It is said that language is what defines a country. Not only that it is a powerful tool for effective communication but it is also a reflection of a nation’s culture and heritage. It is their identity that is rooted in their rich history, helping them live to the fullest in the present while anticipating for a progressive future. Language in essence is one of the building blocks of a nation.
According to the Article XIV, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “the National language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.”
Furthermore, Section 7 of the same article states that “for purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.”
It is undeniable that Filipinos are bilingual, if not multilingual speakers. It is usually a trio of Filipino, English, and their dialect, depending on the region they originated from.
Speaking of dialects, do you know that there are an estimated 180 dialects spoken by locals from different regions and provinces? In addition to Filipino and English, the most common language in the Philippines include Tagalog, Ilocano, Pangasinan, Pampango, Bicol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Waray-Samarnon.
It is a never-ending debate and confusion for many.
Are Tagalog and Filipino the same?
The simplest answer is No.
In essence, Tagalog is where the Filipino language is derived from. Think of the Filipino language as an ‘evolved or upgraded’ version of the Tagalog language.
The Filipino language itself is very diverse in nature, and it’s both exciting and worrying to see how this language continuously evolves as time progresses.
Filipino has merged with English and created Taglish words or Enggalog (English + Tagalog) if you reverse the order. Not to mention the slangs and colloquial terms that emerge generation after generation.
There are three distinct features of the Filipino language that sets it apart from the other languages.
Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa or the National Language Month is an annual celebration held during the whole month of August to commemorate and celebrate our very own Filipino language. According to the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, this year’s theme will be ” Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Kasangkapan sa Pagtuklas at Paglikha.”
Looking back, the first Buwan ng Wika celebration was held in 1946. It was a week-long holiday that coincided with the birthday of Francisco Baltazar. Then in 1997, former President Fidel Ramos signed a proclamation that solidifies the month-long celebration of this event in the month of August. This time, the new timeframe fell on the birth and death month of the Father of the Filipino Language, Manuel Quezon. Coincidence or not?
Come take a final run this month of August and celebrate Buwan ng Wika with these activities!
Binge watch the famous and best Filipino movies out there. Find a list of must-watch Filipino movies online or you can try exploring films on your own! For recommendations, you can start with Heneral Luna (if you haven’t watched that masterpiece yet!) and Goyo, which are both directed by Jerrold Tarog.
That latest episode of your favorite K-drama can wait!
Well, this may be an everyday thing inside a Filipino household, but today make it more special by discovering and learning how to cook signature dishes of the different provinces in the Philippines!
It’s time to find your grandma’s cookbook (or you can just totally search for recipes online) and try recreating Nueva Ecijas’ Gising Gising (a type of vegetable stew), the Visayan region’s version of paksiw called Inun Unan, Ilocos’ Dinardaraan (their version of Dinuguan) or you can simply give your personal twist in Pampanga’s famous sisig!
Now that we’re at it, finish your sumptuous Filipino meal with a nice serving of halo-halo or saging con yelo, or choose from a variety of kakanin available. With rice as the country’s staple food, it’s not surprising that Filipino have invented lots of ways and recipes to enjoy this grain.
Pick your fighter from puto, kutsinta, maja blanca, biko, and the Christmas season classics bibingka and puto bumbong.
One great way to appreciate the Filipino language (and to serve as your refresher as well) is to head on to your local library and read some Filipino literature. The Philippine literature has a rich collection of stories with varying themes that will teach people of every age valuable lessons.
Personally, one of my favorite Filipino authors is the National Artist Nick Joaquin. You should check out his timeless stories inspired by the Spanish colonial period and the Filipino culture and heritage. And my favorite work of his? May Day Eve.
You can also do some poetry readings if you are more inclined to poems. Join Don Juan as he sets out on a mission to find the legendary Ibong Adarna and save the kingdom of Berbania or witness how Lam-ang defeated Gumakas, the biggest threat to their tribe using his own strength in the Ilocano epic poem Biag ni Lam-Ang.
While Japan is famous for its Haiku, do you know what we have a Filipino counterpart for this? It is called Tanaga.
According to Tagalog Lang, “a tanaga is a poem consisting of four lines with each line equally having between seven and nine syllables.” The themes usually revolve around moral lessons, love, and ethics.
Get on with the challenge and have a friendly tanaga writing contest with your friends!
Now that the strict quarantine measures have loosened up, you can now visit heritage sites in Metro Manila. Take a peek inside the dungeon of Fort Santiago, stroll inside the Walled City of Intramuros, or pay homage to our Dr. Jose Rizal’s statue at the Rizal Park.
You can also get this chance to visit museums that are also around the area. Spend the day in awe inside the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum for Fine Arts. Don’t forget to visit Museo Pambata and The Mind Museum for the kids!
If you still prefer to stay inside the comfort and safety of your home, why not try building famous Philippine architecture in Minecraft? Recreate the Manila City Hall, Intramuros, San Agustin Church, and other local Philippine architectural buildings!
Pretty self explanatory, this is a fun game to play with your kids. Help your kids learn Filipino the exciting way by dedicating this whole day to just speaking purely in Filipino. You can set up rules like doing a household chore or giving them dares if they accidentally spoke English. And as an adult, be sure to follow the rules, too!
I’m certain that you’ve heard about this occasion countless times before, especially if you’re a student or during your student years. You might even became a participant in the slogan or poster-making contest anchored with the current theme, exhibited your speaking skills in the declamation contest, or exchanged opinions in the Balagtasan competition during Linggo ng Wika in your respective schools.
But aside from showcasing every student’s skills and talents, celebrating Buwan ng Wika is a way of preserving and protecting the various Philippine languages. A great reminder of the importance of language to a nation.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
No one wants a dimly lit room unless you’re after that spooky Halloween vibe (which sounds cool, too, by the way). But for those who want to bask in the natural light streaming through the gaps of their curtains and windows, nothing is more frustrating (and saddening) than opening doors to a room with a gloomy, dark feel.
There are a lot of benefits of letting more sunlight shine through and fill up the four corners of your house. For starters, it boosts serotonin–or the happy hormone– levels in your body. That is why you feel relieved, refreshed, and rejuvenated in a well-lit environment. Adding to its abundant health benefits, a light filled home promotes good sleep, reduces anxiety, and stimulates productivity.
With natural light bouncing off the walls of your house, it can effortlessly accentuate and highlight your interior design and aesthetics. And to top everything off, you don’t have to worry about the monthly bills soaring up high because natural light is totally free!
