The Spirit of New Year: Welcome 2017 with Davao’s Torotot Festival

(philippinestravelsite.com)

Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year’s Eve have been a long-lived tradition because they are believed to drive away evil spirits and attract good luck. In Davao, they participate solely in noisemaking. Since 2002, the city has banned firecrackers and pyrotechnics in all their forms. You might think that the prohibition might affect the holiday spirit of Davaoeños but their exhilaration for the holiday is expressed through torotots or horns. If you’d like to experience the distinct Davao culture, get that condominium and let the city’s wonders do the rest.

According to Inquirer, In January 2014, a total of 7,568 Davaoeño torotot blowers joined the New Year’s revelry, which beat the existing 6,900 record of Japan’s party blowers but the result is yet to be officially validated by the Guinness Book of Records.

Before the firecracker ban, Davao, like any other place in the country, was virtually a war zone during the holidays. Death, injury and asthma attacks were problems that Dabawenyos had to put up with. After the New Year, you will find littered streets.

Davao City was the first municipality that passed an ordinance to ban firecrackers and fireworks in the country. With hundreds of injured victims nationwide every year, the city is proud to have zero casualties during the holidays.

As detailed by Mindanews, the personnel at the health and fire departments in Davao have been the envy of their counterparts in other parts of the country because they are busy tending to the injuries of victims from firecrackers and stray bullets. They even cater to the sufferers of burned houses and business establishments.

Davao city will yet again celebrate another New Year without the danger of firecrackers. Dabawenyos will prove that the holiday can be joyous without the risk of fire just by noises and their high spirits.

The upcoming Torotot Festival will be the city’s 16th. Residents of Davao usually celebrate Christmas and New Year by blowing horns, banging pots and pans, videoke sing-alongs and village dancing down to the festival proper.

It is one of the biggest events in the city. Last year, the event was held at the San Pedro Square and it was a preceded by a parade on Ponciano Street. The festival featured zumba, a cosplay contest and a show with two of the hottest international DJs and contests for the most creative torotot, dance and costume. Cars also joined the noise barrage to add to the deafening noise of the holiday cheer.

You might be wondering, what happens to those who don’t follow the ordinance? The local government takes these offenses seriously. Ordinance No. 060-02 Series of 2002 prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices within Davao’s territories. Violation will be penalized through a fine or through imprisonment. So if you’re planning on buying that condominium in Davao, make sure to research and follow their city ordinances.

The firework ban is not a hindrance for Dabawenyos to fully celebrate the upcoming year. If you’d like a safer and cleaner New Year, go grab that Davao condominium and start your 2017 right.

How Filipinos Design Their Homes

The designs of homes in the Philippines have a distinct characteristic that is uniquely Filipino. Sure, it has features a typical house has but once you step in their doorstep you get that unmistaken vibe. What are the signs you’re in a Filipino home?

Wooden Spoon and Fork

Pinterest

The rightful place of this oversized wooden utensils is on the walls. These are usually seen in the dining area or kitchen. I don’t know if these symbolize Filipino’s love for food but is it ironic, that despite the (over)size of these dining displays, Pinoys love to eat food by hands?

Walis Tingting and Walis Tambo

madeinphilippines.nl

Ah, the ultimate duo of the Filipino cleaning arsenal. These two are the manual counterparts of its electronic cousin, the vacuum cleaner. The walis tingting, shown above is used outdoors, while the walis tambo below reigns inside the house. Both are products of the coconut tree, the “Tree of Life.”

connectingcultures.us

Dustpan

philamfood.com

It seems we are forgetting something, ah, the good ‘ole dustpan or daspan. It could be considered as an ‘unfaithful’ household cleaning tool because it can be partnered with walis tingting or walis tambo. After a backbreaking sweeping, daspan collects all the dust, dirt and trash. After this, you can chuck it in the garbage bin.

Bunot

ffemagazine.com

This is the cheapest way to have a shiny and squeaky clean floor, especially if it is made of wood or concrete. It may be not as easy as using a standard floor polisher but at least you get an instant workout from it. Bunot is the product of coconut fruit or dried coconut husk.

