Since time immemorial, there are many known benefits of virgin coconut oil. Dubbed as the tree of life, coconuts have proven to provide a wide range of benefits from beauty, health, medicine, clothing, and other tools that help make our lives easier and for the better. People commonly use this, especially for beauty purposes.

Virgin Coconut Oil is a staple across several industries such as beauty, health, culinary, health, and many more.

Using virgin coconut oil high in lauric acid will yield beauty benefits such as smoother skin, softer hair, and stronger nails. By simply soaking or lathering some virgin coconut oil and letting it sit for minutes to a few hours, you will see instant results.

Given its benefits across multiple fields and giving evidence for it being called the tree of life, scientists have been conducting researches on virgin coconut oil as the possible answer to fight COVID-19.

In this article, we will tackle the common benefits of virgin coconut oil as well as the developments of the researches conducted by experts who claim that this might be the antidote to ending this pandemic once and for all.

Coconuts as the Tree Of Life 

Coconuts are considered one of the most lucrative goods in the market because of their versatility.

Virgin coconut oil is known as the tree of life precisely because of its versatility and almost all of its parts can be used. Its leaves, roots, the shell can all be used for food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and many more. Making food or makeshift materials and tools out of coconut does require one to be knowledgeable and crafty but bottom line is, it can be done.

In the past, coconuts have been the salvation of typhoon Yolanda survivors. With the lack of supply of food and clean water, the survivors made do with coconuts. Dr. Janette Garin, the Health Undersecretary at the time, reported that the Yolanda survivors counted on coconut juice for survival.

The Philippines is the main coconut producer in the world. Coconut-growing regions in the country are Southern Tagalog, Western Visayas, and Bicol region.

Beauty Benefits of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is a notable item in the beauty industry because of its natural ability to fortify dry skin and even remove makeup.

There are many ways people consume coconuts. Previously, we’ve tackled coconut juice and now let’s tread the waters of the beauty benefits coconuts can provide. It is common knowledge that people use coconut oil for beauty purposes. In order to achieve shinier and silkier hair, eliminate dandruff, soothe eczema, and have smoother skin, it is said to apply an ample amount of coconut oil rich in lauric acid, let it sit, and then rinse. You’ll truly feel luxe and royalty-like with coconut oil.

Related read: Mediterranean Diet 101: a Guide for the Filipino Palate

Purchasing it is easy because they are available in almost every grocery or department store and it won’t cost as much as a luxury house and lot. You can even opt to make your own. Although it may be a long process, you’ll have a sense of accomplishment and assurance of good quality virgin coconut creating your own.

Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is also a remarkable ingredient in the medical industry because of its scientifically proven benefits.

Adding another notch to their belt, virgin coconut oil is also proven to yield health benefits. According to research, virgin coconut oil helps people diagnosed with thyroid and endocrine issues. Virgin coconut oil also has antioxidants that help in reducing inflammations. When consumed, the oil promotes the production of healthy cholesterol in the body. The saturated fats then keep the heart from developing heart diseases.

Virgin coconut oil is also tried and tested by athletes because once consumed, its fat can immediately be converted into energy and will not be stored in the heart or arteries. It not only helps boost energy but also the overall performance.

Comparing this to some vegetable oils and refined coconut oil intake, coconut oil, and olive oil, consumption has less saturated fat and is full of dietary fats and medium-chain triglycerides.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil To Fend Off COVID-19?

The recent discovery of health experts of the positive effects of virgin coconut oil on COVID-19 gives a light of hope to ending the pandemic.

In line with the medicinal value of extra virgin coconut oil, health experts in the Philippines have enlisted the aid of the superfood to fight COVID-19. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña disclosed that the agency is collaborating with the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Coconut Authority, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of DOST in conducting a study entitled “Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) as Adjunctive Therapy for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients” to know the efficacy rate of the oil to minimize symptoms and prevent developing severe cases.

Secretary de la Peña shares, “volunteers who took VCO recovered from infection or inflammation approximately 14 days after being subjected to the intervention.” “Thus, VCO could be used as an adjunct supplement to probable and suspect Covid-19 cases,” he adds.

Although yielding positive results, the DOST Secretary stresses that more studies need to be carried out in order to fully determine the effectiveness of VCO for COVID-19 patients and those who have co-morbidities.

Reaping Wellness From One Source

This pandemic has really challenged us in all ways possible. But despite that, we’ve chosen to manage ourselves and continue to live our lives in this new normal. As we progress each day, we learn new things about ourselves and the world. One of the major breakthroughs we’ve had is the rollout of the vaccines and discovering other methods to keep us safe from the ruthless COVID-19.

The efforts and studies conducted by health experts are vital in solving the pandemic. Discovering the effects of coconut oil on COVID-19 patients is a big step forward towards achieving the new normal. Who would have thought that the top agricultural export of the Philippines may be our salvation?

With the continued success of the researches, we might have the antidote at the very palm of our hands. It is our responsibility to be aware of the recent developments so we may be able to take care of ourselves. If there is one common thing we all learned during this crisis is that health and wellness are the real luxuries today.

Brittany Corporation’s luxury houses and lots for sale are equipped to give you a world-class experience, taking you to scenic destinations around the world in the comfort of your own home. Not only do we have the most beautiful mansions in the Philippines but also luxury condominiums that can cater to your every need.

Brittany ensures not just the home but also the environment and amenities will significantly contribute to the health and wellness of our homeowners.

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts!

Before going into the action of the outside world and looking for colleges in Laguna, all of us went through the toughest times in school. All the knowledge that we gained through years of studying is essential to what we do, most especially if we are currently at work. Being educated is important because this is what prepares an individual for the future. The more things you know, the better chance you’ll succeed in life.

Of course, knowledge alone won’t bring you up to the pinnacle of your goals because you need to be wise and skillful as well. But education plays a big role as it gets you a step closer to the dreams you want to achieve when you finish your studies from elementary to collegiate level. For the younger generation, they must see its importance and not take it for granted because it is the greatest gift that they can give to themselves or anyone else.

The pandemic may have changed the way we go to class, but the premier colleges in Laguna offer online classes. | Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Education is crucial especially nowadays, because of too much misinformation and fake news that can spread quickly due to technology. If you are educated, you know how to research and react accordingly to a certain issue and topic which is a good thing because it also prevents you from committing false actions that you might regret soon.

When it comes to education, most of us look for an academy that has prestigious and top-quality services. The majority of the people know some schools, but most are in the Metro. There are excellent universities and colleges that can be found elsewhere and don’t look further because some are here in the south, specifically Laguna. Laguna is near to numerous college institutions, that offer great quality education.

Suggested Read: Homeschooling VS. Home-based Learning: Which is More Ideal? | Luxury Home by Brittany Corporation

Having a home near colleges and universities is beneficial as it brings students closer to their learning ground and Brittany Corporation, being a company that offers residential properties here in Laguna is a nice one to look at because houses and lots are all within reach to different educational institutions.

We are aware of the fact that as of today, schools are still not allowed to operate face-to-face classes. Most of the children need to cope and adapt to the new normal which is the online class arrangement. Yes, it is tough but hopefully, things would get better soon. If you are looking for somewhere to live here in Laguna, then some properties are perfect for you as it has easy access to some of the biggest and prestigious colleges here. Investing in houses and lots here in Laguna is not a bad thing as this will help not only students but also people who are interested in pursuing another degree to finish. In this article, we will enumerate the different premier colleges and universities in Laguna and where they are located.

University of Philippines Los Baños Laguna

Probably the most famous or well-known university for most people. UP Los Baños is known for its excellence in the following program courses: agricultural engineering, agriculture, biology, chemistry, development communication, forestry, information technology, mathematics, and veterinary medicine. The university also has some notable alumni. What makes UP Los Baños stand out is its excellent programs when it comes to agricultural programs. They were once recognized for being a major contributor to the development of Asian agriculture and technology.

The University of the Philippines is one of the best universities in the Philippines. | Image from WikiCommons

Aside from being known to be one of the best universities here in the country, you cannot deny the fact that UP Los Baños is a nice spot to take a breather from all the hassle and stress. The environment inside the campus is peaceful, a go-to place where you and your friends or family can unwind and walk around the vicinity feeling the fresh air.

Moreover, one trademark of the University of the Philippines is giving its students freedom. Freedom in terms of clothing because UP Los Baños also doesn’t practice wearing a uniform. Additionally, freedom in terms of learning, students can for what they want as long as they pass the subject, some alumni testimonies stated that they skip class sometimes but still pass the subject. Of course, skipping classes is not right but what UP is teaching its students is the responsibility for their actions, which will lead them on how to deal with problems in real life.

The University of Sto. Tomas

The University of Sto. Tomas is about to have a new campus in Laguna. | Image from Wikipedia

For those who do not know, there is a UST campus in Sta. Rosa Laguna. It is said to be its first campus outside Metro Manila. The construction date began in the later part of 2020. Despite the delays because of the pandemic, it is believed that the UST campus will still open its gates by the year of 2022. Hopefully, the situation has gone a lot better so that students can experience the thrill and excitement of going into their college buildings once again.

One interesting detail about UST Sta. Rosa is that its size is bigger than that of UST Manila. Doubling the size of the main campus, UST Sta. Rosa sits on a 40-hectare land. As mentioned earlier, some of the colleges and Universities have easy access not only to different projects by Brittany but also connecting roads, hospitals, malls, and other leisure activity places.

