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For many pet lovers, we are aware that one of the problems in the country is the growing number of stray animals like dogs and cats. In 2019 alone, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society was able to record at least 12 million stray animals. Many of them are afflicted with diseases and pose danger to the public. Animal shelters are becoming crowded as more animals are being rescued every day. Many of the shelters that we know are privately owned and facing some problems in terms of resources, whether financial or human. This is one of the main reasons why people are encouraged to help to save more animals in distress. But why volunteer? Here are some benefits that you can get when you volunteer in an animal shelter.

Good feeling

Being an animal shelter volunteer makes you feel like you are doing the right thing. You become part of the solution to the problem. Part of the job of being a volunteer is that you work with the animals so they can be healthy for foster care. Most of the animals that are sent to shelters are stray and have little to no human interaction. Being with them on a regular basis will develop their trust with humans. This strongly helps them get prepared for future foster parents.

The fruits of your labor

You can instantly the results of your hardships as you begin to work with a fur baby. Remember that many of the animals rescued have minimal human interactions and by showing them some love, their personalities start to come out. Whether you are giving them a bath, taking them for a walk, or simply cuddling them makes a big difference in their lives. 

Volunteers are needed

As more shelters take in more animals, your love and care for the animals are very much needed. There will always be a dog to walk or a cat to groom. It has been observed that giving this care to the animals relieves them of kennel stress. Animals respond differently when they are stressed. Some may become aggressive, others may lose their appetite, and many may increase their frequency of barking or vocalization. Engaging in activities with rescued animals will make them happy and healthy.

Being a volunteer is a good therapy

Being an animal shelter volunteer is good for your total well-being. Studies have shown that spending time with animals helps lower your stress levels and blood pressure. They also help you become physically active as you engage them in various activities. Playing with them has been proven scientifically to increase your levels of serotonin and dopamine. These body chemicals are known to help you become calm and relaxed. 

Memorable professional experience

Being a volunteer is a great way to try a new career. This may be an opportunity to explore a new interest. By volunteering, you will gain new experiences and skills as well as build your own strengths. If you want your resume to be colorful, then the experience you had with the animal shelter is great to add. 

Being a volunteer helps you become responsible in life

Being a volunteer helps you develop yourselves professionally. This includes being on time and managing your time. Moreover, being a volunteer makes you feel like you are part of something that will make a difference in the community

The use of eclectic design is one of the fun and easy ways to decorate your home. This design style gives you the freedom and flexibility of making any home look appealing and interesting. This is your chance to experiment with things and see which decorative items suit your needs. An eclectic design style is also recommended to have a home that is lively and vibrant. 

What is an Eclectic Design

Think of the Eclectic design style as a grocery basket filled with various items that you need for your home or space. There is no uniformity as this design style gives you the freedom and flexibility in decorating your home. The basic principle is that you can choose items from various sources regardless of their origin and history.

The eclectic design style originated during the 19th century. Its objective is to move away from the scope and rules of traditional design and architecture. It aims toward self-realization, freedom of expression, and creativity with the use of different items. You only need to create a room that is cozy and comfortable. 

The good thing about this design style is that you can practically use any item to transform your home. Examples are furniture pieces, souvenir items, gifts given to you, posters, photos, and others. There is no strict rule when it comes to adding valuable items. You only need to unleash your imagination and creativity in designing your space. 

What are the features of the style?

Achieving an eclectic design style is not that difficult. There are many ways to be successful with your project. The addition of furniture pieces is one of the first things that must be settled. The pieces must blend with each other and they should be functional, attractive, and comfortable. Any style can be added regardless of their style. 

The use of textiles also sets the mood of your home, especially the plain ones. As the design style emphasizes simplicity, plain textiles will help in achieving it. Moreover, different decorative items may be used as they represent different periods. It is also smart to use light-colored walls and furniture pieces to make the interior look warm and cozy.  

Achieve the style in easy ways

The eclectic design style is about combining different styles until you achieve the appearance that satisfies you. Add two to three styles and see if they suit your taste. For example, combining traditional and classical styles will give you an interior that is unique and appealing. In addition to these, the use of different decorative items made out of wood, glass, metal, fabric, or plastic also gives a wonderfully eclectic style. 

Paint the walls with light colors or natural colors to have an attractive background. This is also true with furniture pieces and decorative items. The furniture pieces, decorative items, fabric, and colors should blend well with each other, thus creating a balance in your home. Your eclectic design style is achieved with the combination of different design styles.

