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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. 

Just like Santa Claus and Rudolph the reindeer, there are other characters that complete the Christmas spirit. Though they are not that much mentioned in films, books, or comics, Christmas gnomes are popular among the Scandinavian countries. 

Gnomes are believed to be nature spirits that live underground. They are likewise fond of interacting with humans and can be both helpful and mischievous. In Scandinavia, gnomes are closely associated with Christmas and have the role just like the American Santa. In Norway, the gnomes are called Nisse. 

The Scandinavian gnomes

Scandinavian gnomes are similar to what we have read in any Western book. They are bearded creatures and are oftentimes considered to be mischievous domestic spirits. Gnomes are believed to be responsible for the welfare and protection of a farm.

Some Scandinavians also believe that gnomes came from the soul of the first person to own the farm. The spirit creature then continues to take care of the farm.

Scandinavian gnomes rose from the imaginations of the people who wanted to feel less lonely during the cold months of winter. As many know, fams in the region are isolated, and that people experience dark and long winters. Gnomes are then associated with pranks and mischiefs. However, there’s the other side of the story when gnomes are scary. They are known to have the capacity to kill livestock and destroy the fortune of the family. 

What do gnomes look like?

Most gnomes look like short and old men. They have long white or gray beards with bright red caps on their heads. Depending on where gnomes live, the outfits also differ. For instance, gnomes living in the stables usually wear gray clothes and those living in the house appear neater with blue and dark green attire. Gnomes also know magic and how to cast illusions or make themselves invisible. 

Gnomes in Sweden

Swedish gnomes are sometimes called Nisse but are more commonly called Tomte. Swedes also believe that gnomes take care of farmers and their homes. They are known for living in solitude and about 2 feet in height. They also possess incredible strength and hate people with a lack of respect or even lazy farmers. 

According to legends, Swedish gnomes are caring for children and help with fortune if you are good to them. They are also active at night especially when the homeowners are asleep. They also love to do various things around the house and hate it when people interfere with their tasks. During Christmas, it is recommended to leave a bowl of Christmas porridge so that they will reward you with gifts. 

Scandinavian Christmas gnomes

In Western countries, Santa Claus is one of the most important people. However, Scandinavians believe that gnomes do the majority of the work during the season. Norwegian Christmas gnomes help in safeguarding the animals throughout the year. It is also important to leave a bowl of Christmas porridge on Christmas eve for them to become your friend. Just like Santa, gnomes also bring gifts to children on Christmas eve. 

You will feel the season of Christmas when you see the image of Santa everywhere. But, do you really know who he is? Kids usually ask who Santa is. Let’s take a look at the origin and the history behind how his meaning evolved over the years. Here we have some information about Santa, his history, and the traditions behind the name. 

The brief history of Santa Claus

Santa Claus is the English name of the Dutch name for St. Nicholas Sinterklaas. Historically, he is known for his charity and generosity. The estimated period was around AD 280 in Patara, in Asia Minor when Nicholas was born. He then became a bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey. He died around December AD 343. It was believed that the family of Nicholas can trace their spiritual heritage to the Apostle Paul who passed by Pattara in one of his missionary journeys. 

The parents of Nicholas died while he was still a young boy. The loss drew him closer to God and made him sensitive to the sufferings of the people. He then used his large inheritance in the service of God and the people. 

Though many stories have been told about Nicholas, one thing is for sure. Wealth, kindness, and generosity are always part of those stories. After his death on December 6, a tradition of gift-giving began in his honor. In many countries, the said date is still observed and celebrated as St. Nicholas Day. 

In Germany, kids were taught that the Christ Child was the giver of gifts. In fact, the name Kriss Kringle is the English form of “Christ Child”. In the United States, Kriss Kringle was then associated with St. Nicholas, St. Nick, Santa Claus, and Father Christmas. 

Over the years, different periods have their own rendition of how St. Nicholas looks like. In many instances, he is depicted as a tall, thin, bearded cleric. The red suit and white beard are based on the vestments of the bishops worn by the Dutch Sinterklaas. Through the years, the image of Santa evolved, making him more friendly and adorable, especially to children. 

The St. Nicholas tradition

December 6 was originally celebrated by Christians in honor of St. Nicholas by giving gifts. The tradition developed over the years as St. Nicholas in his red robe and boots would visit good boys and girls on the night of December 5. For naughty kids, St. Nicholas is feared. In Germany for instance, St. Nicholas is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht who threatened to eat naughty kids. In the Netherlands, the helper of St. Nicholas would tie bad kids in a sack. 

The tradition of Santa, stockings, and presents can be traced back to the Dutch and was brought to the New World. The image and tradition that we know these days of Santa Claus was based on the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” that was written in 1823. 

Though the modern Santa Claus came from the figure that is surrounded by fantasy. His image can help us know and remember the real St. Nicholas. He is a man who devoted his life to serving God and the people.

Probably at least once in your life, you were able to receive a greeting card. You may still remember the feeling of receiving it from your crush or even from a friend whom you haven’t since for a long time. Who does not love receiving a greeting card? For many people, it is one of the best gifts to receive on their birthdays or holidays. A thoughtful message scribbled on the card can mean a lot to the one receiving it. Just like the greeting cards, they have a colorful history that many are not aware of. Read on to know more about how it all began. 

How it all began

Little did we know that greeting cards are already in existence since the early Egyptians. During that time, the Egyptians used papyrus scrolls to send letters. This was also the practice of the Chinese who exchanged messages at New Year. Since then, other cultures have created their own version of greeting cards. 

During the 1400s, handmade greeting cards were being sold and exchanged across Europe. The Germans spent more effort in sending greeting cards. They used woodcuts where the design was hand-carved onto it to create a print on paper. In Italy, intricate lace effect filigrees were applied to the cards and were sent on certain occasions, especially Valentine’s Day. The card was expensive and was used only by the wealthy. 