Suggested Read: Home Based Afterschool Activity for Kids

The exclusivity and quality of education that UST provides show why it is one of the top colleges here in Laguna. The school is known for engineering, law, medical, and pharmacy programs. UST Sta. Rosa is expected to welcome 20,000 Thomasians once it begins its operation.

One developing news for this university is that they started developing the innovation hub back in February. The Groundbreaking was actually done last year in the month of December, other UST officials attended the ceremony as well. The buildings were named after UST Faculty of Engineering alumnus Tony Tan Caktiong. There was a photo of the officials burying the time capsule that contained a copy of the building’s plans and they expect the hub to operate in the first quarter of the year 2022.

De La Salle University Campus Colleges in Laguna

This is the DLSU IS Building in the Binan Campus. | Image from De La Salle University Website

Another university that is well known to most of the people in the country, De La Salle University also has its campus here in Laguna. DLSU Biñan does not only offer college courses but also kindergarten up to the secondary level as well. The 50-hectare land of this campus is the home of the students that are trying to pursue degrees in scientific and technological-related courses.

In terms of accessibility, DLSU Biñan is a nearby commercial district as well, only minutes away from Nuvali and Paseo de Sta. Rosa. If you are coming from the metro, the travel is convenient as well. Going back and forth from Manila to Laguna and vice versa is no hassle because of connecting roads and improving road infrastructures.

De La Salle University is recognized by many not only because of the teaching quality but also the moral practices that the school is instilling in the students’ minds and hearts. Being a Lasallian is having the commitment to live the gospel values even if you are outside the campus.

Related Read: Mental Exercises To Maintain Sharpness | Luxury Homes by Brittany

Ateneo Graduate School of Business

Ateneo grad school has a campus in Laguna! | Image from Ateneo de Manila Website

Located in Paseo mall in Sta. Rosa Laguna, Ateneo Graduate school of Business offers top-notch education with regards to entrepreneurship. Some of the courses that they are offering are Master of Business Administration, MBA in Health, Master in Entrepreneurship, and Master in Corporate Entrepreneurship.

This is the perfect training ground for aspiring businessmen. AGSB is a leader when it comes to helping the business practitioners become a professional. Despite being a satellite school, AGSB delivers excellent education just as an Ateneo school should be.

Suggested Read: Luxury Living in Laguna | Luxury Homes by Brittany Corporation

Brent International School

Brent International School may not be a college, but it has an amazing K-12 system! | Image from Brent International School Website

Speaking of premier colleges, of course, Brent International School is another academy that is recognized for its exclusivity. It has been always branded as the school that the children of rich and famous personalities go to. But the school is more than that, Brent aspires to be the home not only for Filipino students but other nationalities as well.

Additionally, being a Christian school, helps the students to become more open to learning new ideas. The university encourages the kids to pursue their talents and guides them in developing their interests. The tuition fee is really high priced but that is because the market of the school includes the international community. Brent International School is located in Mamplasan, Biñan Laguna.

Highly accessible to all people because it is near Cavite-Laguna Expressway and South Luzon Expressway.

Suggested Read: Most Expensive Tuition Fees in the Philippines | Brittany Corporation

Malayan Colleges in Laguna

Malayan Colleges Laguna recently opened its K-12 doors to people. | Image from Manila Bulletin Website

Malayan Colleges or also known as MCL is a subsidiary of Mapua. The academe has been tagged as one of the best performing schools in the south, this is because the board examination and other certification passing rates are extremely high. They also have a great track record when it comes to school competitions.

Adapting to the new normal wasn’t much of a challenge to the University as they practiced it before the pandemic even began. MCL utilizes blended learning so that the students can practice flexibility, of learning online and in an actual class.

Extracurricular activities are also regularly happening in MCL to showcase each students’ talents and skills.

Whether you’re learning golf for the first time or trying to keep up with friends, types of golf clubs can seem a little confusing at first. There are strange scoring systems, strict dress codes, and many different golf clubs to choose from! It is worth it to stick it out, however, as any golf-lover can tell you. The next step awaits you after you cross your learning curve: long, warm summer days or crisp autumn afternoons, sipping your favorite drink and perfecting your signature swing. To learn more about golf clubs, keep reading.

According to Statistic Brain, 9.6% of US citizens play golf either for relaxing or competition. You can spend an entire day on the course. But the question is, “are you equipped with all the necessary golf clubs before teeing off on hole #1?” No worries! We’ll tell you what you’ll need!

The 5 Types of Golf Clubs

Now that you’re prepared to play as a real golf pro, you must possess extensive knowledge about the different types of golf clubs, their names, and of course, their purposes.

Knowing these basic things will help you improve your ability to play golf while enhancing your satisfaction and enjoyment. Here’s a simple yet essential guide to types of golf clubs.

Related Read: Which Country Dominates in the Summer Olympics? | Brittany Corporation

Putters

Living the luxury lifestyle includes playing golf. | Photo by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels

A putter is something every mini-golfer uses. The putter, however, is much more complex than the dinky clubs you use on the mini-course. Putter sizes and shapes are the most varied.

Among golf clubs, they are the most specialized.

If your aim is to sink the shot, there is no such thing as a “right” putter. In order to sink the ball, the golfer must choose the appropriate putter.

Many pros only use putters. However, golfers use this club to sink their ball in the hole.

Putters are selected in part by the feel and taste of the golfer. Golfers choose one that “feels right” for their final stroke.

Woods

Long drives from wood types of golf clubs can hit you that hole in one. | Photo by tyler hendy from Pexels

The classic type of club, which is the wood, is not made of wood anymore, except for the head. However, they still have wooden shafts and are generally longer than other types of clubs.

Unlike other clubs, woods can be swung much faster because of their length. This results in long drives. When you hit your ball, woods will send it flying as far as you can hit it.

In golf, players commonly use woods to smack the ball from the teeing ground because of their hollow heads.

Typically, their heads are rounded and several inches across in all directions. Club heads belonging to this group are among the biggest. Usually, the driver is wood, but a hybrid is also typical.

Related Read: Why Live Within a Pine Tree Forest? | Brittany Corporation

Irons

The green is where you where the flagstick and hole are located. | Photo by Gotta Be Worth It from Pexels

Have you seen Tiger Woods used iron at a distance of about 200 yards from the green? Then, whenever he gets closer to the green, he uses a higher iron.

A set of irons is consists of numbered clubs. To make a ball fly higher, you must choose a higher number of irons. As the number on the club increases, the “loft” increases.

The upward lift of the ball is due to the slight angle of the iron sets.

A set of irons generally contains long irons, middle irons, and short irons; often, they are all used for distances fewer than 200 yards. Despite their lack of loft, long irons can hit the ball at great distances, making them the hardest to master.

Since they elevate the ball, the irons are excellent for shots taken on the fairway. They’re also highly effective when used on shorter holes or tee shots. By gripping the ball, they allow it to spin backward. The tiny grooves on the iron head grab the ball and lift it.

The heads of irons are usually thin, solid, and their lengths decrease as their number increases. Golf clubs with longer shafts typically allow you to hit farther shots. In contrast, irons are bundled in sets that feature shorter shafts because they are often used for loft and length. Irons have an upward angle. Again, this helps keep the ball in the air.

Hybrids

As their name implies, hybrids are composed of two different kinds of clubs: irons and woods. They have usually numbered sets and are sometimes used instead of irons.

The numbers of hybrids correspond to the numbers of the irons they replace. Other golfers thought that it is easier to hit with hybrids than using irons.

Hybrids usually replace long irons. In terms of hybrids, 2, 3, or 4s are commonly used.

The use of hybrids for professional players and in tournaments only began in about 2001. These clubs are commonly called “rescue clubs” because of the easy way out they provide during a potentially challenging shot.

Occasionally, hybrids are used instead of wooden drivers. When used instead of a typical wooden driver, they can produce an excellent long shot.

Wedges

That golden moment of achieving a hole-in-one is always a nice thing. | Image from Pexels

Wedges themselves are also technically members of the iron category, but they are not all the same. The wedges are designed to scoop balls out of difficult positions using their highly angled heads. In fact, wedges offer the highest loft of any golf club and are made of iron, with heads that look similar to numbered irons.

Golfers frequently use them to “lift” their ball out of sand or other places where they need to hit the ball with just the proper force.

You’re only going to use a wedge to get the ball out of a bunker, chip into the green, or take a short shot onto the green. While wedges aren’t the most commonly used golf club, they are essential for getting you out of tight spots.

There are many types of wedges, including gap wedges, pitch wedges, and sand wedges. In their names, each implies the purpose for which they are best suited.

Types of Golf Clubs: Why Is It Important to Know Them?

Knowing the different kinds of golf clubs is essential whether you intend to watch a tournament or play.

With a review in hand, you can converse more easily with other spectators about the game and the choices made. Furthermore, you’ll save yourself the embarrassment of pulling out an embarrassing putter while your ball is in a bunker.

Final Thoughts on Types of Golf Clubs

Your golf bag can hold up to 14 clubs. There is no set number of golf clubs you carry, and your skill level determines the type of golf clubs you take. The golf bag of a beginner may look quite different from the bag of an experienced golfer. Below are some examples of possible golf clubs beginners might bring 1 wood, 3 hybrids, 3 irons, 1 wedge, and a putter.

