The current age has brought about a new trend with it. This trend is called the “Selfie.” This six letter word defines the activity of taking your own photo with a camera. It can be with a group of friends or at a special occasion or even with your pet! Every person comes up with their own version.

Due to many advancements in technology along with this amazing new trend, many smartphone manufacturers have come up with newer versions of mobile phones that have the best camera quality present for those umpteen number of selfies that everyone takes. These selfie phones are being sold at a number of stores along with many marketplaces who are offering them at discounted prices such as Kaymu and Ebay etc.

The best Selfie Phones for the year:

Samsung Galaxy S7 (Unofficial)

Everyone is eagerly waiting for this phone to launch. With the new Android 6.0 operating system and Quad-core 4.0 GHz 64 bit processor, it will be a very stable phone. The back camera will be 16 MP with a 5.1 MP front camera with flash for all your selfie needs.

Microsoft Surface Phone (Rumoured)

Surface Phone Concept art

This phone has a 5.5in Quad-HD AMOLED display to view all your pictures in the most beautiful manner. It offers 21Mp rear and 8Mp front cameras to snap away those lovely selfies that you want to take. Moreover, it has a 64 to 128 GB storage space to keep all that you love.

HTC One M10 (Unofficial)

HTC One M10 Concept Art

This is the upcoming and highly coveted selfie phone as it offers a whopping 27 MP front and back camera auto face detection focus technology. When you buy this phone, not only will you have high resolution pictures, you won’t even have to work that hard for them.

LG G5 (Unofficial)

LG G5 Concept Art

This LG phone is one the most popular upcoming ones. It offers a 20 MP back camera and a 10 MP front facing camera for you to look classy and sophisticated in all your pictures. Along with that, it has a true IPS HD display for a beautiful picture quality.

Oppo Find 9 (Unofficial)

Oppo Find 9 has a large 5.5 inch Quad HD display that offers superior picture quality and beautiful colors for you to enjoy. When it comes to cameras, it has a 20 MP secondary camera and an 8 MP front camera for all your selfie needs.

Sony Xperia Z6 (Unofficial)

This phone will make you love yourself in all your selfies. In terms of cameras, it has a 27 MP rotator camera scanner that will take your selfies in all the angles that you will love. Moreover, the screen is of 5 inches with 4k display resolution.

iPhone 7 (Unofficial)

Everyone knows the picture quality that the iPhone has to offer. This phone will have a 12 MP back camera and a 5 MP front camera for you to look absolutely great in. For men and women alike, they will be overjoyed with this one.

HTC Desire Eye (Available)

This is the phone to get if you are a selfie fanatic. It has a 13 MP shooter at the front and the rear. Both of the cameras have their own dedicated flash for the best pictures possible. Along with that, the wide 22 mm lens gives a large angle to all your selfies.

Asus ZenFone (Available)

This phone has a 13 MP front facing camera that has an LED flash present with it. Moreover, it offers a wide 88 degree angle so that all the aspects of your selfie are taken in. It also has features such as panorama, slow motion, smart remove and time lapse present.

LG V10 (Available)

This phone has not one but two front facing cameras that you can use for all your selfies. The two front facing cameras are of 5 MP and the back camera is 13 MP. The cameras feature multi view and snap options with it.

About the Author: Sab

I cover Mobile, Internet, Good and Bad of Technologies. I’ve been a technology writer for the last three years. If you have any question and feel free to contact me on Gtalk – it’s a beautiful way to get contacted me directly.

With more than 7,100 islands, surely, there are also thousands of reasons you must go to the Philippines. Here are the first ten.

THE LOCALS

No list of the world's hospitable countries is complete without mentioning the Philippines. The Filipinos are the kindest and nicest people that you'll ever meet. They love to smile and sing, too, especially during their town fiesta.




THE BEACHES

As an archipelago, the country is one of the largest island groups worldwide. There are widely famous white sand beaches like Boracay and then, there are hidden islands such as those in Palawan.




THE SHOPS

The Philippines is also a shopping mecca, with some of the biggest shopping malls in Asia and the world. Apart from the gigantic malls, there are also flea markets, boutiques, souvenir shops, supermarkets, handicraft centers, etc.




