Thursday, January 13, 2011

January is Holy Child Festival Month- Sinulog


Sinulog Viva Pet Senior!!

The month of the January in the Philippines is devoted to festivities honoring the Holy Child. The Filipino term is called "Santo Niño" in which it is common to them.

To give readers and viewers as a background, Holy Child started during the time of the Spanish colonization. The image of the Holy Child has a very colorful chapter in the country's religious history, which dates back to 1521 when the Portugese explorer Ferdinand Magellan accidentally discovered the archipelago in the Far East.

After Magellan was slain by Lapu-Lapu in the Battle of Mactan, not much as heard about the image except that the Cebuanos worshipped the Santo Niño as a "rain God" and dance the sinulog to the beat of drums interspersed with shouts of Pit Senyor which means Hail The Lord!

When Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived 40 years later and conquered the islands for the Spanish crown, the Cebuanos fled to the hills after razing their homes. In one of the burned houses, a Spanish soldier was said to have found the statue of the Santo Niño hidden in a large wooden chest spared by the fire.

Legazpi later named Cebu the "City of the Most Holy Name of Jesus" in honor of the religious icon. It was enshrined in a church built in its honor, which later became a basilica. Until now, this Church still exist and a strong foundation with non-stop devotees.

Some of the people believe once they believe in Catholic faith from Holy Child, they can heal and save lives but some Catholic leaders believe in Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. This is more on faith in the month of January.

In Dumaguete, there are several Holy Child scattered in a different barangays. The most famous Holy Child is found in Mangga located in the part of Meciano road in which many devotees are going there bringing candles to save their faith. This event happens in the month January, in which that is their beginning festival for their barrio. May is another area for their celebration area that is exclusive for their respective barangay.

This article supposed to be is in the editorial level but the don't worry for the readers and viewers, this is categorized by news because it has an information to know or discover. This is sub-categorized by free journalism because I believe that there is freedom of the press.

With the Holy Child's more than 400 years of cultural linkage with our history, it is common that we celebrate the various feasts in His honor that are being celebrated throughout this month of January.

The most popular Holy Child related celebrated though is Aklan which is called Ati-Atihan festival, which is now being rerplicated throughout the country during this month of January and during town fiestas.It's origins can be traced to the 13th century when ten datus which are known as chieftains from Borneo landed in the Province of Antique to purchased the island of Panay, where Aklan is included, that is from Marikudo, the island's Ati which is their aborigine ruler. The deal was closed after Marikudo accepted a golden salakot which is the gourd headgear and a golden necklace for his wife, Maniwantiwan. After the purchase, the warring tribes of Aklan ended their protracted feud and celebrated the event by dancing to the rhythmic beat of gongs.

This is very common in Cebu, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Manila, and other major places in the Philippines about the festival of Holy Child.

About the Author

I am Management Marketing graduate of Saint Paul College of Dumaguete which is now Saint Paul University of Dumaguete.As of now, I am residing in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. At present, I am continue writing any articles in which, people are looking for the things they like to see or to discover.

The Queen City of Philippines - Cebu

If you are traveling the Philippines and looking for one good and worth stop. Cebu should be on your list. This popular tourist destination known for exquisite hotels and beaches will simply take your breath away. Cebu indeed established itself as the center of the land of Visayas - Central Philippines. Home to millions of Cebuano's, local people raised in Cebu. Without a visit on this Queen City of South will not complete your Philippine tour after all.

Cebu City particularly Mactan has a captivating white sand beach and a scenic paradise undersea for people interested in Scuba Diving. You did hear Boracay as a premier place to visit for this white sand beach experience but Cebu has an unexposed lengthy white sand beaches that everyone might be looking for. With hotspots for diving activities that showcase Cebu's well honed coral gardens and marine living.

Hotels, name it! From five star luxurious hotels to one star cheap hotel, CEBU is primed for tourist extravaganza in years. Foreign and local tourist will not find theirselves a man on an island upon visit to Cebu Philippines.

January on Cebu is one of the best date that you can go ahead and visit the Queen. Sinulog Festival is held every 3rd week of the January wherein huge number of people both foreign and local are looking forward to. Come and celebrate Sinulog and dance with Sto. Ninos on the streets of Cebu.

Traveling to Cebu is not a big deal. Either you go to Cebu by airplane or by cruise to reach the Queen city of the South. Plane tickets could come from major airlines like Philippine Airlines or fly with Cebu pacific. If you're looking for some worthy ride then take the cruise. So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now and enjoy your visit in Philippines Cebu.

