Media Noche Foods That Will Bring You Luck and Success in 2016

For most of us, the first day of January offers an opportunity to forget the past and make a fresh start. But instead of leaving everything up to luck, why not enjoy a meal to upturn your good fortune? There are varieties of foods that are believed to bring luck and boost the chances that next year will be a great one. Here they are:

Kakanin

For Filipinos, when you eat kakanin such as biko, suman, sapin-sapin, and pichi-pichi in New Year, good fortune will stick and your family’s bond will strengthen the whole year!

Round-shaped fruits

Though the number of pieces differs by region, eating any round fruit is a common New Year’s custom. Their shape, which looks like a coin, and their saccharinity are the common denominators.

Pancit

Eating pancit denotes long life and good health to the eater, according to New Year’s customs in the Philippines.

Ring-shaped cakes and donuts

Ring-shaped cakes and donuts symbolize not only carby lusciousness but also the year coming full circle.

Greens

Greens are said to resemble paper money. Everything from spinach to cabbage to your kale salad mix applies here.

Legumes

Legumes including peas, lentils, and beans are also symbolic of money like greens. Their small, seedlike look resembles coins that swell when cooked.

Pork

Did you now that many people consider pork to be the most auspicious of all foods to eat on New Year's Day? It’s because pigs are rotund, which embodies prosperity and they "root forward" with their nose, which is thought to symbolize progress.

Roasted whole fish

Do you want prosperity for next year? Then roast and serve a whole fish on your table! Fish are lucky in three ways: they travel in schools (symbolizing abundance), their scales resemble coins, and they swim forward (which represents progress). Just make sure not to turn it over when it’s served because flipping the fish is said to imply a travel accident!

Do you know other food that symbolizes success and abundance for New Year? Share your ideas! 

Photo credits: www.foodnetwork.ca, www.lafujimama.com, www.nytimes.com, www.crossingitaly.net, cookingmatters.org, www.pinterest.com, chowkingdelivery.com, and www.katieeats.com 

Ten Best Places in the Philippines to Greet Year 2016

New Year’s Eve comes once a year, so it’s very important that we celebrate it extraordinarily. Check out this list for the best places to be when the clock strikes twelve midnight on December 31!

1. TV5 New Year Countdown 2016

For the second time, TV5 and Quezon City Government team up to hold the New Year Countdown TV Special at the Quezon Memorial Circle which will be held from December 31, 2015 to January 1, 2016.

 2. Philippine Arena Countdown 2016 New Year's Celebration

Witness Philippines’ attempt to break Guinness World Record for the largest and longest fireworks display! For as low as ₱300.00 valid from December 30 to 31, 2015), experience a festive celebration that includes circus and magic shows, carnival, and so much more!

On December 30, Mulatto, Spongecola, 6CycleMind, and Top Suzara will open the 2-night celebration at the Philippine Arena, Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan. Other celebrities that will be there are The Explorer Sisters: JoWaPao of Eat Bulaga's KalyeSerye, Apl.De.Ap, Sandwich, Radha, Arnel Pineda, and Pops Fernandez.

3. Countdown to 2016: The GMA New Year Special

To all Kapuso out there, this is it! On December 31, 2015, 11:00 PM, at the Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza (AlDub) and other big artists from the Kapuso network will gather to welcome 2016!

4. Eastwood City New Year Countdown to 2016

Experience the outstanding performances of our country’s brightest music stars including Marlisa Punzalan, the X Factor 2014 Grand Winner, Imago, Kyla, Christian Bautista, Rico Blanco, as well as American singer Dawin, at Eastwood City’s New Year Countdown to 2016.

The event will start at 6:00 PM of December 31, 2015, at Libis, Quezon City.

5. Makati “Shout” New Year’s Eve Countdown 2016

Makati's New Year Countdown is back and now all set for the event hail as “Shout”, which will be presented at the University of Makati Track and Field Oval, starting at 4:00 PM on December 31, 2015 until 3:00 AM of January 1, 2016. 

6. The Grand Countdown 2015, A Spectacular New Year Celebration

This coming December 31, 2015 at 7:00 PM, greet 2016 with the International pop music sensation Charice Pempengco, Concert King Martin Nievera, and Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla as they perform in Marriott Hotel at the Newport City Complex in Pasay.

7. Sulong Manila! Countdown 2016

On December 31, 2015, Rajah Soliman, Roxas Boulevard skies will burst with magical colors through a magnificent pyromusical by Dragon Fireworks. The fun New Year event will start at 9:30 PM.

