Rose started a home business with an ordinary but in-demand item: candle. The road to success is difficult but rewarding especially when you see the business picking up well. And yes, there’s money in making candles particularly in a religious country like the Philippines.
The secret is keeping the prices of their candles lower than that of their competitors. For example, the regular white, red and yellow candles usually thriving near the churches are sold for only fifty centavos (P.50), other candle-makers sell them for P.75 cents to a peso. A single scented candle of about six inches tall and three inches thick can be bought for as low as P40 pesos, much cheaper indeed than when you buy them from the mall. Their most expensive product, the pascal candle or those gigantic candles used during church rites, is only priced at about P850 pesos.
There is yet another secret to this. Rose learned from her in-laws the importance of recycling. They collect used candles and those wax balls we usually form in the cemetery during All Saints’ Day. They are bought for P10pesos per kilo. Then they are thrown to the furnace for melting and are made into new candles.
“We use the recycled wax only with the red and white candles that we sell for cheap prices. It’s not really practical if we’ll use pure paraffin wax..
“Besides we really can’t sell the candles if they’re too expensive. People around here cannot afford it, unlike in Manila. And we sell them for the same price even during peak season.”
Business is fairly good, with growing clientele and the continuous demand for candles. Even some TLRC classmates come to her for additional supply. Rose admitted that making scented and decorative candles is quite costly that’s why the bigger bulk of their production is still the regular non-scented ones.
Rose was kind enough to show us the step-by-step process of making candles. Here’s how it goes:
1) Candle-making basically starts with the wick. Buy cotton strips from textile mills costing about [45 pesos per kilo. Use pure cotton for better quality, making sure there’s no nylon material mixed in the cotton strips.
2) The cotton strips are cut and made into knots. Soak them in hot wax to make them stiff and hard and ready for candle-molding.
3) Tie the wicks to a stick about two feet long and carefully place them at the center of the hot wax in the mold.
4) Add the scent while the wax is being poured into the mold.
This small home business has become the bread and butter of the Ludgarda Family. And this home business is what Rose can proudly pass on to her children and grandchildren. Judging from the way she puts her heart into her work, there is no doubt on the very bright future for Rose Candles.
The whole year round Philippine fiestas of all kinds mark the Filipino calendar. Not only popular saints but also the most obscure ones are given a place for celebration. Why has this practice been imbedded in the Filipino culture?
To appease the gods---this was a key factor in ancient pagan worship in the Philippines. Mystical religious beliefs before the Spaniards came centered on worshipping gods believed to control certain aspects of life---livelihood, family, health, wealth, and others. To make life better, the belief said, regular ritual offerings to these gods had to be done. The gods seemed quickly angered by the smallest mistakes and vented wrath on livelihood and nature. The practice was somehow carried over into modern times so that one reason still used for Philippine fiestas is to stave off calamities and ill luck, aside from thanksgiving for good harvest, and ask lots of wishes.
A pledge. Philippine fiestas are like capital poured into investments. They have to be celebrated grandly to ensure good life ahead. The bigger money poured out for a Philippine fiesta the surer the return of investment (ROI). So, for a higher ROI a devotee should spend more to celebrate a fiesta. Smaller investments result to smaller yields.
If one wishes for more harvests from fields or the sea, or more luck in business or employment, or physical healing, or more rain, then one ought to dole out more quality meals in a fiesta celebration. If one’s really financially hard-up, then the alternative is to have active parts in the celebration---dance in the streets, help carry or pull a mounted statue, help in the fiesta preparations, or plain behave well throughout the celebration. And here’s the key to all these: the devotee has to pledge or promise to keep this going each annual Philippine fiesta.
Finally, Philippine fiestas have been “balik-bayan” incentives, or come-ons for expatriates, to visit or come back for good to the municipalities or cities celebrating them. Since pre-Hispanic times, Filipinos have been known to live in other countries. Later, they ventured to farther places like the US and Europe. Philippine fiestas lure them back to reminisce old times and be also celebrated in the community as overseas “heroes.”
