May 10, 2021
Owning a house and lot is every Filipino's dream. However, with the current minimum wage salary range, most Filipinos are scared getting a house and lot of their own that they’ve been wanting for so long—or worse, they disregard even just the thought of it—because they are not being paid a livable wage, or just barely getting by.
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Recently, a Twitter debate erupted about the compensation of Filipinos in the country after a user complained about a graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University refusing a job with a P37,000 starting salary.
“I just made a job offer to an Ateneo fresh grad, and I was shocked that she declined a 37k starting salary. The role is for an entry level Marketing Associate. I asked for her reason and she said that she expects at least 60k because of her educational background. I’M SPEECHLESS.”
— Kume (@DearKume) April 29, 2021.
The post has since gone viral and sparked different opinions on social media. Some say that P37,000 as starting salary is way higher compared to wages of most workers who have been in a company for many years already. While some noted that the offered amount was indeed too little, especially considering the cost of living in Metro Manila.
The shocking truth about the cost of living in Manila
According to a research done by iPrice, an e-commerce aggregator, Manila is Southeast Asia’s third most expensive city to live in, despite having the lowest average salary for the working class.
The study showed the average cost of living in Manila is 168% higher than the average salary of residents. To be detailed, the research explains that the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Manila is at P50,798, which is in contrast with (and far off) the average net salary of only P18,900 per month, the lowest among the cities in Southeast Asia.
The Department of Labor and Employment has posted the current real minimum wage rates as of April 2021 across the Philippines according to industries.
Can minimum wage earners afford a house and lot?
Given the high costs and low salaries, it leaves us wondering how on Earth can we, especially minimum wage earners, afford a brand new house and lot in the Philippines?
Understanding the cost of owning a house—the construction, taxes, and other fees you have to pay for a home purchase—halt many Filipinos from achieving their goals of buying even an affordable house and lot in the Philippines. We can’t blame them for thinking that way, besides, a house is the biggest investment we’ll ever make, so the expenses we will sustain should be a major consideration in your home-buying decision. If you want to know on the estimated amount you'll be needing for buying a house and lot in the Philippines, I found a reliable mortgage calculator where you can estimate mortgage affordability based on income. All you have to do is input the necessary amounts in the box and the mortgage calculator will give the information you need. This is helpful especially for those who are just planning on buying their own homes so that, you can manage your expenses (and expectations) well.
Going back to our main question: Can minimum wage earners afford a house and lot? The short answer is yes.
While we are not discounting the thought of how expensive and how challenging it is to get that dream home, we will also not take the fact that it is possible, even for minimum wage earners, to buy a house and lot.
Sure, looking for the most affordable house and lot that fits your budget is really challenging but with the right developer, achieving your dream home is possible. There are also a good number of financial housing loan programs in the Philippines that you can consider to make home-buying more attainable. From banks to government agencies like Pag-IBIG, Filipinos can take a housing loan.
April 4, 2021 Mayon Volcano, Albay, Philippines
Admired for its majestic beauty, Mayon Volcano Natural Park, a famous landmark in the Philippines, never fails to attract travelers across the world. With its beauty and history, one would never dare to miss Mayon when in Bicol. But more than being a beauty that is enough to be admired from afar, you can discover so much more if only you’re brave enough to see beyond the perfect cone-shaped volcano.
About Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano is both a stunner and a killer. While it is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the Philippines, in the world rather, Mount Mayon is also among the most destructive that’s why many people dare to go near it. Its perfect cone shape draws attention all over the world but what lies beyond its beauty is its deadly nature: an enormous chamber, churning with molten rock and toxic gas that could blow anytime.
The Legend of Mayon Volcano
Mayon is the country’s most active volcano and is named after a beautiful princess named Daragang Magayon. She was the daughter of the ruler of Bicol. Darangang Magayon was so beautiful and kind that many young men wanted to marry her. But she was in love with Hadiong. But Hadiong was a warrior of the tribe that was Magayon’s family’s enemy. They were secretly seeing each other and when both of their families found out, they were furious and war between the two tribes started. Hadiong fought in the battle and got killed. When Daragang Magayon heard of Hadiong’s death, it broke her heart. She cried every day until she got sick, and died. Her family and the townspeople buried her with much sadness. But a few months later, the ground where she was buried grew and grew. And after a few hundred years, it became a beautiful volcano now known as Mount Mayon.
Mayon Volcano History
After knowing the beautiful legend of Mayon Volcano, it’s time to learn more about its history. The Mayon Volcano is located in Albay Province. It stands at 8,077 feet above sea level.
Mayon Volcano has erupted over 51 times in the past four centuries, the most destructive of which is in 1814 where thousands of families were affected. In spite of everything, Mount Mayon has helped in developing a culture of resiliency among the locals who always rebuilt their towns and cultivated their fields after each destructive eruption.
The Mayon Volcano Natural Park is also among the 17 protected areas in the Bicol Region and home to 156 floral species and 83 species of trees according to UNESCO. It is also a habitat for 104 species of land vertebrates, including 57 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians, 24 species of reptiles, and 13 species of mammals. Of the 13 mammal species, 7 are endemic of which 3 are listed as vulnerable: the Philippine Brown Deer, Philippine Warty Pig, and Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox. The bird fauna includes 37 endemic species with 3 species listed in the IUCN red list: the nearly-threatened Luzon Bleeding Heart, vulnerable Philippine Eagle-Owl, and critically-endangered Philippine Cockatoo. The 10 amphibian fauna are all endemic frog species with 4 listed in the IUCN red list: the nearly-threatened Luzon Fanged Frog, Luzon Forest Ground Frog, and Guenther’s Forest Frog; and the vulnerable Banded Pygmy Tree Frog. Mount Mayon also houses 1 endemic butterfly, 7 endemic stick-insects, and 9 endemic spiders in the registered insect and arachnid fauna.
