Credit Card_Useful? or Scary?

A credit card is a payment card issued to users as a system of payment. It allows the cardholder to pay for goods and services based on the holder's promise to pay for them.

At first, I was hesitant to accept the offer of an agent who called me to apply for credit card. I have heard a lot of negative comments about having or owning a credit card. Most of them said, that once you have it you will be buried with tons of debts.  So, even though I am interested but I declined the offer because of the fear of the possibilities that the same odd situation might happen to me. I did not stop to ask anyone I know, especially those who are credit card subscribers about the advantages and disadvantages of possessing a credit card. Until I learned that having it is not really that scary if you will just use it wisely and responsively. It can help you and will do no harm if you are just a good payer. After I fully understand what credit card is, I re-apply and fortunately, it was approved.

For me, having a credit card is very useful.  I can use it in purchasing goods when I run out of money in my pocket and I can purchase ticket/s on emergencies.  I enjoy using it but I always remind myself to BE RESPONSIBLE! It doesn’t mean if you have it, you can just use it without thinking of the price to pay afterwards.  If you use it make sure that you can afford to pay for it on its due date to avoid interests and penalties.  Don’t just SWIPE and SWIPE and SWIPE if you know you are not capable of paying the amount because you will face the consequences of your action later on. That is the reason why some irresponsible credit card holders were buried with tons of debts and worst, being charged with cases. Spending too much than the actual income or savings can put you in an awkward situation.

Ways to avoid bigger bills:

1. Don’t be late in paying to avoid late payment charge. I pay my bill responsibly, usually 4 days before the due date with the TOTAL AMOUNT DUE coz you will be added a finance charge the next bill if you will just pay only the MINIMUM AMOUNT.  So, it’s better to pay the full obligation for the particular month.

2. Use only your credit card/s if needed.

3. Using the credit card is tempting especially if you’re in the stores, malls, appliance centers, so it’s better to leave your credit card at home safely. Put it in secret areas where no one knows beside you.

4. Schedule the date when is the right time to purchase or use the credit card.  Know your cut-off dates (refer to your Statement of Account).

     Example:  January 16 to February 15 due date is March 6
                       February 16 to March 15 due date is April 6

     Knowing this, you can have ample time to look for money to pay for your bill. Don’t swipe and swipe even if you’re overloaded on the particular month. Be responsible to avoid hassles.

Travel Tip: How to minimize baggage expenses

In order to minimize baggage expenses when you travel, you should know how many kilos of baggage you would like to bring or if you want to travel light (hand carry only/no checked baggage). If you have baggage that you need to check in, avail Prepaid Baggage offered by certain airlines like Cebu Pacific/TigerAirways and Zestair/AirAsia upon purchase of the ticket/s.

What is Prepaid Baggage?

Prepaid Baggage is a service offered by certain airlines like Zestair/AirAsia, Cebu Pacific/TigerAirways and Philippine Airlines wherein they allow passengers to pay their excess baggage in advance at cheaper price for passengers traveling both domestic and international. If you don’t have baggage you can choose “no checked baggage” which means you can just take 7kgs as hand-carry for domestic flights.

Why you need to avail Prepaid Baggage?

Because if you're going to pay your baggage at the airport upon check in less than 4 hours before the time of departure, you’ll going to pay P150 per 1 kilo for domestic flights.  Example, if you carry 15 kilos with you at the airport without availing prepaid baggage upon purchase of your ticket then you'll going to pay P2,250 (15 kgs x P150). But if you avail prepaid baggage upon purchase of your ticket, you will just pay P170.00 for 15kgs (Zestair/AirAsia) and P224 for 15kgs (Cebu Pacific/TigerAir). They also have other available standard rates for heavier baggages.

Note: You can still purchase prepaid baggage at the airport more than 4 hours before the time of departure.

Knowing how many kilograms of baggage you’ll going to bring on a travel is really indispensable and you can save a lot of money. If you purchase a ticket, you must avail a prepaid baggage, if there are things that you want to bring that needs to be checked in like for instance, dried fish or other smelly foods  and also, if you are sure that you'll be carrying more than 7 kilos. All you have to do is tell the ticketing agent that you want to avail a prepaid baggage.

There are still people who don't know about this specially those who are working abroad. That's why they spent a lot  of money for baggage fees at the airport when they come home.

