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The beauty of the Philippines

Regardless of what you have heard over the news about the Philippines, it is still one of the favorite destinations of tourists from around the globe. Why not? There are many places to visit, food to taste, events and happenings to experience, and others. With more than 7,000 islands to see and experience, the country is gifted with the beauty and richness of nature. 

The beaches located in Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are among the places that are featured in many travel magazines and vlogs. For sure, the Philippines is gifted with stretches of pristine white sand beaches surrounded by clear blue waters. Of course, island hopping is not only the reason why the country is featured in many publications. Here are the reasons why many tourists keep coming back and why many Filipinos love to visit different places in the country.

Tropical weather to experience

Looking for a perfect getaway from winter? Only two seasons are experienced in the country: wet and dry. If you are longing for the heat of the sun on your skin, then we have the weather that you will surely love. The dry season starts from November to May, while the wet season is usually from June to October. It is ideal to go to the beach to have that sun-kissed look during the months of March to May. This is also the time when most beach resorts are packed with tourists. 

Filipino hospitality

In addition to the view, Filipinos are also known for their hospitality. In fact, we are ranked as the friendliest country in Asia. While still in the airport, you will be greeted with a smile by Filipinos. Probably, we are just proud of our country and culture, that is why we treat tourists with warmth and joy. 

Pinoys always treat their guests special. Do not be surprised if a feast is prepared when you visit their place. You get the chance to choose from various Filipino dishes on the table. The sentence “Make yourself at home” will truly be felt whenever you visit your Pinoy friend. 

Affordable tourist destinations

It is a fact that money is the greatest factor when you travel. Fear not as traveling in the Philippines and enjoying the wonders of nature is affordable. For instance, in just Php 1,000, you will be experiencing non-stop fun and excitement within a chosen place. Food is affordable as well, as long as you know where to go and order Filipino dishes. 

Islands and beaches

Beaches in the Philippines have constantly been featured by international publications like CNN, HuffPost, and Conde Nast Traveler. The country is truly gifted with the magic of nature. It is no surprise why many people choose the country for vacation and other activities. Get the opportunity to enjoy the sand and crystal clear water in a number of spots. Some of the places to visit are Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. 

Natural wonders in the Philippines

The country is also blessed with wonders of nature. Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River and be in awe of its beauty. This trip will also take you to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This is the longest underground river in the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. 

Another important landmark is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Here you will see thousands of hills that look like giant chocolate Kisses. However, they may turn green during the wet season. Go north and visit the Cordilleras. See the Rice Terraces of the Ifugao. This is an impressive man-made rice field that can be traced back to the pre-colonial Philippines. 

Preparation for Christmas is a long process. Especially in the Philippines, there are so many things to consider to complete the celebration. In addition to these, the Media Noche or the feast to welcome New Year’s eve is another important celebration that Filipinos prepare tediously. Moreover, there are also traditions that have been practiced over the years. 

Food on New Year’s Eve

Media Noche is again one of the most awaited events during the holidays. Aside from the Noche Buena or Christmas Eve meal, the meal during New Year’s Eve is also one of the meals that Filipinos prepare with many thoughts. Special food is prepared but not as lavish as the Noche Buena. Though there are families who spend much on the food they add to the table. Lechon is one of the most popular food. However, it may be too costly for many households. 

Pansit or noodles may never be absent on the table. It is served to signify long life. Sticky food like biko is also prepared so that good fortune will stick throughout the year. It is also common to come up with 12 round fruits to represent each month of the year. Round fruits such as grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, pomelo, watermelon, and others. 

What’s with the noise?

As Americans enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July, Filipinos also love fireworks on New Year’s eve. Fireworks come in different sizes and shapes and have fun names as well. In fact, some of them have been banned by the government as they can cause injury or death. Examples are Judas belt, Lolo thunder, Kwitis, 5 Star, Whistle Bomb, and others. 

In addition to fireworks or firecrackers, pots and pans are banged. Cars, motorcycles, and tricycles are revved. Horns are also tooted to cause as much noise as possible. Kids also drag empty cans around to add to the noise. These traditions are practiced since it is believed that the noise made can drive evil spirits away. 

Other traditions of Filipinos on New year’s Eve

Filipinos believe in many things. Especially when New Year’s Eve arrives. There are also many practices in which Filipinos believe will allow good luck to enter the house and stay for the rest of the year. Before the clock strikes 12 midnight, all doors, including cabinets, drawers, windows, and cupboards. It is also a custom to wear clothes in polka dots as the dots represent coins or wealth. Kids also jump at midnight because they believe this will make them taller. 

