Video credits: Kombi Life via YouTube

It's crazy knowing someone living such a way that his life doesn't depend on a lot of things. Today, I was introduced to Kraig Adams and I thought he is the perfect subject for a blog feature especially that it's been a while since I had shared someone else's life on writing. Who was the last one? I can't figure it out until I do my own scrolling on my blog list which I have no intention of doing as of the moment.

But just the thought of being a minimalist sounds a little scary but exciting at the same time, at least for me. I have reckoned I won't be able to live as such because I am overly attached to a lot of my stuff at home, talking about my journaling books, my pencils, pen collection and a bunch of books which I still have not read, plus I am overly excited about changing mattresses every now and then. But it is good to find someone who has not many but is completely okay and content with his lifestyle. By the way, this blog is about Kraig Adam's life as a Travel videographer and Youtuber.

Image credits: thewikihow

Introducing Kraig Adams

According to his social media page, Kraig Adams is a nomad filmmaker, photographer, podcaster and minimalist. He is currently based in New York City and he was part of the team founding the online community Wedding Film School.

Twenty-seven years old as of this writing and he has a passion for minimalism. As per Kraig himself, minimalism is eliminating distractions to focus on what's truly important.

Image credits: iso1200

He started embracing minimalism for more than a year now and he had been successful so far with that, he gave away a lot of things on his shelf, sold some and while others worried about his situation after, he felt it was the best thing until he moved in with his girlfriend which is a different story now. He is still a minimalist but his house has obviously more stuff now compared before.

Although his minimalism strategies have declined at home, he still continued to be a minimalist while on the road. Because of his job as a travel videographer, he is always en route to somewhere. He had labeled himself as a nomad minimalist filmmaker, the description follows below.

What Does Nomad Means?

Image credits: hobowithalaptop

My ever reliable friend Mr. Wikipedia said a nomad is someone or people without fixed habitation. This means such is a member of a community of people who regularly move to and from the same areas, including nomadic hunter-gatherers, pastoral nomads (owning livestock), and tinker or trader nomads. - wikipedia

I have a couple of friends who label themselves as nomad too. Most of them are freelancers who love traveling too where they go to different places, stay for a couple of weeks and then move to another interesting spot or province. Some may stay in the country while others prefer going to another country.

Image credits: medium

It feels good to see their feeds, experiencing a different culture and season and I thought it would be also a good thing to be in that kind of situation perhaps. But I am not sure if I will fit into that category. I always miss home and miss my own privacy too plus its quite a pain bringing with me my backpack most of the time.

What is Minimalism?

"Minimalism is eliminating distractions to focus on what's truly important."
- Kraig Adams

Video credits: Kraig Adams via YouTube

His personal description of minimalism sounds really great! Distractions are a pain for those who want to do a lot of things but has limited time. Of course, distractions come in different form and they differ depending on a person. Some may be able to work in the midst of a chaotic, messy and noisy place while others just can't move on with anything when they see something distracting.

Another explanation he gave on one of his YouTube videos was this line:

"Minimalism is not just about owning less stuff, its more about re-evaluating what you value. Developing a good filter."

What's Inside Kraig Adams' Nomadic and Minimalist Backpack?

I never thought everything that one needs can fit in in a backpack. Nonetheless, Kraig Adams showed and proved that he can survive with such little things.

Image credits: cinematographydb

However, note that although he has only a few things, at least to what most adults do, these are his most needed possession. Minimalism had indeed grown into his veins that he had live to this lifestyle for quite a while now.

To set the record, Kraig Adams travel a lot. Like literally a lot, as he has travel projects and clients, he is normally on the road. Also, he is a travel vlogger and Youtuber at the same time so it is given that he owns what most travel vloggers own as well.

45 Liter Backpack

Image credits: up-climbing

First, his backpack is a 45 Liter type which has an outer sleeve which can easily be made open to give way to his one smaller camelback water backpack. The backpack was intended that way because it can fit a lot of things and can also just fit on an overhead storage in an airplane! Say goodbye to check-in bags or items!

Toilet and Bath Needs

Image credits: snarkynomad

He is very lucky he's a man, if he's a she then it would be a different story. Being a man has its own benefits, one of that is the fact that they keep a very little number of items for toiletries. With his clear containers, he can keep everything visible, his toothbrush which is foldable, his razor, soaps, and other stuff are kept organized in those clear containers.

Aside from that, he has an ultra-portable microfiber towel for drying off. This towel dries pretty fast and it includes a nice little bag.

Bottom to Top Wears

Image credits: grailed

For his footwear, he carries an ultra-lightweight travel sandal for warm weather walks and for keeping feet clean and protected while taking showers in hostels, it folds up extremely small and compact. Then he usually has a single shoe too for walking, hiking and running. He got three socks too, thin ones.

Kraig Adams only got one pair of Do-In-Anything "DIA" shorts, three compression shorts which he uses as underwears, a pair of blue jeans with a belt and a single running shorts. For shirts, he has three pairs of Uniqlo AIRism black crewneck short-sleeve t-shirts. A black cap, a black hoodie for cold weathers, and one raincoat in case it rains.

Camera Essentials

Image credits: photorec.tv

As a filmmaker and YouTuber, the most essential thing for him is his camera gears. Being a traveler, it is hard to bring a lot of stuff while on the go so he had brought with him his favorite ones.

A Sony A7III camera for shooting photos and videos. It has great 4K image quality, battery life, full frame 120fps slow motion, fast AF for vlogging and low light sensitivity. It comes with a 16-35 Sony lens with 2.8 aperture.

Rode microphone for great audio especially when recording podcasts. A Joby rig and an ultralightweight tripod for shooting, a drone which is a Mavic 2 PRO with a Hasselblad lens and extra battery help a lot when traveling. Extra batteries, extra SD cards, and travel adapters too. Plus, a 2016 MacBook Pro with a mouse and thunderbolt and of course headphones.

Other Items

Additionally, he also keeps a sleep sheet which he uses to get protected from dirty hostel sheets, it includes a nice little carrying bag too!

TSA lock for locking his stuff when in a hotel, can opener, a single gel pen, and a small paper pad. The pair of sunglasses is also there to keep his eyes protected from the sun on a sunny day while running.

Image credits: nofilmschool

All of this stuff fit into his 45-liter backpack which is pretty cool! He usually washes his shirts and undies over a sink and they are pretty thin and dries quickly.

Being a nomad and a minimalist is surely challenging but as what Kraig Adams said, it is all about being intentional and filtering out those that won't help you with your productivity.

I am not sure if I can survive the same lifestyle but it is doable! Anyone who wants to live the same way, I salute you all. It might be fun to be that person, someone, too!

What do you think of minimalism and being nomadic?

Share your thoughts below!

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Join the Querlo chat below about vlogging:

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Thanks for reading!

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

One of my dream items at home was a Fujifilm Instax, you might ask why and my answer is why not? Kidding aside, I had longed for it ever since I was small. I remember back when I was still young, my cousin's friend gave her a Polaroid photo. I got super interested in it and was more curious that the photos come out right after taking the photo and its like magic, revealing the photo right there and then!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

For a young girl, it was the coolest thing and I since then, I dreamed of having one. Now that I am in my midlife, I am a little sad I didn't have the chance to get a hand on one. I never had taken a photo with it or at least touch one.

Anyway, there's actually a reason behind why I didn't get to buy one although I can surely afford to get one if I wanted to. It all boils down to practicality. But after numerous printers, and getting disappointed with not getting the proper photo print results with those, we finally got ourselves a photo printer, a portable one and it's from Canon!

Introducing Canon SELPHY CP1300 Portable Photo Printer!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

I love journals and if you have been following my blogs, I blogged about it several times.

Read related blogs: 

Level up Your Journaling Skills

Why You Should Keep a Journal

One of the limitations I had encountered creating journal pages is the adding photos part. I badly want a polaroid photo on one of my journal pages but it felt like its an overkill because first, it has thick photo paper because of its instant magic photo-development property and second, it has thick bordering, this will cause my journals to have those page spaces due to the thick photos.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

Then looking at the market, there are more options which can provide us with efficient and more practical uses as a printer which of course almost has the same price or maybe just a little bit higher. Which is why I had really never bought an Instax until now.

So, without further ado, allow me to introduce our new Canon SELPHY CP1300 Portable Photo Printer! It's quite a long name but that's how Canon named it.

Canon SELPHY CP1300 is a portable photo printer which is WIFI enabled which allows mobile phone and any other WIFI devices to connect to it and printing become as easy as a piece of cake! It a display and buttons in it which allows the users to easily navigate on its menus and options.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

Although bigger in size compared to other portable printers, it was still the best option for us as it has bigger image options and of course I can surely edit the photos, add multiple images on one layout, print and cut them for my journal! Plus, James can also use it to print our travel photos, stick them on the wall, adore them all we want and perhaps send them as postcards too to some friends!

Unboxing Canon SELPHY

Video credits: Jean Beltran via YouTube

It was planned but not demanded, both James and I knew we need a photo printer but we also knew it was not an urgent need. And so we had just swept the idea under the rug until one day, we saw a post of a brand new Canon SELPHY CP1300, the latest one, not even used and was sold at Php 6,000. It's original price, however, is at Php 8995 so we both believe it was indeed the perfect time to get one, we are both suckers of anything that we can get discount but of course with the best item.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

So last Friday, James came home with the Canon SELPHY CP1300 after the meetup with the seller who received it as a gift but didn't really think of using it, he's also based in Cebu so the transaction was pretty smooth.

What the box came with?

- SELPHY Printer
- Compact Power Adapter
- Power Cord
- Paper Cassette

Ink and paper are sold separately which I was surprised but nevertheless okay with it, I can't do anything about it though than just buy a set.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

Looking into the white printer, I followed the instructions with how to set it up, unfortunately, we have to wait for the paper and ink to really try it and print a sample one.

Canon SELPHY CP1300 Test Print

The box didn't come with any paper or ink so it has to be bought separately. A set of 108 photo papers and ink costs Php 1500, we bought it at the Canon store in SM Cebu.

Today, we did a test print and this was how it works:

Video credits: Jean Beltran via YouTube

The first step was to load the ink cassette. The printer has a compartment cover, the cassette gets into the compartment one way only to ensure that it won't be inserted incorrectly. Then close the cover.

Next was loading the paper cassette. It only gets into the printer one way so there were no issues with attaching it. Then the paper comes next. It can only accommodate a maximum number of 18 photo papers, it loaded with more than that, it will damage the printer or cause malfunction.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

Third, turn on the printer. There are two options, either you use power cord or buy a separate battery so one can use it on the go. Upon turning on, a Canon logo will welcome each user and the option gets displayed. Navigation isn't an issue with its easy to touch buttons.

For the test, I used the WIFI capabilities of the printer while it works with SD cards too. It needs an application for it to communicate with the phone so I had to install the Canon Print application which is a free one. Once connected, it will show the options such as print a photo which was what I needed. I selected two photos and printed them.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

Printing process took around four rounds, first was yellow, then red and the dark tones, then lastly the protective silk which will help the photo become waterproof.

The image quality looks good, although I feel like it differs a bit in the color it still looks stunning. I am quite excited to print more photos especially those that I will be adding to my journal.

My Overall First Impressions

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

It was cute and very nice, in my mind, I have a lot of plans on what to do and how to work with it but for now, I am just going to chill and edit more photos for it.

The only thing that I dislike though is the fact that it was actually doesn't have a touchscreen. I don't know why I had that impression but it turned out to be not a touchscreen at all. Anyway, I am still okay with it.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders Society Facebook

With a compact photo printer like this, I am totally encouraged to get back to my journaling habit. Our next trip will still be in Mindanao, we are going to Bukidnon and Cagayan De Oro so it would be a nice start to printing those travel shots!

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Join the Querlo chat below about photography:

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Thanks for reading!

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

After almost a month of waiting, my orders finally arrived! Would you like to know what are these items? Here's a similar item to it:

Video credits: Melanie Czoka Simmons - A Prego Helping Pregos via YouTube

I was a fool of me to think that these will arrive in less than a week, I ordered it via Shopee.ph. My first few washable pads were purchased just in Cebu City from a local dealer and I found it very expensive thus, I looked for a seller on that eCommerce mobile app which offers the best price with the best review, you got to read the reviews, check the photos to ensure your money won't go to waste when purchasing from online shops!

Image credits: noteasytobegreen

Two months now, I had made a switch to use washable pads instead of the disposable type and it was one of the most liberating decisions that I have made in my life. There are many reasons behind that and I will deal with those in this blog together with the comparison to why I love these washable pads now and its PROs and CONs. It's quite a little embarrassing to talk about this but I got to share it because it will certainly help you ladies out there and the entire Mother Earth.