Tabo and Timba (Dipper and Pail)

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You cannot miss these two in any homes in the Philippines which serve as a ‘design’ or ‘decoration’ found in the bathroom or banyo in Tagalog. Well, it is not a design per se but it seems like a permanent fixture. Although it is not as fun as using a shower, you can save a lot of water using a tabo and timba, and consequentially get billed for less, too.

Cabinet Full of Chinaware

copycatcollector.blogspot.com

Ah, the pride and joy of Filipino mothers, a cabinet full of chinaware (pictured above) or Tupperware (pictured below). You can spot this beside the dining table or it is stacked inside one of the cupboards in the kitchen. However, I can’t really fathom why it remains untouched for years and not even a single family member is able to use it.

asprinkleofthis.blogspot.com

Plastic Food Cover

aliexpress.com

This is used to keep flies away from food and to protect it from sneaky house pets. It comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Kulambo (Mosquito Net)

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If there is a cover that protects food from flies, the kulambo is the shield of humans against mosquitoes. You can set this up while having siesta or sleeping at night. It looks odd though because you’re like camping right inside your bedroom.

Slippers at Doorstep

flickrhivemind.net

Yes, you can obviously tell you’re about to enter a home in the Philippines because of this unsightly ‘design.’ This is the barrage of slippers scattered over the doormat which is right at the doorstep. This is despite the fact that a shoe rack is an arm’s length away.

10 Adorable Animals That Can Teach you a Thing or Two on How to be Chic

Makeup tips and fashion trends have been a mainstay in today’s pop culture. Nonprofessional and professional makeup artists in the Philippines and wardrobe stylists constantly look for innovative trends just to keep up.

Fashion is fast-paced and sometimes inaccessible but there ways to be informed and updated. Who would’ve thought that animals can teach you a thing or two on how to be chic and makeup savvy? Here are 10 snazzy and adorable models: 

(whiskerdude.com)

Who needs a professional makeup artist here in the Philippines when you have this Macaque monkey to teach you how to perfectly use red lipstick to outline those cupid bows?

(animal.xyz)

Newsboy hats are classic but there are certain dos and don’ts in wearing it. The challenge in wearing a hat is to make it yours. Take this chick for instance, he definitely owns it.

(Instagram / mensweardog)

This dapper Shiba Inu certainly knows how to pull off a smart casual ensemble! Turn into a debonair by starting your look with gladiator shades and matching it with a classic turtleneck and brown overcoat.

(crafthubs.com)

Bonjour from this delightful, beret-wearing cat! Learn the basics on how to successfully execute that chapeau and striped chemise from this fierce French feline.

(Instagram / mumitan)

Meet Puipui, the most photogenic and modish bunny. Puipui exemplifies the ideal way to pull off the iconic ‘Sherlock look’. A deerstalker hat, coupled with a mantled coat is a part of what makes that ‘Sherlock look’ imperial.

(kcra.com)

Even professional makeup artists in the Philippines have a hard time choosing the appropriate false lashes. If you like it dramatic, like our little pug here, opt for longer lashes. The longer the lashes, the more definitive your eyes are.

(dailymail.co.uk)

Tutus can be worn by women of any age. If you want a creative way of dressing like a ballerina, like this teacup pig’s garb, pair off that tulle skirt with a flower crown.

(bit.ly/2c7gzcQ)

This gutsy sea lion demonstrates how to rock those edgy sunglasses. If you would like to inject a little edginess into your fashion sense but you’re still uncomfortable with it, you could have this sea lion as your spirit animal.

(newsweek.com)

The waistcoat is a hard outfit to pull off but with the right fit and posture, the suit will help you look sleek and tidy. Take this dashing penguin for instance; he sure knows how to work that piece.

(bit.ly/2bZGhfR)

This baby lamb’s attire is your guide to looking stylish yet comfy. The sweater makes you look pulled together with very little effort while the beanie serves as the building block of the outfit. Talk about a perfect combination.