The Zen interior design style is one of the popular interior decorating styles. It evokes a calming and relaxing ambiance that is perfect in any home or space. Though little is known of the origins of the design style, many homeowners and designers prefer it in their homes. Various decorative elements have been created to help achieve the Zen design style. Posters were also designed as inspired by Zen. These prints feature plants, landscapes, and other earthy elements that will help in achieving the style in your homes. 

What is Zen?

Experts believe that the Zen design style is inspired by Buddhist principles. The principles are focused primarily on loving-kindness, calmness, and meditative and open attitudes. Based on the Japanese term for meditation, Zazen, the key elements of the style feature minimalism with a focus on harmony and balance. 

How to achieve Zen design style

Achieving the Zen interior design style may be challenging and four elements need to be considered to be successful with the decorating project. Creating interior design style is exciting especially when all the elements are added. 

The first element is the flow of energy. This means that all the other obstacles such as clutter should be removed to allow the energy to flow freely within the room. Having an open space is important and can be compared to a smooth flow of clear water. As such the rooms dissolve easily with each other. 

It is also of utmost importance to allow daylight to enter and artificial light that mimics the light from the sun. With these, the harmonious colors of the room will be revealed making the interior look more inviting and cozy. Think of adding colors that are close to the elements of nature such as bamboo green, stone gray, matte white, and other soft neutral colors. With the addition of poster art and fabric that have the said colors, you can easily get the job done correctly.

A simple mind is a clear mind. Creating a minimalist room interior can help you live a calm and restful life. Add storage areas to stock your belongings to avoid the accumulation of clutter. Hidden built-in cabinets, for instance, are perfect to store books, kitchenware, clothes, and others.

Lastly, the interior should also evoke versatility wherein every part of the room can be multifunctional to avoid it from being cramped and congested. One good example is a bed that can be transformed into a sofa during the daytime. 

Zen-inspired posters

Think of the walls as a blank canvas to design your wall art. The display of posters is one of the easiest and fastest ways to achieve the Zen interior design style. Many poster prints feature elements of nature and have captured the essence of Zen principles. These prints, when properly arranged on the walls can give an ambiance that is relaxing and comfortable. 

Posters that feature plants, mountains, and the sea are not only attractive. They also evoke a feeling of being at one with the surroundings. Displaying them in the living room can help in setting the mood, especially after coming from a stressful environment. 

Yoga and other light exercise enthusiasts will surely have a great time while enjoying the view displayed on their walls. Not only that these prints evoke beauty, but they will also keep the mind and body calm for better health. 

Chinese lanterns have been in existence since ancient times. They were used to provide light and in religious practices. Nowadays, Chinese lanterns are used for decoration and as modern forms of celebration and worship. They are likewise symbols of national pride in China and are commonly seen in homes and public areas. Traditionally, the lanterns are seen in the color red and adorned with gold or red tassels. Do not be surprised as well if you see them in various shapes.

A brief history of Chinese lanterns

The earliest recorded Chinese lanterns were during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). Lanterns were used as lamps or covers during that period. The lanterns were used in several religious practices like Buddha worship. Buddhism was known to spread in China due to the efforts of the Eastern Han emperor. The emperor ordered that lanterns be lit every 15th day of the first lunar month to worship Buddha. Eventually, this celebration became the famous Lantern Festival. 

During the Tang dynasty in 618-907, paper lanterns were displayed to celebrate the peaceful life and power of China. This led to the popularity of lanterns throughout the country. 

The appearance of Chinese lanterns

During ancient times in China, making lanterns was a collection of crafts including painting and paper-cutting. There are various materials used in making lanterns, and the most commonly used were bamboo, wood, wheat, straw, paper, and silk. Illustrations were also seen in traditional lanterns and these show some of the beautiful landscapes of China, portraits of key personalities, mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, birds, and fish. 

The colors of lanterns and their meanings

Colors say a lot about the culture and tradition of China. They have different meanings and are used on various occasions. Red lanterns represent wealth, fame, and prosperity. These lanterns are usually used at weddings, family reunions, and several festivals to show joy and harmony.

During imperial times, yellow lanterns were displayed in palaces as the color represents the emperors of ancient China. As such, it was forbidden to use yellow lanterns by the public. These days, yellow lanterns are displayed to bring good luck to students. 

White lanterns, on the other hand, are used in any event that has something to do with death. Therefore it is common to display or see white lanterns during funerals. While green lanterns symbolize health, prosperity, and harmony. These are likewise seen during temple fairs or the infamous Lantern Festival. 

