Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

I could have just ended my Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm or the Imbayao Hobbit House travel blog with the previous blog entries but I realized I should mention more information most especially to those who need help with how to get to the farm as well as setting up the right expectations.

So today, I am off again with another set of travel guides and tips when visiting Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm. I am going to cover the following:

1. How to get to Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm
2. Fees and rates when traveling to Malaybalay, Bukidnon
3. Food at farm
4. What activities can be enjoyed while at the farm?
5. Reminders when visiting Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm is a nature preserve farm in Sitio Sinaburan Brgy. Imbayao, Malaybalay Bukidnon. The owner, Mr. Benjamin Maputi Sr. and his family had promised to keep this range free from any negative mountain activities such as illegal logging. They own 22 hectares of this land and his wife is also the Barangay Captain in their area thus they are setting good examples to their comrades!

Apart from it being an Agro Eco Farm, they also have developed Instagram-worthy corners which were done with the help of his son, Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr. who had created eight DIY hobbit houses as of this writing!

How to get to Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Wherever you come from, may it be from Cagayan De Oro or Davao, the stop point should be at the intersection in Sumpong, there's a Shell gasoline station in front of the intersection so it is easier to locate.

If you are from Cagayan De Oro just like us, there are a lot of buses going to Malaybalay, there's Rural Bus Lines or Pabama Bus Tours which also has their double-decker buses traveling every 6 AM, 12 NN and 6 PM from Agora Bus Terminal. Ticket fare is at Php 130, take the air-conditioned bus because the trip can be long and tiring. For more comfortable and entertaining trip, take one of the Pabama buses which have entertainment system on each seat.

Travel time takes more or less three hours. Upon reaching Sumpong, motorcycle drivers are available for hire at Php 150 one way. The road going to Imbayao is rough but manageable. It will take another 45 minutes drive, don't miss the array of Rainbow Eucalyptus and take a selfie!

Also, if staying overnight, take the phone number of the driver so he can fetch you the next day, mobile signal coverage is good at the farm in some areas like in the tree house.

Fees and rates at Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Visiting as walk-in guests or overnight stay, the farm asks for Php 50 entrance fee. This covers unlimited photoshoot opportunities at any corner of the farm. There's also free and unlimited always freshly brewed local coffee at the receiving area. Those who are coffee lovers can take any cups as they want. And if lucky, the farm owners give free fruits too! They got so many guava harvests when we were there, I ate around six or more pieces!

If staying overnight, here are the available accommodations:

Tree Houses - Php 750 good for 2-3 persons with free breakfast
Large Glamping Tent - Php 700 good for six persons, this is complete with beddings
Small Tent - Php 100 good for 2-3 persons
Hobbit House - Php 1000 good for six persons
Bonfire - Php 50 per night

Food at the Farm

Food meals can be ordered too in advance for those who are staying overnight. Their "Lutong-Bahay" meals are good for Php 100 with two viands and a heaping scoop of rice! Service water can also be asked and they also sell bottled water good for Php 15.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Tip: Order their Tinolang Bisayang Manok for dinner because the weather gets cold in the evening and it would help you warm yourself!

What activities can be enjoyed while at the farm?

There are unlimited things that can be done while at the farm. In fact, you'll run out time and before you knew it, you realize you have never really explored everything! At least that was my own realization.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

The list below are the specific activities the farm offers:

Birding Trail
Forest Trek
Eco walk
Nature Trekking
Hobbit Homes
Tree Houses
Infinity Swing
Bird's Nest
Magic Carpet
Hot pool
Sunrise watching
Hanging Bridge

And if there are interested individuals for their seminar on the production of essential oils such as the Eucalyptus and Citronella!

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Most of the visitors lately are coming over for their Instagram-worthy corners and the same was the case for me and my husband. The DIY hobbit homes which were featured on several online sites had interested me a lot that we decided to check this farm.

One of the things that shouldn't be missed is the sunrise. The rising of the sun was totally awesome right in this part of the province and you'll have a better experience if you watch it while swinging in their infinity swing. Should get someone to take a photo of you if you are backpacking solo, ask someone from the farm or bring a tripod so you can set it to record in the right orientation.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

For reservation, you may get in touch with them on Facebook: Mt.KitangladAgroEcoFarm
Or you may contact them directly at 09552875279.

Reminders when visiting Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

There are specific things to take note of when visiting the farm and this is applicable for those who are coming as just walk in guests as well as those staying overnight.

1. Be friendly to all workers! Most staffs here are not properly trained for customer service and if they miss out something, be considerate and ask them politely.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

2. Wear a proper outfit. Because of the location is in a highland area, there's a huge tendency of rain. Bring your rain cover, your shoes or hiking sandals as well as your jackets!

3. Bring a reusable water bottle! I highly recommend this most especially if you are staying overnight. The receiving area where the water is located is at the base of the farm while the accommodations are still five to ten minutes walk from there. So get it filled up or ask for a water jug that you can use during the entire stay.

4. Insect repellants are your best friend. Insects can't be avoided so don't forget your repellants. If you miss it, you can buy it from there instead since they produce and sell their own Citronella oils.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

5. Don't expect too much! One of the guests whom we have spoken with during our stay said the farm looked different from the photos. While I understand she might have been victimized by the expectation versus reality syndrome, I totally believe that it is worth visiting! And more will be put up here soon too!

6. Be honest and do not steal anything! While speaking with the owner's son, Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr., who built the DIY hobbit houses as well as the other corners of the farm, he had noticed some guests bringing home some small parts of their hobbit house interior designs. Personally, it is a mortal sin to really steal these items!

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

And if you are indeed visiting, note to only take nothing but pictures and leave only nothing but footprints!

----------------------------

Check out this Querlo chat about Traveling:

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: paulwakebaker

Have you ever judged a movie because of its poster? I did, like lots of times okay, I take that back, like all the time! So looking at the poster by Micky-the-Slanted-Salerno's blog for "The bitLanders Film Series" to Support Women Empowerment, I had thought this movie was about a mother and daughter true story. Laugh me about it but I am just being honest.

There I was, looking for a blog inspiration and I decided to give it a try and watch it, without any expectation of becoming entertained or whatever. Good thing dear Netflix got the movie and I am still with their free trial, the third day today to be exact.

Right after I watched it, I grabbed my keyboard as I write on a separate comfortable keyboard and began my typing work about telling you my own review on this interesting story, interesting in a way because this is not just a story out of the mind but because it is based on two true accounts! And I definitely love movies out of true stories. Let's start with the story and the main characters who played the roles then I'll be spilling a few points which I believe are really relatable to me and to other women around the globe.

Julie and Julia Movie

Video credits: Nora Ephron via bitLanders 

Julie and Julia are two women who had their lives changed because of the love of cooking. Though their names sound alike, they are not related to each other except that Julie Powell was greatly influenced by Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking", a book which Julie had spent years of compiling her recipes from when she stayed in Paris, France with her husband, Paul Child (Stanley Tucci).

Julia Child (Meryl Streep)

Image credits: aceshowbiz

American who moved to Paris, France when her husband Paul was relocated for work. She found herself in different setting trying out new things to do while in Paris, this includes hat making, but eventually, she found herself inside Le Cordon Bleu, a cooking school dominated by men. Although she received some harsh words from the director who said:

"It's for professional which you will never be, for sure. All mine, All GI and expensive." - Madam Brassart

She proceeds with the cooking school and even though she planked her examinations, she somehow found herself some friends in the presence of Louisette Berthole and Simone Beck who started teaching how to cook and eventually decided to write a book with the initial aim to provide a guide to American wives to French cooking.

With several things going on and a couple of turn backs from publishing companies, they finally found one which had offered the service but the book name as to be changed.

Julia's story in the movie ended with her receiving a copy of her hardbound book entitled "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".

Julie Powell (Amy Adams)

Image credits: aceshowbiz

Working in a boring secretarial job, Julie Powell gained a brilliant idea of spicing up her life with a challenge inspired by her friend who started a blog. With the constant push coming from her husband, Eric, she opened up a blog with a name: The Julie/Julia Project, Nobody here but us servantless American cooks. This project then will make her post constantly within 365 days and cook her way the entire 536 recipes from Julia Child's classic book within the four corners of her small kitchen in Queens.

Blogging and earning fans, Julie found herself developing a sense of "me, me" attitude and eventually caused conflict with her husband. This, fortunately, was resolved when she realized her fault and humbled herself to call him and return home. After recovering from all the meltdowns and discouragements, she was found by New York Times and this opened up to a lot of opportunities, including writing a book.

Julie and Julia Movie Review

Image credits: imdb

Realistic, relatable and inspirational, this is how I like the movie, the director, Nora Ephron brought Meryl Streep's natural gleeful acting and the repulsive, sometimes a little under mature plays of Amy Adams. Remarkably, this was Ephron's last directed movie before her death.

Sometimes, I found some scenes were not really needed for the movie's but I believe they did so to lengthen the storyline, there were certainly supposed to be funny scenes too which were not very much fun for me like that of the lobster cooking part. Anyway, they may perhaps be corny but that's probably just how the director wants it to be.

Image credits: movieweb

Also, I somehow find that the ending part where Julie thought Julia hates her was never given a clarification. I don't know if Julie really means that, I hope that was cleared during the movie.

Women empowerment has been regarded highly in the movie especially on getting done what the protagonists had set for themselves while bringing out the best of versions of themselves from the process. 

Do you support women's empowerment?

Relateable Parts of the Movie

Cooking

The movie though focuses on the beauty of cooking, it has also given the viewers the notion that although most of the cooking industry has been dominated by men, women are also capable of creating their own name in the line of cooking.

Image credits: media.spokesman

It is also a reminder for those who are like me, those individuals who don't really know how to cook that the subject can be learned.

Penpals

Image credits: francesdinkelspiel

Throughout Julie's storyline, the name Avis has been repeated for several times. Eventually, she was the key to Julie's fame. Avis was her penpal, someone she never met her life until she decided to create a book.

It was pretty nostalgic how I also receive letters from my good penpal friends. It was always nice to receive stamped envelopes with handwritten or typed stories by a friend who is some miles away.

Blogging

Image credits: vaguevisages

While there are already several blogs being turned into films, the story of Julie and Julie was the first major motion picture based on a blog.

Being a blogger, I can totally relate to Julie's feelings every single time she gets a comment. Most especially when she gained a good following and she's starting to receive gifts from her fans.

Photography

Image credits: newstalk990

Paul, Julia's husband was a photographer, he even had an exhibit during the first parts of the movie and his black and white photographs were on a display on those scenes of the movie.

It makes me want to relate that to my husband who also loves photography. I guess it is really important for a couple to have other hobbies apart from our full-time work. It is critical in the work-life balance.

Support System Matters

Image credits: aceshowbiz

Although the movie is all about the women's strengths, it is evident that the main characters won't be able to do whatever they ought to do without the constant inspiration, uplift and push coming from their partners who were their support systems.

Both Julie and Julia had husbands who continuously gave them encouraging and confirming words that they can do whatever they want to do and that everything will be alright.

Remarkable Lines

Video credits: Movieclips via YouTube

"You are the butter to my bread and breath to my life." - Paul Child

"Is there anything better than butter? You can never have too much butter." - Julie Powell

Julie: Do you really think am a bitch?
Friend: Well, yeah... but who isn't?
Julie: Julia!

Home is wherever we are! - Paul Child

I was drowning and she pulled me out of the ocean. - Julie Powell

Thanks a lot for reading! What kind of movies do you like?

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Gary_Ross via bitlanders

Image credits: moviemeter

Watching the trailer for The Hunger Games movie again, the very first of the The Hunger Games series is like rekindling an old love, it brought chills to my spine, all my body hairs reaching out of me and I can't help but want to watch the film one more time to be able to write this movie review.

I have been a fan of this movie series and I know I have not really taken the last two movies seriously because I have read, seen and heard several negative things about its main cast but I must admit, this is one of the movie series which really made me want to become like Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). That girl on fire with one side braided hair who's very good at archery!

Image credits: beataboutthebook

The beauty of movies is that it somehow leads the life of the characters into our being. We feel like we are those who played the role and when something totally opposite to the character played by the actress gets into the news, all that was established within start to crumble, they are like the walls of Jericho, they stumbled and fell.

But anyway, because of bitLanders Content Review: The bitLanders Film Series to Support Women Empowerment, I want to make a review of the movie most specifically the part of Miss Kandiss Everdeen played by Jennifer Lawrence. How she had evolved from being a common teenage of District 12 to become a strong fighter, ending up as one of the survivors of the Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games

Image credits: tvguide

According to wikipedia:

The Hunger Games is a trilogy of young adult dystopian novels written by American novelistSuzanne Collins. The series is set in The Hunger Games universe and follows young characters Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

The novels in the trilogy are titled The Hunger Games (2008), Catching Fire (2009), and Mockingjay (2010). The novels have all been developed into films starring Jennifer Lawrence.

Did you know that the story of the Hunger Games was conceptualized by the book writer Suzanne Collins when she was flipping through channels on television and saw these different reality shows and a news report of the Iraq war? It's really a little disturbing how the book was written from that perspective but, I guess the movie went successfully although it was based on real blood, true lives, actual people taken down in the war happening in the Middle East.

The Hunger Games Movie Story

Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.

Video credits: Moveiclips via YouTube

Katniss Everdeen volunteered in behalf of her sister Prim to be a district 12's tribute to the 74th Hunger Games.

In the what was depicted as the ruins of North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games, it was the 74th year and Katniss had no choice but to present herself instead during the reaping on behalf of picking her younger sister.