4 Things Magnifico Taught us About Life and Death

Magnifico is one the classic Filipino movies produced in my time. It was written by Michiko Yamamoto and was showed in cinemas in 2003, a time too long ago if you ask me but a story too tender and brutally true that, 13 years later as I write this, still speaks to me about hope, love, and 10 year old determination. Here are four things that Magnifico has taught me growing up.

Prepare for the Inevitable

We have this illusion that we or our loved ones will live forever. We relate to the deaths of people in the news as something we should be careful of but to not constantly worry about so much so that getting memorial service plans are never on our conversation and funeral homes in the Philippines are the last places we want to visit even in the context of preparation. Magnifico lived in an impoverished family. His dad makes money through odd jobs, his sister has cerebral palsy—the reason why his mother can’t work—and his big brothers got dropped out of college. On top of all that, his grandmother was slowly dying of cancer. Over hearing the dilemma of his parents, Magnifico endeavors to make a coffin for his grandmother and ask a friend for a baro & saya that her grandmother can wear to her grave. As adults, the precept looks grim but to Magnifico, it was planning for the inevitable the way he knows how.

See People and Events in the Eyes of a Child

When we hear news stories and gossip, we quickly jump to our conclude using our assumptions and minus our naivety. Magnifico saw the impending demise of his grandmother as something that he cannot avert and therefore must help fix or at least make better. Not only that, but other people in his lives benefited from his benevolent world view like the very angry cemetery keeper, the two store owners who were always at each other’s necks, and his brother who was in love with a girl on the other side of the social spectrum—all of these, Magnifico only saw as an opportunity to help.

There is Always a Way to Help

Despite being small, young, and to his father’s credit, “dumb”, Magnifico always sought to find what the problem of other people were. He believed that, if only people could have one less problem in their lives, they can become more friendly to each other. The really mean cemetery keeper? Magnifico made a special medicine for her to relieve her sore throat. He even carried his afflicted sister to the carnival on his back so she can experience the outside world.

Leave a Legacy

It’s so easy to get caught up with the material promises of this world. Some of us would even casually get memorial service plans just to protect these properties and assets. Magnifico was a kid who had nothing material to offer but he gave a bit of himself to everyone in his community and his family that ultimately made people respect and love each other a little bit better. He left a legacy of humanity and values. 

7 Very Tita Philosophies in Searching for Affordable Condos in Pasig

Titas, rejoice! Let the words of wisdom of the Titas of Manila aid you in looking for affordable condos in Pasig. If you’re having a hard time choosing where to live, allow the “philosophies” of our favorite tita flow through you.

But wait…What is a tita?

Your parents’ female siblings, cousins and friends are who we call tita. But in today’s context, when you say tita, it means a woman usually in her midlife, generally pragmatic and calls her girlfriends kumares or amigas. They usually do things like keep table napkins from restaurants, gossip with the kumares and amigas and make good food (and endlessly feed it to their hijos and hijas).

Who is Titas of Manila?

Titas of Manila is a parody of the customary social culture among middle-class aunts in Manila and of urban centers throughout the Philippines, as detailed by Manila Times.

Why Pasig?

It is one of the most developed and highly urbanized cities in the Philippines. The Ortigas Business Center lies at the center of Pasig which offers abundant job opportunities. Pasig is also home to luxurious entertainment hubs like Tiendesitas, SM Megamall, The Podium and more! They even offer easy modes of transportation—The Pasig River Ferry, e-transportation for cars and buses and the “Tutubi” program. The Tutubi program allows government employees to ride bikes not only to avoid traffic but also to save the environment. The most important of all the reasons why is that there are a lot of affordable condos in Pasig.

Now that we’re up to date, here are 7 “philosophies” of a tita that can help you be in the right path towards buying or renting affordable condos in Pasig:



Tita Philosophy #1
A certified tita must know how to be practical. In buying a real estate property, one must be meticulous in choosing and question the price if it is unreasonable.