It is also advised to put cash in your wallet. It is believed that the condition of the wallet when the New Year arrives will be for the rest of the year. Spending on New Year’s day is also not recommended. This sets money management for the year. 

Grilling whole fish is also one of the oldest practices for New Year in the Philippines, It is believed that whole fish bribing good luck. The scales represent coins while its way of swimming in the ocean is a life moving forward.  

 

What makes the Christmas celebration even more fun and exciting? In addition to presents, of course, the food and drinks that are included in Noche Buena. Imagine coming home from midnight mass and on the table are sumptuous foods like lechon, ham, pancit, bibingka, quezo de bola, and many others. What’s so special about Noche Buena aside from being an important event on December 24? Read on to know more about the different facts about celebrating Noche Buena in the country. 

An influence of Spain that we have adopted

Noche Buena literally means “good night” but is also the Spanish term for Christmas Eve. Why Spain? Just look at the common dishes prepared, such as  lechon, jamonado, embotido, morcon, queso de bola, and many others. 

Fasting before feasting

During the Spanish colonization in the Philippines, the friars required the people to fast before Christmas Day. As a result, Filipinos, as well as the Spanish people, were really hungry after attending the Christmas mass. The midnight meal they had then was literally a feast on a spread of delectable dishes. 

Noche Buena in other countries

In Spain, Noche Buena is a common tradition wherein the menu consists of a fish dish, soup, and roast pork. As a dessert, Turron is prepared to provide a sweet conclusion. The main star of the Noche Buena is the whole pig roasted in a box over hor coals. This is called Caja china in Cuba. For the Peruvians, turkey is the main meal, and for the Venezuelans the main dish are pernil, panettone, and Ponche Crema. 

The real truth about Filipinos and fruitcake

Originally, fruitcake was introduced to the Filipinos by the Americans. This cake was also given to friends and loved ones as a gift and served every Christmas during Noche Buena. On the contrary, Huffington Post considered fruitcakes as the most hated cake in the existence of baking. The main reason for this is that fruitcakes are aged. In wines, this is a good idea and makes wines taste best, but not for cakes. 

The paella

Another Spanish cuisine that is passed to the Filipinos. Rice is a staple food to Filipinos as bread is to the West. Since Christmas is a special occasion, rice is served in an extraordinary way. The color and flavor of paella are mostly because of tomato and paprika. 

 

Happy holidays!

While many of us are enjoying the cool winds of the season, malls are already packed with items for the Christmas rush. Christmas is one of the most awaited days of the year and it is just smart to prepare early. Preparation is not an overnight process and you will surely regret it when things are half-baked. Early preparation means that when Christmas day arrives, all you have to do is sit and relax. 

Why prepare early for Christmas

It is a fact that the Philippines has one of the longest Christmas in the world. When -ber months set in, you will surely hear Christmas songs being played in malls, radio, and even public transportations. Early preparation is the best way to save money, refrain from stress, and avoid headaches. 

Have you coordinated with your family members on how to celebrate Christmas this year? Of course, we understand that families have traditions that they want to keep in terms of the annual celebration of Christmas. It is still recommended to plan ahead so that to avoid missing any important details. Preparing a few days before Christmas will leave you stressed out, unsatisfied, and panicking. All you want to happen is for the day to be finished. That’s what we want to avoid. 

Prepping for Christmas

Many of us love Christmas and preparing for it is natural and innate. Each individual or family has their own style of prepping and probably the simples that easiest way to start is to make a list. Once you have a list, everything else will be easy and smooth. Proper planning, coordination, distribution of job assignments, and budgeting can extremely help in preventing any untoward events or incidents. 

Work within the budget

Celebrating Christmas means that you have to spend cash. You need to work out your budget so that you can prepare smartly. Remember all the things that you need including food, decors, gifts, attire, greeting cards, and even the fare to and from the malls or supermarket. Work out what you will need to spend and write them all down. This will give you a better idea of how to manage your funds without wasting any cash on unnecessary items. 

Fill in your calendar

December is a busy month for many of us. Make sure to start filling your diary or calendar with the various activities that you need to do. Examples are parties, school events, company lunches or dinners, and others. This practice will prevent you from missing anything. Do not forget any school activities of your kids. If you are planning to order food, make a note when you can order and when you can pick it up. The more organized you are, the better you will feel for the celebrations. 

Make a guest list

Preparing for the Christmas celebration is not easy. Therefore, it is just right to keep track of the people who will attend. Knowing the number of attendees will help you get organized. Make your list and check it twice. Go and find out who will come or not. Start planning for the items that will be needed such as toiletries, extra plates, utensils, food, and drinks. Do not forget the relatives and friends who will stay so you will need extra bedding, beds, pillows, and blankets. 

