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The Philippines has over 7,000 islands and is one of the countries in the Southeast Asian region. Over 120 years ago, the country declared its independence from Spanish rule. It was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo who claimed independence but the day was declared a public holiday in 1962 by President Diosdado Macapagal. On June 12, 1898, the Philippine flag was raised and waved along with the Philippine national anthem. Since then, the country has faced many challenges and leaps. 

The brief history of Philippine Independence

The country was under the rule of Spain for over 300 years. It was named after King Philip II of Spain. It was in 1521 that Magellan landed in the Philippines and claimed it for Spain. He wanted that all local chiefs to submit to the rule of Spain, but one of them refused. Lapu Lapu led this resistance and eventually killed Magellan. 

It was in 1565 that Miguel Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition and gained a foothold in the Philippines. In 1571, they built the city of Intramuros, which was later renamed Manila. The Spanish established a feudal system in which the Spanish owned large estates while the Filipinos are the workers. 

In the 19th century, feelings of nationalism grew with rebellion storming the land as inspired by Jose Rizal. His books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo caused nationalism and patriotism spread like wildfire. Simultaneously, Andres Bonifacio formed Katipunan that started a revolution in August 1896. Jose Rizal was killed on December 30, 1896, and his execution caused the revolution to grow in the country. 

The war between Spain and the U.S. happened and led to the defeat of the former. As such, Filipino revolutionaries surrounded Manila and Emilio Aguinaldo declared the independence of the Philippines on June 12. However, the Americans took over when Aguinaldo was captured in 1902.

Celebrating the Philippine Independence

Throughout the years, the Philippine Independence has been celebrated around the country. Flags in all places, people also enjoy parties, parades, displays, and others. Here are some interesting facts about Independence Day celebrations in the country.

Fireworks and nationalistic ceremonies

Tourists and locals will have a great time seeing fireworks and other celebrations across the country. Many establishments and government offices hold flag-raising ceremonies to honor independence.

Dinner with family and relatives

Filipino families gather around dinner tables and enjoy a feast with their loved ones. In many instances, national dishes, such as adobo, laing, and suman are served. Different regions also serve their local dishes, adding to the spirit of nationalism. 

Various celebrations

It is in Manila that the largest celebrations happen. There are a series of parades, food festivals, and military displays. 

Flag raising in Kawit, Cavite

Every June 12, the city of Kawit, Cavite conducts a flag-raising ceremony at the Aguinaldo Shrine. This is also the burial place of the late president. In addition to these, local officials read out the 120-page Proclamation of Independence.

The biggest celebration of our culture

Independence Day is probably the biggest celebration of Filipino culture. As we all know, there are many Filipino communities around the world and they hold commemorative events. People make Philippine flags and display them on their walls and hang them at home. Others dress up costumed of their respective region or tribe. 

Speakeasy bars are those that are behind closed doors offering exclusive cocktails and food menu items in a restricted environment that is only accessible to a few. The origin of speakeasy bars can be traced back to the first decades of the 20th century in New York City during the prohibition era. 

During the prohibition era, the city is governed by dry law. This law prevented the manufacture and consumption of alcohol. However, the law is broken and hidden bars began to appear behind closed doors, and eventually evolved into night restaurants. Most restaurants operate discretely in which customers request an alcoholic beverage without arousing suspicion. 

The location of the restaurants is spread only by word of mouth. The loyalty of the customers protected the locations of these restaurants. The customers were responsible for inviting new friends to visit speakeasy bars. Passwords were used to gain access to the place. Speakeasy bars likewise have striking secret entrances. Some even have their entrances hidden within one of the restaurants’ rooms, such as the bathroom. 

Are speakeasy bars different from underground restaurants?

Underground restaurants are sometimes called supper clubs or closed-door restaurants. These are social dining establishments operated in someone’s home, bypassing local zoning and health-code regulations. Underground restaurants are usually spread by word of mouth or guerilla advertising. The experience that an underground restaurant offers is to sample new food at a low cost as compared with the traditional restaurant experience. 

The variety of speakeasy bars

Speakeasy bars are relatively small with little or no entertainment involved. The gradual growth made these bars popular and expanded to many different areas with new additions of entertainment. It eventually became one of the biggest businesses during the Prohibition era and was often kept even after the Prohibition ended. There were even underground rooms used for these bars.

