is rich in beaches and crystal-clear waters. If you don’t have any plans yet for this summer, consider these seven stunning white sand beaches in the Philippines for a one-of-a-kind summer vacation. 7 White Sand Beaches in the Philippines Below are some of the best white sand beaches in the Philippines that rival the white sands of Boracay. But before heading out to these destinations, make sure to bring new normal travel essentials that’ll make your trip safer. When you’re all set, check out this list: 1. Calaguas Island If you’re going to visit just one white beach this summer, we recommend spending your money and vacation leaves in Calaguas Island, which is now open to fully vaccinated tourists.[2] Located in Vinzons, Camarines Norte, Calaguas’ unspoiled beaches are akin to—or even better than—the white sand beaches of Boracay. The island’s long stretch of fine white sand comes with a view of Camarines Norte’s lush mountains. Calaguas may be a bit far if you’re coming from the metro, but it’s definitely worth the trip. There are also many places of accommodation in the area, one of which is the Calaguas White Sand Resort, which…

Read the Article

The Waves Beckon: Here are the Best Surfing Spots in the Philippines

With more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines definitely has a wealth of beaches.[1] These tropical destinations are ideal for leisurely swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking things slow. But for those looking for action, you can easily find beaches whose gigantic waves will come crashing down on you. If the waves are calling you, don’t hesitate to heed them. Pack your weekender, call your friends, and head to the best surfing spots in the Philippines. The Best Surfing Spots in the Philippines If you’re still debating where to surf in the Philippines, let this article help you decide: San Juan, La Union Also called the surfing Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines, San Juan is known for its consistent quality surf that’s perfect for longboarders. It’s home to the Billabong San Juan Surf School of Luke Landrigan. In terms of food and accommodation, there are a lot of restaurants and resorts in San Juan which are budget-friendly. Most surfers choose The Circle Hostel which is just 200 meters away from the beach. If you want to stay in an upscale boutique resort, Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa is the top choice of most tourists. Want a low-key party where you can meet people after a full day of San Juan surfing? Book your accommodation at Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel. If you’re staying elsewhere, you can drop by at night for a bite or a drink.  Bacnotan, La Union For many introverted surfers and holidaymakers, San Juan may feel like a big party scene. If you’re in La Union, you’ll…

Read the Article

Best Milk Tea in the Philippines: Where to Go for the Most Refreshing Milk Tea

Milk tea is the new frappe in the Philippines. We don’t just love milk tea—we’re addicted to it! Shops serving milk tea (also called bubble tea or boba tea) have been around in the country for quite some time. But lately, their popularity exploded as new milk tea trends and brands from Taiwan and other Asian countries arrived. Many bubble tea shops have also become more accessible to consumers through delivery services such as Foodpanda and GrabFood. If this beverage is your guilty pleasure, you’re probably looking for the best milk tea that’s worth your money. Let’s take a look at the top places to get your milk tea fix. 14 Best Milk Tea Brands in the Philippines Just talking about milk tea is enough to create a craving! Here are some of the best and most popular milk tea shops in the Philippines. NOTE: The prices below are subject to change without prior notice. We encourage you to get in touch with the milk tea shop of your choice via its social media pages for the updated price list. Macao Imperial Tea Macao Imperial Tea best seller and price: Cream Cheese Milk Tea – 16oz: ₱135 / 23oz: ₱155 Most of the best milk tea shops in the Philippines come from Taiwan, but Macao Imperial Tea is an exception. Apparently, it’s from Macau, the Las Vegas of China, so it creates its milk tea differently. Macao Imperial Tea uses jasmine tea that adds a floral scent and sublime taste to its drinks. Generous swirls of cream cheese provide the…

Read the Article

G for SG! Top Singapore Tourist Spots You Have to Visit

Perhaps you’ve been to Singapore many times now. After all, it’s just about a three-hour flight from Manila. It’s one of visa-free destinations for Filipino travelers, too. Still, this island nation never fails to captivate you every time you’re there. Or maybe, you first realized how wondrous this country is when you navigated it with Rachel Chu in “Crazy Rich Asians.” Either way, Singapore is definitely a must-visit destination in Asia. Measuring more than 720 km2, Singapore, also fondly called SG, is easily a tiny country. The Philippines’ National Capital Region (NCR) is almost as big as it. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for incredible sights, flavors, and experiences. It’s also the textbook definition of a cosmopolitan city, as it brings together different peoples and cultures, making for an interesting and nuanced society. Ideally, four to five days are enough for you to see a lot of popular places in SG. If you’re planning your revenge travel soon, here are the top Singapore tourist spots you need to visit. 15 Famous Singapore Tourist Spots to Add to Your Travel Itinerary Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands has long been Singapore’s beacon of progress, modernity, and sophistication. Its iconic architecture is a sight to behold and always worthy of a snap or two. You can go inside the hotel to marvel at the elegance of the interiors while dining at one of the posh restaurants. You may also splurge and indulge in high-end items at The Shoppes. Time your visit in the late afternoon, so you can…