Philippine fiestas are as many as there are sitios (districts) and barangays and cities and provinces in the Philippines. And they’re here to stay to keep Filipinos reaching out to the future as they stake out in the present while reminiscing the past.
The Philippines is a very nice country with a good education system. For this reason, many people from different parts of the world visit this place hoping that they can get some high quality learning experiences. The Philippines education system is comprised of prestigious universities and colleges spanning the three major islands of the country. They promise students globally competitive academic programs, modern facilities and highly skilled professors.
Founded on April 28th in 1611, University of Santo Tomas is the oldest university, not only in the country, but also in all of Asia. More importantly, it is a reputable educational institution, which is part of the extensive Philippines education system. It is very proud to present Centers of Excellence in teacher education, philosophy and nursing. Likewise, it also has Centers of Development in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and business administration. This school also has numerous worthwhile student organizations available including UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, Thomasian Debaters Council and Musikang Sikat ng mga Tomasino. Some of the notable academic programs here are the College of Fine Arts and Design, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management as well as the Conservatory of Music.
De La Salle University is one of the most prestigious academic institutions that play a huge part in the rich Philippines education system. Because of the superior learning experience and education that it provides, the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities granted it with a Level 4 accreditation, which is the highest possible. Its academic programs focus on the areas of computer studies, liberal arts and business. Its graduate and undergraduate programs are classified into seven major colleges including the College of Law, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Engineering.
Founded on December 10th in 1859, Ateneo de Manila University is located within Loyola Heights in Quezon City. Together with De La Salle University, they are the only two private universities that the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities has granted with Level 4 accreditation. Additionally, it also features professional schools such as the Center for Continuing Education, the Ateneo School of Government and the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
Mindanao State University was established on September 1st in 1961. Known for its extensive academic programs, it has highly interesting courses under its College of Engineering, College of Education and College of Agriculture. Its notable graduate programs include Ph. D. in Philippine Studies, Ph. D in Language Studies and Ph. D in Educational Management. Likewise, students can enroll in other interesting programs such as the Certificate of Proficiency in Teaching, Diploma in Islamic Studies and Professional Diploma in Physical Education.
A place with a colorful history, hospitable residents and a stable economy, the province of Leyte in the Philippines has a very bright future ahead of it, thanks to its numerous educational institutions. These universities and colleges contribute a lot in forming a solid, consistently efficient and progressive Leyte education system. From these institutions, people can expect the younger generation of today become competent, productive and morally responsible professionals someday.
A tertiary school that focuses on agricultural sciences, Visayas State University is found within the area of Barangay Pangasugan in the City of Baybay. It offers amazing academic programs and highly interesting courses that are guaranteed to help its students grow as well as develop their full potentials. Some of the notable academic degrees available here include Bachelor of Science in Development Communication, Bachelor in Animal Science and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Add to that, this school also offers an impressive lineup of graduate programs like Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology, Master of Science in Food Science and Technology as well as Master of Science in Agricultural Economics.
A highly impressive tertiary school that specializes in various fields of interest, University of the Philippines-Tacloban is conveniently located along Zamora Street in the City of Tacloban. The university showcases many highly in-demand courses for undergraduates like Bachelor of Science in Economics, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Likewise, this school is known for its exceptional graduate programs offering degrees such as Master of Management in Educational Management, Master of Management in Public Management and Master of Management in Business Management. The school promises to help its students become responsible, hardworking and efficient in whatever they do.
For those who want to pursue careers in maritime sciences, they can go to the municipality of Palompon and enroll at the Palompon Institute of Technology, which is precisely situated right along Evangelista Street. Some of its commendable undergraduate programs include Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. For those who want to apply for graduate programs, they can enroll in courses like Master of Technology Education, Master of Arts Major in Community Development as well as Doctor of Philosophy Major in Educational Management. With all these to offer, this place is simply one of the nicest and highly respectable maritime schools in the area.