Unknown to many, natural light is also one of the major concerns when picking out the interior design of a home. If you’re at the initial stages of constructing your house, you can easily tweak the structure and face the direction where natural light flows in abundance in your home.
But if your house was already erected, turning it towards the direction of the sun is just a plain impossible task. But don’t worry! Aside from adding large windows and artificial light fixtures, we’ve curated lots of ways on how you can boost natural light into your dark space for a livelier ambiance and happier living space!
Adding mirrors across the hall that receives light the most can easily light up dark rooms through reflection, effectively scattering the light around the room. This is a simple and easy trick interior designers use to increase natural light in your home.
If you want to take this move to a higher notch, you can opt to add furniture, table lamps, and decorative pieces with mirrored surfaces, using the same principle of reflecting light.
Remember to place mirrors in the most strategic places inside your Criselle model house by Camella to reflect natural light better.
Another way to add more light to your home is by painting your entire wall space with light colors. Avoid going for darker colors and tones as they snatch all the light that enters your home.
When it comes to interior colors, white is the best bet. Aside from being the brightest color out there, white reflects light instead of absorbing it, so it’s plain to see why it’s on the top of the list of interior designers.
If you aren’t that much of a fan of white walls, you can still choose from subdued hues and tones of the same color to paint your Adriana townhouse’s walls. Explore with the various shades of white (including their undertones) and see which best fits the mood you’re going after!
Things will get a bit shinier from here. Aside from adding the color white, you can also coat a layer of lacquered paint to your walls, floors, and furniture to create light. The polished finish serves as a reflective surface for light to bounce off.
You can also use a high gloss paint for that same mirror-like effect. According to paint manufacturer Sherwin Williams, as mentioned in an article by The Spruce, “The higher the gloss level, the higher the light reflectance–more light will bounce off a surface painted with a high gloss paint than one with a matte sheen.”
Looking for ways to brighten up that kitchen? Why not use glass tiles as a backsplash? When placed right, they can reflect light close to a hundred percent of the amount of natural light that falls on them.
You can also opt for highly reflective ceramic tiles for that same reflective effect. And for maximum reflective power, patch on metallic backsplash tiles!
While adding a rug to your living room won’t make light bounce like reflective surfaces do, it can easily create the illusion of a bright living room, especially if you have dark-colored floors. And while you’re at it, make sure that the color of your ceiling matches your rug–which is white, of course!
Dealing with a dark room with no windows? Try replacing your existing door with one that has a window. This hack best works in damp areas like your laundry room.
If it’s your foyer, you can add a storm door to bring more light while at the same time, protecting your primary door from the wind and rain.
We’re taking things on a higher level– literally.
Ever heard of roof windows? Well, that’s what essential a skylight is. If your home doesn’t have enough space to add windows, then why not go for the roof?
Basically, a skylight converts a part of your roof into a transparent glass, bringing in natural light like that of large windows. Skylights work best with any type of roof. It’s a plus if you can open them, as it serves as additional ventilation.
When adding a skylight, the main factor to consider is the direction of the window and the sun.
“Remember that although roof windows let in daylight all day, depending on the direction your house and room is facing, you’ll get more concentrated brightness at different times of the day. Think about where and when, you will need the most daylight in a particular room,” advises Scott Leeder, market director at Velux, as stated in an article by The Spruce.
Trade your solid wall space for glass ones!
This trick works best if you are trying to connect one room to another. A hallway or corridor made up of bricks will require artificial lighting, while glass walls will easily flood light into your space.
Similarly, if you are planning to divide your house into smaller partitions, using glazed internal walls is a perfect solution!
Give your space that luxurious and elegant appeal while basking in that ‘outdoor vibe’ while staying indoors!
If window treatments aren’t that much a big deal for you, you can totally skip them and let your windows bare!
The open window will allow more light to shine inside your abode! It’s just as simple as that!
If you can’t resist adding window treatments, make sure that they are of light color like white to reflect light.
Nothing beats the warm feeling of the sun on your face. It instantly uplifts your mood and spirit while creating a pleasant aura around you. Aside from its surprising and wonderful health benefits, the natural light coming from the outside also helps in setting the mood of your space. A home flooded with light easily creates a warm and inviting atmosphere!
You don’t need to add more windows or light sources to make your room feel brighter. Start brightening your day and house through these simple tips and hacks!
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Aside from doors, windows, and ceilings, flooring is an essential part of your house that can pull off or break the entire design of your living space. And choosing the best flooring for your home isn’t as easy as someone would think.
Putting design and aesthetics aside, you also have to consider other factors to make sure that your floor will stand against the test of time–functionality, household needs, and most importantly, your budget.
Aside from the floor type itself, you also have to take into account the room in which you’re going to chuck these flooring materials in. Each room in your house requires a specific type of flooring. It is common knowledge not to plank hardwood floors into your bathroom, and the reason is quite obvious.
So, whether you’re building a new house or planning to renovate your current one, it pays a lot to go for some research about the different types of flooring as well as their advantages. And we’re going to help you with that!
Read through the article to know the common flooring options and which type suits every room in your humble abode!
The most popular among all flooring types due to its timeless elegance, striking luster, and versatility in terms of grains, tones, and finishes, solid wood flooring has been consistently present inside family homes for decades.
It is usually made from a tree of your choice– oak, ebony, or cherry– cut into planks of 3/4 inch thick, with size variations when it comes to the width. You can also ask your manufacturers and retailers for a standard or medium plank, with a width measure ranging between three to five inches.
Hardwood flooring is one of those resilient flooring types which can stand against the test of time, especially when maintained and taken care of properly, making them a popular choice for homeowners and home builders alike. The timber is usually lacquered or oiled to increase durability, and to match the look you prefer!
Remember, hardwood floors have different levels of hardness, depending on the wood species. Choosing solid hardwood floors that match the amount of foot traffic in a specific room is very crucial to lessen or lower the effects of the usual wear and tear. Take a quick scroll through this Janka Hardness rating scale and see the hardness rating of different wood species and see which one is the best for your living room, bedroom, or kitchen!
Hardwood floors usually cost around $3 to $8 per square foot. Other exotic varieties can go up to $14 per square foot.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative for hardwood floors without sacrificing design integrity and durability, then engineered wood flooring is the best choice for you!
At first glance, engineered wood flooring look exactly like hardwood flooring. But the difference lies in the composition. To imitate the ‘natural wood look’, a veneer layer of natural wood is placed on top of a high-quality plywood core, underneath is a base-supporting layer that is usually made from a mix of recycled wood fiber and stone dust. Because of their finish, engineered wood flooring are more likely to withstand fluctuating humidity levels and changes in temperature.
