Keeping our brains sharp and active is a way to stay healthy amidst the bustling everyday lifestyle. There are many ways to put those neurons to work, and working on puzzles may be for you. Read on to learn more why playing puzzle games is good for you.

Why Do Puzzles Help the Brain?

Solving puzzles is not only a form of entertainment; it also has benefits for the mind, body, and soul – especially for the brain. The following are the benefits of puzzles for the brain:

1) Improves short-term memory

Short-term memory allows us to store information and ideas temporarily in the brain. Working on a puzzle effectively improves our short-term memory by reinforcing the connections between our neurons and improving our mental speed as we solve the puzzle.

2) Boosts your mood

Solving or completing the puzzle gives you that sense of success because of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain cells that regulate our mood, memory, and concentration. Once we solve a puzzle, our brain releases dopamine and improves our mood.

3) Makes it easier to unwind

Sometimes you find it hard to sleep at night, or you’re just passing the time once you run out of things to do. Puzzles are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, so you’ll find it easier to cool down and fall asleep with a calm mind.

4) Improve visual and spatial reasoning

Since puzzles are all about solving what we see and how to complete the bigger picture, solving puzzles improves our visual and spatial reasoning skills. Looking at the individual parts and putting them together to form a picture lets us train our mental abilities.

5) Relieves stress

Life can sometimes get too much for you, giving you stress or overwhelming you. Doing a jigsaw puzzle, for example, puts your focus elsewhere as you solve the missing pieces, relieving the stress and worries you may have every day. Solving puzzles gives you that feeling of peace and quiet and teaches you how to focus on the task at hand.

6) Sharpens your logic and reasoning

Playing puzzles is not only a pastime; it also exercises our brains. Aside from improving our visual and spatial skills, it also sharpens our logic and reasoning. Puzzles such as crosswords, riddles, word searches, and jigsaw puzzles activate different brain parts to solve them logically and sensically. This hones the critical and analytical thinking skills for daily living.

How Do Puzzles Help with Cognitive Development?

In early childhood, playing puzzles not only gives a child an activity to pass the time, but also helps with cognitive development. Studies show that training a kid’s cognition skills benefits them later in life by having sharper minds, improved memory, concentration, and trained logical reasoning.

Puzzles help with cognitive development by:

• Learning the process of trial and error
• Following a pattern to solve the puzzle
• Understanding how the pieces fit with one another
• Seeing the differences among shapes and colors
• Helping them to learn how to concentrate on one activity

This results in better visual perception, spatial relations, logical thinking, and problem solving abilities. These are all important for early literacy and their performance in school. Puzzles are just one of the many ways to improve cognitive development in childhood.

Aside from improving and nurturing cognition, puzzles also train a child’s:

• Fine and gross motor skills
• Eye-to-hand coordination
• Attention span
• Independent play
• Interpersonal interactions when playing with other kids

Do Puzzles Help Cognition?

Puzzles are more than just a source of entertainment for anyone. Aside from keeping ourselves entertained, solving puzzles keeps the wheel turning in our brains and stimulates neuron connections.

Whether you are stuck at home with nothing to do or an elderly finding something worthwhile to do, playing puzzle games may be for you. Puzzles help in our brain health, especially in adults, by slowing down the decline of cognitive abilities, which may lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Regularly engaging in puzzle games help in cognition by:

• Keeping the brain mentally active
• Boosting memory, concentration, and thinking
• Putting you in a better mood
• Helping you to be more aware of what’s present

There are many puzzle games to train your brain each time constantly. The best puzzle to play is those with varying difficulty levels so that you can challenge yourself more every time you finish a level or a phase.

Best Puzzle Games for Your Brain

The following are the best puzzle games you can choose to play. These are accessible to find anywhere and are easy to follow once you start playing them. Keep on reading to find out which puzzles you can engage yourself in.

1) Jigsaw Puzzle

Playing jigsaw puzzles is a great pastime among classic puzzle games. Jigsaw puzzles exercise both the left and right sides of the brain, as they usually require logical thinking and creativity in solving them. Also, jigsaw puzzles come in different aesthetics, designs, and even art. You’ll get lost in finishing the jigsaw puzzle for hours when staying focused.

2) Crossword Puzzle

Another universally known puzzle is solving crosswords. You can test your vocabulary to improve your verbal skills while thinking logically based on the clues given. Studies show that crossword puzzles are among one the ways to delay memory decline for people who develop dementia later in their lives. Solving these games helps with language and vocabulary and concentration.

3) Sudoku

Sudoku is a puzzle game to fill the 9 x 9 grid with numbers 1 to 9 non-repeating in each row and column. Since many combinations are possible to fill the grid, this classic game helps with critical thinking and improving focus and concentration like crossword puzzles, but with numbers this time.

4) Rubik’s Cube

The world-famous Rubik’s Cube is also a puzzle game perfect for idling anywhere. Hungarian architecture professor Ernõ Cube invented the cube game to learn about 3-dimensional spaces in the 1980s. Today, it is now one of the most popular puzzle games that stimulate the mind with logic and abstract reasoning through the millions of possible moves to solve the cube.

Marvel Your Mind with the Puzzle Mansion

Found in Tagaytay City is a haven of the largest jigsaw puzzle collection in the world – the Puzzle Mansion. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the collection as the biggest that exists globally in 2012.

Puzzle Mansion started as a breakfast and bed place in 2010. The same year the collection got recognized by Guinness, the mansion turned into a museum of 1,028 sets of solved puzzles. The museum consists of various 2D, 3D, and 4D puzzles, which the owner Gina Gil Lacuna assembled and completing them in more than 30 years before her death in 2014.

Visitors of the museum can look at the collection of solved jigsaw puzzles bought from all over the world – including the replicas of artworks by famous artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Found in the museum also is one of the biggest jigsaw ever, made up of 33,600 puzzle pieces completed in 1 year and 6 months.

Aside from touring around the museum, visitors can also buy merchandise and solve puzzles on their own while eating the museum’s famous unique coconut cream pie, best paired with Tagaytay coffee. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

Blow Your Mind Away with Crosswinds Tagaytay

In the highlands of South Luzon lies Crosswinds Tagaytay, where Brittany brings you closer to the tourist destination of Swiss Alpine mountains. The world-class luxury homes and amenities welcome you to the refreshing atmosphere of Tagaytay winds.

Just a two-hour drive from the Metro, Crosswinds is the perfect home for anyone seeking for a peaceful and quiet refuge from the bustling city life. Brittany brings you the lush home life on the natural slopes of Tagaytay with a wide range of homes to choose from:

• Luxury condo units at Alpine Villas and The Grand Quartier
• Luxury house and lot properties at The Swiss Quadrilles and Custom Home Sites
• Luxury townhomes at The Deux Pointe
• Luxury lots at The Terraces of Lausanne.

Check the available property listings from Brittany for your liking. For questions about homes and living spaces available, go to this link or contact us soon for an appointment. You may also reach out here for other concerns and inquiries.

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The World Economic Forum will have its Annual Meeting on January 16 to 20, 2023, in Davos, Switzerland, involving government leaders, businesses, and civil societies from all around the globe. This year, they aim to build “Cooperation in a Fragmented World” between the public and private sectors by discussing the priorities for the year ahead. Here’s what you need to know about the World Economic Forum.

What is the World Economic Forum?

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an independent non-governmental and lobbying organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. On January 24, 1971, a business professor from the University of Geneva Klaus Schwab founded WEF under its former name European Management Forum.

Klaus first founded the European Management Forum with western European firms to introduce them to American management and economic practices through annual meetings. Members included business leaders from all over Europe, and the nonprofit organization was built from there by then.