Read this related blog: Simple Ways to Minimize The Use of Plastics

In that blog I posted two months ago as well, I have shared my own simple ways of minimizing the use of plastics. I admit, it is quite very challenging but I am doing it one step at a time. I have missed a lot of times especially when it comes to plastic bags, I always tell myself to pursue and make it a habit to really refuse and minimize these items.

Why I Switched to Washable Pads?

Image credits: womenpla

Imagine, I was still ten years old at that time when I started bleeding and started using disposable pads because it was what my mother had advised me to do. I am 30 years old when I stopped using those disposable ones. It's a good two decades of usage. If I would compute the number of pads I had used from day one up to two months ago, it would be approximate of five thousand pads, but wait, that's only for when I am having my monthly visitor, the rest of the month, I use panty liners. So, at least 20 days a month, I use around two panty liners every day.

The Shocking Dangers of Disposable Pads

Image credits: thedailynewnation

I never really thought that it is very dangerous but imagine every single lady like me uses a relatively the same number of these disposables, no wonder why our landfills are full now that these certain disposed ones have gone to the comfort of our oceans, to our beaches and worse, our animals.

Seeing sea creatures suffering because of our own doing was not a fun thing to watch. Animals who had died because of eating plastics. Plastics and disposables which were thrown by humans. So, I had made a choice to stop my contribution most especially in terms of my sanitary pads. I made a commitment and I am super happy I did.

Image credits: aol.co.uk

That was the first reason, the second one was that disposable napkins are actually dangerous to our health. According to anigan.com:

Our pads are made of plastic materials. Some chemicals that are made to plastic like BPA and BPS can complicate embryonic development. The plasticizers can actually lead to organ damage and even cancer!

There are more other elements in it that would cause health issues, artificial fragrances, adhesives, and chemical gels. One or more of them as well can cause infertility because of the accommodated negative effects which definitely scares me and so I personally made a commitment to work on this.

Image credits: down2earthmaterials.ie

It is indeed true that once we know the truth, it will set us free. So when I learned the truth behind these elements, it was time to do something about it.

The PROs of Using Washable Pads

Based on my own research and my personal experience, I have listed below the reason for the advantages of using the washable pads and liners.

Image credits: ecokarma

Using Washable Pads Don't Have Any Side Effects on Our Bodies

Although it was my mother who had recommended that I use disposable pads when I started having monthly periods, it was also her who told me the story of how she uses cloths together with her sister when they were still young.

That story made me think of how the industry had indeed brainwashed our community. It has rooted deep that we are now trapped with it. Using cloths doesn't have any bad effects on our own bodies. Moreover, we have the discretion to make it even clean as to how we clean our clothes.

Image credits: thriftyniftymommy

Altogether, from the two months of usage, I have realized that it has a psychological effect when I am using my washable pads rather than the disposables. It makes me feel like I am taking care more of my body and my habitat.

Using Washable Pads Are Safe to the Environment

Very importantly, our Earth has to be saved most especially in this age where the effects of plastics and our rubbage has significantly returned to us. But this damage is just too much that we need to be serious with our efforts.

Image credits: blog.gladrags

For women out there, we must cut our own contribution to this and start minimizing or better yet eliminating our environmental impact.

Using Washable Pads Saves Money

What's the very great thing about using washable pads is the fact that you can save a lot of money. It is true that these pads may cause a bit when still starting because you'll have to buy several of them but over time, you'll surely save up.

Image credits: maxworth

The cost of a monthly sanitary pad usage for me would be around Php 50 for a single pack of 4-night pads, Php 60 for the day pads and Php 30 for a pack of liners. This accumulated for a year would cost me Php 1,680.

Compared to my washable pads which cost me Php 1,220 for 12 Bamboo charcoal regular Flow Cloth Menstrual pads and 12 Bamboo charcoal regular Flow Cloth Menstrual panty liners. This will be my pads for the next years. Imagine my own savings?

The CONs of Using Washable Pads

Image credits: hannahpad.com.au

There are only two consequences that I think when I started using the washables, first is the truth that I will have to wash my pads which will cost me time. However, this is not too much of a work because once a system is created for washing, it becomes more efficient and easier to wash them.

The technique here is to use a soaking container to keep the pads, drain them every day while using a mild detergent and not using any bleaching.

Second is that there were times when I feel the plastic snap fastener. I say sometimes because there are times when I don't feel it, perhaps it is the wide size of the underwear too.

Video credits: Rachel Mirren via YouTube

Surprisingly, I have never had any leaks when using the cotton washable pads than when I had the disposables. I think it is because the new pads are very flexible. So far, I never regret switching. I am very happy with the washables and I am sticking to this for the rest of my life unless if I go to using the menstrual cups which I have no plans yet but there are reviews that state they are better than the reusable pads.

I am urging you guys to also try ditching out the disposables and give yourself a favor as well as our nature. It is time to do our part too,

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Join the Querlo chat below about plastics:

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

Thanks for reading!

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

Today's blog is just a thought which I badly want to get into typing or writing, whatever it is called. I have been thinking about this for years, and I thought it is just right to post this today, the night before one of my friends say "I do".

Video credits: The School of Life via YouTube

Have you considered getting married? Yeah, no? What were you thinking when you decided to say yes to a proposal? Or better yet, what was going on your mind when you asked for that girl's hand and dropped the scariest yet also the most exciting question?

Well, perhaps a majority of the ladies out there would love to walk down the aisle, get themselves in a short movie focused with their pre-nuptial clips as well as that during the ceremony, that getting dressed and having their makeups on is such an achievement. Getting married is definitely a celebration worth reminiscing but to some, it could also be just a certificate for bondage.

Let's deal with how getting married these days is becoming a pain, both in the head, in the heart and in the pockets.

When We Were Younger...

Image credits: George C. Busico

At the time of this writing, my former colleague, a good friend will bid goodbye to singlehood. Its quite funny that out of the three of us, (three colleagues who had longtime relationships) James and I were the first to get married, Dhory and Carlo will tie the knot tomorrow while the longest of the three of us, Don and Tanya don't have plans yet so far.

As a background, I just want to share that the three of us, Dhory, Tanya and I were so close to our previous company, we belong to the same escalation team, we almost like the same things, travel, photography and fun while we also have different ideas and standing on certain things but we gel well. In fact, we always travel together to different parts of Cebu on our motorbikes together with our "then" boyfriends, take lots of pictures, we cook at our apartment, watch movies, talk about everything and we definitely felt like sisters.

Image credits: George C. Busico

But of course, all things in life has to come to an end, our friendship didn't end however, our time together had somehow drifted when we went on with each of our lives. I went to Dubai, Dhory went to Japan and Tanya went to Singapore. Although we were miles apart, we still did the same thing - went abroad, worked as overseas Filipino workers and this one is funny, left our boyfriends and had long distance relationships.

Getting Married...

Image credits: George C. Busico

Dhory, my friend, for sure is very excited, or perhaps excited is an understatement for that, what she feels could not be put into words and the same should be the case for Carlo. See, these two had been through a lot, they were like us, college-mates (Tanya and Don were too!) who became lovers. Just like other love stories, they had ups and downs. Perhaps the worst was breaking up twice or thrice? The last break up was a breather for the two of them. While it was Dhory who said quits, Carlo showed his ever-relentless love and finally, they were back to each others' arms.

Now, I bet Carlo is just ecstatic and won't be able to sleep well because of emotions, I wouldn't be surprised if he'd cry a river tomorrow. I love seeing tears and drama during weddings, who would not? It's great to see individuals uniting, committing to each other, promising eternal love and forever-ness if that's even a word.

Image credits: George C. Busico

"In a world full of "no forever", two individuals would prove the world otherwise."

But getting married is not an easy thing, even so not a cheap one to occur, it has its own price tag. It is true that this happens once in a lifetime, maybe some happen more than once but a majority of Filipinos do that only one time and most families, especially in this country, believe that it is worth all the spendings, after all, its a life's milestone.

Cost of Getting Married...

Image credits: George C. Busico

I always hear couples getting into huge debt due to weddings. I read articles of parents who were unable to pay their dues, of married individuals who had to sacrifice a lot just so they can push the marriage, the ceremony and the fun reception afterward. Getting married is definitely wonderful but also costly.

First of all, getting married is not just a contract that one can use so to be legally correct with their romantic experience, it is actually sacred, a covenant filled with a commitment that no matter what, you'll choose to be with him or her for better or for worse. So it is indeed best to be fully committed before saying that "I do's" and tossing that money out for the ceremony.

Here are the things to consider and the estimated cost of getting married:

Wedding Planner or DIY?

Image credits: George C. Busico

Believe it or not, planning a wedding is a daunting task, there are things to consider, lots of people to get in contact with, you'll probably spend numerous weeks or months to get everything done. So it is something to consider, DIY which will save the two of you money or get a wedding planner which will cost some and there's also a risk included in it like getting scammed or anything similar.

Ceremony Venue or Location

Whether you want your wedding in a church or on a beach or garden, there are fees for it. Perhaps you'll be lucky or say blessed if you get free use of the church for the ceremony but certainly not free for a garden or beach resort unless you are the owner.

Wedding Dresses, Makeup, and Hair

Image credits: George C. Busico

Its another consideration to take, should you buy a brand new wedding dress? Maybe rent a whole set? Or reuse your mom's.

Are you going to do your own makeup and hair? Certainly not! The bride wants her hand to be relaxed and beautiful on her day so the looks and style have to be outsourced, this also comes with another set of price, think wise!

Wedding Invitations

It may be a simple paperwork but this doesn't mean it won't cost you. Design, edit, and print cost hundreds of bucks nowadays. But going digital is also a thing nowadays, consider it thoroughly.

Food, Cake, Caterers, Menu and Bar

Image credits: George C. Busico

Do not forget the reception after the ceremony, one thing to really do weigh out is the number of people attending the wedding. There's a very bad Filipino habit of gatecrashing which is very inappropriate but is also very real so be ready with the surprise.

Florists, Entertainment and Staffing

The small details still cost, the DJ who'd be playing songs during the reception, the singers during the ceremony, the bands. Not to also forget the decoration both during and after the ceremony, the flowers.

You'd get someone to also arrange your entourage during the wedding proper. I know this is such a confusion during on set.

Transport

Image credits: George C. Busico

Bridal car, or should you consider going unique and cool by riding a motorcycle on the way to the location? You don't want your bride's hair and makeup messed up before even reaching the altar.

Photo and Video

In this modern social media age, documentation is one of the "needs" of every celebration. Of course, you are getting married in a church or a beautiful garden, it is indeed a waste if no one's going to document that most special day of your lives so better yet, hire the best in town.

The best means also paying off more than Php 20,000 for the entire prenuptial and weddingceremony package. Possibly, that price is just the minimum, I am not quite sure how much is a grand package cost nowadays.

Video credits: WhatsUp Pinoy via YouTube

Consider A Simple, Solemn Civil Wedding?

I have thought of it again and again, should I go through the hassle just so I can be with the person I love the most? The two to five hours of ceremony and reception, will it matter after that wedding day?

Tying the know comes with a label, a price tag, consider it wisely. Don't let your emotions take over your decision-making while also still respecting that sacred covenant. There are options for the grand expenditures.

Image credits: George C. Busico

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against grand weddings, I am just saying that if you can afford without breaking a bank, then go for it but if you will dive into a loan just to pursue it, making yourself poor because of this one-day event, think again. What happens after the wedding and the days to come is much more important.

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Thanks 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: Andrew Pacumio via YouTube

Dhory marches her way into the aisle of Sacred Heart Parish in Cebu City while Carlo awaits at the end of the aisle, a little teary, his parents on his side and his best man who smiled at the sight of the bride.

Her face covered by her white veil, she held her pink colored flower bouquet as the bridal march music kept playing. The inspectors keep their curved smiles, the sight of happiness to see the bride passing by each of them towards her parents. The photographers were all in full clicks as they capture this bride moment.

Image credits: StillsandMotion.blog

All this happening in slow motion. I am fully inspired to write about weddings when I was witnessing the event. I could feel the emotions emerging and as the ceremony goes on, I felt it is a good blog to talk about: The Christian Wedding Traditions and Customs.

Weddings in the Philippines

The Philippines is dubbed as the only Christian country in Asia. Ninety percent are Christians but there are several sectors of the Christian community. However, when we talk about weddings, most Christian sectors do have similar ceremonial traditions and customs.

Image credits: StillsandMotion.blog

Although there had been several modifications or shall we say variations because of the influence of different culture, the basic elements of a Filipino wedding are still alive.

Why is that so? This is because, in a Christian wedding, Christ is the main center. The wedding ceremony reflects the way the couple commits to a how a family is designed by Christ. Every part of the ceremony has meaning and interpretation. Let's look into these things.

