Travel To Philippines The Prized Archipelago

Somewhere in Southeast Asia between the Philippine Sea and the East China Sea, east of Vietnam, south of Taiwan and just north of Indonesia, lies a much neglected but historically and ecologically prized archipelago known as the Philippines. This understated cluster of 7,107 islands is the perfect tropical getaway balanced with just enough colonial cultural intrigue and undulating urban energy to keep you going. Despite the country’s somewhat turbulent recent history, the Philippines has reached a level of stability making no better time than now to travel the wonders of the island-nation.A Pocketful of Paradise
The nation is divided into three main regions, each with its own metropolitan hub and particular points of interest. Luzon to the north is the most populated region, with the expansive capital city Manila as its main destination. Travel farther north to Banaue where a spectacle of rice terraces had been etched up along the hillside by the Ifugao tribespeople over 2000 years ago. Also, don’t miss the truly isolating beauty of Hundred Islands National Park where you may just find a beach all to yourself, as there are literally hundreds to choose from. The central region of Visayas is mostly smaller island clusters and famous for Boracay Island’s White Beach and surrounding resort and aquatic activity areas. Make sure to explore the island’s less crowded, but just as white-and-turquoise beaches. The southernmost region of Mindanao is home to Davao, the largest city in the world by land area, and the stately Mount Apo, the Philippine’s tallest mountain. Enjoy a thrilling river rafting trip in Cagayan de Oro or get back to basic Filipino life in the Tiruray Highlands where the remote shores of Lake Sebu are peacefully inhabited by the T’boli tribe.

While the Getting’s Good
With nearly 40,000 kilometers of coastline, a fantasy-like landscape of tropical greenery, and world-class cities offering world-class cuisine and lifestyle, it’s hard to imagine that this puddle-jump in Southeast Asia will remain a secret for long. See for yourself why the Philippines is one of the last remaining gems of biodiversity and indigenous culture in this ever-growing region of the world!

Short stories: A narrow escape

Finally, I had made it to Manila. The bus ride from the Mountains seemed like forever. It was raining and I knew I needed to get to the Travel Agent in order to procure my passport. I was nervous leaving with this lady, but the head of the College I worked at assured me it would be ok. I just had to go to this Korean house and it would be waiting for me with the extension promised.

I wasn’t supposed to have left this early, but something inside told me it was time to go home, so I listened. It was a blow to the students in my class, and the community I lived. I too was very sad to leave after only ten month’s. I had learned to love the Filipino way at looking at life. I also will miss the various foods, fruits, and vegetables I knew I wouldn’t be able to get back home.

Watching the beautiful countryside of the Philippines go by was hard. I knew if I turned around I would be welcomed back with open arms, all be it with the expected I told you so’s. Everyone told me I would be back, they meant soon, I wasn’t so sure.

Now the bus ride was finally coming to an end. Before you hit Manila the road is four lane and what you see is beautiful rolling rice fields. When you enter the City, your reminded why most people here want to leave. The roads are narrow, crowded with public transportation belching out exhaust from their outdated diesel engines. You have to wash your face after every time you step out because of the exhaust which collects on your face, in your nose, on your clothes etc.. I still will miss this jewel of Asia.

It’s people are what are truly amazing. The more I visit, this was my third time, the more I realize how much of an amazing place it is. Without this deep burning to get home that had entered my heart, I think I could’ve stayed here for minimum five years. The MTS are so pristine, the vegetables healthy and good. I loved every minute of my stay.

As I left the bus, I was accosted by three or four people demanding I allow them to carry my bags. My companion and I try to tell them we can manage, but the become so insistent they try to grab my bags out of my hands. I am used to this and smile and tell them no we are men we can handle it. They frown, try again then go to the next unsuspecting passenger. My friend and I then collect my oversize backpack and head to the row of taxi’s waiting outside the bus station.

As I enter the taxi I remember why I love the Mts. The Air conditioning is on full and the driver is still covered in sweat. He

Surviving The Day Job: Six Easy Lessons

Before I became a full-time writer, I had a job counting envelopes. Not colored envelopes or large manila envelopes, mind you, but white #10 envelopes. I had to count them in series of a hundred. Even now I can see them flashing in my eyes as I flipped through them, blinding myself as though I were looking out at a blanket of snow polished by the sun with dilated pupils. At the end of the day I’d leave the office with spots in my eyes.

