The Kalesa is one of the oldest means of transportation in the Philippines. It is an inclined cart with 2 big wheels at the rear and has 2 rows of seats, with a solo seat on the front row for the driver or in local language as “Kutchero” who handles the horse. Introduced first by the Spaniards in the late 17th Century, for use by noble families and high ranking officials of the colonizing government of Spain. The Kalesa is very rare to spot in the streets nowadays but it is still being used as a means of public transportation in some districts in Metro Manila, especially in Divisoria, Binondo, Intramuros, Mandaluyong near marketplaces and a few rural places around the country. They are commonly seen in the Luneta area for tourists to take a ride around for better viewing of the scenery.

The Pedicab, known in English as cycle rickshaws and locally as padyak. The Pedicab are used mainly on smaller streets or in the inner districts of Metro Manila. It is a bicycle with a sidecar carrier for passengers of 2 or 3. This mode of transportation is also a popular ride in other parts of Asia as well as in some countries around the globe. It is also used for nearby deliveries of goods and are efficient in saving gasoline while good for the health as it riding a bicycle is a form of exercise. Why not earn some bucks while exercising.

The Tricycle is an upgraded version of the Pedicab. Besides the sidecar carrier which can accommodate 2 passengers, the motorcycle itself can have 2 or more passengers riding on it. As of now it is considered as one of the popular transportation in the the smaller parts streets and inner districts of Metro Manila and city provinces as well as rural areas around the Philippines. Trip fares have a minimum amount and additional pay depends on succeeding kilometers. An efficient way of transporting people and goods, the tricycle, can be seen all over the city with wonderful colors and design.

The Jeepney is the most popular amongst all public transportation in the Philippines. The jeepney originated from World War II, used by the G.I’s as military transport. It also became as part of the national culture of the country as it became the symbol of local transportation for its population. It’s popularity became known worldwide in the early 70’s for its colorful designs, upgrades and modifications. Most run on diesel fuel and are produced all over the country by independently owned workshops and factories within the Philippines.

Very few lobbies for the protection of the environment in the Philippines. Not much of our country men are aware of the dangers and effects, even the extinction of animals especially the Philippine Eagle.

The Philippine Eagle, in its scientific name as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is considered the largest and most powerful in the breed of eagles around the world and most commonly referred to as the King of Birds. In its local language translation of King of Birds as Haring Ibon, some refers to it as Haring Agila but to the local population we just simply know it as Agila. The Agila is our national bird and since its very rare of its species, it can be found only in the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.

This rare bird has a long life. A captive bird in a Rome Zoo was received as a full grown in 1934 and died in 1976, making it at least 41 years old at death. A baby male eagle arrived at the Philippine Eagle Center in 1969 and its still alive as of this moment so its exactly 39 years old now. It is still unknown how old eagles get in the wild. But based on the fact that wild birds face the many exigencies of the forest environment which is rather absent in the captive conditions, wild birds may live shorter than captive birds.

For more information about the Philippine Eagle, its habitat, conservation, ecology, programs and other useful reference you can visit the Philippine Eagle Foundation website at www.philippineeagle.org. You can also help the foundation, its mission and the conservation of nature by donations.

Paraiso Philippines not only caters for travelers alone, but to worldwide wildlife enthusiasts, the general public, as well as local citizens to heighten their awareness in the preservation of our very own natural resources introducing some exotic animals and endangered species and use our website as a means of resource while promoting education and media effectiveness in introducing the magnificent beauty of the Island of the Philippines to the rest of the world.

Translated as “You Are The New Hero of the Country - OFW“. Yes my friends we consider them as the new living heroes of the Philippines and the modern Juan De La Cruz, none other than the OFW’s or the Overseas Foreign Workers. They are the workforce of the Republic of the Philippines who contributes to the economy of the country by their remittances monthly. They are the brave unselfish men and women who leaves their families behind and work in other countries to sustain the needs of their children and put food in the table. They sacrifice happiness in search of decent living for their families in the hopes of a better tomorrow. They are the new heroes of the economy.

Filipinos, both men and women are hard working. You can meet them all over the world, whether you are in the United States, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Asia with different and varied professions from doctors to nurses, teachers to carpenters, house maids to office managers, professionals, skilled and unskilled. Many countries around the world have a substantial amount of Filipino communities or citizens. The bulk of the OFW’s are composed of people who have registered with the POEA or the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, and about 25% them are unregistered and goes either as direct hires or flies as tourist or undocumented aliens. Filipino OFW’s and migrant workers are very well in demand because of fluency in English and are known for working that extra mile, not mentioning the ability to learn the local host country’s language in swift passion.

The history of OFW’s and Migrant Workers goes way back to Pre - World War II, when most workers from the Philippines migrated to Hawaii to work in Pineapple plantations. Some joined the US Army and the US Navy during the height of World War 2. Since then many migrated to the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia, but it was not till the early 1970’s that saw the height of influx of migrant workers especially to the Middle East. At the end of the 70’s and during the early 80’s it was during the Bubble Economy of Japan that we saw bulk hiring of Filipino Entertainers. That said, many still chose to go different paths such as Europe, US and Australia not mentioning some countries too in Asia such as Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong who received a steady flow of migrant workers.

The remittances of the OFW’s and Migrant workers has been one of the top 10 economic dollar flow of the Philippines, contributing to about $15 billion annualy according to the Central bank of the Philippines statistics. On average per Filipino remittance 0f $500 for its 12 billion registered OFW’s and not mentioning the undocumented Filipinos in many countries.