The Christian Wedding Traditions and Customs

Parental Proposal

Image credits: benannaweddingblog

But way before the wedding, traditions already come into play. Marriage proposals as what we call as "Pamanhikan" or the parental proposal where the man and his family comes to the bride's home bringing food and asks for the woman's family's consent on the matter.

Once the parents and the entire family approves, they can then talk about everything about the wedding, finances, roles, date, and others. On the wedding day, these are the traditions and customs.

Bride's Wedding Dress

Image credits: StillsandMotion.blog

White is a sign of purity. It has been designed that the bride is pure before the wedding. The veil is there as a sign that the bride is modest, this also claims to keep the bride safe from the evil elements.

It is a belief in the country that if a bride fits her wedding dress before the wedding, there's a huge possibility that the wedding will not pursue. So most brides would just wear it on the wedding day.

Separation Before Union

Image credits: StillsandMotion.blog

It is a custom for both the soon bride and groom to be are separated before the wedding day. It means enjoying their time being single together with their family.

This continues up to the church where the groom arrives an hour before the ceremony basically to welcome guests and entertain their families who start arriving at the church. Usually, the groom stands just at the church door as he greets the guests. But there's a greater meaning about this, the groom arrives early and awaits the bride as a sign of how Christ has been our covenant initiator.

As the ceremony starts, the bride gets out of the car and takes her time for the bridal march. This will be the only time that the groom sees the bride once again.

Sponsors

There's a belief that the couple needs guidance and support in their new venture so the sponsors are there to assist them in their relationship, pray for them and provide them Christian-based advises and support them may it be in counseling or even to the point of the finances.

Individuals who are selected as their sponsors become a huge part of their lives, they don't just appear to be witnesses during the event but they are considered as their godparents too.

Ritual Objects

Image credits: StillsandMotion.blog

During the Filipino wedding ceremony, there are certain ritual objects which has important symbols as the couple starts their married lives.

Unity coins - Pieces of either gold or silver coins wrapped in a bag symbolize that the groom can support and look after his wife. More importantly, it is a sign of good luck.

Candles - Two candles stand beside the groom and the bride while a bigger candle is at the center. During the ceremony, these two smaller candles stay lit and the center candle will be lit up by both the groom and the bride.

This is a symbol of coming together for both parties, uniting themselves and giving their light to Christ who is the center of their marriage.

However, there's also another belief that if ever one of the candles go out during the ceremony, it can be understood that the individual dies before the other.

Video credits: Philippe Kahn via YouTube

Veil and Cord - The veil and cord have a huge part of the unifying of the two bodies. The bride and groom are now being tied together. The veil embodies that they are now one together in holy matrimony.

On the other hand, the cord which has a shape form of number 8 can be illustrated for infinity. That they are bound together for infinity, for forever. The cord loops are placed into each other to the everlasting fidelity of the couple, the Christian family has been designed that way by Christ, to become one until death do they part.

Image credits: blog.truephotography

Bible and Wedding Rings -Wedding Rings are their sign of love and faithfulness. When a person has a ring in his hand, it means he or she has already committed her life to someone, in short, he or she is already married, fully submitted and devoted to his or her partner.

The Bible as well is not just a symbol but a necessary item for the couple's marriage to be focused and guided by the love of Christ who had unified them.

After Wedding Ceremony Customs

Image credits: chiemgau-hochzeitstauben

There are four important events that should occur after the wedding ceremony at the church.

Releasing of Doves - Two white doves specifically are released by the couple as a sign of harmony and peace. These doves can be caught by any of the participants of the wedding and can be kept with them too.

Cake and Wine - The couple will then share their sweet and bitter experiences in life. The cake stands for the sweet ones while the wine for the bitter. It makes their wedding theory vows for better or for worse into action.

Image credits: StillsandMotion.blog

Money Dance - As help for the couple to get their marriage life started, they'll have the dance floor, a slow dance to give the guests, and their sponsors time to pin their monetary gifts into each couple. The pinned envelopes or even real money will be kept by the maid of honor.

Opening of Gifts - Tradition has it that the couple selects the biggest and the smallest gifts. They will be opening the gifts in front of everyone.

Image credits: StillsandMotion.blog

Final Note

There might be weird traditions listed here and some of you might feel like some are not necessary but that's how the Filipino traditional wedding usually happens. If you get invited to a Filipino wedding, expect any of the above list to happen one way or another.

Let me know your thoughts, also share your traditions and customs during weddings too!

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Thanks 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: Stills and Motion Cebu via YouTube

You read the title and would say this girl might be crazy eating flowers! But this is definitely true, let me tell you the story. Today's blog is a normal day diary-type entry which talks about how my Sunday went.

The previous blogs I had posted here talks more of what I had observed in my environment and the events that had happened so I thought I should also continue with that trend while I still can't find another blog topic to talk about.

Image credits: Bitlanders Society

Sunday Morning Church

We parked our motorcycle beside the delivery vehicle at Northdrive Mall along Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City. Looking at my phone, it told me we were ten minutes late for the service. Traffic was already building up early today although it was a Sunday so it somehow caused this, I am not giving out excuses, it was just the truth.

As soon as we got inside using the right wing hallway, we positioned ourselves at an empty line of seats, in the middle to be specific, and joined our hearts to the praise and worship service. This is definitely my favorite part of a service because I am always blessed with the worship but sometimes, the preaching part differs depending on the messenger.

After Service

I liked the message and it was almost eleven in the morning when the service ended. The Northdrive Mall has good geometric areas which James and I felt a good spot to take some sample shots, yes we brought our cameras with us because we have an event to attend to in the afternoon.

Let me show you some sample of the pictures James took:

Image credits: BitLanders Society

Lunch at The Buzz Cafe Robinsons Galleria

It didn't take a while for us to reach Robinsons Galleria, this is just ten minutes drive away from Northdrive Mall. This is my favorite mall because it doesn't have that many people compared to the rest of the malls in the city plus its parking area is super cozy.

As soon as we got inside the parking area, I could sense the temperature drop, as if they had allowed the air conditioning system to also get to the parking area.

Image credits: BitLanders Society

At the mall's center section was an active event for Table Tennis, I could see athletes, men, and women, young and adult ones, all competing for some tournament, I believe it was just a one-day event.

My stomach specifically was already demanding for food, I could literally hear it grumble, screaming for food so I had to stop watching the event and start looking for food. I couldn't think of any other satisfying restaurant to have lunch than The Buzz Cafe.

The Buzz Cafe

Image credits: BitLanders Society

Not just because The Buzz Cafeis owned by a Boholana but it got great food and a good ambiance too, not to mention that their service is also superb, with staffs who are accommodating and initiative. It is not a surprise that they had opened several other cafes and booths all around the Bohol island as well as in Cebu City.

Aside from that, they take pride in using their own production of organic ingredients for their food options. In fact, they also have their own farm in Bohol called Bohol Bee Farm and one of my favorite products from their farm is their Molave Honey.

Image credits: BitLanders Society

Going back to the restaurant, James and I passed by their ice cream booth, Moringa is my own favorite flavor before when I was still not very conscious of the food I take into my body. Now that I am very careful, I refuse eating ice cream or anything with too much sugar in it.

Image credits: BitLanders Society

Pushing through the heavy and wide glass door opened its way for us to get to the main restaurant. The short chairs at the entrance area with colorful seat covers as well the family tables were all occupied, a staff showed us our way to the second room which was adjacent to the main dining area. It only has one table occupied so we were fine with sitting at the first table on the left.

The chair was made of wood, looked like reclaimed one or designed to have that look, it bears a flower designed wood carving which was painted in yellow and green leaves. The seat has a weaved pattern, of local leaves which reminded me of our very own "banig" or local mat.

The Buzz Cafe Food / Meal Set Selections

Image credits: BitLanders Society

Before I could grab my camera out, the staff handed us a copy of their menu, thick, one-piece boards have the options printed in it. The third menu has their three meal seats worth Php 260 each which I believe is the best option because it has already all in it, a vegetable salad, protein like fish or chicken, a healthy looking Bohol Red Rice mixed with sweet steamed Cassave pieces and lastly a Citronella Juice.

Not to also mention that The Buzz Cafe provides a complimentary meal too! A sample Cab-cab and their organic Squash Bread with pesto and mango spread which are all yummy!

Image credits: BitLanders Society

I ordered sets B and C. This has a little variation like the pork viand which is included in Set B for James while I was alright with my flower salad, chicken, grilled fish, and juice.

Obviously, I had no complaints regarding the food on our plates. Because as usual, it exceeds my expectation. The Cassava slices were really sweet and it compliments the Red Rice. The fish and the chicken are all good too plus the best part was the flower salad. I was even encouraged to blog before eating because my tummies and eyes were all happy seeing the served food.

Image credits: BitLanders Society

It is pretty evident that both my husband and I love The Buzz Cafe. Truly, we recommend this restaurant. I love as well that all of the staffs here are from Bohol, the owner had pledged to provide livelihood to her fellowmen. The Buzz Cafe also supports the environment by not using any plastic straws or utensils.

Image credits: BitLanders Society

Planerds Event

But our main purpose of going to Robinsons Galleria was not really to dine at The Buzz Cafe, instead, we had planned on joining the Planerds Meetup where someone will speak about planners and how to correctly start jotting on one's planner.

Unfortunately, when we arrived at the spot, at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Robinsons Galleria, we couldn't locate the group or any individuals associated with the event. After waiting for a few minutes, we decided that we just go shopping and go home afterward.

Video credits: Annie Smith via YouTube

That ended my day outside the house. How about you? How was your Sunday?

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Thanks for reading! Don't forget to participate in the Querlo chat below which talks about restaurants:

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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: leadingarchitecture

Throughout my travels for the past years, I have never gone to a place in my country, the Philippines which don't use plastics in their daily lives. More often, I have seen mountains of these non-biodegradable materials being left to decay, or so I thought.

Plastics obviously live even after making use of it for a while. The problem with plastic is that the human race had been very accustomed to using it, it became part of our lives and now we are trapped to its usage and it seems there's no way out. While we can do the least of things like having a day where plastics are banned from being used or perhaps embracing the life without plastics or even so joining groups who are fighting against it.

However, the works such a small portion of the population in a community or a county can only do little for truly saving nature. We need a collaborative work, we need each other to do our corresponding job to minimize the use of plastic and perhaps lessening the plastic issue, at least.

In this blog, I would like to talk about Ecobricks, one of the solutions to plastic together with the reasons why each one of us has to start embracing it.

What are Ecobricks?

Image credits: wheninmanila

According to their site, ecobricks.org,

"An Ecobrick is a plastic bottle packed to a set density with used, clean and dry plastic to achieve a building block that can be used over and over again."

Video credits: Ecobrick via Youtube

If you had watched the video above, it summarizes how plastics had been polluting the Earth. It is true that plastics had been very useful to us, humans. It made our lifestyle easy and convenient, however, because plastics do not decompose or biodegrade, they stay on the Earth's surface for hundreds or thousands of years.

Each plastic burnt, thrown or dumped causes several negative impacts on nature and even to us, humans as it is the main contributor to pollution, diseases over trash and rubbish as well as animal and plants problems being one of the reasons of our health issues in this generation. There are research studies that show plastics being present in our water, in our food and which reaches us and thus causing hormonal imbalance, infections, and worse cancers.

How to Make Ecobricks?

Image credits: globalgiving

True enough, plastics are useful for our lives' convenience but because it was conceptualized with the absence of how to ending its life, it had now become the top problem.

Ecobricks is a simple solution that requires more and more hands in order for it to have a relevant impact on our environment. It needs you and me to do our own part.

It doesn't take a lot of brains to create ecobricks, but it has specific guidelines just to ensure that the ecobrick is within standard making sure that it will last long which can be reused again and again. Here below are the steps in creating one.

Step 1. Prepare the Ecobrickale Plastics

Image credits: angkaladkarin

While there are so many plastic types, for making ecobricks, the common and most advisable types are styrofoam, plastic bags, plastic packaging, straws, and cellophane.

Part of the preparation is to clean them. It is important that these plastic items are clean and dry because dirt in these plastics will cause contamination inside the brick and will eventually cause bloating and popping off the bottle.

Step 2. Get Your Bottle

Image credits: preview.ph

Obviously, ecobricks are created with the use of bottles. But it requires that the bottles should be of the same size, same brand and of which is very available in the community.

As you can see, creating ecobricks requires more than one people for it to become successful or at least to make certain green furniture. But it is also possible for one to make it on their own, it would just take time.

So, always consider what are the most common or highly available types of bottles within the community. Uniformity of the size and type is very essential.