The different types of golf clubs can really make or break your game. | Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

For beginners, it may seem overwhelming to remember all the names of the golf clubs. However, the above comprehensive guide will definitely save your day.

 Suggested Read: Top Golf and Country Clubs Around the World | Brittany Corporation

The much-delayed 2020 Summer Olympics was finally held in Tokyo, Japan. Under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the international multi-sports competition had 115,000 athletes from all over the world competing for a podium and world record finishes for the countries that they represent. The 2020 Summer Olympics was also the first Olympics that debuted new sports categories, including skateboarding and surfing. The Summer Olympics in Tokyo also saw a lot of LGBTQ representation. Japan’s 24/7 convenience stores and the seemingly luxury condo accommodations and facilities at the Olympic Village were also lauded not only by athletes, but also the press who covered the international competition.

Countries that dominate Summer Olympic Sports

In the main events, the whole world also witnessed who dominated in each sport category. In the decades since the first Olympics, there have been many changes in sports, as well as the countries who participated in it. For example, the countries in the Soviet Union were recognized under one banner when they first competed up until 1992, a year after the USSR dissolved. The following is a list of countries who have dominated in each sport category from 1988, and how well did they fare against other countries in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. To account for the Soviet Union’s dissolution, the medals were combined to Russia’s tally.

1. Badminton and Archery: South Korea

Archery continues to be a dominant sport for South Korea, but they have been challenged in badminton by both Indonesia and China.

In the Tokyo Summer Olympics 2020, South Korea showed its brilliance in archery, which was led by top seed An San. An won a whopping three gold medals for her country in the women’s team, mixed team, and individual events, becoming the first archer who has done so at a single Games. An also made a new world record, scoring 680 points and effectively eclipsing the previous holder Lina Herasymenko of Ukraine. Her gold medals contributed to South Korea’s overall placement in the standings at number 16 with 6 gold, 4 silver, and 10 bronze medals. South Korea also won gold in the men’s team event as well.

While South Korea is considered a dominant country in terms of badminton, another country has emerged as the new leader: Indonesia. And no wonder, the country’s national sport IS badminton and has produced ace athletes that continue to dominate each Summer Olympics game. Indonesia won its first gold in the women’s doubles event against China, which took silver. South Korea eventually took the bronze.

2.  Table Tennis, Weightlifting: China

China ranked second overall in the medal count, thanks to its dominance in many of the sports categories, including weightlifting and table tennis.

When table tennis made its debut in 1988, China became a formidable competitor in the sports category. And why shouldn’t it be? Just as badminton became the national sport in Indonesia, table tennis was considered a national sport in China. Before the Tokyo Summer Olympics, China won a staggering 28 out of the 32 gold medals. As such, it was no surprise that China won gold in all table tennis categories except with the newly-introduced mixed doubles match, which was snagged by home country Japan.

China is also head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to weightlifting. The country made its all-time record haul at the Tokyo Summer Olympics with seven golds. The Philippines pulled a major upset to China’s gold medal sweep, thanks to a historic win by Hidilyn Diaz, a Filipino silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Games. Diaz won the Philippines ’ first-ever gold over world record holder Liao Qiuyun of China in the women’s 55kg category. Her back-to-back feat made her a hometown hero again in the Philippines, with the Philippine government and several brands giving her various rewards, including several luxury house and lot units, and luxury condos. 

3. Basketball and Swimming: USA

Home of the famous National Basketball Association (NBA and WNBA) and swimming greats like Michael Phelps, USA was an obvious contender for the gold in these sports.

Since its debut in 1936 (for men) and 1976 (for women), the United States of America has owned the sport in all but one campaign. Ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics, the USA has won 15 of the 19 Olympic gold medals in men’s basketball, and 8 of 11 gold medals in women’s. The only time the USA didn’t dominate is in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, when they decided to boycott the Games.

Both the men’s and women’s teams won gold in basketball. Kevin Durant of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets led the men’s team, which was composed of top-tier NBA talents. The women’s team has four Olympic gold winners, including Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi.

Swimming is also the sports category that the USA showed dominance in. Winning a staggering 11 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals for the country in Tokyo, doesn’t mean that the US didn’t have stiff competition over it. Australia and Great Britain were incredible in the teams’ events, earning them podium finishes in the process. South Africa and Canada are also showing prowess in individual events, thanks to its star athletes Tatjana Schoenmaker and Summer McIntosh.

4. Men’s Water Polo: Hungary

In terms of podium finishes, Hungary won the most of them since clinching the silver medal back in 1928. However, it saw some upsets in the recent Summer Olympics.

Hungary won gold medals in none of the 19 Summer Games, with the Hungarian men’s water polo team dominating in each Summer Olympics except three. However, the country clinched only bronze finishes in each of the men’s and women’s team matches in Tokyo. Although Great Britain and Sweden were considered powerhouses as well, the Tokyo Olympics saw Serbia and the USA winning gold, Spain, and Greece winning second in the Games.

5. Judo: Japan

Judo’s rules dictate that each country can be represented by just one athlete per weight class. Japan was able to bag 84 medal finishes overall in judo since 1964, thanks to the 50 athletes it has sent over to compete in the contact sport over the years. In Judo, Japan is the only country that won more medals than any other nation.

The Tokyo Summer Olympics saw Japan bagging 12 more medals, 9 of them gold, making them the overall champions in the sport. France came second overall with 8 medals, with two of them gold.

6. Boxing: Cuba

While Cuba dominates in boxing, the Philippine delegation’s performance at the Tokyo Summer Olympics was impressive.

When it comes to boxing, Cuba is always neck to neck with the United States of America. Medal count-wise, the USA has won more Olympic medals in boxing than Cuba at 113 to 73. However, Cuba is seen emerging as the dominant player in the field simply because overall, Cuba won more medals each time both countries participated together. The country’s boxing podium finishes contributed to one-third of Cuba’s 220 Olympic medals won. 

In this year’s Summer Olympics, Cuba won five medals, which is less than the medals won by Great Britain and China. However, four out of five of them were gold. The USA placed tenth overall with 3 silver medals and 1 bronze. 

Nibbling at 11th place overall is the Philippines, thanks to the historic silver medal finishes by Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Patacio, and a bronze medal by Eumir Marcial. The boxing team’s performance was considered exemplary in the Tokyo Summer Games, as Irish Magno was the only one who failed to clinch a podium finish. The three returned to the country with everyone from the government, private companies and brands showering them with cash prizes and real estate like luxury homes and luxury condos in prime locations.

7. Volleyball: Brazil

Brazil may have retained its sport as the dominant country in this sport, but it has some formidable challengers to watch out for in the next Summer Olympics.

According to a commenter, Brazil’s success in volleyball can be explained by its popularity in terms of the number of people who play it and the national interest in the sport. Volleyball is said to be the second most popular sport after basketball, and its matches are considered one of the most-watched. Moreover, they have a well-organized entity that supports national teams and competitions.

In this year’s Summer Olympics, however, a lot of countries vying for the dominant player title. Unbeatable Brazil was beaten for the first time by the USA in the women’s team category. France emerged as another dominant player in the sport when they won the men’s team. Argentina edged out Brazil and took home the bronze. The sport also saw Japan fighting for the title as well. Thanks to the playing strategies of Japan’s men’s team paralleling that of popular manga series Haikyuu, and the fact that they were eliminated in a close, fierce game against Brazil, means we will see more of Japan in the 2024 Summer Olympics vying for the top podium finish.

What makes an Olympic athlete?

The victorious Hidilyn Diaz at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Image by Vincenzo Pinto/Agence France-Presse.

It is said that to be an athlete, you need more than just what you are capable to do. According to the new rules, the athletes need to perform a qualifying standard and have a good world ranking enough to compete as qualified athletes. This means that the bar in every sport is set much higher than usual. But to be more than that, athletes need to rise above expectations and deliver a performance worth noting.

Diaz, for example, wasn’t just stronger than her peers. Her award-winning performance at the Summer Olympics set the bar in terms of a weightlifting athlete. The 30-year-old pride of Zamboanga City tallied 97 kilograms in snatch against her Chinese competitor, and ultimately surprised everyone in both the weightlifting platform and the whole world when she did her Olympic record lift of 127 kilograms in clean & jerk.

The Gold Standard

When it comes to the gold standard of luxury homes and luxury condos, Brittany leads in the Philippine real estate market with its attention to beauty and detail in its themed communities.

Much like our dominating countries in this list, the same can also be said for Brittany Corporation. In a competitive luxury real estate market in the Philippines, the ones worth investing in are those that deliver much more than just the purchase price. 

The award-winning luxury residences of Brittany Corporation are well-known. Brittany is also the first in the country to create, develop, and manage beautiful residential communities with luxury properties. Each Brittany development is unique in style and thematic appeal. Brittany’s luxury communities are inspired by the world’s most stunning destinations, bringing these breathtaking places closer to home and making the beautiful, affluent lifestyle accessible to individuals who seek the gold standard.

Brittany, the luxury real estate brand created by Vista Land, the Philippines’ largest and most experienced homebuilder. Vista Land has been delivering real estate projects of unprecedented scope and achievement for over three decades, including premium real estate developments with great retail components. Vista Land has constructed more than 20 vertical residences and 250,000 homes for Filipino families in more than 60 towns and municipalities around the country.