In 1987, they renamed the group as World Economic Forum, seeking to expand to include international conflicts and concerns and finding ways to resolve them in the subsequent meetings they have yearly. They also included political leaders in their conventions later on. The Forum tackles different political, business, cultural, and other leaders of society to shape the changing global sphere in industries and societies.

What Does the World Economic Forum Do?

Mission

From its website, the World Economic Forum aims to improve the state of the world by engaging leaders and to shape global, regional, and industrial agendas. The group aspires to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance with moral and intellectual integrity. They work independently, are impartial, and not tied to any special interests.

Activities

The Annual Meeting is the flagship event of the World Economic Forum. Only the members of the WEF are invited to attend the discussions, which include its member companies, selected politicians, representatives from academia, NGOs, religious leaders, and the media.

At the annual meeting, the members of the WEF discuss key concerns all over the globe and the solutions for those issues, not limited to:

• Globalization
• Capital markets
• Wealth management
• International conflicts
• Environmental problems

In 2018, more than 3,000 participants were present in the different sessions of the forum that year. Nearly 110 countries participated, in which participants included public figures, heads of state and government, heads of international organizations, media partners and representatives, and cultural leaders from around the globe. Around 500 journalists from online, print, radio and television also took part in the annual meeting.

Initiatives

The World Economic Forum devised its Global Action Plan to mobilize the international community toward driving change in the five action areas identified:

• Increasing education
• Improving security
• Driving positive impact
• Combatting inequity
• Strengthening collaboration

Through these five action points, the organization is actively implementing hundreds of initiatives and projects worldwide. These large-scale initiatives aim to shape technology governance and transform sectors globally, led by various public and private organizations they work with.

What does it mean to be a member of the World Economic Forum?

Membership in the World Economic Forum

Around 390 firms from over 60 countries are currently members of the WEF. Membership is only by invitation after qualifying for selection criteria. These members usually have a track record of leadership and best business practices and are interested in a role as global citizens.

The selected Forum Members are representatives of many outstanding firms from around the globe that are among the world’s top innovators, market shapers, and disruptors, including niche market leaders and regional champions.

The foundation’s funding is from annual fees collected from its hundreds of member companies –  typically global enterprises ranking among top companies within their industry and/or country and playing a leading role in shaping the future of their industry and/or region. They may be stratified as an “Individual Member,” “Industry Partner,” or a “Strategic Partner” depending on their participation in meetings, projects, and initiatives.

What Do the Members Get from the Forum?

Forum Members are a key group worldwide engaging in public and private cooperation with education, government, and civil society. As members, they benefit from the following to support their goals of improving the state of the world:

A Multistakeholder Community

The World Economic Forum is a multistakeholder community that enables the members to combine the spirit of entrepreneurship with the need for social responsibility to address global and regional challenges.

Interaction

The global Chairs and Chief Executives of Institutional Member Companies are invited in different meetings and gatherings for opportunities to exchange ideas and contribute to the initiatives of the Forum.

These activities include face-to-face meetings – Annual Meetings of New Champions, Regional Meetings, Annual Workshop with Technology Pioneers –  and online platform TopLink to communicate the Forum’s Regional, Industry and Global Challenge initiatives and projects.

Insight and Knowledge Exchange

Forum members have access to expert advice and opinion from different networks with public offices, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and education sectors. The Global Agenda Councils and virtual sessions offer multiple opportunities for the exchange of insights and perspectives about the most current events globally.

Impact

Through the Forum’s mission of addressing global issues from a multisectoral perspective, Forum Members participate in this goal by actively participating in Regional Meetings, helping foster solutions for Global Challenges, and adding to Industry expertise. They contribute to the impact by engaging in the Forum’s different industry projects and initiatives on education, digital transformation, gender gap, and other initiatives.

What is the Annual Meeting 2023 About?

Global Risk Report

In this year’s Global Risk Report, the Forum described the recent events worldwide as a “polycrisis” –  one catastrophe is related to and affecting another. They emphasized that solving these economic and civil crises needs cooperation to solve the different climate and humanitarian concerns of global leaders. Today’s world challenges include:

• Energy Transition
• 4th Industrial Revolution Technology
• Climate Action
• Overcoming mineral resource scarcity
• Cybersecurity
• Fixing global health systems
• Circular economy innovation
• Food security

Objectives of This Year’s Forum

The Annual Meeting 2023 aims to view the various world problems as interconnected factors that affect the global transformation caused by lapses of the industries in society. Through the theme “Cooperation in a Fragmented World,” the meeting will address the current issues:

1. Energy and Food Crises in the context of a New System for Energy, Climate, and Nature
2. High Inflation, Low Growth, High Debt Economy in the context of a New System for Investment, Trade, and Infrastructure
3. Industry Headwinds in the context of a New System for Harnessing Frontier Technologies for Private Sector Innovation and Resilience
4. Current Social Vulnerabilities in the context of a New System for Work, Skills, and Care
5. Geopolitical Risks in the context of a New System for Dialogue and Cooperation in a Multipolar World

World Class Living with Brittany Corporation

Brittany Corporation brings you closer to the world’s competitive destinations through our living homes and spaces. We bring our sophisticated home buyers to be sustainable and comfortable luxury spaces for quality home life.

Brittany gives you a world-class selection of home designs in excellent locations in the country: Portofino in Alabang, La Posada in Sucat, Georgia Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Crosswinds in Tagaytay. Click on this link for available listings of luxury real estate properties by Brittany Corporation.

Got any questions about homes and living spaces available? Go through this link or contact them soon for an appointment. You may also contact them here for concerns and inquiries.

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With Valentine’s Day coming again this year, there is no better way to show your love than giving chocolates! Chocolate comes in various forms and shapes – just like there are different types of love.

Looking for how to make this special day of love memorable? Here’s how you can make someone’s heart flutter on Heart’s Day with chocolates.

What Type of Chocolates is Best for Valentine’s Day?

Chocolate Bars

You can never go wrong with this classic Valentine’s day gift: chocolate bars. The best way to enjoy this sweet treat is by sharing it with your partner and appreciating the different flavors. Hershey’s, Cadbury, Lindt, and many more brands are available anywhere in the country.

If you want to take it to another level, local brand Auro Chocolate has their Introduction to Chocolate Tasting sets that you and your loved one can enjoy together. For P1,425/pax, each set has 60-gram bars of their classic chocolate bar varieties – dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cacao nibs, and beans, and access to their 60-minute guided Introduction to Chocolate Tasting program. Go to Auro Chocolate’s website to order.

Chocolate-Covered Fruits

Take it to another notch with chocolate-covered treats such as strawberries. CMV Txokolat offers their tasty and juicy Benguet strawberries filled with Nutella and milk chocolate with their Chocolate Covered Sofia Strawberries. You can get a box of 6 for P480, 12 for P960, and 24 for P1,920 by placing an order through their website.

Bonbons and Truffles

Nothing is more delightful than receiving a box of chocolate in tin foils in different shapes. Take, for example, giving a box of La Maison du Chocolat that comes in either a box of 14 or 45 chocolates – filled with their best-selling milk and dark chocolates. Or Godiva with their Signature Chocolate in a timeless gold box filled with truffles of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, including Dark Caramel Embrace, Dark Ganache Bliss, Milk Praliné Heart, and Raspberry Star.

Chocolate Piñata Cakes

Looking for a new way to wow your significant other this Valentine’s Day? The Chocolate Piñata Cakes from Tsokoñata may be for you! This cake has an exterior shell made with chocolate and fondant; you’re meant to break it open with a wooden mallet. Smashing its shell reveals approximately 600 to 700 grams of assorted chocolates, candies, and gummies! The shell comes in pink, red, purple, blue, and white, and you ask for a customized message on the exterior with whatever you please! Visit their Instagram for more.