Why I had to count envelopes for six hours a day, I don’t know (I blocked out most of the experience, I do remember however that the temp agency who gave me the assignment thought it was a perfect introduction to the work world for a recent college graduate — which was cruel as well as delusional); however, I did learn how to cope while I was there and the other day jobs I’ve had. This is how:

1) I threw away the statement: “I’ll be happy when…” Sure I would have been happier if my coworker had stopped adding her pile to mine or I had left that place (screaming in terror) after only an hour of torture. But I needed the money so I fought to be happy about it. I made sure to put the money I earned to good use. Not only was I saving a large chunk for a rainy day and my eventual freedom, but I also traveled to places, bought books I needed (How to Work with People You Can’t Stand was especially helpful) and attended writing workshops. Working with a purpose makes life easier. When you just work to survive, life can be very painful.

2) I didn’t label myself. I once worked in the complaint department of a hospital (a place to which I affectionately refer to as Hell on Earth). When people asked me what I did, I didn’t say I was a lowly clerk working towards a Master’s in Masochism. I said I was a temp. Even when I had a permanent job, I said I was a temp because I knew any situation I was in was only temporary. I was a free agent, nobody owned me. We are all free agents. Bosses can fire us, but we too can walk out the door. I never let myself feel like a prisoner.

3) I stayed away from the gossip mill. It’s fun really. I love stories and gossips tell the best (of course I was also aware that they were talking about me, but oh well) unfortunately, they are a waste of energy. Gossiping about the crappy boss, social climbers, backstabbers and butt kissers is good time poorly spent. Yes, offices have a great cast of characters to talk about, but spending your lunch break complaining all day is not good for the spirit. Take a walk, listen to music, you’re at your present job only temporarily and complaining about being there won’t make you feel any better about yourself or your situation. Remember you’re a temp – your future looks bright. Most of the gossips and complainers will still be there years later, older and more miserable. I know. I’ve gone back. It’s rather sad really.

4) Do your best. I hated counting envelopes. At times I would well up with tears at the thought of facing another day (I did that with most of my day jobs to be truthful); however I was one of the fastest counters there. I made it into a game and set challenges for myself. When you do a good job you are doing yourself a service and things will be pleasant. Work to please yourself. I’ve worked in customer service and I know people can be bleeding obnoxious; however, if you don’t like people, please don’t work in this department. (Yes, I’m speaking to everyone at fast food restaurants, retailers and health care providers. Learn how to smile!)

5) Come up with an escape plan. I don’t believe in endless suffering. If you have an abusive boss or your job is giving your headaches and ulcers, Leave It. I don’t care what kind of money you’re making. Ask for a demotion or start looking in the Want Ads. No job is worth your health. I walked off one job that was completely demoralizing.

6) Live your secret life NOW. At any job I was on I pretended I was an author who was there doing research for my next book. It helped to make the atmosphere more interesting. The woman who ate my lunch (damn those blasted office fridges) and pretended not to know it became a character I poisoned; a boss that liked to make fun of my name became a hobo with a severe speech impediment. I imagined how I would write my autobiography, I would practice my answers for when I was interviewed on TV. My imaginary life made my reality much more exciting. Try it; you’ll be surprised where your imagination can take you.

Sometimes we have to do things we don’t like, but they don’t have to be an agony. I had many jobs that I couldn’t stand, but I knew they were only temporary. Remember: This too shall pass, and your future looks bright.

Reflections: People in our lives

It’s odd, but you never expect these calls when they come, which is invariably around 3 a.m. on a weeknight. You answer in a hushed voice that won’t wake your husband or your kids. As you draw the phone to your ear, you hear: “There is a victim in route to the children’s hospital via ambulance. Hispanic. Female. The victim’s mother has requested intervention.”

You tell the dispatcher that you will be there, and as you place the phone on the bedside table, it dawns on you that she said children’s hospital. You pull on sweats, tennis shoes without socks, run a comb through your hair. You don’t worry about makeup; you hover only at your children’s door for a moment. Then, like in a fire drill, you just go.