Together with Peeta, the selected male tribute who had a crush on Katniss long before, the two marched their way to the capitol, being presented and showcased in a stage which pretty much resembled that of reality shows. The young kids will have to undergo certain transformation and also training for survival. Then finally will be placed in a certain arena where they have to fight against each other, only one will end up as the victor.

Image credits: thedailybeast

Katniss was District 12's first ever volunteer for the Hunger Games. While they were served with richness at the Capitol, her district was suffering from all poverty, starvation and all distress. This was one of the few things Katniss and Peeta had discovered while within the games.

Hunger Games Review

May the odds be always in your favor.

Image credits: theglobeandmail

While I was not very happy not finding it on Netflix, I did find it on YouTube which cost me Php 200 or 4$ to watch. I guess it is not really important if I had to pay for it, what matters to me was the sheer want of watching it anew so I hit that watch button right on YouTube and played the two hours and almost thirty minutes movie by Lionsgate.

The truth is, I am really grateful this is just a movie. You know, its such a heartbreaking scene if this was befalling in the real world, imagine a parent suffering from losing his or her child because of this competition? I believe it is inhumane and against the terms of the heavens.

Image credits: lightscameraallie

And think about how these audiences were cheering for the individual tributes? I don't know if they have a single idea what these tributes were up to once they walk into that arena. Goodness! They are going to abolish each other's lives just to win this foreign game.

But because this is just a product of the mind, I am all for the great imagination of the author. Most especially for making the protagonist a woman, not just empowering her as a strong, smart and resilient individual within the game but also as someone who is not willing to change her character only to please the audience. She showed the real human, someone who has the guilt, fear, and sadness.

Do you support women's empowerment?

Movie Cinematography

Image credits: leonardpierce

Throughout the movie, the film's color grading was grayish with a tint of blue, this signifies terror, fear. It was at the few minutes that the entire District was in fear for the selection of the tributes who are going to play at the Hunger Games and the movements of each scene depicted rush of events. The music was surely persuasive of the emotions especially that time when Primrose was walking towards the stage, only her footsteps were audible and that brings this sole notion of the character's act of muting everything around her because of the strong sentiments going on within that part, I believe that was an awesome part.

Should I also say that throughout the movie, I feel the nerve wrecking sentiments going about the protagonist? I could smell it from the way her blue eyes stare at Cinna the moment she was about to go out of that tube. I won't also miss how the music was on point as well to bring the audience into the scenes.

Image credits: architectureandeverythingelse

Watching it was like being in a room where players were in a battle game amidst human controllers, navigating through the computer system, changing the game rules, modifying the maps and making the players engage with each other. Moreover, they were intentionally causing every instance for the tributes to kill or else it would be a boring match.

But their amusement caught them especially President Snow. It was love all along that had brought Katniss and Peeta to their victory. But it will also be love that put them into a much-complicated game, both with life and love.

Fashion

Image credits: reddit

Obviously, this movie got a lot of fashion to talk about. The wigs, the colorful headdresses, the newfangled and weird makeups and how they present themselves, how they talk, how they laugh, it's as if they belong to another world, another universe, perhaps, an alienated Earth filled with random neon colors, thick and long eyelashes, and strange hairdos.

This kind of fashion I only see in magazines. Well, it's an assurance that the movie is not happening in real life in fact because there's no such normal person who's willing to make an effort to be in those suit for a common day.

The Hand Signals

Image credits: scifi.stackexchange

Did you also find District 12's hand signal where they kiss their three middle fingers and point it to Katniss when she was at the stage during the reaping?

I was totally curious what it meant so I searched for its meaning and found that on the book, it means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love.

However, when Rue died and Katniss did the same hand signal, the gesture completely changes and it becomes a symbol of the revolution - effectively, a way for the citizens of the Districts to say goodbye to the overbearing force and power of the Capitol.

The Hunger Games Movie Quotes

Freedom has a cost. - President Snow

You really want to know how to stay alive? You get people to like you. - Haymitch

The victor bathed with riches would serve as a reminder of our generosity and forgiveness. - President Snow

Arrogance can be a big problem. - Haymitch

Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it's contained. - Snow

What kind of movies do you like?

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

 Video credits: YouTube Movies via YouTube 

Do you know that YouTube isn't just about watching free videos? And when I say free that means you don't have to shell our any pocket cash for it, yes there are ads and that's how the site is able to live. Well, I bet you know but for the benefit of those who don't, YouTube ventured into the film rental service too! Yes, you can pay YouTube a few bucks to view certain movies and films, talk about business ideas but video-on-demand services isn't a new thing, it has been available for decades!

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook 

So when we think that YouTube can only have video clips, TV show clips, music videos, short and documentary films, audio recordings, movie trailers, live streams, video blogging, short original videos, and educational videos, think again because it can offer more than the list stated earlier. You may also look into YouTube Music Library and the Movie Rental Service which I am going to tackle today together with my own experience with how to rent a movie and all the details about it. Not to also forget to state my own review on how my first ever movie rental went.

YouTube Movie Rental Service

Image credits: gadgets.ndtv

Apparently, YouTube is the second most popular sites according to Alexa as of May 2018, the first is, of course, Google, our best friends, and the third place goes to Facebook, our frienemy, just kidding! Being the second most viewed site in the entire world means a huge opportunity to earn dollars from views most especially that the world now is going "ga-ga" over video blogs or vlogs from different areas of life, may it be videos for kids, for teenagers, for those who want to do DIYs, for those new housewives who want to learn how to cook, to the new moms who need help with their babies and so on, it even has vlogs for those who just want to listen to songs! The list is endless, mind you!

So, it is evident that YouTube also opens its doors to providing movie titles, including new releases and classics. There are already sites who are giving us monthly subscriptions in order to view videos and series but still, YouTube ventured on this type of service, why?

Image credits: collider

On 2011, YouTube announced their video-on-demand service or the Movie Rental service with the main aim of providing a complete movie experience for their hundreds of millions of viewers. They then partnered with different studios such as Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, NBCUniversal, Lionsgate Films, and many others.

Navigating to www.YouTube.com/Movies will open a page with an almost 69 million subscribers and a site which has a list of thousands of full movies waiting for the user to purchase or rent. For the pricing, most of their new releases start at $3.99 and the library start at $2.99.

Image credits: macintoshhowto

Once a user decided to rent a certain movie, he or she has to pay for it via PayPal or Credit Card payments as options and has 24 hours to finish watching the movie. Then the rental is good for 30 days, so the user can definitely share it with the rest of the family and friends.

How to Rent or Purchase a Movie

Video credits: Internet Services and Social Networks Tutorials from HowTech via YouTube

Renting is quite very straightforward to do and the YouTube interface is also simple and easy to navigate with. Here below are the steps that I had personally done when I rented the movie The Hunger Games.

That's quite an old movie but I had to do so before I could write a review about it for bitLanders Film Series to Support Women Empowerment.

If you want to read my own movie reviews, pick one of the following:

The Hunger Games : A Game You Don't Want to Play!

The Julie Slash Julia Project : A Year of Cooking and Blogging Challenge

Enchanted: A Disney Princess Movie with a Twist!

Do you support women's empowerment?

So for the steps, please refer to this step by step guide:

1. Pick a Movie.

Image credits: androidblog.it

Choose your preferred movie to watch from the list of films at www.YouTube.com/movies. They have it categorized as Recommended for you, New Releases, Top Selling, Hot Deals of the Week, New to Rent, Most Popular, Top Rated and according to movie genres like Animated Movies, Action and Adventure, documentaries and etc.

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

2. Press Price to Rent.

Click on the price listing. The price is already visible underneath the movie title so the decision comes fast and easy when selecting the film that might interest you. Again, their new releases start at $3.99 and the library start at $2.99.

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

3. Select PayPal or Credit Card.

It is required to log in to PayPal or enter credit card details if that's the choice you want to go with. As for me, I had to opt for PayPal. Note that you can use any credit card for this as long as you are a legit owner and not a fraudulent one.

4. Payment Confirmed!

As soon as the payment is confirmed, the movie is ready! You can play it right away or just keep it pending.

How Was My First Video Rental Service?

As I stated earlier in this blog, I didn't find The Hunger Games Movie on Netflix. Good thing it was listed on YouTube Movies so I went ahead and rented it. I used PayPal because I still got a few funds available enough to purchase the rental fee of Php 200.

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

After the successful purchase, I got rerouted to the main movie where the video has a confirmation message if I would like to start the rental. This means when I start the period, it will start counting the 30 day period and more importantly, that I should watch it within 48 hours. What will happen if I don't watch the entire film in that timeframe? I don't have a clue, I'll find the answer and update you on that.

As for the movie, I pressed the Start Rental Period button and started watching it. I plan on sharing it to my friends and family members in Bohol so they could also watch the movie from there. It's like treating them to a movie theater for just Php 200 or 4$ for the entire family! I ordered the HD option for Php 200 there's 720 and 1020, subtitles are also available for Arabic and English.

Image credits: hollywoodreporter

Based on my first experience, payment wise, everything went well however, I only had one issue, I selected the 1020 HD and it had this weird staggering motion. I thought it was just the film effects but it happened even in the middle of those solemn scenes, I had to switch it back to 720p and it went well.

Aside from that, everything was okay and I guess that will be the start of me renting movies instead of looking for free ways online which of course is not a good habit most especially that the movie producers had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce such great movie. Although I had done such horrible things before of watching from illegally downloaded films, I am now switching over to become a supporter for film and is now willing to pay for every single film that I want to watch.

Shall I Rent A Movie Again with YouTube Movies?

Image credits: independent.co.uk

Of course! There's no doubt about it, in fact, I am hundred percent sure that in the next few days, I will be renting the second part of the Hunger Games: Catching Fire for the next movie review!

What kind of movies do you like?

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

The video above is just a sample engagement session. Video credits: Francis Abellanosa via YouTube

Disclaimer: This blog is a journal type of entry, stating about how my first E-session went.

My first engagement photo shoot session happened last weekend and I can't wait to tell you how fun and time restricted we were at our location, I will share with you below how I started with photography, the humble gears we used and the story about the couple whom we photographed with.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Photography as a Hobby

Ever since I was small, I always love taking photos. I was in third grade I guess when I was introduced to a film point and shoot camera, owned by my cousin who's based in Cebu. From that time on, I can't help but ask my parents to buy me one. Of course, it was still very expensive at that time that we can't afford it so we borrowed one from my cousin. I remember it to be black and it was Fuji.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

I recall saving a huge part of my allowance just so I can buy the 36 shots film roll from this photoshop in Jagna, a town of thirty minutes away from home, yes I was willing to travel from home just so I can buy that film. My photos before includes a lot of candid shots of my friends and classmates, my parents and family members, even when we are about to sleep, I would take photos of all those moments and even dare to develop them!

As soon as digitalphotography was introduced to me, I didn't let it slip. My brother bought me a Canon point and shoot digital camera, and finally, when I graduated from college, I got a hand of my first ever Canon DSLR, the 1000D with its kit lens.

Photography for Travel

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

In this saturated world of photography where everywhere you go, each turn, you'll get to see a lot of very talented photographers, you'll fill very noob and beginner, that's totally how I felt whenever I get to see my photographs. I was not learning how my camera works. I was not paying attention to the specifics of the gear until my husband had encouraged me to understand and learn how to really use it with the right settings.

But still, the insecurity of not being able to really produce good photos discouraged me a lot that I thought I am off with just using the camera with our travel and for blogging only. I was limiting myself with such a way that I am totally not confident with my photographs.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

I have all my images shared on my blog posts on bitLanders, on some other sites and even on social media. The good thing about it was that my husband and I didn't stop, in fact, it was him who didn't stop learning. He had already understood the technicalities of our camera features while he always relays that information to me.

Accidental E-Session

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

It was this year that James and I decided to start putting up our own website which will both showcase our travel stories, photos, and blog entries. But more importantly, it was also a medium for us to level up our photography skills even more and share these images through social media too because it is where the market is.

Early this month, one of our family friends approached my mother whom they asked if we could take their wedding photos. Of course, I said yes right away, there were several proposals before that we had refused because we feel that we were not ready, however, this time I thought it is just the chance for us to get experience in taking wedding photos.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Now when I advised the bride to be about it, she didn't want to have a prenuptial shoot but I insisted and so she agreed afterward. Because the groom to be is a seafarer, he seldom comes home so we set up a time when they are both available, it was last weekend that that became a reality.

Rainy Photoshoot

On the day of the planned engagement photo shoot session, James and I arrived in Ubay Port almost drenched after getting out of the ship while the rain was harsh outside. We forced it because it was already five in the morning.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

But surprisingly, in my hometown, Guindulman, it was not rainy, it was totally sunny and so I was confident that we will get the golden hour for the photoshoot.

We met with the couple at two in the afternoon, the bride to be, Juliet was still taking time with her makeup and while she was almost done, we noticed the skies getting dark. It was a problem we thought would only pass but on our way to the location which was just 20 minutes away from our place, it poured really hard!

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Eventually, it took a lot of prayers before the rain eventually stopped. It was already four in the afternoon when the skies cleared a bit. We immediately started shooting and happy that we were able to take quite enough shots. Our couple had two dresses so we had to also give them time to prepare for the second costume however, it was already dark and started to rain again so we only had a few shots on the second part.

I was using a Nikon D600 with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens.

How Was My First Engagement Session?