Filipinos are famous for being hospitable and resilient. Filipinos have a lot to offer, with over 7,600 islands that cover the Philippines. Travelers from all over the world come to the Philippines to explore the country’s rich beauty and culture. Its landscapes are home to many natural attractions, including volcanoes, rice terraces, underwater rivers, limestone caves, and stunning beaches. Are you a traveler looking for Iconic Travel Spots to visit? Continue reading because we will guide you to the most Iconic travel spots to see in the Philippines.

Individually, the islands each have something unique to offer, whether you’re looking for the best diving and snorkeling spots or want to visit places with strong colonial roots like Manila or Vigan.

1. Intramuros and Fort Santiago, Manila

Intramuros, one of the most iconic travel spots to visit to experience the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, is a great way to learn about and appreciate the country’s rich history. Intramuros, with its old-fashioned elegance, is also a romantic backdrop for a date.

Intramuros was built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi during the Spanish Colonial period and was destroyed by the end of World War II. On the other hand, the ruins are still very much alive today and maybe explored on Intramuros tours. The Intramuros, or walled city, is home to many of the city’s most notable tourist attractions, sites, and monuments.

Photo by World Map

Several universities and institutions have established themselves in the area. The majestic Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, the Philippines’ oldest church, are centuries-old churches.

Fort Santiago, a stronghold that served as a headquarters for troops and foreign powers, is another Intramuros attraction. It is a historically historic location where Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero, was imprisoned before his execution.

2. Hanging Coffins, Sagada

The Sagada Hanging Coffins are undeniably one of Mountain Province’s most prominent tourist attractions. Visiting this ancient world burial place requires a short stroll, but you will have to pass through an American-influenced cemetery named Echo Valley, which is set on a mountaintop.

Photo by Trip Zilla

Hanging coffins have been suspended from cliffs as part of the Sagada people’s Igorot indigenous culture and burial tradition. Although this old tradition is also practiced in some parts of the world, like Indonesia and China, the Philippines has its distinct culture.

Each cadaver was smoked over the 5-day pre-burial feast to avoid speedy decomposition. Coffins are built of hollowed-out logs that are generally crafted by the elderly Igorots before they die. The traditional method of burial for a qualified individual is to hang the coffins in high elevated cliffs. Pushing the bodies into the narrow gaps of the coffin for them to fit into the coffin space created from Pine tree planks is also part of the indigenous death ceremony. In Sagada, the Igorot ancestors believed that the higher your body was laid, the closer you were to ‘heaven.’ Another motivation was to keep the bodies safe from natural calamities like earthquakes and floods, as well as from wild animals.

SUGGESTED READ: Ultimate Guide to Traveling Around Europe

3. Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue

The rice terraces at Batad were erected 2000 years ago and contain stone walls instead of mud walls in other parts of the province. Farmers worked these fields for generations, practicing remarkably similar methods today as they were first built. It’s beautiful to witness such consistency in farming operations over such a long period. And it’s incredible to think that what their forefathers built all those years ago is still paying off now, A remarkable legacy that will be passed down for many generations.

Photo by Culture Trip

In Banaue, seeing the Batad rice terraces at sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Landscape photographers who want to produce stunning shots of Philippine agriculture should try this out. Some of these terraces are almost 2,000 years old and represent a traditional farming method in the country. 

4. Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna

One of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines is Pagsanjan Falls, also known as Cavinti Falls (local name: Magdapio Falls). The falls are one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations, being in the province of Laguna. A river ride on a dugout canoe, known locally as Shooting the rapids, is required to reach the three-drop cascade, which originates in the Pagsanjan municipality. A short hike from Cavinti will get you to the waterfall.

Photo by Escape Manila

The Shooting the Rapids boat cruise, which departs from any of the resorts along the Bumbungan and Balanac Rivers, is the most popular method to see the falls. Two competent and licensed boatmen transport one to three guests to the falls in long, narrow wooden or fiberglass canoes, which may take more than an hour to paddle upstream depending on traffic and water level. Passengers will go through the narrow and lush Pagsanjan Gorge, lined with massive boulders, rocks, and little waterfalls. The upstream ride stops in a natural pool below the falls, where guests can take an optional raft ride through a curtain of cascading water to the Devil’s cave beyond the falls. Shooting the Rapids, the return trip, is a thrilling ride through fourteen rapids as the skillful boatmen navigate the boat through the narrow rocks as it heads downstream.

SUGGESTED READ: How to do Luxury Travel with Kids | Luxury Homes by Brittany Corporation

5. Mt. Pulag

The provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya are all bordered by Mount Pulag. It is the Philippines’ third highest mountain and the highest peak on the island of Luzon. There are around 500 plant species on the hill. The dwarf bamboo, for example, is a mountain endemic. It also holds several endangered mammal species. Mount Pulag is a naturalist’s dream come true.

Photo by Wow Cordillera 

Mount Pulag in Baguio, as Luzon’s tallest peak, attracts a large number of mountain climbers. The alpine forests and the grassland peak with its “sea of clouds” phenomena highlight the climb. The Ambangeg, Akiki, and Trawangan paths from Benguet and the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya are the four major trails that lead to the peak. The Mount Pulag National Park, controlled by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is in charge of these paths.

6. Temple of Leah

The tale of the Temple of Leah is similar to that of the Taj Mahal, an Indian mausoleum created as a symbol of eternal love. Teodorico Soriano Adarna’s devotion to his late wife Leah Albino-Adarna, a life companion for 53 years, is the Temple of Leah. They own the Queensland motel business in Cebu and are the grandparents of Filipina actress Ellen Adarna. 

The temple is said to be made up of 24 chambers, including an art gallery, museum, library, and bar, as well as life-size statues of Roman gladiators, lions, and angels adorning the walls. A set of large stone steps leads up to the entrance and into the foyer, where a brass 10-foot statue of Leah stands. 

Photo by True Local

The temple’s construction located in Cebu City’s highland barangay of Busay started in 2012 and is expected to be finished by 2020. Though the building is still ongoing, the place is already open to the public from 6 AM to 11 PM with an entrance fee of Php50 per person.

7. Trone Giant Chair, Crosswinds Tagaytay

If you’re looking for a destination outside the busy metro, be sure to put Crosswinds, Tagaytay on your bucket list. Crosswinds Tagaytay is a project by Brittany Corporation, a subsidiary of Villar’s Vista Land and Lifescapes. Crosswinds Tagaytay is a Swiss-inspired project with a lot of Iconic Travel Spots to enjoy.

Photo by How She Wanders

Along with the cafes in the area, Brittany built a giant throne chair like Geneva’s chair sculpture that is very famous to those who visit Crosswinds. It’s one of the many photo-worthy locations that tourists like. This adds to the enjoyment and thrill of their stay at Crosswinds. 

Tagaytay is well-known for its cool, breezy weather, in addition to the magnificent Taal Volcano and mountain ranges. Because it is only a few hours from the metro, it is ideal for fast getaways. Crosswinds is a Swiss-inspired community with over 35,000 pine trees that spans 100 acres. This neighborhood is recognized for its high-end residential complexes. Crosswinds Tagaytay also has a 365-day Christmas celebration, which is even longer than the national holiday. As a result, it’s the ideal country vacation spot! 

Christmas is about to come, and we know that you are now planning to spend the holidays with your family. Have you listed down Iconic Travel spots to visit yet? The Philippines has a lot to offer. You can choose whether beach, adventure, or historical places.

What are you waiting for? Crosswinds is expecting your arrival to share all of these Christmas adventures with your loved ones. This Christmas season, there’s no better spot to go than the ones that make you feel enchanted!

With the pandemic still raging, most people have opted to just travel from the comforts of their homes in the past year. But if we’re talking about actual traveling, Europe is the most visited continent in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Almost every country in the continent features something interesting for tourists to explore, so they can enjoy either traveling around Europe or focusing on one country at a time.

It’s home to a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes and features. Every country has a diverse and deeply-rooted history, which creates a rich culture for everyone to explore. Most places are safe for traveling, too, even with the pandemic prevailing in other areas.

Whatever your reasons are, traveling around Europe is on everyone’s bucket list. In this article, we’re going to give you a thorough guide on traveling around Europe so that you can stay safe and still enjoy the sights.

Quick Guide to European Travel

An afternoon at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a town in Germany.

Unless you have a ton of time, you’ll never be able to visit all of Europe’s 44 countries in one go. Thus, when visiting, it’s often helpful to divide Europe into four regions: Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Europe.

However, keep in mind that these definitions of which country belongs are hotly debated today. For example, even international authorities like the United Nations have different classifications from the CIA and the European Union.

Nevertheless, each region has different highlights and incredible places to visit, so in this section, we’re going to give you an overview of the four European regions.

Eastern Europe

Historically, Eastern Europe is composed of the countries behind the Iron Curtain, such as the Czech Republic, Poland, and Russia.

This region of the continent most often features historical places and deeply rooted traditions. For example, you can find several World Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic and Montenegro and visit important historical structures like Auschwitz and the State Hermitage Museum.

It’s also generally a cheaper destination than the other regions, so this area of Europe is perfect for budget travelers who are particularly inclined to visit the continent. It can be further subdivided into three smaller regions: the British Isles, the Baltics, and Scandinavia. It’s composed of countries such as the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Iceland, among seven other countries.