THE WILDLIFE

The Philippines takes pride in its widely diversified wildlife. In fact, some of the world's smallest animals are here like the tarsier and pandaca pygmea, smallest primate and fish in the world, respectively. There are also 600 bird, 300 reptile and amphibian, and 200 mammal species spread throughout the country.




THE NATURE

Aside from the animals, the country is a haven for the nature junkies, too. From the Chocolate Hills in Bohol to Banaue Rice Terraces, there is always something to discover in each province. There are also lakes, waterfalls, and caves that you may explore if you want.




THE CLIMATE

Flora and fauna thrive because of the favorable climate. The average temperature 26.6 degree Celsius throughout the year. So, no extreme weathers. It's a tropical country after all.




THE FOOD

While there is no such thing as the Filipino cuisine, every province seems to have its own distinct cuisine. Case in point: the Pampangan cuisine. Likewise, the country and its people are proud of its halo-halo, sinigang, adobo, and lechon, among others. World-renowned chef Anthony Bourdain even dubbed lechon as the “best pig ever.”

THE LANGUAGE

Perhaps, the biggest advantage of the Philippines compared to other Asian countries is the fact that more than 90% of the population can speak and understand the English language. Even the bystanders know basic English mainly because it is the language of the government and other institutions like schools and businesses.

THE LOGISTICS

Traveling around the country is easy and the fares are very cheap. Through riding a jeepney, for instance, you may explore a town or city like the locals. Ride a ferry if you want to island hop. There are also low-cost carriers that serve domestically and internationally.

THE ACTIVITIES

Aside from being a scuba diving and surfing paradise, the Philippines also houses the longest zipline at over 1,300 meters and the first roller coaster zipline in Asia. These are found in Butuan City and Pampanga, respectively.



There you have it! These are some of the reasons that make the Philippines a great travel destination.


Author Bio

Mark Justine DeMesa is a Filipino Blogger and a freelance writer. He currently writes and blogs for Alviera Country Club, a high-end country club in the Philippines with one-of-a-kind amenities and facilities to offer a memorable family recreational activities and bonding!

Lazada has recently teamed up with ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata 163 most likely as part of their corporate social responsibility activities. The online retailer has recently visited the Bantay Bata site in Calauan, Laguna and has pledged to help these children by donating a certain amount of their sales from July to October made by using their special Bantay Bata voucher.

Check full details of this campaign by reading their press release below. 

MANILA PHILIPPINES - Lazada, the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping and Selling destination, recently partnered with ABS CBN’s Bantay Bata 163 in reaching out to children displaced by recent calamities.

Last July 3, 2015, Lazada Philippines, together with Bantay Bata 163, brought smiles and laughters to over 100 kids when they visited the Bantay Bata Site located in NHA Calauan, Laguna. Lazada PH employees together with the company’s CEO, Inanc Balci, shared an afternoon with the kids through healthy lunch, games, and other fun-filled activities. Later that afternoon, the kids of Bantay Bata in NHA Site Calauan Laguna received school supplies and educational toys. The afternoon was filled with joy and hope as Lazada Philippines pledged its support to the cause of helping out Filipino children.

In line with this, Lazada is giving away P300 worth of vouchers with a minimum purchase of P3000, exclusively for the Toys, Kids, and Babies category.  These vouchers will be available every month for a week from July 27 until October 2015. Enjoy this discount using the voucher code BANTAYBATA and for every voucher used, P50 will be donated to Bantay Bata 163. Grab the opportunity to help out and head on to http://www.lazada.com.ph/bantay-bata-163/ and spread the joy of giving.

Let's face it: owning a car can be very convenient, especially if you travel a lot. It doesn't matter if you travel for work or leisure. Cars can get you places faster, and provide you with personal comforts that traveling by bus or train can't give you. However, not everyone owns a car, or can drive a car. This is where car rentals come in.

So when exactly is the best time to rent a car? Let us help you figure it out!

1.    Long Road Trips
Driving from Point A to Point B can get exhausting, especially if you'll be traveling by car for extended periods of time. If you want to relax during a long road trip, rent a car so you can be at ease. Also, your current car might not be equipped for long-distance travel, so it will be more convenient and budget-friendly for you to rent a car, than risk getting your own vehicle damaged during a long drive.

