Search Results for: philippines

We see them everywhere. We have relied on them even in times of turmoil. We sometimes had death-defying experiences while riding this legendary mode of transportation. They are the most colorful vehicles on the road and the Philippines will never be the country that we know without jeepneys! Have you ever wondered how they came to be the most popular public utility vehicle in the country? Read on to know more about these epic vehicles and how they evolved to be the jeepneys that we know today.

Philippine jeepneys – what are they?

Philippine jeepneys are considered to be the most popular form of public transportation. Even before the Metro Manila railways system came into existence, people have relied on jeepneys to reach their destinations. It is impossible to miss them on the roads. They are the most decorated among all the other public transportation vehicles. 

Even when the traffic light is still red, you can hear the noise of the engine as the drivers pump their gas pedals along with the full blast volume of their stereo systems. This scene reminds you of the start of a Grand Prix race. This may sound funny and astonishing, but this is just an ordinary scene on the urban roads of the country. This is the infamous Philippine jeepney, a post-Second World War invention that became part of the culture of the country. The undisputed “King of the Road”. 

How it all started

Every iconic image in the world has a story to tell. Even the smallest of all may stimulate your interest. Food, for instance, has an interesting background and is a product of creative minds. Jeepneys were the leftovers of U.S. Willy Jeeps utilized during World War 2. Jeepneys started to prowl the streets in the early 1950s and became the best solution to the problem of public transportation. 

To accommodate more passengers, the length of the jeepneys was increased. A roof was also installed and the original seats were replaced by two benches leaving a narrow space at the center. Jeepney drivers started to make their vehicles look more striking by painting and adding decorations. You will see the designs in various themes. From religious icons to scenes from famous movies, the decor is limitless. 

You may have heard of Sarao Motors as they are one of the earliest manufacturers of jeepneys. They started making them in 1953 and are known for good quality products. The company has significantly contributed to making the jeepney a Philippine cultural icon. 

Philippine jeepneys as part of our culture

Needless to say, the identity of the Philippines is not complete without the jeepneys roaring on both the urban and rural roads. With its origin and evolution, Philippine jeepneys have been considered to be a true Pinoy creation. It became a reflection of the Filipino spirit of resiliency, innovation, and optimism. These days, you don’t only see jeepneys on the streets. They are also seen on the shelves of shops as souvenir items. Examples of these are miniature jeepneys, keychains, mugs, shirts, and others. 

Final Thoughts

For more than half a century, jeepneys have dominated the public transportation industry of the country. Many people have relied on them to go to work, school, or home. In recent years, their existence has been threatened as many proposed to modernize the public transport industry. The production of the said vehicle even declined at the start of the millennium. These obstacles may come and go but one thing is for sure. The Philippine jeepneys are still here and have surpassed the test of time. 

If you are planning for a getaway this summer, then there may be a lot on your list. You do not even have to leave the country for the vacation you deserve. Throughout the year, we have been hectic with our schedules. From the deadlines that we need to beat at work, to the errands we have to accomplish at home. Our plates may sometimes be overflowing with things to do that we tend to forget to take a break to destress and recharge ourselves. 

In the Philippines, there are a lot of travel destinations that can meet our needs. You can choose from a wide range of places. Depending on your budget and availability, there is always the right vacation spot for you. For many of us, there are only two types of places to go. It’s either the mountains for some adventure camping or the beach for a cool and refreshing break. Whatever the choice is, the goal is to go on a furlough. 

Going on mountain climbing is not for the faint of heart. Depending on the mountain that you would like to try, it takes a lot more than just the desire and love for nature. We know that getting close to nature is one of the keys to rejuvenating. However, you also need the strength and stamina to move up and reach the summit. If you have done this trip when you were at the right age, then you must have remembered the very first time you tried this activity.

Starting from the foot of the mountain, you will see yourself about to take on some of nature’s challenges. You will walk for some kilometers with gears that weigh almost the same as you. This is why it is highly recommended to pack lightly. Take only the things that you need. The most important stuff to have are water and food. Believe us when we say that you will need them a lot on this trip. 

Traversing the hiking path is fun and exciting. You will have the opportunity to breathe pure and clean air along with the sight of luscious greens. Walking up the path will also give you the chance to meet other hikers. This trip will also make you feel how to be on top of the clouds and see the world from another angle. 