This region of Europe is best known as a prime spot to witness the Northern Lights. This phenomenon is a grand natural light show in the northern sky when several conditions are met in winter.

Aside from that, Northern Europe is also known for its natural beauty, modern cities, and rich culture. All three Crosswinds developments, the Alpine Villas, the Grand Quartier, and the Lausanne at Crosswinds, formerly known as the Terraces, actually got their inspiration from the Scandinavian region.

Lausanne at Crosswinds aims to bring Switzerland’s charms closer to Filipinos.

Southern Europe

Southern Europe is composed of 15 countries, which include Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Spain. These countries sit right beside the Mediterranean sea and are some of the most popular places to visit in Spain because of their superb ocean-front views and all-inclusive, high-class resorts.

Aside from great beach weather, this region also features historical sites that you should see while traveling around Europe. Rome, Italy, and even Cyprus all feature ancient ruins and other artifacts that will give you a sense of wonder and reverence.

Many of Brittany’s developments are inspired by Southern Europe. For instance, all Portofino developments, Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore, are based on real-life Southern Europe architecture.

Suggested Read: Which Countries are Open for Travel and Tourism? | Brittany Corporation

Portofino and Amore are both inspired by Italian architecture.

Western Europe

Composed of countries such as Germany, France, and Austria, this region is what most Filipinos think of when they think of “Europe.”

This region has many countries to visit, including iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Alps, and even the Van Gogh Museum. Even though it’s a hub of European culture that features the best kinds of wineries, art galleries, and ancient ruins, it also boasts some of the most developed cityscapes in the world.

The Belle Reve, found at Brittany Sta. Rosa, is inspired by French-Mediterranean themes, a perfect blend of Southern and Western Europe. 

Where to Go when Traveling Around Europe

Now that we know about the four divisions of Europe, maybe you already have an idea of where you want to travel to next? In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most visited European countries today and talk about things you need to keep in mind should you visit.

France

The Eiffel Tower, an iconic spot in Paris, France.

Receiving more than 90 million visitors annually pre-pandemic, France stands as one of the most visited countries, not just in Europe but around the world.

You can write a book about all the reasons there is to visit France, and others have certainly tried. However, among the primary drivers of its tourism industry is its rich culture. We’ve all seen and heard about the grandeur and classical elegance of French cities – it even became one of Brittany’s inspirations for the Belle Reve, as mentioned above.

Their cuisine is one of the most famous in the world as well. Sampling the different regional dishes is something that can’t be missed on your travels. French wine, too, is coveted by people around the globe.

More than that, it’s also home to many cultural heritages and iconic sites. You undoubtedly already have the Eiffel Tower on your travel list, and traveling around Europe simply wouldn’t be right without visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles, and the picturesque medieval village of Pérouges, to name a few.

SUGGESTED READ: How to do Luxury Travel with Kids | Luxury Homes by Brittany Corporation

COVID-19 Situation

Adding to the list of why you should visit this lovely country, France has aggressively pursued vaccination campaigns and quarantine protocols. Their efforts have largely resulted in steady drops in their infection rates, which in turn has encouraged the reopening of most leisure establishments.

Popular cultural destinations such as the Louvre museum, Disneyland Paris, and the Château de Versailles are accessible to the public. Indoor and outdoor dining has resumed, as well as malls, theatres, and nightclubs. For the most part, masks are not required when outside, but some establishments still need mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and limited capacities.

France’s economy relies heavily on tourism, so the country is largely accepting visitors from countries outside of Europe. Requirements include proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test (antigen or PCR) 72 hours before entering the country.

Italy

Venice, one of Italy’s most-visited cities.

Visiting Italy is a staple when traveling around Europe. Home to ancient cultural sites, influential art and architecture, and picturesque locations, Italy draws millions of people every year.

Some of the most popular historical sites to visit in these countries include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Herculaneum, and the Colosseum.

The country also features grand feats of both modern and classical architecture; great, ancient cathedrals such as the Saint Mark’s Basilica, Florence Cathedral, and the Santa Maria delle Grazie abound in different parts of Italy. The charm of Italy’s modern buildings has even been captured by Brittany while developing the Vista Alabang development and its enclaves.

There’s also Rome, home of the Vatican and its deeply-rooted culture and traditions, as well as Florence, Milan, and Venice – all beautiful cities to explore in their own rights.

COVID-19 Situation

Italy is seeing steady declines in its infection numbers. More than half of the population has already been vaccinated at least once. As a result, hospitalizations and deaths have drastically gone down.

Despite pandemic fatigue, many Italians are now optimistic for the future. The country has a  white-yellow-orange-red color system to regulate its pandemic response, and most of its 20 regions are on the “yellow” scale. Last May, the country’s Prime Minister gave an energizing speech that assured most of the country will be open for the tourism season. This has fueled an optimistic climate among the local businesses.

Visitors from low-risk countries are required to quarantine for 10 days and show a negative Covid test, with a few exceptions. Only essential travel is allowed (medical care, business, or study) from countries designated as high-risk such as the Philippines, and no travel at all is allowed from Brazil or India. 

SUGGESTED READ: Iconic Travel Spots to Visit in the Philippines

Spain

A typical afternoon with Spain’s golden sunset.

Sporting over 47 world heritage sites, you won’t run out of beautiful historical places to visit in Spain.

One of the most popular cities to visit is Barcelona, home of beautiful architecture. This includes the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, and the Palace of Catalan Music.

You can also go to Madrid, which is a popular day tour destination where you can hop from historic landmarks, museums, and shows. The architectural wonders of Seville and the natural beauty of Palma de Mallorca are also must-sees when traveling around Europe.

COVID-19 Situation

Although the country is pursuing a very aggressive and accelerated vaccination program, Spain’s infection rates have been rising since June.

However, the country’s Prime Minister has forecasted that 70% of its citizens would be vaccinated this month. The country has one of the most thorough and modern health care systems available for the public, so this shouldn’t be as much of a concern for potential tourists.

Mask rules are still enforced throughout the country, but aside from that protocols and regulations largely depend on each region. Thus, regulations differ in every region and will often change by the week. Nevertheless, most regions in Spain have a pretty bustling local economy, with most leisure establishments open.

Spain is open to vaccinated individuals that come from low-risk countries. However, foreigners coming from high-risk countries such as the Philippines must submit negative antigen test results, although those who pass from the land border between Spain and Portugal seem to be exempt from this rule.

United Kingdom

The Big Ben, one of the most recognizable London landmarks.

Consisting of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the UK is another one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. That’s why Brittany decided to model the Promenade after the English countryside, perfectly capturing its unique charm.

Visitors will be delighted with its many historical sites. The United Kingdom has played an important role in the history of Europe, and with this role comes a large number of historical relics.

Palaces, castles, and churches remain standing as a testament to the periods they were created. The most popular ones to visit are the Stirling Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Roman Baths, and the ever-famous Stonehenge.

Other than historical sites, the UK is also a hub of modern culture. London is one of the world’s centers for art and fashion, so urbanites will find lots of places to explore. Traveling around Europe isn’t complete without visiting Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Aquarium, and the London Eye.

COVID-19 Situation

More than half of the country’s population has been fully vaccinated, and the government is ready to be ambitious in its vaccination programs.

Social distancing and capacity limitations still apply, but otherwise, most leisure establishments, such as hotels, theaters, restaurants, and pubs, have already reopened. Masks are not required outside, but it’s necessary indoors unless eating or drinking. Although plans to fully reopen large events have been pushed by a new variant in the country, the climate remains largely optimistic.

The UK has a “traffic light” classification for those who wish to enter the country.

Among red-listed countries like the Philippines, only nationals and residents are allowed to enter. For countries on the amber list, travelers are made to show a negative Covid test 72 hours before they leave for the country, and you’ll have to undergo a quarantine period of 10 days. Further tests on the second and tenth dates of quarantine are required as well.

Lastly, visitors coming from green-listed countries, such as New Zealand and Australia, are only required to take a test before departure for the UK and another one-two days after arrival.

Aside from that, there are constant spot checks to check obedience to quarantine rules, and strict fines will be enacted for those who don’t follow. Country classification is reviewed every three weeks.

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 While traveling Around Europe

The COVID-19 is still raging so be sure to take precautions when traveling.

Traveling around Europe is still possible, provided that you follow the local laws and regulations. More than that, to protect yourself and others from the virus, take heed of the following travel tips:

As much as possible, be fully vaccinated before you travel.

Seek out and follow local guidelines and travel restrictions against the virus.

Always practice social distancing, wherever you are.

Inform the staff or crew should you ever fall ill while traveling.

Religiously follow suggested quarantine protocols.

Regularly wash your hands with your rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Refrain from traveling if you display symptoms of infection, such as cough, sore throat, body pains, and other symptoms associated with COVID-19.

If you’re older or have any serious underlying conditions, you should reevaluate your need to travel. If travel is unavoidable, take precautionary measures and follow guidelines religiously.

Traveling Around Europe During the Pandemic

The pandemic has pretty much stopped international travel, but several European countries are now steadily reopening to the world. Traveling around Europe isn’t just a pipe dream anymore, and Brittany wants you to live your dreams as much as you can.

However, be sure to follow safety measures and don’t break any rules during your travels. It’s not just for your safety, but the protection of the people around you as well.