Read the Article

Traveling on a Budget? Try These Travel Hacks for a More Practical and Meaningful Trip

Travel restrictions have started to ease in many parts of the world, so you can now book a flight to that island paradise you’ve had your eye on for a while. Whether you’re planning to spend your vacation in or out of the country, there are many ways you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. We’ve listed below some travel hacks to help you get the most out of your trip. Just make sure to arm yourself not only with these tips but also with travel essentials in the new normal so that you can be both financially secure and physically healthy while traveling. General Travel Hacks for the Strict Budgeteer It’s easier to save money while traveling when you live by certain basic principles and apply them when planning for your trip. These general travel hacks for 2022 will make budgeting a breeze if you’re going for a low-cost travel experience. Take to Heart the Purpose of Your Trip  Know what to prioritize and what to compromise on. If your main goal is to just take in the beauty of the local surroundings, then you can deprioritize other expenses such as airfare, accommodation, and food. That way, you have enough money to splurge on different attractions and activities. Read more: Sama All This Summer: Best Outdoor Activities in the Philippines for ₱3,000 or Less Go Where Your Money Can Go a Long Way If you’re planning to fly out of the country, make sure to go somewhere your peso has a higher value, like Vietnam and Indonesia….

Read the Article

Know Your Candidate Better: The Net Worth of 2022 Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates

In a few days’ time, Filipinos will be electing their next leader. Everyone is doing their best to get to know their respective candidates better. Thankfully, various publications are coming up with materials that outline the track record of these presidential candidates. Media outfits are also organizing interviews to help people assess their candidate’s vision and platforms for the country. Perhaps, one of the topics that the Filipino electorate is most interested about is the net worth of presidential candidates. After all, transparency is a major currency in politics.  A lot of politicians in the Philippines not only source their income from their government-mandated salaries and benefits. They also receive some boosts from their investments, businesses, and even inheritances. Find out how the 2022 presidentiables are faring in terms of net worth. This article also covers the net worth of the leading vice-presidential candidates. Eleksyon 2022: The Net Worth of Presidential Candidates in the Philippines Get to know this year’s presidential candidates’ financial status through this quick guide. Note that the presidential candidates listed below are those leading in different surveys or have a strong presence on social media. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao: ₱3,187,092,601 (as of 2020) The legendary boxer is easily the richest presidential candidate in this list, having the highest declared net worth among the presidential candidates. Even without looking at Senator Manny Pacquiao’s net worth in 2021, his 2020 SALN proves that he’s loaded; his net worth is more than ₱3 billion pesos. This also makes him the second richest incumbent senator after Cynthia Villar. Manny Pacquiao’s net worth…

Read the Article

Spoil Your Mom on Mother’s Day with These Thoughtful Gift Ideas

Now that you’re truly adulting and earning your own money, there’s really no reason not to spoil your mom every chance you can get. This Mother’s Day, you can opt for a big gift that she’ll cherish and use for many years, or a low-key, sentimental gift that will surely tug at her heartstrings. Whatever will make her extra happy and spoiled on her special day, go for it!  If you’re still undecided about what to get her, here are some Mother’s Day gift ideas in the Philippines that any mom will love.  11 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas in the Philippines 2022 But first, when is Mother’s Day, and what day does it fall this year? Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide every second Sunday in May. In case you’ve been caught up with work, Mother’s Day in 2022 is on May 8. Don’t panic, because you still have a few days to get something nice for your mom. Check out these great Mother’s Day gift ideas in the Philippines.  1. Athleisure Set Moms are never not doing anything. So for the mom who likes to squeeze in some exercise before accomplishing a million things for the day, consider getting her an athleisure set. Comfort and cuteness are important, and a new athleisure set will make your mom look and feel great while going about her day.  The great thing about athleisure sets is that they come in a bunch of different colors and prints, so you can easily find a set that’s truly your mom’s taste whether shopping at the…