Tita Philosophy # 2

She definitely knows her money’s worth. A tita is economical when it comes to big investments.

Tita Philosophy # 3

Even though the condos are affordable, a tita has this certain distaste when the quality of the property is compromised.

Tita Philosophy # 4

A tita knows how to bargain and she knows how to bargain hard. She negotiates for more discounts and incentives.

Tita Philosophy # 5

Before making  a purchase, a tita eyes the property carefully…especially when it comes to damages!

Tita Philosophy # 6

A tita knows when to walk away from deals if she is being ripped off.

Tita Philosophy # 7
When searching for affordable condos in Pasig, you should relax and take your time shopping.
But after all the searching and bargaining it all comes to this: a tita does not settle for anything less.

TO LEAVE AND TO LIVE LIFE: THE ADVANTAGES OF LIFE INSURANCE

Philippine life insurance for some may appear like a very taboo subject for conversation. The way it is often associated to death, disability, loss of a love one, and grieving make it more awkward to just discuss casually. But if we really think about it, this is a subject that at a certain point in our life should really need to talk about as we can never really predict when we will leave the world of the living. And if we will look at it on a different perspective, you will discover that life insurance can be advantageous for you and your family.

According to the World Health Organization, the death rate in the Philippines per 1000 population is 4.92 deaths. Even though the population in 2015 has reached 100,699,000, this date rate can still be alarming given that the current life expectancy for male is 65 while it is 72 for females. The leading cause of mortality in the Philippines is cause by nutritional condition which is assimilated or genetic. It is at par with the percentage cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is also at 30%. Eight percent is related to injuries. While the remaining 32% is comprised by non-communicable diseases (NDC) in which 10% is cancer, 5% is respiratory related, and 4% is due to diabetes. The remaining 13% is comprised of other NCDs.

image source: http://bit.ly/2aH0R20

Putting into consideration that the retirement age in the Philippines is 60, we can conclude that there are only few more years for a person to enjoy the gift of life. While it is true that no one can ever predict when death will come knocking or our door, looking at these data is enough to make anyone conscious about their odds on surviving till retirement. But this has been one of the selling points of life insurances—security. While it is true that it cannot protect you from the inevitable, it provides you and your family a sense of security. It protects one’s family financially by providing a guaranteed sum of money in case of untimely death to replace the lost income for the benefit of the family. Through the help of life insurance, one will able to regularly set aside an amount of money which accumulates through the years to build up a fund guaranteed to be completed whether the insured lives or dies. Life insurance creates a reliable source of fund comes retirement age.

image source: http://insurancequotescompares.com/

The unpredictability of life can be scary at times. No one can really tell the odds or predict where life will take us. One day, you might be having the best day of your life, feeling the world beating with your own heart. The next day you might be feeling the lowest of low. But that same unpredictability of life makes it worth living. Don’t let your fear of the unknown hinders you to feel those wonderful moments. Take advantage of the security that life insurance can provide you. As Maxwell Maltz once said, “Man maintains his balance, poise, and sense of security only as he is moving forward.”

8 Sizzling Reasons to Buy a Condominium for Sale in Davao

If you think that buying one of Davao’s condominiums for sale is well worth your money because life in Davao is promisingly easy, its streets are safe, and the cost of living leaves so much room for you to actually enjoy financial freedom, you are dead wrong. Yes you could get all of those when you buy a Davao condominium for sale, but you are overlooking one very important thing: the very pogi Bisdak Dabawenyos. Here are 8 of them to convince you.

1
Alpha Phi Omega Gatekeeper Billjohn Sagulo proves that brotherhood should not involve violence—I mean, look at that loving stare?!

2

The ice cream at Baskin Robbins is always sweeter when served by Dao Colita Casas!

3

If you want to get your wedding invites of corporate branding done, Felix Lacida can create you graphics that are as pretty as he is handsome.

4

RCBC banker and family man Milven Karlo Canete Caintic will keep your finances in order, especially after for that loan you’ll be making to buy one of the many condominiums for sale in Davao.