Seeing the mountains and being part of it is a new kind of adventure. The fun and excitement are at a different levels. The adrenaline rush is unexplainable. Some of the best mountains to climb in the Philippines are Mt. Halcon, Mt. Pinatubo, Mt. Pulag, and Mt. Apo. 

On the other hand, if mountain climbing is not your thing, then you may choose to go to the seas and beaches. Having 7,100 islands, the country is filled with beach resorts and diving sites. The sophisticated details, such as underwater rivers and cave formations add an element of exotic adventure to your vacation. The dry season or summer is considered to be the best time to visit these paradises. Therefore, start planning your vacation between November to April. 

All beaches in the country are captivating. Along with breezes and soft sand, they have something remarkable to offer that cannot be seen in other countries. They are simply stunning and you can feast your eyes on caves, corals, and marine life. 

So, choosing between the two may be difficult at times. Why suffer when you can have both of the best worlds. With the different modes of transportation we have, reaching your chosen destinations will not be a problem. Only by going to these places, you will truly say that the Philippines is rich in beautiful places and biodiversity.

As we feel the heat this summer we go our ways to make our bodies cool. Any ideas on your mind? For most of us, the most popular way is to go swimming. This is not the time to be hydrophobic as going for a swim will beat the heat that we are experiencing these days. Seems like every year, the temperature rises and there are many factors to blame. Global warming is surely hitting the planet. 

Since the lowering of alert levels in NCR and others, many people have gone to tourist destinations around the country. Where else will they go, but in beaches, private resorts, pool areas, and others? However, there are those who prefer to stay home and relax. This is when having a good relaxing home environment comes in.

Just by checking out some web pages, you will be bombarded with thousands of venues to spend the summer. You can go to some of the favorite beaches and resorts in the country. Batangas, for one, is packed with resorts that sometimes you will be overwhelmed with the numbers. Laguna is also a haven for resorts and private pools for rent. However, if you want to see and experience white sand beaches, then go further south in Boracay and Palawan. As internationally renowned islands in the Philippines, these travel destinations have received thousands of international and local guests. 

If you have already chosen your vacation spot, then what’s next on the menu? Of course, activities that can be done with your family or friends. The first thing that will pop out of your mind is water activities. As a come-on to potential customers, many resorts include different water activities in the package they are offering. 

Water activities never go out of trend, especially during the summers. Swimming for one has a lot of benefits to the body. To be honest, this is not an easy sport, and for many individuals, it takes them months or even years before they learn the basic strokes. Swimming is not for everybody. Some may even prefer to stay on the shores and make sandcastles. 

Heard of banana boats? Funny as they may sound but, yeah, they are air-filled and banana-shaped water vessels. Then after the ride with the banana boat, level it up with a jetski ride. Personally, these jet-powered rides are not recommended since the force they emit can destroy and kill corals and other water organisms. 

Yes, swimming and other water activities are fun and exciting. However, just keep in mind that we are just borrowing the sea for recreational activities and the flora and fauna need to be preserved. After all, we are the stewards of nature. This may sound like being an environmentalist but nothing is wrong with giving a few reminders before immersing yourself in non-stop water action. 

Maximize your stay in beach resorts and take a peek at the under-the-sea community. There you will be able to appreciate what nature has in store for us. Snorkeling is good enough to see the corals and schools of fish. 

Staying at home and enjoying the comfort of your bed and backyard is not bad at all. All you need to do is create an ambiance that is comfortable and relaxing. Personalize your walls with adornments and trendy art. These will help in turning your home into a vacation spot.

It’s summertime again and we know that there is a lot on your plate. By now, you may be thinking of the best getaway with your friends or family. Although many kids still have school these days because of the change in the school calendar, it is still a tradition to spend some fun adventures during this season. If up to this day you are still wondering what to do, then do some research first. 

The internet is a great source of information and you can check various websites first for some interesting ideas. Some of the top ideas to do for summer are often times listed by bloggers and even in various articles. 

Doing some water activities never goes out of trend and there are different ways to enjoy the warmth of the water. Are you ready for some vitamin “sea”? Many resorts have already opened their doors to travelers. With the number of COVID 19 cases decreasing and the lowering of alert levels, we may be able to enjoy going to the beach again. Imagine all the memorable activities that can be done with the fam!