A school that is highly recommended for people who wish to pursue careers in the area of information technology, AMA Computer Learning Center is situated at Chuliante Marketing Building, which is just along Aviles Street in the City of Ormoc. For those who want to earn academic degrees fast, they can enroll in two-year courses such as Business and Information Management as well as Computer System Design and Programming.
Davao is very much known for its exotic fruits and beautiful orchids but aside from these, there are many things that draw visitors to Davao. Davao is the largest city by far in Mindanao and aside from being the crown jewel of the southern Philippines, there are many interesting places to go to here. If one is planning a trip to Davao, aside from reading up on places to go to or things to do here, it’s also a good idea to find out what the available modes of transportation are in the city. One can be sure that public Davao transportation is something that even tourists can take despite the fact that it might be their first time to go here.
The quickest option to get to Davao is via plane and this mode of Davao transportation can easily be done because of the many different domestic carriers that make daily trips to Davao. If flying to Davao, one will arrive at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport and this is a facility that accommodates both local and international flights. Choosing which airline to use to get to Davao is a matter of preference and one can even avail of promotional offers so that ticket fares can be lowered to as little as Php100 per head.
Another way to get to this province is by land and through this mode of Davao transportation especially if coming from Manila, one be prepared to spend 2-3 days on the road. There are buses that leave Manila twice a day to go to Davao and among the options are Victory Liner and Philippine Rabbit. Buses are by far the cheapest mode of Davao transportation via land as compared to using one’s own vehicle or renting a car. Of course, the luxury, comfort and the scenic drive need to be weighed if one is thinking about bringing a car to Davao.
One could also get to Davao by sea and how much this costs depends on the size of the maritime vessel. There are smaller boats and ferries that charge lower amounts while those who are not in a hurry and would even like to go sightseeing on the way there can opt for ferries that make frequent stops to other islands.
Being a highly industrialized city, getting around Davao is not a problem with a multitude of Davao transportation available to visitors. There are buses in the city, tricycles for short distances, jeepneys and taxis that can help one get to one’s destination. When it comes to taxis, there are 2 kinds in Davao, air conditioned and non-air conditioned. The former type of Davao transportation is little bit more expensive but both are safe and comfortable.
Considered by some as the second national tree, the coconut tree is as versatile and useful as the Narra tree. From roots to leaves, the coconut is valuable. But how did it come into being? The coconut tree has lots of myths about it, and here is one.
According to this myth, once there was a kingdom in Mindanao known as Bangonansa Pulangui (“kingdom by the river”), which was ruled by a just and kind sultan. The myth says the kingdom was known for Putri Timbang-Namat, the sultan’s only daughter. She was a most beautiful and charming woman. Her name meant “lady grace.”
Putri’s admirers came from the seven seas, but she did not care for any of them. According to the myth, the kind sultan was touched by their persistence. One day, he tried to ask his daughter to choose from among them the man she would marry, the myth adds.
”I need a son to succeed me when I die,” the father said, “and I wish that before I die, I would see you married,” he added. The myth says the king thought of a contest for the princess’ hand. A tournament was held to determine who among the suitors was worthy of the princess’ love, the myth says.
In the palace garden, meanwhile, the myth says the princess met a young and handsome gardener, Wata-Mama. The myth says Wata-Mama decided to reveal his past to her. According to the myth he was of royal descent but had been lost when he was three. His father was killed by his greedy uncle. The myth says that the princess said, “We love each other, that’s all that matters. ”
The myth says a general was very jealous of Wata. So, that night, in the dark corner of the palace, he and his aides waited for the young lovers. The myth says the general suddenly emerged, struck Wata-Mama and beheaded him. The princess, fearless, picked up Wata’s head.
