SUMMER FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES

      It’s festival time in the Philippines. Philippines is well known for its festivals that is celebrated all year round. Filipino people are festival or fiesta loving people. Now that it is summer means that it is the festival season here in the country. 

                So here are some of the top summer festivals which are also known to the world: 

 

PAHIYAS FESTIVAL: Celebrated in Lucban, Quezon so that they will have a bountiful harvest. The Pahiyas Festival is a pride for Lucbanons to keep their culture and religion alive. They feature their rice-based delicacies to their guest. The kiping is a colored and almost transparent rice tortilla which are also used to decorate houses during the fiesta.

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL: Celebrated in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Kaamulan Festival features Mindanao’s diverse culture and arts. In the festivities, Bukidnon’s indigenous groups are the one performing the rituals and dances which attracts tourists and visitors. There indigenous groups are the Talaandig, Higaunon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tigwahanon, Matigsalug and Bukidnon.

OBANDO FERTILITY RITES: Obando is a small town in Bulacan located in the banks of Angat River. This celebrates the festival or fiesta in honor of their three patron saints. Their three patron saints are: Santa Clara, the patron saint of the childless; San Pascual Baylon, a 16th century shepherd who danced his prayers and became a model of religious virtue; and the Lady of Salambao, who got her name because the image of the Immaculate Conception was fished out by a fisherman, with the use of a salambao net. The festival is celebrated with a street dance performed by the childless women.

BANGKERO FESTIVAL: Celebrated in Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna. The Bankero Festival is celebrated in honor of the “bangkeros” or boatmen who amazes tourists and local visitors with their skills in maneuvering boats upstream against wild rapids. The festivities is celebrated with fluvial parade, street dancing competition and exhibitions.

CARABAO FESTIVAL: The towns of Nueva Ecija such as Pulilan, Bulacan; and Angono, Rizal pays homage to the carabaos which are the farmer’s best friend on the feast day of San Isidro. The well groomed and dressed carabaos are and assembled at the church yard in the early morning of the fiesta day where the priests bless them. After the blessing, these carabaos are lined up to parade around the town. The highlights of the festivities is the carabao racing eash other across the fields.

PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVAL: Celebrated in Passi City, Iloilo is one of the most popular and well known festival in the Philippines. Pintados de Pasi Festival features the traditional body tatoo of the Performers of the streetdancing prsentation which impress tourists and local visitors.

SANTACRUZAN: This festival is also known as Flores de Mayo. This festival is the most popular festival in the Philippines and is tagged as the “Queen of Filipino Festivals”. This festival is celebrated in almost all towns all over the country. This festival depicts the re-enacting the time when Queen Helena and Constantine searched and found the Cross of Jesus Christ. The highlights of the festivities is the parade of town’s beautiful ladies and the most beautiful and loveliest becomes the “Reyna Elena”.

TABAK FESTIVAL: A celebration of cityhood, coincides with Tabaco City’s week-long celebration of its Foundation Anniversary in Albay. The highlight of this event is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the city.

RODEO MASBATENO: Each year Masbate City celebrates its own cowboy culture, the colorful Rodeo Masbateño. Visitors and tourist will see cattle wrestling, bull riding, roping and carabao race. These are the rodeo attractions that are typical to rodeo events in the US.

Summer Essentials

Summer is fast approaching. Battling the heat and the problems that accompany excessive sweating is something you can’t be ignored if you don’t want your health to come in the way of your plans. Inflammations, muscle fatigue, dehydration, eye disorders, the list is endless.Here are some essentials you must have with you throughout the summer.

10. Face wipes

You are walking towards your car from the shopping mall. It’s hot and you are sweating. You don’t want to use your handkerchief because you have sneezed into it a couple of times and using your sleeves will just attract disgusted looks from the others. Before you can figure out what to do, a drop of sweat rolls down your eyebrows and falls into your eye. Ouch! That stings, doesn’t it? Well, you could have avoided it. Keep a small of face wipes in your pocket or your purse. They are available for different skin types and usually have the all in one ingredients feature. Having a pack of face wipes will help you get rid of all the dirt and sweat that may lead to blackheads and rashes. Pre-moistened face wipes are the best choices as they leave your face feeling cooler.

