One of the smallest primates around today, Tarsiers are found in densely forested areas of Southeast Asia, namely the islands of Sulawesi, Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines. These adorable animals were previously categorized as strepsirhines. However, they are now classified as haplorhines. They have characteristics that resembles those of monkeys, apes and also prosimians.
The Tarsier family is composed of seven species and a single genus. Tarsiers are nocturnal creatures with large ears and a small body size. Their mandible or lower jaw is unfused. These traits are commonly associated with prosimians. They also share traits with anthropoids which include similar DNA arrangements, enclosed eye sockets and a dry nose due to a lack of naked rhinarium.
A trait that distinguishes a tarsier is its large eyes - each bigger than the tarsier brain, and a neck that is capable of rotating up to 180 degrees. These two traits greatly increase their ability to catch their prey specially at night, since tarsiers are nocturnal and are mainly insectivores.
As already mentioned, tarsiers are tiny creatures. These primates almost never weigh more than a half kilo and span as small as four inches. Another unique tarsier trait is their grooming claws. These are used to remove dirt and parasites from their bodies and also as cleaning tools for their fur. They are named tarsier because of their prominent tarsus bones.
A tarsier is capable of leaping up to seven feet. They can also move up vertical surfaces due to suction pads located at the end of their fingers. Although tarsiers are more apt to stay in vertical places such as trees, they can hop using their legs while on the ground. A tarsier tail is incredibly nimble and flexible. This serves as a balancing tool of sorts while they move and as a support while resting.
Tarsier diet is composed exclusively of animal prey. Although they are mainly insectivores, tarsiers also eat lizards, small birds and even snakes. They usually catch their prey by jumping and grabbing them. Like most primates, tarsiers are social animals. Some tarsier species live in pairs, while some thrive in groups that includes two to six tarsiers, while others remain solitary.
Tarsiers do not fare well in captivity. There are reported cases wherein caged tarsiers injured and even killed themselves due to the stress caused by their captivity. This should serve as a reminder that however tame tarsiers may look, they are best left alone in their natural habitat.
What is the Masskara Festival?
Ever heard of a weeklong festivity that gives local and foreign visitors the chance of a lifetime to drink and be merry for twenty days? Nothing beats the Masskara Festival of Bacolod City. Call it a combination of the Mardi Gras and the Oktoberfest where you will find a huge parade and a lot of drinking. The Masskara Festival is a hip escape from the insanity of the world into colorful days of outrageous partying.
Bacolod City is well known all for its Masskara Festival during the month of October. The Masskara Festival is hosted by Bacolod City during the first two weeks of October. A horde of visitors, both local and foreign, enjoys twenty days of beer drinking, dining, and street dancing at the Masskara Festival. Talk about serious Filipino partying.
The Masskara Festival was originally instituted to commemorate the hardships of the people of Negros Province. The original idea behind the Masskara Festival was to promote a time of happiness to a down trodden people.
Masskara Festival has gone a long way since its humble beginnings and is now able to generate revenues for big businesses due to tourism. It has taken its festive spirit through a path that leads to progress for the locals of Bacolod City.
The term Masskara is coined from two words -- mass, meaning a crowd and the Spanish cara, the word for face. Masskara has a double meaning, first is "mask" and the second one is "many faces". Cultural artist, painter, and cartoonist Ely Santiago coined the term in 1980.
The symbol of the Masskara Festival is a smiling mask, which was envisioned to show that the people Negros Province manifests a happy spirit in spite of all the crisis they have gone through.
Throughout the two weeks of the Masskara Festival, the people from other neighboring provinces flock to Bacolod City for the celebrations. Everyone joins in on the round the clock feasts. Colorful and lively parades abound in people wearing masks and costumes representing various organizations from the government and private groups.
If you're not the into the hype of street dancing why not try the pig catching event which is a sure hit among the locals during the Masskara Festival. A host of other competitions are also held which includes a mask making contest and a disco king and queen competition.
Throughout the two weeks of the Masskara Festival, people strut around in brightly colored costumes vying for the prize to be awarded to the one who makes the best mask outfit. The Masskara Festival boosts Bacolod City's tourism not only because of the huge flock of visitors it attracts but also for the orchids and handicrafts that are sold on sale during festivities.
The Masskara Festival is a symbol of the Filipino spirit that remembers to be happy in spite of tough times. No wonder Filipinos are called the people of happy smiling faces.