After Wata’s head was buried, the myth says, early one morning, while the princess was watching the spot, she saw a tiny plant growing from the ground. Suddenly, the myth says, it grew into a tree and reached the height of the window where the princess was sitting at. It produced a round fruit the size of a man’s head.
Love’s passion and jealousy’s wretchedness can suddenly change lives disastrously. This myth on the coconut teaches that love is best kept going on its natural course.
The “Pearl of the Orient Seas” has long since relied on ecotourism as a revenue generating industry and it didn’t have a hard time going about it because of the many beautiful Philippine destinations that await the visitor. Which Philippine destinations to see when in the country is a tough decision to make but here are some places that are definitely worth seeing.
Banawe Rice Terraces
One does not have to be a farmer to be able to appreciate the beauty of the Banawe Rice Terraces found in the mountain region of the Philippines. The land of the Philippines is well suited for agriculture and rice being a part of every Filipino’s diet is very important to the locals. The Banawe Rice Terraces can be seen in many postcards about the Philippines and that in itself is enough to prove the majesty of this Philippine destination. A whole mountain that goes as far as the eye can see have been converted by the indigenous group in the area into a massive rice plantation and in so doing they followed the contour of the mountains. The indigenous group responsible for the wonder of the Banawe Rice Terraces is the Ifugaos and they have made sure that the rice lands are well irrigated. Lacking formal education, the Banawe Rice Terraces shows the Filipinos’ ingenuity, determination and strength.
The Philippines’ tropical climate can be very warm and humid between the months of March until early June. A great Philippine destination to visit if one is in the country during the summer season is Baguio City. Dubbed the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines, Baguio City has perpetually cool climate because of its location. Baguio City belongs to the Cordillera Mountain Ranges and there are several tourist spots at this Philippine destination. The famous tourist destinations in Baguio City are Camp John Hay, Burnham Park and Session Road. This Philippine destination is also home to beautiful flowers such as roses that thrive only in cold weather and if should chance upon the Baguio City Flower Festival while here, one is definitely in for a treat.
It’s not only foreign visitors that get to enjoy Baguio City. In fact, this location is frequented by locals because of it is relatively near Metro Manila. Tourism is at an all time high though at this Philippine destination during the summer season and during the Flower Festival. During the Flower Festival, one gets to watch beautifully decorated floats filled with flowers parading the streets, showing the Filipinos’ creativity and passion for beauty.
Taal Volcano is one of the famous volcanoes in the Philippines. It is located in Tagaytay City, Cavite. The Taal Volcano may be an active volcano, but in spite of it being active, tourism is really progressing. Just minutes away from Tagaytay Ridge, you will find the Taal Lake Yacht Club. Here you will have a totally different Taal adventure.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club has been dubbed as the sailing Mecca of the Philippines. The Taal Lake Yacht Club staff think of themselves as a club by sailors for sailors. The club allows entrance to non-members too. Membership is more focused on sports than money. Bringing your own food for camping and picnic is allowed. Boat charters are available and sailing lessons to non-members are also offered.
Environmental awareness and family togetherness are promoted in Taal Lake Yacht Club. The club is also concerned about preserving Taal Lake's ecological balance. School groups and scout troops are welcome in the Taal Lake Yacht Club aside from regular day-trippers and foreign tourists.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club offers environment-friendly water sports. For sailing, they have a yacht-racing schedule, which is the basis for most of their sailing activities. Programs like "learn to sail" and "sail training" are also offered.
Hobie Racing uses Hobie 16s as the main racing class. More than two dozen boats (either privately owned or owned by the Taal Lake Yacht Club) are available for rentals.
Twice a year, the Taal Lake Yacht Club windsurfing fleet holds regattas. They have other boats like small keelboats and sunfishes. Rowing and Kayaking are also offered. If you have no previous experience in kayaking, that won't be a problem. The Club's kayaks are easy to use and guaranteed to be unsinkable and unbreakable. Sculls training is also available for beginners.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club also offers trips to Taal Volcano where you get to climb up to the crater! Three different treks are offered: the Tourist Trail and two other Secret Trails. Whatever trail you choose the experience will be unforgettable. A beautiful panoramic view of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake before your eyes is a welcome treat.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club is about one and a half-hour away from Manila and 20 minutes away from Tagaytay.