2.    When Your Car is Out of Commission
Picture this: you're driving down the road, following traffic rules and regulations, when someone crashes into your car and renders it useless for the next few weeks. It's the absolute worst thing that can happen, especially if you need your car to get to work, or drop off and pick up your children from school. While your car is at the mechanic's undergoing repair, you can rent a car to go about your daily business. The costs of the rental can even be covered by your car insurance, so be sure to get a policy with car rental benefits in case you send your car in for repairs due to an accident.

3.    Vacations
Summer vacation is the perfect time to go to the beach for a few days. Some families even go to their ancestral homes in the provinces to spend the entire vacation there, while hosting a big family reunion. Renting a car can ease your minds about transportation going to and from your vacation destination. Not only that, you can even have the car rental so you can move around the area with ease, especially if you're staying in the provinces for more than a few days.

4.    Going To & From the Airport
You have your own car, yes, but when you need to fly out of the country, it's a hassle looking for a place to park your car for the entirety of your trip abroad. Plus, if you’re taking a lot of luggage with you, taxis might not be the best choice of transport coming from your home to the airport. Renting a car can help you with this problem! The same can be said of coming from the airport when you have balikbayan boxes filled to the brim with pasalubong for your family and friends. Don't settle for a taxi when you can rent a car!

5.    First Dates
They say that first impressions last. So how about this? If you don't have a car, rent one (chauffeur included) and pick up the girl of your dreams with a nice, sleek ride. Maybe ask what her favorite car is, or her dream date vehicle. It would definitely make a good impression. Plus you can take her wherever she wants to go, and you get to keep your eyes on her, and not on the road during the entire trip! Romantic, right?

6.    Weddings
This is your big day! And since this is a very special day, you'll want a very special car for the bride. Don't settle for your grandparent's sedan. Rent a car!

7.    Formal Events
Prom? Someone's anniversary? A friend's wedding, and you're part of the entourage? High school reunion? Fancy dinner with the in-laws? Don't worry. You can still stay classy even if you don't personally have a car. Renting a car for events like these can help you worry more about yourself than how to get to these events!

8.    Business-related Travel
If you have errands for your company, or if you're a multinational company with foreign visitors needing a tour around the city and not enough company vehicles to go around, then renting a car can solve this problem! You can even rent a car to pick up and/or drop off your foreign guests at the airport, to ensure that they have a smooth and comfortable experience in the country.

9.    Company Excursions
Company trips are always fun, be it a corporate team-building exercise, a general company outing, a business trip, or an out-of-town meeting. What's not so great is if your company doesn't have a fleet of cars to get large groups of people to the trip destination. But did you know that companies can rent vehicles for this purpose? It's easy and affordable, too!

10.  Moving
If you're finally leaving your parents' space and moving into a place of your own, but you don't have the means of moving all your things from your parents' house to your new condo... That's right, rent a car! An SUV should be able to help you pack in all your moving boxes and transport them and yourself to your new pad easily!

 This post is brought to you by:

MoneyMax.ph is the Philippines’ leading financial comparison site where you can save money by comparing financial and car insurance products and services – fast, comprehensive, and free. We aim to give the power of smart purchase decisions back to Filipino consumers by providing everything they need to become financially savvy. Like us on Facebook to get the latest tips on how to save.

Want a taste of Europe without the hassle and cost of travelling to another continent? You might be pleasantly surprised to know that a very attractive alternative is accessible to you right here in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is a gorgeous underrated holiday destination, chock full of European influences and western charm – left behind by the Spanish Colonial Era (1521 – 1898). For those seeking a little more cultural enlightening past the beaches of Boracay, we recommend a historical tour of the Philippines’ best-kept Spanish heritage sites. After all, how can anyone complain about a history lesson when you’re on holiday?

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

First up on anyone’s list of Spanish scenic sites should only be Vigan City. This capital city of the province Ilocos Sur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and with good reason. It’s one of the last remaining Hispanic towns in the country with its structures still intact. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Vigan was the center of Spanish colonial power; today, the town is a living testament to the Spanish Colonial Era, exerting strong cultural influence to the modern Philippine nation.

