25Jan, 2017

Things to do in the Philippines

Philippines is truly a beautiful country made up of more than 7,000 islands found in Southeast Asia. It is a must-visit nation for its countless destinations and many adventures to try. Some things to do in the Philippines for a guaranteed unforgettable travel experience are:

Sightseeing. Visit Banaue Rice Terraces, a 2000-year old terraces carved into Ifugao Mountains by ancestors, which is also known for being the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Go to the well-preserved Spanish-style architecture in historic town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. The place is definitely good for old time experience.

Visitors can also see the Taal Volcano found in Batangas. It is the smallest volcano and second most active in the world. What more interesting about it is that it is located on an island within a lake within an island.

While, Mount Mayon found in Legazpi, Albay, is a perfect cone-shaped volcano. It is also one of the most dangerous volcanoes because of its disastrous volcanic eruptions in the past.

Swimming. Be amazed with outstanding white beaches and white sand found in the famous island of Boracay. The beautiful island is surrounded with restaurants and hotels. There are fire shows and live music during evening.

Diving. For people who are diving enthusiast, Philippines is a must-go for a memorable underwater experience. Top diving destinations are Tubbataha Reef and Coron both found in Palawan.

Shopping. A variety of items in different brands are all found in the shopping places. “Bargaining” which means buying items with big discounts depending on bargaining skills is a unique experience especially in flea-markets. Mall of Asia is the largest shopping mall in the Philippines

Eat. What is better than satisfying cravings for food? In the Philippines, rice is a staple food. But, there are many Filipino dishes to choose from.

Relax. “Hilot” is a traditional Filipino healing massage which help relax tired muscles and joints. Try spa treatments as stress reliever.

24Jan, 2017

Eco-Friendly Energy

Our world today has advanced far enough than we could all ever imagine. Technology has played a vital role in the improvement of almost everything around us.

Our primary sources of energy, coal and fossil fuel, are scarce and so eco-friendly energy technology has evolved, examples are solar energy, energy from windmills, energy for waterfalls, and rechargeable energy. Here are further descriptions of a few of the sources of energy.

Tidal energy is generated either by tidal stream generators or by barrage generation. The power created though tidal generators is generally more environmentally friendly and causes less impact on established ecosystems. They rotate underwater and is driven by the fast moving dense water. It is still now yet widely used and subject to further studying and observation, but it definitely has potential for future electricity generation.

Wave power refers to the transport of energy by ocean surface waves and capturing of that energy to do useful work for electricity generation, water desalination, or the pumping of water. The use of this kind of energy requires tedious work and is difficult to utilize since it depends on the unpredictability of the ocean and wave direction.

Solar power, Photovoltaic (PV) solar power,generates energy through the sun’s energy to produce electricity. More and more people avail of the benefits of this kind of energy, thus, it is one of the fastest growing energy sources, Solar cells are becoming more efficient, transportable and easy, because it can be easilyinstalled that even local homes can use of it.

Wind power, like Ilocos Norte’s Bangui Windmills in the Philippines, is the conversion of wind energy by wind turbines into a useful form, such as electricity or mechanical energy. It is generated by large-scale wind farms connected to the local power transmission network with turbines to provide electricity to isolated areas. It is eco-friendly in a way that the use of these windmills have one of the lowest environmental impacts of all energy sources.

Hydro power is the production of power through use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water, like waterfalls. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy. Hydroelectric complex produces no direct waste. One example is the Maria Cristina Falls of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines which powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.

Geothermal energy is a way to extract renewable energy from the earth through natural processes and is cost effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly. But it has previously been geographically limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries. A large plant can power entire cities while smaller power plants can supply rural villages or heat individual homes. It is currently generated in 24 countries around the world and a number of potential sites are being developed or evaluated.

Biomass is plant matter grown to generate electricity through the living and recently dead biological material like dead trees and branches, yard clippings and wood chips biofuel, and it also includes plant or animal matter to produce fibers, chemicals, heat, fuel or for industrial production.Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel.

23Jan, 2017

Bhutan’s King and Queen

King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema are the fifth king and queen of Bhutan. They are more known as the Dragon King and Dragon Queen and are also referred to as “William and Kate of the Himalayas”. They were married on October 13, 2011, born out of love rather than an arranged marriage which is a tradition in the country. Their five-hour fairytale-like wedding ceremony was televised and shown to the public. After the ceremony, the King and Queen sealed a kiss in front of a huge crowd who were very cheerful for them. Instead of spending time for honeymoon, the royal couple had a walking tour in Bhutan to meet the people. Although Bhutan allows polygamous relationships, the young King said he will remain monogamous despite the tradition.