Although they are highly moisture resistant, they are still not suitable for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Moreover, this type of flooring cannot be refinished as often as you like because you will scrape off the thin layer of natural wood on top.
Engineered hardwood floors are identical to hardwood floors in terms of sizes, finishes, and wood species to choose from.
One of the most versatile types of flooring, vinyl tiles (they can also come in sheets or planks) are made up of a combination of polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers (and some color pigments for that visual appeal), making them excellent repellents of water. This is also the reason why vinyl flooring is one of the top choices when it comes to kitchen or bathroom flooring.
They can easily pull off the trick of making any floor surface look elegant and classy less the huge dent in the homeowner’s wallet. If you next a quick flooring overhaul then vinyl flooring is the best way to go!
Vinyl flooring come in different types. Some are needed to be cut into appropriate sizes and then glued to the subfloor. Other types like luxury vinyl tiles are installed like engineered wood flooring. There are also ones that have adhesives on their backing–peel them off and chuck them in like how you do with stickers!
Just like hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring is also resilient and can withstand heavy foot traffic and heavy moisture. Buying good quality vinyl flooring can last up to 20 years, according to HGTV.
Vinyl flooring also come in a variety of colors and patterns so you can easily pick what matches best the overall aesthetics of your home. Luxury vinyl flooring may be a bit costly, but they can easily capture the beauty and elegance of hardwood floors without much maintenance. Luxury vinyl tile also has a wider selection range and options in terms of quality and design compared to other cheaper ones in the market.
Albeit generally considered to be under the wood group, some interior designers and experts agree to put bamboo flooring under a category of its own.
Combine the hardness of the oak wood and sustainability, that’s what essentially bamboo flooring are. They are slowly booming in popularity now that society is aiming for eco-friendly alternatives and a sustainable way of life.
Additionally, bamboo plants mature in only five years (compared to hardwoods which can take up to 20 years), making them easier and faster to replenish.
Bamboo flooring also have competitive pricing, ranging from $3 to $8 per square foot. Installation costs around $7 to $12 per square foot.
If you are gearing towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, then why not start by installing bamboo flooring into your abode?
The first use of tile flooring dates back centuries ago in Egypt and some civilizations in Mesopotamia and China, and up until now, they remained as one of the top picks when it comes to flooring options for every household.
Made by combining a mixture of clay and shale and then fired up in the kiln to harden, ceramic tiles are extremely resistant to marks, scratches, dents, and even moisture. Though an endless variety is available in the market, not all ceramic tiles are suited to be used as flooring so better to purchase ones that are rated for floor use.
The four common types of ceramic tile include:
Flexible, durable, and versatile, that’s what tile floors are. As mentioned earlier, you can virtually print any design and color you want plus they are easier to clean and maintain. On the downside, tile flooring are cold to the feet and make the clicking of your heels and tapping of your shoes sound louder.
Joining the group of resilient flooring, linoleum flooring have been used inside households since the 1880s, but are only made widely available during the 1940s. They don’t stray far away from vinyl flooring when it comes to strength and durability, however, their only difference is that they are made from natural materials like cork powder and linseed oil.
And just like vinyl flooring, they are also available in tiles, laminated planks, or sheets which can last for years if the upkeep is well.
Slowly, linoleum flooring are crawling back into the market as an alternative to vinyl tiles because of their more eco-friendly approach.
Real or natural stone flooring is one of the most expensive flooring options out in the market. They can give any living space an instant breath of luxury and style. If you are looking for a long-term flooring solution then you might want to consider this type of flooring.
Albeit costly, stone tiles are guaranteed to upscale the resale value of your home when installed correctly, so it’s still a win-win situation for you. Some options you have include marble, granite, limestone, and slate.
These are just some of the common flooring options you can see in the market. As time progresses, more and more variations have started to emerge such as cork flooring, laminate flooring, reclaimed wood flooring, and rubber flooring that offer the same benefits and advantages. Whatever your chosen flooring will be, it is important to pick out the type that checks all the boxes on your list: room location, durability, design and aesthetics, and most important of all, your budget.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Social media platforms have been around to make not only celebrities and aspiring influencers be known and spread out to different audiences, but it’s also best to promote small businesses online to get more customers, to get YouTubers and podcasters more listeners and viewers, and to get teachers to reach out to their students. And real estate social media marketing is the best way to use social media.
Real estate social media marketing is basically using different social media platforms to promote your real estate business by taking photos and filling them with information about the different properties you sell, sharing and posting articles and blog posts anything about the real estate industry, and interacting with potential customers online.
Some real estate agents think that social media presence is unnecessary, but it’s actually a very powerful tool for you to use. As a matter of fact, real estate businesses that use social media marketing have the best results in attracting more buyers and investors compared to those that don’t.
So if you’re an aspiring real estate social media marketing manager or anything in the digital and creative field of real estate, then here are some tips as well as some of the best social media platforms and marketing tools for you to use to get a jumpstart on your career and to increase your best chances in getting potential buyers and investors!
The importance of social media marketing to real estate is very similar to people who use social media in promoting their businesses and one – man services, and these are attracting potential buyers, investors, and renters by answering their questions, interacting with them, sharing information about different property listings, and build rapport and relationships with them as well as connecting with other real estate agents and real estate businesses, and building relationships with potential partners who are real estate professionals in the near future. Additionally, social media posts help real estate businesses attract more people and stand out through photos and videos as well as sharing articles, blog posts, news, and tips with others about the real estate business.
There are so many ways social media can help your real estate business not only increase its sales, but also its reputation and fame!
Hashtags are the most effective real estate marketing strategy because they not only reach out to your target audience but they also attract potential investors and partners too! They not only bring out more engagement to your content but also facilitate and manage discovery on social media for people to find your real estate business.
You may use real estate hashtags for you to find people who are in the homeowners association and previous buyers, but they can also expand your real estate business’ opportunities to the next level.
It’s hard to run a real estate company when you’re out of fresh ideas and quality content to post on social media, so you should focus on the simple ones from time to time to make sure potential home buyers get the idea that you’re selling properties.
Posting quotes and testimonials from previous buyers can not only help you boost your reputation, but these are also great to include given their chatty nature to build trust and rapport with your real estate clients. You can use real estate quotes and testimonials to turn them into images to make your social media channels attractive and eye catching!
Time is gold like in any other business, so efficiency and effectivity are important when it comes to social media management and real estate itself. Besides, if you have the best social media and marketing tools, you can create professional content while dealing with inquiries and closing deals all at the same time!