The video above is just a sample engagement session. Video credits: Svitlana Vronska via YouTube

After the limited time of the photo shoot, I realized as I was editing the images that I enjoyed the session! A few weeks before that day, I was really anxious if I can do it but after the session, I liked it very much!

Then comes the editing, I think I really still have a long way to learn about photo editing most especially the skin retouching. But I don't worry that much because there are so many tutorials online that can help me improve with my photography.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

The truth is that my love for photography has a lot of potentials. As my husband encouraged me, he also advised me to work on improving it more. He shared with me a digital book which helps with improving skills entitled The First 20 Hours Secrets of Rapid Skill Acquisition by Josh Kaufman. It was a very nice book that I learned a lot, I also realized I have to be selective in terms of the things that I do like I should spend the time to those things that would improve my skills and sacrifice those things that are not in line with it.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

So, I have decided to go and follow the author on his advises, I am quite serious with photography now that I want to enhance this skill because I am pretty sure there will be more creative opportunities in the future.

That's it for today's blog, I hope this also encourages you if you are into photography.

Thanks a lot for reading! Do you like photography?

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: セブ島留学 セブイングリッシュ Cebu English via YouTube

Image credits: ties

Working in a corporate environment, solving problems, facing a monitor, typing on the keyboard, answering email and supporting customers, it may become monotonous, so much that most if not all employees tend to become bored of the same type of issues, problems, and situations happening within the office.

It is indeed the job of the recreational department to get their employees to do something out of the blue, activities which will somehow break the frozen nerves and clogged brain cells. Part of these activities is involving the entire company community to a scary, exciting and fun Halloween treat!

How do Cebu-based corporate companies join the fun Halloween fun?

In Cebu or throughout the Philippines in general, Halloween is also being exercised, it may not be the same as that in the United States where kids would surely go out with their cute costumes and knock on neighbors doors for candies, there are already different areas where the same is practiced.

Corporates, on the other hand, make it a point to also allow their employees to feel this event. I can vouch that having these activities exercised in the corporate world takes that serious work-mode away and exchange it with a relaxed and chill place to stay.

There are several things that can be done inside the office and the list below are just a few of them:

Best Decorated Station Contest

Image credits: glassdoor

The office has to have that vibe of the season. The cobwebs, those hanging skeletons, skulls on the floor, lit up pumpkins on the station desks, perhaps some dark and filthy witch brooms or graveyard photos, whatever it is, perhaps one of the most common activities which the admin office would request the employees to join is the Best Decorated Station Contest.

It brings out creativity among the comrades, the wild imagination and perhaps copycat talents to really mimic an image find on Google search, as long as the station is being decorated, that will do it.

Image credits: denver.cbslocal

Others like my previous BPO company would give the task in groups, like per isle which will enable more hands to work on their designated section because admit it or not, there are really individuals who are either just lazy or that do not have a creative side to this challenge.

Best in Halloween Costume Competition

Of course, who will forget the Halloween costume competition? It can also pass as a Cosplaysort of event because of course, you have to become what the character you are portraying on that specific day.

Image credits: everythingcebu

There are so many costumes to work on, there are those which are just simple like being a fairy with nice makeups while there are also others who go the extra mile with all the stains, bloody dresses, props, and other gimmicks.

This reminded me of a time when my husband's company had the same competition and they had someone portraying a nun with a very white scary face!

Halloween Party

Video credits: Arcanys via YouTube

There's a good reason to set up a party on Halloween, it brings about team cohesion and camaraderie. We do want to chill and just be crazy at one time so this type of party is definitely one to consider.

Party can include food and merrymaking. Getting together and building up a friendship between co-employees and perhaps employee to employer relationships too! There are dancing and eating and drinking but for sure the company won't allow getting drunk so if there would be any drinking, it will involve only with sodas and sweet cocktails.

Image credits: thesmartlocal

Scary Movie Sessions

While it is fun to have parties and competitions, there are some businesses like let's say start-up companies which can not afford to shell out money to really set up parties and there are employees who are like me, don't want to stress themselves with preparing for costumes, we all know the hassle of looking for a costume right?

Image credits: belltimemagazine

So one good idea to still feel Halloween is for the entire team to watch scary movies! I definitely believe there will be scary movies at the theater on Halloween Day so it is a time for the ladies to scream their lungs out and the guys out there to perhaps cover their faces as they feel the chills on their spine and such.

Popcorns and drinks will surely get all over the theater place in such case! So be ready and just keep calm as the horror story begins!

Office Trick or Treat

Image credits: nrf.com

Alright, we will never forget the traditional trick or treat but with a twist, because this is an office set up so each employee will have to prepare candies and treats for their officemates' kids to come by!

The employees are exempted of all the costume thingy as well as decorating their stations. All they got to do is to buy out packs of sweets and yummy treats because the children of their colleagues and perhaps their own too will be knocking on their station boards for their baskets to be full on that day, at least that's their ultimate agenda.

Image credits: blog.dreamscapenetworks

Trick or treating is always fun when it involves kids so you got to forget about being greedy with those candies because the kids will surely hunt you down until the last piece gets into their collection!

Then it will be your decision if you go pranking on your kids that you ate all their candies the next day! But just a reminder, don't go overboard with that, just laugh and tell them that you are just kidding!

Spooky Photobooth

Image credits: thepartyevent

Finally, for your Instagram or other social media updates! You don't want to let that day pass by without an update on what you did on Halloween Day.

For sure you want to get involved in this scary but fun day so setting up a spooky photo booth is totally possible. There are so many photobooth services nowadays which you can customize and get your photos printed right away! Plus, the digital copies are also imported into an online page like in Facebook so each employee has the chance to get a photo updated into their social media accounts.

Are you joining any Halloweenevent this year? Are you an employee? What are your company activities for Halloween? As for me, we are having our first Scariest Halloween Costume Office Day! It's quite exciting and I will surely blog about what my costume as well as my colleagues' next week!

Image credits: Victoria Sih 

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

There's a new place to chill and dine in the heart of Cebu City. It's very similar to Sugbo Mercado, a weekend food hub in the center of the city. But unlike Sugbo Mercado, this food hub is actually open all week long!

Out of the blue, James asked me if I would like to go, it was a surprise because most of the time, or shall I say 99% of the time, it is yours truly who'd look for a new place for us to go or would even drag him to dine at a certain spot.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

And because it was his suggestion, I had to go. It was Friday evening when we went there, just in time for their company's Halloween Event at their office. So right before having dinner, we were first thrilled with their Harry Potter-inspired Halloween event! It was awesome to see their office in such setup. Let me show you a sneak peek:

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Alright, enough for that. Let's now get to Yello Cube Cebu and find what's fun to do there most especially when you are with your friends and loved ones.

1. Have an Affordable Date

With a city saturated with so many high and middle ranged restaurants, it is quite a challenge to find a place where you can take your partner with you and spend only a few bucks for food. Of course for males, you don't want to be bringing your girlfriend and would tell her that the bill will be paid between the two of you. That's a major no-no most especially if you are the one who invited her.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

That's the first fun thing to do in Yello Cube Cebu, you can bring your partner, have a date and pay only a few bucks for some good food but affordable ones!

There are stalls to find delicious and mouthwatering viands, kinds of seafood and meat such as Buldak station which offers cheesy chicken, ribs and more. There's Catalianos for your pasta and pizza cravings. Newfound Burger of course for those burger lovers out there! Don't forget to order it with extra cheese because I heard it tastes so good!

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

We won't also miss Seabu which has grilled cheese scallops but you can also select from their butter option! Not to forget that they also offer a boodle fight! That's some unique dating experience, perhaps great to those who are in a group date, what do you think?

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Above all, they got Kusina Guadalupe in the house too which offers Tuna Panga or the jaw part of huge Tuna fishes for an affordable price!

Bjornfire, on the other hand, is quite interesting because of their open kitchen style while Southern Grind Bistro offers ribs rice meals, sandwich and rolls, Mac and Cheese and Quesadillas!

2. Fill Up your Tummy With Delights

Perhaps you came around to Yello Cube Cebu because you are just curious about it like how I see most of the other guests inside, like the mother and daughter date at the table next to us which I really found cute.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Don't worry as Yello Cube Cebu has sweet options too! There's Sol's Halo-halo and Desserts which is a Tisa original. Slurp the last few bits of goodness in style with your Sol's Halo-halo in a labeled cup!

Who would not want to have halo-halo? Perhaps those who are in a strict diet, zero sugar and no sweets at all but if you are not in a diet, then surely you can have a cup or two. Sol's Halo-halo is actually one of the best in Cebu City!

3. Di-hy-Drate

But maybe you are not coming to Yello Cube Cebu for a romantic night out but instead with friends and colleagues! Don't worry, there are also drinks available here to be shared with the gang!

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Di-hy-Drate has a unique name and reading its name made my throat dry, like literally. This portion got all the common liquor drinks available. But aside from that, they got some sweet soda and colas, and water too!

So while its name states being dehydrated, you won't go dehydrated at all because they got you covered with your liquid needs!

4. It's Fun to CLAYGO

After all the eating and drinking and just right before leaving, there's a strict policy inside Yello Cube Cebu which requires young, adults and even old folks to be mindful about their trash. The plates are disposable ones and their spoon and forks too which although I dislike, I had no choice so the best of things that I can do is to follow their "Clean As You Go" policy.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

All sections within Yello Cube Cebu has this sign displayed. There's one next to the tables, there are signs hang, some pasted on walls and even in the trash bag too! So there's no way one can miss it unless he or she can't read signs!

But I have to rant as well that although this was already visible in every area, there were still visitors who had missed to follow the policy. Hopefully, the future guests would be mindful enough about it and be responsible.

5. Play with Lights

Yello Cube Cebu has this unique container van concept. And surprisingly, they gotInstagram-worthy corners too! One of which is their lighted entrance, the yellow cube!

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

I believe its name was derived from that section of the food hub. Each customer would like to have their photos taken in that section because it gives this illuminated light effect to the skin!

Aside from that, there are also hanging lights which make the area in a festive mode! I would like to state as well that there's a second-floor dining place too which gives a wider view of the hub.

6. Chill and Listen to Acoustic songs

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

What's more fun in Yello Cube Cebu is that the customers can surely enjoy their food while listening to this acoustic guy, strumming his guitar and singing wonderful songs. He played Rico Blanco's Balisong which is a favorite of mine and he sounded really nice. Listen to it in the video below:

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I had fun listening to more of his songs and he got a really nice voice! He played a lot of Original Filipino Songs that night. James and I had fun!

Note that Yello Cube Cebu is open from 5 PM to 2 AM, Mondays to Sundays. If you are interested in visiting, do be aware that this requires patience from waiting for your food order and remember the CLAYGO policy. If you want to become a merchant, below are their contact details:

Contact number: 0917 849 4927
Email address: sales@gothongsp.com
Social: Facebook Page 
Exact location: 2Wilson Place, Wilson Street, Lahug, Cebu City – near JY Square, across St. Therese Church (behind Shell Gas Station in Lahug).

Thanks a lot for reading! Enjoy this Querlo chat about dining:

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Famous Pinoy via YouTube

Every corner of the world, there are beliefs and traditional stories about creatures which are unlike us, unknown, not normal human beings, perhaps ghost and vampires can be classified as such which are the most common ones we all are afraid of.

While they were there to scare us most of us are well aware that they might just be some creatures made out of the wandering imaginations of our old folks. In our country, most of these creatures were made up to frighten kid so they won't go out at night. Some were just written ups to cover certain accidents and murders while the majority of them were just authored and made popular that after several years of reiterating them to generation to generation, they somehow become almost true.

Image credits: phspirits

But the thought of them being authentically real is somewhat hair-raising. That same feeling when we walk into a dark street, no one's around and your only companion is the flickering lamp post at the distance.

Speaking about such creatures made me inspired to introduce to everyone some of the Cebuano Mythical Creatures. There might be certain similarities of these creatures from your own region so feel free to let me know if you find one interesting or familiar.

Ungo "ú.ngû"

Image credits: sunstar

This is the most common mythical creature being used by parents or elders to scare their kids. Ungo is portrayed as a giant hairy creature or spirit, it originated from the Warays of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran, which together comprise the Eastern Visayas Region of the Philippines.

Cebuanos have already adopted this term and it goes together with the term Abat which we will talk afterward.

Elders say they are scary because they love to walk around humans and they only do so at night and their favorite playmates are the little kids.

Abat "á.bat"

Image credits: exemplore

Some may say Abat and Ungo are the same but they are actually different imaginary creatures. Abat is somehow closer to bats, so they are thought to be creatures which fly around.

The Abat can fly around at night and while their name sounds scary, they don't harm humans but only would come to scare.

Aswang "æ·swang"

Video credits: GMA Public Affairs via YouTube

Probably the most feared creature in the Philippine folklore because of the hundreds of movies inspired by it. From the time I was little, the movies had been hunting me so I dislike watching horror movies most especially those that include Aswang.

These mythical creatures are really scary because the stories and movies state they are humans dwelling like normal persons during the day but at night, they can cut themselves in half, leaving the waist down behind at their homes while the other upper half can fly to hunt for food.

Image credits: artstation

Their favorite is pregnant women, they suck the unborn babies out of the mother's womb with their long Proboscis or tongue thus killing both the mother and the child. They usually stay at the rooftop and their weaknesses are salt and garlic.

Image credits: nextshark

Some stories state that they can also change their form from being a shy human being to a bat, a boar, a bird and a lot more, they can even change their faces and they don't age!

Agta "ag.tâ."

