"There's no Internet connection in my area", or "There will never be one since I live in the remotest piece of real estate in the Philippines". Those are the typical complaints of Filipinos who are pessimistic about their situation, as regards to having Internet connection at their residence.
Include the all too common "I can't afford the rates that this company offers to it's subscribers or would be subscribers." and the situation worsens as more and more individuals feel a sense of hopelessness creeping in on them. What to do then you may ask.
Smart Bro has all the answers you need to your Internet problems. Smart Bro is Smart Corporation's wireless Internet provider. This wonderful innovation offers broadband connection for all Filipinos, no matter where they live in. Phone line connections are not required which means Internet connectivity for everyone. It comes in several subscription packages that are sure to entice Internet users accustomed to slow and unreliable dial up connections.
Residential subscribers can avail of Plan 999, with speeds of up to 384 kbps. That is 7 times faster than dial up! Installation is easy. A Smart Bro antennae is set up at your home, which is then designated to the nearest Smart cell site. Once the antenna is connected by cable to your PC, you're ready to begin using the Smart Bro service.
Another subscription package is the Smart Bro Computer Station. For the very low cost of P1999/ month for 24 months or P2,600/month for 12 months, the subscriber will get the standard Smart Bro Internet connection along with a free PC. Also included in this package is a 1 year warranty period, broadband tech support, free installation of Smart Bro and PC tech support care of the PC supplier.
Applying for subscription is done through an online application form, Smart Wireless Centers, PLDT business offices, Bilis Kabit Operations establishments, or any authorized Smart Sales Agent. This set up ensures Smart Bro customers have a convenient and easy way of applying for the service.
The good news doesn't end there. Smart is dedicated to giving it's customers amazing deals that further adds to an already stacked list of features for Smart Bro and it's subscribers.
Smart Bro QuickFix 2.0 is software that lets users perform diagnostic tests themselves and fix Internet connection problems without having to go through the hotline for assistance. This useful feature is provided free.
Smart Bro Wifly gives unlimited Wi-Fi access in any Airborne Access hotspot in the Philippines. Plan 999 subscribers can avail of this exclusive service for only P199. The list goes on and on. Smart Bro truly is the broadband for everyone.
Roosters anywhere in the world seem to be encumbered with a mission just before daylight appears on the horizon. Why do they have to crow? This popular folk myth offers an amusing suggestion why.
The myth begins by stating that long ago, before roosters were known to crow, Batalla was a great kingdom nestled on a hill between two huge and majestic mountains somewhere in the North. Thick mists covered the hilltop early in the morning and in the evening. Thus, according to the myth, Batalla was a cold mountain fortress. The people’s eating habits increased which, they claim, was due to the cold weather. So they gained weight and became increasingly sleepy. This affected the health of the people, according to the myth.
Learning of Batalla’s growing health predicament, a rival kingdom from the plains below planned on an attack. The myth goes on that they planned an all-out attack at dawn. The King of Battalla asked everybody’s help to save the kingdom; the soldiers, men and women, and even the children and animals. Haphazard preparations were done to defend the kingdom. But, says the myth, most of them found their physical unfitness the main concern---in fact, it was the number one hindrance to counter the impending attack. It was too late to limber up and train for battle. Hence, the myth adds, at dawn when the enemies were about to start the attack, everybody in the kingdom was fast asleep. It was a very cold night and everybody in Batalla, including the king himself, had a heavy supper the night before, according to the myth.
The myth continues that the enemies were poised to deal the first fatal blow on the kingdom when suddenly, for some reason, all the roosters in Batalla crowed loudly and simultaneously, waking up everybody in Batalla. Not only that, but the enemies were shocked and dumbstruck at what was going on. The myth says the enemies thought the crowing came from the people. In panic, the enemies imagined that ambush teams were hiding in the dark, and the crowing was a signal for the ambush. According to the myth, the attack was successfully repelled and the enemies ran away like mad chickens scampering for safety. In gratitude, the king put a crown on every rooster’s head.
The myth on why roosters have crowns shows the significance of being warned as a preventive measure against any problem.
Looking for a perfect destination to ease your hunger for pristine beaches, nature panorama matched with azure blue waters, picture perfect sunsets and a whole lot more? Well you've come to the right place where Philippines' pride is flagged on- Boracay Islands Philippines' finest beach.