Any real estate brand would have a hard time in juggling posts, interactions, and deals manually, so you need an effective social media planner for you to post on the scheduled date automatically so that it makes your personal life easier and resolves the hassle of doing everything at once manually (and your targeted ads will be up already before you know it)!
We believe that most real estate businesses have a blog site for people to learn about general real estate, but some lose their audience due to their inactivity or incredibility to provide any real estate value. Your blog posts and articles make up the other 50% of your real estate business to help you show your specialty and edge in the real estate market and they should be optimized to attract potential clients to your website and social media channels. But how do they do it?
Put yourself in the shoes of someone who is looking for a place to rent, buy, or invest. What would they want to know? It’s possible that the next person would wonder the same thing, and that’s what blog posts and articles are for: to familiarize your readers with what you’re talking about and your real estate brand.
You can run ad campaigns that are effective by creating ads that will target a specific audience. You can create a targeted ad for an audience based on their spending habits, income, relationship status, and so much more as this can open a window for more creativity and form effective ads to connect you with the exact audience you’re aiming for.
Facebook is the most common social media platform many real estate businesses use as you can organize virtual tours and local events. You can put up a Facebook page and post high quality property photos and videos there for people to see and you can deal with more contact form submissions effectively. You can also put up a realtor’s Facebook profile along with your ads to gain a lead generation to a specified audience.
Another way for you to attract potential customers and establish effective social media campaigns is for you to put up an Instagram business profile as it has business features as well as Instagram Stories for you to post personalized updates about properties with high quality photos. It’s no wonder real estate Instagram is the second most effective social strategy most real estate agents use.
Pegged as the social media platform for workers, Linkedin can help you generate more leads as well as publish listing – related updates and success stories to let your real estate business’ personality shine!
Ever wonder why influencers and businesses use link compilations? For everyone to access their social media accounts and to save time for people to look them up. It’s the same thing with real estate businesses — for you to access their social media platforms and your website all in one click! Put this either on your Facebook or Instagram page, and you’ll get many clicks and more leads!
Your Facebook and Instagram pages have key performance indicators for you to see how your social media performance is going from your engagements to your posts for your target market. It’s important for you to see your social media performance to see how you can exert more effort in promoting your latest blog post or latest ad campaign to keep your business page up and running.
You need to create quality real estate graphics, so photo editing apps such as Canva can make your life easier by simply changing the elements, adding texts, and replacing photos in a few clicks to make your collaterals effective and eye catching with free resources!
In order for you to save your social media efforts and time, you need social media planners like Planoly for you to save time in posting social media posts and blog posts on your preferred date and time instead of actually posting them on the day itself. It’s social proof and effective for people who want to save the hassle of just posting!
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Every stage in our lives opens up new possibilities and chapters we write on– and these sometimes require some adjustments in our living arrangements. Whether be it because of job relocation, having a bigger family, increasing house maintenance repairs, or just a simple want for a change of location or surroundings, it’s time to face the truth– you need to buy a new home.
Buying a house can feel intimidating and exciting at the same time. This is one major life decision that needs to be carefully planned and decided. Not only that you are settling down in a new niche, but you’ll also have to face one of the biggest debts you’ll have to pay in your life. Not really sure when is the right time for a home purchase? Well, we’ve prepared a list of signs to let you know you’re at the right time to buy one! If you can totally (or somehow) relate to these statements below, then it’s really about time you buy yourself a new home!
Getting married and settling down, having another child as an addition to the family, or job relocation due to promotion are some of the milestones waiting for us in life. While renting a property might be convenient in the early stages, buying a house is the most feasible option especially if you’re planning to settle down in the area for a long period of time.
Before you go searching for your dream home in various real estate companies and property listings online, make sure you’ve done a thorough research about the advantages and disadvantages of homeownership. For instance, one of the biggest perks of owning a house is equity– meaning the value of your property increases over time and can even help you in times of financial difficulty.
Also, understanding the buying process will make you feel in control of your decisions and purchases. Many lenders, real estate agents or brokers host home buying seminars where you can attend and equip yourself with the right information before you conduct a home purchase!
Let’s admit it, neither one of us wants to pay rent for the rest of our lives. We do not want to shoulder the responsibility of paying our landlord’s mortgage. So, instead of paying fees for someone else’s house, it’s time for you to pay for your own– whenever you’re financially ready, of course!
It’s inevitable for your current home to undergo seasonal maintenance check-ups and repairs due to wear and tear, but when these frequent repairs start to hurt your wallet and affect your savings, then it’s time to reconsider purchasing a new home instead of paying for utility fees every time your roof or drains leak.
One good rule of thumb to remember is to pay 20% of the total cost for a down payment. Moreover, you are most likely to apply for a mortgage loan to help in your home purchase. But for you to get a home loan approval, you will need to have a good credit score. Check your credit report and if you have an outstanding credit performance then you’re good to go!
Sure, renting out a house or condominium has its own perks– the landlord is the one responsible for any maintenance repairs and such, but owning a house gives you that freedom of redecorating and transforming it however you want! Do you want to install floating shelves for extra space? Are you eyeing for an open or backyard kitchen for that al fresco dining experience at home? Go ahead, the freedom and choice are yours!
Aside from home renovations and facelifts, some circumstances in our lives require us to remodel the structure or layout of our home– in which renting hinders you to do so. For instance, you need to make wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for your loved one with health issues, or you may need to convert an area of your house for a work-from-home setup.
Are you tired of getting stuck in a traffic on your morning route to work or school? Then maybe it’s time for you to move into a property closer to your work or school location for a more convenient and faster way of travel. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons why many households choose to relocate.
Home equity and facelifts aren’t the only things you need to determine whether you need to purchase a new home or not. The safety and security of the neighborhood you are living in also matter. If crime reports are starting to ramp up in your area or there’s an ongoing and unresolved unemployment rate, then it’s better for you to pack your things and go.
These external factors aren’t in your control, but you can stay updated about the latest news around your vicinity. It’s also best for you to actively join and participate in your community committee to help keep your neighborhood safe, clean, and appealing to potential buyers the moment you decide to sell your home.
Moving and relocating can be an emotional moment for homeowners, especially if you have been living in the house for years. Your home isn’t just a four-walled structure with a roof on top– it is a place where you nurtured and watched your family grow over the years. It is the space where you created precious, lasting memories with your friends and peers.