If you're into a lot of fun water activities or just curious and want to learn, come visit the Taal Lake Yacht Club in Tagaytay, Philippines. It is a weekend trip that will delight family and friends.
If mountain trekking is your kick, come to the Philippines. If it is pristine white sand beaches you are looking for, come to the Philippines. Mountains or seas, the Philippines have all the wonders of nature in one great vacation spot!
Luzon, the largest island, stretches from the Ilocos province in the north to Sorsogon in the south. It is in Luzon that you will discover the splendor of the Cordillera rice terraces, century-old rice fields fashioned by the Igorots, Ifugao and Kalinga from sides of the mountains. Today it remains one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Philippines.
Still In the northern part of the Philippines is a beach that has big waves and strong winds that is ideal for wind and wave surfing, welcome to Pagudpud.
Framing the coastline of Puerto Princesa City is Honda Bay. The clear waters permits snorkeling and the enclaves afford one to island hop.
Baler and Infanta in Quezon and Daet in Camarines Norte offer more exciting experiences for surfers seeking the extreme with the bigger waves.
In the Visayas, the largest central groups of islands between Luzon and Mindanao, have islands each distinct and interesting.
Bohol for example is famous for its intriguing Chocolate Hills that are plain green and brown depending on the season. On a small island southwest of the bigger island Bohol, is Panglao, a perfect place to dive and swim on a holiday.
Located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas, is Boracay. Its fine sand makes it one of the finest beaches in the world.
To the extreme west of Visayas are the islands Samar and Leyte connected by the San Juanico Bridge. Both areas have portions that remain unexplored by tourists. Samar is a good destination for kayaking.
Aside from the underwater caves in Palawan, Mabinay have caves that can be visited. Most wonderfully open to tourists is Crystal Cave. Still in Mabinay are great rapids and rock climbing experiences waiting for you.
In Mindanao, dare swimming into the sunken cemetery in Camiguin islands then have a break tasting the islands’ tangy-sweet lanzones. With its waterfalls and both hot and cold springs, Camiguin keeps tourist coming back again and again.
Dakak Park Beach Resort, located on the beach facing Sulu Sea, is a place wonderfully tacked into a 15- hectare property that offers blissful stay.
Siargao, located in the province of Surigao del Norte, is known for its curling waves as high as twelve feet high which makes it one of the places sought after by surfers. Surfing can be done too in Baler, Quezon in Luzon and Tandag, Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.
The superb rapids of the Philippines lay undiscovered, try the Bubunawan/Cagayan de Oro River, in Misamis Oriental.
Bohol is filled with many tourist destinations that successfully attract tourists from all over the world. Being one of the prime tourist destinations in the Philippines, Bohol is also filled with hotels and resorts that accommodate tired tourists after a day in Bohol’s many tourist attractions. Therefore, here is a Bohol Hotel Guide that will assist the tourists in choosing the most suitable hotels in the area.
Bohol Tropics Resort
This lovely hotel is situated at the heart of Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol. Considered as one of the three-star hotels in the Philippines, this hotel is truly a quiet getaway amidst being located in the city. Guests can be appointed at the Poolside Room, Ambassador Garden Room and the Superior Bayview Suites. Hotel facilities include swimming pools, children’s playground, disco, sports center and restaurants. Nearby the pool is a fantastic view of the bay that accommodates the Tagbilaran Pier. The hotel restaurant sits at the roof deck, serving Chinese and international cuisines at delectable concoctions. Prices at the Bohol Tropics Resort start at 2,200 pesos for the Poolside Room and 3,000 pesos for the Superior Bayview Suites. This hotel is selected by this Bohol Hotel Guide because it is ideal for all types of tourists, including families. Bohol Tropics Resort is located at Graham Avenue in Tagbilaran City, with a contact number of 63-38-411-3510. Reservations can be made through phone, or email at info@boholtropics.com.