You hear her before you see her, on the crisis counselor’s couch. Her head lies in her mother’s lap, the tears dropping in a soft, staccato rhythm, punctuated only by sobs. You go to her because it is your job, but you go to her knowing full well that you will be of little help. You do what you can for her; you do what you can for now. She can’t reveal what happened; at eleven years old, she lacks the vocabulary to match the horrors at hand. You will have to piece her story together from her mother, the police, and the nurses. The mother runs her purple acrylic nails through her daughter’s hair, taking care not to touch the girl’s face that is green and yellow and still swelling. You notice the marks forming an arc over her eyebrows in the center of her forehead and think: steel-toed boots. You pull ten or so blank forms from a large manila envelope and begin to ask the questions, using only the appropriate and specific language so that a jury will some day find your documentation credible. You ask for a description of the perpetrator, and the mother stares at you, just past your left shoulder, and you see her struggle with the truth as she finally lets loose with: “It was my brother.”

Slowly and painfully the details begin to emerge, and as they do, you think it is a miracle that this girl survived this long. The girl’s uncle had been babysitting at night while the mother worked at the county jail. Yes, the mother eventually said, she knew he had been in jail before. He had been a Satanist and a drug-addict. Yes, she knew he wore a house arrest’ bracelet on one ankle. And yes, she knew he was a registered sex offender.

“But he became a Christian in prison,” she said. “He’s so good with the kids now.”

Later, at the court trial, you will discover along

A Tourist Gem Davao Has Everything For Travelersto This Fine City

Searching for the wondereful vacation hideaway for you and your family? Then come and visit and encounter Davao.
Davao is a province that can catch the attention and curiosity of visitors. The varied cultures and traditions as well as its mountains, hills, and valleys are a vision to behold.

This area is home to the waling-waling, the Philippine Eagle, and Mt. Apo, the countrys highest mountain. The harmony between its nearby provinces and the influence of its ethnic and cultural ties has made Davao the window to Mindanao.
Located in southeastern Mindanao, Davao is famous for its natural beauty and plentiful resources. The area is comprised of 5 provinces namely Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and del Sur. Together they are called Region XI.

The area is a chief producer of gold, and it is rich in silicon, silver, copper, and elemental sulfur. At 10,311 feet, Mt. Apo is the highest mountain not only in the region but the entire country as well.
Davao is the most important city on the island of Mindanao as well as the biggest on the Asian continent in land area at 244,000 hectares. In 2000, there was a population of 1,147,116. The city is the center of Region XI and is one of many cities that are separate from any other province.
There are many sites to see and activities to do in Davao. With several adjacent greens such as the Lanang Golf & Country Club, Apo Golf & Country Club, and New Davao City Golf Club, it is the perfect area to play some golf. It also goes without reporting that because of the tourist industry there are plenty of hotels and resorts; Davao is the perfect venue for relaxation as well as to tourist hop.
For those who desire to satisfy their taste buds, the sity gives travelers with a wide range of foreign and local meals at an affordable price. Davao is acclaimed for the grilled yellow fin tuna, tiger prawns, barbeque, and many other delicacies. One of the all time favorites in the city is durian.
Here are some of the popular tourist spots to visit in the region.
Samal Island is virgin and unspoiled. It is famous for its white sand beaches that makes it perfect for vacations and water sports enthusiasts.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is easily one of the most visited tourist spots in Davao. Situated on Samal Island, a short boat ride from the city takes tourists to Pearl Farm. This 11-hectare resort in the past was a genuine pearl farm that produced imported oysters originally from Sulu Sea. The resort cottages are influenced by the native designs of the Isamal.
The Philippine Eagle National Center hosts the primary breeding grounds for the Philippine Eagle. It is host to nineteen Philippine eagles and other species of birds and animals.

Davao is also renowned for indigenous handicrafts and artworks produced by the indigenous natives of Davao such as the Atas, Mandayas, Bagobos, Mangguangans, Tagakaolos, and the Kalagans. They are housed in local stores and museums in Davao.
When looking for an area to visit outside the big city, Davao is the ideal alternativeoption as it is reachable from Manila easily.

Serious Sleep Disorder Common in Overweight Men

Do you snore loudly and a lot? Do you feel you’re not getting enough sleep? Are you sleepy always, especially at daytime? Do you fall asleep easily and at the wrong time? Are you forgetful, suffering from high blood pressure, and have a poor sex life?

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, chances are you’re suffering from sleep apnea – a potentially serious sleep disorder that’s as common as diabetes and affects over 12 million people in the United States alone.