Speakeasy bar decorating idea

Creating a speakeasy bar is uncomplicated. The interior should evoke a feeling that it is quietly glowing and not brightly lit. As such, the lighting added such as overhead lighting, table lamps, and sconces need to be dimmer. The overall appearance needs to have a low-profile, classic club-style seating in leather and velvets. Sofas and chairs should be arranged in clusters that facilitate small, intimate conversation instead of large group gatherings. 

Windows should be concealed enhancing the speakeasy vibe. With a few more elements, speakeasy bars will have that modern vibe. Restaurant owners may add a dark and moody color palette with dark tones of gray, blues, and greens.

For people who are planning to start a restaurant, the menu is not the only factor to boost the business. Owners should also take into consideration the aesthetics of the restaurant. The interior is vital to attracting customers. It should reflect both an exceptional culinary and sensory experience. Here are some ideas that you may use to improve the appearance of the interior. 

The layout plan

Before doing some revamping, it is important to create a layout plan. The layout should give you a bird’s eye view of the location, size, and setup of the furniture. For instance, the location of the washroom and the kitchen. The layout will also maximize the space of your restaurant and must clear the traffic for both customers and servers. 

Appealing entrance

One way to attract customers is to create an eye-catching entrance, It should be inviting, unique, and classy. It should match the theme of the restaurant and must give the customers a glimpse of the food served. 

The demographics

Study the market. Who will be your customers? If you are targeting students and teenagers, use bright colors, with music-based wallpaper and retro furniture. You may also want to add funky decorations with attractive lighting fixtures. If you are targeting professionals and working individuals, it is recommended to have a modern design. Use light-colored furniture with cushioned seatings. 

Be wise, light it up

Lighting is crucial and should have a combination of electric and natural light. These types can evoke a soothing and calming effect. Never rule out the colors as these can affect the mood and ambiance. Fine-dining restaurants look better with tabletop light in a semi-dark room to induce a romantic and intimate ambiance. 

Choose the right colors

Colors are known to have a great impact on the overall ambiance. Never use dull colors as restaurants should have bright lights to make them look spacious. Use soft-pastel colors for family-style restaurants as these are not harmful to the eyes of children. In general, the colors must be coordinated with the theme and the target customers. 

Table styles

Many experts recommend arranging the tables in such a way that it meets the demands, need, and privacy of the customers. The arrangement must not also impede the movement of the server and customer. 

The flooring

Never forget the flooring and there are many options for a restaurant. Look at several factors such as safety. The flooring must not be slippery no matter the material used. Consider using flooring that can absorb and dampen noise. Concrete and carpet are recommended for this. It should also be durable to avoid frequent replacements. Lastly, choose budget-friendly flooring and these may be vinyl, carpet, or laminate to exotic woods.

Experts believe that colors affect the mood of people. In general, colors are divided into whether they are cool or warm. Warm colors can evoke fun and exciting atmosphere in any room, and they can bring out the positive aspects of life. Examples are red, orange, and yellow.

Colors and mood

Science describes colors as visual perception and that they are categorized in different categories. It was observed that when eyes connect with colors, various chemicals are released from the brain. These chemicals have particular effects on the physical and emotional levels.

These are the reasons why in the advertising and marketing industries, certain colors are used to highlight the brand. Different color palettes have been used by companies in the packaging of their products and also in designing their promotional materials. The color orange, for instance, is usually seen in restaurants since it stimulates appetite. Red, on the other hand, brings out masculinity.

Colors are also important in interior design. The use of colors is one of the important factors in creating the right atmosphere in a room. In many instances, home interiors are seen in neutral colors like black, blue, gray, and white. Unfortunately, these colors do not provide any health benefits as compared to warm colors.

Why use warm colors

Warm colors are those that are in the red area of the color spectrum. In human health, warm colors are known to have positive effects. These colors evoke emotions that range from warmth and comfort to anger and hostility. These colors stimulate the body that creates a happy emotion.

On the other hand, cool colors are those that are on the blue side of the color spectrum. Examples are blue, purple, and green. These colors are calming and relaxing. However, they also evoke a feeling of sadness. 

