Philippines Vacation and Long Term Stay

by: Ronan Vergara Only in the Philippines: More Than the Normal Christmas What Christmas could ever be more colorful than one which is celebrated as early as the onset of the “ber” months? Yes, Christmas carols can be heard as early as September, and more so at the beginning of December, when you can expect hoards of children and sometimes adults caroling you in front of your houses, and even at the sides of your car during traffic, asking for some “Talent Fee” for their impromptu Christmas concert. Then, starting December 15, the Catholic Church begins the “Simbang Gabi” – a series of nine Masses is held before the break of Dawn, thus giving it the name “Misa de Gallo.” (Spanish for “Mass of the Rooster) Christmas lanterns adorn every place, coming in different shapes and sizes, from a little tasseled star to a gigantic supernova. Surely, these images would bring forth memories of your home, the Philippines, and the more you remember, the more you’d long to come back home f...

Me (Aileen Soriano with my sweetheart :) This Google blog will give you guidelines you need and information about Novaliches, Q.C.  and North Luzon provinces in the  Philippines. If you are going straight and stay at the vacation apartment in novaliches you may call us at +639175623143, +639228824295 or +029372985. The furnished apartment in Novaliches is for our family, relatives, friends, friends of friends for the upkeep of the place. Straight from the Airport: This is advisable for friends and relatives who had been at the vacation rentals in Novaliches. But if  you are adventurous you may go straight from the airport; and an available furnished house will be offered to you. Make sure  you bring your passport, booking payment, and valid identification card. Below are tips on how to get a taxi and arrive safely too. So here are things to remember when you arrive at the Philippines airport: 1. Hire an official metered taxi from ...

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.....

by: Charlene Bolanos It is almost Christmas... Christmas is near, oh, the  holiday cheer! Decor everywhere from houses , to streetlights and malls,  lighting up lanterns, shops, selling Santa decors and sugar   cane designed gift wrappers, and hearing  those carols on the radio,  tells everyone the  same thing: Christmas is near! Well, for us in the Philippines, it starts when  the clock strikes 1st of September!  No date to early to be called Christmas season,  most especially here in my country. So don't be surprise if you get a Merry Christmas greeting early on on September, and November... even before advent begins. Nothing compares to the traditional Filipino way  of setting up  decorations and filling every street  with Christmas spirit. Filipinos would be busy greeting  everyone  "Merry Christmas"  ... our neighbors,  our friends, and families, a...

by: Queenie Bolanos                                                       Flying in from a red eye flight can be very distracting. Here are some ways on how to get rid of jet lag: 1. Drink lemon grass tea. Best lukewarm. 2. Avoid drinking beverages with caffeine and cocoa. 3. Sleep if you must, especially if you are coming in from Europe and your body clock is confused. 4. Inform your closest relatives and friends to inform the others that you will see them your time... shortest is after a days rest, longest is at least 3 days. 5. Make sure that you inform them of the days and time visiting the furnished apartment unit you are renting.

by: Charles Bolanos Here are some tips on how to plan for your summer break in the Philippines. We are always excited when we look forward to meeting our family from another country or from another province. Here are pronto ideas: 1. If you are gathering from different places in the Philippines. Stay in a furnished apartment. Most furnished apartments have dining halls which you can use privately. Organize with your cousins! Have a root beer party, smorse and some hotdogs. If you are the typical health buff... try cold calamansi juice, grilled sea foods instead. 2. Organize an excursion in North Luzon, where you can do island or beach hopping and the meet up in    furnished apartment in Novaliches.  3. Organize a lunch party with your family. Lunch usually can ran as much as 1 1/2, so take advantage of honing your talents! Spot who among your cousins is a natural Emcee... and ask right there and there who wants to perform. Best to...

by: Charlene Bolanos  Here are some important details which expatriates, balikbayans and travelers should keep in mind in so far as handling documents and submitting them for a vacation place to stay or temporary housing: 1) Make sure you have a photocopy of your documents which temporary housing, vacation place or front desk officers at inns and hotels asks you to submit, show them the original copy of your passport. I remember when I went to Singapore, we were asked to show our passports  before eventually given our keys. This will insure your safety in the Philippines. This holds true if you are checking in with a companion or with guests. Do not make it hard for owners and front desk officers if they asked you of your identification and companions. They hold the right to accept you or not. Otherwise, I know some establishments may not be requiring you to submit your identification cards, but they have hidden cctv's inside your rooms. Even if you are enjoying wi...