The Greek word “apnea” means “without breath.” This common sleep disorder is characterized by brief but repeated interruptions of breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. There are three kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common.

“OSA is caused by blocked airway when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. The airway is not blocked in central sleep apnea but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two,” according to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) specialist Dr. Herminia P. Chavez of the Queen Mary Holistic Center in Manila.

Chavez said the usual victims of sleep apnea are overweight males over the age of 40 who smoke and drink a lot and have a family history of the disease. However, she adds that anyone can be affected regardless of age, weight and sex.

In children, OSA is often caused by large adenoids and tonsils. The American Sleep Apnea Association said the condition can be found in one to three percent of children between the ages of 2 and 18 but it is often present in children aged 2 to 6 years old.

“Untreated, OSA may raise your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Interest in sex is diminished due to oxygen deprivation, fatigue and depression. Lack of sleep may affect your job and contribute to vehicular accidents. In children, it may increase their risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition to habitual loud snoring, labored breathing and disruptive sleep, OSA in children causes’ bed-wetting, sweating and sleeping in unusual positions. Disturbed or insufficient sleep can also affect a child’s physical and psychological well-being,” Chavez warned.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for OSA. This machine pushes air through the nose at a high pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. However, patient compliance is a problem since many people are uncomfortable with the idea of a wearing a mask while sleeping.

Surgery is expensive and works only in severe cases where OSA is caused by enlarged tonsils, nasal polyps, a deviated septum (a crooked partition between your nostrils) or jaw malformations.

Chavez said a non-invasive and less expensive way to treat OSA is with the use of an oral appliance. This dental device is worn during sleep and is effective when airway obstruction is caused by enlarged tonsils, a big tongue or an abnormal soft palate (the muscles in the roof of your mouth).

To minimize your risk of suffering from sleep apnea, lose weight and eat right. One product that can help is Phenocal, a safe, natural, and effective weight loss supplement that boosts your metabolism, suppresses your appetite, reduces food cravings, and increases energy levels to keep you in shape. Check out http://www.phenocal.com for more information.

Gifts for the one you loved in the Philippines

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Manama is The Capital of Bahrain

Manama is the capital of the island of Bahrain situated in the Persian Gulf. It has a population of about 150 000.

The international airport on the island of Al Muharraq, which can be reached by a causeway. The University of Bahrain is located in Manama, it was founded on 1986.Manama is an Arab city with a rather westernized and modern.

Manama is a very important centre for the economy thanks to the petroleum, oil, fishing and pearl diving. The strong economy of the capital made it possible to increase the countries major hotels, pubs, nightlife, beautiful shopping and most important tourist attractions. It is also very popular for its different markets where people sell their goods.

For a small country, there is a surprising abundance of clubs and pubs many within walking distance of each other and they deliver everything you could possibly want, from top DJs and live music to karaoke and pub quizzes.

Accommodation depends on the location, if you choose to live near city centre like Manama, business district or specific residential areas, expect that it is more expensive than those in countryside.

There are different modes of transportation available in Manama taxis, rent a car and some companies have shuttle service that would pick up and drop off from and to your accommodation.

The National Museum in Manama provides a glimpse of the history of Bahrain from Stone Age to present times.

The Al Faith Mosque is the largest building in the country. Non Muslims can visit. Bait Al our is a combined mosque, library, museum of Islamic calligraphy and a study centre.
Bait Al Quran has among its exhibits Koranic verses amazingly written on a grain of rice and you can see the calligraphy with a magnifying glass. Another mosque worth visiting is the Friday Mosque, which has beautiful mosaic minarets.

The Heritage Centre will give you an idea of Bahraini culture through various objects, such as traditional costumes and photographs.

The Oil Museum has exhibits of old photographs and drilling equipment.

Defy Delhi belly, Freetown filaria, Cotswold cold and Manila malaria can affect you be health wise and travel right. Take preventive pills, keep at bay potential ills and cut out on medical bills. Avoid direct exposure to the sun as far as possible and keep yourself well hydrated to prevent sunstroke. Recognise the symptoms fatigue, dizziness, high fever and severe headache and treat immediately.

Travel destinations: Aklan, Philippines

Aklan is famous for the Ati-Atihan as well as the gorgeous Island of Boracay.