8. New Year Jam. The Countdown at the Plaza

Welcome 2016 with a loud boom of songs from our countries various rock stars! Join Yeng Constantino, Spirit of 67, Rivermaya, Mitoy & the Draybers, and The Dawn in Newport Mall’s The Plaza on December 31, 2015 at 8:00 PM.

9. Diamond Hotel A New Year State of Mind

Join Xarchy Band, Retrospect, and DJ Marx Monterola in Diamond Hotel’s New Year countdown event dubbed “A New Year State of Mind”.

Visitors of the event have a choice of dinner buffet from 6:00 PM to 11 PM. at Corniche and a chance to win round-trip airline tickets to Bohol for two for only ₱3,300 or a late-night buffet inclusive of one drink from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM for ₱680.

10. The Gift of Celebration at Solaire Resort and Casino

Rejoice New Year’s eve by enjoying the live performances of Bituin Escalante, The Company, Mel Villena, and the AMP band with Judith Banal and Skarlet and the Powerplay Band.

As you wait for the countdown, you may treat yourself to their vast array of treats, tapas, and signature cocktails at the Eclipse Entertainment Lounge. All these revelries will happen at Solaire Resort and Casino, Parañaque City.

Source: http://www.thesummitexpress.com/2015/12/new-year-countdown-to-2016-top-16-places-events-in-metro-manila.html

Filipino Superstitions: Do’s and Don’ts on New Year’s Eve and Day

Photo Credits: www.bornadragon.com

Filipinos are generally superstitious. Even in this day and age, many of us still observe various traditions for different occasions. And as the New Year comes, here are the do’s and don’ts to attract good vibes this coming year.

DO’s

Elders believe and abide the following traditions on New Year’s Eve and Day to attract luck, prosperity, and good health for the coming year.

1. Keep the canisters of rice, sugar, salt, flour, etc. full.

2. Make as much noise as you can to scare away evil spirits.

3. Keep all of the lights in your house on to herald a brighter future.

4. Keep the windows, doors, cabinets, and drawers of your house open before the clock strike 12.

5. Pay all your debts and fill your wallet with new or crisp money to make sure that your pockets are full for the coming year.

6. Prepare 12 round fruits to make each month of the coming year prosperous.

7. Kids must jump 12 times at midnight to increase their height.

8. Wear polka-dots or colorful outfit to attract more luck, good vibes, and money next year.

9. Serve something sticky and long for dinner. Sticky food makes for a close-knit family while the “long” food such as pasta or stir fried noodles is for long and healthy life.

10. Fill your pocket with coins and a rosary and make some noise by shaking it as the clock hits midnight. The coins will breed more money and the rosary will guide you throughout the New Year’s challenges.

DON’Ts

On the other hand, elders often tell us to avoid doing these things to avoid bad luck and suffering for the coming year.

1. Don’t clean the house on the first day of the year for you will sweep up that fortune that came in during the New Year’s Eve.

2. Don’t borrow and spend money for you will be indebted and shell out money for the entire year.

3. Don’t serve fish or chicken for they are related with the scarcity of food.

Do you follow any of these superstitions or want to add more to this list? You can share your beliefs and experiences at the comments sections below.

Round Fruits: A Filipino Tradition—and Charm—on New Year’s Eve

Photo source: maudesavenueofthoughts.com

As the current year is about to end in a few days’ time, Filipinos are excited prepping up for the coming of a new one. Apparently, New Year’s Eve is the most festive time of the year in the Philippines. Locals associate the celebration to a lot of things: New Year’s resolutions, firecrackers, firework displays, bright lights, noise-making instruments, polka dots, parties, parades, and reunions.

The celebration of the coming year never goes without some traditions and superstitions.

For many Pinoys, the end of the year is the best time not just to reflect on how life has changed over the year but also to think of the ways to further improve it. Hence, many resort to holding on to traditions and charms with a belief that these help attract good vibes and luck.

In welcoming the “New Year,” Filipino families prepare round fruits on their dining tables. This is with a belief that anything round signifies endless prosperity for the whole family.

How Many?

Preparing round fruits is so easy but there always seems a confusion or a minor problem. Undeniably, each household has varying views on which fruits and how many types of fruits to have.

Ten? Twelve? Or thirteen “lucky” fruits? You decide.

