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.
For sure, there was at least one point in your life where you asked what vitamins are for. Or simply put, how do vitamins work? Why do some people take multivitamins? What vitamins are important in our everyday lives?
Image ScreenCap: Youtube channel TED-Ed
Well, this animation brought to you by Youtube channel TED-Ed explains the answers to your questions. In this video, you will understand the ways in which vitamins work. Mas maiintindihan mo kung papaano gumagana ang mga vitamins sa katawan. Ano nga ba ang role ng mga vitamins na ito?
Just watch the cool science video below. And don't forget to share it with your friends too!
Video Courtesy: Youtube channel TED-Ed, Ginnie Trinh Nguyen
A Youtube commenter ZestyManifesto listed down some of the general roles of certain vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, and K). Here are what each vitamin is for.
Water Soluble (dissolves in water)
Vitamin B Complex - Convert food to Fuel
Vitamin C - Healing Wounds and Forming Scar Tissue
Lipid (Fat) Soluble (can pass through lipid membranes)
Vitamin A - Makes White Blood Cells for Defense
Vitamin D - Gathers Calcium and Phosphorus for Bones
Vitamin E - Antioxidant for Damaged Cells
Vitamin K - Score ability to Clot Blood
Hope you learned something new today! Araw-araw, binibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na matutunan ang mga bagay na hindi pa natin alam. For the love of learning!
The world we know today is rich in cultures that have continuously fused and brought about more individuality in us. People now have more In the Philippines, Original Pinoy Music or OPM as it is called has again found itself back in the airwaves after losing steam since the 2000s. Today, a lot of OPM pop songs have emerged --- thanks to events like Philippine POP Music Festival, Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs and other competitions, singers and songwriters out there are able to come up with really good, upbeat songs.
Image ScreenCap: No Erase
Here is a list of 12 of the most feel-good OPM pop (PPop) songs that you should have in your playlist. The list also details the singer/s and the year the music video for each was released. All video credits go to the respective Youtube channels. Enjoy listening!
1. Triangulo by Thyro and Yumi (2015)
2.Kilometro by Sarah Geronimo (2014)
3.Dati by Sam Concepcion (2013)
4. Mahal Kita Pero by Janella Salvador (2014)
5. Gayuma by Abra (2012)
6. No Erase by James Reid and Nadine Lustre (2014)
7. Hanap-Hanap by James Reid and Nadine Lustre (2015)
Are you an idea machine fully capable of transforming what's in your mind into actions that would benefit, not only yourself, but other groups of people too? Are you a passionate, goal-driver dreamer capable of creating viable solutions out of real-life Filipino problems?
Image Source: CauseVox.co
Are you a successful person who'd like to give back to the people behind your triumph by supporting budding entrepreneurs from different fields? Is altruism imbibed in your character?
Then, this article is what you are looking for. In this post, we list down some of the sites which serve as venues for someone to pitch your ideas in, raise funds, and deliver what you have promised for the benefit of the people whose lives can be changed by your vision. Besides this, it also allows wealthy individuals to effectively use their money for certain causes and support startups and thriving businesses that will go big and change the world.
People commonly refer to this way of seeking for or giving support to projects, products or events as crowdfunding.
WHAT IS CROWDFUNDING?
Wikipedia defines crowdfunding as:
"the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people, today often performed via internet-mediated registries, but the concept can also be executed through mail-order subscriptions, benefit events, and other methods."
For a financially wealth person, it means you, yourself, will give a specific amount of money toyou fund a project (event, product, idea), and usually, the project initiators give you something in return. For the project initiators or organizers, you are given an opportunity to present your possible solutions to the online public.
Of course, Filipinos have had their fair share of financing and/or support seeking through crowdfunding platforms. Here is a list of some crowdfunding websites where projects/events created and/or supported by fellow Pinoys and foreigners have become successful.
Its founder Georgina Lee envisioned it to be similar to Kickstarter; however, PhilAmTHropy or PATH targets Filipino-oriented projects that have a huge potential. And so, these receive financial assistance from PATH. PATH also focuses on high quality and viability projects, helping the project owners with their marketing campaign.
PhilAmTHropy (PATH) is a crowd funding site for projects made for or made by Filipinos. We coined the name "PhilAmTHropy" by combining the word "philanthropy" (love of humanity) with "PhilAm," our abbreviation of "Philippine Ambassadors".
Image Source: Called to Rescue
One of the projects it supports is Called to Rescue which is a non-profit organization aiming to fight child sex trafficking, violence and abuse in the country. Check out the Philippine chapter here.
Artiste Connect is a crowdfunding platform for talented artists and creative individuals to help them finance the production of their projects.
Image Source: Artiste Connect
Artiste Connect is not just about project productions. It’s about bridging the gap between the artist and the fan, as well as the artist and the businessman. Our goal is to connect and support both the artist and the fan. Know more about Artiste Connect here.