DIY with Chocolates

Have the time or want to put more effort into your Valentine’s Day gift? You can try doing it by yourself in the kitchen! From chocolate cakes to cookies to making your truffles and other treats to share with your S.O., you can make this special in your way. After all, the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

What Dishes Can be Made from Chocolate?

Chocolate Cake

A chocolate cake will always be in style for any occasion. This Simple Chocolate Cake recipe is easily made within an hour and comes with a great chocolate flavor with a soft and moist texture. On the outside, you can frost the cake with the goodness of a smooth butter chocolate fudge frosting. Check the recipe in this link.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Time for some deliciously soft, chewy chocolate cookies that everyone loves. A homemade version of this treat makes it extra special for the season of love. With ingredients that are easy to find, you can readily make this classic with an oven or oven toaster, even without a mixer! This recipe gives the best addicting chocolate chip cookies that you can give your loved one.

Brownies

The best homemade brownies are made with love! These baked goodies are ready within an hour, giving a flaky, cracked top with a chewy, fudgy, gooey goodness of chocolate flavor on the inside, giving it an indulgent flavor. The best part of making brownies are their crispy edges, that you yourself can also indulge in. Check out this recipe for more.

Chocolate Truffles

Ever thought of making chocolate truffles yourself? This chocolate is surprisingly easier to make than you think, giving you the same smooth, creamy chocolate ganache center coated with chocolate, cocoa powder, coconut, or chopped and toasted nuts on the outside. Learn how to make these chocolate round treats here.

Chocolate Tart

A no-bake chocolate tart is super easy to make in 30 minutes with basic ingredients in the pantry, such as oreo cookies, cream, chocolate, and butter. You’ll get an indulgent elegant flavor with a ganache filling and the oreo crust for that double chocolate attack that will surely surprise anyone who takes a bite of this. Find the recipe for no-bake chocolate tart here.

Chocolate Lava Cake

Take chocolate cake to another level with a molten chocolate cake. Imagine breaking into the rich, moist chocolate cake with a chocolate “lava” pouring out from the center – an explosive surprise for anyone who eats this molten cake. It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an ultimate sweet tooth experience. Get the recipe for chocolate lava cake here.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These chocolate crinkle cookies are perfect all year round for anyone with a sweet tooth. Make it even more special by baking it yourself. These cake-like cookies have a cracked powdered sugar coating on the outside with cakey chocolate fudge cookies on the inside. For more of this recipe, check this link on how to make it.

Chocolate Mousse

A cup of this decadence will make you look for more. This chocolate mousse is made with chocolate, cream, and egg whites for a rich and creamy taste with a light and airy feel at the same time in your mouth. Chill and serve on its own for your beloved for a sweet dessert or with fruits. Check this recipe for more.

Chocolate Fondue

Life in any party is a fountain of chocolate fondue on the menu. Now, you can make this your own for that dinner with your loved one by sharing this dip with many kinds of dippers – biscuits, fruits, you name it. It takes less than 30 minutes for a sweet and savory snacking or dessert. Learn how to make chocolate fondue here.

Sweet Time at Brittany Sta. Rosa

Wanting to have a sweet home in the South to escape from after a long day in Metro Manila? Be one with the beauty of house and lot units at Brittany Sta. Rosa. Discover the lush green environment with nature and marvel at the beauty of the scenery. It’s also located in Laguna’s educational and commercial hub and surrounded by the country’s top golf courses – a leisurely experience for anyone finding a home in Laguna.

Brittany Sta. Rosa features a variety of world-class properties for sale, waiting for new homeowners:

• Classic South American signature homes in Georgia Club and Augusta
• Master-planned English countryside manor houses in Promenade
• Beautiful dream-like French-Mediterranean ambiance homes in Belle Reve

Promenade also brings its Country Manor Clubhouse for leisure, fun, and relaxation to its dwellers, with function halls, a basketball court, and a secret garden. You may view the property listings available in Brittany Sta. Rosa, through this link.

Any questions about more homes and living spaces available? Go to this link or contact them soon for an appointment. You may also contact them here for concerns and inquiries.

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How often have you thought: “Is there any police station near me?” No one can predict when exactly they will need assistance from the authorities, so, it is good to always be prepared. Police enforcement is especially important in popular destinations like Tagaytay. Because of its scenic views, chilly weather, and famous leisure hubs as well as beautiful luxury real estate developments, Tagaytay City is one of the most-visited places in the Philippines. As a result, heavy volumes of traffic and busy crowds are almost everyday occurrences, which increase the risk of emergency situations or unexpected occurrences that require assistance from the Tagaytay police station. This is more common during peak months like December and January when the Christmas season is in full swing.

For your handy reference, Brittany Corporation listed a directory of Tagaytay police station and nearby precincts in Cavite.

Police Station Near Me: A Tagaytay Police Station Comprehensive List

The city police station location and contact number of the place you reside in or traveling to are extremely necessary information to keep in mind. Police stations are helpful not only for managing crime-related occurrences but also for other support services like crowd control, traffic management, or recovery of lost properties. If you are a Tagaytay local or you are planning to visit the city soon and thought “is there any police station near me?”, take note of this Tagaytay police station list, including the nearby police stations in Cavite.

THE FIRST DISTRICT

• Cavite City Police Station

PLTCOL Cristopher Caguimbal Guste

Email address: cavitecitypolicestation150@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3349 / 0998 967 349

• Kawit Police Station

PMAJ Lyman Ortillo San Juan

Email address: kawit.mps2019@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3356 / 0998 598 5607

• Noveleta Police Station

PMAJ Rommel Batatan Carcellar

Email address: noveleta_operation@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3357 / 0998 598 5608

• Rosario

PLTCOL Ruther D. Saquilayan

Email address: rosariompss1_2022@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3358 / 0998 598 5609

THE SECOND DISTRICT

• Bacoor City Police Station

PLTCOL Gilbert Cajurao Cruz

Email address: baccpsopn@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3348 / 0998 598 5594

THE THIRD DISTRICT

• Imus City Police Station

PLTCOL Jose Junar Purificacion Alamo

Email address: imuscityps@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3351 / 0998 598 5601

THE FOURTH DISTRICT

• Dasmariñas City Police Station

PLTCOL Juan Peñafiel Oruga Jr.

Email address: dasmacityps@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3350

THE FIFTH DISTRICT

• Carmona Police Station

PMAJ Joseph Cruz Carlit

Email address: carmonacavitepnp@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3359 / 0998 598 5610

• General Mariano Alvarez Police Station

PLTCOL Richard Dones Corpuz

Email address: gmamps2019@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3360 / 0998 596 5611

• Silang Police Station

PLTCOL Romulo Co Dela Rea

Email address: silangpnp390@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 598 5622 / 0998 967 3372

THE SIXTH DISTRICT

• Gen. Trias City Police Station

PLTCOL Marlo Nillo Solero

Email address: gen_trias_mps2000@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3361 / 0998 598 5612

THE SEVENTH DISTRICT

• Amadeo Police Station

PMAJ Gilbert H. Derla

Email address: amadeopnp2022@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3365 / 0998 598 5620

• Indang Police Station

PMAJ Ernesto Baysan Caparas Jr.