BRICCIOLINE_Wheat Flour Cookies

Briccioline is a wheat flour cookies baked by Augustinian nuns using firewood in Tabalong, Dauis, Bohol. When I first tasted the cookies I liked the taste because it has moderate sweetness. It is delicious and crunchy. Its crunchiness adds the quality of the said cookies which you will enjoy every bite of it. Para sa akin hindi sya nakakasawang kainin.

Host (bread) being served during the Holy Eucharist by Catholic churches is made up of wheat flour. Augustinian Nuns made those hosts (bread) and formed into circles and the cuttings being left are the main ingredient of Briccioline. Instead of throwing it away, they made it into delicious cookies and they sell it to add funds for the congregation.

Augustinian nuns are the most ancient and continuous segment of the Roman Catholic Augustinian religious order under the canons of contemporary historical method. The Augustinian nuns, named after Saint Augustine of Hippo are several Roman Catholic enclosed monastic orders of women living according to a guide of religious life known as the Rule of St. Augustine.

Underground River at Puerto Princesa Palawan

Years ago, I am so lucky to reach the one of the distinguished protected areas in the Philippines, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. I described my trip that time as unplanned, unexpected but full of excitement since it was my first time to step on the land of Palawan.  I was with my friends, Mayen and Celay, who persuaded me to go with them on their trip to Palawan. Thanks to them because it was one of the nice trips I had.

From the city to Underground River, we traveled more than 2 hours to reach Sabang, a place where the Underground River is located. We rented a van during that time that cost as more but it’s worth it, so no regrets.  Nowadays, lots of tourists choose tour packages available from local tour companies. And there are travelers who choose to commute like backpackers and others who wish to stay at Sabang overnight.  Be reminded that in order to go to the Underground River, you must first secure a PERMIT at least one day before your trip at the Underground River Booking Office (earlier the better coz getting the permit as early as possible is indispensable to ensure that you can be scheduled to go inside the cave at the earliest possible time kasi marami marami ding mga visitors na nagpupunta doon. Pagdating nyo sa sabang port, hihingin sa inyo yong permit. You will also pay for the boat who will take you to the Underground River entrance.

 Preparing to enter Underground River...

 Ready to go...I was excited and I was very curious what's inside the cave and what made it different from other caves in the Philippines.

I saw this one of the amazing stalactite formations inside the cave. There are several stalactite and stalagmite formations as you go along inside the Underground River. Like this one in the picture, the stalagmite formation looked like Jesus Christ's image.I thank the Lord for that priceless experience.

 The Underground River is the longest navigable Underground River in the world.  It is included as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It is one of the places you must visit in Puerto Princesa. It is said that you haven’t really gone to Puerto Princesa if you did not go the Underground River.

Camiguin_KATIBAWASAN FALLS

Katibawasan Falls is located 5 kilometers southeast of Mambajao.  It is about 250 feet which cascades 70 meters into a rock pool surrounded by trees. It is ideal for swimming during hot days/summer because of the coolness of the water. Picnic tables, seats and cookout facilities are available. The entrance fee is only P20.00. You can reach there through motorcycles and multicabs.

Camiguin_WHITE ISLAND

White Island is just 2kms off the coast of Agoho, Mambajao.  It is Camiguin’s popular sand bar ideal for snorkelling, swimming and sun bathing.  But before you reach there you still need to hire a boat to bring you to the white island and they will wait for you until you’re done. We paid P460 for the boat but you can minimize expenses if you are in group. They have life vests and snorkelling gears for rent that costs P50.00 each. If you like to go there, you must be there early in the morning para di pa masyadong mainit at ma enjoy nyo ang place na di kayo masyadong  napapaso sa init. 

From White Island, you can see the only active volcano in Camiguin, the Mount Hibok Hibok.

We rented this boat which is good for 6 persons but unfortunately wala kaming kasabay on that time kaya mas mahal siya compared kung may kasama.

So happy to see White Island, for the past few years, it is only my dream to reach the place and thank God I fulfilled one my dreams....Sa wakas narating ko na rin at hindi na palaging pictures yong tinitingnan ko..

Camiguin Island_How to get there if you're from Bohol??

From Jagna, Bohol, take a fastcraft (OJEAN JET) that travels daily departing at 1:30 in the afternoon. You must be there at the port 30 minutes before the time of departure to avoid being left. Ocean Jet at present is the only fastcraft traveling for Camiguin. Its route is actually bound for Cagayan via Camiguin (Benoni Port). Benoni Port is 17 kilometers away from Mambajao, Camiguin, the central part of the island. The travel takes more than 2 hours.