Red

The color with the longest wavelength and considered to be powerful. It can catch attention as compared with other colors. These are some of the reasons why red is used in traffic lights as it evokes physical and psychological responses. 

The positive traits of red are courage, strength, warmth, energy, stimulation, and excitement. It was also observed that the color can stimulate circulation, thus increasing the circulation of blood and oxygen.

Yellow

The color with a relatively long and stimulating wavelength. In color psychology, yellow is considered to be a strong color. The right shade of yellow can uplift the spirit and boost self-esteem as well as self-confidence and optimism. On the contrary, yellow can promote feelings of irrationality, fear, depression, and anxiety.

Orange

The color that results from the combination of red and yellow. This is another stimulating color that has effects on the mind. Orange also represents human needs, such as food, warmth, shelter, and sensuality. 

Final thoughts

Warm colors are considered to be stimulating colors as they help activate the mind and body. As such, blood circulation is increased to help the cells receive more oxygen. This in effect promotes cell growth and organ function. In addition to these, the immune system is also stimulated to fight disease-causing microorganisms. The brain is also well-oxygenated making the mind sharp and focused.

Over the years, wine has been one of the most preferred alcoholic beverages of many individuals. It has a distinct taste that stimulates the palate. In addition to this, the list of benefits is long and becomes more interesting as you read more about them. We are not going to be too technical and medical about them, but it is fantastic to know that wine is not just your average alcoholic drink. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of drinking wine and why more people prefer it over other alcoholic beverages.

Red wine can protect your heart

Red wine has several heart-protecting benefits. Studies have shown that drinking red wine is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease. The high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and metabolic diseases. 

Drinking wine can fight inflammation

Red wine is rich in polyphenols, including resveratrol, anthocyanins, catechins, and tannins. As such, red wine show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These chemicals likewise reduce insulin resistance and decrease stress. Resveratrol can be found in foods like grapes, peanuts, chocolate, and berries. 

Improve mood

Many individuals have associated drinking alcohol with better mood. This has been supported by several studies in which people who had a glass of wine in an unpleasant environment, experienced mood improvement. The result is the same with people who are in a more pleasant environment. Moderate intake of wine may also reduce the risk of depression. So now we know.

Boost the immune system

Studies about wine have revealed that a glass of wine a day reduces the risk of infection by Helicobacter pylori. This is a bacteria that causes gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancers. Half a glass of wine may also guard your intestines against food poisoning caused by bacteria. 

Build better bones

Women who drink moderately have been found to have higher bone mass as compared to those who do not drink wine at all. The alcohol content has estrogen boosting ability and this hormone can prevent or slow down the destruction of old bones. 

Prevent the increase in blood sugar

The study was conducted with premenopausal women who drink one to two glasses of wine per day. It has been concluded that these women will be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. It was also observed that wine can reduce resistance to insulin in diabetic patients. 

Are we going to take that leap of faith?

Actually, it’s not a leap of faith anymore. There are a lot of studies that support the medical benefit of wine. The next question is, what type of wine to drink. Red wine likely offers more health benefits than white wine. Although, white wine still needs further studies to identify the benefits they give. 

Now we are aware of the health benefits that wine gives. It is great to know that excessive alcohol intake can be harmful. As much as we want to have those benefits, binge drinking may result in negative health outcomes. In fact, thousands of people die every year because of excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages. 

Health-related concerns about excessive alcohol drinking include increased risk of certain cancers, diabetes, heart problems, liver diseases, and pancreatic diseases. So how much is enough? Daily intake of wine with the associated health benefits are 1 glass of wine for women and 2 glasses for men. 

Pizza, Pasta, Tiramisu. These are just some of the Italian food that many of us love. If you are looking for an authentic Italian restaurant, then move around the Metro and you will surely find one that you will love. It is easy to spot one. In addition to the name of the restaurant and the menu they serve, it is also common to see checkered table cloth, grapevine images, and statues. If you are planning to start an Italian restaurant business, then decorating it would help boost your business. Here are some ideas that may help you.

Furniture pieces that will add style

Though there are different types of Italian restaurants, they have many similarities when it comes to their design. In most Italian restaurants, you will see button-tufted restaurant booths, restaurant wood chairs, and wooden tables that are adorned in white linen cloths with fancy china and glassware. Fine-dining Italian restaurants have cushion upholstered lounge chairs and sofas for a more comfortable dining experience. 