The popularity of greeting cards

The advancement of printing technology has helped a lot in making greeting cards more affordable. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole decided to create the first commercial Christmas card. Being one of the elites in Victorian England, Cole had a very long Christmas list. This prompted him to create a way to reduce time and effort. The cards he created depicted three scenes, a family gathered celebrating Christmas and the charitable acts of clothing the poor and feeding the hungry. There were 1000 copies printed in black and white before being hand painted. However, the price of the cards is still a little bit pricey, especially for the working class. 

Greeting cards these days

Since the 1860s, companies have been mass-producing greeting cards. With the available printing technology, the quantity increased while the price decreased. In the 1930s colored printing was introduced that made the greeting cards even more popular. Today, greeting cards are used all over the world and on every occasion. It was also revealed that the industry is worth around $7.5 billion and the average person sends an average of 55 cards per year. In fact, in Canada alone, there are around 40 million Valentine’s Day cards bought every year.

Known for having 7100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is one of the favorite destinations of tourists, both local and foreign. The country has several attractions that will connect you to nature. It is a paradise for all beach lovers, mountain climbers, and adventure seekers. Read on to know more about the different places in the Philippines where you can get in touch with nature and feel rejuvenated again.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Located in Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is known for its remarkable biodiversity, abundant marine life, and magnificent dive sites. It covers hectares of productive marine life and contains three atolls and a large area of the deep sea. Tubbataha Reefs has been recognized as one of the world’s leading diving destinations. It is home to 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals, 11 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, birds, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles. In 1993, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. Being an isolated area, it will take around a 10 to 12 hours journey to reach it. A sacrifice worth taking to enjoy the wonder of nature.

El Nido Palawan

Another leading municipality in the province of Palawan, El Nido is one of the favorite travel destinations in the country. It is a managed resource-protected area and popular for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and rich biodiversity. Many travel buffs have placed El Nido to the 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World due to its extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem. 

Malay Eco Tour in Aklan

A perfect place for bonding and get-together with family and friends. The travel destination is known for the Pangihan cave with its eight magnificent chambers. Locals highly recommend visiting Nabaoy, a river with native huts where you can order native dishes and delicacies at affordable prices. Of course, more than feasting, you can refresh yourself by swimming and rafting in its calm and clear water.

Siargao

Siargao was originally a haven for surfers. These days, it is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. The island is within the jurisdiction of the province of Surigao del Norte and is composed of different municipalities. In 2018 and 2019, Siargao was awarded for being the best island in the world. Tourists will never be bored on the island as there are tons of activities that can be done. These include basking on white-sand beaches, surfing, cave explorations, swinging on palm tree rope, island hopping, and many others. In addition to these, the island is rich in green colors as it is covered with coconut palm trees. A perfect tropical view for those of you who are looking for a vacation paradise. 

Mayon volcano

The Mayon volcano is popularly known for its “perfect cone” and is still one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Located in the province of Albay, it has a height of 2,463 meters and is considered to be the centerpiece of the province. The volcano is one of the favorite sites for climbing, though it is important to note that it is dangerous to do this activity even if it is at its dormant stage. In addition to climbing, you can do other activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and photography. It is recommended to visit the volcano between March and May and not during the rainy season. 

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. 

Christmas is one of the most awaited seasons around the world. It is both a religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christians around the world have been celebrating the season with traditions and practices that commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Some of the common traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating with Christmas trees, attending Christmas mass, and sharing meals with families and friends. Decorating the homes with ornaments is likewise practiced. With the thousands of decors available, it is also common for many households to display DIY Christmas decorations. Creating DIY decors unleashes the creativity and imagination of many individuals. 

Christmas decorations around the world

Different countries have their own way of celebrating Christmas as well as the decors displayed. The decorations are any ornamentation used to make the spirit of Christmas felt and experienced by many. Traditionally, the colors used are pine green, snow white, and heart red. Blue and the white color combination are also common as this represents winter. Other decors that are usually displayed are Baby Jesus, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, the star of Bethlehem, snowflakes, snowmen, icicles, penguins, and polar bears. 

DIY Christmas decorations

Make your home vibrant this Christmas season with DIY decorations. These will not only save you money but are also a great way to spend quality time with your family, especially during weekends. Any material can be used and be transformed into something remarkable. DIY Christmas decorations can be used to make your home look festive, from the entryway to the dining room. Christmas color schemes can instantly make your space attractive and captivating. Adding accents to the dining table, like the silver embellished napkin rings and a centerpiece will surely be adored by your family. 

Homemade Christmas decorations to try

Creating homemade Christmas decorations is one of the fun and exciting things that you can do to transform the overall appearance of your home and prep it for the season. Here are some DIY Christmas decorations that you can make and decorate your space:

• Snowman made from plastic cups
• Handmade hoop ornaments
• DIY Christmas tree garlands
• DIY cotton thread snowman
• Painted or filled DIY ball ornaments
• Paper cut-outs buntings

Add a rustic style with wooden Christmas decors

Wood is one of the common materials used in making decors. The good thing about wood is that it can make everything in the interior look natural and comfortable. Reclaimed wood is affordable and yet they give a big impact on the whole appearance of the room when designed properly. In addition to these, wood can give the interior a rustic appearance for a more comfortable and inviting vibe. 

Paper Christmas decorations

Paper Christmas decorations are relatively easy to do and will definitely look great in your home. Especially when they are hanging from your tree. Paper decors are easy to assemble, affordable, and versatile. Paper can be fashioned into Christmas trees, bells, stars, and others. Other materials that you may need to make your own Christmas decorations are paper glue, scissors, pencil, shape template, thread, embroidery floss, and thin ribbon.

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.