Email address: indang_mps@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3367 / 0998 598 5617

• Tanza Police Station

PLTCOL Gerry Malibiran Laylo

Email: tanzamps@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3362 / 0998 598 5613

• Trece Martires City Police Station

PMAJ Jonathan Abuel Asnan

Email address: tmcpsparmuhrdd@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3354 / 0998 598 5606

THE EIGHT DISTRICT

• Alfonso Police Station

PMAJ Rommel Castillo Dimaala

Email address: alfonsomps@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 53364 / 0998 598 5614

• General Emilio Aguinaldo Police Station

PCPT Marlon C. Escalante

Email address: gea.aguinaldo2022@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3512 / 0998 598 5616

• Magallanes Police Station

PMAJ Norman Cuenca Catsao

Email address: mps.magallanescavite@gmail.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3368 / 0998 598 5618

• Maragondon Police Station

PCPT Jerry Espina Flores

Email: maragondonmps@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3369 / 0998 598 5619

• Mendez Police Station

PCPT Jean Noche Alagos

Email address: mendez_mps@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3370 / 0998 598 5620

• Naic Police Station

PLTCOL Resty E. Soriano

Email address: naic_opn@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3371 / 0998 598 5621

• Tagaytay City Police Station

PLTCOL Norman T. Ranon

Email address: tagaytayccps_opn@yahoo.com

MOBILE NO.: 0998 967 3352 / 0998 598 5604

If you are looking for provincial directors in the province, you may refer to the short list below:

• PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR

PCOL Arnold Evangelista Abad

Email Address: opdcaviteppo@gmail.com or ptoccavnew@gmail.com

MOBILE. NO.: 09985985592 / 09989673346

• Deputy Provincial Director for Administration

PLTCOL Pablito R. Naganag

Email Address: caviteptoc2021@gmail.com / paidsotgcavppo@gmail.com

MOBILE. NO.: 09985985592

• Deputy Provincial Director for Operation

PLTCOL Franco Alex M. Reglos

Email Address: caviteptoc2021@gmail.com / dpdooffice2020@gmail.com

MOBILE. NO.: 09985985592

To know more about the emergency hotlines as well as the provincial risk reduction and management programs of Tagaytay Police Station and Cavite in general, visit the official page of the province by clicking here.

Ways You Can Help Your Local City Police Station in Keeping Your Neighborhood Safe and Sound

Just like any other police station in the country, Tagaytay City police station bears the responsibility of protecting its town. But keep in mind that peace and order is a team effort. As a law-abiding citizen, you also have a shared responsibility in helping your community be a safe space. But where do you begin?

The closest place you can start is within your property. Installing security cameras in your backyard keeps your home safe, and this added surveillance can also help prevent or record any sketchy activities near your vicinity. That said, being a responsible citizen also means reporting incidents that warrant the assistance of your local police station (i.e. traffic violations, property theft, vandalism, commotion, and other issues affecting the quality of life). Sometimes, even the most minor reports can do so much in preventing simple incidents from escalating to bigger crimes.

Following your local police station’s official social media page is also recommended. By doing so, you remain up to date with the latest security news in your neighborhood, including crime alerts, traffic advisories, and general updates from law enforcement agencies. Sharing these updates on your social media timeline helps spread the news to your followers and social circles as well, informing them of the necessary alerts they need to know of. In addition, many city police stations also use their social media pages as a virtual help desk and communication channel for the community. That means you can easily report or reach out to law enforcement agencies with just a few clicks. You can also share recommendations to help improve the safety and security system in your neighborhood or leave constructive feedback.

Team effort always starts with someone. As city police stations and law-abiding citizens continue to work together, each community becomes a safer place for everyone.

Brittany Corporation Ensures the Safety and Security of its Luxury Real Estate Developments

As one of the pioneers of thematic luxury real estate developments in the Philippines, Brittany Corporation takes pride in its upscale homes built from the highest standards of architecture, interior design, and safety. One of its most beautiful residential communities is Crosswinds Tagaytay — a sprawling 100-hectare luxury condo located on the scenic slopes of Tagaytay. It features Swiss-inspired luxury condo units resembling the rustic architecture of traditional Alpine homes.

Crosswinds Tagaytay features lifestyle amenities and a heightened security system that keeps each luxury condo unit and the whole neighborhood safe and tranquil for all residents, staycationers, and guests. In fact, Crosswinds Tagaytay partnered with Global Land Property Management to implement 24/7 security and necessary maintenance. Expect a round-the-clock CCTV system, an approachable concierge, and reliable security officers inside the exclusive enclave. In Crosswinds Tagaytay, you can experience the best of luxury living can be while preserving your peace, security, and quiet time.

Ready to come home to your own luxury condo unit in Tagaytay? Connect with Brittany Salesforce today by clicking here. If you want to explore the vast portfolio of Brittany homes and luxury communities, take a quick virtual tour by clicking here. You can also check out Brittany’s real estate listings by clicking here.

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With Baguio City, chances are you’ll think of “ube” as one of the words you associate with this tourist spot in Luzon. Travelers and visitors from the area will most likely have a jar of ube yam in their baggage as they go home to their families. Read more on what makes purple yam a must-try for tourists in Baguio.

Is the Purple Yam Originally from the Philippines?

Ube is not just any flavor or taste; it’s also ingrained in Philippine history. Purple yam, with the scientific name Disocorea alata, is a root crop indigenous to the Philippines, known for its vivid purple color. Way back 1613, the first Tagalog and Spanish dictionary mentioned uvi (now ube) as a type of sweet potato but later on reclassified as a type of yam.

Native to the Philippines, ube is a well-loved flavor among Filipinos. Purple yam adds a mild, sweet, nutty flavor to many delicacies that is not overwhelming nor overpowering. It’s most widely made as ube halaya used in different desserts and food. Halo-halo is not complete without a scoop of halaya on the top.

Why is Purple Yam Popular in the Philippines?

Ube is popular in the Philippines as the main ingredient and flavoring in food. It’s one of the most common desserts you’ll find in almost every household and is served on many occasions and holidays we have. Still, despite being a favorite flavor, many don’t know that we know ube actually comes from a root crop.

Purple yam can be found anywhere in the country, and there exist many regional variations of the root crop. The National Seed Industry Council recommends these varieties of ube:

• Kinampay (original variety)
• Basco ubi (whose cortex has a white-purplish tinge)
• Zambales ubi (purple cortex)
• Leyte ubi (cream to pink cortex with white flesh)

Among these varieties, Kinampay is hailed the “Queen of Philippine yams,” most preferred for its sweet aroma and taste and used in many dishes and delicacies locally.

Where Can I Buy Ube Jam in Baguio?

Going up the highlands to Baguio, the Good Shepherd Convent is everyone’s place for  pasalubong and delicacies to bring home. At PHP 350 per 24-ounce, each jar is filled with the goodness of sweet nutty ube jam. The Mountain Maid Training Center (MMTC) produces this ube jam of Good Shepherd. They also have other pasalubong products such as strawberry jam, lengua de gato, and peanut brittle.

Last December 2022, Good Shepherd Convent started granting priority access to their store for the tourists in the city to allow them to buy ube jam and their other products at the original price. This follows reports that their products are being resold at higher prices through online shops.

What Dishes Can be Made With Ube?

Purple yam is used as the root crop itself or its processed forms in many dishes and desserts. Ube can be found in 3 different forms:

• Dehydrated powder
• Ube extract or flavoring
• Ube jam or paste

Source: Free Cake Image on Unsplash

Ube jam or paste, more commonly known as ube halaya, is made from grated purple yam, condensed milk, and coconut milk mixed together under low to medium heat for a long time. The resulting product is good as it is for dessert, or used as an ingredient in other sweet delicacies or treats. Some of desserts that use purple yam flavoring or ube:

• Ube ice cream
• Ube cheese pandesal
• Ube cake
• Ube crinkles
• Ube macapuno cake

Purple yam can also be used in dishes like sweet potatoes or other root crops. For example, this homemade ube chips is a great healthier alternative to the commercial potato chips. You can also use it in dishes such as sinigang sa ube, where purple yam is used instead of taro.

Difference Between Ube and Taro

Purple yam and taro are both starchy root crops, but they are completely different food ingredients, and have different uses in cooking. While ube is specifically a native to the country, taro is a root crop found in Southeast Asia and not just in the Philippines. You can find both ube and taro conveniently everywhere for everyday use, but you can’t substitute one from the other.