Step 3. Pick a Stick

Image credits: anakbali

Ecobrick is a bottle packed and filled with dense plastics with the use of a packing stick. Usually and what's being recommended is to use bamboo sticks.

But any stick is actually okay as long as it is not pointed which might cause any scratch or worse erupt he bottle.

Step 4. Push and Pack Plastics

Image credits: deskgram

With plastics, bottles and a stick, one is ready to start pushing on the plastics into the bottle. There's a certain technique in doing this. It is a good habit to use light colored ones in the bottom because they are usually what's going to show when using the ecobricks.

Big pieces of plastics can be cut into smaller ones to make it easier to push them into the bottle. Making sure that the plastics are not pushing through the lid or overflowing otherwise, it may cause the bottle damage.

Video credits: Ecrobricks via YouTube

That's the most basic way of making an ecobrick.

Why We Should Start Embracing Ecobricks?

1. Because Everyone Can Make It

Image credits: radarkudus.jawapos

There are no special talents or capabilities in creating an ecobrick. It can be made by everyone too who has hands and a heart that feels for the environment.

More importantly, it doesn't require any types of machinery or special materials to create it.

2. Because We Can Contribute to Lessening Plastic Waste

Because of too many plastics around the world, it is important to make use of them to help nature and be a contributor of good cause.

With creating ecobricks comes also the heart to be a part of the bigger picture. It encourages each ecobrick maker to have the compassion for nature.

3. Because We Can Certainly Create Green Materials Out of It

image credits: angama

More importantly, the green materials which can be created out of these plastics are useful to several institutions and even to communities like schools, local government units and a lot more.

Ecobricks can be turned into garden raised beds, chairs, tables, walls, and even a whole new house! Isn't it amazing?

It doesn't take a lot of time to start becoming an ecobrick maker. It just needs preparation and dedication. I personally will start making my own ecobrick soon. I have decided to be a part of this cause and be use my hands for the benefit of the Earth and the living creatures below and above it.

Image credits: hiveminer

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Join the Querlo chat below about plastics:

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Thanks 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: Grandpa Kitchen via YouTube

What do you feel when seeing a button on a YouTubethat states skip ad? Who among us here would often click that Skip Ad button when watching videos? Most especially if we are a fan of that YouTube channel? I do.

But it is quite different when I am watching this certain YouTube channel. I will talk about him later on. Today's blog is another YouTuber feature and this or he will surely touch your hearts just like mine and will hopefully, you won't skip ads too when watching his YouTube videos.

Introducing Grandpa Kitchen

Image credits: Grandpa Kitchen's Facebook page

"Dadaji" is an Indian term for paternal grandfather. In YouTube, a channel is named Grandpa Kitchen and its story revolves around a certain Dadaji who refers to himself as the grandpa who cooks tons of food servings which he, later on, feeds to orphan kids.

Based in India, it is evident that there are kids who had never tried any lavish food like pizzas and pastries. Grandpa Kitchen would then be cooking these types of food from scratch and feed them to the orphans.

Image credits: imgur

Currently, the channel had reached three million subscribers from all over the world. There have been speculations as to its credibilities but the channel continues to show the goodness out of the heart of this 70-plus-year-old grandpa.

The Grandpa Kitchen Proceeds

Image credits: imgur

Reading on several comments and feedback on certain forums had me also thinking on why the videos are shoot in such a way. See, YouTubers gain lots of money from millions of views and with the number of subscribers Granpa Kitchen has, it is evident that he must have already gained thousands of dollars, or yet, the account holder is now already a millionaire in India.

Although there are discouraging comments, I have stayed with Grandpa Kitchen because I believe in the heart of those who had started this channel. According to their Facebook fan page, they are entertaining, educating people by cooking food and they donate the proceeds to charity. Their main goal is to provide basic necessities like food, clothing, school supplies and birthday gifts to the orphans.

Why I Watch Grandpa Kitchen?

Image credits: bookchocolate

I can't remember the exact day that I had subscribed to Grandpa Kitchen but I am pretty sure it was the end of 2017 when I found one of his videos in the suggested video section. I got pretty curious, it was about cooking Biryani. At that time, I was missing some biryani dishes because when I was in Dubai a few years back, it was that food that my friend and I would go to each time we receive our pay. It's like a celebration!

Upon watching Grandpa, I got really inspired by the effort he and his team does from cooking the meals from scratch up to the end of serving them to the orphan kids.

Video credits: Grandpa Kitchen via YouTube

But more importantly, the following are the main four reasons why I continue to watch Grandpa Kitchen with the sole YouTube channel that I just allow the ads to continue playing.

I Learn More About Indian Culture by Their Cooking Style

Image credits: cookmeal.today

The Indian and Filipino cooking style looks pretty similar in his videos. During "fiestas" or "kumbira" as for how we refer it in the Visayas region, this is the time where huge servings of food are cooked and prepared before guests from different places start arriving for either lunch or dinner.

Grandpa Kitchen also prepares and cook his recipes outside, in a scenic place where nature is at close. The filmmaker would usually feature those live animals around and the scenes in the environment where they are cooking.

Image credits: lightmomentswithjessie

What I really notice is that Indians definitely love spices and chilis. There was a certain recipe where Grandpa had added chili flakes, chili powder, and full chilis into his mixture. These were for kids and I already thought they might not be able to eat it well because it's too spicy but at the end of the video when these kids were already eating them, they didn't look like the food was spicy at all. If that was me, I might have asked for lots of water so I can swallow the food.

More importantly, watching the cooking show is also a learning process for cooking certain food. Baking is totally possible without the use of an oven or other electrical machines.

Watching the Cooking Process is Therapeutic

Image credits: cookmeal.today

I guess its just me, but when I am watching Grandpa Kitchen's cooking from scratch, like literally from the assembling of the fireplace to the cutting of the ingredients and preparing the cooking materials, he mans it together with the team of two or three men.

Grandpa doesn't use any special tools too or cooking electronics in cooking. It reminds me of my grandmother and grandfather who used to cook local Filipino foods before when they were still alive. So it is obvious how tedious the work is.

Image credits: dxshare.cf

And for that specific reasons, I find it very relaxing to see the actual and raw way of cooking. The video coverage as well is not extravagant that I can hear the sound of the environment and nature around. The sound of plates, knives and other materials during the cooking process for me is therapeutic.

Grandpa Kitchen's is Inspiring

Image credits: cookmeal.today

I always have a soft heart for the elderly not just because they remind me of my grandparents but because seeing them makes me also think of their experiences in life. Try talking to the elderly and you'll learn a lot about life and how it was living during their prime years.

Watching the lines on the grandpa's face, the hands which show hard labor and his smile at the start of the video, as well as his way of stating the ingredients, send an inspiring melody.

Grandpa usually starts the video by stating their mantra: "Caring, sharing, loving. This is my family". Then he smiles and chuckles after that part. Every now and then, he shows a happy face and laughs too while waiting for the food to be cooked.

Also, seeing the happy faces of these orphan kids is definitely satisfying and fulfilling at the same time. With this, I also become inspired by also sharing with the kids in my neighborhood. By December this year, I will also host something similar to Grandpa Kitchen's videos where James and I will cook food and give gives to the children during Christmas.

Every View Helps

Image credits: lightmomentswithjessie

And because Grandpa Kitchen is inspiring, it is the sole YouTube channel which I had allowed ads to continue playing until the end of the video. The channel's videos mostly contain an advertisement at the start of the video, in the middle part and the end, sometimes it has four video advertisements in between and I don't mind letting it play because I am pretty sure the views are important and I am helping in a way for Grandpa to continue his charitable works.

Currently, I guess the video which Grandpa Kitchen has the most views is the Chicken Pizza Cooking for 100 Kids Orphans because it now has 15M and counting views.

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Join the Querlo chat below about YouTube:

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Thanks 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: quick-code

Since I started bitLanders, I had been exposed as well to cryptocurrency. It was a dismay when the site stopped paying in BTC though and it is a rejoicing moment when they had announced that they'll be re-enabling BTC payment soon. With that, everyone has been anticipating the comeback. Everyone's asking when would that glorious day? Is it happening very soon? Or is it still a plan that has a tendency of being just a plan, unrealized and will just break our hopeful hearts.

Anyway, due to the fact that Bitcoin value has hiked over the past few years, this has exponentially made cryptocurrency a hit most especially to the millennials. Would you consider yourself a millennial? I do.

Image credits: cryptotimes

The millennials are the young adult generation of the 21st century. Through the use of computers, tablets, cell phones and all other types of numerous digital gadgets available to almost everyone, as well as the availability of the internet, investing money, time and efforts in cryptocurrency are becoming one of the tops if not the top choice of the Y generation.

Video credits: SciHow via YouTube

Speaking of cryptocurrency, let me share to you some of the few applications and websites which I had been spending time lately. There are three new ones which I had been using for just less than a week and so far, since I can manage using them, I had thought of sharing them to you as well just in case you want to earn more cryptocurrencies which have potentials in gaining value soon.

1. Pivot Application

My brother shared this application, the same brother who had referred bitLanders to me and the other social media apps which are powered by cryptocurrency. As it is from him, I immediately signed up not really fully understanding what the app is all about. I just trusted him.

Image credits: pivot_pvt

What is Pivot?

Statement from Pivot's site shows:

Pivot is a community from China for cryptocurrency investors. Its Chinese version is well operated. We provide cryptocurrency markets, prices, and charts in real time of more than 1400 cryptocurrencies and the freshest blockchain news.

In short, it is Reddit+Coindesk.

It looked very legit because of the investors backing up the said application. From Binance to Huobi and other huge names, this application is surely going miles in the future.

Image credits: pivot.one

But the best thing about it is that it pays the users in BTC too aside from receiving PVT or the Pivot's coins.

In order to earn BTC, a user has to complete specific daily tasks. It is a little similar to bitLanders because of the daily task and daily rewards in it. A blog shared can be read and the user has to claim the read power points. Every single time the user gets someone to sign up in the app under his or her referral link earns the referrer 10k power points and a certain percentage of the user's earning will also carry over to the referrer.

It looked pretty simple and straightforward. All those which are shared in different social media will automatically point to the person who had shared the reading link.

Image credits: Jean Beltranvia Facebook

Currently, after less than a week, I was already able to cash out, just a test one of 0.0009 BTC, there's a fee of 0.0002 so I will just receive 0.0007 BTC in my wallet but it is still two days since I processed that, I can't wait for it to arrive in my wallet.

2. Lit Application

Image credits: @globatos82

If you are a fan of Facebook and Instagram stories, this app is for you. Before, I had no interest in those stories until I came to know this application. Referred by my bitLanders friends, I came to download the app and found having fun with sharing my daily stories like photos and videos!

What is LIT?

Still, in its Beta version, Lit is introduced by Mithril, the cryptocurrency that each user receives in Lit.

Users could share their stories via Lit Stories, and be rewarded with Mithril tokens based on their stories impact and influence across the network.

Image credits: @mithriltoken

So far, it requires only 24 maximum photos which stay in the user's profile timeline for a few hours, I believe it stays for 24 hours too. Each user can share their life dynamics and then get the corresponding Mithril coins based on their community influence.

In my five days of usage, I had earned three point something Mithril and the current value of one Mithril is at $0.30 as per coinmarketcap.com.

Video credits: Chico Crypto via YouTube

The app doesn't have any referral links available so if you are using this application, please do follow me and let's connect at @junebride.

3. Weku

At first, when a friend introduced Weku to me, I was totally shocked because it literally looks like Steemit. You already know what Steemit is, it is backed by the Steem blockchain and has been doing well since the end part of last year until the first quarter of this year. Although its value has decreased significantly, their front line interfaces and apps are still on a roll.

Image credits: @wekuph

Then came Weku, I personally thought it was a parody version of Steemit. I asked if this is just a copycat and wasn't something very serious. However, upon knowing that there are Steemit friends and communities who are also active there, I signed up.

What's in Weku?

According to their main Weku site:

WeKu's mission is to create a new, fully decentralized generation of social open platforms based on blockchain technology and utilizing the InterPlanetary

Well if you are already in Steemit, it is pretty similar, I mean ultimately similar. From the interface to its editor up to the wallet, you'll easily get along.

Weku pays just like Steemit, with Weku tokens of which are tradeable and can be transferred anywhere at any time. And Weku Dollars (WKD), but these don't have any values yet as of the meantime. These can be earned by blogging, each upvote will accumulate the points and will come as rewards after a couple of days.

Image credits: @albertvhons

The reason why I am also there is that my friends are there. I have a good number of friends in bitLanders who are also Steemit users and Weku users too, I want to still be involved in the same network as they are.

Currently, their front end is only intended for blogging. If you consider posting your thoughts and events in life, you may check on Weku too!