Image credits: kobeveneracion

The folklore states these are the usual huge black creatures living in huge and old trees like Balete Trees. They are also signified by someone who has a cigar at hand while dwelling in the tree.

While they may seem scary to imagine, there were movies and stories involving Agta to be good creatures, those who help humans and would not hurt anyone.

Banwaanon

Image credits: thinkingpilipinas

From its root word "Banwa" which means vegetation. These mythical creatures are those who live in forest and woods. This is a Cebuano term for Engkanto.

Most of them are depicted as good ones who would help those who also help them. However, Banwaanon has tendencies of liking human beings and they would lure them into joining their kingdom.

When a certain individual is liked by a Banwaanon, he or she will be taken into their world, they will offer food and if he or she eats it, he becomes part of the Banwaanon Kingdom and there's no turning back!

Duwende

Image credits: deviantart

A Filipino equivalent of the elf or gnome. They mischievous and some of them holds magical powers. They are believed to live under the earth where they bury their treasure, mostly are gold and diamonds and guard them.

Duwende can be a friend or foe of human beings. They can help their human friends or they can curse them with different sickness.

In our town, those ant mounds are usually thought to be the Duwende houses and most of the elders would prevent children from playing near it. In fact, they believe that if a person steps on the mound, the Duwendes might inflict an untreatable disease which can only be cured as soon as forgiveness is given.

Kataw "ka.tá.wu"

Image credits: edizine

These mythical creatures are basically mermaids, half human, half fish! In the Visayas region, they believe that these are mermaids and sea gods who rule over the ocean. They take fishermen by singing beautiful songs while they are sailing or fishing.

Because of their beautiful voices, most fishermen are lured into going to where the voice comes from. It is like being hallucinated into going into deeper parts of the ocean before they realized that they are already lost in the vast sea.

There were several stories of fishermen who were not able to go back to the shore after sailing the night before and the families would think of only one reason, the fisherman was victimized by the Kataw.

Image credits: soulveda

Obviously, there are several more other folklore creatures, mysterious and scary which often comes into being when Halloween is coming. I am pretty sure some of the above lists are familiar to you.

And after learning about the Cebuano Mythical Creatures, would you consider that they might be real monsters or they are simply one that was a mind-generated idea? Are you afraid of them? How do you feel upon seeing them in pictures? How would you respond if they appear to you tonight?

No, I am not scaring you at all, these are simply my thoughts shouting out loud from my head.

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

My love for hand lettering and calligraphy started way back in my elementary years. I had always been fascinated with letters and how they are presented. I would often look into labels, tags and tarpaulin designs since I was little. When my father gave me a lettering book, I was super obsessed with it that I would copy those lettering which interests me.

Back in high school, I was actively involved in the design team for our school's activity stage. Every time that we have events, I was part of the group who does all the work of designing, creating and putting up all of those stage ideas, making them all realized. I had cut hundreds of letters before out from Cartolina rolls, pasted different layers of colors and pinned them into our stage wall! It was not an easy task but I definitely enjoyed all parts of the process.

Video credits: OpenInkStand Art & Calligraphy via YouTube

The most memorable for me was graduation day because just an hour away before the ceremony starts, I was still at school on my jeans and shirt, still putting up the letters, it was a hustle I won't forget. I learned a lot about working hard and hustling that morning. I was thankful that I was able to arrive home to eat lunch and prepare for my graduation.

Anyway, why am I stating this? Well, because it is somewhat in connection to what I had joined last weekend. For months, I had been dreaming of joining certain classes so I would learn a skill specifically in Dip Pen Calligraphy. Let me share with you how that class went and the things I have learned.

What is Dip Pen Calligraphy?

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Also known as Pointed Pen Calligraphy, this is a branch of calligraphy which makes use of a nib pen or pointed pen. Dip Pen is more of a description of the pen as the nib has to be dipped into the bottle of ink for writing, the nib doesn't have an ink reservoir thus it has to be constantly dipped to be able to write.

The use of Dip-Pen started in the 19th century. It was derived from how the ancient men write with the use of quill pen. If you are a Filipino who knows Dr. Jose Riza, the national hero of the country, most illustrations of him show himself writing with a quill pen, that pen made out of a molted flight feather of a large bird, similar to a chicken feature.

With the mechanical age, the use of quill pen was eventually changed into wooden or metallic dip pens.

Basic Pointed Pen Calligraphy Workshop

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Miss Coy of Coyligraphy had been showing up on my social media feed since last year and I had been eyeing to join but due to the time schedule as well as with the pricing, I found it hard to really get myself up there in her class until this week.

Prior to this week, I already have created a daily time schedule for myself. I set up a time on which I must enhance a skill. At nine in the morning, I have set it for Photography, editing and familiarizing the Adobe Creative software such as Lightroom and Photoshop.

Then I still have an hour extra which I don't get to do anything so I decided I should fill it up with something worthwhile. My love for hand lettering and calligraphy, of course, came in mind and the rest was history.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

I signed up for Miss Coy's early bird promo for the Basic Pointed Pen Calligraphy Workshop which was held at the Civet Coffee Roasters in IT Park, Lahug, Cebu. I ordered something sweet so I can have energy throughout the workshop. However, I ended up eating it after the class because I was caught very into the writing and lessons.

Above photo shows my blueberry muffin and Caramel Frappe.

The Learning: Introduction to Dip Pen Calligraphy

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

For beginners, there are things to be aware of this type of calligraphy. Although I don't consider myself as a beginner, I still went through this workshop because I believe that in order for me to learn each corner of this topic, I should start from scratch.

Materials

Here below are the basic tools for Dip Pen Calligraphy:

Nib
Pen Holder
Ink
Paper
Cleaning Materials

Priming the Nib

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The nib is the main tool for this type of calligraphy. In this point in time, the nibs are all mass produced and they are made of metals so they are being coated with oil to prevent them from rusting while still being stored. Thus, the oil coating has to be removed for the nib to hold ink. Without it being prepared, the ink will just slide off the metal nib.

There are certain ways to prime the nib, in our case, we used the Nikko G type which is the most recommended type of nib for beginners. It is also important to know that there are hundreds of types of nibs, each of them has characteristics, time will only tell which one suits one well.

Flame Method
Hand soap
Toothpaste
Alcohol
Potato
Saliva

The above is to be used for priming, the most recommended one is alcohol because it is easy, clean and safe.

Attaching the Nib to the Pen Holder

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Straight or Oblique. These are the two types of pen holder for Dip Pen Calligraphy. Once should select which of the two suits him or her well depending on if you are right or left handed.

Since both I and my classmate were right-handed, Miss Coy prepared the Oblique pen holder which has a flange. This will allow almost all nibs to be compatible with the pen holder because of how the flange is designed.

I learned how to attach a the nib to the flange and then the flange to the holder. Together with that, our teacher also introduced the anatomy of the nib and the mechanism. There are only two principles with calligraphy which is thin stroke up and thick stroke down.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Also, the guidelines were explained such as the ascender composing of the upper line and the waistline, the x-height which is the waistline and baseline, and descender which is the baseline and lower line. This reminded me of my grade school papers with its red and blue lines.

Personally, I want to learn more about Modern Calligraphy rather than the traditional one but, of course, again, I have to learn the basics before I could switch to another type.

Practice Calligraphy Strokes

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After all the introduction and explanation of the nibs, the pen holder, stories about master penman and integrating calligraphy with digital art and photos, we headed to the application of our theories.

The worksheets contained guided and blank pages where we have to practice and get familiar with holding, writing and moving around the paper.

Video credits: Calligraphy Masters via YouTube

Time was fast that we didn't realize it was almost time to go home. Pointed Pen Calligraphy is very tricky but it is also one way of realigning your mind to focus and just be present at this moment in time. It is therapeutic because you will not hear anything but your breathing and the sound of the nib working into the paper.

Parting Time

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The Basic Pointed Pen Calligraphy Workshop ended at four in the afternoon. Both I and my classmate received a certificate of completion but I am already aiming to join her advanced calligraphy class which will happen next month. I believe I will learn a lot too in that class but for now, I will have to work and hustle on practicing and honing the traditional calligraphy.

So much learning on that day that I can't help but share the experience on my social media accounts. It was a nice feeling to finally tick that section of my bucket list!

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Migz L . Haber via YouTube

Being a part of a start-up company has pros and cons, well, I believe that in every aspect of our lives, there will always be negative and positive sides of it all. In the case of working in a start-up company, having extracurricular activities may become a little inactive but, this year, Gemango had risen up to the challenge of involving their company employees in certain events including Halloween.

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

This is in line with how Cebu based companies join the Halloween fun, a costumeoffice day was held for the first time and it was more fun than scary. I will be summarizing how that day went in this blog story.

A Halloween Costume Office Day!

Video credits: Jomie Hospital via YouTube

In lieu of the All Saints and Souls day occurring in the next few days, Gemango announced a new activity which never had happened in the past years of business. The event state that there's a Best in Costume!

The criteria for this event was whoever wears the most unique and scariest will win. This can only be declared through votes and thus everyone at the office will drop their top three. The prizes were:

3rd Place winner receives Php 500
2nd Place winner receives Php 1000
1st Place winner receives Php 2000

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

The prizes sound very encouraging thus most of the colleagues were enticed to join most especially that this was the first of all time that Gemango's hosting such.

A week before, most were already preparing for their costumes, it should be unique and scary at the same time.

October 30, Judgement Day

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

The doors open at 11 AM, states the announcement board thus one by one, the employees start arriving at the office. Still in their normal get up but most already have their own costumes hidden out in their respective bags. There were others who decided not to join and conceded with those who had declared they will join the fun.

Makeup kits were also present already at the office for all those who want to get their face painted out.

Coincidentally, two of the employees planned to celebrate their birthdays together with this event thus allowing us to also have food after the presentation.

Introducing Gemango Employees

Twelve individuals came to the office prepared. But only three will win the said competition. Below are the participants of the first-ever Gemango Halloween Costume Office Day!

The Joker

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

Wearing a purple long sleeve shirt, he arrived at the office plain and simple. He mentioned he will only use his face for the said competition and even asked someone else to do the makeup. Jann did the honor of putting up the white water-based paint into his face, filling up the entire face and then adding up dark circles in the eyes as well as the red but also looking like purple lips.

Although it didn't really look very close to being a Joker, it was pretty good enough for the role. The photos showed the effort and he waited until dinner before taking out the paint which by the way was really itchy but he endured it the entire time.

Unfortunately, the Joker didn't win the battle of the best incostume contest but he sure did have a great time.

Broken Wrist Zombie

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

A few days before the day, someone had bragged about his idea but without spilling the beans of what he will become. Over the weekend, he was able to prepare the things he needed, an old white jacket, fitting shorts, some aesthetic hand and a little creativity with a red paint.

Since there was make up available at the office, he asked a colleague to do his make up so he could look really like a zombie but since we don't have a makeup artist among us, his make up looked somewhat funny.

He had the pale skin tone, a few dark nerves popping out of his wrinkled forehead and red lipstick to act as fake blood. The best thing came when he changed clothes and into acting like a zombie.

I suppose the broken wrist was what made his presentation interesting but the photos also show that he was also able to present himself well.

The Nun-cy

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

Ever had that very supportive friend? The Nun, Valak was able to put up a show at the office because of how supportive his good friend was. He prepared the nun costume with some black and white cloth then at the office, another colleague friend did his white face looked pretty much like a matured and stressed panda at first.

Valak was able to scare a few other neighboring employees too while he stood still outside the Male comfort room! He also stood outside the elevator and shook a lot of other people inside the building!

At the end of the day, the majority of the votes were given to Valak and he won the first prize for the said contest.

Scary Preggy

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

If there was a good supportive friend, there's also a more supportive husband who would do everything for the wife. She's really pregnant but her costume scared most of us because it involved a doll with broken limbs and arms and was about to get out of the belly!

Broken with red blood on its face and body parts, we don't want to look at the doll because we felt like it was really her baby! She's pregnant and will soon be delivering her baby girl on December!

But all the husband's effort was paid off because the scary preggy won the second prize!

The Butcher

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

For our third place, the butcher stood out among the others with her acting skills and very efficient accessories. The mask, the apron, and its fake wound stitches were all on a roll when she was presenting herself during the proper performance.

Her great portrayal I believe won the hearts of the colleagues who were truly entertained the entire time that she was on the floor. She ended up also winning which made all of these things worth it.

MCC Witches

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

While the rest of the team were very busy with their own costumes, the girls from our team had nothing but simple black shirts on and wore some witch hats.

They were then called as the MCC witches! MCC is our client and they were there to represent our team together with Valak, the nun, and the zombie.

The Nurse from Hell, the Mummy, and the Bitch Wife

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

Our company isn't a hospital but we have a lot of nurses and they participated well during the first Halloween Costume Office Day with one wearing a nurse dress, one was also the mummy with a golden face and the wife which was wearing black and bitchy.

The entire night was full of laughter although what we all have been scary faces and costumes. But the food was also there, we partake in a sumptuous dinner with cakes and noodles, fried chicken, sweet and sour pork and a lot more.

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

The long weekend just ended. Currently, I am onboard the Oceanjet vessel to Cebufrom Tagbilaran City Bohol and I was thinking of the next blog to talk about, however, I thought I should instead talk about what commenced during the recently concluded long weekend.

A long weekend means one or more days in addition to the normal Saturday and Sunday. This long weekend was due to the All Saints' and Soul's Day which fell on a Thursday and Friday respectively.