Before you pack your things inside a suitcase, ask yourself first: Do I have a stable income to finance my monthly mortgage payment? Do I have enough money to pay for the down payment? Do I want to stay in the same area for a long period of time? Am I willing to make sacrifices and geared enough to manage debts? If you answered yes (or majority) to all, then it’s time for you to go house hunting.
For whatever purpose it may serve, we hope that you find the best home in town for you to settle down!
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Real estate investing has been proven to be one of the safest way of investing compared to stocks or bonds due to its ability to remain stable even with the threats of inflation and still deliver fruitful returns. Investors can simply purchase a property (whether be it commercial or residential) and transform it into passive income by turning it into a rental property. Or they can wait for the property to appreciate in time to increase market value before selling them.
Many home buyers believe that the physical structure of the house greatly affects the price appreciation of the property. While this is partly true, there are several other factors that affect the property value appreciation of your home. In this article, we will walk you through the various factors that influence real estate appreciation in the real estate market.
Price appreciation can sometimes be referred to as property appreciation or property value appreciation. In simple terms, price appreciation is how much your property’s value will increase over a period of time.
Real estate appreciation is relative to several factors and these factors will determine whether how much your real estate properties have appreciated in value a few years after you purchased them. Here are the essential factors that can affect your property market value.
We’ve all learned this from our Economics class. The prevailing market conditions have a significant effect on the property prices of your real estate investments.
For instance, if the demand for new properties at a certain location exceeds the current supply, chances are prices will surge up. In reverse, when there’s a lot of available properties on sale but low in demand, the real estate prices will go down as well.
The location of your real estate is another key player in increasing the value of your property. Property buyers opt for strategic and desirable locations near shopping malls, schools, public transport facilities, and major road networks for easier access to work, school, and leisure.
Aside from location, accessibility is another driver for the market value of your property to rise up. Majority of the population prefer to live near or within central business districts, primarily for convenience. Owning real estate properties in such locations will definitely increase the value of your property over time.
New infrastructure developments being made around the area where your property is located also affects its market value. While the existing structure is already an attractor of potential buyers, real estate investors should watch out for any planned commercial and municipal developments like new transportation hubs, schools, hospitals, and other establishments around the vicinity. These new developments and upgrades will attract more population in the future, and thus propagating more demand in housing or rental properties. Real estate investors who get the timing right will see the fruits of their strategy in the future.
Likewise, the amenities included (or you will include in the future) can create a significant price difference. The continuous upgrading and addition of amenities can tick the real estate appreciation up and get better rates in the prevailing market. With that, property owners should consider adding new and exciting features to their properties to attract more buyers or renters.
Aside from features and amenities, safety and security also play significant roles in price appreciation of your real estate property. A safe and sound neighborhood entices more potential buyers because who doesn’t want to live in a safe and secured community?
One of the major economic factors that can affect the price appreciation of your investment property is inflation. A higher inflation rate means higher spending costs, as well as rental payments.
Other economic factors like population growth and unemployment can also affect the real estate prices of your properties. An increase in population also means increased demand for residential properties. On the other hand, high unemployment rates causes the property prices to go down.
Borrowing costs at a given period of time can also affect your property’s price appreciation. For instance, when borrowing costs in expensive (high interest rates), the demand for housing or rental properties will decline because few people can only afford such loans. On the flip side, low interest rates will yield higher demand because buyers will take advantage of cheaper loan costs.
Thinking of adding some smart home improvements to your property? Then you’re going in the right track! Adding smart upgrades to your property also adds up for a higher appreciation cost. However, remember that not all home improvements will add a significant increase to your home appreciation. It’s better if you’ll consult your real estate agent first about the essential areas of your home that needs some facelift.
Also, it will be a plus if your home is transitioning into an energy efficient home. Not only that you gain more profit from your real estate property, but you are also doing the nature a favor by being environment-friendly!
Your property developer’s reputation and good track record also adds up to the overall price appreciation of your real estate investment. Who would want to invest in a property developer who has a bad record in the real estate industry?
Moreover, commercial and residential properties built by seasoned real estate developers tend to have higher quality and design due to their expertise in the field, and thus, gaining more trust and confidence from prospective buyers and investors.
So, when choosing the best integrated property developer and homebuilder, Vistaland International is the name that you can trust. Being the Philippine’s largest real estate builder with a strong market presence of over 40 years, you are rest assured that we are only delivering real estate investments of highest quality!
If you are looking for ways to achieve financial security, then real estate investments are one of the easiest and safest ways to cross out that goal. However, before diving into the real estate waters, it’s vital for you to know the factors that affect the price appreciation of your property in the future so you’ll make smart real estate investment decisions. Investing in real estate may sound intimidating at first but it will give you fruitful returns once you learned the ropes of it. Start investing in real estate now!
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Buy Low, Sell High– that’s the basics of house flipping. You get to purchase a home or condominium unit at a low price, apply some cosmetic renovations and improvements then sell it for a higher price for a quick return on investment.
While house or condo flipping is a good investment strategy for those who want to earn a large profit without putting out a large capital, it is important for a flipper to determine which parts of the property to change and renovate to spruce up their home’s curb appeal.
Aside from attracting more potential buyers, conducting necessary home improvement projects and luxury upgrades will also increase your properties’ resale value.
So, what kind of upgrades increase home value? We’ve compiled a list of the best home improvement projects that will surely add value to your home and attract more prospective buyers.
Do you know that when checking out a property for sale, prospective buyers inspect the kitchen first to make sure it is fully furnished already (and if it’s worth its asking price) so they won’t have to worry about kitchen remodeling once they move in? This is a great chance for sellers like you to spruce up certain areas of your kitchen.
According to a trends study for 2018 and 2019 conducted by Houzz & Home renovation, kitchens are usually the most expensive part of a house to renovate. But don’t be discouraged yet! While it will indeed cost a significant amount of money for a kitchen remodel, the return of investment once you put up your property for sale is equally rewarding. A minor kitchen remodel can give you up to 77.6% ROI while large kitchen renovations return a 58.6% amount of the money spent for the upgrade.
Start by fixing or replacing the old light fixtures, repaint or purchase new cabinets, or add dazzling granite countertops for that eye appeal! Even replacing the drawer and cabinet handles with new, trendy ones plays a significant role in the facelift!
You can also step up your upgrade gaming by adding an outdoor kitchen. This has been a rising trend nowadays as people want to dive into that al fresco dining feel in the comfort of their homes, especially during this pandemic where people are prohibited from eating outside.
Bathrooms also have a reputation of having rates of ROI, just coming in behind the kitchen.