Tip: Ticket fare is cheaper if you bought it before the day of departure. It costs P600.00. But if you buy the ticket on the day of your departure it costs P900.00.

STO. NINO COLD SPRING_Catarman, Camiguin

Sto. Nino Cold Spring as you can see has a pool measuring 25 meters by 40 meters and is 2 meters deep. It is located in Catarman, Camiguin. It is one of the tourists’ attractions in Camiguin, Island. The area has restaurants, cottages and cooking facilities. The entrance fee costs only P30.00. And if you're going to rent a cottage it only costs 50 pesos. 

Sto. Nino Cold Spring

 

I believe in you by Celine Dion and Il Divo

 I really love this song. It's very relaxing. It reminds me also of my friend Lira, who also loved this. I play this song over and over and over again and I love it even more. Every time I hear this I imagine myself walking in the isle on a wedding event. Funny but I really do.  Sometimes, it made me cry and i felt like I'm floating.  Music really plays an important role in our life. There's a song that makes us cry, laugh, inspire etc.. Most of the songs are composed or were made out of different stories of life. Without it, I can't imagine what life would be like.

I am not a singer but I really love music. I like the songs but the songs doesn't like me. I have the voice but it's not the voice the singers have. I only have the courage to sing all the songs that I love with my whole heart.

Someone's Watching Over Me by Hillary Duff

I really love this song ever since, it motivates me when I feel down, it made me stronger and also made me wanted to move forward.........

Found myself today
Oh I found myself and ran away
Something pulled me back
The voice of reason I forgot I had
All I know is you're not here to say
What you always used to say
But it's written in the sky tonight

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

Seen that ray of light
And it's shining on my destiny
Shining all the time
And I wont be afraid
To follow everywhere it's taking me
All I know is yesterday is gone
And right now I belong
To this moment to my dreams

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

It doesn't matter what people say
And it doesn't matter how long it takes
Believe in yourself and you'll fly high
And it only matters how true you are
Be true to yourself and follow your heart

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
That I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even when it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
That someone's watching over
Someone's watching over
Someone's watching over me

Someone's watching over me

DIVINE MERCY SHRINE, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental

    The Divine Mercy is a Catholic devotion to the merciful love of God and the desire to let the love and mercy flow through one's own heart towards those in need.

   Years ago, I went to this beautiful place, the DIVINE MERCY SHRINE located in Divine Mercy Hills, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. I saw this 50-feet statue of the Divine Mercy. This place serves as a pilgrimage site for Divine Mercy devotees. I was so amazed when I first saw it, I've never seen such a huge and a tall statue in my entire life. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to reach at the top of the statue because I'm running out of time. I want to climb on top of it hopefully on my next visit.

     The place was amazing, aside from the tall Divine Mercy statue, in front of it is a nice garden which adds the beauty of the place. The landscape is impressive. The surrounding is very clean.

     Wearing shorts, sleeveless,short skirts, and other skimpy clothings are not allowed since this place is considered holy. Those visitors arrived wearing the said clothing will be given a piece of cloth to cover the exposed skin. So, others prefer  to wear pants instead.

     I just hope i can go back to that place again. I was comforted by just one look of the Divine Mercy statue. I feel like Jesus is looking back at me, telling me, " em it's gonna be alright", " I am always here for you no matter what".

APPLE FRUIT AND ITS BENEFITS

Apple fruit is is one of my favorite fruits since I was young until present.  This fruit is delicious and rich in phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants which  are indispensable for the body's health.  The antioxidants in apple is responsible in preventing diseases that's why it justifies an old saying " an apple a day keeps the doctor away". 

Apples are used to control diarrhea or constipation and for the softening and collection of gallstones. They are also used to prevent lung cancer. Other uses include treating diabetes, dysentery, fever, heart problems, warts and scurvy (vitamin-C deficiency condition).

 I believe that apple detox diet or eating apple in an emptly stomach revitalizes the body by helping to flush out all the toxins.