Let me share with you below how busy I was that weekend. Sharing here a weekend full of photography and photo manipulation.

Sunrise View at Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

My original plan was to stay at home and have a rest, a full eight to ten hours of sleep could have been a good amount of sleep to regain my energy but then, when we arrived at the Ubay Port at two in the morning, we decided we want to take sunrise shots at the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay.

Arriving in Candijay, James and I were fetched by my brothers and we went our way to the rice terraces. We have been there before but since we were with family, most of our photographs were with everyone, this time, what we're after was sunrise while in the rice fields.

Sunrise started at 5:30 am but we arrived prior and were already positioned in a way that we were facing East. There's a mini island in the midst of the terraces, I asked my brothers to stay there while I take photos of them.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

It took us an hour of the photo shoot. I took lots of them to ensure that I have a good and sharp copy then stitched the photos into one through Adobe Lightroom to make it like a panorama photo. It was awesome watching the sunrise from there. It's amazing seeing the rays stroke through the foggy morning and we only heard nothing but our own aws and ohs as a sign of appreciation.

Cabagnow Cave Pool

After Candijay, I learned that my cousins from Cebu were in the house visiting and they wanted to go out to check some spots within the town. We brought them to Anda.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

First, we dropped by Cabagnow Cave Pool for lunch. We grilled fish and pork while the kids swim. The fun thing in this spot is, of course, the cave pool. This is all made by nature. An opening enough for jumping opens itself to the earth. It is a combination of salt water and the common tasteless water so the combo was great for swimming the 13 feet water pool.

There's a huge space inside underneath the land where we were having lunch. It's quite amazing how this formed into one. It was not a long time ago when I first came here, now there are improvements such as the stairs going up is already better and sturdier. There are floats in the pool too and the entire place is guarded and covered with some interlink walls.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Jumping off to the water is still the best activity here although they also have set up tables and chairs for those who want to stay longer and eat. The management can also sell freshly picked Buko fruits for only Php 30!

Quinale Public Beach Resort

There's a very popular public beach in Anda, Bohol and there are hundreds if not thousands of people visiting every single day! After getting over the Cabagnow Cave Pool, we went straight to the town's public beach which was just around five minutes drive.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

This public beach is located just right in front of the school and church. There are tables and chairs for rent if you needed one while others prefer to just lay down in the sand underneath the bamboo made Teepee.

We had kids so they all enjoyed running around, playing with the waters and swimming. Unfortunately, it was low tide upon arrival but it didn't stop the kids to still enjoy the place.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

I, on the other hand, had also taken lots of photographs of my cousins and other relatives most especially teenagers.

Cake Smash Photoshoot

On the 2nd of November, our day was booked for a baby photo shoot! It's baby Amara who's turning one on December's time and her parents would really want to keep memories of her before she turns one.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

With a Cake Smash theme at a public beach along our town, we started shooting at four when the sun was not too harsh anymore. The cake was a simple chiffon but with icing. I enjoyed the shoot, I didn't expect that editing it over on Adobe Lightroom was very enjoyable!

Baby Amara cried when she was dressed in this tutu but later on smiled and laughed while smashing the cakes! It was such as a cute moment of course for the parents too!

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

We had family portraits and I made a collage too of their many many photographs which I don't want to keep with me anymore, as much as possible, I wanted their photos to be given to the family because it will serve as their remembrance. Additionally, James and I will also take her dedication shots which will happen by December, on her first birthday too!

Portraits with Gecell

By Saturday, the next appointment was another photo shoot for my sister in law. We had been planning this for two weeks now and finally, we had it realized.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

The theme was a pictorial with Wiggy, their car. The car was red so I asked her to wear something light like white so she did and we drove to the neighboring town where there were huge Acacia trees with branches and leaves covering the road for good lighting.

It was quite challenging for a pictorial next to the road because there are cars and buses going here and there but my brother, Gecell's husband was very supportive of it that he made sure that we were safe while the pictorial was ongoing.

That was just a fun shoot which we always do whenever we are back in Bohol. For sure in the next few weeks and months, we will be doing another fun shoot but of different concept.

Seth's Dedication

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

And yet another photo shoot on Sunday for my nephew's dedication. It was a tight one because it was held inside our local church which has a very limited space so taking photographs was very challenging because of not enough lighting.

But what I did was enhance the lighting in the post-processing part. Also, I had created a tarpaulin design for the Dedication event. It was a photo with Seth on the beach and I edited it in Adobe Photoshop. The tarpaulin design was made in just a few hours, perhaps two hours. The good thing is that there's already a tarpaulin printing company nearby so printing it on Saturday was easy and fast.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues uploaded via bitLanders

The entire weekend was really full pack, I guess I had spent numerous hours in front of the computer editing photos and doing some Adobe Photoshop works rather than blogging or interacting with other social media.

Still, it was worth it. I believe it helped me enhance my skills as a photographer as well as the editing process. I have to improve more to make it more efficient most especially in the editing part on Lightroom.

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Photography session opportunities are always just some corners away. Everyone at some point wants to have their portraits taken, most especially for those who are having special events like birthdays, weddings, holiday events, and the list goes on. Even on those normal days, photography can be done but it is totally different if your photograph is taken professionally with a good camera and nice post-processed.

It is given that everyone would like their faces photographed as a remembrance of those certain good times in life. While it is easy to take portraits of adults, those who are getting married and those who are modeling for personal reason, it is quite a totally different case when it comes to baby photography. Let me tell you why.

Baby Photography

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Babies who are under 12 months, although not fully aware of their environment can be at times picky with the things around them. They have unpredictable mood swings and full of emotions. It may change in just a few seconds and so it requires tender care.

Baby Photography is definitely cute and every parent would want their children's baby photograph taken as a remembrance of their happiness when they were still that small.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Note that I am not referring to New Born Photography, here is for those babies who are almost turning one. Those of who can already recognize faces and can be entertained with any toy or can be disappointed with just the texture of their dress.

What Are the Challenges of Baby Photography?

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

There's definitely nothing wrong with documenting your child's very first, his or her first step, first hard food, first straight walk, first word and first birthday. It would be wonderful if all parents, most especially first-time parents to really keep a book of all photographs of their child but that isn't the case at all. Only a few can do it on their own, the rest will need help from a photographer.

So last weekend, my husband and I went on for aBaby Photography with Amara as our model. She's turning one by December 8 and her parents want to keep a digital and tangible copy of her before turning one-year-old photos.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Our theme was the very cute and sweet cake smash. The rule was just to let Amara smash, eat, push, kick and whatever she wants to do with the cake, it will all be hers and I will only be documenting her the entire time but before doing so, we have to take family portraits and also some solo shots of her at the beach shore.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Now comes my expectation versus reality moments. I pictured it out that Amara's going to be all smiles and laughter but it didn't end up that way so I have to adjust. It was challenging but after the photo shoot, I guess I was okay.

Here is my own personal take on the challenges of Baby Photography:

Babies Can't Be Instructed

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

I had taken portraits before, engagement sessions with couples and family photographs with grown-up kids, there was no issue with giving them instructions on what to do, where to put their hands and how to position themselves while I am shooting.

However, when it comes to babies, this is not applicable. I can't tell Amara to turn this way or point her hands that way. All I can do was tell her parents to call her and make her laugh. But then again, babies have their own way of doing things. When they feel unsecured and alone, they cry and that's what happened during our attempt to take her portraits.

Obviously, she was not happy being alone in that shore while all of us were just in front with those big cameras pointing at her. She might have become scared of the camera too, what was in her thoughts, we all don't have an idea!

Babies' Moods Can Be Unpredictable

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Even parents can't predict their babies' emotions and moods so as much as possible, we must give in to all of their wants and likes during this shoot to make it a success.

During the photo shoot, Amara was not so happy with her portraits taken. In fact, we only had one or two shots with her normal cute face, the rest, she was already crying with tears around her cheeks and eyes were sore and we don't want that to be in the photographs.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

To make use of our time, I asked her mother, Jessa, to carry her and make her feel secure. She was already holding Amara, she stopped crying for a while but then started crying again in just a minute.

To keep her entertained, we gave all stuff that we have available to make her laugh, we asked her grandmother, the other kids to call her name and make her smile but it was a failure. We just have to wait for her to stop and I guess that was one of the really great challenges during these sessions.

Eventually, her father calmed her when they were just walking around the beach and so the photo session continued.

Surrounding Can Make or Break It

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

When photographingbabies, it is important to bring her favorite things, toys most especially but during our shoot, I guess we missed to bring them into the scene.

But because it was a cake smash, bringing out the cake in front of her changed everything. Her mood changed, her facial expressions uplifted and all she could do was just play with the colorful cake!

That was the great part of the shoot, when she was already having fun with the messing up the cake and killing it with her bare hands, the photographs turned out pretty good.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Since she was already having a good time, we thought it was a great opportunity for their family portraits taken too. They walked in the waters too and some sunset drama was also documented.

Overall, I can say that the Baby Photography Session with Amara was 75% a success. There were several other items in hand that was not used like the colorful beach balls, her other costumes, and her headbands because she dislikes them.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

But then after working on her photos while post-processing the Raw images, I figured it was enough and that I had pretty decent shots of the family.

Truly, there were several lessons learned points that I have taken with that shoot. I am surely able to bring them home and be able to make use of them in the future as well.

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Remember the blog I posted about the perfect working place for freelancers, at a cafe named Workplace? I had just recalled their productivity tips and I am sharing that with you today.

How to be Productive at Work?

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

We all know that being a freelancer has its benefits as well as its corresponding negative sides, well everything in this world has good and bad effects though and so it is best for us to weigh out and consider how to work things out.

Just like freelancing, there's so much available work out there on the internet, you should have to look and work your butt on it to find which spot or site is best for you. However, there are indeed cases when although you found the right freelance job for you, you will still feel bored at times, some stressed, or perhaps others feel unproductive in this certain area or time. All of us definitely gets into that phase in our working lives.

Video credits: Ariel Bissett via YouTube

So, whether its freelancing or the normal eight to five job, we require certain activities which can encourage and stimulate us to become productive at work. Some inspiration may be needed and a little push on the reasons why you are working as such.

Here below are advises by Workplace Cafe of which I am applying in my personal home-based work and I am pretty sure you can also learn some from it. I am 100% certain of that!

Perform Day Starter Routine

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I have read a few bibliographies and research books about inspirational and successful men and women in history and what they have in common is their daily routine in terms of starting and ending their day.

Either they commence their day with a workout, jog, exercise, or with reading their book of inspiration, perhaps the Bible and meditate and pray, or just simply having a good breakfast. They start it with something that may consider as warmer to get their day going, means a lot.

So, it doesn't hurt if we as common individuals also copy what these successful people are doing to seize their day!

Make a To Do List and Prioritize

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Here's where the journaling and writing part comes really helpful. No wonder why those who write their goals and aims at a daily basis are mostly able to complete their tasks, even the tiniest ones.

There's a famous advise that goes, get the important things done first and leave those that are easier done during the downtimes because it has been experimented and studied that a person is more productive during the few hours of the day.

True enough, listing down the tasks, categorizing them as simple, average and hard ones would help in keeping that task list completed!

A Cup of Coffee May Help

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Whilst this may not be applicable to all, experts show that caffeine is a good source of energy boost for the human body. There may have been debates about it but true enough, the warm liquid, may it be dark, or with milk could kick those spirits up to get us going!

Coffee has become one of the top businesses too in this age. There are coffee shops everywhere, even the remote areas have coffee available now in their small eateries and convenience stores.

Don't forget to get that cup ready at your working table, sip it up to improve and increase productivity.

It's Okay to Take a Break!

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

At Workplace, there's a huge sign hanged on one of the walls that state: "It's Okay to Take a Break!"

It is true that working straight is bad for the healthy, being stress with work happens when you forget to breathe, rest and take a break. Based on research, a few seconds break can make you 13% more productive than just continuously facing your computer monitor or whatever machine you use for work.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

There's a reason as well why each single company business provides break minutes for their employees. This isn't just for the welfare of the employees but overall, it is also helpful for the welfare of the company! Happy employees mean good company business!

To help ourselves take breaks, we can set up alarms on our mobile devices or make use of the computer timers to remind us to have some breaks, an example could be five minutes for every 50 minutes work. Just stand if your job is just sitting down or the other way around if you are a sales clerk, moving and stretching is one of the best ways to relieve stress which are building upon our shoulders and backs.

No to MultiTasking

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Talking about multitasking makes me think about my boss who often tells me that women are so good at multitasking and thus believes that I am also multitasking at work. I am avouch, I do that most of the time and with that, I have a realization that working so many things at once simultaneously is not a good idea.

Oftentimes, I wouldn't be able to finish a blog because I am also busy working for my part-time. Most of the time, I would be watching an online video while working or while blogging thus, my brain is being cut into two, my focus is not sharp and thus I am easily distracted.

Video credits: Entrepreneur via YouTube

Which is why I am trying my best to do things one at a time now. When I blog, I would try to finish it before doing something else. In this way, I can post the blog without thinking of any other thing to open up or to do at the same time.

It has been proven that changing tasks often can lead to not finishing anything at all. It is more efficient and effective if one focuses on one task at a time. So, to all girls out there, wonder women, we are not so just focus on one assignment, do the next task once done with the first.

Develop Your Work System, Avoid Distractions

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Admit it or not, distractions are all over us, it may be our own environment, our family members, the weather, social media and so on. Distractions are called as such because they have one objective in mind - to distract.