One specific interesting Filipino group featured in Artiste Connect is Color It Red - Facebook.
Image Source: Color It Red, Artiste Connect
The Filipino pop-rock band that was formed in 1989 had gained funding through Artiste Connect was able to record its fifth studio album “Silver” for its 25th Anniversary. Support them by checking out this link.
Crowdo (formerly Crowdonomic) caters to entrepreneurs in Asia seeking funding and visibility. It is based in Singapore and targets start up businesses not just individual projects. Leo Shimada, founder, said that their ultimate goal was to help entrepreneurs by addressing a key pain point – the funding gap.
Image Source: Crowdo
Crowdo is Southeast Asia's biggest crowdfunding company with a mission to empower Innovators and Entrepreneurs in Asia. We are leading the way in Asia with a comprehensive portfolio of Finance 2.0 solutions and services. Know more about Crowdo here.
One particular Pinoy project on Crowdo worthy of your support is Bancas for the Philippines which was raised by the WWF through Earth Hour Blue campaigns on the crowdfunding site. The project was successful it was able to get 18 Filipino fishing boats back on the water. The recipients were those fishermen who lost their livelihood due to typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda).
Kickstarter, a large global community built around creativity and creative projects, has served as an avenue for at least 10 million individuals to back projects that matter.
Image Source: Kickstarter.com
Kickstarter helps artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and other creators find the resources and support they need to make their ideas a reality. To date, tens of thousands of creative projects — big and small — have come to life with the support of the Kickstarter community.
Image ScreenCap: Kim Komenich video on Kickstarter.com
Pulitizer Prize awardee, photojournalist Kim Komenich has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a $25,000-goal that will allow for the release of his new book detailing the fall of the Marcos regime in the Philippines during the 1986 "People Power" EDSA revolution. The release is in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the revolution. As of posting date, the campaign has already received the $14,000. If you wish to support this, here is the link. Other projects are available too.
Just like Kickstarter and other crowdfunding websites, Indiegogo gives entrepreneurs, makers, movers, and shakers the chance to dream big and affect lives without the pressure of having to capitalist investors' demands. It gives entrepreneurs the self-determination they need and empowers them to go for their passion.
Image Source: Indiegogo.com
Because every inventive idea should have its shot, and every creative entrepreneur should have their moment. When there’s more freedom in the funding of ideas, there’s simply more freedom, period.
Who says learning about electronics at a young age can't be simple and fun? A Makati-based four-man team created the IQube which teaches kids the basics of electronics by letting them connect cubes together, each of which makes a significant part of the electric circuit. This, thereby, allows kids to explore and understand part by part the circuit. Check out other Indiegogo campaigns here.
Almost every person in the world who mostly pays for hospitalization bills from out of his/her pocket knows that health should be a priority in life.
Image Courtesy: www.studentlendingworks.org
Illnesses and accidents are not picky. These can happen to anyone. And the damages, not only to the state of the person but also to the financial status and the well-being of the whole family, should be minimized. Hence, some governments look for ways to help the people it governs manage their health and wellness.
Especially for a country like the Philippines, the home of one of the most hygienic people in the world, people hate getting into accidents, being afflicted with diseases, or losing someone to year-long battles. It's just too costly --- physically and mentally. Although unwanted circumstances like accidents and deaths bring Filipino families together, these are just not the way Pinoys would want to be reunited with their loved ones.
The Philippine government has steadily sustained its health programs that aim to cover everyone and not just the poor. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, PhilHealth, is a tax-exempt government-owned and and government-controlled corporation (GOCC) which was tasked to provide a national health insurance program for all. The presence of PhilHealth clearly defines the notion that the healthy is capable of paying for the sick and the wealthy, the fortunate can subsidize those who can't, as well as all contributors are assured a healthcare safety net.
The PhilHealth categorizes contributors into different groups, namely formal (employed), indigent , retiree, non-formal, and OFW. Except for outpatient primary care which only applies to indigents and OFWs, all beneficiaries can avail of the following services at lower (subsidized) fees: catastrophic coverage, inpatient care, catastrophic coverage, ambulatory surgeries, outpatient treatment for malaria and tuberculosis, and maternal deliveries. Please visit the PhilHealth website for a complete list of the healthcare benefits.
This 2016, PhilHealth released its table of premium contributions (seen below) which serves as the basis of all PhilHealth contributions of the employed, self-employed, OFWs, sponsored, and individual paying members.
Image ScreenCap: PhilHealth
For those who are employed, 50% of the contribution, which depend on their salary bracket, will come from their employer. There are 28 salary brackets (ranging from a monthly salary of 8,999.99 Php or lower, to a highly 35,000 Php) in the PhilHealth contribution table, each with a different premium to be paid.