The Philippines is packed with wonderful beaches and some of them are recognized internationally. Boracay is one of the popular places to visit and is known for its infamous white sand beaches. If you want to be different, then the country has other amazing travel destinations, like Palawan, Bolinao, and Bohol. 

Of course, some of these vacation ideas may be costly, but sometimes it is worth spending for a fun and memorable escapade. If money is an issue, no need to worry as there are other remarkable ways to spend the summer and still have limitless fun and excitement. There are still many resorts in the country that are far more affordable. 

Want to go nature tripping? We have tons of sites to choose from and are likewise affordable. Mountain climbing may be challenging yet once you have reached the summit, the feeling is surreal! Take your selfies and be proud of your achievement. 

If you do not want to go far and you live in the metro or in the suburban areas, then there are parks and museums in many cities and municipalities that you can visit anytime. Manila, for instance, is a historical city with old places worth visiting. Many of these tourists spots were built centuries ago. That is why you will have a crash course in history while strolling around the city. 

While others love the outdoors, there are those who enjoy the indoors for various reasons. Probably, for some, this is not the time yet to immerse themselves in crowded areas. Or simply, they do not like the outdoors. As such, you can still bring nature to your home with some decors. Indoor plants are best to give your room a touch of nature. Plants also evoke positive effects on health. They are also good for the sense of vision as natural colors can be refreshing and rejuvenating. 

If you are afraid that plants will just die in your arms, then add wall decors, such as personalized framed posters. Posters have thousands of designs and will surely add life to your walls. A decorated home is also a great place to enjoy the summer while binge-watching K-dramas or movies. 

Now that you have these ideas, there are no more excuses not to enjoy summer with your family and friends. Make this year’s summer more memorable than the other summer vacations.

It is known that coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is known for its ability to jump-start your day. Many individuals even claim that their day is not complete without having a cup of coffee. In addition to its energizing effects, coffee is associated with a long list of potential health benefits that give you more reasons to drink several cups a day. Here, we have some information about coffee that you might find interesting. You will also learn the top health benefits of coffee. 

Drinking coffee can be comforting

But First, Coffee. For many people, coffee is the first drink to be consumed in the day. It gives the energy to trigger some of the body’s senses. The smell and taste of the drink can give the comfort that many people are looking for in a drink. Other than stimulating your body, coffee can give you a relaxing feeling that will help you get focused and productive. If the weather is cold, just like during the Christmas season, a cup of coffee can be the best way to warm the soul. On the other hand, if the weather is warm, you can have your coffee in a cold brew or iced. Top it with various add-ons, like whipped cream, and partner it with your favorite pastry. 

Coffee date? Why not!

Just like why people go to bars, so are the reasons why people gather at coffee shops to meet with friends or to transact business. In the coffee shop industry of the Philippines, you are not just paying for the cup of coffee you are buying. You are also paying for the experience when you stay in the coffee shop. Many shops have a relaxing ambiance where you can have a quiet time for yourself or even with your friends or loved ones. In the past, coffee shops also served as venues for socializing, writing, reading, or working. If you are planning to have a date with your crush, the coffee shops are the best places to be. However, if staying in coffee shops is not your style, then you can still create the same ambiance in your home. With the help of personalized framed posters, you can create an interior design that will fit your taste. 

Health benefits of coffee

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, drinking coffee also has positive effects on your health. Studies have shown that coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. It was also observed that caffeine is associated with a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease as well as a better chance of controlling their movements. Coffee also has a protective effect on the liver. It helps in normalizing the liver enzyme levels than those people who do not drink coffee. For women, drinking at least a cup of coffee a day is associated with lowered risk of having a stroke. 

Final thoughts

There are millions of people who love the taste of coffee. There is also a wide range of coffee flavors available in the market. Some love deep dark coffee flavors, while others like a lighter roast with smooth and mellow texture and taste. Whatever the reasons may be, for coffee lovers, a cup of coffee is a necessity to start the day right. Many things still need to be unleashed when it comes to coffee. New flavors to be discovered, new preparations that will become the favorites of many, and new add-ons that will make the beverage look more enticing and delightful.