To further illustrate, here’s the other differences between ube and taro:

Purple Yam Health Benefits

This purple root crop is surprisingly loaded with many nutrients you need for your health. Here are the health benefits you can get from eating purple yam:

1) Highly nutritious

Purple yam is equipped with lots of vitamins and nutrients that are good for the body. It’s a great source of potassium, carbohydrates, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin A. It’s also rich in flavonoids and antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which also gives ube its vibrant purple hue.

2) Good source of antioxidants

Antioxidants protect the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals in the body, causing inflammation and a weak immune system. Research showed that purple yams are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin, which may lower the risk of developing cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

3) Helps with Digestion

If you are constipated, root crops such as purple yam are high in fiber, aiding your bowel movement. Fiber-rich foods enhance intestinal motility and add bulk to the stool, preventing constipation. It also has pectins that can improve digestion, preventing digestive problems and infections.

4) Weight Management

Root crops contain very little fat content, ideal for weight watchers and muscle builders. You can eat purple yams like sweet potatoes, which are both good sources of complex carbohydrates to give you the energy needed for the day. Adding purple yam to your diet and regular exercise and activity helps in weight management.

5) Blood Sugar Control

Pectin in purple yam is a soluble fiber that can control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It makes you feel full easier, leading to lower caloric intake and improved insulin resistance. Pectin may help prevent and treat the symptoms of diabetes and obesity. Plant compounds in ube, such as flavonoids, also help control blood sugar.

6) May improve asthma symptoms

Studies show that dietary intake of vitamins A, C, and antioxidants reduce the occurrences of asthma attacks. Purple yams are rich in these antioxidants and vitamins A and C.

7) May enhance brain health

Antioxidants such as anthocyanin in purple yam protect brain cells from cellular death. Research shows ube also contains diosgenin which can improve memory and brain activity.

Sweeter Home with Brittany Corporation

Everyone’s vision is to come home to a comfortable place of solace and wellness. Brittany Corporation brings you Bern, a four-tower high-end condominium development in Baguio inspired by the cozy dreamy Swiss mountains. Just about 4 hours away from the metro, Bern will be a premium hideout for anyone who wishes luxury and tranquility in the cool crisp atmosphere of Baguio.

Bern will bring you closer to the Alpine paradise experience in North Luzon amidst the 35,000 towering pine trees. Their generous and flexible spaces accommodate the superior lifestyle owners want for their own units. Homeowners will also get a chance to enjoy exclusive amenities at the towers’ peak, up-to-date with the latest lifestyle trends for the mind, body, and soul.

Explore more options on luxury real estate properties available in different lifestyle destinations in Tagaytay, Sta. Rosa, and Alabang. Check this link for properties available to provide you with the elegant and sustainable lifestyle you always wanted.

Got any more questions? Go through this link or contact them for an appointment soon. You may also reach out here for buyer concerns and inquiries.

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The most sustainable way is to not make things. The second most sustainable way is to make something very useful, to solve a problem that hasn’t been solved.

– Designer Thomas Sigsgaard

So much more resources have been used by the people in the last 50 years than in all of human history combined.

9 out of 10 people around the world are exposed to air pollution.

500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are dumped into landfills annually, and it can take up to a thousand years for a plastic bag to decompose.

With the world continuing being in danger because of the pollution, it is crucial for the people to take care of the planet to live in.

One of the greatest things the people around the world can do is to live sustainably through switching to green products, and investing in green commodities.

What Are Green Commodities?

Products, services, and practices that promote economic growth while protecting natural resources and future generations are commonly referred to as “green” or “sustainable.”

Green products are those that have less of a negative impact on the planet or on human health compared to their conventional counterparts.

It is  important to note that nearly no item will ever be completely “green,” as the development of any product will inevitably have some influence on the environment.

As we have seen, it all boils down to weighing the pros and cons of various approaches.

Consider the following characteristics of green products and services, which will help you weigh the pros and cons and arrive at a more informed decision.

Products that are green are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and typically require little to no maintenance to function properly.

A green product is free of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, toxic compounds, and don’t produce any byproducts that are toxic.

It is also frequently fabricated using recycled materials or content, as well as sources that are renewable and sustainable.

Most green products are procured from makers or resources locally.

It is  either capable of being broken down naturally or being easily repurposed, either in whole or in part.

A green product is one that is created with consideration for the environment in mind at every stage of its existence, from production to disposal.

Waste minimization and resource efficiency improvement are two of the most common ways in which “green” products can be recognized.

What are the benefits of buying Green Commodities?

1.) Green products tend to endure longer.

The short lifespan of non-sustainable products is one of its major drawbacks. However, this is not the case with eco-friendly goods.

The majority of them have a lifespan that is at least double the average.

Energy-saving light bulbs are one such product.

These light bulbs have a life expectancy that is three to twenty-five times that of conventional light bulbs.

The use of there energy-saving light bulbs will make your life easier.

Sustainable manufacturing practices can help increase the durability of clothing.

In addition, hemp apparel is more long-lasting than conventional cotton clothes.

T-shirts made from standard cotton tend to survive for around a decade. You could believe that is fine, but it pales in contrast to hemp.

The lifespan of a hemp t-shirt may be twice as long as that of a cotton one.

Eco-friendly items, such as toothbrushes and bamboo straws are durable and long-lasting.

2.) Green products are good for your health.

Benefits both physical and mental health because eco-friendly items are not created with potentially dangerous chemicals or components.

For instance, large windows are typically placed in green buildings in order to maximize the benefits of natural lighting and ventilation.

It is good for your mind and helps you relax.

3.) Green products help the planet.

Green products reduces demands on limited resources.

There is less of a risk of overusing fossil fuels and other resources when people use eco-friendly items, and more power may be generated using renewable energy sources.

Green products help to minimize your impact on the environment by doing things like switching to renewable energy sources or investing in energy-saving appliances.

Since you are buying things that last longer and can be reused and recycled, you are lessening the quantity of trash that ends up in landfills.

4.) Green products reduce your energy consumption and utility costs.

The durability of eco-friendly products is maybe their greatest advantage.

In addition, eco-friendly goods are expected to reduce resource depletion and power consumption.

In the use of energy-saving light bulbs, you are able to save money because you do not have to replace the bulb as soon, plus you get to keep the lights on for longer.

Solar panels, for instance, can convert solar radiation into usable electricity. They can be substituted for fossil fuels in power plants.

In addition, solar panels do not necessitate the use of nonrenewable resources like oil, coil, or gas, therefore they are also environmentally friendly.

Greener products tend to hold up better over time. In addition to lowering utility costs, these items also reduce environmental impact.

Solar speakers, for instance, can play continuously for 10 hours after a single charge.

What are green commodities?

Traditionally, the term “commodity” has been used to refer to a product that can be substituted for another of the same type.

Natural gas, steel, cement, and gold are just some examples of commodities.

Competition in this market is based primarily on cost due to consumers’ inability to tell one product apart from another.

Green commodities are becoming a fresh category of commodities on the road to a zero-waste future.

These commodities are identical to their non-green counterparts in terms of chemical composition, but are made using clean and, ultimately, environment neutral processes.

The production of green steel, for instance, results in negligible emissions because it makes use of carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, or recycled materials.

According to a research conducted by McKinsey Sustainability, there is a possibility that the demand for some environmentally friendly materials would surpass the available supply in major markets.

It is possible that the rate at which demand grows will outpace the rate at which the sector can decarbonize its asset base or construct production capacity with low emissions.

It is possible that supply and demand are practically in equilibrium, with the majority of supply deriving from secondary aluminum.

In the not-too-distant future, suppliers will utilize electric crackers or biofeed stocks; but, in the immediate future, they will electrify processes.

Depending on the circumstances, the demand will be higher than supply by anywhere from 5% to 19%.