9. Onions

The only food product that is included in this list. It has interesting advantages in preventing, controlling and curing heat strokes.  Inflammations and reddening of the skin are common symptoms of heat strokes. The juice of onions can be applied on the affected areas and it will work miracles. Before you step out of the house, the following recipe is beneficial. Cut an onion into pieces, roast in an open pan, add one-third teaspoon of cumin powder and one teaspoon of sugar. Eating this will help you stay away from heat strokes. Onions have a natural cooling effect. An easier way to use them as a shield from heat strokes is to simply eat them raw.

8. Face wash

A good quality face wash having SPF will help you keep your face sweat free. Sweat accumulation is a major reason behind rashes and sunburns. Moreover using a face wash will help you keep your face clean and make you feel fresher during the hot and humid conditions. Being sweat free is the most important step to stay comfortable. A gentle face wash is the best. You will need to use it three to four times a day and a harsh face wash might strip your facial skin off its precious moisture leaving it excessively dried. An organic face wash should be preferred over chemical ones. Before buying, be sure to look out for sodium lauryl sulphates as they may be carcinogenic depending upon the other ingredients of the product.

7. Lip Balms

The sizzling heat will soon dry up all the moisture from your lips, which are even more sensitive than skin, unless you use lip balms. You would not want talking to a person only to realize that your dried and scaling lips are diverting all of the person’s focus! Again, SPF present in the lip balms will help to guard them from the harmful radiations in the sunlight. As opposed to popular notion, petroleum jelly is not a good lip balm. Petroleum locks in excess moisture but does not treat dryness. Beeswax, jojoba oil, coconut oil, hemp oil and Shea butter are ideal protectors of your lips. Lip balms containing nanoparticles should be avoided.

6. Footwear

No matter how long you walk, as soon as your feet start sweating, they will swell. It should be ensured that your feet are not too tight fitting as they may lead to corns and other maladies. Leather shoes are a great choice for summers. It is soft and porous. It has remarkable absorption ability. Moreover, it has the property to adjust to the shoe wearer’s shape of the foot. Shoes should also be made of breathable material such as canvas or leather. It should be made certain that the footwear you are using are dry and clean because damp and unclean footwear might lead to fungal infections.

5. Water Bottles

Sweating causes a lot of water from the body. Water helps in maintaining the balance of fluids and essential minerals in the body. Failure of cells to retain the balance of fluids will result in muscle fatigue. Water is extremely important for the thermoregulation of our bodies. Going long periods of time without drinking water will quite possibly cause dehydration. Excessive sweating and inadequate water intake will have adverse effects on the kidneys. Carrying a water bottle along whenever you go out of the house will help you stay hydrated. Care should be taken that you should drink water at regular intervals and the water should not be too chilled.

4. Cotton Clothes

For both men and women cotton shirts are the best choice for summer wear. It is breathable. Allows sweat to evaporate easily and is perfect for the hot climate. Irritating rashes are most commonly caused when sweat accumulates. It is a very uncomfortable condition and it can easily be prevented by using cotton clothes. Cotton assists in drawing heat away from the skin and keeps the skin dry. It helps you cool down in every sense of the word. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. So if you are asthmatic or constantly have to scuffle with allergic attacks due to dust, cotton is no less than a saviour.

3. Hat

Hats are stylish and go a long way in serving the need of protecting your scalp and face from the blistering heat of the sun. Time from 11 am till 4pm should be avoided and if you do decide to go out during this interval, don’t ever forget to take a hat with you. Keeping the scalp cool is essential in preventing heat strokes. Sunburns are also easily caused when the face is left exposed to the glare of the sun. Hats cover the areas usually neglected while applying sun screens such as the neck and the top of the ears. Sporting a designer sun hat with a strap that keeps it firmly on your head even on the windiest of days will attract admiring looks, both for your sense of style and wisdom, as you walk down the street.