Based on the table of monthly premiums, "Kasambahay" or household helps who receive a monthly salary of less than 5,000 Php will have their contributions fully shouldered by their employer.
For all land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), they have the choice to pay their premium either annually (2,400 Php) or semi-annually (1,200 Php).
For all self-employed and individually paying members who have monthly income of P25,000 and below, they will pay an annual premium of 2,400 Php. Meanwhile, those who earn more than P25,000 monthly will have to pay 3,600 Php per year. Payments can also be done semi-annually or quarterly.
Those under the Sponsored Program category, their annual premium of 2,400 Php will be partially or fully subsidized by their respective sponsors (could be an LGU, private entity, legislator or a national government agency).
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.
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.
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.
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!
In life, there are cases where you get too preoccupied mentally that you sometimes end up doing your work inefficiently or end up getting lazy and unproductive. Sometimes, you find it struggling to stick with them simply because you just couldn't get it over with.
Photo Source: SellingtoCustomers.Typepad.com
Initially, you have your goals set. But then, bit by bit, you work on it. And as you go on, you realize that you're bored of performing the same thing over and over again. And then you stop. And then you come up with another goal that you'd like to accomplish, but eventually, you lose focus and then you stop again. And the cycle goes on and on. The thing is you always tell yourself that, once you're already doing something, you can take a pause, do it later, and unintentionally procrastinate. Your mental endurance might just be not that strong as compared to those who can do the job within the time frame they've set themselves into.
The lack of focus and concentration is oftentimes the reason all your plans don't turn into actions. Don't worry. It happened to me before all the time --- from blogging and working, to studying and finishing my papers.
But how do I stay focused?
Watch the awesome video below for tips on how to stay focused on your work. It works! :)
Video Courtesy: Youtube channel Brendon.com
There is a need for clarity as to what result you would like to achieve when you want to focus on your goals. Concentration is when you stick with the task until it is 100 percent complete.
For example, a would-be singer would focus on hitting the right notes in order to make sure she sings well any song that fits her voice. But a singer would have to work on it for hours and hours so as to get it right. She needs to concentrate on her main focus, that is ensuring she sings the way she expects her to.
Another scenario would be that of a photographer who adjusts his lens for him to be able to capture sharp images. And then, he sticks with it making sure all day long until he's satisfied with his result.
The video you see below highlights two of the most important habits of successful people. Make sure you watch it, after reading this post. It will help you, pramis!
Be sure that what you're working on is the most significant thing you could be doing, at the moment, to get what you want.
So what makes a successful person?
Successful people always keep in mind that they must work in a straight, clear line to go from where they are to where they want to be. If you want to reach your dreams, you must be sure that everything you do is taking you in that direction. Once you're sure of the path to take, regardless if it's the common way or not, you then develop good habits that would accompany you in your path and take you there.
When I was starting Spotlight Philippines, Manila LifeBox's sister website, my dream was just to practice my poor writing skills, so that my English comprehension and vocabulary will improve in time. Being able to type super fast, getting some traffic, and finally having to share my own thoughts and opinions, were just pluses. For me, these blogs are like my kids. They give me happiness whenever that feeling of having unaccomplished something occasionally sinks in. Having written at least 1000 posts for my first blog, despite the college work, social and org life, and tutorial sessions that I had to balance, keeps me in check and makes me confident that I could write for other clients too.
What will discipline and good work habits do to me?
The decision to apply good habits in your life would dramatically enhance the quality and quantity of what you finish every day. Eventually, you will become one of the most successful people in the field.
When you are able to concentrate, you can do a lot of things. Like seriously, you can accomplish a lot! When you are able to finish an important task,your self-esteem, energy, and enthusiasm is affected positively. It makes you feel like you want to continue doing it. Failure to complete your day-to-day tasks, on the other hand, uses up your energy, enthusiasm, and self-esteem.
When you're able to do something significantly impacting for you, no matter how hard it is, you are able to experience a surge in energy and well-being. You feel satisfied with life. However, if you work on a not-so-important task, you get less contented and more disappointed of yourself. You'd feel that there's no payoff doing something that really doesn't matter to you.
For me, writing was a way to unleash my inner thoughts. It helped me relieve the stress, and in doing so, made me a lot more stronger and fulfilled in life despite the hurdles.
Disciplining yourself to concentrate on a job until it is finished boosts your confidence, mastery of the specific task, and competence. It turns you into a hardworking person and gives you self-control And when you have self control, you'd feel that you have the power to shape your own destiny.
Prolonged discipline and continuous concentration on things you'd like to focus on, which all contribute to grit, are key to attaining success. But it's not just all hard work; you also have to strike a balance between work and play. Or much better, mix them! Have fun while at work! Trust me. I've been there! :)
