Thursday, October 22, 2015

Christmas Getaways: Don't Pack Your Things Just Yet!

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Your goal is simple: To visit Pampanga Philippines without bringing unnecessary things. Definitely can, right? However, there are still some of you here that are struggling on what things to bring? And how sure are you that all the things you want to include are all useful? Packing is a simple thing to do, but what to pack makes it difficult on our end.

Traveling is a form of recreation. And you definitely can't enjoy your Christmas vacation when you got so many things to bring with you. Bringing things that are not that useful will just kill the excitement and fun. There are also times that we end up bringing the things that are not that useful than the ones that are very useful to us. Perhaps, it is because we don't know how and what to pack. Or perhaps, there is no time to think about it anymore.

Not bringing the things that you will need might cause you to regret it later on. That is why, you have to make sure that you know the things that you need and what's not important for you to bring such as:

Bringing your entire beauty routine

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If you are used to using 5 beauty products every day, then make this time as an exemption. It would definitely not hurt if you're not going to bring straightener or curler for days or weeks. Trust me, you will still going to look good even with your beach hair. Moreover, if the hotel that you are staying offers toiletries, make use of them. Don't bring your own big bottle of shampoo and conditioner; it will only make your luggage heavier. However, if the hotel does not offer toiletries (which I doubt), then you might bring a small amount of both, or a sachet will do.

Bringing clothes more than you need

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This is the part where we usually tend to have a hard time thinking and choosing on what clothes we are going to wear in a specific day. Well, if you are going to a beach, then you definitely don't bring your formal clothes (common sense). And for you not to overload it with your favourite beach wear, you have to decide on what kind of swimwear should you bring that is intended for that particular day. For instance, if you are planning to have your vacation in the beach for 3 days, then you should also bring 3 swim wears – make it 4 for any case of emergencies.

Bringing your jewelry and valuables

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If you can't leave without your expensive necklace, you better leave it at home. I'm sure you don't want someone will steal it from you, right? I believe you are on your way for a vacation and not for a fashion show where you need to wear your expensive and imported necklace. Also, tourists are common targets for thieves, and luggage often gets lost in transit. That is why, you have to be very careful when it comes to your valuables. You better leave those things behind than being forever lost to the hands of other people.

Bringing too many gadgets

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Bringing too many gadgets is definitely a no-no. These things might be useful to you, however I believe that there's no need for you to use those gadgets all at once. remember, you are going on a vacation, you can use all your gadgets at home. Also, bringing too many gadgets is definitely an apple to the eyes of the thieves. However, if you are a kind of person who just can't sleep without his/her gadget, then you should pick the ones that are important to your trip such as your cellphone, laptop and/or camera.

Bringing more than one guidebook

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Guidebooks are important, especially when you are new to the places in Pampanga. However, bringing a guidebook for tourist visiting the other side of the country is definitely not applicable to your current situation. And bringing such is definitely one of the reasons why your luggage is heavy. 

Christmas vacation would definitely be fun when you know what to pack. And if you are just keen when it comes to the things that are useful or not, then you will definitely know what and what not to pack. Christmas is already in the air! Enjoy your Christmas vacation!

Thursday, October 8, 2015

3 Phases of Planning: Achieving a Stress-Free Vacation

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Holidays are now fast approaching, and the least we want to do is staying at home with nothing to do. Agree? Of course, who would want to stay at home and be bored when it's the season to enjoy? Vacation – that is one of the things most of us, if not all, want to do when the holiday comes. Going to places where you can chill, away from a stressful city and work is definitely one thing that you would not miss to do.

While other people would agree with this connotation, "There is no thrill and excitement when you plan, there will always be a fun factor when you do the things unplanned." However, for some, doing the things that are not planned can be the cause of trouble – and they don't want that to happen! Generally, most people who prefer unplanned activities wants to have more adventure than having a relaxing and a hassle-free vacation.

If your purpose of the vacation is to relax, then you better plan ahead to avoid headaches. Of course, you have to make sure that everything is set. And don't forget you plan B if in case plan A won't work out. At least, you won't freak out when an unwanted situation happen. And do you know that there are actually 3 phases of planning?

Before your Vacation

There will be a lot of people who are also planning to go on vacation this holiday season, and not planning ahead would definitely mean trouble. Basically, you can't have your vacation when you don't have any specific destination at all. Of course, you have to know and make sure that you will have a place to stay for days or weeks. Without careful planning to where you are supposed to go, you might be going from places to places without enjoying your stay.

Of course, planning is not just about deciding your destination, but also, you have to plan your budget whether you have some extra or just enough budget for the vacation. If you think that you just have enough budget, then make sure that you will avail promos for as not to have some financial shortage.

During your Vacation

Chilling and relaxing doesn't just mean you are going to stay in your hotel room the whole day. It also means doing some recreation for you to enjoy. Well, you might also want to consider doing some activities that involve Mother Nature. You can do some island hopping, snorkelling, fishing and/or any other thing that you want to do for fun. With that, you will gain new energy to do your work.