2. Sunglasses

Photokeratitis, cataracts and damaging of the eye tissues are care caused by exposure to the sun and its perilous Ultra Violet radiations. Corneas are the easiest part of the eye to be damaged by sunlight. The next level of seriousness is the effect on the eye lens. Macular degeneration is caused by cumulative overexposure of UV radiations and certainly leads to blindness. These diseases are usually consequences of direct exposure to the sunlight over years. Hence, it’s never too late to use sunglasses and care about the health of your eyes. When you go to a shop and look at all the branded shades and imagine how people would be looking at you while you confidently stroll around donning those fashionable sunglasses, remind yourself that it’s protection first and style later. There is nothing better than opting for a sunglass that provides a safety up to 400 nanometres which is the maximum level of safety from Ultra Violet radiations in the sunlight. Polarized sunglasses do not necessarily protect from UV radiations but they do cut down on glare so they can be used when better alternatives are not available. After all, something’s better than nothing, isn’t it?

1. Sunscreen

Skin cancer is a major problem that is caused due to overexposure of the skin to UV radiations of the Sun. Using sunscreens is beneficial. Care should be taken that the product contains minimum quantities of SPF-15. Care should be taken while applying. Eyes should be avoided. If it gets into the eyes, immediately wash thoroughly with cold water. A good sunscreen should also provide protection against UVB rays. UVB rays are rays of shorter wavelengths and cause sunburns and tanning which are other major concerns after skin cancer. It should be liberally applied at least 20 minutes before letting the sunrays fall over your exposed skin. Make it a point to reapply the sunscreen after every two hours, especially if you are sweating.

BEWARE: COMMON SUMMER DISEASES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Summer’s here and with the temperatures soaring, it’s not only the unbearable temperatures that can harm you but a large variety of diseases that can put a damper in your plans. Here are common diseases you should be vary of this summer.

1. Chicken pox: Ever wonder where this condition got its name? Well, that’s because the boils resembled the peck marks of a chicken, and the disease was christened ‘chicken pox’.
Caused by: The Varicella zoster virus
Seen right at the onset of summers, chicken pox manifests as itchy red rash like spots or boils all over the body, usually in children. Spread by air-borne particles, the disease spreads when an already infected person sneezes or coughs. Another mode of transmission is if a caregiver touches the blisters or the fluid oozing out of it.
Symptoms: Some of the first symptoms are fever, headache and sore throat. After about a day or two a rash like blister appears in a localized part of the body which will later spread to the entire body. The boils or blisters burst after about 2 days and once they crust over, the patient can resume their daily activities. Until then, it is important that the he/ she is kept in complete isolation and given a good amount of rest. It takes about 10 days for the body to recover from the illness. On the bright side, once you suffer from chicken pox you will not contract the disease again due to the natural immunity the first attack confers on you.
Precaution: There is a vaccine available to protect yourself against this virus. Even so, some simple precautions like washing your hands thoroughly after visiting a common or crowded place and to isolate a person suffering from the disease to prevent its spread  can be exercised.

 2. Measles: Also called rubeola or morbilli, it is a common condition seen in the summers.
Caused by: The paramyxo virus, it infects the lining at the back of the throat. It is transmitted the same way as chicken pox.
Symptoms: Its initial symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and red eyes. These symptoms later progress to what’s called a measles rash (rashes that look like small red spots), fever, cough, runny nose and tiny white spots within the mouth. The measles rashes usually appear 3-5 days after the initial symptoms and start around the hairline and face in most cases.
Precaution: The MMR vaccine (Measels, Mumps and Rubella) usually given to all children is highly efficient in preventing the disease from occurring.

 3. Typhoid: Commonly known as typhoid fever, it is a water borne disease passed on through the oro-feacal route.
Caused by:  A bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Passed on by the oro-feacal route, the bacterium  is commonly found in unsanitary food or water sources.  
Symptoms: Its common symptoms include high fever, fatigue, weakness, pain in the abdomen, headache, loss of appetite, and sometimes a rash. Once treated a person can still carry the bacteria but not suffer from the disease. These people are called ‘carriers’ and often are the cause for further spread of the virus.
Prevention: There are two types of vaccines available to protect you against typhoid. One is a vaccine that uses the killed bacteria, and is injected into a person. The second is the attenuated or weakened bacterium that is administered in the form of medicine or a pill.