Companies that have taken steps to reduce emissions have been shown to see gains in profitability, employee morale, and consumer loyalty.

Rather than focusing on trade-offs, a holistic strategy prioritizes complementary acts that strengthen one another to produce a positive, long-term effect.

Brittany Corporation has always prioritized long-term sustainability in all of its projects.

As one of the largest developers of luxury properties in the Philippines, Brittany aspires to create the finest homes and communities that will motivate every family to pursue a sustainable lifestyle.

If you are moving towards sustainability, you should definitely consider a Brittany home since the corporation offers the best green communities.

With the help and support of everyone, we can make a positive change for the planet’s living beings.

A better quality of life for humans, animals, and the earth as a whole is within reach via concerted efforts to create a sustainable population.

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“Ordinary people think merely of spending time, great people think of using it.”

-Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher

In a day, we have twenty-four hours, and it is important that we make the most out of it.

With this said. it is crucial for us, especially those in business industry, to have productivity tools in order to increase efficiency.

What is a Balance Sheet?

A balance sheet is a type of financial statement that provides information regarding an organization’s assets as well as its liabilities as of a particular time period.

A balance sheet  is one of the 3 core financial statements that are used for analyzing the business’s overall performance.

The other financial statements are the cash flow statement and income statement.

The purpose of a balance sheet is to provide investors, as well as the other stakeholders with reference documents that can give them an idea of the organization’s overall financial health.

A balance sheet gives them the ability to evaluate current assets and liabilities in order to assess the liquidity of the company or to compute the rate where the business generates returns on its investments.

Analyzing two or more balance sheets that were created at different times can also demonstrate how much growth a company has experienced.

Stakeholders can gain a better understanding of the company’s prospects with the aid of this data.

For illustration, when a company is applying for a loan, the balance sheet can be presented as evidence of the company’s ability to repay the loan.

Creditors can determine whether the company is able to meet its short-term obligations and the level of financial risk it is taking by determining whether the company’s current assets are significantly larger than its current liabilities.

How does a balance sheet contributes to the success of a business?

1.) Allows for a more complete analysis of the company’s financial health

Fully understanding where your company stands financially is perhaps the most crucial part of running a business.

To assess the financial health of any part of your business, you must first consult your balance sheet, which lists all of your assets and liabilities as of a specific date.

Nevertheless, balance sheets are useful not only to the business owner, but also to potential investors who frequently use them to help them decide whether or not to invest in the company.

When balance sheets are published on a regular basis, the investors and the company owner gain insight into the company’s financial health and can monitor its progress in reducing costs.

2.) Attracting Investors and Securing Loans

The health of your business’ finances can be quickly assessed with the help of your balance sheet.

A balance sheet is a financial statement that lenders use to assess a company’s financial health and creditworthiness.

If you need to borrow money, your creditor will want to see that you have a track record of timely debt repayment in your financial statements.

Investors can see where their money is going and when they can anticipate a return by perusing the balance sheet.

3.)Determining the Efficiency, Productivity, and Liquidity of the Business

By maximizing outputs and minimizing costs, an organization is efficient.

The efficiency of your business can be gauged with the aid of a balance sheet, which highlights any areas that are steadily bringing in or losing money.

The total cost of labor as an expense provides a measure of productivity.

Lastly, the term “liquidity” is used to describe the availability of assets that can be bought and sold quickly without having a significant impact on the value of the business.

4.) Keeps a precise count of your stock

Inventory, which is a full list of items as products in stock) is among the most essential aspects of any business.

If you see a lot of inventory on your balance sheet, for instance, you know that there’s a chance your products will become obsolete and can decide whether or not to lower their prices accordingly.

Keeping track of the inventory helps you avoid losses due to spoilage, theft, and obsolescence, all of which make your company a more appealing investment opportunity for potential backers

5.) Helps in Making Business Decisions Over the Long Term

Keeping tabs on your company’s cash flow can help you spot problems before they escalate.

The majority of failing businesses have cash flow issues that would be easy to spot and fix with up-to-date financial statements.

What is the global balance sheet?

In a manner that is analogous to the manner in which a corporation constructs its balance sheet, we construct a global balance sheet by adding up all of the real assets in the economy in addition to all of the financial assets through all the industries, including, most notably, the financial sector.

At a more fundamental level, the global balance sheet can be broken down into three interlocking components: the balance sheet of the real economy, the balance sheet of the financial system, and the balance sheet of the financial sector.

By analyzing the assets and liabilities of households, governments, corporations, and financial institutions, the global balance sheet provides an assessment of the state of the global economy in terms of both its wealth and its overall health.

For close to three quarters of a century, the global balance sheet has consistently grown at a rate that is higher than GDP.

During the pandemic, there was a noticeable acceleration in the expansion of the global balance sheet.

In the first two sharp years of the pandemic, 2020 and 2021, when governments initiated huge support for economic activity, households around the world, which added $100 trillion to the global wealth “on paper.”

This occurred simultaneously with a surge in asset prices and the minting of $39 trillion in new currency and deposits.

As a direct consequence of this, the value of the world’s wealth in relation to GDP increased at a rate that exceeded that of any other two-year period in the preceding nine decades.

As a result of governments and central banks stimulating economies, the total amount of debt and equity liabilities increased by approximately $50 trillion and $75 trillion, respectively.

The accrual of new debt increased to a rate of $3.40 for every $1.00 in net investment during this time period.

Two-thirds of the world’s real assets, also known or net worth, are held in the real estate.

According to McKinsey Global Institute, in the year 2020, the value of residential real estate, which included the land beneath it, accounted for 46 percent of the total wealth of the world.

While the value of commercial and government buildings, along with the land beneath them, accounted for an additional 23 percent.

Other fixed assets such as machinery and equipment, infrastructure, intangibles, and mineral reserves, and industrial structures, which are the types of assets that generally stimulate economic growth, composed only one-fifth of real assets or net worth.

This percentage ranged from 15% in France and the United Kingdom to 39% in Japan.

Other countries’ percentages fell somewhere in between.

Invest in Real Estate, Invest in a Brittany Home

The Brittany Corporation is the pioneer in creating themed luxury home communities that are both visually stunning and functionally ideal.

Brittany’s high-end neighborhoods are designed to feel like miniature versions of some of the world’s most breathtaking places.

Vista Alabang, Crosswinds Tagaytay, Brittany Sta. Rosa, and The Lakefront Sucat are some of the luxurious communities of Brittany Corporation that you may choose from.

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“Home is often a place where we put on our most comfortable clothes, sit in our most comfortable spot, and completely let go and relax.”

– Dr. Dicken Bettinger, Educator and Licensed Psychologist

The act of relaxing does wonders for your mental health and contributes to feelings of serenity and contentment.

Our bodies are also in need of rest, and it is essential that we recognize the symptoms that manifest in our bodies when they have been overworked.

There are an infinite number of ways to unwind.

There are a variety of techniques that can help you relax not only your body but also your mind.

On the other hand, due to the fact that the bodies and minds are connected, numerous methods of relaxation work on the mind and, consequently, also work on the body.

In Christopher Dana Lynn’s Hearth and campfire influences on arterial blood pressure: defraying the costs of the social brain through fireside relaxation, it was stated that it is generally accepted that fire played an important role in the course of human evolutionary history; however, the extent of this role has not been thoroughly investigated.

Fires produce a distinctive odor, as well as warmth, light that flickers and crackles, and sound.

Fire most likely helped early humans by extending the day, providing heat, illuminating dark places, assisting with hunting, warding off potential threats like insects and predators, and making cooking easier.

Campfires may have provided a social nexus as well as relaxing effects, both of which may have contributed to an increase in prosocial behavior.