The Ati-Atihan is a yearly event in honor of the Sto. Nio. It is held every third week of January. The so called Aklanons and tourists wipe soot on their faces and create ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos. They merry make and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours.

Boracay is known worldwide for its fine palm-fringed white sand beaches, cool blue waters, coral reefs and rare shells. I have been to several beaches and believe me, there is nothing more like heaven than the Boracay beaches.

Aklan is located in the Visayan island group (mid-south region) of the Philippine Islands. Located between 12N, 1119′ S and between 12150′ W, 12235′ E, the province is bordered by the Sulu Sea on the northwest, the Sibuyan Sea on the northeast and the east, by the province of Antique on the west, and by the province of Capiz on the south.

Aklan is considered the oldest province in the Philippines. It was organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo and it became an independent province upon President Magsaysay’s declaration on April 25, 1956 under the Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from the province of Capiz. Aklan was inaugurated as an independent province on November 8, 1956.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Service Administration, the province of Aklan is characterized by two areas of somewhat different climates. The coldest month is experienced in January measuring 26 rises steadily to an average of 29 in May, and then declines gradually to the January level. The best time to visit is on the months of October to May.

There are approximately 451,314 residents in Aklan as of the year 2000. Their primary dialect is Akeanon but it is also common to hear people speak Tagalog, English, Hiligaynon and Cebuano so travelling around for English speakers is not a problem.

Most Akeanons derive livelihood from rice, corn, coconut, abaca, and pottery making. Fishponds and offshore fishing employ many persons in the province. What thrive in Aklan are small-scale industries like pia cloth weaving, abaca and bamboo handicraft.

Pottery making and pop rice (ampaw) making are local industries that have augmented the people’s livelihood in this province. Residents living near the banks of the river make clay pots and jar the old-fashioned way, as others engage in pop rice making. Popularly known

It Is Better To Date Asian Women In Asia And Not In America.

Make no mistake about it, every woman in America is an American to some degree no matter where she came from.

Maybe she was born in a grass hut in the Mekong Delta or on the Manila municipal dump called Smoking Mountain, where thousands of people live by scavenging through garbage.

It doesn’t matter. Once they board an airplane and fly over the Pacific Ocean they’re bombarded by rays that begin to slowly but surely turn them into Americans.

By the time they land in the USA they’re only 99.99% Asian. Nobody knows exactly how this process works, but it’s quite real.

It’s most obvious in the second generation of any immigrant group to this country. There is always a dramatic clash of values between first and second generations of immigrants.

Asians are simply one of the latest groups of immigrants
to experience this phenomenon.

Probably the first Mongolian family of cave men who migrated over the land bridge from Siberia to Alaska complained about the first generation born in the new world, that their children were more interested in rubbing noses together than obeying their parents.

Another disadvantage is that she is right here. Her
family is right here. You know them and they know
you. If you try to sneak off with some other woman,
they’ll be more likely to find out.

Unless you’re in a very large urban area, they’ll be
certain to find out if you try to date a woman of the same ethnic group as your sweetie. Don’t even think about it.

And remember that Lao and Thai people often
intermingle socially, so they count as one group for the practical purpose of avoiding gossip.

I suppose this is not applicable to places like Los Angeles, where there’re far too many Vietnamese, Filipinos, etc. for everyone to know everyone else in their own ethnic group.

But if you’re dating a Cambodian in a city with only five other Cambodian families, stay away from the other Cambodian women.

Just as you have no control over a woman in Asia, she has no control over what you do here in America. Here, she does.

Her having a knowledge of American customs and laws
could be a nuisance, especially if you live in a community property state.

Unless she is well educated and has sophisticated job
skills, she will probably be an economic liability,
especially at first. The job market is rough for everybody, as we all know.

For unskilled female laborers who can’t speak English it’s very poor. Sure, as I said earlier, relatively few Asians are on welfare. It’s shameful to them and they’d rather work at a low-paying job and save their money to start their own business.

Your woman may have to work for the minimum wage under sweatshop conditions.

If you prefer to have a wife who makes good money you’ll have to confine yourself to well-educated native born Americans or the not too common Asian women professionals.

In other words, the Asian women who are least likely to want to marry European-Americans, because they’ll have the most choices.

They have families and friends introducing them to single Asian doctors and businessmen.

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