Here at Brittany, we take a lot of inspiration from famous European countries.

If you want to experience the magnificence of Switzerland, you can visit Tagaytay’s Crosswinds. The Belle Reve in Brittany Sta Rosa lets you live with the beautiful French buildings all around you, and Vista Alabang captures the beauty of Italy with its atmosphere and architecture. You can even enjoy the quaint charms of the English countryside by living in Brittany’s Promenade.

Nothing beats visiting the real thing, of course, but while you’re in the Philippines, you can have the best of both worlds if you choose one of our top-quality themed developments at Brittany.

As we officially conclude the month of August, we celebrated National Heroes Day where we remember and commemorate traditional and modern heroes last August 30, 2021. We also remember that we celebrate the Filipino language through Buwan ng Wika every August. This annual celebration began last 1997 through the Proclamation 1041, which states that the Buwan of Wikang Pambansa is to be celebrated every August 1 to 31. 

The KMF (Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino) unveiled this year’s theme which is  “Filipino ang mga Wikang Katutubo sa Dekolonolisasyon ng Pag-Iisip ng mga Pilipino. In this article, we will tackle the top 8 major dialects of the Filipino language. Are you ready to travel per region? Let’s get to it!

Major dialects of the Filipino Language

Tagalog is mainly spoken by people hailing from the Southern and Central parts of Luzon. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

1. Tagalog 

First on our list of major dialects that enrich the Filipino language is Tagalog. Tagalog belongs to the Austronesian family, a language family which comprises of languages spoken in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. This dialect is spoken by the Tagalog people. Native Tagalog speakers are the second largest cultural group in the Philippines from the Southern Tagalog Mainland and some parts of Mindanao. 

The word Tagalog directly translates as “from the river” and the grammar is known for its complexity. Tagalogs can be mainly found in Region IV-A CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon). 

Cebuano is a Visayan dialect that is mainly spoken by those in the central and western parts of East Visayas.
Cebuanos Malapascua Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

2. Cebuano 

The second item in our list of major dialects that enrich the Filipino language is Cebuano or Sugbuhanon. Spoken by at least 18.5 million Filipinos who come from Cebu, eastern Negros, Bohol, western Leyte, and the northern and western parts of Mindanao. Cebuano is closely related to other dialects such as Ilonggo and Waray-Waray. 

Native Cebuano speakers comprise about one-fifth of the entire Philippine population. While Tagalog has the most number of native speakers, Cebuano had the most number of native speakers from the 1950s until the 1980s. 

Ilokano belongs to the northern Luzon branch of Filipino dialects.  Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

3. Ilokano

Ilokano belongs to the northern Luzon branch of Filipino dialects.  Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

The third major dialect that enriches the Filipino language is Ilokano. Considered as the lingua franca of Northern Luzon and other provinces neighboring the Ilocos region at about 7 million people. Ilocano came from the words “i” which means from and “looc” which means cove or bay and if combined together, it means “people of the bay.” 

Ilokano is considered as the first language of people hailing from La Union, Ilocos provinces, Cagayan Valley, Babuyan, Mindoro, and Mindanao. This dialect has also adopted a lot of words from Spanish and English as well as Hokkien and Sanskrit. 

Ilonggo or Hiligaynon is a major dialect in the Filipino language which is mostly used by Filipinos who live in Western Visayas.  Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

4. Ilonggo

Ilonggo or Hiligaynon is a major dialect in the Filipino language which is mostly used by Filipinos who live in Western Visayas.  Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

The third on our list of major dialects that enrich the Filipino language is Ilonggo, also known as Hiligaynon. Spoken by at least 9.1 million natives who come from Panay Island, Western Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos). This dialect’s closest relatives are Capiznon, Masbatenyo, and Porohanon. It is the fourth largest dialect spoken in the country. 

Hiligaynon or Ilonggo is the second most spoken dialect in the Visayas and is the most distantly related to other Filipino dialects. Ilonggos are also known for their unique intonation, which is described as having a “gentle lilt.” 

Bicolano is a dialect spoken in Bicolandia and is considered the fourth-largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

5. Bicolano

Bicolano is a dialect spoken in Bicolandia and is considered the fourth-largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines.  Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

The fourth major dialect which adds color to the Filipino language is Bicolano. The dialect, however, has four major kinds: the Coastal, Inland, Pandan, and Bisakol. The majority of Bikolanos understand the Central Bicolano dialect because it is widely used in media and literature. Moreover, it is a common misconception that the Central Bicolano dialect, which is mostly spoken in Naga and Legazpi, is the “standard.” 

Although it is the most spoken dialect in the region, it is not considered a standard because there are other forms of Bicolano spoken in other regions. Other Bicol dialects include Pandan Bicol, which is spoken in the Northern part of Catanduanes and Albay, Rinconada Bicol, which is spoken in the south part of Camarines Sur, and many more. 

On the other hand, natives from Masbate and Sorsogon speak Masbateño, Southern and Northern Sorsogon. These three comprise are Visayan and Bicolano influenced hence, they are clumped under the group of Bisakol which is the combination of “Bisaya” and “Bicol.” 

The San Juanico bridge also called as Tulay han San Juanico in Waray is strategically placed to connect Samar and Leyte. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

6. Waray

The San Juanico bridge also called as Tulay han San Juanico in Waray is strategically placed to connect Samar and Leyte.  Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

The sixth major dialect in our list is Waray. Waray is part of the dialects belonging to the Visayan branch and is mostly spoken by approximately 3 million Filipinos who reside in Samar, Northern and Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. As a native dialect to those living in Eastern Visayas, it is not only the native dialect of the Waray people but also the second language of the Abaknon people from Capul in Northern Samar and some Cebuanos coming from the western and southern parts of Leyte. 

Pampanga is known for having many tourist attractions and Villa Epifania is a famous structure located in Sta. Rita, Pampanga and is known for its architectural design and the supernatural stories that surround its walls. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

7. Kapampangan 

Pampanga is known for being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines and having many tourist attractions and Villa Epifania is a famous structure located in Sta. Rita, Pampanga and is known for its architectural design and the supernatural stories that surround its walls.   Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

Next in our list of major dialects that enrich the Filipino language is Kapampangan. It is the primary and predominant dialect in the entirety of Pampanga and Southern Tarlac. Kapampangan is so widespread that it is also spoken in northeastern Bataan, some places in Bulacan, Zambales, as well as some parts of the Aeta groups who reside in the southern part of Central Luzon. This dialect is known as the “Amanung Sisuan” which translates to nurtured language. 

In current news, Angeles city has installed traffic signs in Kapampangan in their major access roads. This decision roots from the city’s goal to enrich and preserve the Kapampangan dialect and at the same time ensure the safety of drivers and motorists in transit. Apart from this, Mayor Lazatin of Angeles underscores the City Council’s plan in holding sessions in Kapampangan. 

Pangasinan is not only the home of the Pangasinense but is also where the Hundred Islands can be found. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

8. Pangasinense 

Pangasinan is not only the home of the Pangasinense but is also where the Hundred Islands can be found.  Photo courtesy: Wikipedia.org

The last major dialect in our list is Pangasinense, which is the spoken dialect of approximately 1.5 million Filipinos who reside in the province of Pangasinan. Pangasinense is also a widespread dialect that can be spoken and understood by those who live in Benguet, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and Ifugao. 

Pangasinense is a close relative of Ibaloi of Benguet and Baguio, as well as Tagalog and Ilokano. 

Experiencing Culture Through Brittany 

Summing it all up, we had a shallow dive on the top 8 major dialects in the Philippines which enrich the Filipino language. These 8 dialects are just a peek at the hundreds and thousands of dialects that are prevalent in the entire country. 

By knowing these dialects, we get immersed in the local culture and way of life of our fellow Filipinos especially now that these are trying times and mobility and travel are strictly limited and monitored. 

Just like learning these dialects can take us on a culture trip and immersion regionally, Brittany Corporation is the champion in taking residents to scenic world destinations with our luxury house and lot as well as luxury condominiums. 

If you want to have a taste of Switzerland, Crosswinds is the place for you. You will for sure enjoy the lush pine trees and the fresh and cool breeze of Tagaytay. To experience Southern American living where you can enjoy nature and tranquility, we have Brittany Sta. Rosa’s Promenade, Georgia Club, and Augusta. If you’re into Italian living, Vista Alabang is the community for you where you can enjoy not only Italian living but also exquisite and intricate architecture. 

To know more about our luxury homes and properties, check our website here. 

Modern technology is changing every aspect of today’s society in countless ways. Now more than ever, digital trends continue to revolutionize the way people live, work and play. This is also true for most businesses nowadays, including the real estate industry. Innovative platforms and digital solutions that bring unmatched convenience, boost employee performance, and accelerate communication and interaction between businesses and their discerning market are now the norms. And as the biggest name in the luxury real estate development in the Philippines, Brittany stays at the top of its digital marketing initiatives by successfully launching the official Brittany seller’s portal, also known as the E-Suite.

Introducing the E-Suite

The E-Suite by Brittany is an exclusive professional sales portal that provides Brittany’s business partners with one-stop access to digital marketing materials, information, virtual events, and more.

The E-Suite is Brittany’s newest digital collaborative space for marketers. It is an exclusive professional sales portal that provides Brittany’s business partners and networks with all the relevant data, media, and information they need for their sales process and marketing operations. This centralized and easy-to-navigate seller’s portal streamlines Brittany’s digital sales operations to keep up with today’s fast-paced and growing market demands when buying luxury houses and lots.  

