Philippines Travel Tips: Balikbayan Gifts 101

-
by: Ronan Vergara

I got two sisters and a nephew working in Canada who regularly send huge gift boxes during December. But what’s more exciting is having them with us during the holidays, wherein we’d feel much more a complete family.

I know that this is one feeling shared by all Balikbayans who long to be back for Christmas, and if you’re that Balikbayan, you would expect a good number of hands stretching out before you for some imported items.

But I know you’d agree with me that it’s more practical to buy the gifts here in the Philippines, and if this is your preference, you have to think of the most practical place for you to do your most practical shopping.

Since malls (including duty-free shops) would care less in giving discounts during the Christmas rush, you may want to visit some other shops that offer more for less. A classic place is Divisoria, although you have to brace yourself for some elbow pushing as the crowd there inconveniently swells during Christmas season too. There is also the Dapitan Arcade that offers good holiday items at lower price compared to malls.

So if you plan to do some shopping in this place, you better stay in an area close by. Residential units in Novaliches, Quezon City is a perfect place to stay for the holiday season. With fully furnished units- this temporary residence won’t lack anything more to keep you safe and sound and comfy all throughout your hectic holiday in home.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hair Styles in the Philippines

-
by: JC Bulan In the Philippines, when it rains, it really pours.  Now if you want to keep on looking great with your hair firmly in tact then take note of the following tips. Filipinas like their hair to be classy but not too flashy.  An excellent style for the long-haired gals is the Gibson tuck.  You’ll need a hair tie and pins for this one.  Put your hair up in a ponytail.  Just above the hair tie, part your hair into roughly two equal parts using your finger.  Next, twist your ponytail and insert it into the gap and tuck it inside along with the hair tie.  Wrap your hair up tight and secure the top of the tuck with hair pins.  You might also want to use a hairspray for the finishing touches.  Also it would look more elegant by pulling a few strands of hair for each side of your face. You can do a lot with braids.  One simple style is the high braided bun.  You can create this by first tying your hair in a high pony tail, then section it into three parts.  Get the leftmost part and
Read more

All Saints and All Souls Day Coming Up in Novaliches, Quezon City

-
Image
by Charles Bolanos All Saints and All Souls Day is a special day in the Philippines. This is the day when we remember the Saints and our beloved departed relatives and friends. Officially we do not have classes on 1 November and 2 November because that is when we are busiest. The government of the  past years typically cancels work on the 30th of October till 3 November. The reason for this is because of the people going to their respective provinces or homes where we gather and celebrate as early as 31st of October. Some even went to a point of sleeping overnight from 31st of October till 2 November. 1 November is actually a feast day as we commemorate those who have lived saintly lives. 2 November is not, but we offer Holy Masses till 30th of November for the souls of our departed relatives and friends. We believe that we gain Plenary Indulgences for them so they have a short stay in Purgatory, since we know that not all of our friends and relatives are saints...Oth
Read more

Documents Needed for a Catholic Wedding in the Philippines

-
by: JC Bulan If you plan to surprise or plan to get married in the Philippines, Filipino couples should prepare the following: 1.Marriage License, the couple applies for this at the city hall, the couple would need to submit copies of their certificates of birth (NSO-certified), baptism (6 months validity for both), and certificate of no marriage or singleness (CENOMAR) as well as community tax certificates, and valid IDs.  2. Certificate of Baptism 3. Certificate of Confirmation These documents must be in place at least two months before the wedding because the couple’s respective parishes will be posting marriage banns for a span of three consecutive weeks, announcing the pair’s intention to get married on a certain date. The couple would also be required to attend the canonical interview and a Pre-Cana seminar, organized by a parish or an independent Catholic organization.  These events  would touch on the importance of the sacraments, aspects of married life such as communication
Read more