In this age of beach craze, the Philippines have a list of beaches meant to lure tourists all around the world, but Boracay tops the list. Now tagged as an international tourist spot and probably one of the best beaches in the whole wide world, Boracay is surely a great vacation spot.
The illustrious image of Boracay had served as the grounds for a number of establishments and resorts which heighten its luxury. Boracay offers an array of establishments suit to fit your taste. These establishments won't let you idle around just for a minute or so. The number of night bars doubles as each year passes. Since partying had always been on the to-do-list of the tourists, well Boracay won't disappoint you in any way.
All in all these is what in store for you, a certified package deal of unforgettable beach getaway. For those in tight budgets if you don't want to drop a single penny, this is what Boracay's natural beauty can give you. By day, you can worship the sun, even its hurtful glares that paint a perfect tan on your skin plus the scenery perfect for nature lovers, and sunset you could die for. By night, the fun continues as different bars showcases bands and artists. As a vacation spot, they are readily aware of putting the entertainment a priority in promoting its market.
If you think that's all, think again, in a modern lifestyle which you might be engaged to physical sports, bringing it with you on your vacation can be possible. Aside from swimming the azure blue waters, other activities you can engage to for a physical stretch, is a diverse choice of water sports, starting of with its new venture are a number of diving schools. These schools will help you enjoy your vacation more by trying a new sport at an easier pace.
Being a first-class tourist destination, it entails an image of being overly commercialized, but as anyone would say, it can still be a place for those who had tight budgets. Choosing between Station 1 and Station 2 & 3 really makes a difference. Station 1 houses most of the luxurious establishments and accommodation costs here are of course double in price compared to that of the other stations. Options are now up to you, but to enjoy the Islands itself is more than what you could actually spend.
Life is a beach here in Boracay, so don't miss it out. Relax and escape from the city lights from the urban to a refreshing scene in the pride of the Philippines, Boracay Islands. With the hospitality you'll ever need accommodation as grand as ever and fun that never stops within your reach.
A headless nun, a faceless cigar smoker, a mysterious white lady at the old tower—-these are among the spooky tales that itchy ghost hunters can pry into during a short stay in the coastal town of San Juan, La Union.
San Juan was a quiet fishing town of La Union province in the North before the Americans came. Most tales are said to have originated around this time and handed down to generations. It’s still a quiet town, but pompous cottages and mansions have popped along its shores.
Modernity has caught up among its very old Hispanic buildings, with a few shops and inns budding along the main highway. It is an 8-hour trek from Manila by bus or private car.
The eerie tales persist today, though in mumbled whispers by folks wistful for the past. The present generation would just shrug apathy on them. But now and then fleeting shadows are said to cast themselves on a chosen few—-perhaps just for a fun scare.
One of the myths goes that old historical ruins of a Spanish convent were burned by the Japanese and a nun was killed and beheaded. The old ruins of the covenant still stand. On some nights when an unfortunate vacationer happens to pass by on a full moon at midnight, some bell would toll spookily. It supposedly signals the approach of the nun from behind.
First it’s a cool, creepy breeze. Then wavy long hair brushing against the nape. Looking behind, the victim would discover the spooky tale for himself.
Another myth is that, before the war, youths around an abandoned man-hole used to smoke cigars at midnight. Once, a stranger came, face overshadowed by a straw hat, asking for light. When they lent a lit cigar, the man looked up to light his, showing a spine-chilling blank where a face should have been. The faceless man allegedly still shows up, though rarely, because he prefers unbranded, native tobacco to imported ones.
The pristine beach of San Juan attracts foreign fishers who brag on their big catches of sword fish and tuna or "bariles" from the sea, which is also ideal for surfing. Old historical ruins of red bricks still stand there. It used to be part of a watch tower in pre-Hispanic times. A look-out sentry was posted watching out for pirates from the China Sea.
One of the tales on it says, in an attack, the sentry alerted the whole town. A mural on this is painted on one of the walls of the town plaza.
In recent times, tales say a laughing white lady is said to have been showing herself periodically in the old historical ruins, especially to handsome young men who brave the seashore at midnight.
Spooky tales of ghostly nuns, faceless creatures, and laughing white ladies may sound absurd and kids-stuff, but there’s always a child in us that want to find out. Well, San Juan, La Union is the perfect town to go spook-busting while checking out its historical old ruins and immaculate azure waters.
