It IS More Fun In The Philippines

          For those who haven't been to the Philippines yet, it's time to consider a visit to this culture-rich, fun filled nation. 

         Foreigners who have visited the Philippines always come back for more. It's true that this place is not perfect but if you're looking for a great get away, great entertainment and warmth inside and out (in the people and in the weather) then the Philippines should be your next flight out. 

         Every province has their own fiesta and each month there is a wide variety of themes all over the country - both traditionally and internationally inspired celebrations. You can say that Filipinos work and live for the fun. For those who have met a Filipino - you can say that we carry a happy virus. We simply see the brighter things in life and choose to live another day to celebrate something - anything!

         For Filipinos in the city, a party in the club starts at around midnight and finishes literally when the sun is up! Drinking would start as early as 8 at night and finish at 5 in the morning and anything such as a simple rest day can be reason enough to party. The more, the merrier!

         Mabuhay! The local greeting given to everyone who comes to the Philippines, normally understood as our term for "Welcome" but literally means - Live. And once you've been to the Philippines you can say that it is what everyone does - Live and live for the fun.

          Many of the sights in the Phlippines have become, if not nominated, part of the wonders of the world. The famous man-made Banaue Rice Terraces, Perfectly Cone-Shaped Mayon Volcano and the Subterranean River and Park in Palawan are all here. The beauty is, there is always more to see, visit and experience. 

         

          So if you're up for a mountain climb, a cave adventure, a dive in the deep blue sea, a tan on the beach or some experience with a deeply mixed and warm culture, try it where it's more fun - try it here. 

Try it in the Philippines.

Visit your favorite travel sites now - or just ask a Filipino friend all about it! 

Mabuhay!

- Till Next Time

An Apple A Day...

     ...keeps the doctor away.

         Cliché? Not at all. Many who take the quote "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away." as an old saying, should take a step back and see that the saying does have truth in it. 

        Studies have shown that apples are rich in fiber and because of that it can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. Dentists usually tell kids that apples help fight cavities, true - but not just for kids. It works for adults, too. It can help you regulate blood pressure and prevent diabetes. Other studies have shown that it could also prevent Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Cataracts. 

       Apples have also been proven to help control weight. This heart-shaped, fiber-rich fruit can help people get back into shape. People who have one or two apples a day rarely have problems with obesity. 

       You might think that there are many ways to get fiber - there are other fruits. Yes, there are but apples, in most countries, are cheap and always fresh. Getting so much by spending so little is more than worth it because there is much to gain and nothing to lose - except those trips to the doctor. =)

          Always remember, fresh is best. You may opt to juice it and mix it with other healthy fruit - yummy and healthy! Like an apple-carrot fruit juice. With that, I think I'll go and have some myself. =)

- Till Next Time

          

The Filipino Adobo

     I could see a lot of Pinoys nodding their heads to the title and the image of the ingredients to the dish each has grown up with. Don't let the simple title fool you. The Filipino Adobo is one of the most dynamic, traditional dishes in the Philippines. 
     
     I say dynamic because you can have chicken adobo, pork adobo (or both), ground pork adobo, with pineapple, hard boiled eggs, salted eggs, potatoes, chili, lemon (instead of vinegar) and many, many, many more. 

     For those who have met a Filipino or have been to the Philippines, I'm sure you all remember a dish called "Adobo". Koreans have "Kimchi" in many forms and variety, the Germans have their beer; brewed uniquely that each bar has their own brew - we Filipinos have Adobo.

     I know, I know, I've been saying the same word over and over - but only so you don't forget. It now has over 500+ recipes. It's mainly because originally, every province in the Philippines have their own way of cooking the popular dish and so does every family. 

   
  When Filipinos first learn to cook, parents often pass on the family's Adobo recipe to their children. Not only is it easy to make, but also a fave to every Pinoy. 

     Go ahead, ask any Filipino what their favorite Adobo is and they'll take their time telling you about their favorite and the others they like as well. I won't be surprised if they tell you more than one or two. =D

     Personally, I love most of the Adobo recipes I've tried (which is around 50+ and counting) and played around with in the kitchen. I especially like Adobong Pusit (Squid Adobo). 

   
     This dish is so flexible that we now even have Adobo Rice. Cool, huh? Some of you are probably imagining or drooling over the taste. It's mostly a balance between sour and salty and a little sweetness. 

If you're wondering how to make this dish, you can start with this basic recipe.

Ingredients:

1K of Pork or Chicken (You're choice)
1/2 cup of Vinegar
2-4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1-2 Tbsp of Peppercorn (whole black pepper)
2-4 Dried Bay Leaves
Garlic (the more the better - 4-5 cloves will do though)
Oil
Sugar or Diced Pineapple with pineapple juice  (optional)
Potatoes (optional)

1. Mix the vinegar, soy sauce, pepper in a bowl then set aside
2. Put some oil into a pot, saute the garlic, then add the meat
3. After the meat fries a little, add the sauce mixture
4. Let it boil for a few minutes till the meat is cooked. (Poking the meat before adding it in the pan leaves spaces for the sauce to seep into and add flavor to the meat =D)
5. You may add potatoes right after the meat.

** Sugar or Pineapple is a good way to balance the saltiness and the sourness of the sauce. You might want to give it a taste. 

**Most Filipinos find the right taste by trial and error. I'm sure with enough practice, you too, will find the adobo taste that suits and satisfies you. =D

- Till Next Time

   

First Time Traveler's Need to Know List

     Traveling is becoming more and more easier to do these days, with promo prices and visa assists. It's one of the most enjoyable experiences as you not only have a chance to see a whole new world but you get to be in it as well.