Send the invites

Send out the invites to know your loved ones that you will be hosting the celebration for Christmas. Be sure to make a note that they will give you their response a few days or a week before the most anticipated day. This will allow you to prepare enough food and drinks so everybody will be satisfied and contented. 

Prepare food early

There are certain food that can be prepared early and kept frozen such as gravy, stuffing, and others. Doing this will save you time and effort to attend to other important things for the celebration. If you can order online, do so to give you more time in prepping. 

Ask for help 

You need not do everything by yourself. Give your family members their respective tasks and monitor them from time to time. With their help, everything will be smooth and organized. Happy holidays!

Food and drink posters are the most common prints displayed in the kitchen. In fact, they are the easiest to display in the room as they completely blend well with the purpose and function of the room. However, food and drink posters become boring in the long run. Try to be innovative and use other poster designs to give the kitchen a fresh new appeal. For the kitchen to look lively and vibrant, consider decorating the wall with poster designs that are classic and timeless, such as black and white prints.

Decorating the kitchen walls

As many of us know, the kitchen is not only used to prepare our meals. Just like in any other room, the kitchen may be multifunctional. It can be a place for entertainment in which a television set is added. It can also be a place for dining or for eating breakfast with the family. In other households, the room is also used to receive guests. 

It is important to treat the kitchen just like how we treat the other rooms of the house. At least when it comes to decorating the walls. By tradition and practice, kitchens are usually decorated with food and drink posters. However, there are other designs that can be used to break the tradition. Kitchen wall art can add visual interest and personality to the room. In addition to framed artworks, homeowners use oversized utensils, tapestries with designs that are associated with the room. Want to make the kitchen look more stylish and trendy/ use oversized letters in various fonts and colors. This decor is created with the use of thin but sturdy metals that may be light enough to be displayed. 

Poster designs to display in the kitchen

There are no strict rules when it comes to decorating the kitchen with posters. Although, there are some when it comes to how you hang and arrange them on your walls. There are many designs and themes to choose from. For instance, abstract posters add life with the colors, patterns, and designs they have, Nature-themed posters can also give a refreshing and rejuvenating vibe to the kitchen. With the images of plants, flowers, seascapes, and landscapes, the kitchen will have a calming and relaxing atmosphere that you will love. 

Go minimalist with Scandinavian-inspired prints as well as black and white posters. These posters will help you achieve a simple yet elegant room appearance that can be the highlight of the entire house. In fact, many homes these days use the minimalist design style as there are also benefits they give to the mind and body. 

Typography posters are also popular and many of them have inspirational or motivational quotes. Sometimes what we need are positive words to keep us going. The messages written on the posters, though however simple they are, can have a big impact on our total well-being. 

Prepare the kitchen for the holidays with Christmas-themed posters. Not only that these prints will bring the spirit of Christmas to your home, but they will also make the kitchen look vibrant and lovely. With the colors of the season in your kitchen, you will have inspiration and motivation in prepping the meals for Christmas. 

Everyone loves to have the perfect Christmas photo. It is the season for parties, reunions, and photo ops with your loved ones. With the number of pictures you have collected, there may be no more place for new ones in your albums. Be creative and use family photos to personalize your home for Christmas. A cool and remarkable way to display your family adventures is during the holidays. After all, Christmas is all about families and the love you’ve shared together. Here are some interesting ideas on how to take Instagrammable family photos for the holidays. 

Display your Christmas decorations

Spruce up your home by displaying your Christmas decors all around your home and even in the backyard. Any holiday decor will do and they will surely spread cheer and represent the personality of the family. It may take time to display them so it is better to take them from the storage as early as when the -ber months start. This will also give you time to test all the lights and replace the ones that are not working anymore. 

Once the Christmas decorations are up, you can now take photos with your friends and family. The decors can be great props or backdrops so you need not worry about it. These will also give you an instant theme. Simply frame the shot and establish the right lighting. Try to experiment with zoom lenses to get the right angle and shot. 

Formal and elegant pictures with your loved ones

It is common for us to take candid shots with our loved ones. Most of them are hilarious and show the real you. Make it cooler with formal photos. These photos are actually staged and professional-looking. You get the chance to wear your best outfit and be in your model-like pose.