[Tags]Masskara, Bacolod, Negros, Philippines, Masskara Festival, Fiesta[/Tags]
How about a super healthy, super yummy native cuisine of stewed milkfish? This one’s stacked with vegetables loaded with fibers, Vitamin A, antioxidants and lycopene that can only do one’s health good. And then the fish meat is cooked just right to get all its juicy, flavorsome quality all intact. This native dish is an all-time favorite in Filipino dinner tables.
“Sinigang” has several variants and they always come a bit sour. The origin of this native dish is not exactly known and one of the versions says it was accidentally discovered in a hasty preparation. A mix of ingredients was there but what to do about them was the problem. So the stuffs were all poured into a pot, boiled, and out came the native cuisine “sinigang.”
Cooking this native dish: for a kilo of milk fish (choose a single piece weighing a kilo, with gills, bile, and scales taken off) prepare the following: a bundle of “kangkong” leaves picked off from branch, 3 pieces eggplant sliced into 3 each, one piece peeled and chopped radish, a bundle of okra chopped in halves, 2 pieces long chili or “siling pula,” 7 pieces “kalamansi” or lemon squeezed in a cup (seeds taken out), sliced tomatoes, a teaspoon of salt or fish sauce (“patis”), and 4 cups water. Now we’re readu for this native cuisine.
After washing the fish, put it into a pot with the 4 cups of water, eggplants, radish, tomatoes, long chili, and boil. When boiling, watch if the fish’s eyes have popped out. If so, bring this native dish into a simmer. Add lemon, okra, “kangkong,” and teaspoon of salt or fish sauce. After half a minute, serve while hot. This native cuisine serves 4 to 5 people.
This native cuisine is best served with a small saucer of fish sauce where the long chili from the milkfish stew is sliced. This makes for an excellent dip for the Philippine milkfish “sinigang.” This menu also comes with pork or beef. But for the longer hours of boiling to tenderize the meat, everything in the procedure stays the same. Philippine milkfish “sinigang” is superb with its traditional partner, “tortang giniling” or ground pork (or beef) omelet. Eaten together, the chemistry of the native dishes bring out a subtle taste that is contrasting yet complementary.
Philippine milkfish “sinigang” has been a proven native cuisine that continues to satisfy discriminating gourmets. For decades it has been a reliable native dish in spur of the moment dinner preparations because it’s easy to cook.
So you think only women are vain? Think again. I just found out that men can be as prissy with their looks like women are. And the good news is, an enterprising person can take advantage of this turn it into a home business. How? By opening a barber shop!
The following is a Q&A with a barber who opened up a barber shop to response to this sense of aesthetic and call for business venture.
Q: What made you decide to have your own barbershop?
A: Even while I was still in school, I would also find its way to fix my hair differently especially when I had to attend parties or gatherings. The problem then was that in order for me to get the “fix” I wanted, it was either I would do it on my own or go to the beauty salon. In the case of the latter, I sometimes felt awkward being in what is supposed to be a woman’s world. So, I decided to set-up my own barbershop to answer this “need.” And it turned out that aside from being able to get the haircut I want, I am able to earn additional income as well.
Q: So how profitable is this business?
A; Well, it really is profitable. Haven’t you noticed the number of barber shops that have lined up the streets of the city or even in rural areas? Barber shops open up like mushrooms just like beauty parlors do. It only shows that you can earn quite a good sum of money from this business. Besides, it is not really difficult to manage one.
Q: How did you start?
A; The good thing in my case is that I did not have the problem looking for a location. I simply used the space available in front of my house which makes the barber shop a true-blue home business. Then I started to get the shop fixtures I needed, particularly the barber’s chairs while I had the shop furnished and designed. It was important for me that my shop looked unique despite my loyalty to the traditional interior and exterior design of a barber shop. I made sure my barber shop stands out among the rest. Then of course I had to scout for good barbers. It was not hard because as soon as news of a new barber shop opening spread, barbers started applying. I got the best ones.
Q: How much capital did it cost you to start the home business?
A: Well, let’s just say around P150,000 including the carpentry work. The chair alone cost me around P7,000 each. It would be more if you still have to consider a rental fee which isn’t my case since I own the space.
Move over Boracay. Enter Blue Lagoon - the beach in the north where the sand is as white, the waters as blue but the pollution is virtually non-existent. If you’re tired of the more popular beaches’ incessant noise and partying, try this virginal haven in the sprawling town of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
The Blue Lagoon, also known among locals as the Malingay Cove, used to be a secret getaway. In fact, when people say “Pagudpud Beach”, it usually means Saud Beach which is about twenty minutes away from Blue Lagoon. Recently, however, because of its rustic beauty, Maira-ira (the name given to the entire stretch of beach in Blue Lagoon) is fast gaining popularity.