by: Aye Baetiong This upcoming Lenten Season is the best time for family gathering in the Philippines.   Our traditions and customs in commemorating the lent week because of  the death of our Savior Jesus Christ and will end up joyous on Easter Sunday during His Resurrection.  One of the recognized religious services during this Holy Week is the Visita Iglesia, or The Way of the Cross. It involves going to a certain church or more than one church, depending on your preference and of course, the budget, to visit different stations of Jesus Christ’s carrying of the cross, recite the relevant scriptures and prayers, then reflect on the same. Customarily, the way of the cross is done by reading the passages, with the aid of pamphlet or leaflet, in front of a portrait depicting the events that led to Jesus Christ’s death. But with the disease-like effect of modern technology and modern minds, some innovators thought of a way to give a twist in visiting stations, a...

by:  Melanie Queenie Bolanos On 6 March 2019,  Ash Wednesday, day 1 of the lenten season. Today we are reminded of us going back to dust and ashes, when the right time comes, and our soul hopefully will live with God forever. As Christians, we are alerted that our life on earth is short, and we may be called anytime; then give an account of our life to God on how we live fully in love in accordance to His will and precepts. The Ash is from the dried branches which were used of last year's Palm Sunday. The Parish collects it and burns it till its charcoal ash which is used on Ash Wednesday. Don't miss the chance of participating at Ash Wednesday if you are staying living at the temporary housing in Novaliches. There are several Catholic Churches nearby like Parokya ng Pagkabuhay Parish, San Bartolome Parish, Kingspoint Parish and the Our Lady of Angels Seminary. Honestly when Ash Wednesday comes in, I really look forward to Easter Sunday. But ...

Aileen and Marty Soriano When travelling to our country these are important tips to help you: 1. When with children, it is best they all receive the vaccine shots necessary to combat diseases. It is however important to know the side effects of these vaccines. 2. One week before your trip, it is best to get the right amount of sleep and take all the vitamins and minerals needed to keep you healthy. 3. Take all the necessary precautions by bringing your personal medicines with you with doctor's prescription; or bring the doctor's prescription if you need to buy the meds in the Philippines. 4. Identify the hospitals and doctors nearby the furnished apartment you are staying even before arriving in our country, in case you need to see the doctor. 5. Upon arriving in the Philippines, make sure you get enough sleep. If you are coming in from a different time zone, it typically takes one or two weeks to adjust, take it easy before attending high ac...

by: Mario Soriano Jr. (Marty) with my beloved wife - Aileen. Marty:   St. Valentine's Day is 17 days away popularly celebrated on the 14th of Feb must not be missed when you are in vacation in the Philippines. Aileen on celebration: 14 Feb known as St. Valentine's day is celebrated yearly in the Philippines. I remember how our teacher would teach us how to  make a St. Valentine's Card with a big heart colored red on the cover. We usually give the Valentine's card to our parents. Even among friends or "barkadas" we send St. Valentine's card greetings, whether bought or made is highly appreciated. It is like spread real "Love" around. Among my family, I observe my father blocking a date in February for "the date" with my mother. Children stay home after the St. Valentine's family celebration with older cousins. There are major dates which my father never missed: St. Valentine's day, wedding anniversary and birth dates ...

November 1 and November 2 By: Ronan Vergara Being Orientals, the Filipinos commemorate “All Saints’ Day” and “All Souls’ Day” (November 2) in a very colorful fashion. Some prefer to stay shortly at a temporary housing in Novaliches to be able to reach Holy Cross Memorial Park; and stay overnight after the typical family gathering. As a child, I recalled tagging along with my friends to sing the “Pangangaluwa” (a folk song about souls asking for alms) in front of households on evenings prior to November 1 – All Saints’ Day.  At the event of the commercialization of “All Saints’ Day”, big malls are opened – thus it is easy for families traveling here and there to get access to basic services. We usually take a time off as early as 30 October 2019 if we need to visit our family members who departed from this life to the next Life. Families typically use houses near the place where they need to visit, especially if the place is far from their homes. Typically the employees ...

by: Mary Ann Bolanos St. Francis of Assisi was a son of a rich merchant.  He was the founder of the friars minor Franciscans and a Confessor. He was a knight, a crusader against the saracens. When he came back from a campaign, he was very ill, and almost died. While sick, he realized God is calling him for a greater cause. He was called to live a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. His charism is to teach the virtue of  poverty and rally for peace. He became a great friend of a Sultan, they both resolved that living peacefully together is better than killing each other despite differences in religion. The movie "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" is the life of the St. Francis of Assisi. Here are some photos of St. Francis' hometown taken by my friend Mariz of UPLB (University of the Philippines in Los Banos):  Blessed Mother Mary and her Son St. Francis Assisi, Church St. Francis of Assisi         ...