4. Mumps: Is an extremely contagious viral disease. It is known to occur mainly in children during  peak summer.  
     The mumps virus, it is transmitted when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Symptoms:  One of the most common symptoms is the swelling up of the person’s salivary glands at the base of the neck. It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, and is followed by swelling of salivary glands.
Precautions: The MMR vaccine (Measels, Mumps and rubella) can help protect you from contracting the disease.

5.Prickly heat or commonly known as “Bungang Araw”: these itchy red rashes are borne out of hot and humid weather. Clogging of sweat glands can be another factor that induces it. It can be relieved by applying prickly powder or cornstarch.  If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.  

6.  Food poisoning :due to the hot temperature, food can easily spoil. Place leftover viands inside the refrigerator. Foods should also be well cooked to keep it from spoilage. Refrain from buying your food in carinderias or inspect carefully before buying, make sure there are no bubbles seen on top it. Bubbling most often indicate that food has turned bad. The smell can also tell if it’s still fit to be eaten.

7. Heat stroke: can be fatal if left untreated. It can be avoided through limited amount of time spent outdoors, be wary of the hottest time of the day which is around 11am until 3pm.

8. Dengue: in the Philippines, Dengue fever is an all year round disease carried by mosquitoes, and continues to rage in the metropolis and provinces.

9. Sore eyes: the heat can make the eyes dry, combined with the dust and polluted smoke, lack of eye lubrication can result to a pink eye.

Foods to COOL you down this SUMMER

Can't stand the summer heat? Here are some foods and beverages that will help lower your body temperature, making you feel refreshed and light.

Fresh, raw food or food that has been lightly cooked. Try steaming, water sauteing, or blanching the things you eat this summer. Food prepared using these methods are less likely to raise body heat (as compared to high-heat cooking processes such as frying).

Fruits. Grapes, apples, bananas, pears, peaches, dragon fruit, star fruit, watermelon, honeydew melon, and citrus fruits like oranges are most effective in helping you cool down this summer since these have a high water content. If you can't eat them on their own, toss it in a salad or mix it with other ingredients to whip up a tasty smoothie.

Vegetables. Like fruits, vegetables that contain lots of water can help you feel energized and light this summer -- cucumber, celery, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, avocado, summer squash, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, brocolli, bok choy, snap peas, asparagus, cauliflower, corn, sprouts, radish, and leafy greens. Add these to your favorite dish and you're all set to beat the summer heat.

Water. We often think of flavored drinks when we want to chill this summer that we forget the simplest solution -- a glass of iced water. This will not only quench your thirst, it's healthy for your body too.

Halo-halo, mais con hielo or buko pandan. These local treats are sure to make any summer cool as ice -- and they're easy to make too. Just add your favorite ingredients, and you're all set.

It's Summer!! Let's have FUN!!

Yes, summertime in the country. Bring out the sunblock, your umbrellas, bikinis, trunks, tank tops, shorts and flip-flops now if you wanna go to the beach or your camping bags and tents if you wanna have some adventure!! Come'on!! Let's have FUN!!

    The Philippines is a great escape to beat your stress. These destinations are best for relaxation and summer adventure. This tropical country is undeniably ideal for summer family getaways. Choose your next vacation from its three main islands, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

 

Here are the TOURIST DESTINATIONS on my bucket list!!  

BORACAY

 

     BORACAY is very famous because of their white sand beach which is their sands is very glassy-smooth. This island of Boracay is very tourist friendly in fact they developed and improved their facilities for more tourist to come. If you are seeking to relax and enjoy in one place Boracay is the place to be, because they have very nice hotels just around the beach, and if your looking for water adventures they can give it to you just name it and you got it. Some people say that if you are a tourist that came from other country and you did not go to Boracay you missed the half of your life. 