Paved with cobblestone streets and unique Spanish colonial architecture, Vigan City exudes old-world colonial charm, inviting you to take a step back in time. The town plaza, Plaza Salcedo, is a good place to start if you’re up for a walking tour. But to truly experience Vigan at its finest, ride a calesa (horse-drawn buggy) down the picturesque Calle Crisologo – open streets lined with authentic Spanish Era ancestral houses, and Vigan City’s crowning glory.

San Agustin Church, Manila

Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros, Manila, the San Agustin Church is one of four proud members under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines – a collection of the most treasured Spanish-era churches in the country, that served as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule.

The original San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, was the very first religious structure constructed by the Spaniards on the island of Luzon. Today, it is the third church to be erected, but the present edifice is still nothing short of magnificent, having been patterned after the medieval Augustinian temples of Mexico.

Known for its interior, the Church promises an enchanting experience, complete with traces of the original Mexican wall painting, and choir seats carved with ivory inlays of the 17^th Century. Intramuros may have lost its shine as the nerve center of the country during the 350-year Spanish rule, but the grandeur of Spain lingers in its ruins, and certainly in the San Agustin.

Taal, Batangas

The heritage town of Taal is famous for two things – its old ancestral houses, and being home to the largest church in the Philippines and Asia. Enter the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, which stands at a massive 88.6 metres long and 48 metres wide.

Around town you can find historic and grand ancestral homes, some of which have been converted to museums open to the public. Head over to the Villa Tortuga for a slice of upper class life during the Spanish regime – the dinner package includes dress-up time where you can don period dresses and have it immortalized in a souvenir photo. A tourist trap? Maybe, but Taal was declared a National Historical Landmark for a reason.

Santa Maria Church, Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur isn’t just known for Vigan City. This Philippine province is also where the Santa Maria Church, or the Nuestra Señora dela Asunción, can be found. Curiously enough, the Santa Maria Church isn’t built following the traditional Spanish urban town plan of situating a church in the heart of the town plaza. Instead, it stands alone majestically on the crown of a freestanding hill enclosed completely by a high stone wall – a true fortress!

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the Santa Maria was built on top of a hill as a religious center by both the friars of the citadel and the soldiers of Spain. Made entirely of brick, it makes for quite a sight, especially with the sweeping stone stairways connecting it to the town, and to a cemetery. The outer walls are built with buttresses of typical Earthquake Baroque architecture, which is probably why it still stands today in its original form.

Malolos City, Bulacan

Hailed as the Premiere Heritage City of Bulacan, Malalos City shines with historic importance, having been the center for many vital events that took place during the transition from the 19^th to the 20^th century – such as the establishment of the Constitutional Convention.

Take a scenic stroll around the many ancestral houses from the Spanish and American Colonial Eras, or wander through the numerous Spanish colonial churches and chapels scattered around. Malolos is one of the few towns in Philippines with three Spanish-era churches: the Barasoain Church, Malolos Cathedral, and Sta. Isabel. In August 2001, the historic little town of Malolos was declared a National Heritage Landmark.

The Barasoain Church is a Roman Catholic Church built in 1630, and is home to many prestigious titles. It housed the first Philippine Republic, as well as the Constitutional Convention – carving for itself a name of incredible historical importance amongst Filipinos and tourists alike. Doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Miagao Church (Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church), Iloilo

Last on the list doesn’t make this any less of a ‘must-see’! Looking at the grand Baroque architectural style of the Miagao Church, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re suddenly in Europe. Don’t be fooled though, the church façade is a mixed influence of Medieval Spanish, Chinese, and Muslim elements, embellished with Filipino folk motifs, making it a stunning fusion of cultures.

Also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, the Miagao Church is the third member of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines – and with good reason. This mighty fortress has withstood typhoons, earthquakes, and even rebellious arson during the revolution against Spain in 1898, and the Philippine-American War.

The distinct yellow-orange sandstone is reminiscent of old western gothic cathedrals, and the Miagao Church is a shining example of a traditional Spanish Baroque fortress. And standing on the highest point of the town, it’s a guarantee that you’ll be glad you made the trip. 

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About the Author : Writer Amanda is only 156cm, but has a big heart for travel. When she’s not daydreaming about cruising open-top convertibles down Sunset Boulevard, you can find her furiously googling for budget flights on Kayak. And one day she will own all the shoes in the world. She also writes for ShopBack.ph.