Mrs. Queenie T. Bolanos Welcome to the Philippines ! So you are flying in the Philippines using a red eye flight! I know the jaded floating feeling, hoping to hit the sack (bed) the soonest! Here are some tips on how to get rid of Jet lag: 1. Avoid drinking heavy wine on board. We are a tropical country and drinking wine without enough sleep can give you severe headache. Choose tomato juice, mineral water and pineapple. 2. Do your best to sleep while flying, especially if you are transferring from one time line to another. 3. When you are meeting up your relatives, make sure to forwarn them that you need to rest for at least 2 days of sleep, especially if you are coming in from Europe. Some they prefer a 1 week rest, especially those who are flying in from Iceland. Inform your relatives that you will accept reunions, invites and visitors after one week. Otherwise you will find yourself super hot headed because of jet lag. Great to have few close relatives to assist you. This is importa...

by: Angela, Charles, Charlene and Daniel The feast of the Guardian Angels is celebrated on 2 October 2019 Angela:  The Guardian Angels are our greatest ally. They always protect us day in and day out. Charles: We can talk to our Guardian Angels daily, waking, walking and till the end of the day. Charlene:  My Guardian Angel helps me a lot, in my studies and while dealing with friends. Daniel I ask the help of my Guardian Angel always, and especially when I travel and play sports. My Guardian Angel is a real best best friend. Prayer to the Guardian Angel Ewtn Sign of the Cross Angel of God, my guardian dear To whom God's Love, commits me here. Ever this day, be at my side, go light and guard to rule and guide. Amen Sign of the Cross

Parokya ng Pagkabuhay #625 Parokya ng Pagkabuhay Road, Novaliches, Quezon City Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays: 6:00 a.m. only Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays: 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sundays: Every hour starting 6:00 a.m. till 9:00 a.m. resumes 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p. m. 4:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. San Bartolome Church  San Bartolome, Novaliches, Q.C. Mondays to Fridays: 6:00 a.m. and 6:30  P.M. Saturdays: 6:00 a.m. Sundays: Every hour starting 6:00 a.m. ends at 9:00 a.m., resumes at 3:00 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. Fairview Park * Good Shepherd Archdiocese Shrine (Regalado Ave) Tel: 939-4720/430-8440 Monday to Saturday:  5:45 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sto. Domingo Church 537 Quezon Avenue Tel: 712-6271 Monday to Saturday: 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, 7:15, 8:15 a.m. and 12:15, 6:00p.m. Sunday: 5a.m. to 12 noon (every hour the Holy Mass is celebrated in the morning. 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. (every hour in the afternoon till 7:00 p.m. the Holy Mass is celebrated). National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes ...

by: JC Bulan Being both Catholics,  getting married in a Catholic church in the Philippines is the right decision.  Keep yourselves afire, starting from the moment you decide both to get married.  You will be embarking through the next part of your journey as a Catholic couple, the marriage preparations.  The furnished apartment in Novaliches is near several Catholic Churches where you can have the Sacrament of Marriage celebrated.  It typically takes you 3 months at the minimum to prepare for the Church wedding.  Both of you will be busy for the next upcoming 3 to 6 months, and hopefully you will discover the best of the qualities of your future spouse, as you will open horizons of new adventures together. Besides getting busy, the Philippines has a wide array of Catholic Churches which were built since the time of the Spanish Conquistadores. There are also new Catholic Churches, so if you agreed to have the marriage bond in a ...

by: Ronan Vergara, Anton Perez, Denice Lao, Alvin Bolanos, Mary Ann Bolanos 1. RIDING A TRICYCLE Have you ever found yourself walking in the streets of Manila, tired and not knowing how to get to your destination faster? I know I have! But lucky for me, a solution to my problem passed by in no time. Perhaps the most common and easiest way to travel in the Philippines is through a tricycle ride. Yes, a tricycle ride! It is a motorcycle with a side-coach welded next to it. It can accommodate around 3-5 passengers, depending on the vehicle’s size. When you arrive along the "kanto" or the entrance of the urban village going to L. Cleofas Street to look for the furnished apartment in Novaliches, you may take the tricycle and pay Php 17.00 to reach your destination. Tricycle Photo by Samuel Warren The Writer Tricycles are very easy to ride. They are very common, especially in small barangays and streets. They are usually found in terminals or near sidewalks. Y...