Mayon Volcano Natural Park offers a variety of ecotourism activities like the ecological tours, camping, trekking, among others.
How to reach Mayon Volcano
There are several ways to get to Albay: by plane, bus, and train. Read below to find out more details on how to get to Mayon Volcano.
By plane
From Manila, you can book direct flights to Legazpi, Albay. The trip would normally last up to one hour.
By Bus
If the plane ride is out of your budget on how to reach Mayon Natural Park, consider traveling by bus. From Manila, there are many bus lines that offer routes going to Bicol. But brace yourself for a long hour ride as the travel time takes about at least 12 hours depending on the traffic.
By train
Another convenient way to add in your options on how to reach Mayon Volcano is by train from Manila. Bicol Express operated by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) offered trips daily from Tutuban, Manila to Naga City, and the travel time would usually last up to 12 hours. As of this writing though, the operation of the Bicol Express is still suspended due to ongoing repairs. According to their statement, they are targeting to launch its partial operations by 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mayon Volcano
Q: What is Mayon Volcano description?
A: Mayon Volcano description came from a legend. It is named after a beautiful princess named Daragang Magayon. In Bicolano, magayon means “beautiful.”
Q: Why is Mayon Volcano a tourist spot?
A: Mayon Volcano is a famous tourist spot because of its perfect cone shape that many travelers across the world admire.
Q: Is Mayon Volcano active, dormant or extinct?
A: Mayon Volcano is active. In fact, it’s the most active volcano in the Philippines and one of the most active in the world.
Q: What is there to do in Mayon Volcano?
A: Visiting Mayon Volcano is more than just sightseeing and picture-taking because the area offers exciting activities perfect for thrill-seekers. Here are the four activities you must try when in Mayon Volcano Natural Park.
Ecological Tour
Hiking
Camping
ATV Riding
Q: Can you hike Mayon Volcano?
A: Due to the risk of volcanic activity, the summit of Mt Mayon is off-limits to climbers but generally, it’s a 2-3 day climb. The most difficult part starts at 2.195m and is a 40-degree ascent on loose volcanic cinder and lava sand up to the summit. On the summit, be careful of poisonous fumes emitted by the volcano.
August 29, 2020
April 26, 2020 Banaue Rice Terraces
Because of its magnificence, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. Since then, the world has noticed and never stopped talking about the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.
Located at the foot of the Cordillera mountain ranges in the northern island of Luzon, this destination will definitely take your breath away as you get lost by the astounding view of these rice paddies.
Read on if you want to get to know more about the Banaue Rice Terraces. This travel guide might come in handy for you! :)
Banaue Rice Terraces being a UNESCO World Heritage Site
According to UNESCO, the Rice Terraces Philippines are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Among the reasons for its recognition is that the terraces illustrate a persistence of cultural traditions and remarkable continuity and endurance, since archaeological evidence reveals that this technique has been in use in the region for 2,000 years virtually unchanged.UNESCO also noted that the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are a memorial to the history and labor of more than a thousand generations of small-scale farmers who—working together as a community—have created a landscape based on a delicate and sustainable use of natural resources.
Things you need to know before traveling to Banaue Rice Terraces
The Locals
The Ifugaos are very accommodating and they are always smiling. One thing you might notice when you meet Ifugaos is that their mouth and teeth are red. This is because of nganga or betel nuts. Nganga is like an alternative to tobacco or cigarettes. However, this isn’t smoked but chewed and to be spit afterwards. It is part of the Ifugaos’ culture so expect that most of them, even women, are chewing nganga.
The Food
The food here isn’t cheap but not too expensive. Basically, a regular meal will already cost you around P150 but the serving is generous. You must try their native rice and the Banaue longganisa! They’re a perfect combination, especially with a hot choco or coffee for breakfast.
Traveling Rice Terraces Philippines won’t be easy
Sure there are vans and other transportation services available to tour you around but when you’re already going to the rice terraces, expect a lot of hiking trips, some are easy and some are challenging but definitely worth the sweat and effort!
Places you can visit near the Banaue Rice Terraces
Tappiya Falls
Unlike other waterfalls that are accessible and easy to reach, Tappiya Falls is a challenge but definitely worth it. Expect a not so easy trek by any stretch, the path to the falls will take you up and down steep uneven steps, narrow rice terraces, and muddy slippery trails. The trek will take about an hour or two depending on your pace. Also, the water here is freezing cold! But that’s what you’ll be needing after the tiring trek.
Bogyah Hot Spring
Like the trek to Tappiya Falls, you’ll be in for another challenge going to Bogyah Hot Spring. You will have to pass through narrow rice terraces and uneven steps for about an hour but all these will be worth it when you finally reach Bogyah Hot Spring for a dip.
Ducligan Snake River and Mountains
After the endless rice terraces in Ifugao, Ducligan Snake River and Mountain should be your next stop. This will be your breather during the trip. It’s among the most beautiful mountains in the Philippines featuring a snake-shaped river, hence the name.
Hungduan Rice Terraces
How to get to Banaue Rice Terraces
Best time to visit Banaue Rice Terraces
June 7, 2018
Read more
March 11, 2018 Cebu, Philippines
Read more
December 27, 2015
Knowing her story, I realized something. Successful people are the ones who know what they want and do something about it. For Pia, she wanted the crown so bad that it didn't stop her to chase her ultimate dream. Look at where she is now, the elusive crown is on her already. Because of her good example, she has inspired many people. And I have to admit that, I am, too. With her journey to victory, she taught me some things:
October 16, 2013
April 27, 2013
April 7, 2013
.JPG)
April 1, 2013
March 24, 2013
Social Icons