As for me, I eat this fruit as part of my diet. I am trying so hard to lose weight since I felt like I'm getting fat. So, this past few days I started to try a new eating routine. I eat apple before each meal and I also eat it between meals as snack instead of eating "junk foods". Sometimes, I eat apple on top of a my instant oats during breakfast. But of course, the change I want  will not happen in a blink of an eye. It takes time and it needs a lot of patience, self-discipline and sacrifices to achieve my goal, which is to reduce my weight. The change I want doesn't need to be abrupt, it has to undergo in a proper way coz a sudden change due to improper diet might give bad results. Eating apples is just one of the many ways to reduce weight. Eating them the proper way can make us somebody's "APPLE OF THE EYE". ( :

Simala Shrine Sibonga Cebu

      

       Before I went to this place, I often heard many people who came here to fulfill their promise. According to them, that the Holy Virgin of Simala granted their wishes and prayers and they wanted to return to give thanks for the blessings they got. That time, I was curious and I also wanted to go to this place to personally experience what they also experienced. The time came and at last I see the place with my own two eyes. I was so amazed when I first saw it, I felt like I was about to enter in a very nice castle. I was so excited to climb up at the top. And there, I really appreciate what I saw. There is a church, there is place where you can write your petitions and there is a part there where you can see all written testimonials from people from different walks of life thanking the Holy Virgin of Simala to the miracle they have experienced, the people who have serious diseases that have been cured, some became successful in their careers, some passed the board exams, etc. Amazing! that's what I told myself that time. But I remind myself that merely asking wishes will not be granted if you don't have a strong faith in God. That when you pray, it must be from the deepest part of your soul.

Villa Luisa Bed and Breakfast

VILLA LUISA BED AND BREAKFAST

Located at Sitio Dungawon, Poblacion Sur, Carmen, Bohol

It's very nice and cozy..You can stay there and relax with the room rates just right for you. You will never regret!!

Loboc River Cruise

The Loboc River is one of the major tourist destinations in the province of Bohol. What makes it famous is the floating restaurants where local and foreign visitors are served with delicious Filipino foods (eat all you can) while cruising along the river. And not just that, dining guests are serenaded by an in-boat band that plays a variety of songs and even songs requested by the passengers. The food and experience costs P300 but there is also and entrance fee of P100 per person but don’t worry coz it’s worth it. After the cruise if you feel like urinating, etc.. you will be accommodated with their clean, well-maintained, air-conditioned restrooms.

Floating restaurants have become a major flourishing business that has contributed in making the town and the province of Bohol known not just in the Philippines but also to some other countries.

With the growing numbers of visitors who are coming here in Loboc for the river cruise experience, for sure people living here can benefit to it. It will give and opportunity to the residents who wants to open businesses like souvenir shops, restaurants, etc.

Chocolate Hills, Carmen, Bohol: How to get there on your own

When my niece, Gian Gilma Sabijon visited Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol, hometown of his father.

        Chocolate Hills is one of the famous tourist destinations in Bohol. It is located in the center part of Bohol in the town of Carmen. It is the reason why Bohol became known even before because of its magnificent view which is incomparable. Most people especially those who visit this place for the first time will be amazed. They can see group of hills with mostly uniform in shape. It consists of approximately 1,268 hills spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan. They are covered with grass which is sometimes color green and chocolate brown, it depends on the season. During summers, the grass dry up and turn brown and transform like rows of "kisses" chocolates. Two of the highest hills have been developed and provided with facilities such as restaurant, hostel, swimming pool, view deck and a new function hall, where most of the weddings and other activities were held.

How to get there

If you want to go here on your own, from Tagbilaran, you have to go to DAO bus terminal and catch a bus or van going to Carmen. There is a particular place in the terminal where the bus or van parked. At the entrance of the bus terminal certain people (dispatchers) will point you to the right bus or van. Make sure it is the first one to leave, and ask the driver to drop you off just near the signboard heading you to the direction of the Chocolate Hills Complex. There will be drivers of motorcycles who will offer you a ride going up to the Chocolate Hills Complex for a minimal cost or you can walk going up. I and my friends used to climb up the hills early in the morning. It’s so hard going up there by just walking but if you reached the top it’s really worth it.

To get back to Tagbilaran, you will have to walk back to the main road, and wait for a bus to pass by. The last bus from Carmen to Tagbilaran leaves at 7 P.M. There are also motorcycle drivers who will offer you to bring you to your destination but you should be careful. List down the plate number of the motorcycle and asked the name of the driver. 

There are also plenty of tourist guides and tour operators who will be happy to bring you to Chocolate Hills especially if you’re in groups. They offer package tours which include Chocolate Hills as one of the itineraries.

Last October 15, 2013, Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol has been hit by 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The upper structure has been damaged but now, it was already fixed and back to its normal operation.

Giann, enjoying her day

Caving at Danao Adventure Park, Danao, Bohol