With the rise of cryptocurrency, knowing the hundreds if not millions of cryptos popping out here and there, it is pretty possible that one will get confused about which one to really invest their time on.

Image credits: cryptohustle

I consider myself a newbie in the cryptocurrency world and I am just learning how this works too. It is just a bit of a good thing that I am earning a few dollars of these coin value while it is still in its low. Imagine when these coins reach their peak? Just like when we had BTC before, never in our wildest dream that it will reach such value.

So stuck up on your coins and let's just hope for the best!

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Join the Querlo chat below about the Blockchain and BTC:

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Thanks for reading!

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

Image edited in Canva credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Video credits: Long Doggers via YouTube

Today's generation has an addiction to electronics, digital stories, and even social media. There are hundreds if not thousands of social media platforms all over the web. You'll find them anywhere, on the web, in the mobile phones, in tablets and desktop applications. They send notifications, they allow connections and more.

It is evident that wherever we may be, socializing is a part of life. No man is an island as the cliche quote says and thus, that became the social media craze everyone who is on the internet is a part of. You and I, and all of those who are bending down into their phones, eyes wide opened and turned into that light-emitting screen.

Image edited in Canva credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Aside from the birth of these social media sites and platforms, comes the evolution of them all. Facebook was not that same when we started using it a decade ago. It had evolved into its different forms from timelines to friends suggestions and a lot more. Included on that is the birth of stories. Instagram and Facebook have it. Today's blog will all be about the beauty of these Social Media stories. Let's delve into what this is about and how to start using it.

Presenting Instagram and Facebook Stories!

Image credits: crowdfireapp

Except if you are in China, you must have known these two social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. Instagram being owned now by Facebook has been rolling out some features which are also available in the latter's application, this includes Stories.

According to bufferapp.com: 

Stories are short user-generated photo and video collections that can be viewed up to two times and disappear after 24 hours.

Video credits: Allison Schaper via YouTube

And while a lot of negative commentary about how they are able to make use of posting short media collections only for them to disappear after a day isn't very encouraging, there are still a lot of users all over the world who are into it. Most of them are those influencers and even the commoners.

More importantly, there's always a negative and a positive side of the coin. Just be sure to commit into the positive one.

Where to Find Stories?

Image credits: hedgehogsphere

On your mobile devices, these stories appear at the top of the application. They are in circular forms and will be updated every time a new story is posted. There's no limit to adding stories though which is cool but having too many bars that play around for some time may become a little boring unless you post really quality and interesting content.

Stories can be viewed twice as a maximum per user and will then disappear after a day. There are other inclusions now when posting stories such as adding filters just like how the original maker Snapchatdid it as well as adding links and surveys or questions where the viewers can participate.

Image credits: engadget

From being a text-based era, this current generation had become media-based and texts are used now to only support the media that is being presented like adding a little title or description to point viewers on what to do next.

How to Create Stories?

It is very easy to post one. If you are a long time Facebook or Instagram user, this comes very familiarly to you and you might also have been posting constantly.

Image credits: digitaltrends

For the benefit of those who had never tried it, here's how!

On either the Facebook's mobile application, swipe right to launch the built-in camera that has the options available such as filters as well which is far more options compared to Instagram, certain films had partnered with Facebook too to incorporate their movie into social media.

Image credits: imore

While on Instagram, tap the camera icon on the top left-hand side of the application. This includes the availability of posting simple texts, live, the normal video or photo, a boomerang which is also a cool feature, superzoom which is fun, focus, rewind which plays videos in reverse and finally hands-free. But also, one can add filters which sometimes are a little scary and fun at the same time.

How Stories Help Promote Business?

More than just for personal advantage, businesses are also getting into Instagram Stories. With the significantly hike in terms of usage and embraces for Stories, more and more businesses had delve into the said function, making their brands more known to the new generation and influence the other ones to also be involved into this new marketing strategy.

Why is Instagram Stories crucial in increasing market audience? There are certain reasons and I would like to talk about just three.

1. Take Advantage of the 24 Hours Duration

Image credits: blog.desygner

Because posts can only last for a day, posted videos or photo contents can be informal. While most marketing videos are very well thought of because these can be shared, can be viewed several times and can even be archived for the future, with Stories, it can't be except if you keep a copy of it in your archive section.

Going back to our first point, the 24-hour duration may be a short time, it can also be used to stimulate the audience, make experiments and take advantage of what your audience is looking into.

Businesses can post behind the scenes of a product made, the simple functionalities that are okay to be shared can be posted in a little preview. These small clips and photos will give a business brand a hint on what your audiences are really looking into your business.

2. Communicate With Your Audience

Image credits: androidcentral

Consumers, that's you and I are humans that want to be handled by business in a more personal way. There are several businesses out there that had somehow lost their customers because they just don't feel that they are being heard of.

With Stories, a brand can surely post little talks, some updates, hello's and certain greetings to their customers. Perhaps if there updates, adding links on Stories will provide more information to the consumers.

Activity and constant updates will ensure the audience that your business is always eager to provide the latest happenings about the product.

The Instagram Business Analytics will surely be helpful!

3. A Venture to Increase Viewers and Following

Image credits: mobilemarketingmagazine

With Instagram's new Stories feed algorithm, that is how the stories are being shown in a certain user's feed or when they are searching for tags or locations or even just keywords, even those who are not following your business on the said platform can actually view your postings.

All mix of fun promotional contents on your business stories will be a huge boost to your business model. In fact, all options to really promote your business should be used most especially that in this generation, people are now turning away from the old television, magazine type of promoting brands to the online and digital avenue.

Businesses must also keep up and get themselves involved in this era.

That's it! Had you tried using the Instagram or Facebook Stories? Let me know your personal experience!

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Thanks 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: theverge

I just read Micky-the-slanted-salerno's blog about bitLanders' Film Series to support women empowermentand since I saw Frozen in the list, I thought I should give it a shot. I had watched it a couple of times before because of my niece who was still three years old at that time and was a super fan of the movie. Not to mention of course that she had memorized the "Let It Go" song by Queen Snow, Elsa.

Without further ado, let me share my own thoughts about this movie and how I consider it as a Disney Princess Movie which doesn't really require a prince to fully reveal the moral of the story.

Frozen Movie

Video credits: Chris_buck via bitLanders

Disney's princess collection had been added not just one but two at the same time when the sister princesses Anna and Elsa were introduced to the world. In 2013, Walt Disney Pictures released an American 3D computer-animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. And the Disney world of princesses was never the same.

The story was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen". And thousands of blogs all over the internet had posted the storyline which goes like the following:

Image credits: adoptionlcsw

Elsa and Anna were best sisters when they were young until Elsa who possesses a special power of creating ice and snow, accidentally hit Anna while playing. Anna was brought to a group of trolls to heal her, she was healed but her memories of Anna's power were deleted, they were then separated, isolated from each other by their parents and eventually, a gap was created between the sisters.

Until Elsa's 21st birthday when she's about to be crowned Queen of Arendelle, the palace opened its gates to the entire world and that day was Anna's first ever time to see the outside world, she was excited and even pumped up with love when she met Prince Hans whom she fell in love with at first sight! Her eagerness to be with Prince Hans was what triggered Elsa to show her power but was accused of being a sorcerer. Because of her inability to control her power, she had placed the Kingdom of Arendelle to an eternal winter.

Image credits: scalar.usc.edu

Then Anna's adventure started when she went to rescue her sister who ran to the mountains and created her own ice castle. This was then that Anna met Olaf and Kristoff who joined her in this gigantic venture only to find Elsa freezing Anna's heart.

Kristoff brought Anna to the group of troll who advised only "an act of true love" can reverse the spell. With a broken heart, he then brought Anna to Prince Hans thinking he can reverse it because of love but the latter had instead locked up Anna to die.

Image credits: digitalspy

When Elsa learned from Prince Hans that Anna is dead because of her magic, she got depressed and had a meltdown. Prince Hans then tried to kill her but Anna was able to come to her rescue but also froze in hard rock ice. Elsa hugged her, cried out of desperation which was actually considered as "an act of true love". This returned her sister, Anna back to life and even the Kingdom of Arendelle back to its state.

Moral Lessons of the Movie

Image credits: usmagazine

What we all love about Disney animated movies are the moral stories behind each film. Frozen wasn't exempted of this and it has its own moral stories.

For this, I asked my niece's reaction and her personal take in what the moral lesson of the movie. Now that she's already ten years old, seven years after that hit if she can recall the movie which she still does, she mentioned about how to always love your sister or siblings no matter what the circumstances are just like how Anna had continued to seek after her only sister Elsa even if it will cause her pain and even death.

Image credits: fanpop

That's all she could share though. For me, it was also important to note that having friends with us who truly cares is what life is all about, to ask forgiveness and to make up for our mistakes is also a moral lesson.

Finally being real and true will possibly turn off other people around you but the ones who truly love you will stay. They are who matters at the end of the day.

Frozen Review

Image credits: europosters

In my own perspective, Frozen's focus was mainly on the kids, the teenagers most especially the girls. Although adults, grown-ups, and parents had their fair share of "aw" moments because of how the movie and its songs were just produced, it is very evident that it is just the same as the other Disney Princess movies but they aren't that very exemplary to be remembered as an iconic movie.

True enough, it has earned a lot of awards, I highly love the colors, the renditions, the animation, the songs, and musicality. It even won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song ("Let It Go").

Image credits: frozenthemusical

I applaud Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the song composers for such an amazing job with the lyrics and even the animators for giving the audience songs to remember even up to this point that even in Broadway, the Frozen hits continue to be played.

Image credits: lifehack

And because it has song melodies which are incredibly good, I felt like it was missing on the parts of how we remember character lines. Like how the old Disney movies were, let me point the Lion King as an example. Lines like:

"Hakuna Matata - Timon"

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” – Rafiki

"It’s the circle of life, and it moves us all through despair and hope, through faith and love." - Rafiki

Video credits: Walt Disney Animation Studios via YouTube

To be fair, I have my own share of a memorable line from Frozen too. The only thing that struck me though was:

"Some people are worth melting for." - Olaf

But overall, I enjoyed the movie's music, the songs, and the illustrations. The characters are also to love for most especially Anna. Yes, I am more of Anna than Elsa because Anna has her own way of being just plain happy and content, plus she has a tendency of falling in love so easily.

Image credits: uzerfriendly

How's your Frozen movie experience? Please do participate in this Querlo chats below:

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Thanks 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: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I barely had slept, it was eleven in the evening when I had set up my alarm to one thirty, our flight was at four in the morning and it will take us 30 minutes or more to reach the Mactan International Airport plus preparation, James and I had to be out of the house by at least 2:30 AM. My DIY itinerary states we should be in Cagayan De Oro City's Agora Bus Terminal so we can take the double-decker bus going to Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Thank goodness our preparation was smooth. Our Grab driver arrived on time, there was zero traffic so we had reached the airport before three! It was amazing, I guess that was the fastest trip I had towards the airport. As you can see, I am blogging now regarding our newly concluded Bukidnon Trip!

Arriving at Laguindingan Airport

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

I have a confession, I actually thought that Cagayan De Oro is a separate province and that it is like Cebuwhich has Cebu City as its capital city. Anyway, I was informed by my husband about it being a part of Misamis instead. I was in total shock upon realizing that though.

Back to the travel story, it was two minutes past five in the morning when we got out of the arrival area, a long display of bus liners and travel tour buses' stalls lined up facing the airport's arrival. As I read each name, I found what I was looking for, Super 5. I read they should be the fastest vehicle which can take us to the Agora Terminal. So I inquired and without asking anything, the lady and the driver pointed us towards their comfortable and spacious van. I personally told them we have to be in Agora before six because we need to take the double-decker bus of Pabama Bus Tours and of which they nodded, even securing that we'll reach there on time.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

At that time of assuring, it was still ten minutes after five, the driver went out, came back with a few passengers. Then he went out again until I realized it was already 5:30 AM! I thought we were heading already so I asked him and he confirmed he just needs one more passenger. I was a little disappointed and felt betrayed. He promised me we'll be in Agora before six and now its just twenty-five minutes before six and travel time takes 40 minutes at least. I turned to my husband who calmed me down with a soft tone to let it go. I felt really bad about him lying and fooling me, I wished I had looked for some other vehicles which might have been more honest.

Agora Terminal Commotion

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Fast forward, we reached Agora Bus Terminal at 6:30 AM. I knew already that the bus had left, I really want to experience riding that bus though.