The findings showed a consistent drop in blood pressure in the condition involving fire and sound, particularly in response to a stimulus that was presented for a longer period of time, along with an enhancement of the effects of absorption and pro-sociality.

The findings show that having a fire in the fireplace or around a campfire can be very relaxing because it is a multisensory, absorbing, and social experience.

It is likely that improvements in the capacity for relaxation in the human social brain came about as a result of feedback encompassing these and other variables.

According to Matthew Browning,  fires, even virtual fires, may be soothing since they can partially grasp your attention and reinstate your mental skills.

He thinks that this may be why fires are calming.

He is researching on how watching videos of natural settings or engaging in virtual reality affects people’s emotions.

Browning is the director of the Virtual Reality and Nature Lab at Clemson University in South Carolina.

A Virtual Fireplace Keeps You Warm

According to a study conducted in 2020 on 146 Swedes, increasing the feeling of comfort was the second most common reason for lighting fireplaces.

Those who participated in the study also claimed that the “beautiful light” that a fire cast was more appealing to them than the heat it provided.

The study participants reported feeling less anxious, happier, and more sociable after observing a fire.

“It’s a small comfort, but one I’m clinging to.”

-Angela Lashbrook, The Life-Changing Magic of Virtual Fireplaces

Our reliance on technology has increased exponentially since the pandemic began.

We have grown accustomed to seeing not only our coworkers and family members on video, but also a wide variety of public events, from conferences to trade shows to fireworks.

This could be one reason why using a virtual fireplace is gaining much popularity.

Studies show that virtual fireplaces can have the same calming effect as real ones, despite lacking the traditional fireplace’s scent and warmth.

Researchers found that showing people a virtual fire on a screen while playing fire sounds reduced their blood pressure in a controlled study conducted in 2014.

The longer people spent in front of the fire, the more at ease they felt.

Here Are Some of the Soothing Virtual Fireplaces To Keep You Warm

One great way to relax is to grab a cup of warm coffee or perhaps a mug of hot chocolate and curl up next to the fireplace with a good book.

Today’s busy lifestyles mean that many people rarely get home to a roaring fire, so people have had to become inventive to fill the void.

Thankfully, numerous streamers have taken the step to give their viewers the option of virtually sitting in front of a fireplace, including the popular platform Netflix.

1. ) The Witcher: Fireplace

Netflix members can select from four distinct fireplace options. The first one is The Witcher: Fireplace. The fireplace is really more of a fire pit.

The hour-long loop is certain to be a delight with any Witcher fan, as Netflix describes it as “soothing flames” that provide the “ideal backdrop for a cozy mood.” The fire pit’s sizzling and breaking wood is accompanied by a variety of gloomy fantasy-themed instrumental music and lute playing.

2.) Fireplace for Your Home: 4K Crackling Birchwood Edition

If you’re searching for a high-quality fireplace display with a more traditional aesthetic, then the Fireplace for Your Home: 4K Crackling Birchwood Edition is definitely something you should consider purchasing.

Users of Netflix will be able to experience the pops and burbles of the fireplace in crystal clear, high definition, over the holiday season, while also taking in the sounds of nature through the blazing Birchwood in this video that is one hour long.

3.) Fireplace for Your Home: The 4K Classic Crackling Fireplace Edition

The hour-long 4K tape is believed to be the “first of its kind” and delivers the “clearest picture” of a real fireplace. It was filmed in California. Sparks and crackles like those in this video will make any room feel cozier and create a more inviting ambiance.

4.) Fireplace for Your Home

Last but not least, Netflix also provides a feature known as Fireplace for Your Home. This feature gives users the option of selecting either a Crackling Yule Log Fireplace, a Crackling Fireplace, or a Crackling Fireplace with Music, which recreates the calming atmosphere of an old-fashioned, wood-burning fireplace.

5.) The Original Yule Log from WPIX (1966)

Fred Thrower, president and CEO of WPIX Channel 11, envisioned the three-hour loop of the 17 seconds of footage as a sort of Christmas card to their viewers huddled in their small  apartments that do not have a fireplace of their own.

The first footage, which was captured on 16mm film, was taken at Gracie Mansion in 1966, when John Lindsay was living there in his capacity as mayor.

WPIX would interrupt its regular schedule program during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 1966 until 1989 “to bring you the warmth, good cheer, and friendliness of a yule log fire accompanied by the most beautiful and familiar Christmas carols.”

This tradition continued until the station went off the air in 1989.

Despite the shutting down of the station, people still feel the warmth of the virtual fireplaces during the Christmas season.

Truly, pioneers are considered classics. Similar to how WPIX started virtual fireplaces, Brittany Corporation trailblazed luxury communities in the country.

Bern Baguio is the perfect luxury condo for you.

Imagine being greeted each morning by a refreshing wind and the intoxicating aroma of pine trees that have stood for hundreds of years.

This is the life you were meant to live: one filled with tranquility, wellness, and the beauty of nature.

At Bern Baguio, you may rejoice in both life and luxury.

In here, you can truly relax while letting the virtual fire play in your screen as you drink your warm cup of coffee.

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Baguio has always been a hot spot for many things. The unique geography, cool climate, and scenic surroundings of the highland city make it an ideal location for leisure travel, vacations, and even luxury real estate developments. The tourism industry is steadily blooming in Baguio City, and as a result, locals, travelers, and staycationers can enjoy plenty of options when it comes to entertainment hubs, accommodations (e.g. luxury condominium in Baguio), and unique festivities. Among these anticipated local celebrations is the flower festival in Baguio, more popularly known as the Panagbenga Festival or the “Blooming Flowers” Festival.

Know more about this annual celebration below.

What Makes the Panagbenga Festival Special?

Panagbenga is a Kankanaey word that literally translates to “season of blooming.” That said, the Baguio flower festival celebrates the variety of fresh blooms of Baguio and the Cordilleras. Despite its cheery atmosphere, the festival is rooted in a much deeper history.

The Baguio City Panagbenga Festival is a symbolism of hope and new beginnings from the deadly earthquake that devastated the Luzon island on July 16, 1990. Five years after the calamity, the Panagbenga Festival was arranged annualy with the goal of boosting tourism and restoring livelihood in the region. It goes without saying that the project was a huge success. Even several decades later, the flower festival is still one of the biggest and most anticipated events in the Philippines, pulling thousands of tourists and travelers in Baguio city for a month long of merry-making.

The festival is held every February because of the pleasant weather during the time. There are less rainfall and lower humidity in Baguio during the months of December to March. So, if you are planning to travel to Baguio soon, consider scheduling your trip on the said months.

What to Expect: Major Highlights of the Baguio City Panagbenga Festival

Colorful is the top-of-mind description for the Panagbenga festival. The streets are overflowing with fiesta floats brimming with vibrant flowers and ornate decorations. Street dancers dressed in flamboyant, floral costumes also keeps the festival cheer at all time high. A month long of celebration also means a full schedule of various unique activities, different competitions, and parades.

Although the pandemic resulted to the cancellation of the festival over the last two years, it is set to return in full swing this February 1, 2023 with the theme: “A Renaissance of Wonder and Beauty.” Here are some of the highlights of the 2023 Panagbenga Festival.

Floral-Themed Float Parades

The Grand Float Parade is one of the biggest highlights of Panagbenga. Spectators can look forward to over 20 giant floats carefully decorated with fresh flowers and ornamental plants, including chrysanthemum, roses, and orchids. Chrysanthemum flowers, are also on the top of the list because Benguet is the top producer of the said blooms in the Philippines.

The flowers are arranged according to the central theme of the parade to give tribute to the heritage and highlight the creativity of Baguio locals and its surrounding municipalities. Some of the major stunners on the previous years are Dragon-themed floats, French circus floats, giant strawberry floats, and floral floats of event sponsors that often carry popular celebrities and prominent personalities. Street dancing is also a major activity in the Panagbenga float parade.