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Bhutan’s Fourth King)

Jigme Singe Wangchuk, the Dragon King’s father, enacted many reforms in Bhutan. He introduced democracy to the country. King Jigme ascended the throne after his father in 2006, at the age of 26. Through the current king’s modern ways and worldwide appeal, he is doing state visits particularly in Thailand, Japan, England and India to raise the international profile of his country.

The Himalayan monarch and Queen Jetsun announced the birth of their son on February 19, 2015. As tradition, their son’s name was not revealed at first. He had only been known as “Royal Highness The Gyalsey” – a Buddhist word for prince. In April 2015, a colourful ceremony was held at Punakha palace in the Himalayan Kingdom. The name of the prince is Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. Jigme means “fearless”.

The king and queen are beloved of Bhutan citizens because of their youthful spirit and sweet romantic union. The couple lives a simple life and often greet the public with a cup of tea which prove their humility.

22Jan, 2017

3 Simple ways to help the environment

3 Simple Ways to Help the Environment

We all have read articles about ways to help the environment. Most of them suggest that you plant more trees, take on conservation practices, reducing, reusing and recycling, but every day, there is a calling that we try harder and exert more effort, do more to live more, and everyone is expected to really cooperate and take environmental issues seriously. Just because we are not experiencing its effects firsthand, doesn’t mean we can take things for granted. For all we know, it might hit us in the face someday.

“WHAT SIMPLE WAYS CAN I TAKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO BRINGING EFFECTIVE CHANGE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?”

If you haven’t asked this question to yourself, then you clearly don’t care about what’s going to happen to you, to your loved ones, and to everyone around you once Mother Earth heats up and collapses.

Remarkably, there are numerous ways to be of beneficial change that we can do every day, some are even activities we actually do but don’t appreciate the effects that they carry.

Take E-Waste as an example, everyone is using smartphones and other different gadgets. The problem on E-Waste comes in once a new model comes out, people tend to just dispose what they currently have and opt for the latest model, well because, it’s the LATEST, they can afford to buy anyway.So where does that old model go? Mostly, they go into waste since these products are already not in the trend and you can’t boast of it, some are usually phase out, people wouldn’t avail of an old model.

LIVE simply. If your phone, doesn’t require you to purchase a new one, then don’t purchase a new one. Of course, you wait until it gets defective and not just drop it on the floor and say “Oops, I need a new one.” Use your money in more charitable ways. Don’t change gadgets as often as you change your underwear.

Transportation is part of our lives, may it be to work, to school, to the mall, to your house, to the cemetery, or to just wherever Dora the Explorer would bring you, it’s is as essential as breathing nowadays.

For those driving every day, select days in a week (other than the Coding days) to use the public transportation vehicles. You may even avail of the services of carpooling, where you get to ride with other people towards the same destination. Not only will you save gasoline and contribute to controlling air pollution, you will also gain friends along the way, who knows, you may even meet your special someone in that bus ride.

Avail of those tumblers or mugs sold by your favorite coffee shops. This is crucial to those people who basically live in those coffee shops. If you’re part of the upper class people, then purchasing those pricey tumblers and mugs is just like throwing a coin in a wishing fountain. Or if you’re a bit tight on budget, then just save up a little enough to get one. If most of you are unaware, using said mugs or tumblers will entitle you to a discounted price (P5.00 off for Starbucks). You saved money, you even saved Mother Earth by not using plastic. Win-win situation.

21Jan, 2017

Bhutan Tourism

When Gross National Happiness was developed by Bhutan’s former king, Jigme Singe Wangchuk, tourism was introduced also in 1974. Before, Bhutan had no currency, no phones and no tourists but the modern world opens the beautiful Himalayan kingdom to the world where it maintains its culture and environment along with its modernization.

Here are 5 facts about Bhutan as a tourist destination:

IACE’s Director Aries Balanay in Bhutan’s Immigration

Travellers are required to get visa and book their trips through official Bhutanese tour operators. Adventure starts as travellers need to fly to India, Nepal or Thailand for flight directly to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport.

IACE’s Director Aries Balanay pictures in one of Bhutan’s Heritage site Takstang (Tiger’s Nest, Paro)

The country is mostly forest and mountains. Indeed, a refreshing place because of a whole lot of nature. There is fresh air to breathe. Hiking in the Himalayans is going to be a good idea for additional adventure.

IACE’s Director Aries Balanay in Paro Airport, Bhutan

Usual trip in Bhutan – as a Buddhist country, there are monasteries where monks stay, pilgrimage sites and ancient Tibetan-style temples to visit. Visitors can join the celebration of monthly religious festivals. One is called “Tshechu” where participants witness religious mask dances and receive blessings.