There's an entrance fee of Php 3 per person. Upon entering the bus terminal, a personnel from Rural Bus Liner showed us towards their bus which he said was already about to go. I asked about the Pabama buses and it was as if he didn't know anything but when I went down, I found the Pabama buses at the opposite side. I inquired and found the double-decker bus was rented the entire day so there was no six-morning schedule that day. I was relieved by knowing that and decided we should instead take their 7 AM airconditioned bus which we didn't regret taking.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

To give you an overview, this was our first land trip which offers entertainment tablets for each passenger. James found a documentary movie about basketball players and he was already tuned in just a few minutes after sitting down. I, on the other hand, explored it and found it really cool that kids can even play games while traveling. The seats were nice and spacious, there are feet pedals and seats can be reclined.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

There's a crew inside who announces, offers a snack, assists passengers and even lead the prayer before leaving the terminal. I was definitely loving this bus line. However, I still want to be able to try the double-decker. I am aiming to take one on our next day trip back to Manolo, Fortich. The only issue is the schedule. Anyway, we can still try on the third day when we go back to Cagayan de Oro City.

Getting Lost on our Way to Mt. Kitanglad

Upon reaching Malaybalay City's public market where the bus stopped, I went looking for any motorcycle for hire or locally referred as "habal-habal" but one vendor recommends that we take a jeepney first to a location called Kisolon.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

For some reasons, I didn't check my itinerary and my own Google maps for that although the town has 4G connectivity, it was a mistake I regret. It took more than 20 minutes before the jeepney started its engine.

Another 20 minutes on the road and I was already wondering why we seem to be going back to the same route. I checked Google Maps and found out that we are indeed lost this time. I approached the driver, verified the address and he stopped the vehicle, advised that we have to go back to the public market and go from there.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

We hopped into another jeepney, now I asked the new driver and he had no clue where to drop us, thankfully a good Samaritan told the driver to drop us to Sumpong or the Midland. I was still unsure but we got out and indeed find "habal-habal" drivers taking visitors there.

That was the start of the bumpy ride to Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm.

Unbelievable 50-Minute Bumpy Ride

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

When a "habal-habal" driver says the road is not good and it will be challenging, you must believe it. Our motorcycle trip from the main highway of Sumpong towards Imbayao was totally an unexpected surprise.

It was concrete than soil and then concrete again for a time and afterward was all soil, rock, and stones with a combination of murky muddy and maroonish types of land. There were several times that my butt got separated from the motorcycle seat as we traverse the steep rocky road of Imbayao.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

But mind you, the scenery was superb. There were several banana plantations at the sides, there were multiple times that I was in awe of the wide plantation but I could site one favorite spot, that would be the end of the bumpy ride, it was such a relief to find the farm.

Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm

It was on social media that I found out a spot in Bukidnon which has DIY hobbit houses. It stuck on my mind and even after months of learning that, I had noted it and made sure that we will visit it on our DIY trip to Bukidnon.

Benjamin Mapute Jr.has a creative mind, we met him and even exchanged stories with him about his plans and his other projects. His humble presence made us feel really special and his way of taking care of his guests is outstanding.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The entire day, we spent taking photos of the location, we planned we should wait for the golden hour to shoot but it rained, thank goodness we already have taken a couple of shots before it poured.

When it poured, James and I were stuck inside our hobbit house, the highlight of this Bukidnon trip. The accommodation just opened this month and we were lucky and blessed to be the second renter.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Although not yet fully finished, I can definitely see the potential of this attraction. I know that there are also other travelers out there who would like to spend a day or two inside a hobbit house. I will post a separate blog for that instead.

That's it for now for our first day in Bukidnon! Thanks a lot for reading!

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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.

Video credits: Ben Maputi via YouTube

Last weekend, James and I went to Northern Mindanao specifically in Malaybalay, Bukidnon to check out the newly emerging travel bucket list, the hobbit houses located at Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm which is almost an hour away from the capital city of the province.

Today, let me share with you the beauty of Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm and why it is a great spot for those nature lovers as well as fans of the novel "The Lord of the Rings" by J. R. R. Tolkien.

What is Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm?

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Exactly located at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad, an inactive volcano and of which is the fourth highest mountain in the country, the farm is owned by a Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Maputi Sr, and has a mission to educate the community through Agri-Ecological technologies.

The farm has not been altered to fit a tourist spot, in fact, it has been constructed to keep the farm as is and be a medium for nature lovers and wild photographers. But what makes it extra interesting is the work of the hand of the owner's son, Ben who had constructed tree houses, Hobbiton and other Bali-inspired corners which I will talk later on.

Image credits: bitLanders society via Facebook

The farm had also earned with itself some awards. To name a few, Most Outstanding Farm "Family Category" in the Philippines (Gawad Saka 2006) Most Outstanding Farm in the City, Province and Region (Family Category) Champion in Provincial Tourism Destination "Agri-Eco Category" and a lot more.

Currently, the 22-hectare farm produces the following products, Philippines Endemic Tree Seedlings, Coffee Beans, Abaca Fiber, Essential Oil, Organically Grown High-Value Crops "Cabbage, Bell Pepper, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrots, Beans and farm animals also.

What to Find at Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm?

I admit that the main reason that we came to visit Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm was that of their hobbit house. But there's more to see than just these halfling dwellings because there are still more to find and enjoy at the farm.

1. Tree Houses

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Before the hobbit houses, there were already quarters built on trees and had become temporary residences for the farm's visitors and overnight stay guests.

Currently, there are three of them, one which is the highest of the three with a view deck connected by a wooden palette towards the next tree, this room is the most comfortable of all their accommodations.

Next is their lover's guava tree house. this is shorter but is definitely a sweet spot because it has a second-floor viewing deck which is facing the East, that's a perfect place to be with during the sunrise.

Lastly, their newest addition which is grander and sturdier than the first two. With nice wooden stairs and designed balusters. Unlike the other tree houses, this one here is bigger and can accommodate four guests! All have free breakfast!

2. Bali-Inspired Corners

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

You might have seen some spots in Bali which are very Instagrammable, meaning they are so cool and cute that when posted on Instagram, it will surely bring traffic over to your page?

Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm is never behind these trends because Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr. had also invested his time and efforts as well as resources in bringing these corners into their own farm.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Birds nest, cool native frames, magic carpet, and my favorite, their infinity swing! I had so much fun at these spots most especially the swing where I had watched the sunrise as I felt the cold morning breeze hitting my face with every swing.

Aside from that, there's a need addition of hanging bridge too! That spot is overlooking the wild forest, filled with birds and insects which are producing that really relaxing sound. A Canopy walk, Forest trail, and Bird watching are also present.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

3. Farm Animals, Plantation and Produce

More importantly being a farm, it has its own products which are either consumed within the farm or being sold outside. One of the very obvious ones was their essential oils. They extract it from Citronella plants, air dried and gone through certain processing, they are able to make tons of these products and sell to the market outside the farm vicinities. They also give citronella oils to the guests to keep the bugs away, effective actually!

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

There are also local Arabica coffee trees on the farm! These are being processed within as well. I have personally seen how a worker used the manual method of pounding and grinding the roasted beans! It smelled really good while I watched her do the process.

But what's really nice is that they brew their coffee every day for themselves as well as for the guests! Even walk-in guests and visitors can have a cup or more!

Farm animals like ducks, hogs, goats, and others are also present. The owners have their own Husky, Dalmatian and another breed which I forgot the name inside the farm too!

4. DIY Hobbit Houses

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Are you a "Lord of the Rings" fan or perhaps just a curious soul? The Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm has DIY hobbit houses which were created by Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr. himself.

We personally had spent hours engaging in talks about the history of how he began making these structures and he mentioned it was because of a friend's vision of having such in her own land that he was encouraged to make a prototype within his farm.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Because of his own resources, woods and soil, as well as other materials, are all available in the farm, he was able to build the first one which is now established together with some two more houses beside a pond.

Then he went on creating another set of four houses, one of which is already available to stay in. And a new one which is still under construction. He dreams of creating a village of hobbit houses where guests become good neighbors just like how a community works.

How to Reach Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm?

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The road to Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm is very bumpy and challenging. We were lucky it was dry and sunny when we went there. I heard a lot of stories from our "habal-habal" drivers of guests who were not able to go because of the steep and muddy path.

But as cliche, as it is, those hard paths are the most unforgettable experiences, which I agree.

From Cagayan De Oro, one can go to the Agora Bus Terminal ride a bus going to Malaybalay Bukidnon. There are many options and buses are available every hour. Travel time 2.5 to 3 hours and the fare is only Php 120.00 for an airconditioned bus. Try Pabama Bus Tours if you want to get entertained while traveling.

Video credits: RoShan via YouTube

Since the previous Casisang road was damaged because of the rains, it is highly recommended to use the Malaybalay City diversion road instead. One can stop at the Sumpong Shell Station, "habal-habal" drivers are available in this part. You'll pass by the newly constructed rehab center and there are signs going to the Hobbit House. You'll also pass by a beautiful road with tall colorful trees too.

The drivers charge Php 150 per way per head. You can request them to wait for you or pick you up the next day, ensure to take their mobile numbers.

There's 4G signal in the farm which was cool. Although there's zero while inside the hobbit house.

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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.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via YouTube

Hello, bitLanders! Today's blog is yet another continuation of a recent trip James and I had in Northern Mindanao. It's a fulfilling trip because aside from being able to explore this part of the country, I was also able to visit my relatives, maternal side.

But before I dive into those part, let me share with you the unique part of staying inside a hobbit house while in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Hobbit Houses in Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

To set the expectations properly, I ain't-a fan of the movie "Lord of the Rings" nor "The Hobbit" but because of the fact that there's no such place in the country that offers Hobbit House accommodations so far, at least in my own knowledge, I thought I should grab this opportunity, since we have plane tickets to Laguindingan Airport and that's a few hours travel to Bukidnon, why not go directly there, stay for a night and experience how to be inside a hobbit house?

And so, on the morning of October 5, James and I woke up very early, took an early flight and reached Malaybalay, Bukidnon at nine in the morning. If it wasn't because of us being lost on our way toMt. Kitanglad, we should have been on the farm before noontime. But all is well.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The hobbit houses in Mt. Kitanglad Agro eco Farm were built as DIY structures by none other than the skillful Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr., son of the 22-hectare farm owner. Ben as to how he would like to be referred to said he has a friend who dreams of having an Instagrammable spot in Cebu. He then made prototypes of these hobbit houses because they are really cool in photos and never really thought it to be a success, but it did!

So, he spent numerous days making the Hobbit Houses in Cebu as well which is now a spot being visited by thousands of Cebuanos, if you are from Cebu, you must have an idea which spot I am referring here.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

But the original Philippines' Hobbit Houses lies in Imbayao, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. It has trended online that the only thing which keeps people from really crowding it is the road towards the farm. I had mentioned how rough, bumpy and if it rains, muddy the path towards the farm. It got lots of steep areas, but the scenery is really beautiful.

Hobbit House Accommodation

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

For only Php 1000, the room that was offered to me while in contact with the Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm staff was the only Hobbit House opened to accept guests. Well, let me take that back, I had to really wait for more than a week before confirming that the hobbit house was ready. It was not that "very" ready in fact but we still pursued it and stayed overnight.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The green hobbit house was a big one, it can accommodate four people, there's a double deck bed and a single bed inside plus it also has a comfort room! Imagine how a "cave-like" room like this can fit in four people, the owner considers it as a family room.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via YouTube

Since we were only two, Ben had given us a discount through breakfast, it doesn't come with a free breakfast like the tree houses though but for our case, we were given a free breakfast meal.

Impressions on Staying in a Hobbit House

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Imbayaois an hour away from the main Malaybalay City and it is uphill so the temperature here is relatively cold. In the city proper, the temperature is good, the wind breeze is really cool compared to that in Cebu City but arriving at the mountain, although the sun was out and bright, the wind is definitely colder and that becomes extra cool when it gets darker, it even has a higher chances of raining just like what happened during our stay.

First is that the green hobbit house was not really fully ready to accept guests but because we really wanted to, the owner was very courteous enough to have it prepared for us.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The walls were still rough, cemented and a little earth-smelling. The floor is still of soil unlike the first one next to the pond which has floor matting in it. There's no proper lighting inside except for the flashlight given by Mr. Maputi before it darkened that day.

The smell was overtaken by the Citronella oilgiven by Mr. Maputi to keep us away from the bugs which worked well. They had prepared fleece blankets too and that kept us warm throughout the night. It is good that the comfort room was inside although the waters very cold, it discouraged us to take a bath.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

There were only wooden pieces used for the table and chairs inside but there's a bigger table outside and a cool chair made out of tree branches, it was quite heavy but we managed to get it inside. We had dinner inside our room, it was delivered to us that night and breakfast were also served so we ate it outside our room while listening to the music of the birds.