With this in thought, you can start your bathroom cosmetic upgrade by replacing old light fixtures with new, energy-efficient bulbs, updating the bathroom flooring and toilet, or replacing the faucet with new, stylish ones. A bathroom remodel doesn’t have to be that expensive, just make sure the elements look stylish, cohesive, and trendy!
Moreover, a bathroom en suite to a master bedroom has the highest cost of resale value among all the bathrooms inside the house. If your current master bedroom isn’t connected to a bathroom, then it’s time for these two to cross paths!
Hardwood floors are one of the flooring classics and continue to be popular and the most preferred type for home buyers. Lift that carpet to reveal the hidden gem underneath. Refinishing hardwood floors are comparatively cheaper than installing new ones from scratch.
Or, you can revamp your house flooring by investing in luxury vinyl planks; they are durable, less expensive, and easier to clean.
If you think your house is lacking space, then you might have forgotten an essential part of your home: the unfinished basement. A finished basement will add a couple of livable square footage to your property. The ample space can be used as an office space, home theater, additional living room, and even an extra bedroom or bathroom. A basement is like a blank canvass– you can turn that existing space into virtually anything!
However, there are some factors you need to consider before turning that basement into a livable area. For instance, the installation of light fixtures (and where to place the light switches), flooring, and adding drywall, among such. Also, basements are generally damp, and such became breeding grounds for mold and mildew. When renovating your basement, you may want to allow more natural light to come in.
Remodeling projects like this can push up the value of your home, and may even give you a 70 to 75% ROI.
One of the first things that buyers notice when surveying a house on sale in the front yard. As the saying goes, the first impression lasts, so, as a seller, you need to make sure that your home’s exterior is tidied and decorated enough to attract future buyers but not overdone enough to make them shy away from purchasing.
Some of the landscaping duties include mowing the lawn, pruning the shrubs and trees, and adding enhancements like planting perennials and shrubs.
One thing to remember when putting such plants is that they should be easy to maintain as most homeowners are not putting interested in a front yard that needs weekly cleaning and maintenance. Add in a mix of plants that thrive in winter and grow abundantly during the summer season, so you’ll have plants growing in your yard all year round as the seasons change.
Considering investing in a garage door replacement is a smart move, especially if your current garage door looks outdated, dingy, and is emitting that squeaky sound. Replacing your garage door (using durable materials available on the market) will make your house look modern and stylish!
Yes, even the small details in your home’s exterior matter! When you replace or upgrade your mailbox, lamp posts and even the house numbers plastered on your wall will give the buyers the impression that you are taking good care of the property, even down to the minute details.
Heads up! You don’t have to repaint the entire house to achieve that refurnished look. Save money (’cause painting a whole exterior may cost you thousands of dollars) by touching upon a part with chipped, flaky, or faded paint.
There are other ways to transform your old, dull-looking exterior into a fresher, modern look!
You can consider investing in vinyl siding or vinyl window replacements. Transform your front door into a steel one (for that added style and security) or paint it a bright color red! Clean the gutters and say goodbye to your old front doormat. While these tasks may seem simple and trivial, they highly contribute to the overall appeal of your house.
Another thing you should add to your list of home improvement projects is your humble roof. Your roof has been through the unforgiving changes of the weather and thus has worn off over time. While replacing your roof isn’t a really exciting task, it’s a necessary maintenance activity to ensure that there will be no leaks during the rainy season.
Doing our part in saving the environment is a conscious and continuous effort. While we want to improve our way of life, we should also consider that each of our actions leaves an impact on our environment.
In this digital age, almost everything is done in automation. Smart home technology such as thermostats, lighting, and wireless security cameras entice potential buyers due to their convenience and ease of use.
If you are planning to add or replace old appliances, it’s better to invest in energy-efficient appliances. They have low energy costs, leaving less carbon footprint on the environment.
Innovation and energy efficiency are just some of the things to consider when improving your home’s curb appeal. And while this may be a big challenge for homeowners, the rewards after the huge effort are worth the hard work. Touching up your home shouldn’t be that complicated and expensive. Look for the latest trends online or browse through a remodeling magazine to catch a better glimpse of how you can make these home improvement projects surge up your property resale value. After all, a house is more than just a structural unit; it is a place where we form bonds and create lasting memories with our family and loved ones.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Nowadays, a lot of people are moving into apartments or condominiums due to its various perks. Aside from the convenience it brings like ease of access to central business districts, one can also enjoy the amenities that these properties offer. However, for our certified plantitos and plantitas, moving into a condo or apartment unit may mean that there’s no land to continue their gardening hobby. However, don’t be discouraged yet! You can still grow your own vegetable garden in your balcony, patio or even your rooftops!
Balcony gardening has been a great alternative for condo-dwelling plant enthusiasts. You don’t actually need a lot of space if you want to grow a variety of plants and vegetables— you just need your patience, creativity, and a lot of those plant containers!
Moreover, balcony gardens are great alternatives especially if you are aiming for a sustainable way of living, especially in the cities. Not only that you get to enjoy the very thing that you love, but you are also helping to save our planet!
Turn your balcony, patio or rooftop into a wonderful world of veggies with this balcony vegetable gardening guide!
If you are renting that apartment or condo, make sure to go back to the building’s rules and regulations and check if they allow such activity. To be certain, it is better to contact your landlord or property manager before you start ‘digging’ and working into your patio vegetable garden.
Ask yourself, “Do I have the time to properly manage and take care of my balcony garden?” If the answer is no, better yet to reconsider your decision. Creating a vegetable garden in your balcony or patio may require more time than you thought it would. Since plants are placed into small containers, they may require watering more frequently. You will also need to trim off dead leaves, twigs, and branches as well as any growing weeds. Also, regular harvesting of the vegetable is vital to keep the productivity of these plants flowing. This may seem a long list of work, but all of the efforts are worth it once you see the ‘fruits’ of your labor sprouting!
A lot of vegetable plants grow abundantly under full sun. So, another thing to consider is how much sun you patio vegetable garden gets, much preferably eight hours of direct sunlight at minimum. Also, take note that the sun changes position a bit throughout the year, so the amount of direct sun your balcony garden may vary.
If your space doesn’t get enough sun, don’t fret! There are still varieties of vegetable plants that grow fine under partial shade (4-6 hours of sun) like lettuce, kale, cauliflower, carrots, onion and other root crops. However, if you still want to grow sun-loving veggies like cherry tomatoes, pepper plant and squash, you will need to find a very sunny spot in your balcony or patio.