About the Author

I grew up people calling me "Sy", I'm a part time blogger and social media interest specialist. I blog for the official magazine of GohuntPH, a business listing slash philippines classified ads.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Fascinating Festivals in the Philippines

The Philippines, one of the premier travel destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, is at the forefront of countries banking on colorful festivals to promote its rich culture and heritage. Almost everyday there is an event celebrating a momentous occasion in the country such as a town fiesta or a feast of a local patron saint or a patroness. These fascinating festivals, according to experts, prove that Filipinos are fun-loving people.

Festivals, both cultural and religious in nature, are celebrated all year round across the country's three main island groups - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Every region, province, city, municipality, and barangay has its own way of merrymaking. That's why most Philippine travel guides declare that there are countless ways to enjoy and explore the beauty of this archipelago of 7,107 islands.

Festivals are considered a primary engine for driving the tourism industry aside from the country's unspoiled beaches and other man-made and natural attractions. These colorful events are magnets to local and foreign travelers who are often awed by the way people celebrate festivals with high energy and much enthusiasm.

Here is a list of some of the grandest and exquisite festivals in the country.

Sinulog Festival
Sinulog Festival is the pride of Cebu City. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January, this colorful event is a way of the province's thanksgiving to the child Jesus. The Sinulog Festival, which usually lasts for nine days, features a street parade wherein participants dressed in bright costumes dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs.

Panagbenga Festival
Every February Baguio City, the "Summer Capital of the Philippines," stages a month-long flower festival called Panagbenga. One of the highly anticipated events during the festival is a parade of floats decorated with colorful flowers. It is patterned after the world-renowned Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Moriones Festival
Moriones Festival is one of the most colorful religious events in the Philippines. Held during the Holy Week in Marinduque, the festival is highlighted by a parade participated in by people wearing colorful masks and garbs replicating that of the biblical Roman soldiers. A similar celebrated is held in Valencia, Spain, in April.

Pahiyas Festival
The spotlight shifts to Lucban, Quezon, every 15th day of May, when this second-class municipality hosts the Pahiyas Festival. On this day, a street of houses is adorned with various agricultural produce and colorful rice ornaments called kiping. Pahiyas Festival is held in honor of St. Isodore, the patron saint of farmers.

Kadayawan Festival
Kadayawan Festival in Davao City is a celebration of good harvest. Held every third week of August, local folks go out on the streets and celebrate a bountiful yield in various ways, such street dancing competitions, parades of decorated floats, and power boat races. Trade fairs, flower shows, exhibits, and horse fight competitions are lined up during the weeklong festival.

There are other notable festivals that tourists must not miss out. Usually the golden months of Philippine festivals are January, April, May, and December. That's why it is advised to place your reservations to hotels and resorts for your preferred accommodations and vacation packages in advance.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

About the Author

Allan Leandro Merin has been writing for a living since 2008. After leaving a career at a daily electronic crew newspaper, he joined a web development outsourcing company and linked up with Local Philippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Traveling To The Philippines? Know Your Travel Agency

The Philippine Travel Agency market is currently a burgeoning success. As sound government policies on tourism takes primacy along with the natural beauty of the Philippines, different travel agents have regarded the Philippines as one of the fastest growing Asian destinations.

With the magnificent Philippine beach resort and beaches in tow, the best and cost effective travel agents look at Philippines as a choice recommendation for their tourist clients. With the impressive hospitality of its people, the Philippines has a wide collection of Philippine travel agents eager to bring the spectacular side of the Philippines to its market.

The Major Travel Agencies in the Philippines

● iTravel Philippines

One reputable Philippine Travel Agency is iTravel Philippines. iTravel follows it commitment to bring inspiration and encouraging travelers to look at the islands for nature tripping and eco-tourism. With their slogan, "Experience Paradise and Wonders in the Philippines," they feature the most popular and scenic destinations such as the capital heartland of Manila, the exotic island of Bohol and the ever popular Boracay. Their online booking form makes it easy to select travel destinations and make hassle-free and instant travel commitments.

● WOW Philippines Travel Agency

In the world of Philippine travel, one of the most respected names is WOW Philippines Travel Agency. Based in Santa Ana, Manila, they provide the best link to the hot spots in the Philippines including Puerto Galera, Batangas, and Subic Bay. Their discount travel packages include casual travel and tours, honeymoon or wedding events, diving packages that feature the best diving spots in the archipelago and golf packages for the corporate buff. WOW Philippines Travel Agency runs on excellent customer service and outstanding loyalty to their clients. Their travel services include hotel and resort reservations, conference or banquet reservations, prime class flight to Boracay, car rental, and guidance on tourist's traveling papers.

