COOL | Artificial shooting stars, anyone? Japanese company wants to make meteor showers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Enter Japan, a nation that's been one of the leaders in invention and innovation. Tokyo (Japan) will be hosting the 2020 Olympics and a company called Star-ALE has revealed it wants to create artificial showers which could be a possibility come 2020.

Yep, how cool is that!? Definitely ayos!

Star-ALE aims to launch a spacecraft that releases around 500 to 1,000 spherical pellets in low orbit. These pellets will then fall towards Earth, re-enter the atmosphere, burn and produce a flash of light similar with what you see during meteor showers. No, hindi Meteor Garden ang tinutukoy ko with all those pa-cute dudes and that inaaway na chinita haha.

Video Courtesy: Youtube channel Ale Co., Ltd.

Through project Sky Canvas, these pellets, each costing $8,000, will be composed of some common elements we see in the periodic table which will give colors to the artificial meteors from green (Copper, Cu) to pink (Lithium, Li).

But wait, wait, wait! Don't get your hopes so high! The company is still yet to know if they will push through with it on the Olympics. So far, the spokesperson concluded that "articles claiming that we 'want' to provide shooting stars for the Olympics are true, but those that claim that we 'will' or 'have proposed to' are no."

What is to expect though is that, if this indeed will happen, it's going to be fantastic! Imagine seeing meteors shine brighter than the brightest star in our sky at night, Sirius! Everyone would wish to be in Tokyo by that time!

LOOK | How important is religion to Filipinos?

Holy Week in the Philippines has already begun. This period of significant religious observance starts from Palm Sunday (March 20) and ends on an Easter Sunday (March 27); this week is a bit earlier than previous years of the commemoration of Jesus Christ's last steps to crucifixion, central to the country's dominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant populace. For some, this week serves as a period to confess and repent for all sins committed; for others, it's a way to go to the beach and unwind with loved ones.

With all religious Filipino practices and rituals bore in mind, a question does beg for an answer. How important is religion in the lives of Filipinos? Is it still vital to Filipino survival? 

According to Pew Research Center data, 87% of Filipinos surveyed say religion is very important in their lives. This only means that religion is still central to Pinoy culture and tradition.

Image Source: Statista

Do the data then infer that 13 percent of Filipinos take religion as not important to them? Probably not, for it's possible that among the 13 percent who don't see religion as very crucial in their day-to-day living, some might have also considered religion as somewhat important or not too important. Hence, it doesn't necessarily say that more than 1 in 10 Filipinos are already atheists; this shouldn't be a big deal at all since everyone deserves to be respected regardless of their spiritual inclination. 

However, it should be noted that looking at the international arena, religion seemed to be more important to people in the developing world, with the world's biggest economies taking in much lower percentages, except for the United States.

TRAVEL | List of 8 Great Places in the Philippines to Visit this Summer

It is that period of the year again when the spotlight is turned towards the Philippines’ best beaches and mesmerizing islands. Start your vacation by getting sun-kissed in the sand. Visit the country's best summer getaways.

This summertime season will definitely give us the opportunity to explore, discover, and gain new experiences. Start your vacation right by planning as early as now. Find the perfect place for you to celebrate the hot days of summer!

This list of eight (8) great summer Philippine summer destinations will definitely help you come up with your escapade itinerary.

SAN RAFAEL RIVER ADVENTURE

Photo Courtesy: San Rafael River Adventure

Before 2014 ended, the resort of San Rafael River Adventure in Bulacan was opened to the public. And since then, this has been the perfect destination for people not just looking to spend one epic summer adventure, but even to those looking to experience nature, serenity and romance in one place.

If you want to relax, spend some quality time with your family, escape the stresses of the city, and even be with your one and only in privacy, we definitely encourage you to place this on your list of PH summer destinations to check out this summer. You will see an infinity pool with an astonishing view and enjoy water sports activities just like paddle board, jet ski, kayaking, etc.). It is a fact that beaches and swimming pools are the traditional choices, but San Rafael River Adventure gives you a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Address: Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan

Phone: 0917 924 4546

Website: www.srra.ph

NOGAS ISLAND

Photo Courtesy: Jovanie A. Toria, It's LAGAW time

Take a break from pressure, stress and anxiety. Explore Nogas island and wallow in Anini-y’s hot springs. This is one of Antique’s famous destinations. With its complete facilities, guests can enjoy this inviting paradise in Western Visayas.

Nogas Island is located in Anini-y, Antique. With is its lovely, private 24-hectare spot, this is just about a 15-minute boat journey from the town’s seashore. A sure natural reserve, it is ideal for swimming, diving, and early morning strolling along  its pristine white-sand beach. Want to know more about this travel-worthy place? Check out a traveler's experience here.

Address: Anini-y, Antique

Phone: None

Website: None (Check out reviews here!)

MISIBIS BAY RESORT 

Photo Courtesy: Booking.com

We've shown you a preview of resorts to check out north of Metro Manila and south in Antique  province. Let us now take you to Albay in the far east side of the country. 

A high-class hideaway constituting 37 Asian-inspired villas, Misibis Bay gives you an extraordinary, unusual, extravagant, and enchanting experience in a paradise that boasts of a spa, an outdoor pool, worth visiting restaurants (Tapas Bar, Dela Playa Beach Grill), a private beach, a gym, and a wide array of activities such as thrilling water sports events like parasailing, diving with whale sharks, and windsurfing, and trekking Mayon Volcano on an ATV.