Read the Article

Need Kitchen Makeover Ideas? 10 Smart Tips for Homeowners on a Budget

If you live in a house with adequate square footage and is subdivided by walls, there’s a chance that your kitchen is hidden from the sometimes prying eyes of your guests. You have the perfect excuse not to update the look or feel of this part of the house. But since you’re reading this article, you definitely have plans to have a kitchen makeover on a budget. If you have kitchen remodeling plans in the future and don’t know where to start, let the insights below guide you. Why Go for a Kitchen Remodeling in the Philippines? It’s important to acknowledge that a kitchen remodeling isn’t going to be easy. It’s messy, and it’ll significantly disrupt your daily household activities. More importantly, it’s costly. However, there are good reasons to upgrade your kitchen. Here are some of them. 1. Improve the Functionality of Your Space If your kitchen is grimy, crowded, and awkward, it’ll surely benefit from a remodeling project. It’ll allow you to get rid of the things that you don’t need anymore, such as deteriorating appliances and furniture. Reconfiguration will make moving around much easier. More importantly, it’ll make your kitchen a safer place to work in. 2. Expand the Space Your growing family should be an automatic consideration for revamping your kitchen space. In a country where the dining area is often attached to the kitchen, an expansion project will result in an effortless accommodation of more family members. In an era where many are working from home, a much bigger kitchen will provide your loved ones…

Read the Article

Traveling Abroad? Here’s a List of Visa-Free Countries for Filipino Tourists

What’s your dream destination? Are you more into places that are best enjoyed during the -ber months, or do you prefer sunny countries that are popular during summertime? Or perhaps you’re raring to go to countries like Korea, the U.S., or France?  That dream can be really elusive for many Filipino travelers, especially with these countries’ strict visa requirements. Applying for a visa is generally time-consuming, tedious, and costly. You won’t even get your money back when you’re denied a visa. Even if the visa policies of certain countries have reverted to pre-COVID-19 conditions, some travelers would still rather not go through the trouble and postpone visiting their dream destination until they’ve collected enough stamps on their passport. Your best bet? Traveling to visa-free countries for Filipino tourists. According to the 2022 Henley Passport Index,[1] Filipinos can visit 66 countries without having to apply for a visa. Visa-Free Countries Filipino Tourists Can Visit in 2022 If a country allows visa-free access for Filipinos, it means you don’t need a visa to enter or exit it, as long as you can present these requirements: Passport with a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of travel (if your passport is about to expire or is still valid but no longer has blank visa pages, make sure to renew it); Travel and health insurance to cover any disruption related to COVID-19; Proof of good character (e.g., no criminal record, no persona non grata status in the destination country); Confirmed accommodation and roundtrip flight ticket; Proof of sufficient funds for…

Read the Article

Refresh and Redecorate: Room Makeover in the Philippines for ₱10,000 and Below

In your pipe dreams, a room makeover sounds exciting and fun. But in reality, it’s not just about creating mood boards, watching home improvement shows on Netflix, and browsing different design magazines. When you start planning it, the cost of the whole endeavor may stop you in your tracks. You’ve got raw materials to think about, plus the labor that you’ll need to put into the project. But none of these should stop you from making your dream room happen. This is especially true when you know that there are ways to spend less and cut corners without compromising the beauty and quality of the project. We’ve listed down some ideas on how you can do a proper room makeover in the Philippines for under ₱10,000. Read on and let your imagination run free. Revamp the Ambiance: Do a Paint Job Cost: ₱2,200 to ₱7,200 per 16 liters The quickest way to change the appearance of your room is to get it a new paint job. You can also express your aesthetics freely with a refreshing hue. Want that Scandinavian feel?[1] Use neutral and clean shades, such as white and beige. If you’re gunning for a mysterious aura, navy blue, maroon, and dark brown can certainly do the trick. For an elegant appeal, emerald green and black should be your go-to shades. Smart Tips for Choosing a Paint Color Take into account the colors of your existing furniture or display pieces. Your new paint color should complement them, so they won’t appear out of place. When mixing and matching colors,…

Read the Article

Want to Earn Extra Money? Here are 8 Summer Business Ideas Perfect for the Hot Season

Summer to most means sipping piña coladas in a poolside deckchair, or taking lazy afternoon walks by the beach far away from the city. But if you’re an entrepreneur, summer rings differently. Instead of the loud festival music that fills the air, you hear the sound of coins clinking and cash registers closing shut. More than a time for leisure, summer for you is a time for business. If you’re savvy enough, you can spend all season building your funds and saving up for the ‘rainy days,’ both literal and figurative. Below are some summer business ideas that you can explore to grow your income. Food-Related Summer Business Ideas It’s no surprise that some of the most effective and pandemic-proof business ideas are centered around food. Food is a hot commodity. And during summertime, there are specific types of food that sell more than others. Here are some of them. Cold and Sweet Treats Summer isn’t summer without the hot weather. But the scorching heat can sometimes beat people down. One way to perk them back up is to offer cold and sweet treats like the crowd favorite halo-halo. You don’t need to shell out a big amount for your halo-halo business capital—just a few hundred or thousand bucks is enough to start. Also, you can switch up the flavors by using different halo-halo ingredients for your business. There’s the typical macapuno, sweetened red and white beans, pinipig, gulaman, sweetened saba, and, of course, ube and leche flan to top it all off. Apart from these, there are other unique…