I fully believe that Mr. Maputi will do more finishing touches to this room. I hope the woods used are treated if not, they'll be a great possibility of molds forming in there. And it will also be smelly plus woods retain water, our bags and some other stuff were kind of wet when we woke up, I guess it was because of the weather and the water retention on the wooden bed and chairs.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Also, ants and other types of crawling insects had made their way inside the room. They somehow found our table fascinating, they were already all over it when we woke up. Perhaps it was because we had dinner there. Surprisingly, they didn't manage to get to our bed but that could be something that Ben can find a way out.

There's also no cellular signal inside the Hobbit House while there's connectivity at the other spots like in the tree houses and the waiting areas.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Perhaps the best thing about staying inside the Hobbit House is the experience but it is not a very comfortable option. It was all for that and hopefully, they'll prepare it with better amenities for their future guests.

The farm has a tree house equipt with a computer table and a better bed. If we visit the farm again in the future, we will probably take the tree house next to the camping site because there's a 4G+ connection there so we can work while on a vacation.

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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.

Video credits: Kyle Jennermann via YouTube

Hello, bitLanders! Here I am again with a day two for my travel blog. The recent trip to Bukidnon still makes me feel like we had a very short time, I still would like to stay in a cold place, feel the breeze which touches my face, the sweet music of the birds around and drink freshly brewed local Arabica coffee free to all the farm guests and visitors.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

The stay at Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm was unforgettable, time swift super fast that I didn't realize it already ended of our day one while chilling inside our room, that's the hobbit house. Our hobbit house experience, of course, was well documented on my previous blog. Check this out:

How is it Staying in a Hobbit House?

Let me then share with you how our second day went while in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao.

• Infinity Swing at Sunrise •

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Perhaps it was due to the cold weather, or maybe it was because James and I were both tired after not having enough sleep the previous night and even drained out due to the land travel from Cagayan De Oro to Imbayao where Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm is located, so we didn't get to wake up when our alarms started beeping.

It was only until Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr. called out our attention from outside that it was almost sunrise. No, we don't want to miss this opportunity so we hopped out immediately and saw the skies already turning red and yellow, like that of a master painting.

It was still 5:30 AM, as per Ben, the sun rises here pretty early because it is a highland area thus, the sky is already pretty even at early dawn. James ran towards the Guava tree house where he set up his camera for timelapse. Then we went straight to the farm's infinity swing which was the perfect spot to be during this time of the day.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

Both James and Ben ordered that I swing and they'll take photos of me. The swing isn't dangerous, in fact, I had a great time while watching the rising of the sun. Its totally amazing to see its circular shape popping out of the horizon, between the beautiful mountains of Bukidnon.

• Pictorial Session •

"Take photos or it never happened."

 Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

When the sun was already up and the clouds started hovering it, James and I went ahead and took our time photographing each other, either he takes photos of me or I take a photo of him or we take a couple photo. We took all our time as we were not able to do this the first day that much due to the rain.

We started at the hobbit houses, there were few other visitors who started arriving. We made sure our own room was locked though before anybody else could get in. Then we went over to the hanging bridge which was a new addition to this photography opportunity corners. There was the magic carpet, the other swings, and tree houses.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

We didn't forget the nest too and furthermore when we were already a little hungry, we went back to our room as our breakfast was delivered to us by the workers of the farm.

• Breakfast and Coffee •

Food excites us as much as travel. Both James and I were hungry from all the walking, posing and exploring Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm. We made our way to our wooden table outside the room, said our thanks and ate our sunny side up, steamed rice and hotdogs! I didn't have a choice but eat the egg, I don't like hotdogs though.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

But the best part was the coffee! It was still cold at seven in the morning so we made sure we have coffees. The farm treats all guests with freshly brewed aromatic Arabica coffee in which the beans are grown, harvested, roasted and manually pounded by local workers of Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm. I have personally watched one of the workers pound a kilo of newly roasted coffee beans and when she delivered it to us this morning, she proudly said it was the coffee she worked yesterday that's being brewed.

Those coffee lovers out there will surely love visiting the farm because the coffees are served FREE and UNLIMITED! Tell me if that's not a good reason to visit the farm!

Check Out and Travel Back to Malaybalay Proper

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

Our check out time was at 12 noon however, we still have another place to go which was Kampo Juan. We arranged a room there a few days ago.

I was in contact with the "habal-habal" drivers who drove us to the farm the previous day, we agreed they'll come and pick us up at 11 AM and they did arrive before time. The normal charge for this trip was at Php 150 but we decided to pay them at Php 250 per way per head because of how challenging the road was. James understood how hard it is to drive in such condition.

We arrived at the Sumpong intersection just ten minutes before 12 noon and it was perfect to eat lunch again. We found ourselves on our way to Le Cafe.

• Le Cafe Snack Lunch •

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

Found Le Cafe just opposite the Rizal Park in Malaybalay City. I thought it was a simple small cafe but I was astonished to find that it has more rooms than I imagined!

From a simple eight-table room, I hopped into a separate "fashionista" type of area with cute cups, wall decor, plate collections, and candy-colored tables and walls.

Further to the counter, I was brought into another surprise as I saw yet another room which was more of a dessert type of cafe, with cakes, cupcake accessories and playful designs. I guess I was treated with a cafe in a cafe type of experience at that time.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

As soon as our orders arrived, we started eating. The pricing here was really affordable! James loved his Lasagna which costs only Php 100+ and my Spaghetti Carbonara was also very cheap but with a huge serving! It included a stick bread which reminded me of childhood days.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

To finish off, we ordered a piece of their Chocolate Cake, this one I didn't like that much, I could feel the sugar in every chew and although I try to have it melt in my mouth, I felt like I was taking in a lot of sugar so I only took a few bites.

• Cancellation of Kampo Juan Reservation in Manolo, Fortich •

It was only at 1 PM when we were able to take a bus towards Manolo, Fortich. I was in contact with my uncle and he instructed us to drop by Alae. He picked us up upon arrival, we reached their home in Damilag and it was good to be in fellowship with cousins and relatives whom I have not seen for years.

Video credits: Rialyn Sobrepeña via YouTube

However, as we were already ready to get back to Manolo, Fortich for our Kampo Juan stay, my uncle insisted we should instead stay in their house because it was raining and Kampo Juan is still very far from Damilag. As much as I would like to really go to Kampo Juan, we decided to just stay and change our plans instead.

So our day ended that way. Damilag still has a cold weather and I ended up using my jacket to warm myself. The next day, we woke up very early to go to Dahilayan Forest Park which I will talk about next time.

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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.

Video credits: Dogpound Films via YouTube

Bukidnon has a lot to offer, there are those which are already very well known while some spots are still trying to boost its name. Our second day in Bukidnon was supposed to be spent in Kampo Juan however, due to some of the time constraint and weather concerns, we decided to just stay instead in Damilag where my relatives are located.

Read my blog entry about our second day in Bukidnon here:

Bukidnon DIY Trip Day 2: Enjoying Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Since we were already in Damilag, we had no other place to go but to Dahilayan, what is referred to as the "little Baguio of Mindanao". Hopped in today as I narrate how our third day went. This is also our last day in the province and I also included a short story about our trip back home to Cebu.

Bukidnon DIY Trip Day 3: Whole Day at Dahilayan

What's great about staying in your relative's home while on a trip is that you'll cut off on some expenditures like accommodation and even meals! Aside from that, if the tourist spots around the area is a few kilometers away from that relative's house, then you can also just borrow their vehicle. The same happened during our stay.

According to Google Maps, Dahilayan Adventure Park is just 28 minutes away from Damilag. That's not very far, at least for me and I know there isn't any traffic or whatever in the area so delays caused by such won't also happen. Plus, the road towards the adventure park is just straight, like we won't get lost at all while on our way there.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

So, we hopped into the Honda XRM motorcycle owned by my uncle, made sure it has enough gas and traversed the straight concrete road of Damilag to Camp Philips to Dahilayan at 5:30 AM. It was already bright at that time which means the sun has already risen that early.

Camp Philips is very interesting, it is a privately owned area but it is available for the public. This is where Del Monte products especially the pineapples are being produced. So as we pass by it, we found arrays of housings bearing the same designs but of different colors. I like how they were separated and given their own lawns and parking spots too! Their houses are quite spacious, I personally love that they can make their own garden in their front or backyard.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

There's also a pineapple landmark right before entering Camp Philips, its guarded too because again, it is a private entity.

The road was spacious, two lanes but it felt like we were the only ones driving along, there are some vehicles passing by every now and then, we flew the drone to give us a view of the above because the pineapples are grown here in such huge land and they got forms too which were interesting.

Dahilayan Pinegrove Mountain Lodge

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Since we were up very early, we didn't have the time to have breakfast at my uncle's house. James suggested we eat at the park's hotel restaurant instead which I agreed. We came to Dahilayan Pinegrove Mountain Lodge which is next to the Dahilayan Forest Park and of which some of their adventure rides are located such as the Dropzone, Python Roller Zipride and it also has a beautiful area full of pine trees.

The lodge's breakfast starts at seven in the morning until ten. We arrived 30 minutes before so we pre-ordered while I roam around the area, taking photographs of the ambiance outside and inside their restaurant. It was modern with a touch of a woody feel, it really looked like I was in Baguio especially that there were pine trees around the vicinity plus the weather was very cold.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

The options were very limited, most are meat like pork and beef, no chicken on the menu but eggs so I had no option but to order scrambled eggs, coffee, and my garlic rice. James ordered his corned beef which he loved because it didn't come from those canned corned beef. For some reasons, the coffee was very good I had to order a second round!

Roaming Around Dahilayan Adventure Park

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

There are reasons why we didn't include Dahilayan Adventure Park as part of our original itinerary and that was because James dislikes these extreme rides. It is not his type and I am also okay with not trying out any of these rides. I somehow enjoy watching those who are taking the rides.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

So, what did we come here? Just the pine trees. We realized we like to be where the weather is cold and that has a great ambiance. We both agreed, Dahilayan has better pine trees than that of Baguio, their pine trees somehow looked like they were planted that way, they got great arrangements and it is perfect for a photoshoot! Don't get us wrong, perhaps we were not able to fully roam around Baguio City during our first visit.

Anyway, we had the entire morning enjoying the view, the pine trees, we took our time taking a lot of portrait shots of ourselves. While we also watched those who were taking the Python ride and those guys who tried the Drop Zone.

Lunch at Dahilayan Forest Park

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Dahilayan Adventure Park is composed of two resorts, an adventure park, and a pine trees forest, at least that's how I understood it. After our time at Dahilayan Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, we went to Dahilayan Forest Park where all the main attractions are located. There's a literal park in it, there were playgrounds, different rides for kids and adults and there's a spot where there are tables surrounded by tall and huge as well as old pine trees.

But aside from that, they also have a restaurant inside and that's where we had our lunch because we were already starving. Our time limit was only until 1 or 2 in the afternoon and we have to get back so we can still catch up to Laguindingan Airport.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Surprisingly, the food options here are average, we only spent Php 490 for our food, it included a Chicken Tinola which was good for 3-4 persons, a Ceasar Salad without bacon bits, and a can of soda. James and I agreed that their salad was a bomb! The lettuce served were fresh and yummy! The dip that came with it was also delicious! We were able to eat them all!

Damilag to Cagayan De Oro City to Laguindingan Airport to Cebu

Travel time is really what kills and consumes all our time during this trip. I have researched a lot about the distance between this location so I already have an idea that we got to be ready to go before four in the afternoon on Sunday.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

So after our lunch and our picture taking at Dahilayan Adventure Park, we went back to Damilag, our travel time back seemed shorter compared to when we were on our way to the park. Then we had a bit of snack at the Camp Philips Cooperative where my cousin works.

As soon as we arrived at my uncle's house, we immediately prepared and bid our goodbyes. It may take some more time before we will see each other again.

Video credits: MACKaliweteng Kamay via YouTube

There were vans for hire at Camp Philips, from there, it took 40 minutes for us to reach Cagayan De Oro City. The van dropped us at Lim Kit Kai Mall and we took the Magnum Express for Laguindingan. While our schedule was at eight in the evening, the flight was delayed so we had no option but to be patient and wait for the announcement. It was only until ten in the evening that we were able to board the plane. Unfortunately, it was already very late and we still have to travel from Mactan Airport to our condo.

Nonetheless, it was fulfilling that although there were plans which were not followed, we had fun and learned a lot of things about Bukidnon and we will surely go back, next time will be longer. 

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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.

Travel is like knowledge. The more you see, the more you know you haven't seen.

- Mark Hertsgaard

Video credits: Dhamielyn Sarno via YouTube

I truly agree on the quote above, it is only when you go see for yourself what this place looks like and not merely depend on the multimedia presented online then you will be able to truly understand the beauty of such location.