Misibis Bay is your luxury island offering outdoor play area in the Philippines. It's a private tropical sanctuary built on a pristine section of the southern beach portion of Cagraray island in Bacacay, Albay. 

Address: Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay

Phone: (02) 661 888

Website: www.misibisbay.com

HALEA NATIONAL PARK

Photo Courtesy: frenchkisses, TripAdvisor.com.ph

True to being a national park, Halea serves as a haven to countless sea species because of its rich ecosystem. Because of the protection and security it gets, the area has successfully preserved its beauty inviting tourists from all over the world to experience the tranquility it can offer. It is so captivating that the residents themselves could not get enough of this paradise.

Address: San Miguel Island, Monreal, Masbate
Phone: 0917 844 7023 | 02 725 7628 (Carlo de Leon)
Website: None

BALER AURORA

Photo Courtesy: ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines.com

Professional surfers and surfer-wannabes take the journey to Baler in Aurora and prepare for their ride with the big waves. And this, without any doubt, is true and proven because Sabang Beach is a surfer’s ideal place to be. But more that the surfing itself, the town is progressively popular not only to surfing fanatics and lovers, mainly because of its natural splendor, historical importance and other attractions such as Ditumabo Falls, Diguisit Rock Formations, Baler Catholic Church, and Museum de Baler.

Address: Aurora

Phone: None

Website: None (Read Sabang Beach reviews here.)

SUBIC BEACH

Photo Courtesy: Melvin Baroga

Nope. We're not referring to Subic Bay in Zambales. This one's in Sorsgon! Subic Beach is a gem that's yet to be known by the travel horde. From the port of Matnog, as you move closer to Subic Beach, you will be amazed at its pinkish sand that's due to crushed reddish corals that have collected in the sand. You will also be inspired by its clear blue waters which allows you to see through the coral formations below.  If you wish to momentarily isolate yourself from the rest of modern civilization, just troop to this wonderful hideaway. Check out one traveler's experience in Subic Beach here.

Address: Calintaan Island, Matnog, Sorsogon

Phone: None

Website: None (How do people perceive this beach? Read here.)

CALAGUAS ISLAND

Photo Courtesy: ChasingPhilippines.com

This place brags of two main tourist must-dos that everyone would surely love – walking along the white sand of Mahabang Buhangin and swimming in the pristine blue Pacific waters, any of which soothes headaches and eases broken hearts. Since it is less visited and commercialized versus other crowded beaches like Boracay, the isle serves as a perfect escapade for individuals longing for privacy. If you are the type of traveler who just want to get away from the demanding, busy life of the city, take a few moments to immerse yourself in the beauty of Calaguas and let all the stress fade away.

Address: Mangcawayan, Vinzons, 4603 Camarines Norte
Phone: 0917 959 5985
Website: www.bestcalaguastour.com

ESKAYA BEACH RESORT

Photo Courtesy: AllTravelSpots.com

Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa is a commendable spa resort located in Panglao Island, just at the southernmost tip of Bohol, which is famed for the wide-eyed tarsier and for its enticing Chocolate Hills.. Placed halfway through Panglao along its coast opposite the Bohol Sea, it is a sprawling property covering almost 16 hectares of land with a varied geography. It has a slowly descending cliff, a ravine, flat land, caves, and an impressive view of the sea.

The resort is home to a stylish boutique establishment and reflects Filipino crafts and architecture. Its single-detached villas called “balai” are made with durable native materials including bamboo, wood, and cogon. A lot of these "balai" have private swimming pools in it. 

The resort's main attraction, however, is the infinity pool which gives a relaxing view of the sea. Do check out its spacious and vibrant restaurant --- Lantawan Restaurant. You may even dine at the beach al fresco style, in the garden, or by the poolside.

Address: Tawala, Panglao Island
Phone: (02) 727 4927
Website: www.eskayaresort.com

There are just so much more to discover, lots of things to do, numerous places to visit, and unlimited number of memories to make this summer. Be with the people you love. Travel alone. Meet new people. Go on challenging trips. Enjoy the summer heat. Unwind and just have fun in the Philippine, for it has a lot to offer! These are just some of the best places to visit this summer!

LOOK | The real face of Jesus Christ? How Jesus looks like during his era.

Yup. What you're seeing above might just be the actual/real face of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity.

By studying thee (3) Semite skulls found in Israel using up-to-date forensic technology and information from the bible, a retired medical artist named Dr. Richard Neave has reconstructed what the actual face of Jesus would have been in his time. And it seems that it's so different from the face that you see in the cross and in other religious images --- Caucasian with long, brown/blonde hair and blue eyes.

The Son of God possibly has a wide face, dark eyes, a bushy beard, short curly hair, and a tanned complexion. Here's a side view of how Jesus Christ looks like.

Dr. Neave's team hypothesized that Jesus would have shared facial features typical of Galilean Semites of his time, as described by events in the Garden of Gethsemane from the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus would have closely resembled his disciples. 

Some experts believe that Dr. Neave's depiction is likely far more accurate than those in paintings of great artists. 

What is your say on this?

Images Courtesy: BBC/Red Vision, Dr. Richard Neave