During the summer, the cerulean waters of Blue Lagoon are idyllic, placid and serene. Though during the rainy season, the surfs are strong and unfriendly. Even if it’s summer, however, make sure to equip children (if any) with life vests for added protection.
Sloping gradually from the shore, the underwater flooring is composed mostly of off-white sand which has a grainy quality because of shattered shells. The underfoot obstruction is minimal to none making it perfectly safe to swim barefoot. Beware of the slight undertow, though, as well as the drop after the gradual slope if you don’t want to find yourself in waters higher than the average person’s height.
There are no resorts in Maira-ira, the nearest one being Kapuluan Vista Resort. It is advisable therefore, to bring your own tents (and other necessary equipments such as flashlights) if you wish to spend a quiet night at the beach. If you’re only staying during the remainder of the day, however, there are simple wooden cottages you can rent for only twenty pesos.
If you’re on a tight budget, another thing you should remember is to bring your own food to Blue Lagoon since the prices there are quite high. And since there are no ATM machines in Pagudpud, don’t forget to bring enough cash for entrance fees, rentals, food, souvenir items and other miscellaneous expenses.
To those who wish to see this scenic beach of Maira-ira, there are buses bound for Pagudpud from Manila. If you have your own wheels, then gear up for a long drive but be prepared to trek a dirt road which turns to a muddy trail when it rains.
Ilocos Norte might seem so far away and it’s true that it takes twelve hours to reach Pagudpud from Manila but if you wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban setting, why not pack your bags and head off to Blue Lagoon – the Boracay of the north.
One of the provinces in the Philippines that have rich culture and history, Leyte is popular for its beautiful tourist destinations, accommodating hospitality service providers, and attractive dining places. Due to the interesting places in Leyte, Philippines, many foreigners as well as Filipino vacationers like to visit the province. However, to be assured that they will have a remarkable and enjoyable stay in the area, it is significant that they refer to Leyte travel guides for hotels where they can relax, restaurants where they can unwind, and tourist spots where they can enjoy.
Tourist Spots in Leyte
For those who plan to travel to Leyte, Philippines, they can always take a glance at the famous tourist spots in the place. Most Leyte travel guides feature tourist destinations in the province that people can visit such as religious shrines and churches, which include Buddhist Temple in the City of Tacloban, Santo Nino Church, also in Tacloban City, and Palo Metropolitan Cathedral in Palo. Meanwhile, travelers can also go to the major attractions in Leyte, Philippines, namely San Juanico Bridge, Mac Arthur Beach Resort, and Redona Residence. Hence, there are Leyte travel guides that feature historical places like Mac Arthur Leyte Landing Memorial, Hilongos Bell Tower, and Battle of Baluarte Marker.
Restaurants
When it comes to eating, Leyte, Philippines, takes pride in the famous restaurants and dining places that it features. To help travelers decide the dining place to visit in the province, Leyte travel guides feature the specialties of several restaurants in Leyte, Philippines. For those who like seafood and grilled dishes, they can always dine at Rafael’s Farm and Garden Restaurant, as well as Ocho Seafood and Grill. On the other hand, for those who prefer to try the delectable dishes at foreign dishes like Mexican, Italian, and English dishes, they can have a wonderful dining experience at any of these places; Sunzibar, Calle Zaragoza, and Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano-Filipino.
Hotels
In terms of accommodation, Leyte travel guides always feature hospitality service providers in Leyte, Philippines. For people who prefer to stay in hotels that have special amenities, they can take a look at the facilities of Leyte Park Resort Hotel, as well as MacArthur Park Beach Resort. On the other hand, to help travelers who do not have ample budget to stay in luxurious hotels, Leyte travel guides also feature inns and lodges that they can visit in Leyte, Philippines, like Silago Tourist Inns, Zenaida Chateau Tourist Inn, and Amber’s Inn.
People have varying peculiar taste preferences depending on the taste preference of their country of origin. Some go for hot and spicy foods, some for bland, some for salty. But while an expatriate in these parts, it’s not only worthwhile but sometimes necessary to try out native dishes when one finds oneself in the Philippines. It is often deemed an offense to turn down invitation to taste or eat a native delicacy.
So what do we do?