We would like to give our best wishes and our warmest greetings to the heroes of the Philippines. The workforce and families of the Republic of the Philippines, who helps untiringly and unselfishly contributing to the economy of our country. We salute you and may our country including your loved ones continue to prosper through your sacrifices.

To all Filipinos Worldwide Mabuhay Po Kayo and We Wish You Good Health and Success in Life.

Asia

Hong Kong
Japan
Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizouka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi
Macau
South Korea
Busan, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Daegu, Daejeon, Gangwon, Gwangju, Gyeongbuk, Gyeonggi, Gyeongnam, Incheon, Jeju, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Seoul, Ulsan
Singapore
Taiwan
Changhua City, Changhua County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Hualien County, Ilan County, Kaohsiung City, Kaohsiung County, Keelung City, Nantou City

Europe

Belgium
Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia
Denmark
Aarhus, Bornholm, Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Frederiksborg, Funen, Ribe, Ringkøbing, Roskilde, Southern Jutland, Storstrøm, Vejle, Viborg, West Zealand
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Vatican City

Middle East

Bahrain
Kuwait
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates

North America

Canada
United States
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington DC

Oceania

Australia
Guam
New Zealand

Another milestone in the Land of Rice And Corn for Filipino Boxers at the Araneta Coliseum. The fights promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and ALA Promotions with support organized by ABS-CBN saw thousands of Filipinos cheering. Calling the organized scheduled fights as Invasion: The Philippines versus The World.

Michael Domingo swiftly knocked out his Thai opponent Thepnemit Sor Chitpattana early in the second round.

Bert “Ninja” Batawang did his share of glory for the Filipinos by out classing his smaller opponent from Indonesia, Heri Amol, by a body shot that sent him to the ropes and a KO in the seventh round.

In a bloody match between Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales and Korean Yoo Shin Kim, the referee stopped the fight at 2:24 of the fifth round declaring the pinoy boxer winner of a TKO. Morales kept his clean slate record of 11-0 and retained his WBO Oriental Super Bantam Weight title.

AJ “Bazooka” Banal, now the number one contender for the IBF Super Flyweight Division, destroyed Caril Herrera of Uruguay by a TKO at 1:18 of the fourth round with a barrage of left and right punches. Also seen, Herrera dropped down with hooks and punches from Banal in the 3rd round.

Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista won in the seventh round via KO defeating Mexican Genaro Camargo and retained his WBO Inter-Continental Super Bantam Weight Strap. Bautista, with his thunder and lightning fast punches and hooks floored the Mexican also twice in the second round with a loud cheering from Filipino fans at the Big Dome.

In the main bout, Gerry “The Fearless” Penalosa brought glory once again for the Philippines and defied the odds fighting at 35 years old, winning the World Boxing Organization’s Bantam Weight crown in the 8th round with a right uppercut that sent his opponent Thailand boxer Ratanachai Sor Vorapin to the floor. Vorapin was aggressive through out the fight but missed the punches he threw at Penalosa as he dodged the punches. Gerry was as patient as a boxer and waited for the right momentum to throw a bombardment of punches to knock down his opponent. He was supported by his friend Manny Pacquiao.

A lot of star studded guest were present at the Big Dome including former World Boxing Council Super-Featherweight Champ Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico who lost the belt to Manny Pacquiao earlier last month. After the bout in an interview, saw Juan Manuel issuing a return bout with Manny Pacquiao. Pacman replied very politely and said that negotiations is based upon his managers and staff decision. He also welcomed the Mexican to have a nice stay in the Philippines.

Mabuhay Kayong Lahat, Pinoy Boxers and continue to give glory to the Philippines.

One important issue for Tourists and Balikbayans traveling to the Philippines is Health concerns. What should be considered and how to avoid getting sick while in the Philippines ? To enjoy your stay in the Philippines, necessary precautions on what to eat and what to drink should be given a factor. It is always wise to visit the Philippine Health Department website for any announcements regarding risks or if there are present dangers with contaminations of sickness. This does not apply to traveling in the Philippines alone but worldwide as well, as there are much health risk factors to be considered even in the United States, Europe, Australia and other countries. But to be on the safe side, when arriving in the Philippines always consider to drink bottled water. Though tap water are treated, pipe lines that distributes the water from the main water source might be old and rusty and some even might contain lead. There are many water purification shops or stores that sells mineral or purified water not mentioning sari-sari stores, convenience stores, groceries and supermarkets. Next is food. Make sure that the foods that you buy and eat are fully cooked or fresh. Eat and dine on trusted places. If staying for a few days or weeks it is better to eat on trusted places. It is not that foods sold on other places are not fresh, its just most travelers are not accustomed eating there. This applies to Balikbayans as well. It always take some time for anyone to get used to the local foods or drinks sold in many places. One thing that is not wise though, is buying cooked foods that have been in the streets the whole day directly under the sun and contaminated by automobile smoke. Taking a precaution is always the best idea while on vacation. You wouldn’t want to ruin that long awaited travel vacation and spent the vacation days bed ridden or in the hospital. Enjoy your stay and have fun.

There are a lot of Hospitals and Clinics in Metro Manila in case you need one. Services and Fees varies from one place to another. We would publish a good list of health care facilities in Metro Manila and other locations in our next article about health. Meanwhile enjoy your stay, eat well and enjoy your stay at the beautiful country of the Philippines.