To put it simply, E-suite equips marketers with everything they need to conquer the bustling landscape of the luxury residential real estate industry. 

What’s Inside Brittany Seller’s Portal or the E-Suite?

The fast-moving age of tech proves that digitalization is no longer just nice-to-have but a must-have in luxury real estate marketing. To create a compelling and convenient experience between its salesforce and luxury investors, Brittany is not left behind. Its top caliber team of digital marketing specialists, creative designers, copywriters, and website developers joined together to create E-Suite and offer digital marketing right at your palm’s convenience. Here are the digital marketing tools and additional support features included inside the Brittany seller’s portal.

Your E-Suite Walkthrough Guide

1. Full Access to Relevant Marketing Database and HD Collaterals

Luxury real estate deals with a huge amount of data and media. The seller’s portal consolidates all of these materials and information in one, easy-to-navigate interface for optimum efficiency and convenience.

One of the major sections featured on the E-suite is the E-Sales Hub. It is a centralized source of marketing database and high-definition marketing collaterals to support sellers on their projects and promotions. Brittany featured listings are separated by area, each containing a designated seller’s kit and media kit.  Expect to see the following materials on every seller’s kit of a specific Brittany property:

1. Marketing presentation materials

2. E-sales materials 

3. Fact sheets

4. Updated inventory and price lists

Every digital marketer, agent, or broker that sells real estate properties like luxury mansions knows the importance of high-quality photos and videos on property listings when appealing to luxury property investors. This is why media kits with high-definition photos, videos, and maps of Brittany’s luxury houses and lots, luxury condominium units, and other high-end developments are also included inside the seller’s portal. 

Needless to say, the E-suite easily shares the most up-to-date content in real-time, ensuring that marketers always have consistent and relevant marketing information and media references right at their fingertips.

2. Convenient Tools Streamlining Marketers’ Sales Initiatives

E-suite’s collaborative interface also allows members of the Brittany Salesforce to conveniently communicate with the marketing team about the latest and upcoming projects. Easy processing of a client’s unit reservations is also possible in just a few clicks on the E-suite’s online reservation portal. On top of that, marketers can process their personal sales commission with ease via the Accounts Management team. Necessary forms including sellers’ accreditation forms, business proposals, and sales inquiry forms are easily accessible and ready to use on the seller’s portal.   

Property viewing for one’s clients is also made easier and more organized than ever via E-Suite. Marketers can reserve slots for exclusive property viewing and virtual presentations of the property listings an investor is interested in. Take note that site viewing appointment forms must be filled up to schedule guest trippings according to public health safety guidelines. 

3. E-Learning Courses for Marketers via KAIZEN 101

Kaizen 101 is the E-Suite’s official learning platform where marketers can access various virtual courses, recorded training videos, and webinars.

The best way to adapt to the ever-evolving world of luxury real estate marketing is to never stop learning.  As a forward-thinking company, Brittany provides a flexible platform and efficient learning environment for its sales force to constantly develop their professional skills and reach new heights as they advance on their professional careers. 

The E-suite takes pride in KAIZEN 101, the official virtual learning platform for Brittany marketers. Participants can easily log in to KAIZEN 101 and access varieties of relevant e-learning resources onboard. The seller’s portal houses an array of virtual courses recorded training videos, and webinars readily available to those who want to gain new knowledge or elevate their skills. This is a great opportunity to learn from the experts as industry professionals lead each virtual course in marketing, sales, and more. 

A secondary advantage of KAIZEN 101 is marketers have the freedom to choose their own online training path that can cater to their specific areas of interest, goals, and needs. The wide library of E-learning courses ranges from the nitty-gritty of building investments in the new normal, the future of luxury house interior design post-pandemic, PKS walkthrough, to so much more array of educational topics. 

Participants can also consume the uploaded e-learning resources and get trained at their own pace. Kaizen 101 offers round-the-clock access to online training resources that marketers can get the most out of at the comfort of their homes. 

4. Special Events and Activities Page

Being a part of Brittany Salesforce means working on the backdrop of a fun, collaborative, and supportive corporate culture. As such, exciting and informative events, virtual conferences, special get-togethers, and other corporate activities that boost team dynamics and celebrate achievements are common occurrences. The E-Suite makes navigating and keeping track of all corporate events by Brittany easier than ever. Never miss out on any internal activities by simply checking out the list of upcoming events right on the Events tab on the seller’s portal and adding them to your account’s personal calendar. Past events are also listed for references.

It is important to note that to ensure the health and wellness of all event participants during the pandemic, most corporate activities by Brittany are done virtually or via hybrid meetings. All the necessary event details are listed on the seller’s portal, including the event’s time and date, agenda, Zoom details, registration tab, as well as the event’s organizer. 

5. E-Suite Lifestyle Hub

Check out the latest lifestyle blogs to be abreast with the latest news and trends that engage the discerning market of the upscale real estate industry.

In the flexible digital ecosystem of marketing luxury houses and lots to the affluent few, staying abreast of the latest news, developments, and trends is crucial. The Lifestyle Hub section on E-Suite contains a library of diverse and informative blogs, ranging from career guides and tips to real estate investments. You can learn more about your sales career path with Brittany as well as discover the investment opportunities in the luxury real estate market. The seller’s portal is also a knowledge-sharing venue for all members of the Brittany Salesforce. Everyone is encouraged to let their creative juices flow by submitting self-written blogs to exchange relevant ideas, tips, and guides for the team. 

Why Sell for Brittany?

Brittany is the number one name in the luxury real estate development in the Philippines. Being a part of the Brittany Salesforce means being under the reputable and established professional wing of Vista Land & Lifescapes—the largest and most successful homebuilder in the Philippines and pioneer in themed real estate development. That being said, expect to experience stable career advancement and get all the necessary support, tools, and rewards you need to grow in your luxury real estate marketing career. With a growth mindset ingrained in Brittany’s pool of luxury real estate professionals, you are constantly learning and improving your skills through in-depth training and orientations that will set you apart as you conquer the summit of your success.

***

Be a part of the elite few. Discover rewarding and stable career growth by being part of Brittany’s next generation of real estate sales professionals. For more information about career opportunities here at Brittany, explore Britanny Salesforce’s official website, or follow their socials: Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. Interested applicants may also send an email of their updated resume to sales@brittany.com.ph or call 794-9999.

There is a certain appeal to riding a beautiful and obviously expensive big bike; whether you’re the dashing knight in shining armor, his date, or a strong, independent woman with an affinity for the majestic motorcycle. Besides its show-stopping beauty, it can also be faster and more convenient than your average car. You can even take it to high places and skip through traffic: the open air as you travel might even be safer than the confined spaces of other transport vehicles. Weekend getaways or date nights may be elevated: imagine taking one of these big bikes out to your trip to Tagaytay for homecoming or leisure. Save on parking space so you can buy an Alpine Villas condo unit or a house and lot surrounded by the 35,000 pine trees of Crosswinds Tagaytay. When it comes to housing Brittany Corporation is the top choice, but with big bikes, there is competition. Of course, with a wide array to choose from, we took it upon ourselves to help you with your shopping by rounding up the best big bike brands available for in the Philippines. By the end of this article, you probably already have your top pick!

Here are some of the best bike brands available in the Philippines

Ducati

One of the most famous brands when it comes to big bikes, the Italian brand, Ducati, has shops around the metro showcasing the fine Italian handiwork also associated with the Lamborghini, some units are even available for test rides! It’s also a big bike widely known in the world of racing because of their modern engines and pleasing-to-the-eyes design. It’s the luxury of motor bikes: people from all over the world will pay to own for its premium quality. In February, they released the brand new DesmosediciGP 2021. It’s almost too intimidating to take out for a spin.

The Ducati Superleggera V4 in its red variation

Harley-Davidson is one of the most iconic bike brands in the world

Did you know that the cheapest Harley-Davidson big bike in the Philippines is around P800,000? Being founded in 1903 in Wisconsin, it’s one of the motorcycle brands that survived the Great Depression. The other one was Indian. Harley-Davidson has a reputation for their quality and beautiful bikes, a luxury brand as well. They only have limited stocks and show rooms in the Philippines because their prices could go up in millions! Despite the size, these big bikes with various types are sleek: perfect for an out-of-town trip without the bulk. Check out the Heritage Classic for that all-around yet vintage vibe!

The Harley-Davidson Street 750 with its sleek and elegant Matte Black finish.

Kawasaki

This Japanese brand, Kawasaki, is widely known in the Philippines. It’s considered as the top-selling bike brand because of their reasonable prices. They’ve garnered success from patrons for their Ninja 400 big bike that’s perfect for everyone: the daily commute, a long solo ride, or date night to spots like Cafe Voi La at Crosswinds Tagaytay. Yes, this big bike looks so fancy, you might as well also look the part! Compared to the first two brands, there are various motorcycle dealers in the Philippines that carry this reputable brand. If you want an expensive unit, the Kawasaki Nija H2 is sold at 1.3 to 1.8 million pesos!