Read the Article

Never Miss a Flight Again: The Quickest Ways to Get to NAIA Terminals

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is Metro Manila’s hub for international and domestic flights. It’s the fifth busiest airport in Asia after Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. And with the government anticipating the influx of vehicles as it revives the economy,[1] NAIA terminals may again be difficult to reach wherever you’re coming from.  Each of NAIA’s terminals services different airlines; international carriers (with a few exceptions) mostly fly into Terminal 1, while domestic flights operate out of Terminals 2, 3, and 4. Knowing how to get to each one is a great way to prevent being late for your flight.  Currently, there are five roads you can use to access NAIA terminals and these are the NAIA Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Andrews Road, Skyway,[2] and Domestic Road. Here’s a look at the 4 NAIA Terminals and how to get there. NAIA Terminal 1 Terminal 1 is used to exclusively provide international flight services until some carriers moved to NAIA Terminal 3. The terminal facilities include automated teller machines, a smoking area, day rooms, baggage trolleys, baby care facilities, a pharmacy, and a children’s area.  Available VIP Lounges Credit cardholders with free access to airport lounges can relax, dine, and unwind at the following before or after their flights: Dusit Thani Manila Hotel Lounge PAGSS Lounge (Observation Level) Club Manila PAGSS Lounge (Gate 7) Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge PAGSS Lounge (Gate 2) Serviced Carriers Passengers bound for international flights at NAIA terminals can proceed to Terminal 1 should they need to board:  Air Canada All Nippon Airways – ANA…

Read the Article

Get Your Holy Week Vacation Off to a Good Start with These Tips to Beat Traffic

Are you planning to go out of town this Holy Week? Brace yourselves. According to the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), traffic volume during the Holy Week is expected to rise by 10-15%.[1] MPTC will further implement a technology-based approach to help motorists manage their trips, beat traffic, and anticipate road conditions.  If you’re going to tread the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), expect that the current average traffic flow of 410,000 will rise to 470,000, while the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), which is currently accommodating 152,000 vehicles, will be expected to have a 10% increase. In short, major roads and highways will be heavily congested, so it’s important to make some preparations for a hassle-free drive. Here are some tips to get you started. 8 Ways to Beat Traffic This Holy Week Almost everyone traveling out of Manila this coming long weekend wishes to survive the hours-long drive to Pampanga, Pangasinan, Baguio, or La Union. But the Holy Week rush might double that travel time. If you’re too eager to reach your vacation destination, here are a few things you can do to beat the traffic and enjoy the road trip.  1. Leave Early or the Night Before The early bird catches the worm, and the early traveler arrives ahead of time. Nothing beats getting ahead of traffic. So leave earlier than planned to avoid the volume of cars traveling this Holy Week.  If you’re planning to take a long drive to Baguio or La Union, leave before dawn, ideally around 3 to 4 a.m. Not only do the wee hours…

Read the Article

Religious Tourism in the Philippines: These Places Will Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

Any serene place can be a perfect place to do some self-reflection. You can do it right in your own home where you feel most at peace or comfortable. Or you can also go to a place you’ve never visited to be one with nature and enjoy its natural beauty, quiet, and calm.   Thankfully, there’s no shortage of breathtaking and relaxing places in the Philippines that are conducive for meditation, contemplation, and self-reflection, and maybe even a little bit of adventure.  If the words “road trip,” “adventure,” “self-reflection,” and “me time” are part of your vocabulary, then you should definitely consider religious tourism in the Philippines. Here’s a list of pilgrimage places and some ideas for religious activities in the Philippines.  Religious Tourism in the Philippines: Where to Go and What to Do Although there are many religions in the Philippines, it’s a predominantly Catholic country. So naturally, there are lots of religious rituals, practices, and events in the Philippines. The great thing about this is that there are many breathtaking destinations for sightseeing, reflection, and learning more about the Philippines’ religion culture. From famous historical churches to amazing cave systems and natural wonders, they’re all just waiting to be visited and explored!  Underground River Boat and Cave Exploration How does a boat ride through a cave system sound? The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan[1] is the longest underground river in the country and the third deepest cave. It can be an adrenalin-filled or a soul-soothing experience for you, maybe even both.  You can also head to Sagada,…

Read the Article

Compare the best deals in just one minute!