● Scorpio Travel & Tours Inc. is a world class tour operator and Philippine Travel Agency. Scorpio Travel has garnered numerous awards and accreditation including the Philippine Marketing Excellence Award. It is a member of the Philippine Travel and Tourism Council and a number of other reputable agency organizations. Their array of services include visa consultation, international and domestic tours, international and domestic ticketing, cruises, travel insurance, meetings and conventions, and health and wellness tours. Its competitive prices and dynamic marketing strategy makes it one of the most popular Philippine Travel Agency with international recognition.

● Royal Vacations Travel and Tours is a Canadian company offering balikbayan rates to Filipinos and every other tourist interested in visiting the Philippines. Their Toronto-based location allows for a very diverse client based services giving dynamic charisma to the Canadian and American travelers who are impressed with Royal Vacations Travel and Tours. They offer the most affordable rates for Canadian residents, Americans, and Filipinos alike. As they are a full service travel agency, they also order travel and tour packages to the delight of their clients.

● Blue Horizons Travel and Tours is one of the biggest wholesale travel agency that handles tourist from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Their diverse set of services seeks to bring out the pearl beauty of the Philippines. Such services are sightseeing tours, multi-lingual tour guides, study tours, conventions, and more. For those interested in diving and gold they have specific tour packages to bring out these experiences to you.

The Alliance of Philippine Travel Agencies (APTA) is a consortium of domestic and international Philippine travel agents whose aim is to provide the best and most professional travel experience for the casual and business tourist. Duly recognized by the Philippines' Department of Tourism, APTA also provides consultations, and recommendations to the tourism sector for a strategic plan to develop the country as a prime tourist spot in Asia. Its member travel agencies are Airfair International, Asian Pacific Travel, Garden State Travel NY, Pacific Asia Leisure, and USA & Orientours to name a few. Thus, its roster of members boasts an array of credible foreign and local travel agents there is.

As you travel to the Philippines, expect no complication when you choose a Philippine Travel Agency. These agencies will surely take the identity of Philippine hospitality that will definitely leave a mark on you as a tourist.

About the Author

Jose Maria Abada writes for Philippine-Travel-Guide.com. Check it out to learn more about the Philippine Resorts, Philippine Beaches, Philippine Hotels, and more.

Flowers & Gifts to Philippines

Philippines is a beautiful country that is basically an island or better to say a group of around more than seven thousand islands joining together to for this country. As islands are supposed to be lying in tropical regions, so generally the soil of such areas is supposed to be very rich in nutrients for growth of flowers and plants. Same is with the Philippines and Philippines is actually a great grower of Orchids. Flowers the most beautiful creation of God and are found growing in Philippines in bulk. Among all the flowers philippines orchid are very famous because Philippines grow more than one thousand species of Orchids solely. The horticulture industry of Philippines has grown a lot too. So gifting flowers in Philippines is like a most loved practice. There are many Filipinos living abroad for the sake of earning and many foreigners living there so sending gifts and flowers to Philippines for all such people's convenience was made easy by the online floral delivery services provided by the online florists.

flowers of philippines are beautiful and best to be used for gifting purpose due to growth of their horticulture industry and increase in quantity and quality of cut flowers available. You can send send flowers to the philippines to your loved ones missing you over the very special day of their life through these online florists. philippines roses are also very famous like its Orchids. flowers delivery philippines offered by these sites working online as the deliverer of flowers and gifts on your behalf is a great opportunity for the people who want to send gifts to the philippines and flowers to Philippines. It is a great opportunity to be availed by the as now no matter how far you are from Philippines you are able to send flowers of philippines to your loved ones over all the occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, wedding, Valentines Day or any other special day.

There are hundreds of such online portals working in this world of internet and websites that offer the floral and gift delivery to Philippines and other parts of the world but it is always important to know that which one is reliable before we go for a deal with any of these. For your convenience http://www.flowers-to-philippines.com/ is the best online portal working right now for floral and gift delivery to Philippines and the whole world. Be confident about your order and money and send flowers and gifts to Philippines through flowers2world.

About the Author

Marissa lien

Working in a philippines flowers
Website Company, which has the network of almost all the places of Philippines. Specially for send flowers to the Philippines
&
send gifts to the Philippines
marissa.marissa53@yahoo.com

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Thriving City of Manila, Philippines

Manila, Philippines is one of the 17 metropolis and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila and the country's capital. It is the place for most Filipinos to realize their dreams. There are several work opportunities in the city being the country's commercial hub with a modern metropolis that offer wide opportunity ventures.