That is why each individual who has goals and tasks listed for the day has to be mindful enough with time and be very discreet in terms of identifying that you are being distracted. Be careful with the surroundings, the enemy (distraction) is like a lion, just waiting for the right moment to devour you.

It is truly important to set up a working system, set timers, assess your tasks, set a specific time for social media and it shouldn't happen during working hours. Speaking of social media, someone has a unique way of shutting down the social media distraction. James Clear had a scheduled every Monday of writing and he is a social media influencer but he requires every Monday to be his writing day so he had assigned someone to change the password of his social media accounts every Monday so he won't be tempted to open them.

Set a Learning Time

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Being productive means not just about accomplishing something for yourself but also about setting up a time for your own learning. An investment that may help us with our knowledge about the world and about ourselves. Reading, painting, watching tutorials and anything that could provide knowledge, thoughts, and ideas is not a wasted time at all.

But it is important for us to set a scheduled time for it. When it is time to get out of the office, ensure to do it beyond those hours and although we won't be able to perfect that, having a learning time for ourselves at least 3/4 or 1/2 of our week still matters.

Plan for the Next Day

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Finally, when the day ends, it is a just right to plan and prepare for the next day. Let's assess ourselves, how's our productivity on this day? Are we doing good so far? Are there things that are blocking our way to progress?

Most importantly, having a good night sleep is a top priority. Without proper and enough rest, our brain and body won't be able to function well.

That's pretty it, just like any other home-based individual, there are times when distractions and our daily issues may come along the way but it is important to get ourselves back on track, productivity is important and it doesn't just come out naturally, we got to hustle, work for it and stay in focus.

P.S. I didn't open social media while writing this blog and that's a milestone for me!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com. 

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There's a significant difference between a company which is increasing in number compared to a small one with less than 30 employees. One of the obvious difference is the set of activities that one sets up for the employees, not just for their workers but also for their workers' families.

Hi there my friends in the bitLanders world! For today's blog, I would like to talk about how James and I enjoyed our first Fun Day at his company, Arcanys. It was an activity that we always missed for the past two years but finally, we got to join and it will ensure to join again in the following years to come.

Arcanys Fun Day, What is it All About?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

The Arcanys Fun Day came into being for the employees and their respective family members to come, get to know each other and just enjoy a time together with the entire company. This is not limited to just relatives but also to friends since most of the members are away from their family. Each employee can bring their immediate family or even their closest friend given that they register them prior.

This is the third time that the company hosted the event which every employee also look forward to doing because they can surely get to enjoy a lot of activities together, merging the family and work environment.

Its theme was Arcanys University Class of 2018, the decorations show that this is somewhat related to a school, like a reunion or perhaps a graduation afterparty.

What I love about this is that the company didn't hire an event planner but all was handled by the employees, the hosts, the committees were all coming from the volunteers within the company itself. I guess the only thing that they have outsourced was the snack provider for the popcorn and ice cream.

Sequence of Events

It is great to be a part of a company which gives value to the families and close friends of their employees. Fun Day is always a pleasure to be at and that won't be much enjoyable without the certain parts of the event.

Here below was the proper sequence of activities:

1. Opening

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

In such an environment where the boss is a foreigner, from Switzerland, I am glad to learn that Allan was very cool enough to be at the event, giving his welcome remarks but the talk was not very serious at all.

He joked about having bitter gourd as a salad for dinner and for everyone to enjoy. He himself didn't bring anyone at the event but I found him entertained by the activities, he joined the group for the trivia games and even tried the dart.

But most importantly, I found him randomly talking to different employees, most especially the ones with kids and family members around. This type of boss is someone who doesn't see himself superior, he showed it evident to become friends with your employees, perhaps that the reason why there are employees who have been with the company for more than five years.

2. Song Number

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

To warm up the event, a special song number was presented by a male group, Jonie, and Ash at the first day high booth where the comfortable bean bags were laid out, the guitar and beatbox have been also placed for anyone who would like to render or show their talents in terms of music and singing.

At the end of the event, there were several individuals who went in at the first-day high stage and proudly grabbed the spotlight.

3. Game Time

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

A Fun Day can't be that fun without games both for the kids and the adults. The first part was for the kids, although they were already very happy and gay at the Kiddie Corner, a competitive game has to be established as well.

So there were four shy kids at the front, a few other jumping kids were left at the corner who didn't really care about the game. Their game was called "Longest Happy Birthday" and the longest was only three seconds!

It was actually the adults who had laughed at this portion.

Then it was the adults' time. Two games were given, first was the "Show Me A GIF" and the second, "Trivia Game".

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

The first was derived from the show me a photo concept except that it should be in action this time, like a GIF. These guys love GIF memes so they had immediately understood the game.

The second part of the game was the trivia which had three categories, Disney, General Knowledge, and Music. Most of the participants were really competitive, they got most answers but there will only be one winning team. With Disney, the questions were more of the movie title, characters and certain locations featured in the film.

As for the general knowledge, it was quite challenging as there was only random information but I was really astonished to know that these guys know a lot!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Lastly, for music, the game was to guess the name of the artist, the title of the song and to sing the song after the host reads some lyrics. I was totally entertained by this part, there were a lot of times when I felt like I know the song but forgot the singer but I am proud of those contestants as most lyrics were guessed and answered properly!

All winners got their prizes instantly, most of them were sweets like Cadbury chocolate and some nice looking packed cookies!

4. Bingo Time!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

The time has come for all that was present at the event location could join - BINGO! This is a game of chance, the participants hold Bingo cards with numbers printed on them. The host of the game draws random numbers on a circular tile and the first one to complete the specific requirement wins!

There were four phases, first was to complete an X pattern, the second was an L pattern, third an R and lastly the blackout.

That was the only time where everyone got totally focused with the host, even the parents who were attending to their kids were also trying hard to follow. Lucky ones won Php 500 for the patterns and Php 1000 for the blackout.

5. Dinner

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Fun Day dinner was served at six in the evening. Arcanys has their own kitchen, cooks, and chef. With this, they don't have to outsource their meals, instead, the kitchen now provides their meals as they have free lunch meals almost every day of the week. For this certain event, the same applies.

The food offered was fried chicken, a pork dish, a fresh lumpia and some fruits. There was also an unlimited supply of iced tea. And of course the unlimited beer!

6. DOTA Championship

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Arcanys was quite known in Cebu City before and perhaps in the entire country because of its ex-DOTA team - Arcanys Gaming. Unfortunately, it was dismantled but that doesn't mean the company does not support DOTA anymore.

In fact, their company office has a specific gaming room where employees can play games, may it be DOTA or any other computer games after work or during breaks. It's a perk, not all companies can offer.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

The founder himself loves competitive playing so he had set up a competition within the company and he was part of the team. After the dinner, the semifinalist came into battle for the championships and it was live-streamed at the Fun Day event with their own casting too! It felt like the real battles!

7. After Event Party

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

The event had no formal ending. After the championship game, the after party had started as well. There was a supply of unlimited beer, drinks, and food! Plus, the live band played the entire night.

Everyone who would like to spend the entire night at their company office was welcome to party and just be wasted! Good thing it was a Sunday the next day.

As for me and James, we are not into drinking and partying so we have to get back home. It was a Fun Day indeed! I look forward to joining again in the future if given a chance again.

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Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Cebu maybe popular because of its relatively rapid growth in terms of its economy as well as its tourism. But what comes into your mind when the word Cebu is talked about?

To some, it may be the festivity which occurs every January, I am referring to Sinulog or perhaps the natural resources that of which draws tourists from local and abroad into the island, Kawasan Falls in Badian or Oslob's Whalesharks and a lot more or to others, it might be the food.

Disclaimer: To all my Muslim, Vegan, Vegetarian, animal rights advocate friends and followers here in bitLanders, PLEASE Do NOT PROCEED with reading this blog, CLOSE this window or read another blog instead, believe me, you won't like it.

Speaking of food, one that Cebu is very famous about in terms of food is its Lechon. If it is your first time to hear about it then you might not have researched that much yet about the island. Today's blog article is about Cebubeing considered as the Lechon City of the country. Why is it so and how does the Cebu Lechon differs from the rest of the country?

History of Lechon

Image credits: pbase

Lechon is actually a Spanish word which means roasted pig. It is a whole roasted pig, grilled by charcoal fire slowly after seasoned and stuffed with fillings.

As the Spaniards colonized the country for more than 300 years, it is quite evident that most of the food, language and even culture of these Spaniards had been rooted into the lives of the Filipinos, even until this day. In fact, at least 80% of our language and dialect are based on Spanish words.

I had in mind that it is possible though that this recipe might be cooked by the ancient Filipinos but its the Spanish term Lechon which had been passed on. This is just my two cents, perhaps it is the other way around.

Image credits: dude4food

Going back, Lechon has now been considered as a national dish and had been widely recognized and acknowledged in the international cuisine.

But way back in the old times, Lechon is only prepared during special occasions like birthday, baptism, weddings and festivals. It is actually one of the things that visitors look forward to seeing at the center of the dining table when joining such celebrations.

Video credits: Kyle Jennermann via YouTube

Also, this was considered a royal food before. However, through time, the Filipinos were able to afford it. At one time, from being prepared and cooked on celebrations, it became available upon order until such time that it had become available anytime in restaurants. In fact, there are restaurants in the country which offers them all day long!

So, just imagine how accessible Lechon became to the Filipinos.

Cebu's Lechon

Image credits: insights.looloo

The famosity of Lechon had made it possible for it to be taken to different parts of the country and the world too!

One good example was when one of the well known local artist, Sharon Cuneta who's been widely referred as the Mega Star of the Philippines when was pregnant had asked her husband to buy her Lechon from Cebu one midnight. It was so hard to get but Senator Kiko Pangilinan was able to get the hand of one, his connections made it possible for the Lechon to be flown from Cebu to Manila.

Often times, when I travel on a plane, I would see traveling individuals who are carrying a box of which has Ayer's or CnT's Lechon printed on it. I am pretty sure someone had asked them to bring it back home.

Video credits: Mitch Young via YouTube

So, why is it that Cebu has been considered to have the best Lechon?

For me, as a Boholano who is now based in Cebu, I believe that the Lechon in Cebu is just the same as the rest of the country. The difference might boil down to the marketing and I guess I don't have to explain more about this!

The Best Lechon Restaurants in Cebu?

Image credits: foodinthebag

When I was still a pork-eating individual (I am not anymore eating any pork or beef now), my favorite part was the skin and the ribs where all the flavors are because of the stuffings and herbs inside. However, as I realized the negative effects of eating too much pork most especially Lechon so I had to give it up.

However, still, most Filipinos love their Lechon, my family still eats it even if I discourage them a lot. So, with that, I have laid out here the different restaurants in Cebu which offer "the best Lechon in the city".

• House of Lechon

Image credits: eatsasmallworld

Formerly called Rico's Lechon. This is quite famous in the city. From their complimentary Monggo side dish to its main offering which is the Lechon Carcar. Carcar is a city in the province of Cebu which is pretty famous for its Chicharon or fried pork skin.

But an issue with its business permits in Cebu City had caused it to shut down its operation. Currently, they have branches outside Cebu City instead.

• Ayer's Lechon and CnT Lechon

Image credits: ayerlechon

These two are very much alike. Perhaps they were the first two to have become famous within Cebu City in terms of offering Lechon in malls.

However, as new establishments started offering more reinforced meals and innovative marketing strategies, they had somehow become less known.

Still, they got one of the best tasting Lechon in town based on reviews.

• Zubuchon

Image credits: thefoodinistaph

This establishment is gaining popularity now in Sugbu. Their branches started popping out of nowhere and in just a few years!

They take pride in their organic ingredients as well as the traditional cooking which they believe brings out the best flavor of the Lechon.

• Yobab Lechon de Cebu

Image credits: cebudailynews.inquirer

This is a newly established Filipino restaurant which is owned by a local artist Paul Jake Castillo who had decided to bring the taste of Cebu Lechon directly to Manila and Luzon.

He seemed to be successful with that and of course, he also has branches in Cebu. They have an innovative set of the menu to one of which is the Ginataang Lechon which is similar to Bicol Express but has been pumped up with their Lechon cutlets.

Final Note

Image credits: lloydandbehold

If you are not very conscious about your health and that you eat only once in a blue moon, then I would suggest that you check out these restaurants. However, as much as possible, please refuse to eat this type of food.

Anyway, it is all up to you and your health is right there in your hands. Featuring Lechon is a little bit of a hard time for me as I am not anymore eating this, nor am I craving to eat it, I simply had disciplined my mind to corporate it with diseases.

At the end of the day, it's your health. I hope this blog gave you an overview of the topic and some knowledge on this subject.

Enjoy the rest of your day! Please do not forget to participate in the Querlo chat below about Filipino food:

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This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com. 

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Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Looking for the next getaway to Bohol, Philippines? Don't miss out on the simple rural town of Candijay! This is one emerging tourist attraction that offers no other than pure natural destinations!

Categorized as a fourth class municipality of the province, the population of this town was recorded at some 29 thousand from the 2015 census. It is also a home to a public university for education and fisheries of which most of the young adults within this area of the island are enrolled.

Image credits: boholtourismph

Candijay, although a sleepy town, simple, raw and is still developing had started getting recognized around two to three years ago when the Can-Umantad Falls was being shared over social media. Before, when searching for the town's name, it will return only Wikipedia and a few universities and local government unit news but today, the search engine provides a variety of blog contents talking about what, where and how to get here.