Moreover, the more you do some activities while having your vacation, the more you will learn and experience new and exciting things. And of course, even if it is the cheapest way to do and have some recreational activities, for as long as you enjoy it a lot, then it's a good sign that you are enjoying your vacation.

After your Vacation

Before you decide to take on vacation, you have to make sure that you don't have any troubles and/or penalties after you get back to work. You have to make sure that there will be no serious work delays. Basically, when you take a break, you are energetic and enthusiastic enough to go back to work. Because if you don't feel like it, taking your break is useless when going back to work is a nightmare.

Not just on your work, but also the chores you have at home. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you have to take some of your time to unpack, water the plants, do your laundry, buy some groceries, etc. With that, you will be ready to move on into your real life.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Going on Vacay? 6 Ways to Avoid Airport Delays

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It's already BER months! And you'd definitely don't want to miss to visit the tourist attractions in Tagaytay. I bet, travellers and adventures, and even you too are already planning onto what and where you're going to stay in Tagaytay. Right? Exciting, isn't it? However, there is nothing more annoying and frustrating when we experience airport delays. That means, the excitement that we feel will eventually turn into frustration – and it's definitely not a good start to have a vacation.

Generally, there are a lot of reasons as to why there are airport delays. Whether if it is due to the weather, technical glitches, airport security problems and/or even congested airways. We definitely can't control these situations. However, we can avoid experiencing such. And even if you are stuck with an undesirable situation, it is still important for you to be equipped with the necessary things and knowledge for you to know on to what you should do.

1. Watch the weather

Traveling with a bad weather is definitely a dangerous thing to experience. Bad weather would definitely mean stranded, no flights are allowed to travel. Generally, when it comes to weather forecasting, you don't have to know everything about the weather – knowing just the basic will do. At least, the days before your flight or during your flight, you know what kind of weather it will have.

2. Consider getting a hotel reservation


There are just times that airport delays are inevitable. Good thing if it is just for an hour or two, but for a day? You might as well consider getting a hotel reservation. Yes, you can definitely stay in the airport lobby. However, if you want to have a comfortable stay, booking a hotel is one of the best choices you can make.

3. Make sure to save important contacts


One of the important things for you to have when you go on vacation is your cell phone. And of course, you have to make sure that you have some important and useful contacts. With that, you will be able to call for a reservation site, a hotel, and/or any person who is capable in catering your queries.

4. Know your options

One of the best things, when you go travel, is to have a plan B. If your original plan did not work out, at least, you have another option for you to do. With that, even if it did not go with the one you have expected but at least, you can still enjoy your vacation. Well, you have to do some searches for you to know what other things that you can still enjoy while having your vacation in Tagaytay. Yes, there are still a lot of things you can do for you to enjoy your trip. So, fret not!

5. Check the airline website

Basically, before you can book a ticket, you will know whether that particular flight is available for the said day. If there are certain flight delays, you will know since they will post it on their web page. Of course, you have to make sure that the post that they have are all updated. Well, if they don't, then you might as well consider calling them for more information about the flight that you will be going to have.

6. Pocket money


For in case there are any delays, you have to make sure that you bring some extra money. It is important to bring some extra for in case of emergencies. With that, it is easier for you to do or buy something within the vicinity of the airport without any hassles at all.

When you plan on having a vacation, it is better for you to be fully equipped than not preparing at all. Because when you do, you will not enjoy your trip and you might regret it later on. So, come prepared.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Popular Summer Outdoor Activities In the Philippines

Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons in the Philippines next to Christmas. Aside from the fact that school is out, summer is the best time to go around the country and enjoy what it has to offer such as the beaches, the countryside, and the mountains.

If you are looking for some outdoor activities you can do in the Philippines this summer, below are just a few suggestions you might want to try.

Swimming. For a country of 7000+ islands, swimming will always be a top summer activity. At no other time during the year are resorts more crowded than during summer months and many families visit more than one beach resort during this time. While some immediately go for the beach, there are some who settle for a nearby pool resort or maybe a hotel pool to get their much needed refreshing swim. Since swimming is among the favorite summer activity of a lot of people, many enroll in swimming classes during summer.



Mountain climbing. This particular outdoor activity is on a lot of people’s bucket list. Why not take the chance to cross it off your list by climbing a mountain this summer? The Philippines is home to hundreds of mountains so you can choose an easy one to try or if you are feeling more adventurous, a more challenging one. Just make sure to go with an experienced climber if it is your first climb and that you are fit and ready for it.


  
      Biking. This particular activity is enjoying resurgence in popularity especially since it doubles as a great form of exercise. While some only prefer to do some leisurely biking around a friendly trail, there are some who like to go for some of the mountain bike trails in the Philippines. No matter what kind of biking you prefer to do, it is important to wear property safety gears while engaging in this outdoor activity.