Party mania
As with all other peoples, Filipinos cherish their freedom so much that almost all historical events especially battles are commemorated. There’s the Battle of Bessang Pass in Ilocos Norte on June 14 which led to the surrender of General Yamashita and the end of the Japanese Occupation. Re-enactments abound too like the Homonhon Landing of Fernando Magallanes on March 16 and the Balangiga Victory of the Filipinos over the American troops in Samar on September 28.
Historical celebrations like these need the direct involvement of local government units as much as religious events need the guidance of the parishes. This influence of the LGUs is especially seen in festivals celebrating the founding of the various towns, cities, provinces or regions. In Butuan at Agusan del Norte, people celebrate the establishment of the city charter on the Adlaw Hong Butuan while the entire province of Sorsogon become one big party venue during the Kasanggayahan Festival from October 10 to 17.
By now, you may have realized the inexhaustible talent of the Filipino for celebrating every imaginable event from the gargantuan to the minute. And size or importance doesn’t matter, every celebration is grand be it the usual or the strange. Take for example the surrealistic Tawo-Tawo Festival in Negros wherein gigantic scarecrows are paraded as people dance along, the playful Obando Fertility Rites in Bulacan where childless couple go to or the ghoulish Taong Putik of Nueva Ecija where devotees of St. John the Baptist cover their bodies with mud and dried leaves.
Beauty in variety
While the Filipino passion for festivities doesn’t seem to know any boundaries, not all celebrations cater to the worldly desire for fun. Communities all throughout the country also come up with programs or events aimed at raising the civic consciousness of its populace like cleanliness and beautification drives, and environmental protection campaigns like tree planting. What is truly fun though on these events are the side highlights like small skits presented by young people.
And as a country of multi-cultural ethnicity, an entire year of celebrations wouldn’t be complete if there weren’t festivities identified with other cultures. There’s the Chinese Lunar Year celebration, an event which many Filipinos have come to embrace for its spectacular fireworks, lively Dragon dances and the sumptuous Chinese cuisine. Don’t forget the Eid Al`fitr and Eid Mubarak of the Muslim Filipinos down south, which are celebrations marking the ending of the Ramadan and the Hajj season, respectively.
Whether you’re a sucker for death-defying adventures or an advocate of the Hug-A-Tree movement, you’re bound to experience limitless thrills when you visit the Philippines. Situated in the tropics, the Philippines can be an amazing destination if you love the sun, sand and surf. What’s more astonishing is that you don’t have to spend a lot of greenbacks to check in to Philippines’ plush hotels. Here’s the list of things you need to check out when you’re in the Philippines:
Bikini Babes in Boracay
Renowned to be Philippines’ prime beach hangout, no one can probably resist basking in the powdery white sands of Boracay. It definitely is not your run-of-the-mill beach resort. Aside from sunbathing and swimming in its pristine waters, the fun fires up at night where you can attend numerous beach parties until the break of dawn.
You will never miss the sun-kissed ladies clad in their sexy bikinis waiting to shake their booties with you. There’s no problem with accommodations in Boracay because there are dozens of first-rate hotels. One tip would be to book early before coming to the Philippines in April or May. All hotels can be packed during this peak season and you might not score a bikini babe when you don’t have a hotel room.
Eco-Challenge in Subic
As a former site of U.S. Naval Base in the Philippines, Subic has transformed into a splendid tourist attraction. Aside from being a world-class beach, you can even challenge yourself to some jungle survival training with an indigenous group in the Philippines.
These natives will teach you how to cook food, find water and find your way out, in case you get lost in the wilderness. What’s best is that all the things the natives will teach you are environment-friendly tips in surviving around as you will learn to create tools out of bamboo.
For those who seek heart-stopping pursuits, you can even try bungee jumping amidst Subic’s lush green forest. Like in Boracay, numerous hotels scatter around Subic. One of the hotels there even has a casino, where you can channel the luck you lost in jungle survival.
Surf Your Heart Out in Siargao
Hidden in the Southern part of the Philippines, Siargao is an island that is now getting numerous raves from surfing enthusiasts. Although the place is still raw and bereft of commercial hotels, skim boarders and surfers alike flock to the island to ride the crests and troughs of Siargao’s wonderful waves. In fact, the place is now being tapped to host international surfing competitions.