IACE’s Director Aries Balanay wearing “Gho (Bhutan’s National Costume) in the heart of Thimpu

In Thimpu, there is colorful market lined with local delicacies to antique prayer wheels. Truly, Bhutan is a paradise-like view with its miles-high mountains. The fully paint wood-beamed houses decorated with fanciful designs adds more sense to this special place.

View on top, summit of Mt Everest

Of the many good things in Bhutan, traveling or even a peek on pictures might convince you. Not only can you view the natural beauty of Himalayas, but also a view of the majestic Mount Everest.

Traveling to Bhutan is one of the world’s most expensive trips. However, you can be pretty sure this is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

20Jan, 2017

Benefits of Drinking Tea

There are many health benefits attributed to drinking tea, from calming one’s self and being a medicinal source for curing diseases (cancer-prevention due to tea’s anti-oxidant properties and) to weight loss.

ANYTHING has its own positive and/or negative effects. But this article will mostly discuss about the benefits of tea and of its content.

Caffeine Source

It is common to hear people say “Tea has much more caffeine than coffee”, this is in need of significant qualification. If you need caffeine in your system, then you may have tea.

There is also a way to reduce the caffeine level of any tea if you are sensitive to it. A Chinese method of tea-making known as Gong Fu Cha (Tea With Great Skill) uses small teapots and multiplevery short and abrupt brews to intensify the flavour of tea and reduce caffeine levels. It washes away much of the caffeine which is highly soluble in water.

Tea as Chinese Medicine

The following are the benefits of different kinds of tea common in Chinese medicine.

Black Tea – Reduces fat, protein and low-density cholesterol, protects lungs from damage, promotes dental health and strong bones, reduces fatigue and the possibility of stroke, stimulates the central nervous system, and enhances blood vessel elasticity and strength
Green Tea– Tea catechins have anti-bacterial and anti-virus properties in the mouth and intestines, regulates cholesterol and high blood pressure, lower blood sugar and improve blood flow, reduces risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
White Tea– reduces inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, controls insulin secretion, high source of Vitamin A, prevents dry eyes and night blindness, reduces radiation levels and repair DNA damage, it has also been believed to have the most potent anti-cancer properties than processed teas.
Oolong Tea– prevents tooth decay, high source of Vitamin C, good for the skin, thus, reduces skin irritations, improves the performance of enzymes that break down fat and increases fat metabolism, lowers cholesterol and regulates body temperature.
Pu-Erh Tea – Aids digestion and fat break down, also used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, colds, bleeding and hepatitis, source of High level of Vitamin C.

Herbal Teas

Chamomile Tea – prevent diabetes complications like vision loss, nerve and kidney damage

Hibiscus – lowers blood pressure

Rooibos (red tea) – has cancer-fighting properties

19Jan, 2017

Bhutanese Foods to Try

Traditional Bhutanese food has been influenced by its neighboring countries, China, India and Tibet. The difference is that it’s less oily than Chinese and Indian foods while spicier than Tibetan food.

CHILI

Spiciness is truly popular. They put chili. Not one, but many chilies in their foods. Chilies are not considered to be a seasoning, rather, a valuable vegetable in Bhutan. And that just totally make every dish produce a burning feeling in the mouth for non-spicy eaters.

RED RICE

Rice, just like in the Philippines, is the staple food in Bhutan. It is served with most Bhutanese dishes. Their red rice is more coarse but tasty and more fibrous than normal rice Filipinos eat.

DAIRY

Also, Bhutanese people like eggs and cheese. Once you get to travel to Bhutan, your first chance is to taste their Bhutanese national dish called “EmaDatsi” which means chillies (ema) cooked in cheese (datsi). It’s made with green, yellow or red chilies, cow or yak’s milk, cheese, onions and tomatoes. The chilies are enough to make someone really sweat. It is also served with red rice washed down with Bhutan’s only brewed beer, Red Panda, a light drink to lessen spiciness.

“JashaMaroo or Maru”

The “JashaMaroo or Maru” which means spicy chicken mixed with chilies, tomato, garlic, onion, ginger and coriander leaves. This is a fantastic dish to refuel after a day of hiking.

“PhakshaPaa”

Boneless pork simmered until tender with daikon radish, ginger, bok choy and chili powder topped with green chili strips is called “PhakshaPaa”.

“Momos”

Dumpling or “Momos” are steamed buns filled with minced pork or beef, cabbage, fresh cheese, garlic, ginger and coriander.

“Puta”

A unique dish made from buckwheat noodles served with curd found in the area of Bumthang is called “Puta”.

REFRESHMENTS

For refreshments, Bhutan offers a variety of drinks including green or black tea, wine and beer. In the local, brewed “Ara” is served, which a fermented drink is made from rice or wheat. During morning and evening, “Po cha”, a butter tea made with fresh yak butter, is a must try.