         Playing ball. The Philippines is a basketball country and whether it is summer or not, you would often see groups of guys on the street playing basketball. This becomes even more frequent and prevalent during the summer months when classes are out. Other ball games that you can often see being played outdoors here in the Philippines are volleyball and the newly popular soccer, also called football. Many parents even enroll their kids in summer classes for these sports just to keep them engaged during the summer months.


Sunday, December 1, 2013

Four (4) Ways To Spend A Meaningful Christmas This Year

December is one of the busiest months in the Philippines and Christmas is inarguably, the most celebrated event in the country. Throughout this season, the spirit of gift-giving and family bonding is strongest and at its best than anytime during the entire year.

 How To Spend A Meaningful Christmas This Year
With the recent destruction brought about by Typhoon Yolanda, celebrating Christmas has never been more meaningful than ever. The disaster is a painful reminder that it is the perfect season to help one another. The tragedy makes us all aware that we should not take things for granted and instead, we should treasure what we have, no matter how small they are and how insignificant they may seem to be.

With the long break coming in soon, here are some suggestions on how to have a meaningful holiday this 2013.

1.       Join fund-raising events. Attend a benefit concert with your folks. Prioritize eating out in establishments that support #OperationRebuildPH rather than your normal dine-in restaurants. Instead of the usual gifts such as clothes or shoes which you will normally buy at the mall during the holidays, opt for T-shirts for a cause and give them as presents to your nephews and nieces. If your batch is organizing an elementary, high-school or college reunion, take this opportunity to connect with your former classmates and come up with ideas to raise more funds for the victims of the most powerful storm to hit the land.

2.       Lend a hand. Bring a friend and become volunteers in repacking relief goods in your vicinity. Keep in mind that there’s nothing more special than putting yourself out there and being involved first-hand. For instance, if you live in the Diliman area, Project Lightline is looking for individuals who can assist in recycling old chargers into portable ones for people who were affected by the storm and currently suffering from lack of electricity.

3.       Create a home project with your sons and daughters. Clean up and de-clutter. Segregate new and partially used items that can be put up for a garage sale later on – stuff toys for kids, slippers for all ages, blankets and pillow cases. You can donate the proceeds to the typhoon survivors.

4.       Spend valuable time with your family. This one is often overlooked and especially taken for granted. Do remember that time is precious. Learn to appreciate the presence of loved ones and work towards making each moment memorable. Go sightseeing with them. Plan a productive excursion and go to Tagaytay to commune with nature.  Get to Nuvali, have a picnic, go boating or fishing. Instill the value of Mother Nature to your children. By creating awareness to them, you are helping them realize that they can help out in their own little way.


Monday, August 26, 2013

Five (5) Quick Tips On How To Be Fit And Healthy While On The Go

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The demands in our daily lives could make us forget about our health. For a career person who’s out to prove his worth, work could dominate 50-70% of his entire focus. For a mother with kids, taking care of her husband and children could take up to 80% or 90% of her time. It is then important to have a regimen to keep yourself fit especially in the midst of all the happenings around you.

If you are one of those people who are always on the go, here is a quick guide on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Learn how you could apply these simple principles towards living a balanced life.

       1.       Water. Water makes up 70-75% of the body weight of an average human being. You can survive for a month with no food but without H2O, you would not last even for three days. Drink a tall glass of water every morning as soon as you wake up. Consume eight (8) glasses or 1.5 liters for the rest of the day. Bring a tumbler wherever you go and remember to always stay hydrated.

      2.       Sleep. The consequence of not getting enough rest could range from drugs, tobacco and alcohol abuse to poor decision making and traffic accidents. Therefore, make sure that you squeeze it in on your 24-hour sched. Close your eyes and take a 10 to 15 minute break from what you’re doing. Take a power nap if you could afford it. Limit your caffeine intake and when you retire for bed during the night, make your room a few degrees cooler and darker so you can sleep better.


3.       Food. Never skip breakfast. Have an apple or banana readily available in case you have a busy schedule ahead. You are what you eat. Proper nutrition could help you prevent sickness so include veggies in your diet. If you have the chance to cook in the kitchen, stick to steamed, grilled, or boiled cooking instead of fried or baked in oil. Put in some packed foods on your desk or in your car – low-fat granola bars or grain crackers, bread and peanut butter or canned fish.

       4.       Exercise. The effect of regular exercise could do wonders to your mood and stamina. It could reduce the risk of several diseases too such as stroke, diabetes and cancer. Create a plan to stimulate all your muscles. For instance, if your office is situated in the PEZA zone, make it a habit to walk the distance along the blocks. If your workstation is on the third floor, climb those stairs instead of opting for the elevator. On weekends, see to it that you participate in the ph outdoor activities held in your locality – a game of basketball with the neighbors, a yoga routine with fellow-moms in the park or a summer marathon for a cause. Be active and stretch those arms and legs.

5.       Attitude. How you deal with stress could have a momentous effect on your total well-being. Hence, develop the power of positive thinking. Do not forget to have fun. Take a moment to laugh, enjoy the sceneries and smile.