Using soil from the ground isn’t the best option when you grow veggies in containers as they are heavy and doesn’t drain well. Use potting soil instead which you can find good qualities of in your local garden store. These potting mix contain perlite or vermiculite that aerates the plant roots and also aids in water drainage. Also, some of these commercially-available potting soil are already mixed with fertilizers which are essential for plants to grow healthy.
Aside from being friendly to your plants, these potting mix are considerably light for your patio garden– we do not want a disastrous thing to happen such as a balcony falling due to weight overload.
Another important thing to consider is how are you going to water you plants? You may prefer to use a simple watering can, however, investing in drip irrigation or self-watering cans will save you a lot of time and effort of carrying large tubs of water from the inside of your home out in your balcony garden!
Keep the moisture level of the soil steady: do not let the soil completely dry out then saturate it with water (this will upset the roots of the plants and may cause them to wither and die). Also, be mindful enough to put trays underneath your plant containers to collect any overflows or spills. We don’t want to rain down on our neighbors below!
A good drainage is a pre-requisite in every garden. So, when choosing containers for your patio vegetable garden, make sure that it has proper drain holes to get rid of excess water when watering your vegetable garden. You can totally do it yourself by poking some holes at the bottom and sides of the container!
Terra cottas are the most common and cheapest kind of container, however, you should also consider if your balcony can support the combined weight of these large pots. You can opt for plastic containers as they are comparably light and comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. However, not all plastic containers are safe for container growing of plants. Check the number inside the recycling symbol dented on your container. 2, 4, and 5 are considered food grade and thus, healthy for your plants as well.
You can also get creative and utilize your wall space by using hanging baskets or create a ‘food fountain’ by stacking plastic containers or pots in graduated sizes.
Now that you’ve got all the patio gardening essentials all covered up, it’s time to choose the right vegetable plant for your patio garden. While there are virtually endless varieties of plants to choose from, there are a lot of factors to consider first before determining the best plant that will thrive in your given living situation.
Low-light plants like lettuce, kale, turnips and beets are best for balconies which receives partial sunlight. Many herbs like mint, cilantro, and parsley will thrive well even in the shade. On the flip side, if your balcony receives an ample amount of direct sunlight, eggplants, tomatoes, squash, and peppers are the best picks!
With the growing global concern for climate change, we need to find ways to make our living more sustainable and environment friendly. By simply growing our own produce in our balcony, patio, or rooftop, we can, in collective efforts, contribute for the betterment of our planet. After all, Earth is the only ‘home’ that we have, so we must do everything to conserve and save it.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
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Holy Week or Semana Santa is considered to be an important religious event for a Catholic-dominated country (and the largest Catholic country in Asia) like the Philippines. For this year, the Holy Week will fall on April 10 (Palm Sunday) up to April 17 (Easter Sunday).
Palm Sunday usually signifies the onset of Holy Week. The three days following that (Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday) are still considered to be working days. However, Holy Thursday and Good Friday are declared to be national holidays to give devotees the time to pray and reflect.
Philippines has its own way of celebrating Holy Week. This religious observance has become a part of our lives, following and passing on various traditions and beliefs, generation after generation. As we didn’t get to fully celebrate the Lenten Season the previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s a little refresher of our country’s holy week traditions.
Ash Wednesday signifies the start of Holy Week. It is a tradition of placing the ashes of burnt palm leaves from the previous Easter on the foreheads of the devotees in the shape of the cross—symbolizing human death. Many Catholics grabs this time to profess and repent to their sins.
Fasting or Abstinence is a practice of refraining from eating meat or any type of food as a way to remember Jesus’s sacrifices on the cross. Fasting is usually done on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Catholic church mentioned that a fasting meal consists of “one main meal a day and two smaller meals that, when added together, do not surpass the main meal in amount.”
Palm Sunday officially starts the Holy Week. This is also the time when you see lots of devotees flocking in churches, carrying and waving their woven palm fronds, waiting to be blessed with holy water by the priest.
Often participated by the elderly, the ‘Pabasa ng Pasyon’ tradition is the chanting of the Pasyong Mahal, an epic poem narrating the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.
A Holy Week classic, Senakulo or Passion Play is a theatrical reenactment of life and death of Christ. Annually, a lot of spectators gather around the streets or the town’s plaza to witness the play which is usually organized by the local government along with sponsors and volunteers.
Senakulo came from the Spanish word cenáculo, meaning upper room. It is thought to be the place where Jesus Christ had the last supper with his apostles.
Visita Iglesia first came into the Philippines in the year 1560s, brought by Augustinian priests. It is a practice of visiting seven or 14 churches to reflect the Passion of Christ and honor the Seven Blessed Sacrament, that’s why it is also called Seven Churches Visitation. It usually starts on Maundy Thursday but can last up to Easter Sunday if the churches you are visiting are relatively far from each other. Pilgrims can either visit 14 churches for each Station of the Cross or pray for two stations in each of seven churches.
Easter Sunday marks the end of the Holy Week. It is also the time when Catholics believe that the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has risen from death. Lots of devotee flock into their churches to attend the Easter Sunday mass and wave their palaspas blessed by the priest—re-enacting the entrance of the Christ into the Jerusalem.
Salubong is a holy week tradition portraying the meeting of risen Christ and his mother. This rite is divided into two processions–the men hold the procession of Christ while the women accompany Mary’s statue dressed in black mourning dress and a black veil. A young girl dressed in white is lowered by some sort of mechanism and takes of the Virgin Mary’s veil, signifying Christ’s Resurrection and the end of Mary’s sorrows.
Aside from traditions, Filipinos also have many superstitions (and taboos) during Lenten Season that some of them still follow and observe up to this day.
Sweeping, and generally cleaning the house during Good Friday and Black Saturday is a big no-no as elders believe you are sweeping the good luck and fortune out of your home. However, this act is only discouraged at night, so most of the time, mothers take advantage of cleaning the house during the day.
Our parents would restrict us from going and playing outside to avoid getting scrapes and wounds due to the belief that wounds heal longer during holy week.
This is also the reason why traveling is also discouraged as accidents are frequent during this time.
Good Friday and Black Saturday are considered days of mourning during the holy week, so making excessive noise are prohibited to preserve the solemnity of these days. Karaokes, honking of horns and even watching TV and listening to the radio are not allowed. Instead, people are encouraged to pray and reflect.
Many people believe that since Jesus Christ is dead, evil spirits gain more strength and power. However, there’s no need to worry as during this time, the healing powers of albularyos (witch doctors) are believed to be more effective and powerful. Anting-anting or amulets are said to work best during Good Fridays as well.