They say June is a month filled with weddings and we all know that weddings is usually followed by the couple's honeymoon.Europe is probably one of the top picks of a lot couples for their dream honeymoon destination, because who wouldn't want to spend that special day in a place filled with historical monuments and scenic landscape. For couples who are considering having their honeymoon in Europe, Paris and Rome are two of your best options. 

Our friends from Parisapartmentsbynumbers.com have created this awesome infographic that compares what Paris and Rome have to offer to tourists and travellers (especially honeymooners).

Face it: money is definitely one of the most important things in the world. And because it is important, it’s just imperative that it should be used well and must be taken care of—unless you want to go broke and end up living in misery.

Well, with the economic status of the Philippines these days, saving money and making practical budget could sometimes be a problem. But, it doesn’t mean that your financial troubles can no longer be solved. Here are some financial problems and simple solutions that can be done.

1. Overspending 
The Solution: Control yourself and cut back on your expenses.

Sometimes, when you have all this money on hand, you feel like it’s endless and that you can spend it all right away, and you just buy whatever you see in the mall.

Well, you can control your expenses by making a list of what exactly you need to buy and by going where you know you can buy these things instead of going to each and every shop in the mall. This way, you won’t be tempted to pick up and buy the very first thing you see.

2. High Bills
The Solution: Review your bills and see why they’re that high.

The problem with most people is that they don’t try to understand the root of the problem. So, the electric bills have reached an all-time high. Why don’t you ask yourself and your family why?

Maybe, you have the electric fans and the air-conditioners on the whole day, or none of you turns off the television even when no one is watching. Or, maybe the water bill is high because some of you spend 1 to 2 hours in the bathroom. Realizing what you’re doing will help you see how much you really have been spending—and will help you decide that you need not only save money, you need to save water and electricity, as well.

3. Debt
The Solution: Take care of the necessities first.

Sometimes, debts happen because people think that they don’t have enough money and that they need more just so they could buy whatever it is that they want to buy, but the thing is that you can actually make use of what you have with you instead of resorting to other people for financial help.

Credit Cards are also big sources of temptations—and debt. The thing is, when you have a credit card, you tend to buy more than you should. But just imagine, without that credit card, you’d know exactly how much you have with you and how much you could spend—so you wouldn’t have to pay for anything else later.

If you have debts, make sure that you address them rather than escape from them. Paying little by little is so much better than not paying at all.

4. Source of income is not enough
The Solution: Try online jobs.

And finally, if you feel like your income is not enough or your husband’s income can no longer fit the family’s needs, remember that it’s okay to take online jobs. These days, so many opportunities are available online. You can work as a copywriter, a translator, or an ESL teacher, among others, while in the comfort of your own home. Taking other jobs would definitely get you on the road to financial freedom.

Remember, for every problem, there is a solution. You can work through your financial problems—this guide is the perfect start. Good Luck!

Author Bio: eCompareMo is the country’s leading and complete comparison portal intended for Filipinos looking for quick, secure, and complete banking and insurance products in the Philippines. We streamline the comparison and application products to help Filipinos make informed decisions when it comes to their finances. Like us on facebook or follow us on twitter to get more financial tips.

Women and beauty are synonymous with each other and 2014 saw women take to beauty and skin care in a big way. No longer are women looking at just quick repairs but are now focusing more on using make –up and beauty products for a better skin and are focusing a lot on their skin care regime to look fresh and beautiful naturally, rather than succumb to surgical or non-surgical procedures which can have drastic side effects too.


Let’s look at some of the major up-coming beauty trends this year so that you do not feel out of place and can follow the latest trends, straight from the runway and red carpet celebrities:

1.Go natural

Women are going all out for natural products with no chemicals to protect their skin from any harm. You may get some fabulous natural products by using nykaa coupons. However be careful as all that claims to be natural or organic need not necessarily be one. Read the back label carefully and scan the list of ingredients to be sure. Also have a look at the product reviews and the brand image before you try it on yourself.

2.Try virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is pure coconut oil that is extracted from a wet coconut. It is excellent not only for your skin but can also be consumed for losing weight and boosting your immunity. It gives a natural glow to the skin, takes away all dryness and prevents skin allergies and infections. Coconut oil can also replace the oil in which you cook and do wonders for your body.

