Philippines Vacation and Long Term Stay

Alvin and Queenie Bolanos Excitement to meet brothers, sisters, cousins  after a long time. Before even going to the Philippines, make sure the reunion is planned to the last detail. Easiest way to organize a reunion is to celebrate it in a restaurant. Unfortunately most restaurants have super load music, that  you cannot talk to each other sanely. So most families opt to have a pot luck reunion at the short term stay  in the Philippines . Which I think is the best. It is wise to have the reunion after one week of rest, especially if you come from the other end of the world... like for example Iceland or Italy, the time is really confusing upon arrival in Manila. So, allow your body clock to set its time. Do not attempt to have the reunion the next day... Make sure you prepare a pasalubong, not really expensive, just to make them feel special. A bar or three of chocolates are usually appreciated. Best to buy at Balikbayan Store. But if you want to buy chocos which are not found in the

Here are some clothes you need to bring this JUNE: EXPATS: 1. Formal attire (Americana or Barong). If you plan to travel light, you may buy your clothes at the Mall. We are known for our Malls. But... if you size is extra size or extra small, best to bring your size. 2.  Semi-formal attire. Best to buy in the Philippines, because the clothes are sewn just right for our weather. Typically semi-formal attires for men are: a. Pants in polyester cotton. We do not wear wool in the Philippines because of our weather. Good kind. b. Polo or if you really liked to wear t-shirts, make sure you have wear a blazer for men. c. Good kind of socks. d. Leather shoes 3. Smart Casual Attire Smart casual attire is great when you go around the country. City Walking: 1. Jeans 2. T-shirts in cotton Country Walking 1. Pants for men (not too short), or too long. Just the right fit. Type of cloth is cotton. 2. T-shirt without collar. Beach 1. Swim trunks 2. Full swimming attire covering the navel part - this i

by: Aileen and Marty Soriano July till August is a great choice for hopping in and visiting the Philippines because of the cool weather. Use http://www.accuweather.com  to predict the weather of your excursions. Here are the things you need to do before going to the Philippines: 1. If you plan to go mountain climbing, best to have a malaria shot. The Philippines is not well known for malaria, but it is better to have a shot. Make sure the mountains are safe for traveling. 2. Your personal hand carried medicines.  Make sure you have the proper papers for them. If not check where to buy them. We have the best medicine drug stores in the Philippines, from generic to branded.  3. Never bring banned   drugs that destroys  a human person in the Philippines.  4. Contact a good friend or a relative especially  if it is your first time. If you are coming in from a European Country, be prepared for a very different Asian culture. So to avoid the shock of your life, make sure you have a friend o

Marty and Aileen Soriano Charlene and Charles eventually is preparing for their upcoming school year. So, here we are again, as we welcome you for the next half of the year stretch. June is a great choice to visit the Philippines, as there are unique experiences which you cannot enjoy during summer time. Falls in the Philippines are at their best on June till January. . The half of the year is also good to visit lots of lakes, and taste its bounty. We will be writing more this upcoming half of the year. Hope to see you at the furnished apartment in Novaliches.

by: N. Lucenario June is the time not only for wedding bells to ring but also for last-minute vacations. In either case, one thing’s for sure: it’s time again to meet up with the family.  Family reunions are almost traditional in the Philippines as it is a country that heavily values its filial bonds. Unlike other countries wherein even the immediate families rarely meet, when a family reunion is mentioned here, it means it’s a gathering not just with your parents and siblings, but with the rest of your “angkan”.  With so many events like these to go to in the hustle-bustle of the June weather, it’s a good practice to make sure you’ve got everything arranged and you’re all prepared for the events coming in the near future.  Whether it’s a “before-school family gathering”, a marriage, or even a weekend getaway, you have to jot it down in your calendar to make sure you don’t miss out (or god forbid, disappoint your parents!). When you’re at your family reunion, make sure to be part of th

by: N. Lucenario If you’re a tourist coming into the country as part of the latter, summer’s gonna be far from what it was before. Great place to hop around if you are strategically located. Be wise, never go out during rush hour! The following listings is a short drive from the long term rentals or short term rentals in  Novaliches.  I. Pinto Art Museum If you’ve been on Instagram for the past year, this one might seem a little bit familiar. A short drive east to Antipolo can lead  you to the Pinto Art Museum. This place is known for the various statues that populate its facade and the many sculptures  and paintings that it houses. It’s perfect for a short but truly memorable getaway. Let the picture you’ll be taking in this very photogenic place prove that to you. Address: 1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights,  Antipolo, Rizal. Phone 697015 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) II.  The GK Enchanted Farm is known as the “silicon valley  for social entrepreneurship” and the “Disneylan

Waterfalls are popular local tourist destinations in the Philippines. They’re accessible to anyone and are mostly free to go to. How to get to the Peak: For none mountain hikers here are the steps on how to tone for "the hike": 1. 2 months before "the hike" alter your diet a bit. More fibers and less fat. 2.  Start an exercise regimen of walking, then next week running. If you are overweight, better not go to "the hike". 3. Increase your stamina. Majayjay falls is peak for non hikers. Majayjay Falls: Waterfalls are good alternatives to beaches and Baguio for weekend getaways during the summer or when swamped by work. Majayjay falls, for example, can be found in Laguna, a few hours away from Manila. Many visitors arrive for the day with grills or packed  lunches. The waters are ice cold and refreshing. Clear waters bring comfort, helping you feel  like the water is clean, adding to the experience. Covered by trees, the cool atmosphere does  not go away, com

by: N. Lucenario June may be known for being the month of the last - minute school supplies shopping. Malls take advantage of selling lots of other things on sale. People come to these stores to get lots of things, especially newest bags, gadgets and lots of things needed for the upcoming school year. When you visit the Philippines at this time of the year, you are presented with an open and vast selection of fashion selections. Great to take advantage of sales this month. Definitely there is a drop down of prices in some goods and consummables. If you have a budget to spend - June is also the best time to prepare for the upcoming holidays December!