Aside from these three potential places of interest in the Philippines, you will discover that this list could never be complete without mentioning the warm and cordial demeanor of the Filipino people to its tourists. More than the affordable hotels and captivating beaches, it is the hospitality of the Filipino people that would convince you that it is indeed an amazing destination.
Boracay is an alluring, enticing and inviting island in the province of Aklan, Philippines. Aside from swimming, jet skiing and diving, another enjoyable and fun activity to do at this place is shopping. To enhance tourism in the island, local entrepreneurs establish several souvenir shops that offer beautiful and cheap keepsakes as well as dry markets that sell high quality handicrafts. To provide a comfortable and relaxing shopping area, Boracay features a small but spacious mall, which plays home to cozy restaurants and enticing retail shops.
Tourists who want to cook their own food can purchase fresh vegetables, meat, fruits and seafood at Talipapa Market. Customers can also have a nice time at this Boracay shopping place because it has a dry section where they can find cheap but beautiful bracelets and necklaces. Most of the accessories available at this place are made from beads and seashells. One of the main attractions at this commercial market is a tattoo shop that offers cheap services to tourists and locals. This establishment is not hard to find since it stretches from the Main Road of the island to the White Beach. By allotting 200 pesos to 500 pesos, shoppers can purchase three to five keepsakes at Talipapa Market.
Aside from Talipapa Market, tourists who like to do some shopping can visit D’ Mall at Station 2. This Boracay shopping complex plays home to stores that offer branded clothes and swimwear. Additionally, this business center features various souvenir shops that sell handicrafts like bags, lampshades, home decorations and rugs. D’ Mall is also popular for the fine dining places that it features. To have a fun time at this place, shoppers should allot 300 pesos to 600 pesos as a budget.
Local travelers and foreigners who collect different home products should take a look at the beautiful items offered at Lonely Planet. They have nothing to worry about the quality of the products available at this place because most of the merchandises were imported from other Asian countries like Thailand and India. The prices of items at Lonely Planet range from 400 pesos to 1,000 pesos.
When it comes to accessories and jewelries, one of the best Boracay shopping places to see is the Crystal Shack. This establishment offers silver jewelries like earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The costs of jewelries available at this place usually range from 300 pesos to 1,000 pesos.
A long time ago, this place was thought to have hidden treasure and gold and maybe that was reason enough why people added gold to its name. Cagayan de Oro City is the “Gateway of Northern Mindanao” and interestingly enough, “Oro” means gold. Yet for now, the place is still known for gold, but in a more personal aspect and that would be for its golden friendship. Yes, the city of golden friendship and more.
Cagayan de Oro City, as the capital city of Misamis Oriental and Region X is the center of business and industry of the region. And now, this city has a booming business industry and is predicted to have a very promising future, in a very near future. The business sector is well-complimented by a very supportive political condition, a generally peaceful environment and promising economic development.
The city has pride itself of many attractions ranging from natural, historical and many shopping centers, good hotels, not to mention its interesting night life. Since the place is the entry point of Northern Mindanao, you also have access to all the great beaches and mountain resorts. The people of Cagayan de Oro are well-known to be hospitable and the most friendly among many other regions.
To name a few of this city’s unique traits are the following: White water rafting at Cagayan River; beautiful beaches; the Macahambus Cave, a very prominent historical site; the ocean of pineapples in Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon; the many enchanting waterfalls; and so many more.
The city is also known for having good educational institutions like Ateneo de Cagayan, also known as Xavier University, a school run by Jesuits; Liceo de Cagayan University; Capitol University and many other; and it is one of the reason why it is well sought out by students country wide.
The place is the most peaceful area in Mindanao. The people are kind and friendly, and people from all walks of life co-exist and mingle with each other beautifully. It is the best dwelling place because of its unique geographical area and land formations. The place is conducive for raising a family and growing old with.
Tourists would not regret coming and visiting. Experiencing Cagayan de Oro is a rare experience and is worth more than a treasure of gold. Those who have visited this place once feel like visiting again and again. Maybe, it is the golden ambiance of the place that makes them feel at home or miss the place. And it is a good thing.
Davao is one of the most modern cities in the Philippines. Tourists go there to visit the city and have a vacation on some of the best beaches in Davao. The beaches of Davao are just as clear as the beaches in other top vacation destinations in the Philippines. You can do many activities there as well like water sports. The word "Davao" come from the terms daba daba which literally means fire. This word came from the early tribes who lived in Davao which are the Manobos, Samals, Bilaans and some Aetas.