But the town has more to offer rather than the waterfalls. Today, let me share with you more about the town, here are the natural spots not to miss when visiting Candijay, Bohol, Philippines.

Canawa Cold Spring

Image credits: theintrovertsjourney

Perhaps the oldest destination amongst the rest within the town. This is only well known to locals before. A long time ago, the ones swimming here are just the children who live in the vicinity but now, more and more tourists are also getting interested in touring it.

Canawa is derived from the local term "cawa" which literally means pan for the reason that the spring had bloomed into a circular shaped container. None had actually measured its depth and so some locals believe that there are elements unlike the humans protecting or guarding it.

Image credits: radysetgo

Such belief is very common on the island and is true as well in the different parts of the country. But it is respected and being well protected by the surrounding ancestors which have been also passed on to their next generation.

Today, the deepness of the said spring is still unknown, no one had ever dared to do so after a few failed attempts in the past. Even the main source of the spring still remains a mystery until this day.

Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Rice terraces aren't just a thing of the northern Philippines. In the Visayas, this is also very evident from what can be seen when traveling across the island. There are areas along the road which has been formed into elevated ricefields but the most interesting of them all is that of Candijay.

It is referred to as Cadapdapan from the barangay's name itself. This was taken from its root word "dap-dap" which means coral plants. The history wasn't really established in words but for me, I believe the mountains and hills here are full of plants and shrubs.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via YouTube

The ancestors, just like in Batad, Ifugao who made the famous Batad Rice Terraces, had also exerted efforts in creating these slopes by hand I suppose to create this wondrous beauty.

From the bird's eye view, the amphitheater looks stunning especially when it is planting season. The ambiance and beauty are equally glorious during the harvesting season too!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

According to the locals, the green color during the months of June to August symbolizes hope and its golden yellow us a reminder of the treasures like this farmland that they had left for the new generation.

Lungsodaan Fascinating Fireflies

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

If there's an underrated spot in Candijay, that would be the firefly watching. This will surely "wow" your eyes and brighten up your senses!

The activity doesn't start until twilight when the blinking lights of these tiny creatures started to become visible. The unique river boating experience offered across the Lungsodaan River after or before a sumptuous dinner at their floating restaurant will let you appreciate the simplest things in life like the fireflies.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

For an hour, guests will be treated to an informative journey of the mangrove forest which provides the notion of a balanced ecosystem. Fireflies again remind locals here that someone or some other elements live around that is also the reason why they keep it as solemn and peaceful so as not to disturb these creatures.

Kawasihan Sandbar

Image credits: notey

Just like the neighboring major island of Bohol like Cebu and Negros, the province itself has its own sandbars. One of the many is Candijay's pride, the Kawasihan Sandbar. It flaunts a white sand shore which is a perfect spot for sunbathing, snorkeling as well through the diverse florals and faunas at the coastal spot of CogtongBay.

What made it quite popular among the neighboring towns is the fact that the seafood offered here are delectable and they can be ordered as well as prepared at the Municipal Tourism Port at a very low price.

Boat rental going to the sandbar costs only Php 600 which is very much affordable compared to the other sandbars.

Can-Umantad Waterfalls

Image credits: thebisdakexplorer

Of course, we won't end this blog without including Can-Umantad Waterfalls on this list. From the term "Can-uman" which means 60, the waterfalls was named as such because of its height which is 60 local fathoms or 261 ft.

Dubbed as the tallest waterfall in Bohol, the route going to the waterfalls can be a little challenging but it is manageable. From the main highway, tourists need to travel 14 to 15 kilometers to reach the destination. Visitors have the option to take the route from the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces or take the main road instead.

Image credits: interasiatravelandtours

The rushing sound of water falling at that high can already be heard from afar. In fact, when in Cadapdapan, one can already hear the water flow coming from the waterfalls. As soon as one reaches the spot, the high and splendid view of the white but sometimes murky water will meet you. When it is windy, the spills will reach a distance, so it is advisable to always bring waterproof containers to keep your stuff dry.

The best activity to do here is to enjoy the water, either swim at its base, feel cold by its captivating waters. The best thing? It's not touristy, so there are days when there are no other visitors around so you can definitely have your me time, perhaps a little meditation, rock balancing is also a good idea and just appreciate natural beauty and God's gift to humanity!

How to Get to Candijay, Bohol?

Driving from Tagbilaran City where the island's only airport is located, it would take around two hours to reach the main town while it would only take 40 minutes if one is coming from Ubay port for those who are coming from Cebu or Leyte.

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This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com. 

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"The perfect definition of detoxification from the internet and the city pollution."

- Jean Figues

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

Hello, bitLanders! I couldn't contain how glad I am to get no access from the internet for a whole 24 hours, it refreshed, say it recharged my mind, reset my priorities and definitely reconnect me with nature. But there's much more reason and pleasure for this getaway which I will share on a separate blog. For now, allow me to give you a taste of serenity at the mountains of Bonbon, Cebu.

En Route to Bonbon and Lava Mountain River Farm

A white van stopped right in front of us, it opened up with many unfamiliar smiling individuals who confirmed that we were in the correct vehicle and must hop in. The front seats were available, and I thought it is a perfect spot to take a hyperlapse video of our trip.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

It was 10:40 in the morning when our road trip towards the mountains started. It felt exciting to be in a group of individuals who are committed to Christ, it has been a while since I had joined one. So that familiar feeling of excitement and looking forward was in me most especially that it was an event with my husband James.

Concrete roads shifted into a semi one, most of the parts of the road had been destroyed, I assumed the earthquakes in the past caused this or perhaps due to heavy vehicles which had passed by this road.

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

It didn't take long before we reached the intersection which has the note that the farm's just 3 kilometers away. But it really felt like the three kilometers was a bit longer as we arrived at a very secluded area but then we spotted a barangay hall which I guess had the worst road going there. Anyway, after hundreds of inhales and exhales I have heard from Kuya Rolly, our driver, we finally saw the light as a maroon colored metal gate showed at the distance, it bears Lava Mountain River Farm.

Lava Mountain River Farm

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

I switched my mobile phone to airplane mode immediately as I couldn't spot any signal bar, it would be exciting not to receive any mobile notification this entire stay and I believe this is the perfect definition of detoxification from the internet and the city pollution as although it is just 45 minutes away from the city, it doesn't have any signs of being near. No signal, no internet connection, no social media, no digital beeping but all about nature.

Reconnecting or getting close to nature is easy peasy here, I will talk about that in a bit. Let me provide more details of the location first.

The Lava Mountain River Farm is a mango farm with a rest house, a flowing private infinity pool, Balinese style loft huts and cottages as well as a stone house. It has one of the most unique house designs James and I had stayed.

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

From its name, the farm itself sits beside a river named Mananga and there's a direct access towards this from the farm where guests can go trekking towards the waterfalls which is the source of the river.

Aside from that, there's a huge open land area that guests can roam around and try to discover its natural resources, there's also a fishing pond, a campfire space too which we used that night.

Huts, Rooms Plus Unique Toilet and Bath

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

For me, rooms and its amenities tell a lot about a resort. For me, this has a unique style, one of which reminded me of that cottage on a hill we rented for two days in Negros. Its dark painted interiors, as well as exteriors, gave me a historic feel but it also somehow has an added modern touch.

There were basically four sleeping quarters slash rooms. Three of them were hut designed and there's one which they refer to as the stone house which is literally made of those rocks from limestone rocks.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

An open lounge which also served as a dining place is right next to the pool and provides a Balinese touch to the resort. Concrete stairs with limestones too have to be used to get to the rest of the huts. One cool hut was that next to the lounge. Its an open space and the staffs arrange bed foams with pillows and blankets. This was where the boys stayed during the night.

As for the ladies, the upper hut was given. This looks beautiful from the lounge area, the flowers at the side of the rocky stairs added beauty to it plus the lush green trees at the back adds contrast. I found two huge pans below the hut, I wonder if they have this intended for cooking or just for props purposes?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary

Getting to the toilet was an experience I didn't expect that I have to mention that here too. First toilet and bath that I had discovered were that of our room. After being assigned where to sleep, I went to the hut right away, tucked my bag on a bed with white linens and proceeded to the bathroom.

Limestone rocks used as walls and soap dishes, a nicely positioned long mirror which allows you to see your entire body, spacious and the most exciting is it has plants inside! A crawling plant with its leaves invading the interior which even has reached the showers! Plus, its upper walls were open, the skies the trees are visible from the shower area which made me felt like I was taking a bath in the middle of the forest! I had to take a bath three times during the entire stay because I definitely love its concept! The same applies to the other bathrooms except that ours was the best of them all.

Natural Pool and River

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

Apart from the beauty of nature, checked in guests can also enjoy the free-flowing water of its pool, infinity with again, limestone rocks attached to its sides. The infinity style makes it even more interesting.

"True serenity, offers pure relaxation and nature appreciation!"

- Jean Figues

Kids can enjoy the shallow side of it while adults can swim through the deeper parts, jumping, diving was allowed at your own risk. It is quite cool to have a pool right in the middle of a forest or a mountain!

Another getting soaked option is to get to the river next to the farm. The river comes from a waterfall which has to trek for an hour. Although I didn't try to go to where the waterfalls were, I had an early morning internalization at the riverside, alone with only the relaxing music of the rushing waters and the breeze of cold air as it made the tree branches and leaves dance to its rhythm.

The Morning View

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

"Soul searchers will find solitude and enough time to find their life's meaning."

- Jean Figues

The best view of every mountain resort I have ever been happening during the breaking dawn, when the civil twilight occurs, when the fogs are sitting beneath the trees and the sun's rays start to appear, striking through the fogs eventually breaking them, evaporating out of nowhere. I love to witness this moment and I am glad I got up right on time!

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

I have to add that when we had our bonfire that evening, we found fireflies flying around the mango trees. It reminded us that this spot right here has a perfect ecosystem where such creatures still live and breath. Still, fireflies made me feel that this place is also magical.

I slept in the loft of our open-air hut, listening to the crickets, peeking through the open skies, with million stars.

Overall Review

Image credits: Stills and Motion (James and Jean Figues) via Facebook

Lava Mountain River Farm is highly recommendable, though some areas may require maintenance, its rusty feel, the broken areas, woods and dried leaves left in the lawns made it more natural and raw.

It is a perfect place for soul searchers, for a family who wants to reconnect and relax, workmates who are in for trekking and most especially to those individuals and groups who are seeking for spiritual healing.

Nature gives the best medicine! Lava Mountain River Farm provides this drop!

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This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com. 

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Today's blog which I am posting as more of a diary entry is all about James and I's two days and one-night spiritual retreat experience at Lava resort last weekend. Read further So I can share this journey which was the first for the two of us to join together.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

A little history, a pastor on training had a burden in his heart to share the gospel with his colleagues in Arcanys, the same company where James works as well.

Upon introduction of the said colleague, his quote in life mentioned was from a Bible verse which made James think this person is a Christian. Not too long after, he was able to start a Bible study between him, the boss driver and another colleague. This didn't take long before they increased in number. More and more of their colleagues were invited and James also joined by himself.

After months of Bible study, the retreat was formed and James decided to also become a part of the committed ones who would be undergoing the water baptism.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

BPO Life

BPO Life stands for Biblical Purpose Of Life, you might ask why it was called as such, well this is because the focus is those who are working in the BPO industry.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

The BPO Life was formed as the leaders of the Living Word Christian Church located in IT Park Cebu. Being based in the center of Cebu's IT hub, where BPO companies are rising every month and the numerous young ones who are working in the call center companies, as well as IT Development, are significantly increasing, the church had seen these young generation getting out of their offices, getting drunk at the 24/7 bars within the city, some of them are left at the corners of the street, sleeping and are unable to get up because of too much drinking.

Aside from that, there are so many stories circulating about female call center agents who are getting pregnant out of one night stands, others who have been heartbroken, keeping their problems within themselves and eventually committing suicide. They have seen enough and it is a challenge to reach out to these individuals.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

The current generation is now corrupted by the evil things in this world. The young ones are already doing things like they don't care about their future as well as their eternity thus wasting their lives, their bodies, and their future just for their current pleasure.

It was through prayers that the BPO Life has started, it was God's work of hand that enabled the workers to be reached out by the church leaders, Daryl was one of them. He now has three Bible study groups from different companies, two of them from IT Park and another one in JYIT.

BPO Life Retreat

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

On the 18th of August, the first retreat was initiated and the best place to do this was at Lava Mountain River Farm. It is an isolated spot of Cebu but it doesn't require a long travel time to reach it thus, was the perfect spot.

At 10:30 AM, a van brought us to Brgy. Bonbon, Cebu City and reached the farm after 45 minutes of a challenging rough and rocky road. The event started with lunch and a little introduction. Fourteen individuals committed two days of their lives to have an intimate time with the Lord.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

It was 2:00 PM when the official worship started. Praise and worship is definitely my favorite part, it blesses me always and so thus this initial worship with just acoustic guitars and a beatbox but with a great worship leader, everything fell into place, after that a message was given by Tito Mark Cusi about the text in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

After almost an hour of an inspirational and spiritual talk about his life and how he was changed to become a child of God, we eventually went straight to the Baptismal Testimony where four individuals offered their life testimonies and their decision to declare their faith of following Jesus.

Testimonials are always tear-jerking for me, I love listening to testimonies because, at some point in time, I can relate to them. The testimony portion took less than an hour and so the water baptism took place in the cold waters of the farm.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

I was personally happy and glorious to witness as James was baptized. This is not an assurance of salvation but this is a declaration of faith, that they have decided to become followers of Jesus.