3.Experiment with Bright Pink Lipstick

Enough of the nudes and earthy shades; this summer look bright and beautiful with a dash of pink on your pout. It would add color to your face and you would feel and look energetic and feminine. With these bright lips you would not need any other make-up on the face. Just team it with a nude make-up on the face and look rocking. Even a simple garment would look bright and colorful when teamed up with a bright pink lipstick.

4.Dewy Skin

Another hot favorite look on the runway this year has been the dewy look. Fresh, glowing, dew skin is a hot favorite amongst all. You just need a good base, concealer, a dash of peach blush and a suitable lip color and you’re all set to look dew-drop fresh.

5.Use your makeup for skincare

Opt for make-up that promises to repair your skin with powerful skin treatments, like a foundation that acts like an antioxidant or concealers that are anti-aging agents etc. You can get best offers on make up at SaveMyPocket and save quite a bit of money. Do not buy make-up just for looking dolled up. The bottom line is you should apply only that product which is good for your skin and apart from making you look beautiful, it helps repair the damage in your skin.

About of the Author: 

The article is written by a renowned blog writer, Vanshika Kardam, who has special expertise in articles on gadgets, smartphones, appliances and has a very good readership. 

One of the things my dad always told me: if I wanted to drive, I have to always be calm, cool, and collected. Back in the day, I was a very angry young adult that had the tendency to throw F-bombs and PIs in loud volumes, so my dad never allowed me behind the wheel.

Years later, I can imagine why! Driving around in the streets of the Philippines, especially Metro Manila, can drive anyone mad with anger, and that can lead to road rage, which leads to, well, car "accidents." These sorts of accidents don’t always enjoy car insurance coverage, so it’s always best to avoid getting angry while on the road.

That’s just but one tip or advice if you want to drive safely around the Metro or if you’re planning to go on a long road trip for the weekend: keep a calm, cool, and collected attitude on the road.

Some friends of mine turn to just doing loud commentary on how bad driving is on the roads of EDSA, C-5, and Commonwealth while they drive down these roads instead of rolling down their windows and dropping loud F-bombs. Some even manage to find their inner Zen while driving— an amazing feat, really!

But what other tips are there besides keeping a cool head to drive safely on road trips?

1. Stay Healthy

Yes, stay fit and healthy! Avoid driving when you feel a headache coming up, if you have a bad stomach, or if you’ve just taken medicine that can make you drowsy. Regular medical check-ups to make sure your eyesight is road safe is also a good idea: you need to keep your eyes on the road, after all!

2. Stay Alert

Always keep your eye on the road. Check your mirrors: side view and rear view, to see oncoming vehicles from behind you. Don't forget to use signals when turning. If you think you're too tired to drive, don't! Same if you're feeling sick or sleepy.

When I go to road trips with friends, there always has to be someone awake to chat with the designated driver, so he doesn’t fall asleep. You need to stay alert and your reflexes fast since you need them while driving.  Definitely avoid driving when you’ve just had one too many beers—that’s driving under the influence, and is punishable by law.

3. Plan Ahead

Always plan the route you're taking beforehand. Check traffic sites to see which roads are blocked or congested so you can avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere for hours. This will only stress and tire you out, making you uncomfortable during the drive.

4. Go Hands-Free

And by Hands-Free, we don’t mean hands-free on the wheel! Put your devices on hands-free mode. Install a phone dock on your car’s dashboard so you can easily utilise the voice functions of your phone. Phone docks can also help you greatly if you have a GPS app or a social traffic app like Waze to help you avoid heavy traffic. Going hands-free means you will have less distractions while driving, and you can keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.

Author Bio:

This post is brought to you by:

MoneyMax.ph is the Philippines’ leading financial comparison site where you can save money by comparing financial and car insurance products and services – fast, comprehensive, and free. We aim to give the power of smart purchase decisions back to Filipino consumers by providing everything they need to become financially savvy. Like us on Facebook to get the latest tips on how to save.

Now on its 19th year, the hot-air balloon festival in Clark, Pampanga is one of the much-anticipated events in the country. The festival is dubbed as the biggest gathering of local and foreign aviators performing different sorts of aerial activities aside from the main highlight of the festival which is the hot-air balloon flying. In lieu with the coming festival, which will be held from February to 12th to 15th, here are the scheduled activities during this 4-day event. 