One of the challenges of the expatriate life is what foods are safe to eat. All native foods are relatively safe, of course, but there are those that don’t mix well with some foreign digestive systems. And when some incompatible chemistry builds up in this, expatriate life becomes sour, to say the least. So here are some tips for choosing safe foods for expatriates.
If one wants to avoid extremely exotic foods (and this is often the case), safe food for expatriates would be a chicken, egg, pork, or beef menu. One can safely try beef or pork Caldereta (spiced beef or pork in melted cheese), vegetable or ground beef or pork omelets, “Sinigang” (pork or beef sour soup with vegetables), “Menudo” (pork and liver cubes in heavy tomato sauce), “Adobo” (spiced pork or chicken), or “Apritada” (beef, pork or chicken with potato and chili in tomato sauce). They’re not only safe foods but very delectable to make any expatriate’s life like heaven on earth.
Watch out for pork dishes like “Binagoongan,” “Pinakbet,” “Dinakdakan,” and “Kinilaw.” The first two are cooked with preserved fish or shrimp; the other two are often not well cooked---even raw---but taste good enough for one to think they’re cooked.
Hot or spicy safe foods for expatriates: “Bicol Express,” “Bopis,” “Paksiw,” “Mechado,” “Sisig,” and “Ginataang Sili.” These are all well cooked pork or beef cuisines that would brighten an expatriate life anywhere in the archipelago. Bicol Express is crunchy pork and long chili servings in thick coconut milk, and Paksiw is roasted pork cooked in rich and thick liver sauce (there’s a fish variety with long chili cooked in vinegar). Mechado is tender beef loin with chili in very thick and rich tomato sauce, Sisig is super hot meat or fish flakes, and Ginataang Sili is chili cooked in coco milk.
For bland tasting native dishes, foods safe for expatriates are “Pangat” and native sautéed vegetable dishes. Pangat is fish boiled in tomatoes. If one goes for sandwiches, native rice cakes will suffice.
Expatriate life need not be spoiled by worries about safe foods. Ample varieties of native foods safe for expatriates line up menus.
One of the popular and fast-advancing metropolitan areas in the southern part of the Philippines, Cebu plays home to numerous tourist spots, hotels, and restaurants. Another attraction in the city is the entertaining festivals that it annually holds. In terms of sightseeing, people can always visit some of the natural and manmade attractions in the place since their locations are very accessible. Hence, for those who have interest in visiting and spending their vacations in Cebu, Philippines, it is best that they take a look at Cebu travel guides where they can stay, dine and do some leisure and recreational activities.
Accommodations
In terms of accommodation, Cebu City, Philippines, takes pride in the elegant and luxurious hotels that it features. For those who are in search for hotels that offer first-rate services, they can always check the five-star hotels like Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Maribago Blue Water Beach Resort Club, as well as Badian Island Resort and Spa Cebu, which are commonly features in most Cebu travel guides. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that have affordable rates, they can know the facilities and room amenities at three-star and two-star hotels like Midtown Hotel Cebu, Holiday Plaza Cebu, and Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Cebu, through the guides.
Dining
Aside from accommodations, Cebu travel guides also feature famous dining places in Cebu City, Philippines, which serve sumptuous and mouth-watering dishes to everyone. Some of the restaurants that are commonly featured in the guides are Family Farm Grill House Kilo-Kilo, City Breakfast Club, and Abaseria Deli and Café. Hence, for those who want prefer fine dining restaurants, Cebu travel guides feature the ambiance, menu, and location of Lumpia House Fine Dining, Grand Majestic, and Royal Concourse.
Tourist Attractions
When it comes to tourist destinations, travelers to Cebu, Philippines, can always check Cebu travel guides for information or details about famous sightseeing spots, namely Casa Gorordo Museum, Heritage of Cebu Monument, and Magellan’s Cross. Hence, for those who have interest in culture and arts, they can always visit art and antique collections at President Sergio Osmena Memorabilia and CAP Art Gallery, Rizal Memorial Library and Museum, as well as Arcenas Antique Collection.
Transportation
Regarding transportation and travel to Cebu City, Philippines, Cebu travel guides also offer ways on how to get to the city proper. Hence, for those who are new to visiting the city, they can ride in boats or take flights from Manila going to Cebu ports. From Cebu port, there are a lot of jeepneys, buses, and cabs that can take them to the places that they want to visit in the area.