Another superstition that believers follow is avoiding taking a bath (or doing laundry) after 3 PM on a Good Friday for it is considered as the hour of Jesus’ death. Bad luck will come to the way of anyone who decides to disobey this belief.
Consequently, staring at mirrors after 3 PM on a Good Friday is also discouraged as it could trigger and invite spirits to wreak havoc into the human world. Mirrors are considered to be portals to the other, unforeseen world and so a piece of cloth is used to cover them and to prevent the temptation of every passerby to take a sneak peek.
Place palm leaves in front of your doors to ward off any evil spirits that may cause harm to you and your family.
On the contrary to the belief of not taking a bath during the most of the hoy week as it will bring bad luck, showering under the rain of Easter Sunday (if it falls). It is believed that the rainwater have turned into ‘holy ‘water’ and has healing powers and so the family members, including the sick are encouraged to bathe.
In line with fasting and abstinence, devotees stray away from eating meat during Good Friday as a form of spiritual discipline and respect to the Lenten Season. It is also due to the reason that meat is linked with impurity and bad omen.
We are hoping that the ease in quarantine restrictions will make these traditions possible. Aside from observing these religious rites, holy week is also a time where we get to spend time and relax with our family. Also remember that the holy week isn’t the only time where we can commemorate the life and sacrifices of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There can always be a time for self-meditation and reflection. What’s important is that we embody the teachings of our worship and apply it in our everyday lives.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
After enjoying a week of gasoline and fuel price rollback, the country’s large oil companies forecasted another spike in fuel prices in the following months, with the Russian-Ukraine conflict greatly affecting the volatile oil and fuel prices in the world market.
While these gasoline hike news aren’t new to Filipinos and obviously we cannot work our way to make these prices gear up in our favor, there are alternative ways to keep our fuel consumption at minimum as possible.
So fasten your seat belt and get comfy on your seats as we traversed through these helpful tips to save gas while driving.
Hitting the brakes abruptly while approaching a red light will cost you more fuel than you thought you would. Not only that it will spike your fuel consumption to almost 40%, but it will also cause damage on your brake pads, discs, and rotors. You might have more trips to the repair shop instead of your dream destinations!
So next time you approach a red light or a stop sign, coast down and decelerate slowly by easing on the accelerator pedal gently. Coasting will also save you a lot when it comes to repair and maintenance as it lowers the wear and tear on wheels and tires’ part.
Another good thing is to study how the cars and traffic behave ahead of you. If you notice that the car in front of you slows down, it’s a good indicator that you are approaching a red light or there’s something that disrupts or delays traffic. Keep a good distance between other vehicles so you can coast whenever necessary.
To parallel it up, you should also avoid slamming hard on your gas pedal as if you are in a race car competition. The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you waste. If you are driving on a manual transmission, it’s best to put it in moderate throttle position. Keep it between 2000 to 2500 rpm for best fuel efficiency. You can also rely on the tachometer to know when to shift to high gear or lower gears.
Here’s a trick, imagine there’s an egg under your pedal or a cup of coffee (without the lid of course) sitting on top of your dashboard. You shouldn’t crush the egg or spill the coffee so accelerate carefully!
Sudden changes in speed also contributes to poor fuel efficiency. When driving on a highway, avoid taking sudden dips and rapid accelerations if you don’t want to waste fuel. Keep your driving at a steady rhythm (under the speed limit of course!).
It is advisable to drive on a cruise control when going on long commutes and road trips, especially on highways to maintain a constant speed. However, you still need to pay attention to traffic signs and switch off cruise control when the road condition requires for it.
An average vehicle wastes about a cup of fuel for every 10 minutes of idling. So, when you find yourself stuck in the middle of a traffic, it’s better to turn off your engine completely. Avoiding excessive idling will save fuel for up to 19%. The less fuel you waste, the better gas mileage you get.
Check up on your wheels every week to ensure they are still on the proper tire pressure. Driving with under inflated tires tend to increase fuel consumption by 4%. In order to determine the right air pressure for your tires, you can follow the manufacturer’s recommendation indicated on the owner’s manual, inspect the tire itself for the correct PSI or check the information posted on the driver’s door or doorpost of your car.
While it is not advisable to drive with under inflated tires, overinflated tires are also a no-no. Overinflated tires will cause the middle tread to worn out faster, reducing your tire’s lifespan for about half a year. Overinflating will also make your tires lose contact will the road, which may lead to deadly car crashes. Lastly, overinflated tires will give you a humpy and bumpy ride, which spoils the fun ride overall.
Every vehicle is made differently so it’s better to check on the owner’s manual on your vehicle’s fuel requirement. Every fuel has their own octane rating which may benefit or harm your vehicle’s engine. Choosing fuel that has lower octane rating than your vehicle requirement will resort to poor performance and lower fuel efficiency. Giving your car the right fuel it deserves will bring you more mileage.
As much as possible, travel in routes where there is less traffic. There are many apps that’s free to download online which will help you determine which routes are more congested with cars or have lesser road blocks or repairs. While these ways are longer than your usual routes, these will save you more fuel that driving in constant breaking and acceleration.
Heading out on a beach trip or a camping night in the woods? Before you lock your itinerary and load that cargo, make sure you are carrying only the necessities. The less your cargo weighs, the less fuel your vehicle will consume. Improve your car’s fuel efficiency and reduce wind resistance by removing the roof or bicycle racks if they aren’t essential for your scheduled travel. The lack of aerodynamic drag means less fuel consumption.
Driving on a hot, summer day will make you instantly reach for the air conditioning switch. Before you enjoy the cool air conditioning, let the hot air out first. While the high heat of the summer will help your engine warm up faster, all those gas savings will evaporate when you turn on your air conditioning. Save gas and fuel consumption by rolling your windows down when driving at low speeds. Turn it back on when you are back at driving highway speeds.
Driving out for an errand? Save time, gas, and money by combining all your trips into one. List out all the things you need to buy and identify which route is the most efficient to take to minimize unnecessary stops and double trips to the store. This way, you can reduce fuel consumption and save money at the same time.
If the errand is near enough to take by foot, opt for it instead. Or if you’re up for some biking, you can cycle your way there instead. Nowadays, a lot of people are using bicycles as their mode of transportation for work. Not only that it is eco-friendly, but you will save a lot of gas money while giving your body the exercise it deserves.
Owning a car is also an investment that you should take good care of for maximum utility so can drive more mileage and reach more destinations. By adapting these tips and driving habits, we hope that your next travel will be not only be fun but also fuel efficient! Have a safe trip!
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