Free time and dinner came afterward. There was a sumptuous meal and everyone was filled with nourishment! The next part of the event was another worship and word preaching at the bonfire area.

The fire in front of us was strong and very relaxing. The crackling of the wood fire was entertaining, at least for me and it somehow sounded like sweet rhythm as we sang our songs of worship. The message delivered by Pastor AJ Caparros was very strong, it talked about the current state of the heart of most people where most are seeking for success in life but at the end of the day, they are still unsatisfied and eventually would think that there's nothing more about this life. The likes of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade who had taken their lives by their hand, these are successful people but yet, they didn't seem to find meaning in their lives.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

It is true that in our life here on Earth, admit it or not, a person who doesn't have God in his or her heart would feel empty, would feel that there's nothing more to life than what he or she is currently having thus they'd feel it is best to die than to continue living. However, that void in one's person's heart can be fulfilled by no other than returning back to his Maker. That void can only be filled by His presence and that can be found in Jesus who died on the cross for the penalty of our sins and came back to life that we as well are reconciled with the Father. He conquered death for us and He continues to live.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

The night ended with more praising, it was intimate because there were only less than twenty of us in the farm and the resonating sound of our voices echoed int he wilderness with the stars in the sky, we were proclaiming God's faithfulness in this part of the world.

On the next day, we had early devotion, had breakfast and Daryl expanded his personal ways of doing devotional. I believe that committing to this is essential in the life of a Christian because the world is so corrupted that most people don't know what is right from what is wrong, we have obviously forgotten our common senses. The Word of God is a very essential part of our lives and it is our lamp and light in living this world. The event was ended with a prayer and a personal commitment to read the Word and have a daily devotion.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

After this part, the free time was given for everyone to enjoy the farm. Some went to the river, some had enjoyed the pool, some went taking photographs of the location and some enjoyed the quietness of the environment, the chirping birds and the sound of the rushing river next to the farm.

It was almost noon time when we were out of the resort, everyone was blessed, I was definitely blessed and had recommitted my time for morning devotional. I prayed to God to sustain me and to help me in every decision I do in life.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

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This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com. 

Most of us here are looking for ways to earn, may it be online or offline. The majority if not all of us have our own full time or part time jobs like those type of jobs where we go to an office, or such but I am assuming that after that day work, we look into other ways or other baskets to fill.

Thus, today's blog is all about an app which allows us to earn from our expenses. This may sound ridiculous as to how we get something out of our purchases but it is real. Read more as to learn about how to do this and you too can take advantage of the Snapcart application.

Introducing Snapcart!

Image credits: tipsgeeks

Snapcartis a mobile application which gives cash back for scanning receipts from the phone. This as well is the first ever receipt snapping application in Indonesia, Brazil, Singapore and of course the Philippines. So if you are in any of these specific countries, then you know that you are in for another way of earning!

One might think how are they able to return a percentage back to the grocer? Well, the app is actually helping multibillion-dollar companies by sending them with data from all those that have been snapped and sent to their database. Tracking the consumer database and gathering plus analyzing this information is helping out the companies and clients of the said Snapcart app.

Image credits: dramafever

Imagine being able to understand the shopping habits of a certain range of consumers, the teenagers, the adults and even the young professionals. There's a huge potential for improving marketing strategies by simply using data mining results.

In fact, more and more multinational consumer goods brands are already subscribing to the service provided by Snapcart because these brands can easily understand the shopping practices of the shoppers plus this is in a real-time manner in terms of survey and analysis.

Image credits: revelstokemountaineer

As for the items that can be snapped, they are your daily grocery, medicine, and cosmetics receipts. How to start using the app? Read on!

How to Start Receiving Cashback with Snapcart?

Image credits: juanmanilaexpress

1. Download the application from your favorite app store.

2. Shop at your favorite grocery stores, beauty shops and Pharmacies, don't throw your receipts away!

3. Take a photo or snap a shot of your receipts through the Snapcart application.

4. Wait for within 24-48 hours for the feedback if the receipt was accepted or rejected.

5. Cash out your balance when it reaches a minimum amount.

6. Earn more by joining other activities within the application.

How to Earn More?

The increasing number of the Snapcart app users has a huge advantage to all client brands and is also a win-win situation for all the users as they are able to receive their cash back.

With this, I would like to deal with the ways on how to earn more.

1. Snap Consistently for Bigger Multipliers

Image credits: fastandclean

Inside the app, you'll see a multiplier and a status icon. Both of these provide an information on the current status of the account.

The multiplier allows the user to earn more by multiplying the amount of cashback depending on the current level.

My account shows Silver which means I can earn 1.2 times per cashback. Here's the cashback table:

• Regular gets 1.0x
• Bronze gets 1.1x
• Silver gets 1.2x
• Gold gets 1.5x
• Platinum gets 2.0x

The status signifies the current level for every week that passes by, it simply shows when are you getting an upgraded or downgraded depending on your activity.

If there are no snaps in a week, downgrade happens while it upgrades as one continues to be consistent with the snapping.

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

Here's the meaning of the Status icons:

• You're here shows in which week you are in

• Constant means that you stayed in the same position at that particular week

• Pending means that your status for that particular week is still being reviewed. It could be due to your receipt was not yet validated. This icon will be changed once your receipt got accepted or rejected.

• Upgrade means that you were upgraded at that particular week. You are upgraded because you reached the minimum valid receipts needed to go to the next step.

• The downgrade means that you were downgraded because no valid receipt was found during that particular week.

2. Earn More By Learning About the Receipt Value Brackets

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

Learn about the receipt value brackets to have an idea on how much are you getting back from that specific receipt value. There are certain purchases that we can increase in order to get a bigger cashback.

It is also important that the receipt is not more than three days old, those which are four days and above won't be accepted anymore.

Beware as well with splitting receipts just so you can get bigger cash backs. They ban those accounts which do this. Here's the cashback ranges per receipt value:

3. Always Snap Clear Receipts

Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

Be aware that when snapping, the Snapcart team will only accept those which are clear. If you snap those which are not clear enough, the receipt might go to waste.

If the receipt is long, just press the plus button to snap more. Ensure the environment is bright enough to capture a clear shot. No crumbles, readable and should be within the red box provided.

4. Participate in Bonus Games, Surveys, and Etc.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

There are several other ways to earn more, there's a game called Snaptastic where one can use the account coins to win various prizes such as cash back, coins or special surprises! Diamonds are also part of the prizes, note that it will cost you 500 coins to play.

Another way is to answer surveys which will reward you with coins. The number of coins depending on the specific survey that was answered. Some surveys talk about the events in the country, some about cars and comics.

Watching videos can also earn you points. It is not just a simple watch video and earns but you'll have to answer specific questions to get rewarded.

Image credits: investlibrary

Lastly, taking photos will soon become available too so watch out for that.

How to Cash Out on Snapcart?

Finally, after earning a certain amount, you are good to cash out and withdraw your accumulated earning. To do so, you can just click on the cash out option underneath the cashback balance, the minimum amount is Php 220. Click the cashout button to proceed.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Before processing, the account has to be verified first both through email and phone. Then you can either cash out through bank account and phone credits.

Just add the bank account details such as the account number and name, processing will also cost Php 20 and will be deposited within seven banking days. 

Image credits: snapcart.global

I had cashed out 550 amount so far and more to come! So what are you waiting for? Let's all start snapping and earning those cashback!  

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This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com. 

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In the Philippines and even abroad, Mindanao has a negative vibe, some would already think that it's very dangerous and risky to get there. It is, therefore, one of the least places to visit when in the Philippines but I beg to disagree as my family and I went for a weekend getaway from General Santos to Koronadal City then to Lake Sebu as well as back to Polomolok City.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

Today's blog is all about this recent weekend trip and how Mindanao has welcomed us with blessings and awesome landscapes. This blog is more of like a general overview of the travel and will be posting separate comprehensive blogs for each location.

Cebu to General Santos

My city house in Cebu was filled with several heads as my family from Bohol came to the city. Our trip base was in Mactan Cebu so they have to get themselves to Cebu a day before the flight.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

On Friday early morning, my parents were the first to wake up, then my alarm clock was stopped way before it started because I got woken up by my parents' preparation noise.

Every one of us got ready before 4:30 AM. I had arranged for some neighbor to send us to the airport before 5 AM. Unfortunately, it was already past five in the morning yet he has not messaged me at all so we booked two taxis instead. It was quarter to six when we arrived at the Mactan airport, enough for us to check in and prepare for the boarding area. 

I missed the feeling of flying, seeing the clouds at eye level, seeing cabin crews and pilots too! The pilot manning the flight had even shown me a heart hand sign while we were on the way into the aircraft.

The flight was only less than an hour long, I had to make the most out of it by taking photos, going to the comfort room, I enjoy those moments.

General Santos Fish Port Complex

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

At eight, our aircraft arrived in the city dabbed as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. Its airport is small and simple but the thought of seeing huge tunas waken us up.

It takes only a few minutes to reach the port. They are strict in terms of dress code so every visitor has to get themselves a pair of boots. There's a specific room set for where to rent them and socks too!

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

Unfortunately, it was already late at eight in the morning, all newly docked tunas were already shipped out for export or for canning. But we were still lucky to find a 34 kgs local tuna. Local in the sense that it can't be exported due to its meat quality.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

Still, we enjoyed our time in its fish market. We found different types of fishes and sea creatures which they all send out for retail in different parts of the country.

It would have been nice to return back in the next day and really see the action at the port early morning. But we had no other chance and so we ended up missing all these things instead.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

General Santos to Tupi

Sister in law's city is in Koronadal but they had to fetch us from General Santos and on our way, we stopped by a town rich with fruits - Tupi.

A long stretch of fruit stands lined up a few meters away from the highway. And without knowing, we were welcomed and treated with royalty from the fruit stand sellers. There were actually trees around the area with ready to be picked fruits like Durian and Rambutan. It was mesmerizing to see them ripe and ready for harvest!

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

At the stand, the seller offered free pineapples, free taste on their Rambutan and Mangosteen. Of course, we also bought some items like a few kilos of Longcong Lansones, Mangosteen which James himself almost finished and rambotan which were really sweet and tasty!

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

We ate them along the way towards Koronadal City. It was not too long before we reached another destination - Mariano's Blooming Agri-Tourism Park.

I got really excited to get in but the dark skies started to cry and so we were limited to moving around the area. Bringing our umbrellas, we had to just move forward to the sunflower garden where they were definitely blooming in beauty!

It seems the location is still new, it was just a year old but it has lots of potential with a lot of flowers around growing and farmers still planting their way to cover the huge land.

Stop at Mariano's Blooming Eco-Tourism Park

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

The rain didn't stop from pouring and so we headed to Marbel without really being able to enjoy the entire Mariano's Blooming Eco-Tourism Park.

The roads were wide, vehicles were moving swiftly and fast along the high way but I also spotted a couple of checkpoints with real armies and policemen visible around the high way. The Mindanao is under Martial Law but I didn't feel scared at all. In fact, seeing these men made me feel secure and safe. I recall those days when I was still working in Dubai, there were many policemen everywhere.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I can totally say that this is a place I would like to see in any part of the country. The military is active, the trees and bushes at the roadside are healthy and were full in green, houses aren't standing next to each other, they got their own backyards to tend. Every now and then, I could spot homeowners selling fruits at their front yard facing the road. There were Marang, Durian, Mangosteen, Rambutan, and Lansones. Some had Guavas and Bananas too! It was actually a season for these tropical fruits and so the prices here are very affordable compared to that in Cebu City or Bohol.

Imagine buying a Durian there would only cost Php 30 per kilo while in Cebu, it would cost hundreds of pesos. I was even attempted to buy more than five kilos of Durian just to eat by myself because it was so cheap and very delicious. One fruit stall had given us a free one to try and it was super good!

Lunch at KCC Mall in Marbel City

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

A late lunch took place in KCC Mall. It was my first time, in fact, all of us have not reached this part of the country until that day and we were so glad to find that this city is actually blooming too!

There were multiple structures being constructed but still, it has a taste of being rural. It was only in Marbel City that buildings and malls are available, outside of it, the location still looks very plain and rural.

KCC Mall is just like any other shopping mall in the country. They got fast food restaurants but we opted to eat at their food court where there were many soup options and the food is just ready to be ordered and served.

Check in at Greenstate Suites

At three, we got our room ready at Greenstate Suites. Affordable and good for the family. For just Php 1760, we got a combo room good for eight persons. Each room can accommodate four guests and the rooms had been separated by a door which can then be used to join the two rooms together if your a big family just like us.

WIFI connection was good and the staffs were all accommodating and polite.

Dinner at Sister in Law's Place

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

The entire family was treated with a dinner hosted by sister in law's family in Koronadal City. There was local rice served, it was sticky like that of the Japanese rice, there was also local corn which was also sticky when cooked. Chicken Adobo ala Koronadal City as for how we refer their own served dish.

After all of us were filled and full, the rain started pouring heavily, it was as if there was a typhoon in the city. We got desserts too while waiting for the rain to stop.

It was an hour of waiting and realized that the rain got no plans of stopping that we decided to brave out and fight the rain to get to our hotel. We arrived safe and sound.

Our night ended early, we got to get ready for our second day in Mindanao, the next day, we were on our way to Lake Sebu! That ends our first day trip in Mindanao, Philippines!

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This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com. 

Join me, click here to sign up and claim your $1.

Let's talk about cryptocurries: altcoinstalks

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