5

Benj Bautista, an educator from Davao Christian High School will make your PTA meetings something to look forward to.

6

What makes Davao’s Chicco de Café’s coffee the best part anyone’s morning routine? Let’s ask barista Kenny Jay Salomeri Ravelo!

7

When you’re still undecided on buying a condominium for sale in Davao, getaway and check in at Greenleaf Hotel in Gensan; maybe Jun Jimenez might change your mind.

8

Off course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the biggest reason to buy a condominium for sale in Davao City; the first child himself, the ultimate poging bisdak of Davao, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

The Truth behind an Affordable Condo Unit

Are there really affordable condominium units? Do they exist? I believe this will be a long debate to take on. People will throw their ideas and opinions on the table and the sad part is no one will win. But my question is can we make condo unit affordable? Affordable that, though the unit price is relatively high, it can be your wallet’s best friend. Is that possible? Let’s see.

Let’s define affordable first.

Asking Google about the meaning of “affordable” will give you 44M results and the first explains that affordable means “inexpensive; reasonably priced”.

I want to look closely at “inexpensive”. Affordable means inexpensive. Yes, we can say that condominium is expensive. It may cost up to millions and we can’t do anything about it. The condo price is fixed. We will need to pay fixed rates and other fees every month for it.

How can we cook expensive condo unit into an affordable one? Is there a way?

Remember you are to pay other bills like electricity, water and gas? Yeah! Those will make your unit affordable! How? I have list simple things to do below.



Have the appliances that you need most

See to it that the appliances with you in the unit are just the ones you need. If you have a lamp on the table that the only purpose is to highlight your awesome pictures, sorry but you need to let them go or just let them stay but not to turn on anymore.

Using only appliances that you needs at most will help you lower your electrical bills. And this will lead into affordable condominium living.



Maximize your Windows

It will be good if you maximize your windows (not your apple! just kidding!). Try to always open your windows, especially if your unit is not directly hit by the sun. Condos nowadays are built to meet the sky, so if your unit is on much higher ground, opening your windows will let air naturally flow inside, kissing your unit, making nature embrace the modern choice of living. With these, you can achieve natural lighting and flow of air! Really affordable!



Pull the plugs when not in use

Make it a habit of pulling out electronic plugs when not in use. After watching television, pull the plug. After using the fan, pull the plug. After using the toaster, pull the plug. After charging your phone or laptop and other electronic devices, pull the plug. In short, pull the plug. Why?

Appliances are still using up energy called phantom power or idle current. According to Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, an average home contains 40 electrical products constantly drawing power. These electrical devices are accounted for as much as 10% of household energy use. You may read the article here. Imagine, how unplugging can make your condo living more affordable.



Enjoy the Amenities

Always remember that your unit comes with amenities like swimming pool, gym, and others. Basically, condominium developments offer these amenities to provide comfort and a different lifestyle to every unit owner. Because you are paying for these (you’re paying maintenance fees right?), make sure you use and enjoy these amenities to the full!

Go swim every morning. Go flex your muscles at the gym and make friends with the other owners, or relax on gardens and be friends with nature.




These are the things that lie behind the truth of affordable condominiums. With these simple tips, you can make your condo living more affordable than ever!

Affordable condo in Pasig is a great choice if you are looking for one around the metro! Check this out now.

How to Reduce Your Stress as a Contact Center Agent

Efficient contact center services hold the success of a business corporation on a delicate balance and behind the success brought by contact center service providers to businesses, contact center agents, the front-liners, receive every kind of reaction (good and bad) from a wide range of customers. They are the ones who answer every complaint and act as the “first-aid” of bigger customer-related conflicts.

But what do night-shifts and long working hours bring to these contact center agents? Well, aside from the good salary and benefits contact center agents get from their jobs, there is also the physical and emotional stress that follows. These are what turn an otherwise normal transaction into a verbal meltdown.

Since stress can be anywhere, what can a contact center agent do to manage stress and ultimately provide the best service?