On the first day as well as the second to the fourth day, the day will start with an RC UFO flying. Before the actual balloon flight, there will be a skydiving and after that, a motorized paragliding exhibition. Around 9am, the activities will continue with a microlight aircraft formation flights with flour bombing. A car drifting show is also included. Other aircraft shows to follow are fly-bys and aerobatic maneuvers, RC aerobatics show, and tandem sky jump. By 11am, a light aircraft balloon bursting competition will begin. This is an activity that will occur from the first to the fourth day of the festival. Aside from more aerobatic shows and aircraft demonstration, there will be a kite flying exhibition and rocketry in the afternoon.

On the second day, almost the same set of activities will be witnessed. This time, however, there will be new sets of riders and pilots. For instance, an aerobatic glider flight and RC jet turbine model aircraft demonstration.

On the third day, which will fall on February 14th (Valentine’s Day), there will be a concert around 6pm and before the Night Glow starts. Night Glow is an activity wherein all hot-air balloons will be lit while on the field. Nonetheless, other activities to watch out for are helicopter flight display, paragliding tow exhibition and rescue demonstration courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard. That is, apart from the usual aerobatics shows and skydiving exhibitions. 

On the last day, other than the staples of the event (aircraft formation flight, aerobatic show, skydiving exhibition, fly-bys, aircraft demonstration, etc.), there will be a hell demonstration, again, to be performed by the Coast Guards. On the evening, the 2nd Night Glow will occur. This will be capped off by a grand fireworks display.

From the first to the fourth day, hot-air balloon fly-in will start at 5pm after the motorized paragliding exhibition.

Spectators are welcome to experience the activities. You may purchase a paragliding ticket for $100, an airplane ride ticket for $120, a balloon ride ticket for $300 and tandem skydive for $400 each per participant. A general entrance ticket is available for Php300 valid for only 1 person for 1 day. The organizers are also offering a VIP ticket inclusive of priority entrance, afternoon tea, and lounge access. Tickets are available online. Children 3ft and below will be admitted free of charge.

Indeed, this will be a weekend of everything that flies. Bring your friends with you and marvel at the magnificence of hot-air balloons in the sky. This is a once in a lifetime event where you can witness various flying activities in one place.  Surely, this will be a weekend filled with adventure and fun!

 

About the Author :  Jeric is a Filipino guest poster that is currently working as a copywriter in Optimind Technology Solutions, a digital marketing agency that provide services including SEO, web design, Facebook and mobile app development.

Have you ever felt so sluggish that if you had your way, you would sit comfortably on a couch and just watch as time elapses? You are not alone since at some point during the day we all get tired and sluggish. At this point we usually opt for coffee, doughnuts or any sugary food to boost our energy so that we can get on with the day. Health experts recommend eating breakfast and snacking regularly throughout the day to stay energetic.

 Here is a list of foods that are proven to boost energy. 

1. WHOLE GRAIN

• Nutritionists recommend that carbohydrates should be the main source of energy in your diet. Any wholegrain that is available to you will do the job. 
• Although processed carbohydrates will quickly increase your blood glucose levels and cause an energy surge, this increase soon fades leaving you hungry for more Complex carbohydrates undergo slow digestion therefore providing sustainable energy. 
• Quinoa is a great choice and you can have it for breakfast with Greek yoghurt or for lunch where you can mix it with your salad. 

2. WATER

The list of the benefits of drinking water is long. Keeping hydrated is important for energy metabolism. Start your day with a glass of water and stay hydrated all day long to keep sluggishness at bay. 

• Water aids in the transportation of nutrients to the cells and keeps cells at an optimum condition for energy metabolism. Remember that dehydration results in fatigue so you should drink lots of water.

3. SALMON

Salmon is rich in essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids also play a role in maintaining a healthy heart and in brain activity. 

4. BEANS

• Eating beans can help in boosting energy. Eating proteins with carbohydrates slows down the digestion of carbohydrates which helps in controlling blood sugar levels. 
• Beans are rich in iron which is a major component of hemoglobin which is responsible for oxygen transport. Beans also contain B vitamins and magnesium that also support energy metabolism. 