by: N. Lucenario June in the Philippines is a time of beginnings. The month marks the start of  the country’s rainy season as well as the start of its academic year June  is school month, except for some of us who will start on August.  Despite the cool rainy weather, business is as usual, as "Back to School" promos and sales are up in the stores. We are aligning our educational system to international standards. So, if you are an international Filipino and wants to study in the Philippines - you will be at par! Hopefully traffic influx during rush hour will be lessen as the number of students will be dissipated. I look forward to new beginnings, despite the sorrow and challenges of the pass months. Life can be very challenging, one must have faith to face life whatever it takes. June is also a month when most people in the Philippines get married. It has many advantages, the weather is cooler, and the top tour spots are not congested. Great for

by: JC Bulan The next most romantic place to have a wedding  after a church, is the beach!  One of the loveliest destinations can be found in the province of Pangasinan (4-5 hours travel from Manila), branded as a land of miracles and romance.   Part of this province is Bolinao which boasts of white sand beaches.   Among the popular spots in Bolinao are Puerto del Sol, Punta Riviera, and Patar beach.   To make the most out of the Bolinao beach wedding especially in the summer, the wedding couple should wear clothes of light fabric.  The bride’s gown can be made of chiffon or rayon while the groom’s attire can be crafted from white linen.  Instead of high heels and leather shoes footwear for the bride and groom respectively, they may opt for customized slippers which will make it convenient for them to walk on the sand.   At least three months must be allotted for the creation of the couple’s attire to ensure the perfect design and fit for this once-in-a-lifetime event.  A minimum of th

by: Charlene Bolanos 1. Sari- Sari Store A sari- sari store is a place where you can buy your basic necessities. a. Food      Noodles, coffee, canned goods b. Drinks     Soft drinks, mineral water and Nestea c. Toiletries d. Adhesives e. Ice Cold Water 2. Fresh Food Mini Supermarket or Stores near the furnished apartment in novaliches.   a. 7-11 price is relatively higher than A&W because it is airconditioned   b. A&W is cheaper than 7-11. 3. Fresh Food Market and Malls    a. San Bartolome Wet Market         San Bartolome Wet Market has the collection of fresh fish straight from the         sea. This is just 5 minutes away the long term stay apartment in Novaliches.         Vegetables is fresh, but a bit higher than Sauyo Wet Market.         This is just 10 minutes walk from the  vacation rentals in Novaliches         or 3 minutes jeepney  ride to get your fresh fish, fresh veggies         and fresh coconut milk.         First pick is at 5.30 a.m. Just the right time. The fres

by: Alvin and Queenie Its already mid May 2015, and you are coming to Manila on June! You are lucky if you are a person who doesn't like super warm weather... The summer is near to its end, as we are already experiencing cool weather conditions. Here are some things you need to bring in June to July when visiting the Philippines: 1. Rain boots. You may also buy at  http://www.onlstor.com/ 2. 100% cotton clothes. Informal and Formal wear. If you prefer wearing wool, there is no problem, however it can be very uncomfortable. 3. Cotton socks 4. Toiletries 5. Leather shoes and rubber shoes If you don't have cotton clothes, it is best to buy in the Philippines.

by: Mrs. Aileen B. Soriano The weather is cooling as expected. May is a cool month. Flower starts showing up. Thus the coming of the Flores de Mayo and the Santa Cruzan. These are two big events which you can't miss when you are at the Philippines. The Philippines is not at all the time beach, but visiting historical places, culinary tours and even medical needs is top of the line in the Philippines.

by: Mary Ann Bolanos Easy upcoming rain showers as the summer is near ending. Upcoming rain showers, try this recipe with a new tweak, using alfa - alfa  sprouts! Specially dedicated to a revered friend in Singapore; here are the ingredients (serves 5) Broiled Shrimp in Lemon Sauce with Alfa-Alfa Sprouts  in Brown Rice "Sinigang na Hipon" 3/4 K medium size shrimps 2 bulbs of Red Violet Onions, quartered 3 pieces of fresh tomatoes 7 pieces of green Philippines lemon salt  (to taste) pepper (dash) Green Pepper (this is a bit hot, this may be omitted, but this                         makes the shrimp sinigant tasty) 3 C of water, if you like more soup for 5 people, add 5 C but add some more pepper and salt. Procedure: 1. Put all ingredients in a soup pan. 2. Bring to boil for 7 minutes if you are using a convection stove; 25 minutes if you are using a typical electric stove and LPG gas stove. 3. Add alfa-alfa sprouts just before serving. For lunch at school or office: 1. Serve w

by: Charles Bolanos Happy Mother's Day! I thought of a gift for my mom? Typically she always washes our clothes when the lavandera is not around.  Its great to have somebody to help out in washing clothes, but most children in the Philippines are already taught how to wash clothes! Even if you are a boy or a girl. The reason for this is when you travel here and abroad, it will be really difficult if you are caught in a foreign place and cannot find a laundry service. Here are some sure fire tips to make life easier when washing clothes. I learn this when joining the Boy Scouts and yes... observing my Mom and sometimes my Dad when  there is a need! This is good for at least 25 pieces of clothes without washing machine. Tools Needed: 3 Basins medium size, Detergent 3 packs or 5 T, Baking Soda 7 T, Softener  9 T. 1. Separate clothes from white and  colored ones. 2. Check for stains. I use "Perla" soap to  get rid of oil stains. For Rust Stains there is a special chemical. Bu