The Lantern Festival

These are the days to feast your eyes on colorful and beautiful Chinese lanterns. The tradition of viewing lantern displays can be traced back to the Han Dynasty around 2000 years ago. One of the favorite activities during the Lantern Festival is guessing lantern riddles. People gather around the displayed lanterns and guess the answers to the riddles. It is a form of competition wherein the person who answered the most number of riddles win.

Citrus fruits have been part of our lives. These round fruits are bright, colorful, fragrant, and refreshing. They are simply irresistible once you see them on your tables. Aside from these, citrus fruits are an essential part of daily nutrition as they are packed with health benefits. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber. These elements offer great health benefits to humans and have been known since ancient times. Let us look closely at what citrus fruits offer and why they are loved by many individuals. 

High fiber content

An orange serves up to 2.3 grams of fiber and a tangerine has about 1.6 grams. Given this information, citrus fruits can supply us with our daily fiber requirements. The fruits contain soluble fiber and this is associated with lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels. The insoluble fibers they contain help in bowel movement. 

Citrus fruits are good for the heart

Flavonoids are plant compounds that are known for promoting a healthy heart. These chemical compounds are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant products. In general, they help the body function properly while protecting the cells from toxins and stressors. Studies have shown that grapefruits help in lowering the bad cholesterol levels in the body, thus lowering the risk of heart disease. 

They have a low glycemic index

In the glycemic index on the 100-point scale, citrus fruits have a relatively low score. This simply means that the fruits would not contribute to the increase in blood sugar. Oranges have a score of 45 while grapefruits have 25. The sugar content in citrus fruits is released slowly giving the body a steady supply of energy. 

Citrus fruits help in fighting the common cold

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C. Although the vitamin cannot prevent colds, they are found to reduce the duration and decrease the severity. In addition to these, vitamin C can shorten the duration of the symptoms of colds. 

A good source of potassium

Traditionally, bananas are the fruits that come to our minds when we hear about potassium. Little that we knew that citrus fruits are also rich in potassium. This mineral is vital for body fluid regulation, mineral balance, and the normal contraction of muscles. Potassium likewise regulates salt in our body, lowers the risk of stroke, and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Better nutrient absorption

With citrus fruits in your diet, your body can absorb more nutrients from the food that you eat. The fruits help the body absorb minerals that are needed to boost the immune system. Iron is also absorbed to help in the production of red blood cells. 

A good source of water

We are aware that other fruits like watermelon and tomatoes help in hydrating the body. Citrus fruits likewise have high water content. Eating citrus fruits can help prevent body dehydration. Remember that our body is practically composed of two-thirds water, and citrus fruits can help maintain the normal functions of the body. 

Younger looking skin

Vitamin C plays a significant role in the production of collagen. It has been observed that people who eat foods that are rich in vitamin C were less likely to develop wrinkles and dry skin. 

A good way to lose weight

Citrus fruits have little to no fat, sodium, or calories, making them the best friends of people who are reducing weight. Studies have also shown that high vitamin C blood levels may result to lower BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. 

Did you know that your favorite food has an ancient origin? The world’s favorite fast food has conquered the world. But before that, pizza had a humble origin that we were unaware of. People have been eating pizza for centuries. Of course, the appearance is not similar to what we know nowadays. In the past, people prepared this food with pieces of flatbread, topped with whatever they wanted to add, and served as a simple and tasty meal. Let us see how pizza started and evolved through the years. 

The first pizza in the world

We all know that pizza was born in Italy, but experts believe that the food has a long history. The concept of preparing pizza was first noted by the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. They prepared flatbreads topped with various oils and herbs. In the 6th century BC, Persians also baked flatbreads covered in cheese and dates. Now we know these ingredients as toppings of the bread. However, the modern pizza that we know started as a flatbread that became famous n the poor areas of Naples, Italy. 

Pizza evolution

The truth is, there is no exact date when pizza was created. However, experts were able to at least narrow down the period. It was in the 1500s that tomatoes found their way to Europe from the West. Tomatoes were not easily accepted by the Europeans since they thought that the fruit was poisonous. 

There was even a description in 1799 about dough with tomato sauce and cheese. The Italian census in the late 1700s listed several people as pizza makers (pizolas) in Naples. Now we know that there were a group of professionals who focused on making this great food. 

The great pizza margherita?

Just like in any story, pizza has an unclear origin. In fact, there are different versions. One story claims that pizza was created when the soon-to-be king and queen of Italy visited Naples in 1889. To gain the confidence of the people, the future royals insisted on eating as the common folk did. This includes eating pizza which during those times was considered to be the food for the poor. 