Wall art and other decorations

Designing an Italian restaurant can be challenging yet fun. Soon as you have accomplished the task, you will immediately be transported to Italy with the aroma of fresh herbs and spices. The wall can be transformed with the display of framed restaurant menu, or you may opt to display a poster advertising Italian food and drink, such as wine, bread, and olive oil. 

You can likewise add framed photos of famous Italian personalities and handwritten words like “dining” and “ristorante”. This can be done with the use of stencils or by projecting the word on the wall using a projector and tracing it with a brush and paint. 

Other items that can be displayed are Italian kitchen tools on the wall like paddles, cutting boards, and dough rollers. Before displaying these items, you can paint the walls with the colors yellow and orange.

Lighting the restaurant

Lighting is another crucial part of decorating an Italian restaurant. The use of ceiling lights is common along with captivating pendant lighting hanging over the tables. These types of lights add a statement and visual interest to the overall ambiance of the interior. 

Tables and seating arrangements

Plank wood tables are common in Italian restaurants. Upholstered vintage-styled chairs and cushioned playing-back restaurant booths are used to give the restaurant interior an artistic look with a touch of elegance and luxurious appeal. 

Food and service to complete the Italian dining experience

Make sure that the kitchen staff is well-trained in preparing Italian cuisine with efficiency and confidence. Good customer service is always expected from all the staff members. When it comes to food preparations, you may try using organic and locally sourced ingredients with vegan options for vegetarians. Never hesitate to use high-quality ingredients that adhere to tradition so that your customers will have loyalty to your brand. 

Final thoughts

Restaurants become great with the details that you add. The ambiance is as important as the food that you prepare and serve. As such, not only that the customers will enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, but they will likewise indulge themselves in the Italian ambiance that many people have adored over the years. May the restaurant interior be traditional or contemporary Italian, the most important thing is that the customers keep coming back to enjoy the dining experience.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it is time to make some preparations for the celebration. The day is yearly celebrated to honor all the mothers in the world. Mother’s Day can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses, Rhea and Cybele. The day is a celebration of mothers and the sacrifices they have given us. 

Gift ideas that can be displayed

If you are looking for the perfect one for your mother, then no need to worry as there are tons of ideas that you can use. Most kids prefer to give flowers or greeting cards. In many instances, mothers are given beauty gift sets and other related items. However, it is also great to be non-traditional and be practical with your presents. Examples are functional tools for the kitchen or decorative items that can be used and displayed in your mom’s house. The decorative items can be attractive framed art or photos, These gifts are not simply tokens of appreciation. These will remind her of the day you gave it and the love that comes along with it. 

DIY room decorations

If you want to make your gift extra special, you can always create something that your mother will truly love and appreciate. For instance, you can create a large Mother’s Day banner using cardboard and flowers to easily decorate the house for this occasion. 

Create a focal point in the room made out of plastic trellis decorated with mom spelled out of flowers. The best part is that the flowers are just threaded through the trellis and you can pull them out and present your mother with a large bouquet at the end of the day. 

Prepare her a breakfast topped with a cute printable Mother’s day food flag that you can stick into. You can also add a handmade mother-themed wood plaque to decorate your home. Another ingenious way to use flowers is to decorate the dining room with carnations that are strung together to form a flower garland that drapes over each chair. 

A balloon arch is also perfect to be seen at the front door or over the snack table. 

Creative table centerpiece ideas

Create a Mother’s Day table centerpiece for more fun and exciting interior and celebration. This can be created with the use of flowers, vegetables, and fruits for decoration. Pick your preferred items and colors and place them on the table in a creative way.

A candle centerpiece is also a beautiful way to decorate the table during Mother’s day. Candles can create a traditional yet romantic atmosphere in the room. They evoke a warm atmosphere, especially with the use of candles of various sizes, designs, colors, and patterns. 

Decorate the home with wall art

Treat every wall as a blank canvass to display your mother’s favorite art. The display of trendy framed posters or photos is one of the easiest and fastest ways to beautify the walls. There are various poster designs that they will surely love and you can even request personalized prints.