Suggested Read: Best Off-Road Cycling in the Bike Trails of Laguna | Brittany Corporation

Yamaha

Also a Japanese brand, Yamaha sorts their big bikes into categories in their website, all fit for the customers needs like Motorcross, Cross Country, Trail, SuperSport, Hyper Naked, Sports Heritage, Trancontinental Touring, Adventure Touring, Sport Touring, and Scooter! When it comes to durability and range: Yamaha has it! The Yamaha XSR155 is a beautiful big bike with the vintage vibe, while the Yamaha Xmax looks more ready for adventure.

Honda is one of the most reliable bike brands in the country

Honda is also well-known in the Philippines for their cars, but in the motorcycle world, they also got the goods with a wide range to choose from. Their latest big bike models are the Honda X-ADV and the Goldwing. One of their best and most expensive models is the Honda Rebel. For a little bit affordable big bike that looks straight out of a racing motorcycle magazine, the Honda CBR150R in red is a beauty. They also sometimes hold events for big bike enthusiasts to gather and check out their product offerings.

The 2020 Honda Rebel 500 on the road.

KTM

Kronreif, Trunkenpolz, Mattighofren: KTM is an Austrian brand that is deeply rooted and involved in the motorsport tradition with its traditional orange look. They are manufactured and available in the Philippines, being versatile and the embodiment of sports riding. Their brand values include the words: purity, performance, adventure, and extreme that show commitment to their products. Their KTM RC 200 is one of the most recommended big bikes in the country, while KTM 390 Duke is included in the list of beginner-friendly big bikes.

The Suzuki bike brand is one of the most recognizable internationally

Suzuki is also one of the motorcycle brands in the Philippines that has many locations all over the country: making it accessible and easy to browse through for every driver. It’s also big on being good for sports or leisure! There are 29 new motorcycles offered by Suzuki. A recommended model is the Suzuki GSX 750. However, one of their models, the Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa is one of the most expensive big bikes in the world. Still, even without splurging on the top of the list, Suzuki can provide a big bike for trail trips and other needs.

KYMCO

This Taiwanese brand might not be that familiar to the common folk, but to big bike enthusiasts, this could be one of the best yet underrated motorcycle brands in the Philippines. They’re gaining traction for their scooter types, but their maxi scooters are convenient big bikes that are durable and may be easier to navigate. The Kymco Xciting S 400i is one of their more expensive models, but definitely worth its price at more than around P300,000.

So why invest in a big bike? It’s convenient, cost-efficient, and beautiful. It’s not the usual choice, either, but something to try to get out of your comfort zone: much like the condominium units at Alpine Villas Tagaytay! In the age we live in, it’s important to think about where your money’s going: make the choice and the call for your newest purchase today.

UP NEXT: Best Bike Trails in the South

Many of us have missed different occasions, such as meeting with friends and enjoying other outdoor activities. COVID-19 has left us to stay at home and taught us to do the things we love while staying safe at home. One of the many outdoor activities you might miss is visiting wine bars and enjoying wine with friends. Didn’t you know that you can host your perfect virtual tasting at home? It may be slightly different from face-to-face wine tasting, but you will discover its advantages when you start your virtual wine tasting at home.  

NAPA at Crosswinds 

Brittany knows your dilemma. That’s why they established a restaurant that is inspired by the NAPA valley in California. While Crosswinds Tagaytay is known for its Swiss-inspired residences, a newly-opened place in the area will transport you and will give you a glimpse of another side of the world. With its rustic wooden décor, calm environment, and stunning outside dining area, this new café, inspired by rural residences in Napa Valley, California, will make you feel like a vineyard owner. 

Why Should You Visit NAPA at Crosswinds? 

People from every place want to visit this newly-opened café at Crosswinds. The ambiance will get you into the other side of the world with a taste of luxury and relaxation. With wooden floors, rustic décor, and a fantastic view of the surrounding hills, the café seems like a home. Everyone wants to see this new fashionable establishment, and it becomes crowded quickly. If you’re going to enjoy the place, its food, and take photos, arrive early. 

Feel the Tagaytay breeze as you sip your wine at NAPA.

NAPA at Crosswinds welcomes its guest with a huge parking lot where customers coming from a long ride can park their bicycles. A unique NAPA will greet the customers at Crosswinds gate. Around the place, there are wooden benches that will invite you to enjoy the scenery. Some barrels surround the area that can be used as tables and unique chairs. 

Enjoy al fresco dining with tasteful, quirky decor only at NAPA.

You can choose from their wide range of food, including coffee, cheese, meat, and wine. The whole place is instagrammable. That’s why people are going crazy about NAPA at Crosswinds. Although it’s hard to get a good seat, the best seats would be near the windows and outside the balcony because the scenery will welcome you. Tourists like to sit upstairs to get a good view of the whole Crosswinds and take some good photos.  

The café provides excellent food and drinks and a pet-friendly café that caters to your pet and pet parents’ need for relaxation. Pets are allowed outside but not inside the café. The café also offers free WI-FI, which you can request from the staff at the counter and have it get done in your gadget. 

NAPA at Crosswinds gets more attractive at night. It gives out a romantic ambiance perfect for couples who want to spend time together and families who want to sit down and talk about life. Fairy lights are beautifully spread in the area that adds to the serenity mood of the place. Aside from the scenery, NAPA provides delectable food in an alfresco setting perfectly paired with Tagaytay’s chilly weather at night and glasses of wine. 

Still haven’t experienced the NAPA Valley-inspired experience? Don’t forget to add NAPA at Crosswinds in your next adventure.  

If you are likely to stay at home because of the pandemic, you don’t need to worry because you can still experience a beautiful wine tasting at home and enjoy it with the rest of your family. This blog, we will give you some tips on hosting a perfect virtual tasting at home. 

What is a Virtual Wine Tasting?  

Some other outdoor activities can’t be adapted to our homes, and there are plenty of things we can still do in the comfort of our homes. It may not be as perfect and as enjoyable as what it offers in the natural setting, but what’s beautiful about it is that we can always try and tweak it to our liking and preference. Sound exciting? Keep on reading as we go ahead and list down tips on how to host a perfect virtual wine tasting at home. 

Have your virtual wine tasting at NAPA in Crosswinds Tagaytay. | Photo by WineDirect

Before going into hosting a virtual wine tasting, let’s start by identifying this new concept. The pandemic has brought several changes to the way we live our life even with some of the activities we enjoy. Virtual wine tasting is similar to a regular tasting where participants taste and learn about different wine selections from a winery. Both regular and virtual wine tasting has the same purpose except how they will perform the wine tasting. Rather than going to a winery, the winery comes to you. Wineries handle the entire experience in both circumstances. It is their responsibility to manage the wine shipment and ensure that it arrives on time. The organizers will then provide additional information on how to participate in the virtual wine tasting and platform capabilities for a better experience. 

How to Host a Virtual Wine Tasting at Home 

Set Date and Time 

In every activity, the first thing you need to consider is the availability of your virtual wine tasting participants. Ask each participant if when is the perfect time to enjoy and taste their wines. Instead of selecting a day and time for yourself, allow your audience to do so. Nowadays, there are so many online platforms today that can be used to your advantage. Consider utilizing a tool that will enable you to choose a date and time that works for everyone to prevent the back-and-forth texting from seeing when everyone is available. 

Choose a tasting theme. 

Choosing and deciding what wines you want to taste in your virtual wine tasting is also a top priority.  

1. The regional Wine tasting theme means participants are only going to taste wines from a particular region. 

2. A vertical tasting necessitates a little more work because it contains a producer’s wine from different years. The most important aspect of a proper vertical tasting is to ensure that the wine bottles have been appropriately preserved. However, suppose you successfully put together this type of tasting. In that case, the results may be fantastic, as your audience will learn about a winemaker’s style while also being familiar with several vintage types and how they have developed over time. 

3. Horizontal tasting is a popular concept in both virtual and real-life wine tastings. It includes wines from several producers that were produced in the same year. Because all new releases can be added, it provides additional flexibility. 

4. When evaluating different varieties of grapes, such as Pinot Grigio, Shiraz, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir, blind tasting works best. It can be used as an icebreaker for large-group virtual wine tastings. The wine labels are hidden, and participants must estimate the nation, grape, and even price range based on the wine’s flavor. 

There are different types of wine to choose from when doing a virtual wine tasting. | Photo by Napa Valley

Custom shipments for your participants 

All of the essential supplies are provided for an in-person wine tasting. Why not customized shipments for your participants? Allow your audience to pre-order their wine supplies to make things easier. You can add a variety of wines to try, meal combinations, and possibly some wine glasses in each bundle. You can have it posted on your website and make your audience choose. Use a tool that can view their choices in real-time.  

Decide what platform to use. 

Deciding on what platform to use is also a priority. There are a lot of platforms which depends on how large your participants you are going to host. Choosing the best platform for your audience should be well taken care of because this is where your audience will interact and exchange their thoughts.  

Adapting to new normal experiences can sometimes be challenging. But as time goes by, little by little, we’ll get used to it. We will be surprised that it’s no longer new to us one day because we have already embraced it and have come to live through it. Who said that regular wine tasting and other regular outdoor activities couldn’t be replicated in a virtual environment? The pandemic may have hindered some of our plans, but people are also taught to respond and act differently. Many physical locations, including wineries and other stores, remained closed due to the pandemic; virtual events have been on the rise and busy. The virtual environment is a new way of interaction and a unique place of growth and learning. It won’t be perfect on the first try, but we can continuously improve. 

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