Bohol Beach Club
Bohol Beach Club is another selection made by this Bohol Hotel Guide for those who value elegance above all. The Bohol Beach Club is one of the four-star hotels in the Philippines, with its astounding facilities showing a picturesque landscape of the pools and coconut trees on Bohol’s white beach. Room rates start at 3000 pesos for single occupancy. All rooms are equipped with basic amenities, such as air-conditioning, private bath, refrigerator and cable television. The Bohol Beach Club restaurant serves delectable international cuisine. Suites, on the other hand, contain a separate living room and an air-conditioned room, and are placed nearby the swimming pool. The Bohol Beach Club is located in Bolod in Panglao Island, with a telephone number of 63-38-502-9222 and email address of bbclub@mozcom.com for reservations.
Metro Centre Hotel
The Metro Centre Hotel is a two-star hotel located at the heart of Tagbilaran City, so it is a few minutes away from the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment districts. This hotel is also ideal for backpackers, so the room prices are affordable. Rates start at 1400 pesos per room, inclusive of continental breakfast, airport transfers and use of hotel facilities. Hotel facilities include swimming pool, in-house bar and restaurant, fitness center and game room. The Metro Centre Hotel is located at Pres Carlos P. Garcia Avenue at Tagbilaran City. Interested parties are encouraged to call 63-38-411-2599 or email metroctr@metrocentrehotel.com for reservations.
Paragayo Resort
Paragayo Resort is a two-star hotel located near the beachfront of Panglao Island. This hotel is an ideal getaway from the nightlife nearby the beach, with the location five minutes from the beachfront. Nevertheless, guests can enjoy a pleasant stroll towards the beach. Each of the rooms at Paragayo Resort contains the basic amenities such as private baths and cable television. For a starting price of 1000 pesos, guests can enjoy an air-conditioned room, and for those on a strict budget, a 700-peso room has a cool fan for ventilation. Family suites, a spacious room with basic amenities and good for four persons, start at 1,900 pesos. Paragayo Resort is located at Rona’s Corner in Panglao Beach Resort, with a telephone number of 63-38-502-9172 for reservations.
Dumaluan Beach Resort
The Dumaluan Beach Resort is a two-star hotel ideally located at the beachfront, so guests can enjoy a nice view the moment they leave their rooms. Each of the rooms at the Dumaluan Beach Resort provides the basic amenities such as air-conditioning, cable television and private bath. Rooms can be at the poolside or at the beachfront, and all are tastefully-decorated to encourage a relaxing ambience. Their restaurant serves the best of the Philippines’ native cuisines, as well as international cuisines. Room rates at the Dumaluan Beach Resort starts at 2500 pesos. This hotel is selected by the Bohol Hotel Guide because it is one of the beachfront hotels that give you great value for your money. For reservations, guests can log on to dumaluanbeachresort.tripod.com/reservationform.html. The Dumaluan Beach Resort is located at Panglao Island near the Bohol Beach Club.
Isla Hayahay Beach Resort
Isla Hayahay is a two-star hotel selected by this Bohol Hotel Guide because of its reputation as a quiet getaway from Bohol. Rooms at Isla Hayahay start at 1400 pesos, and all of the rooms provide basic amenities like air-conditioning and private bath, cable TV and private veranda. Isla Hayahay is nearby one of the Philippines’ marine life conservation areas, so guests are assured of a nature-oriented vacation filled with diving, snorkeling and trekking. Isla Hayahay is located at Lomboy in Pangangan Island in Calape. To get there, one must hire a van from Tagbilaran. Inquiries and reservations can be made at 63-38-507-9001 or at islahayahay@merseymail.com.