There is a tip taught that when you’re offered food, you can say “meshumeshu”, covering your mouth with hands which means refusal according to Bhutanese manners, and then give in on second or third offer.

18Jan, 2017

Filipino – Bhutanese Friendship: How compatible are they?

The Philippines, located in South East Asia, is considered to be the 3^rd Happiest Country in Asia according to survey. The country boasts of its people as generally happy and friendly. Filipinos are ones who you can easily talk to. Any topic under the sun, they will listen to you and try to converse with you always with a smile. In fact, they smile even if they are already suffering. Foreigners are often fond of Filipinos as they are full of bright ideas and are accommodating, they are mostly optimistic and they look forward to a better event after an unfortunate one, this is why they were hailed to be “Resilient and flexible like a bamboo”.

Bhutan, The Happiest country in Asia, also located in South East Asia, is a home to, yes, very happy people. They are satisfied and contented with their lives and they do not seek for more material things. They live simply and are genuinely happy with it. The Bhutanese people are really nice people and are really friendly. Any visitor of this beautiful country shall gain a lot of friends after his/her trip.

IACE’s Director Aries Balanay and Regie Boquio together with NPPF Friends

So what do the stars have to say with these happy countries in relation to a possible friendship? It will most likely bloom since both people are the types who strive to connect with their friends no matter where they are. They value and remember the people they meet in their lives. You can never regret and go wrong once you befriend a Filipino or a Bhutanese. So you can just imagine the beautiful relationship that might be formed between a Filipino and a Bhutanese. It will be lasting and true.

17Jan, 2017

What Makes Bhutanese Happy?

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What Makes Bhutanese Happy?

Bhutan, the last standing Buddhist Kingdom in the Himalayan Mountains between India and China is the “Happiest Country” in Asia.

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Bhutan’s Fourth King)

It is the only country in the world that measures happiness called “Gross National Happiness” which started when it opened up to globalization and developed by Bhutan’s fourth king, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Generally, there are three major aspects that contribute to a person’s happiness; health, education, and contentedness.

contentedness

Contentedness– What makes them really happy people, first and foremost, is they are the type of people who are satisfied and contented with their lives in Bhutan, less materialistic and living in a simple life away from complicated things. They are contented with their earning, although they could potentially earn much more than that as long as they are closer to their families. However small it may be, they are very happy already.

Bhutan citizens also balance their material and spiritual happiness. They don’t care if they have or don’t have the latest gadgets. They’re happy to be alive. A living proof that money can’t buy happiness.

health

Health – They don’t exert much of their energy in facing gadgets and being in the social media world. They don’t sleep late just wasting their time in the internet. Instead, most of them sleep at least eight hours every night. Being well- rested results to their happiness, productivity and overall health. Living in mountains is more preferable. It means less pollution. Imagine living in a peaceful place and having a wonderful view of the nature. It is not only enjoyable and soothing to the hearts and minds of Bhutan people.

education

Education – Another thing is, they truly care for their environment. Forests and animals were protected. Livings in harmony with good surroundings also make them happy. Bhutan people, as Buddhists, practice to live well and are inspired to do good deeds to be closer to reincarnation as they will become better beings when reborn.

16Jan, 2017

Stress Management

Stress is defined to be “simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium.” Some positivists claim that stress is just formed in the mind and that we wouldn’t be stressed if we do not give into the idea of it. It might actually work, see, if you begin convincing yourself that you can do something and not waste energy stressing over it, then you’re doing yourself a favor. Mindset.

CALM YOURSELF. FIND THAT INNER PEACE. Panicking over the initial impact of stress would not solve anything. Before you begin stressing over something, ask yourself “Have I adequately prepared for it?” If yes, then what are you stressing about? If you answered no, ask yourself next, “Can I do something about it?” If yes, then why are you stressing about it? If no, then you better get moving.

BE FLEXIBLE WITH CHANGES AND SURPRISES.They are inevitable. You cannot run away with changes in the plans or in what you have prepared for. You have to be always in your a-game and eager to adapt.

PRIORITIES. Sometimes, you get overwhelmed with work and you want to prove yourself. In return, you fail to give your fullest and best work with the task at hand AND you get stressed if you can’t accomplish everything. You get stressed with the queued activities. Learn to say “no”. Negotiate priorities. Take Superman, he can’t be Superman and Clark Kent at the same time, Batman cannot be Batman and Bruce at the same time.

Prevention is the best cure.There are a lot of ways to deal with stress management, take classes, divert your energy into other things, workout, socialize, and a lot of other things. You wouldn’t be stressed if you don’t expose yourself to potential stress inducers. But once you get face to face with stress, deal with it, overcome it, survive it, and win against it.

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