Here are a couple of tips for first time travelers:

1. MONEY - of course you knew that. =p 

     Save up not only for the ticket and accommodations, but also pocket money and emergency money. If you're planning to bring a credit card or ATM, you need to check with your local bank if you need to do anything so you can use your credit cards and ATM wherever you're planning to go. 

     Before your trip, it would be proper to exchange money into the currency you need, and if necessary, in dollars and keep some for exchanges later. You never know which exchange could give you the most. =)

     Don't put all your money together in one wallet. Divide it into smaller portions into different packets. Every destination may have an issue of theft - it's best to be prudent about it. 

2. PASSPORTS and IDs - always check the regulations for IDs of your origin and destination. Some locales prefer one type of ID to another. 

     Don't keep your money, passports and IDs in the same bag or pouch. Again, prudence is key. Some hotels volunteer safe keeping passports for tourists which is great. If your hotel offers that, take advantage of it but make a copy of your passport and keep it handy with an ID at all times. Some establishments and tourist spots ask for passports and ID for security purposes.

3. PICKING ACCOMMODATIONS 
     For first time travelers, investing in accommodations known for their safety and accessibility is best. It will be a little more pricey but at least you needn't worry about you and your things' security.

     For those planning to go backpacking, travel with someone who has already been where you want to go or at least take tips from them. Their experience can give you an idea of what to look for in accommodations and what to watch out for.

     Taking the time to look at reviews of the places you want to check into is also a good way to find out if it's a good or bad choice.

4. RESEARCH A LITTLE
     I know most people search for popular tour spots, accommodations, shuttle services and basic language tips - which is all great but you also have to check for taboos. 

     Check the cultural and religious backgrounds of the places you want to visit. As the saying goes, "when in Rome..." 

     It's a given that tourist spots give a level of freedom to tourists in a lot of things but offending the locals won't exactly make your trip exciting. If the locals feel that you're trying to learning more about them, it would open doors to finding new friends, seeing new places (those not found on the net but are equally as interesting and worth traveling to) and maybe discounts. 

     Doing a little research can also tell you of scams pulled on tourists. I suggest watching the series "Scam City" to have a deeper look at the scams on tourists around the world. 

5. TRAVEL SMART & LIGHT 
     I know you must have heard of this a million times but it is true. As a traveler, leaving room for the things you will purchase on the trip is nothing but practical. The fine for excess baggage is always expensive.

     How do you travel smart and light?
     5.1 What's your weight limit for your baggage? How much is the fee for excess weight? It's important to know when you'll be paying for excess baggage and how much. Always bring the items that are most functional for you - gadgets to clothes.           

     5.2 What's the main purpose of your trip? Business? or Pleasure?
          If it's business, then traveling smart and light comes natural as you would only be staying   a few days with little time to shop or sight-see.
          
         If it's for pleasure, then consider how long your trip will be. The weather at your destination
and what clothes certain itineraries would need - swimwear? party dress? tropical?                     warm? freezing? 

     5.2 How much do you plan to shop? 
          If you saved a lot for shopping for souvenirs - then bring as little as you can.

How do you know what to bring or not? (If it's printed in red - you don't have to bring it)            
Bring the Basics - Functional bag (to keep your money and IDs while sightseeing), clothes, copies of e-tickets, passports, IDs and reservations, mobile phone & charger, digital camera, medicine (for emergencies, allergies, medical conditions), one extra pair of slippers (hotels only provide bathroom slippers...)

Towels - hotels always provide fresh ones for the newly arrived tourists.

Soap, Shampoo and Toothpaste - if you are not the sensitive type, hotels also have new stock of these put out for guests. Sometimes your airline provides these too. 
          
Pillow - unless it's a neck pillow, you don't need to bring one - ladies, leave it - the blanket           too. If you need more, you can always request for an extra on the plane or at the hotel.

If you are traveling with kids, let them choose only one stuffed toy to bring along if they                 insist. =D

If your souvenirs are enough to make you pay excess, share the weight with a group mate           who hasn't reached the limit to avoid the extra charge.

If you're planning to stay for a long time in one place, say a few months, don't bring too                 many clothes - I'm sure they have laundry service where you're going. =p
          
6. STAY ALERT
     We know that traveling can be exhausting as most travelers try to do so much in so little time. If you separate from a group, it's best to do so in 2's or 3's at the least. It's normal to get lost on tour - being with someone can turn the mishap into a fun adventure.

     If you are not good with directions, download the map of the area into your mobile phone in advance, take note of landmarks, be with someone who is good at directions, have emergency numbers, your hotel number and cabs on speed dial.

7. HAVE FUN
     7.1 Go to as many places as you can.
     7.2 Try the local cuisines and delicacies.
     7.3 Learn more than just hello and thank you in another language.
     7.4 Buy souvenirs - useful souvenirs are better than the figurines =D
     7.5 Collect money in their currency (coins, bills)
     7.6 Take as many pictures as you can
     7.7 Make friends with a local
     7.8 If you get lost - which is kinda normal to travelers, don't fuss - just explore. 

     In my experience, traveling with a companion has always been better than traveling alone. If you like moving at your own pace then making your own itinerary instead of joining a group would be best for you. 

     I sure hope these tips will help you on your first trip abroad, or your first long trip ever. =D 

Who knows, we might bump into each other in one of our trips someday. =D

- Till next time