Professional Landscaping Competition

If you have an affinity for fresh flowers and greens, make sure to drop by at the landscaping competition event of the Baguio City Panagbenga Festival. Feast your senses with various landscape design projects such as contemporary gardens, mediterranean gardens, tropical, rainforest gardens, contemporary native, and beyond. The exhibition gives space for professional landscape artists (especially local talents) to showcase their skills while highlighting the beautiful botanicals of Baguio. In 2019, organizers of the flower festival reserve a space for exhibitors to display their works outside the popular Burnham Park Skating rink.

The event is also a good way for luxury real estate owners to find world-class landscaping inspirations and designers for their residential or commercial properties. One of the many perks of owning a luxury house and lot property from Brittany Corporation is a spacious lot area that allows homeowners to create a great outdoor space or themed gardens.

Session Road in Bloom

Your Baguio tour is not complete if you do not wander around the Session Road. Considered as the heart of Baguio City, the six-lane road spans to 1.7 kilometers and is a hot spot for local bars, popular food hubs, flea markets, and world-class hotels, among others. Session Road is even more alive during the Panagbenga Festival, thanks to the “Session Road in Bloom.” It is a week-long event, usually from March 21 to 27, that promotes the local entrepreneurs in the city.

During the event, the parts of the Session Road are temporarily closed from vehicle traffic to give enough space for concessionaires and small businesses to set up stalls along the strip. You can go around over 200 booths offering variety of local souvenirs and other novelty goods like artisan clothing. Of course, local food options are also up for grabs. Tickle your taste buds with the crowd-favorite strawberry wine, lengua de gato (Filipino butter cookies), ube jam, and the exotic sundot kulangot (a sticky sweet dessert primarily made of glutinuous rice flour and coconut jam).

Take note: While haggling is common in local bazaars and fairs, consider doing it less. Most of the of the vendors in Session Road in Bloom are often micro businesses that are still bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

On top of the abovementioned Panagbenga highlights, you can also look forward to open painting exhibitions, cultural shows, ornate kite-flying challenge, “Mardi Gras at the Lake,” and many more. It is safe to say that the 2023 Panagbenga Festival has something to offer for everyone, including families, adults, kids, plant-enthusiasts, foodies, and others.

Make the Most Out of Your Panagbenga Festival Experience with These Tips

If you are all set to vising Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival, make sure to prepare accordingly so you can maximize your experience. Expect a huge influx of travelers as this is a major festivity. That said, it is best to schedule your trip in early weeks of January. Book your accommodations in advance as well. Look for a hotel room or a luxury condo in Baguio that is near Session Road or other major roads for accessibility. You would not want to spend your day traveling from one spot to another.

Other festival tips you should keep in mind are:

• Bring comfortable footwear for long walks. The streets of Baguio can get crowded during the festivities, making transportation difficult.
• Check in advance the schedule of the events you want to attend. You want to watch major activities like the Grand Parade on the best spot possible. Secure a prime seat by arriving as early as possible.
• Bring extra luggage for your bazaar finds and local pasalubongs. The night market and Session Road in Bloom event features many novelty items and cheap finds that can easily fill your shopping bags.

Lastly, schedule a few days of your trip to schedule other parts of Baguio and its nearby regions. While the Panagbenga festival is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration to experience Baguio’s culture and beauty, the high land also takes pride of its world-class natural attractions and surrounding local leisure spots that will make your trip even more worthwhile. The rice terraces of Banaue, for instance, is once considered as one of world’s eight wonders.

Like what you read? Brittany Corporation is you definitive source of everything about luxury living, luxury real estate developments, high society culture, and everything in between. Explore the best luxury condo in Baguio and other world-class luxury real estate properties of Brittany Corporation by taking a quick virtual tour! If you have any sales or business related concerns, connect to Brittany’s Sales and Marketing team by clicking here.

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There’s no place like home, and yet there are many things that constitute a home. Some homes have a living room, while some have a family room – and others even have both! But what exactly does it mean to have a living room or a family room? Is there even a difference in the first place?

Is there a Difference Between a Family Room and a Living Room?

While it may seem like there isn’t any – there actually is! People tend to use the two terms interchangeably, but while the two terms seem similar, they do have their own separate functions.

The Family Room

The Family Area

From the name itself, the family room is mainly used for spending quality time with your family. Its main purpose is to serve as an area for creating and developing special bonds with your loved ones.

A Relaxed Atmosphere

Because of this nature, family rooms are usually made to have a relaxed vibe. As the place everyone returns back to at the end of the day, the family room should be an area where everyone can just sit back and relax while enjoying the company of their loved ones. With growing families, the family room is usually more kid-friendly in order to avoid any accidents.

Location for the Family

Family rooms are usually more often used as compared to living rooms and are designed to be living spaces mainly for the family only. The family room is usually placed farther from the entrance and exits of the house because of this reason.

The Living Room

The Living Area

Unlike the family room, the main purpose of the living room has been shrouded in mystery for quite a long time now. However, while its true purpose may still be unknown, there is still a general purpose for which designers refer to living rooms.

A Formal Atmosphere

The living room is known to be the main place for welcoming guests; hence, your living room design and presentation should be one of, if not the most impressive area of your home. The interior design of your living room should be given much importance – the walls, the ceiling, and everything in between.

A Place for Events

As time passed on, the living room has also evolved into a place more than just welcoming guests – but also a place for them to stay. The living room is usually a home’s place for holding gatherings and celebrations.

Location of the Guests

Since the living room serves as the area most visited by outsiders, it is usually placed nearer to the entrance and exit points of the house. Most often, the living room is placed directly in front of the house’s main entrance.

Which is more important, the living room or the family room?

Depending on which you deem more important, the answer to which area is more important remains as a subjective matter. If you prioritize spending leisure time with your family over having a comfortable place for your guests to stay in, then family rooms take over.

If you wish for a more formal place to hold gatherings and celebrations, then the living room takes priority. But before you trouble yourself over what you should pick over the other, you should think first whether it is necessary to have both in the first place.

Do you need to have both a living room and a family room?

While it may be much more convenient to have both, most small family homes actually have access to only one space for gatherings. It can be space-consuming to have two areas to convene in, and you can actually design a certain area of your home to serve as both the family room and the living room!

The two rooms are actually similar in nature – that’s why people mistake them for the other in the first place. There is nothing wrong with having only one area in your home to serve the purposes of both rooms, but of course, there’s a benefit to having both.

What are the benefits of separating the living room and the family room?

If you’re someone who likes to keep things personal, then having separate places for your family and those outside it will be much better for you. Family rooms are usually informal in nature because it serves as the heart of your home – a place filled with memories of just you and your family.

The living room is usually more formal in nature, from interior design to the size of the area. If you often have guests over, separating the living room to be a place mainly for gatherings would be good, especially if the guests aren’t close much with other members of the family.

Having two separate areas allotted for your family and another for your guests means that you can have people over without having to worry about bothering the rest of your family.

Where can I find homes with these rooms?

It may be hard for some to envision whether they wish for either a living room, a family room, or maybe even both. Having a selection to choose from would greatly help you decide whether which home would be ideal for you.

If you’re looking for a new home, then look no further than these luxury lots in Daang Hari.

Forresta

Forresta Villar Land is filled with the most luxurious homes in the Philippines that are sure to meet alll your demands. With a wide variety of luxury homes available, choosing your next new home is a breeze.

These luxury lots in Daang Hari are not only efficiently designed by top architects under the world-renowned real estate company, Brittany, but the entire subdivision itself boasts a unique and relaxing atmosphere unlike no other.

Taking a morning walk around your home has never felt more fulfilling while being surrounded by lush greenery everywhere you look. Feel the embrace of nature in every step you take in Forresta Villar Land.

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