Displaying your formal pictures is the most classic way of personalizing your home for the holidays. These will likewise gather all eyes together and make them the attraction of your rooms. Formal photos can also be used to send greetings to your friends, just like Christmas cards. Formal photos may be challenging at times, especially if you have toddlers at home. The pictures can be extra special with all members wearing clothes in Christmas colors. Do not make it difficult for you and use good quality cellphone cameras to take the pictures. 

Pictures while having Christmas dinner

Food photos can be a great display during the holidays. Having a feast with your family is extra special. Especially when it is documented with photos. Capture the dining table or kitchen full of people preparing the dinner. Capture all these events and try to tell stories so you will be able to create a nostalgic atmosphere when you display them.

Fun costumes for Christmas

Santa may not come on Christmas day, but you can make kids happy by dressing up like him. Dress the dog like a reindeer and take some shots to make the Christmas celebrations memorable. Dress your youngest child like a snowman to complete the scene. 

Final Thoughts

Whatever your gimmick be during the season, the best idea is to document everything. Family pictures will surely level up your home. Personalizing it with family pictures will likewise create a nostalgic atmosphere that you can share with the whole family while enjoying a sumptuous meal. 

With a few weeks left before Christmas, you may already have completed shopping for gifts to be given to your loved ones. Decors are all around us amidst the COVID 19 virus still lurking like a rat waiting for its chance to steal food. However, it is still not too late to make your home perfect for the holidays. In fact, there are tons of ideas and inspiration that you can use to prepare your home for the Christmas celebration this year and make it look and feel festive. With the classic red and green color scheme that we have known since childhood, you can give it a twist and turn to create an eye-catching Christmas-themed interior for a perfect and memorable Christmas. 

Classic with a twist

Many people love the classic. Why not? There are many elements in the style that would remind you of your childhood. Although the concept is a bit non-specific, it still gives many homeowners and designers goosebumps as they recall their past. Classic design style suits almost anything. Black and white is probably the most popular theme that can easily give your interior a classic look for the holidays. 

Boosting the standard

When it comes to interior decoration, there will always be standards that would serve as a basis for other design styles. Sticking with the traditional is not bad. However, some people may find this a bit dull and boring as many are looking for something new and creative. For instance, the addition of Christmas accessories in candy colors will give any room a modern and stylish look. You can also add ribbons if you feel a little crafty. 

Less is more

Less is not a bad idea, unlike what others think. Here are a few minimalist decorating ideas that can truly give a great look to your home. 

• Fewer items used, the better. This is the whole idea of using a minimalist design style. 
• Buy Christmas trees that come with lights. Arranging the lights may be quite a challenge for some. With this, you will spend less time arranging the lights for your trees. 
• Do not use too many colors as this will make your home look chaotic. Use shades of a few chosen colors so that these will give you a trendy and chic interior. 
• Use fruits and vegetables as decoration. These will save you money and your home will also have a fresh and natural feel and smell. 
• Use one color of lighting for your Christmas tree as it can make a calm and relaxing vibe. 
• A simple pinecone can be used as a decoration. Fill a plate or bowl with pinecones along with candies for a more wonderful holiday vibe. 
• Use ribbons to decorate the tree or your surroundings. 

Materials for Christmas

Christmas decors need not have to be made from soft materials all the time. The use of metal pieces as the decor has proven to be a perfect choice. Metal decors look best with dark interiors as they can be highlighted. 

Flowers are still great

Want to add life to your home for the holidays? Use simple flowers or wreaths for a look that you have been longing for. You can place them anywhere and they would still look great. Add them to the door, window, or you can create a centerpiece of flowers for a warm and comfortable living space. 

Let it snow!

Snowflakes are some of the favorite Christmas decors. Hang them on the wall or the curtain and do not just use one size. 

Home decorations reveal so much about you. Your lifestyle, personality, passion, and others. This is also true with the other people living in your home. The decors that you choose for your home are a reflection of so many things about you. It may be optional, yet many people still opt to decorate the interior as well as the exterior of their homes. But the real question is: “Why do people decorate their homes?” Here you will know why as well as when it all began. 

As a start, home decorating helps you to personalize your space, in which they leave their imprint on that space. In addition to these, home decorating helps in making it inviting, comfortable, and cozy. 

When did home decorating start?

There are different reasons why people decorate their homes and you may wonder when it all started. In fact, you would not believe that it all started during the prehistoric period. If we are going to discuss everything that happened, then this article would not be enough. Archaeologic excavations have been done to gain more knowledge about our past. It was also revealed that caves during that period already have paintings on the walls. This was the first wall art ever recorded. Cavemen draw all of their activities and experiences. From hunting for food and the accidental discovery of fire, cave paintings have given us vast knowledge of prehistoric life and civilization.

Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Chinese also have decorated their interiors. Ancient pyramids in Egypt are filled with hieroglyphs and other symbols to tell the story of their civilization as well as to record history. Decors were also used to symbolize their culture and beliefs.

The modern home decoration was done by the selected few. Wealthy people and noble people were the ones who can afford the materials needed to decorate their interiors. Tapestries and expensive trinkets were displayed as a status symbol. Eventually, these all turned around as decors were mass-produced and became more affordable to the masses. As such, more homes are able to have interior decorations making them more inviting and cozy. This continued up to these days as more homes have decorations, both in interior and exterior. Thanks to the availability of modern technology and materials. 

Personalizing their homes

Identity is vital to all humans and the home is a perfect venue to showcase your personality. You have the freedom and flexibility in choosing the color, design, and features you like. There are many ways on how to personalize your homes. The display of particular decorative items, like posters and other wall decors showcases who and what you are. Teenagers often display posters of their favorite artists. Sometimes to the point of covering the entire wall of their room with images of their favorite band, singers, actors, or actresses. 

Making their homes look more comfortable

Personalizing your home makes it more comfortable and inviting. As a result, you will have a calmer mind that will let you be more focused on the things that you need to accomplish. People decorate because they have tons of choices available these days. From the display of figurines and antiques to the hanging of trendy art, your home will have the look that you wanted over the years.  

Increase the value

Planning to sell your house for a good price? The interior of the house is as important as the exterior. Nobody wants an ugly house, both the inside and the outside. Decorating the house as well as a few renovations will surely increase the resale value of your home. Make sure to decorate it from time to time so that by the time you decide to sell it, there will be little things to do. 

For special events

Birthdays, weddings, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day. There are so many events to celebrate throughout the year. Decorating your home for these special events will make the celebrations extra special. Moreover, your family will surely have a memorable celebration with you and their loved ones. 

Already in the planning stage for your wedding? This is probably one of the most challenging parts before the big day. You will have to choose the right wedding cake, the gown, reception area, flowers, and others. With so many choices on the table, you will surely be confused about which ones to choose. However, if you are planning to have the wedding ceremony at your home, then you also have to prepare your home big time! Do not stress yourself as there are simple and inexpensive ways to prepare your house for this momentous occasion. 

Clean your house and make it stay that way

Big efforts are needed into getting your house organized and clean especially before the big day. As it draws closer, you should be able to focus on the preparation rather than cleaning up and making things look bright. Of course, many people will keep on coming in and out of your home. This will be difficult for your to keep your home clean. A robot vacuum will be a good help in removing the dust off your floors. It does not have to be that expensive. You can get good deals online. As such, cleaning the floors would be simple.

Try to rent some items instead of getting new ones

For sure, you will have some events before the wedding day. Relatives from different places will be coming in to stay in your home. Friends will come and go for visits. Your things may not be sufficient, like chairs and tables. Avoid buying new ones and look for rentals. Wine glasses, tents, decors are likewise available for rent as long as you take time in search of them. Ask your friends if they know someone to save time and effort. Another way is to check social media as you can see a lot of rentals there. 

Relieve your guests from stress

Wedding and wedding preparations are fun and exciting. They can also be highly stressful. It is important to keep everyone relaxed and maintain a comfortable ambiance to your home. If the room temperature is warm, try adding some electric fans and paper fans to keep your guests comfortable. You may also use calming scents with the use of scented candles of oils to calm your nerves before the big day. Examples of scents you can try are lavender and cedarwood. 

Prepare simple yet sumptuous meals

Food is very crucial during these times. However, this should be the last of your worries especially if you have a large number of guests. It is also vital to prepare healthy food especially for those who are on maintenance meds. You do not want your wedding to be the cause of their health problems. Plan your meals and snacks even before they arrive. You can hire some help in preparing the meals. Prepare a snack bar where they can pick their own stress busters. It is also cute to see a colorful healthy snack bar for the little ones. 

How about pets?

Pets do get stressed especially if they are not familiar with their surroundings. Look for someone who can take care of them while you are away or busy with the preparations and celebrations. You may also bring your pets along with you, especially anxious animals. 

Decorate your home

There are a lot of ways to maintain a festive ambiance in your home. Decorating the walls is one of the easiest and fastest ways to keep them cool and lovely. Posters are some of the wonderful wall decors that can be a great help when preparing your home before the big day. There are a lot of themes available. Floral prints are also perfect to make the ambiance perfect for the event. You can also personalize it with your photos with family and friends.