Just like any other provinces and cities, Manila also holds a story of its own with several infrastructures and historical landmarks that hold its own stories. In terms of population, Manila is the fifth largest city and holds the world's eleventh largest metropolitan area.

A Touch of History

The city has its own stories to share that mark history. It is known as the Kingdom of Namayan and Kingdom of Tondo because it was the capital of old Tondo. It is also known as Gintu or the Land of Gold. Invaded by different nations, the city still has the traces of the previous occupants. The Cabilido Street in Intramuros is a landmark that represents the Spanish occupation from 1581-1898. British also invaded Manila and in 1898-1946, the American occupation gave the city several distinctive supports. American has been the refuge of Filipinos to be free from the Spaniards. Manila Bay is a place in Manila that reminds the Filipinos of the war that took place between these two forces.

Prominent Landmarks in Manila

The Archdiocese of Manila is located in Manila. It is the country's oldest archdiocese in the history. Apart from this, churches run by different religious orders are very prominent, too. San Agustin Church in Intramuros is one of the most famous churches in the place. The place is not only open for the Catholics but has been a place for other faiths and beliefs. Manila is a home to many Buddhist and Taoist temples, The Golden Mosque of the Muslims, Hindu temple for the Indian people and synagogue for the Jewish and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Many prestigious universities also inhabit Manila in a place called the University Belt. This is the famous term for institutions in higher concentration and of good quality education. Among the popular universities in Manila are the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines, Philippine Christian University, the Philippine Women's University, De La Salle University, and De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

Other catholic schools are also within the University belt such as the Paco Catholic School, San Beda College, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, St. Paul University. Other private schools in Manila are the University of the East, Far Eastern University, Centro Escolar University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the Mapua Institute of Technology, Lyceum of the Philippines University and its very own Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

Some of the interesting places in Manila include the famous Rizal Park where the country's national hero had his execution. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the Department of Tourism Building, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the National Library of the Philippines are also among the known landmarks in Manila.

Rajah Sulayman Park, Manila Boardwalk, Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Paco Park, Remedios Circle, Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden are among the popular parks that any traveler will love to visit in Manila. You can always find beautiful places and several striking landmarks with a story to tell in Manila, Philippines.

About the Author

Jose Maria Abada writes travel articles for Philippine Travel Guide. You can find helpful information about Manila Philippines and Philippine Travel on this website.

Lechon of the Philippines


Lechon is a dish popularity found on the country where it's founded, the Philippines. Philippines is among of the many Asian countries that holds some of the most delectable collections of dishes unique to its country, and lechon is one of them.

Lechon is the Spanish word for suckling pig. In the Philippines, it connotes a whole roasted pig, litsong baboy. Chicken and beef are also popular. Visit any In Lechon Philippine site to learn more of about the lechon

The popularity of Lechon in the Philippines had been proven because of a festivity in the province of Batangas in Balayan that is centered mainly on Lechons. The Parada ng Lechon is a festival held in the province of Balayan Batangas is centered on displaying whole roasted pigs or Lechon sporting different kinds of costumes such as a wearing a policeman's suit, barong, superman costume, and many more. Send lechon as gift with any In Lechon Philippine site.

But commonly, lechons are usually seen on any kind of festivies or occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, special gatherings, graduations, and many other occasions. The lechon is usually the highlight and the most popular dish of these events. It is usually served with a liver-based sauce. However, in some cases, it may be served Chinese style with steamed buns and a sweet plum sauce.

But because of the lechon's Hispanic decent, the dish is also popular in other countries other than the Philippines such as in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and many other parts of the Spanish-speaking world. But lechon is still Philippines' number one dish. See what any In Lechon Philippine site can offer on lechon.

The pig had always been the center of communal feasts in pre-Hispanic Philippines, and "lechon" is the normal manner it is prepared. The most popular restaurants specializing in lechon in Manila, the Philippines' capital, are Lydia's Lechon and Mila's Lechon. But nothing compares to lechon from Cebu. Some Manileños even order Lechon from Cebu days before their event and have the Lechon shipped via ship.

But other than ship, there are also other ways of buying lechon, such as in Express Regalo. Express Regalo is an online shops that offers a wide variety of gifts including foods such as the popular Lechon. For more information about this, visit Express Regalo at expressregalo.com.

About the Author

Christine Layug writes articles for Philippine Online Shopping Site, Express Regalo.