What You Should Have

Regulars:

There may be variations on the kinds of fruits to prepare, but the following are the 12 most common fruits that locals put on their tables:

• Grapes
• Kastanyas
• Chico
• Pear
• Apple
• Orange
• Mango
• Banana
• Melon
• Pomelo
• Pineapple
• Watermelon

Alternatives:

If you are not able to buy any of the above-mentioned fruits or you are not particular with the number of fruits to put on your table, you may also have any of the following alternative fruits:

• Guava
• Dalandan
• Lychee
• Lemon
• Avocado
• Papaya

Each of these “lucky” fruits has its corresponding meaning—something that most Filipinos recognize as showing of Chinese influence.

How Much?

Prices for each of these fruits vary per type and location. One thing is for sure: prices could go up and reach the highest mark as the occasion draws near. The good thing is, you are free to buy the ones that are within your budget.

Thoughts to Ponder

Lucky or not, there’s nothing wrong if we celebrate New Year’s Eve with these circular fruits, regardless of their number. Just always bear in mind that eating these fruits is one good way to stay healthy this festive season.

Just be sure to arrange these fruits well so they will look attractive and mouth-watering once uploaded to your social media accounts!

May we all have a prosperous 2016!

Share your thoughts by writing in the comments section below.

Essential Ways to Have an Effective Outreach Program

www.tkbglobalschools.com

According to Wiki, outreach is an activity of providing services to people who doesn’t have access to those services. The basic element of outreach is that the groups providing it are mobile—they are meeting those in need of outreach services at the places where those in need are.

Reasons to Outreach

• To increase teamwork and communication with community members, key partners, and stakeholders;
• To increase program attendance;
• To develop a link between the agency and the community;
•  To improve community awareness, trust, and right understanding of your mission, program and successes; and
•  To exchange ideas and share resources.

Effective Outreach Program

There are four critical steps to an effective outreach program, no matter what message you’re trying to convey or to whom.

o    Gather background information about the community you want to serve;

o    Evaluate your own group;

o    Create contacts and develop relationships with community members and organizations; and

o    Plan and start your outreach program.

The Community and You

Here are ways to learn about communities unfamiliar to you:

³  Pick up cultural community newspapers;

³  Attend community events and celebrations to chat casually with people, and to learn about the community's geography and key institutes;

³  Consult with local academics, health and social service experts, and influential figures within the community; and

³  Check the public library, the Internet, and medical/academic journals.

Furthermore, don't forget to look at your own work area as well. Are any members of the target group on your staff? Are your colleagues eager to take on an outreach effort? If not, your claim that you're concerned with the community might be taken with a large dose of sale.

Building Relationships

Before you print your first leaflet or host your first event, develop first firm connections with key leaders to learn about their outlooks. You should also develop a web of professionals who offer similar services to the community.

Eight Incredible Trends and Technologies to Expect in 2016

As we approach 2016, we still have no glasses to let us see the future. But when it comes to the year ahead, we might not need foresight technology to see few of the developing trends.

A lot of next year's technology has its roots in 2015. This year, we have already seen heaps of wearable gadgets freed and Internet-connected appliances, such as the iKettle and the Nest Protect. Here are few of the big tech trends we expect to catch on next year.

Mind-Reading Machines

International Business Machine (IBM), the largest computer company in the world, foretells that by 2016, consumers will be able to control electronics by using brainpower—no passwords needed. Also, it is expected that consumers will have access to gadgets that read their minds letting them move computer cursors and call their family.

3D Printing

Over the next four years, market for low price 3D printers will continue to grow. New uses in industrial applications and bio medics will reduce cost. 3D printing gives students’ endless ability to test and design with hands-on exposure.

Big Data

Big data means the exponential growth and convenience of data, both structured and not. The vision is that organizations will take data from any source, attach relevant data and analyze it. This action will not only reduce cost and time, but will develop new product and smarter decision-making, as well.

 

High Definition CCTV

Expect cameras that record footages in high definition, with some capable of gigapixel resolution!

Sunscreen Pill

By 2016, the sunscreen pill will hit the market, protecting our skin and eyes from UV rays. By reverse engineering, the way coral reefs shield themselves from the sun, scientists are positive about the possibility, much to the dismay of sunblock producers everywhere.

Space Tourism

Space tourism, right now, costs around $20-30 million to take off and chill at the International Space Station, or $200,000 if you want a sub-orbital spaceflight from Virgin Galactic.

But, the market is developing faster than most realize. In five years’ time, companies such as Galactic Suite and Orbital Technologies may realize their company goals, with space tourism packages ranging from $10,000 to $1 million for a five-night stays in a revolving hotel suite.