Margherita of Savoy once summoned Rafael Esposito, a known pizola. Several of his pies were then tasted: one with garlic topping; the other one with anchovies; the next with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil; and the last one was named pizza margherita, the name of the future queen. The last pizza has the colors of the Italian flag and was created as a tribute to the future queen. 

The migration to the West

As early as the 1900s, pizza has already made its way to the United States. Places such as Omaha, Nebraska, and Wisconsin have been enjoying the food. However, the popularity incredibly became famous in New York City. Lombardi in Manhattan was the first licensed U.S. pizzeria in 1905. However, pizza historians claimed that there was no evidence that the first pizzeria was in New York. They believed that it may have started across the river in the borough of Brooklyn.

Since then, pizza has been one of the favorites in many countries. It has even evolved into different flavors according to the preferences of the respective nationalities. Certain fruits were even added, especially pineapple, creating what we now call Hawaiian pizza. Although this variety is believed to have originated in Canada and not in Hawaii, it has been loved by many. 

So the next time you order pizza, think about its colorful origins and how it has changed through the years. 

Whether you are from another country or from provinces and other cities of the Philippines, Manila is surely a place worth going to. You may have heard the song, “Manila”, which topped the chart in the 80s. Surely, there are tons to see and experience in the city during those days, as well as today. So what is so special about the city that made it so popular with foreign and local tourists? Here are the things you need to know if visiting Manila is on your bucket list.

No need to fill your pockets with cash

In contrast with other tourist destinations in the country, you do not need to break your bank when going around the city. There are a lot of affordable places to visit and still enjoy the experience. Different landmarks, parks, museums, and other places do not cost that much. In fact, some of them are even free of charge. Take Rizal Park or Luneta for example. This is a historic place where the national hero, Jose Rizal, was executed during the Spanish regime. This event sparked the hearts of many Filipinos in fighting for their freedom. 

Shopping for essentials and souvenirs is likewise affordable. You can find your favorite brands in typical malls, but the highlight of the city is thrift shopping. Try going to Divisoria or Carriedo and feast your eyes on numerous stalls and shops that offer items at much lower prices as compared to those sold in famous malls. You just have to prepare yourself for the crowd, especially during the holiday season.

If you love food, then Manila is known for restaurants and food stalls that offer sumptuous and affordable dishes. Binondo, for example, has restaurants that offer authentic Chinese dishes and you will be surprised with the little amount that you will spend. Want to be adventurous? Visit some sidestreets and more likely than not, you will find food stalls that sell exotic Filipino street foods. Ever tried balut, isaw (IUD), samalamig, grilled chicken feet (adidas), or chicken blood (betamax)? These are something worth trying. 

Adventure with the public transportation

Jeepney is the main mode of transportation in  Manila. Of course, there are also the LRT, tricycles, pedicabs, and taxis. But your stay in Manila is never complete without riding these king of the roads. For many Pinoys, riding the jeepney and going to various destinations is common. Some would even say that this is like experiencing an extreme sport. Imagine those colorful rides, with ear-splitting sound systems, and roller coaster riding adventures. Fare is likewise affordable, even though the global oil price hike has affected the minimum fare of jeepneys.

Tricycles and pedicabs are also not to miss, especially if you are going to the outskirts and several streets of the city. The fare, though is quite higher than the jeepneys, they will definitely take you to places. However, if you do not feel these modes of transportation, you can always get a taxi cab or book a Grab.

Enjoy the tropical climate

Yes. Manila is not like Boracay or El Nido, but you still experience the warm weather of the country. Sometimes a bit too warm than what was announced in the news. When traveling the city, you should complete your gear, like umbrella, caps, handkerchief, and other means to battle the heat. Depending on the months of visit, you might also experience some rainy days that might progress to flooding. 

Prepare for Filipino hospitality

Filipinos are known for their caring and hospitable attitude. Try visiting a friend’s place and you are up for some surprise. You will immediately be offered drinks, and snacks, and might even be asked to stay for dinner. Prepare to meet the family as well as friends and even though you do not remember their names, you will be greeted with a smile. Many of them enjoy a little chit-chat, whether in your personal experience of the city or your personal life. Admit it, we Filipinos enjoy hearing stories and gossip from time to time. 

Also do remember that many people are helpful. Whether you are asking for directions or just any inquiry. Many Manilenos will try their best to answer your questions. 

Now that you have enough knowledge about Manila, then you are prepared to have the adventure of your life. Kudos!