Beaches in general are like jewelries. When it becomes a fad many people buys it and wear it then the value of it gets reduced. The more people go to a beach the more it becomes cheaper and somehow loses the private or exclusive appeal. Some beaches in the Philippines do not give you much privacy and peace anymore because it has become as busy as a small city. Davao beaches are somehow spared from this fact. You can still enjoy some beaches in Davao that are not packed with people and establishments for an affordable price.
1. Malipano Island – This is a beach that is nearer to Samal Island than the other islands. You can stay in one of the seven villas. The villas are secluded so guests can be assured of utmost privacy. stands a view hundred meters off Samal Island and is the site of the seven executive villas. Malipano Island has a golf course with 3 holes and a beach with white sands. The villas are made of ethnic materials from the Samal tribes and Maranao tribes. Four of the villas are put up directly in the sea like a traditional house of a family in Samal. The other three villas are situated on the rocky formations just right above the main beach. Inside the villas are three main structure of octagon shape. There is a living room area, receiving area, guest room and dining area. The roof is also shaped like the salakot which is a popular Filipino worker’s hat.
2. Samal Island – This is another popular beach in Davao. It is known for the pristine waters and the white sand of the beach. The whole island has different hotels and resorts where you can stay and enjoy swimming and some water sports. The beaches here are just like the other beaches in the Philippines you will always find a tall coconut tree and some mangrove trees. Most of the resorts have put up dikes to mark their territories over the waters. In Samal there is an Island Garden City. You can get there by riding a ferry from Davao. The place has hills, caves, waterfalls and coves. The beach is covered in white sands. The primary mode of transport is the local motorcycle. The typical rate is twenty pesos for one person. Some people are hesitant to ride in motorcycles and so they wait for the jeepneys that pass by at time. Some people just stay in the resort and on the beach where there are plent of water activities to do.
On weekdays you will find that are just two tourists visiting the resort which makes the place full of serenity. You will be able to enjoy the fresh breeze from the beach and you can just relax and read the book and enjoy the view. The current in Samal are generally calm so after sunbathing you may want to snorkel and see the school of fishes under the waters and view the corals underneath.
Money is good but Philippine folklore says having the source of money is better. Filipino folklore principles value work or business more than its rewards. Even when giving alms to the poor, Filipino folklore principles reason that monetary alms relieve hunger pangs only for a moment. Then the beggar begs continuously. But a job gives him continuous source to draw out from. Like this one:
There was a turtle and a monkey. They were friends. Well, not good friends really. The sly monkey kept the kind turtle an underdog. In their daily businesses the monkey conned the gullible turtle into unfair deals.
One day the turtle found a small island in the middle of a lagoon. In the middle of the island were banana trees bursting with ripe and plump fruits. He could swim across to the island but could not climb the tree. So he got the monkey to strike a deal with him.
They both wanted the bananas but neither one could do the job by himself—the monkey couldn’t swim. The monkey agreed to ride on the turtle’s back as the latter swam across to the island. On the island, the turtle watched with gusto as the monkey climbed up and took a sampling of one of the fruits. Then another one. And another one.
The turtle, mouth all watery, requested for samplings, too. But the monkey said bananas are best eaten on wide, open spaces, not on a small island. The turtle regarded him for a second and then agreed. He swam back to the other side while the monkey, on his back, carried a bunch of bananas.
At the other side, the monkey immediately climbed up a tall tree with the bananas. There he ate everything, safe from the turtle’s reach. Of course, the turtle protested, but the monkey haughtily said, “So what else is new?”
The turtle went away sad and stared wistfully at the banana trees afar in the middle of the island.
Then the next banana season came and the trees on the island were again ready for harvest. As the turtle surveyed them from afar, he noticed birds perched on the branches and nibbling the fruits. Just then, the monkey came. He apologized for the misdemeanor he had shown and offered to help the turtle with the bananas again.
This time the turtle ignored him and swam across alone. He struck a bargain with the birds. He said bananas are best eaten as dessert after a hearty meal of fish. The birds agreed. He traded the fish he caught with the bananas the birds dropped him.
This Filipino folklore stresses a Filipino proverb: Easy money doesn't last. It is good only as mercy lasts. It may require hard work but nothing beats keeping a business or a job. It makes the supply last.