Sources:

http://www.slideshare.net/AlbertJoseph1/technology-trends-for-2016

http://www.slideshare.net/flowil/the-2015-it-trend-showcase?next_slideshow=1

http://matadornetwork.com/life/24-incredible-new-technologies-youll-see-by-2021/

Photo credits:

inhabitai.com, www.newbeauty.com, www.futuretimeline.net, www.3dprintersmag.com, sourcetech411.com, and datafloq.com 

Christmas Presentation Ideas to Boost Your Parties and Events

Photo Credits: www.eventures-inc.com

Are you assigned to organize your Christmas party? Presentations are a great way to cover up for the time and to keep the guests entertained. To keep your event fun and lively, here are some Christmas presentations ideas that you can try.

1. Christmas Caroling – Choose the best singers in your group and sing Christmas song medleys. Include both slow and upbeat songs to keep your audience entertained. You can also wear colorful choir costumes and add simple dance steps to spice up your performance.

2. Group Dance – Let your group mates unleash their hidden groove. Gather the dancers, pick the latest songs, watch dance choreographies, and create a mashup laced with the sound of bells and other Christmas effects. You can also dress like elves, reindeers, or even as Santa if you want to.

3. Puppet Show – Create a skit from the Bible story and perform using puppets instead of actors and actresses. This will be a hit presentation especially if your group members are camera shy or your audience includes kids.

4. Musical Show – If your group is confident enough, you can also go for a musical show. You can sing, dance, and act at the same time using traditional Christmas songs following an original story or the nativity of Jesus.

5. Solo or 2 Person Act – For smaller teams, they can sing a solo or duet song, or do couple dancing. One can also play a musical instrument like guitar, flute, or piano while their partner is singing.

6. Band Performance – Build a band and perform 2 to 3 sets with 2 to 3 songs each. You can get someone from the guests to jam with you for each set. Playing requested songs from the crowd is also a great idea.

To further liven up your party, here are the top 10 Christmas songs that should be on your DJ’s playlist:

1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey

2. “Mary, Did You Know?” – Pentatonix

3. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” – Bruce Springsteen

4. “Santa Tell Me” - Ariana Grande

5. “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Buble

6. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms

7. “Last Christmas” – Wham!

8. “Feliz Navidad” – Jose Feliciano

9. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” – Nat “King” Cole

10. “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber

Do you know any other Christmas presentation ideas? We would love to hear them too! You can share them at the comments section below.

50 “Something” Categories for Your Christmas Monito Monita

Photo Credits: www.arundelmaine.org

Monito Monita or Secret Santa as the others call it has long been a tradition in the Philippines during the Christmas season. It’s a fun way of exchanging gifts between friends, officemates, and even relatives.

Mechanics:

* Form a group and draw the name of your Monita or Monito. Never reveal who it is until the last day of exchange gift.

* Decide on the schedule of gift giving and the price range for each gift.

* Choose a theme for each gift giving to make it more exciting. Below are some of the categories you can choose from:

1.      Something soft

2.      Something sweet

3.      Something long and hard

4.      Something green

5.      Something round

6.      Something useful

7.      Something wet

8.      Something made of wood

9.      Something you can wear in your head

10.    Something with handle

11.    Something made of glass

12.    Something sour

13.    Something that grows

14.    Something colorful

15.    Something that starts with the letter ‘i’

16.    Something funny

17.    Something cuddly

18.    Something with a cover

19.    Something unbreakable

20.    Something embarrassing to carry in public

21.    Something for private use

22.    Something trending in Twitter

23.    Something that reminds you of childhood

24.    Something that you need to insert

25.    Something hand-made

26.    Something that you received but hasn’t used

27.    Something you can use after a year

28.    Something local

29.    Something special

30.    Something imported

31.    Something you don’t want to own

32.    Something you want for yourself

33.    Something unique

34.    Something thin

35.    Something fragile

36.    Something you can cook

37.    Something edible

38.    Something black

39.    Something scary

40.    Something white

41.    Something slimy

42.    Something that makes a sound

43.    Something fragrant

44.    Something naughty

45.    Something sexy

46.    Something useful

47.    Something big

48.    Something small

49.    Something that moves

50.    Something cute

* Arrange a place where you can leave and pick up the gifts with your name.

On the last day of your gift giving, usually your Christmas Party, you will reveal yourself by giving the last gift personally to your Monito or Monita. The last gift is commonly the most special and doesn’t follow a theme. You just give what you think he or she would like to have following the decided price range for gifts.