PALAWAN

 

  PALAWAN is rated as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region by the National Geographic Traveller magazine in 2007. It is also cited as the 13^th best island in the world. Be awed at the beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes of Palawan.

Famous Spots: Honda Bay, Coron, Tubbataha Reef, Subterranean National Park, Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Tabon Caves

Activities: snorkelling, diving, swimming, island hopping, caving,

Must-Try Food: live mangrove worms, seafood dishes, vegetable dishes, chicken inasal (grilled chicken).

PAGUDPUD

    

 11 hours drive away from Manila, PAGUDPUD is located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. Despite its location, tourists seek out this small coastal town of Ilocos Norte as a number one destination when seeking a one of a kind adventure and perfect unwinding spot. Pagudpud's’s peaceful rural communities, rich, unspoiled natural resources and the absence of mass tourism make the place even more visit-worthy. 

BALER AURORA

 

  BALER is known for numerous tourist attractions. In addition to the Baler Catholic Church and other historical sites , there are resorts at Sabang Beach and Cemento Beach , where surfers from all over the world compete for the annual International Aurora Surfing Cup. The coral-rich islands of Dimadimalangat, Aniao and Lukso-Lukso lie just off the coast.

HONEYMOON ISLAND, DIVILACAN, ISABELA

 Another secret paradise in Isabela, Philippines. Honeymoon Island is one of the most famous travel destinations in Isabela, Philippines. Getting there is inexpensive, yet it is one of the most beautiful places in the country located at Divilacan, Isabela, Philippines. Honeymoon Island has a natural forest and a beach with whitish sand. The surrounding coral reef is suitable for diving. The island is very sceneric, perfect for bird lovers, nature lovers and people who seeks a quiet paradise.

SAGADA

 

 If you are a nature lover or a hiker SAGADA will be your paradise. This is one of the newest tourist destination in the Philippines because this is too far from the Manila only few people try to go here because it takes 15 roughly hrs. before you can reach the paradise.This is are some popular activity in Sagada trekking, caving, visiting their waterfalls and hanging coffins you can also try their rappelling and nature tripping. But before you can do that you need to go to the municipal office to register but don't worry the people in the community is very friendly just ask anyone of them if you are lost.

BANAUE RICE TERRACES

 

 BANAUE is the home of one of the eight wonders of the world, Banaue Rice Terraces. This is how the locals refer to this amazing creation. The Banaue Rice Terraces has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1995. The World Travel and Tour Council also recognized the rice terraces as a green globe destination in the Philippines. So be prepared to witness the impressive man-made mountain stairway.

BAGUIO

     BAGUIO is known as the summer capital of the Philippines. It is considered as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country. Baguio is a mountain retreat that is visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists alike.
           There are numerous of family activities in store for you. The additional breathtaking scenic views will definitely complete your summer vacation in this city.

CAMIGUIN

 

    CAMIGUIN is the second smallest province in the Philippines. But nevertheless this paradise has promising destinations you must see. It is referred to as the "Born of Fire". This spectacular island has seven volcanoes and several volcanic domes. Thus it was born out of the volcanic eruptions. It has also clear waters and noted as one of the top 10 dive spots worldwide.

TAGAYTAY

  If your looking for a colder place near Metro Manila which is the capital of the Philippines TAGAYTAY is the right place for you. Only 2-3 hrs. from the Manila you can reach the beautiful place of Tagaytay. Tagaytay is known for their delicious foods like "Bulalo" or bone marrow and if you want some dessert they have the "Halayang Ube" or purple yam jam. The best place for eating those foods is on the "picnic groove" because while you are eating you can breath some fresh air and you can also see the famous "Taal Volcano" one of the most popular and active volcano in the Philppines. If you want to go near to the lake of the Taal Volcano just ask some tricycle driver outside the picnic groove and they will tour you but of course you need to pay them. And last if you are planning to have an overnight, there are many resorts or hotels around the place that you can stay for the night.