Dahilayan Adventure Park didn't make it to our itinerary, we considered it but due to the little time that we have, given that there are so many land travels to get to another location, discouraged us to include it. But well, the circumstances were in its favor, instead of going to Kampo Juan, we had no choice but to go instead to Dahilayan. I had blogged about our third day, how it went from morning to evening on my previous blog.

Read our Day 3 in Bukidnon: Bukidnon DIY Trip Day 3: Whole Day at Dahilayan

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Today's blog focuses on the things to do and find while in Dahilayan, what are the activities they offer, where to find it and the prices that go with each ride plus some photography tips while in Dahilayan Adventure Park! Read further to know more about these matters!

▬ All About Dahilayan Adventure Park ▬

"Mindanao's Favorite Extreme Playground"

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

That's Dahilayan Adventure Park's tagline. Nowhere in Northern Mindanao can you find any other location which offers extreme adventure rather than this park. But I heard some guests who tried their dropzone activity and asked themselves if that was extreme enough? I have no idea but I believe they shouted their hearts out while they hang in there in mid-air. I guess that's already extreme. What do you think?

Anyway, going back, Dahilayan Adventure Park is nestled at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad 4700 feet above sea level which means this here has nice, cold and chilly weather.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

There are several ways to get here which I will state at the end of this blog. As for James and I, we borrowed my uncle's motorcycle and drove our way from Damilag to Camp Philips to Dahilayan which only took 30 minutes minus our stopovers because we flew our drone for the pineapple plantation.

▬ Activities Offered in Dahilayan Adventure Park ▬

Dahilayan Adventure Park offers different activities and amenities for their guests. There will be no dull moments when you are inside, the park is even child-friendly and there are amenities which won't cost you any penny!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

For the thrill seekers, the list below is what you should try:

320MT plus 150MT Zipline
Asia′s 1st Longest Dual Zipline
Dropzone 120 Ft. Freefall Ride
Flying Lizard Canopy Glider
Python Roller Zipride
Ropes Course
ATV and Buggy Car
Zorbit
Luge
Wall climbing
Bumper Boat
Monkey Tree Challenge

For those who are not into extreme rides just like James and me, although I am okay with the riding, of course, I don't want to be in there while he watches, there are also cool amenities for you:

Chill at Pinetree Forest
Photoshoot Opportunity with Pinetrees
Observe Koi Fishes
Dine at Forest Park Cafe
Take Selfies at the Forest Park Lawn
Watch Extreme Adventure Riders' Screams
Trampoline
Horse-back Riding
Play with Dogs
Barrel Train for Kids
Treetop Adventure for Kids
Forest Putt Mini Golf
Hanging Bridge

Obviously, it isn't bad to stay in the shade while in Dahilayan Adventure Park. It is also not bad to keep your cool while at the pine tree forest together with a loved one. It's all about personal choices actually. As a matter of fact, it is the most wallet-friendly option!

Also, they got packages for those visitors coming in, it is better to book in advance too so you may take advantage of their weekend shuttle bus! Check out their rates:

Image credits: Dahilayan Adventure Park via Facebook

Moreover, there are other spots to check on while inside the adventure park. You may check these when you are done with the prioritized rides and activities:

Forest Park Cafe
Function Areas
Grizzly Bar
Jacuzzi
Picnic Grounds
Forest Animals and Playground
Ponds and Lagoons
Souvenir Shop

▬ Stay Overnight? No Problem! ▬

The Dahilayan Adventure Park is a huge place, it caters a wide land area and if you are that person who wants to try everything they offer, it is best to stay for a whole day or rather two days and a night to fully experience the cold weather.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

There are two hotels inside the park, there's Dahilayan Pinegrove Mountain Lodge and Dahilayan Forest Park Resort. Both accommodations are just located next to each other but are of separate areas. Their structures are made in such a way that it fits well in a cold area like this.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Both also have an in-house restaurant. We had breakfast at Pinegrove Mountain Lodge but they have a very limited menu option for breakfast which runs only from seven to ten in the morning. While only checked in guests are allowed to dine in at the Dahilayan Forest Park Resort.

Rates are as follows:

Pinegrove Mountain Lodge:

Suite Room good for two at Php 3500
Deluxe Room good for two at Php 3200
Standard Room good for two at Php 2800
Family Loft Room good for four at Php 4500
Family Room good for seven at Php 6000
Dormitory Room good for eight at Php 6000

Dahilayan Forest Park Resort:

Standard room good for 3 persons = Php 2640
Family room good for 4 persons = Php 3200
Big Family room good for six persons = Php 4400
Barkada 18 and 20 rooms good for 12 persons = Php 7200

Standard, family and big family rooms have free breakfast for the first two guests.

▬ How to Get to Dahilayan Adventure Park? ▬

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Renting or taking your own vehicle is certainly the best option to get to Dahilayan, this is applicable if you are also from Bukidnon or Cagayan De Oro or perhaps the other neighboring provinces. But this is not the same case for other travelers or tourists who are from the other islands.

So commuting is the alternative. The following are the two options guests can go with when planning out their trip to Dahilayan Adventure Park.

Option 1. Take the Zipzone Shuttle.

The adventure park has their Zipzone Shuttle from Cagayan de Oro directly to the Park every Saturday, from 8:00-8:30 AM, at Coffeworks in Divisoria.

The fare is rated at Php 350.00 per person. Travel time is about one-and-a-half hour. The airconditioned mini-bus leaves Dahilayan for Cagayan de Oro on the same day at around 3 to 4 PM. For details and reservations, contact 0917 323 5667 or 0922 880 1319.

Option 2. Take a Public Vehicle to Camp Philips

Video credits: GMA Public Affairs via YouTube

From Cagayan De Oro's Agora Bus Terminal, ask for either vans or jeepneys which routes to Barangay Camp Philips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

From Camp Philips, there are several "habal-habal" drivers who can take you to Dahilayan Adventure Park. A one-way trip is around Php 150-200 per person, take your haggling skills with you! Don't worry as the road is concrete and it is very safe! You'll also enjoy the view of the pineapple plantation!

P.S. Photography Tips!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Find the Koi fish pond area next to the pine tree forest within Forest Park and you'll find a very good spot for an Instagram post! Or go to the forest and take a wide shot or down to Pinegrove Mountain Lodge where the pine trees are also really cool, take a shot from below and you'll get another Instagram worthy spot!

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

Remember, do not look directly at the camera for a more mysterious look!

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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: disney.wikia

After much thinking, I decided to write another movie review for The bitLanders Film Series to support women empowerment. The first one I wrote was about Frozen, it is a movie which I had watched several times with my niece, neighbors, cousins, and friends.

Whilst the previous movie was very familiar to me and which encouraged me to write, this new film I am going to review isn't. As a matter of fact, I opened a Netflix account just so I can watch it. I am sharing my own insights specifically to the events surrounding the main woman protagonist. Let's dig in!

• Walt Disney's Enchanted 2007 •

Image credits: disney.wikia

I admit I am not a cinemaphile or that someone who is passionate about movies cinemas but I am all out for exploring new things, especially that of which is out of my comfort zone. Hopefully, I could deliver my own point of views on this matter.

Enchanted was a film produced by Walt Disney Pictures and was categorized under musical fantasy romantic comedy with Kevin Lima as the director. Knowing it to be a Walt Disney film is already setting the bar high for its picture quality and animation.

• The Enchanted Movie Trailer •

Video credits: Kevin_Lima via bitlanders

Because I never have seen the film, I decided to watch its trailer first. From bitLanders, I hit the play button, Disney's classic fairy tale movies started rolling on screen, Lion King, Tarzan, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and of course who would forget Snow White?

That scene where Princess Giselle was pushed by the evil witch brought me my childhood memories, I had watched Snow White and Cinderella out of a VHS tape! My goodness, I couldn't count how many times I replayed and pushed that replay roll on our VHS player! So the 2D graphics were very nostalgic!

Image credits: rabat2013

Anyway, I was certainly entertained by the sequence of funny scenes most especially those of musical interludes like that in the world of Disney princesses movies.

I found myself laughing already watching the trailer so I didn't wait any further, I grabbed my tea and started watching the movie. Read on to know more.

• Enchanted Story Line •

Image credits: tallwriter

Giselle who lived in a tree trunk was overheard by Prince Edward who was hunting trolls but was attracted by Giselle's voice, found her and decided to get married the next day!

Prince Edward's stepmother Nerissa, however, don't want to be replaced as Andalasia's queen thus plotted a way to get rid of Giselle. She sent her to the city of New York, one which she refers as a place where there's no happy ending.

But her plans never came to materialized when Prince Edward himself went over to find Giselle too. The adventure of moving around the busy streets of New York in a Prince Charming suit was a little uncomfortable but for the sake of getting Giselle back, he went through the different turn of events in the big city.

Image credits: Entertainment Pictures

Giselle, on the other hand, was found by Robert and Morgan, his daughter. Robert was on the verge of proposing to Nancy, his girlfriend, however, everything changed when he met Giselle, that one lady who has all the positivism, kindness and gentleness of which can possibly be found only on fairytales. Weird and very unlikely, he let her stay with them in their home, even if they were often surprised by her weird and innocent demeanor.

Until Robert started to look at Giselle a different way most especially when she was at the ball. Then Queen Nerissa, showing off her powers and turning into the same evil witch. She convinced Giselle to eat the poisonous apple putting Giselle into a deep sleep. Prince Edward tried kissing her but she didn't wake up until Robert's kiss. However, Queen Nerissa turned into an actually pretty purple dragon. Killing her was easy, it was Pip the chipmunk who did the job!

Image credits: tippett

While Robert and Giselle found each others' arms, Prince Edward and Nancy also got together, even bringing Nancy to Andalasia instead!

• Enchanted Review •

The film was superb at that year because it won three Saturn Awards, including Best Fantasy Film and Best Actress. Enchanted also received two nominations at the 65th Golden Globe Awards and three Best Original Song nominations at the 80th Academy Awards, information from Wikipedia.org

Image credits: cosplay

Amy Adams playing the role of Princess Giselle totally nailed how Disney princesses walk and talk. Her eyes and facial expressions are all way out for this movie. Although I understand it is because she's an actress, I truly believe in my heart that the role she's playing is such an enjoyable one as every girl dreams to be a Disney princess!

I am easy to please and so I had no issue about the movie, I enjoyed it, laughed a lot of the hilarious scenes, it was playful, child-friendly and entertaining. Also to note that because the movie was released on 2007, the movie has obvious animation concerns, not much of an issue though but because the technology wasn't the same as what we have right at this day.

• Movie Points Noted •

Here below are some points within the movie that I have taken note of because either they were remarkable for me or they were scenes that bring out women empowerment.

Before that, please do check the followign Querlo chat. Do you support women's empowerment?

1. That scene where Robert gave his daughter a book entitled "Important Women of Our Time" by Nora Kasarda featuring Rosa Parks and Marie Curie.

2. Palm Treo device used by Robert. This is remarkable for me because I worked before for Palm. They were first in manufacturing those smartphones, however, their new operating system was not very much of a success.

3. Cleaning can be fun with flying cockroach, dirty rats fly from some rubbish! While that might not be much of a realistic scene, it was quite funny to find those rats and cockroaches swiping off the dirt! Unfortunately, one pigeon ate the cockroach.

Image credits: disney.wikia

4. The truth about the presence of pain on this side of the world. That's why she prefers to be in the fantasy land of Andalasia than in this land, however, she also showed certain promises of love and happily ever after.

5. Everybody has problems, everybody has bad times, do we sacrifice all the good times because of them? Quote from Phoebe, Robert's client.

6. Giselle talking about stepmothers. "There are so many wonderful stepmothers". I truly believe that even though stepmothers are mostly displayed as the antagonist and evil ones, in reality, there are indeed a lot of good stepmoms out there.

Image credits: community.wikia

7. Everyone has a chance of a happy ending. At the latter part of the movie, I liked that it showed each character's good ending except for Nerissa. Like how Prince Edward and Nancy ended up getting married in Andalasia and Nathaniel becoming a writer as well as Pip and finally for Robert and Giselle together with Morgan as a family.

Image credits: viewerscommentary

The musical interlude was cute, it resembled scenes from Disney Land, especially the parts where they were walking across the park with all those commoners singing and dancing together with Princess Giselle. That somehow makes me think of Disneyland's parade of stars.

Video credits: kidsliveshows via YouTube

Although the story went the same way as how other Disney Princess movies do, it was nice to see a twist of the story with how Prince Edward and Nancy ended together. There were a lot of hilarious sequences and James joined me smiling all throughout the movie! And finally, I like the pop-up scenes at the end!

What kind of movies do you like?

Thanks a lot for readng!

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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: 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!

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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?

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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.