You've heard of the powdery-white sand that's always cool to the touch, even at high noon. You've been longing for the crystal-clear waters that surround the island, and most of all, you crave the warmness of the local folk. Admit it, you've always wanted to experience Boracay, and if you've already been there, you must want to go back.
Before you rush into any decisions, brush up on your basic Boracay flight information. Do you want to save money by flying to Kalibo? If you do that, you'll be paying less but you'll have to wait in a van or a bus for 90 minutes as it makes its way to the Caticlan jetty port.
However, if you don't mind shelling out a few extra thousands of pesos, you'll be paying for convenience because your charter plane will be landing directly at Caticlan, where you can almost go straight to Boracay in less time.
The major carriers that provide flights to Kalibo from Manila are Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. Their rates vary from peak season to normal season, so for the latest rates just visit their websites.
Philippine Airlines provides great service, and on this they have built their reputation for years. Cebu Pacific, for the more budgeting traveler, provides great discounts on airfares. (They even provide airfare for as low as one peso during some months; of course you still have to pay all the taxes.)
The companies that provide charter flights to Boracay are Asian Spirit and Seair. Seair boasts of having the fastest flights to Boracay, while Asian Spirit provides packages for its clients.
If you're on a tight budget, it's best that you gather all Boracay flight information and canvass months in advance. Figure out which flight plan suits you the most. Determine the best carrier that provides you with the value for your money.
How do you get additional Boracay flight information? Use your main resource: the Internet. The airline websites make the fares readily available for comparison, and you can use this to your advantage. Sometimes, booking months in advance can save you a lot on fares. Also, online ticketing has made booking a lot more convenient for everyone.
If you go to your local book store you will also find some travel guides that provide the basic Boracay flight information. These guides will also be helpful for when you actually arrive on the island. They can guide you to the best resorts, best restaurants, and best activities on the island.
Lastly, if you don't want to be hassled at all, just call your local travel agent and they will give you all the Boracay flight information that you need.
What you need to know about Boracay flight information depends on how much you are willing to sacrifice and how fast you want to get there. If you don't mind riding a van or a bus for a while, then get the cheaper flights to Kalibo. If you want to get there right away, take a chartered flight to Caticlan. In the end, what's important is not how you get there, but the fact that you actually arrive.
Known as one of the most progressive and attractive cities in the province of Bohol, Philippines, Tagbilaran City always offer beautiful sights and destinations to travelers and tourists. As a way of providing a worthwhile experience and vacation to people, this wonderful city features different interesting restaurants or dining places for the comfort and convenience of everyone. Hence, to know more about the accommodating and inviting restaurants in the place, it is important for tourists to refer to Tagbilaran restaurant guides for these offer information on cuisines, price ranges, and locations of famous dining places in the area.
Cuisines Available at Restaurants in Tagbilaran City, Philippines
One of the important factors that many people consider when they choose restaurants to dine is the type of cuisine a particular dining place offers. For instance, for people who are in search for restaurants that serve native dishes, they can always look at Tagbilaran restaurant guides for the specialties of dining places in the area, which usually include Kusina Nativo Ihaw-Ihaw Restaurant, Payag Restaurant, and Valea Restaurant. Meanwhile, for those who preferred grilled as well as seafood dining places, they can always visit any of these restaurants that are commonly featured in Tagbilaran restaurant guides; Caingit Fish Grill Restaurant, JJ’s Seafood Village, and Wow Grill and Chill.
Price Range of Meals at Dining Places in Tagbilaran City, Philippines
When it comes to price range, Tagbilaran restaurant guides always provide details on the cost of meals at dining places in Tagbilaran City, Philippines. For those who want affordable meals, they can take a look at the meals served in some fastfoods in the city that are usually enumerated in Tagbilaran restaurant guides such as McDonald’s, Jollibee, and Chowking. On the other hand, who have budgets ranging from 300 pesos to 500 pesos per meal, they can visit Pizza Hut, Bo’s Coffee Club, and Cion Virge Café and Restaurant.
Location of Restaurants in Tagbilaran City, Philippines
Regarding the location of dining places in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, Tagbilaran restaurant guides always provide the exact address of restaurants in the area. For those who want to dine in restaurants that are very accessible, they can check out these dining places; Singaporean Claypot Restaurant, JJ’s Dimsum and Restaurant, as well as Odysseus Steak Haus and Restaurant. To assist travelers choose the best restaurant in the place, Tagbilaran restaurant guides also offer information on the ambiance and quality of service that restaurants in Tagbilaran City, Philippines provide to consumers.