Manage Physical Stress

Poor health condition limits any individual to do the best he can. Maintaining proper health, however, takes several steps. It starts with taking some time to relax and renew strength after long hours of work.

Start off by getting enough sleep. If you are having a hard time sleeping, you can actually do several things to help improve your sleeping habit. For instance, though you are used to drinking coffee in the afternoon, if you want to get enough sleep, refrain from the morning routine even if you’re on a night shift. The body has its own (circadian) clock which enables us to get up in the morning and wind down at night. Our body also releases cortisol hormone during specific times—the reason why there are times when we feel most awake throughout the day. Caffeine found in coffee, moreover, interferes in and modifies the production of hormones. Since you need to keep awake and active during work and get a good sleep after to renew your strength, plan when you’ll drink your coffee.

Next thing is to be fit. Since a contact center services job is sedentary, it is good if you stay physically fit. Being physically fit concerns several things and you can actually begin fitness by eating healthy food. Be reminded that the food you eat is central to your health and there are several benefits or diseases brought by what you eat. Also, as you are supposed to speak a lot over the phone, you might get your larynx and throat irritated. To avoid possible problems and irritations with it, drink a lot of water. However, pick a glass of water with room temperature and avoid icy cold refreshments, these could tighten your vocal chords and make them chafe on each other more.

Managing Emotional Stress

Have a good time management. Having a job that provides your needs is good but beyond its busy-ness waits life. One of the reasons why a contact center service agent does not become productive and end up stressed, all the same, is because he gives all his time to work. There must be time for everything: free yourself even for a couple of minutes from day-to-day work stress & spend time out of the office to do other things. Be it for your friends, family or for yourself, set a specific time when you can be carefree from work and be with people you like to hang out with. If you want real productivity, you need to enjoy what you do.

Another thing is to assess your skills as a contact center service agent. Find the rooms for improvement and do something about them one thing at a time. Do not hurry things. If you aren’t able to be the top contact center agent for the current month, there is always another one. Do not entertain negative feelings.

The Best Tips on Choosing a Dental Clinic

Choosing the right dental clinic for you will be so much easy as following these simple yet effective steps.

Ask your friends and family members. This is the easiest and most trustworthy step to do when looking for a dental clinic in your area. Ask them about their experience, why they are entrusting their teeth to this dentist and other questions like this. Dental clinics that are recommended by your friends and family members really deserve a visit.

Ask Google. Google almost knew everything. So log in into your computer, search for dental clinics in your area in Google and study dental clinics websites. Basically, dental clinics’ website has all the information you need, from expertise of their dentists, to history and even client testimonials. You may also look for forums and reviews.

Look for the clinic’s track record. Find out how long they have been offering treatment. If they have been around for a long time then they probably have a good track record. Experience clearly says how good a dental clinic is.

One-stop shop dental clinics are highly preferable. Dental clinics that provide a comprehensive range of treatment procedures like root canal treatments, dental implants, bone augmentation, crowns, bridgework and CT scan analysis are the good choices. Especially if they have on-site laboratories!

Dentists’ qualification is another factor to look at. If a dental clinic’s dentists have the same expertise, obviously it is not a good sign. For me, it is better if the dentists have different expertise in each field of dentistry. Look for that.

Modern facilities and technology matters! Check if the clinic is up to date with modern methodologies and equipment. A large clinic with professional equipment, spacious waiting areas and other services suggest that the clinic made long-term investments and want their clients to be comfortable and satisfied not only with the dental service but also the environment.

Don’t look at the price first in considering a dentist. Poor quality workmanship will be more expensive in the long run. That means you will be in trouble and we don’t want that.

Don’t make a decision in the rush. Take some breather and ask your friend and family for second opinion.

Visit the clinic for a short consultation to see if it will fit for you. This is highly recommended even if the clinic offers a local consultation. Most of dental clinics are offering free consultation, so grab that opportunity.

See what can 500 pesos worth of Globe load can do for you in a month!

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