If you’re the type of person who loves the beach and if you’re always up for some adventure, surfing just might be the best activity for you. The rising popularity of surfing in the Philippines may come as a pleasant surprise to some, who are more used to surfing in other countries such as Australia and Indonesia.

Note, though, that during peak season, it can be difficult to find good accommodations in these surfing destinations. It’s highly recommended that you book online in advance using hotel booking sites so that you can get the rooms you want. You may want to check websites such as Traveloka, who offers a lot of good deals so you can save on your accommodation expenses. Thousands of visitors flock to these places when the surf’s up, so a little planning will go a long way towards your full enjoyment of your surfing vacation.

That said, here are the must-go to places for surfing in the Philippines.

Photo by Aleah Taboclaon

Siargao: Surfing Capital of the Philippines

Siargao Island is perhaps the most well-known among the surfing destinations of the Philippines. Located in Surigao del Norte, it is popular for its strong, hollow waves. A specific area known as Cloud 9 is an international favorite. As such, this is where most international surfing competitions are held.

Regulars say that surf season really starts in August and extends all the way to March. However, it is still possible to catch some great waves during other months. If you’re just beginning to learn, though, you might want to catch some tamer waves in the Daco area. You can also enjoy the white sand beaches after a tiring session.

San Juan, La Union: Surf Capital of the North

If you come from Manila and want to ride some waves without going very far, your best bet would probably be San Juan in La Union. It is quite easy to get there by bus, although it is also possible to take a plane to San Fernando and then just get another ride to the San Juan area.

There are two surf seasons in La Union. The first one starts in July and lasts until October. A separate season starts in November and extends until March. The quality of waves is different for each season. The waves tend to be bigger during the second season.

You might want to familiarize yourself with the different surfing spots in the area to ride the kind of waves you prefer. They may not be as big and hollow as those in Siargao, but they are generally consistent and make for very enjoyable rides.

Baler, Quezon Province: The Birthplace of Philippine Surfing

Baler, the capital of Aurora in Quezon Province, boasts of some interesting surf spots. The season generally starts in October and ends in February, but it is also possible to catch some good waves during the rest of the year. It really depends on the weather. Since this area faces the Pacific Ocean, you can expect some really big waves from time to time.

It pays to know the difference of one surf spot from another. Sabang Beach is one of the best choices for beginners, but even experts can still find this spot quite enjoyable to surf in. Skilled surfers who love challenging waves will perhaps do well to opt for Cemento Reef, where the waves tend to be much bigger.

Surfing supposedly started here in Baler, when crew members of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now left their surfboards behind after the movie was finished.

Borongan, Samar: A Lesser Known Surfing Paradise

Just like Baler, Samar’s waves are dependent on the Pacific Ocean. The surf season, however, starts in September. Since Samar is not as popular as other surfing spots in the Philippines, and since there are several surf spots to choose from, you can certainly enjoy the experience without the hassle of big crowds.

Borongan, which is down south, boasts of several well-known surfing areas. Many of these are for more

A country with 7,107 islands can never be at a loss for places to visit and adventures to embark on. For surfers and would-be surfers in particular, this presents huge potential for a truly world-class surfing experience. Pick any of these locations, and you’re sure to have the ride of your life.

Disclaimer: This post isn't mine. This is just a repost from a website, www.heartlight.org

This is an article written by Max Lucado

There is a way that seems right,

but its end is the way to death (Proverbs 14:12).

One may give into temptation with this set of thoughts: "No one will know. I won’t get caught. I’m only human..."

Don’t make matters worse by doing something you’ll regret!

Years ago, a friend gave me this counsel: “Make a list of all the lives you would impact through your sexual immorality.” I did. Every so often I re-read it.

• Denalyn.
• My three daughters.
• My son-in-law.
• My yet-to-be-born grandchildren.
• Every person who’s ever read one of my books or heard my sermons.
• My publishing team.
• Our church staff.

The list reminds me: one act of carnality is a poor exchange for a lifetime of lost legacy.

You don’t fix a struggling marriage with an affair or a drug problem with more drugs. You don’t fix stupid with stupid. Do what pleases God.

Turbulent times will tempt you to forget Him. Shortcuts will lure you. Don’t be foolish and don’t be naïve. Do what pleases God. Nothing more, nothing less!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones (Proverbs 3:5-8).

Yes, indeed.

With the holidays approaching, you may want to do some renovations to one or more rooms in your house. Somethings you might be able to do on your own; large complex projects will require the help of specialized services. Since you do not have a lot of time, you may need a way to get contractors fast who will do the work in a professional manner. 