5. DARK CHOCOLATE

• Most healthy food is usually not tasty but dark chocolate is one of the exceptions. The next time you feel tired in the office instead of drinking coffee eat a bar of dark chocolate instead. 
• Research has shown that dark chocolate contains flavor which is an antioxidant that is good for the heart. A healthy heart means proper oxygen transportation which leads to optimum energy production. 
• Iron and magnesium are also present in dark chocolate. 

6. COCONUT

• This healthy food is not only a treat for the taste buds but it is also a good way to boost your energy. 

• Coconuts contain medium chain triglycerides. These medium chain triglycerides can boost you energy when required because they can be easily converted to energy. Therefore eat a coconut to raise you energy production and deal with sluggishness. Conclusion whether you are having a stressful day or just feeling sluggish, the above foods are a natural way to boost your energy. You should avoid stress since it can cause blood sugar swings

Author Bio:

Alisa Emily lives in Switzerland, UK and is an avid blogger and reader. Since her early years she’s had a passion for writing. Her areas of interest are Travel, Fashion, Lifestyle, Food, Lifestyle, Reviews (Book/Movie), Health and Fitness. She works as a Freelancer on her chosen areas of interest and currently writes on behalf of ESTA which helps you in visa assistance service.

Are you one of those hoteliers who are finding it difficult to keep track of your operations? Are you lost when it comes to managing your inventory and resources? It's time to get management software for hotels in the Philippines. Read through this article to know how this software redefines your process and takes you a step ahead in business.

Automated Reservation

The front office interface dealing with reservations and check-in/check-outs is automated which makes the whole process a lot accurate and hassle free. The software is designed to capture the smallest required detail about every guest who is expected to come or is already residing. This facilitates faster processing when allocating rooms to guests and even helps in answering room change requests more efficiently.

Photo Source: www.etravel.ph

Smooth Billing

The system stores precise information about the guest’s check in/checkout date and time. Apart from this it also keeps track of the paid and complimentary services availed by the guest. The bill generated by the system is presented with all these details to avoid trouble to the clients and front office staff in the later stages. Digital payment options are linked to the system for facilitating quicker payment process.

Accuracy in Data

Data is caught in the system as when any change or payment is made. The credit and debit details can be accessed to understand the money management in the hotel. The software provides configurability of user rights which restricts certain operations depending on the access levels assigned. This ensures that designated and authoritative users are only allowed to update the details in the system which improves the exactness of the information present in the system.

Inventory Management

The software provides inventory details and allows effective management of the available stocks. It also gives you an idea of how many guests you can host with the available inventory. This facilitates timely ordering of the required stocks before running out of things in the storehouse. You also get to know which of the items are consumed faster than the others and plan accordingly.

Employee Work Allocation

With the management software you get to view the staffs working in each department and plan reallocations whenever required. You also get to track the work done by each of them giving you a fair understanding on how well the resources are being utilized.

Integrated to Microsoft Office

The software is designed to provide seamless integration to Microsoft office excel and word files. This is specially planned for users involved in the financial reporting and mail merging activities.

Photo Source: www.pearlgardenhotel.net

Efficient Data Management

The software is configurable to schedule back-up jobs for specific date and time. You may also set periodic jobs which will be repeated at regular intervals. This is undeniably the most important part of keeping your records intact. In the event of any technical issue amounting to data losses you will be able to recover your system with last saved backup file.

Reporting and Auditing

The system is designed to produce a set of reports with specifiable parameters. This is exportable and can be printed anytime you wish to view the status of different processes in the hotel. The account details are recorded accurately in the system which facilitates a hassle free auditing process. It gives you an edge over the others when maintaining transparency and genuineness.

Better Business Decisions

You get to view all the details about the different aspects of your business in a very structured format which enables better marketing analysis and decision making. Your managers and employees are also informed about their targets with system generated reports. This allows everyone in the system to understand their expectations and act aptly for the effective growth of the hotel.

Photo Source: www.heraldsuitesmakati.com

In Control Anywhere

Now this is the icing on the cake! The software allows you to define more than one hotel site in a single application instance. And you get to monitor all the operations and progress in all the locations and departments from the comforts of your office. You no longer require wasting your precious time travelling between your hotels but instead use your time for the furtherance of your realm.