You might begin with scouring magazines for ideas on getting your home ready for the holidays. With some exciting examples of creating a festive occasion, you realize a few of those ideas require home improvement projects. Some are DIY; others require work by a professional. Perhaps you need more space for extended family members coming from out of town. Now is a good time to begin working with a contractor. The long to-do list that has more additions than completions can be tackled in a few weeks' time with the pros. After delaying home projects because of work and family obligations, are ready to follow through on your plans – and add the new ideas you collected for upcoming special occasions. As long as the projects will not require more work than the time you have to finish, family and friends will be thoroughly impressed with the new look. Even if you want to add more outdoor living space to entertain, a skilled professional contractor can get this done in record time. 

Things to Keep in Mind for the Kitchen

The kitchen is probably the most used room in any house. Especially during the holidays, family and friends will gather to enjoy good times and good food. 

Some things to consider include:

Space – open space that is large enough to accommodate family members and guests, as well as enough room to cook and prepare meals

Lighting – a bright and well-lit kitchen will help to set an inviting atmosphere

Countertops and cabinetry – as two of the most important items in the kitchen, you want both to be a perfect match. Color schemes, size, shape and design are important to being appealing to the eye

Backsplash – carefully select a pattern and material that is the perfect match to the style of your kitchen. Professional design help makes this much easier

Don't Hesitate to Ask for Professional Help If you feel overwhelmed by the length of your to-do list, and the amount of time to complete everything, find a contractor that you can trust. Your home is an investment. The enjoyment of the holidays for your family and friends is also an investment. Whether you need additional space or renovations to existing space, an experienced contractor that you trust can handle it. Get an estimate, let them begin the work and you can continue with other preparations for a festive time.

from Google images

Every homeowner must have a plumbing repair occasionally, and it is a good idea to contact a professional plumber rather than attempting to fix a broken water pipe or clogged toilet on your own. The plumbers Baltimore residents need work for local companies that only hire licensed tradesmen. One of the most common plumbing problems in a home is a ruptured water pipe that occurs as the temperature begins to drop in the autumn. This is an emergency repair because the water that leaks from the pipe can damage walls, floors and ceilings. 

Have Difficult Clogs Removed from a Home’s Toilets or Sinks

An additional plumbing problem that requires an emergency service call is when a toilet or sink has a difficult clog. When a homeowner is not able to shift the debris from the drain, a plumber can pour enzymatic cleansers into a drain to dissolve tough debris such as frozen toilet tissue or hair before using a plumber’s snake to move the remaining debris. This process requires only a few minutes, but with a professional plumber, the clog is removed without damaging a sink or toilet. 

A Plumber Can Clean Drains and Grease Traps

If a homeowner notices that the bathtubs or sinks in a home’s kitchen or the bathrooms are emptying slowly, then it is essential to have the drains cleaned. The drains underneath sinks and bathtubs can fill with debris such as food particles and hair that will collect on the interior surfaces of the pipes. Eventually, a dense clog will form that water will not flow through, leading to bathroom and kitchen fixtures that are filled with dirty water. A plumber can use drain-cleaning devices such as rooter brushes to push away the debris. 

Plumbers Are Able to Repair Sewer Lines

When a sewer line on a property is defective, a homeowner will notice standing water or a foul odor from waste. A plumber can drop a camera into a sewer line to determine where the clog is along with any damage such as holes and cracks. To remove the clog, a plumber will blast strong streams of water into the sewer line for several minutes to dislodge tree roots, garbage and hair. After the clog washes away, the plumbing team can insert flexible pipes into the lines to repair the sewer system. 

My son belongs to the digital era. He loves to play on cellphone or tablets and even on our laptops. Just imagine how a 3-year old boy gets to memorize my alphanumeric password so he could have an access to my laptop. We are partly to be blamed of his "addiction" to gadgets because he was already exposed to it as early as his first year because that was used to be his pacifier when he was on tantrums before.

We were actually quite alarmed of his exposure to gadgets that is why we limit his usage now. Since he is the type who is very hyper, his father bought him a blocks for him to play on. We are also glad because he really loves playing blocks. In fact, that was what he usually watched on YouTube- Lego creations.

Favorite past time at home 

Favorite activity in school

Right now, he has limited time for movies, gadgets, and more time for physical activities. For Moms out there, be resourceful in providing your kids with something that will keep them busy- not with gadgets but with toys that will enhance their creativity.