According to the UN Environment Program, every year, an estimated 11.2 billion tons of solid waste are collected worldwide. The amount of waste doubles during holidays, long weekends and special occasions, such as Valentine’s day. So why not try these gift ideas for a zero-waste valentine?
Potted plants. Instead of giving flowers, consider giving plants. A potted plant lasts longer than a bouquet of flowers. Living plants help the environment since they release oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, serves as habitat and food for wildlife, and help regulate the water cycle.
DIY gifts. Making gifts may consume a lot of time, but this allows you to get creative, resulting in more personalized items. Consider the hobbies and preferences of the receiver. Whether it’s a crocheted decor, a painted portrait, a hand-written letter, or home-baked cookies, your giftees will appreciate the effort you’ve poured into your gifts.
The gift of experience. To avoid unnecessary waste that usually starts with unnecessary shopping, hop on to the “gift of experience” trend. Go and take your date to a movie, play or an amusement park. Or better yet, shower your special someone with acts of services, such as cooking meals, cleaning the house, or giving a massage. After all, experiences tend to be remembered more than material things.
Go for locally-grown items. Support local crafters and workers by purchasing items sourced and made locally. This helps in cutting down fuel consumption and air pollution created by items delivered through overseas planes and long-truck trips. Also, skip the plastic wrap!
Remember, it is not necessary to spend huge amounts of money to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Show the environment some love, too!
From four-month celebrations, to serving black noodles and women buying men gifts and chocolates, Valentine’s is indeed a much-celebrated day in different parts of the world.
Whether you’re single or happily taken, one thing you can enjoy is this list of how people celebrate Hearts’ Day in unique ways around the world.
DENMARK
Men give women gaekkebrev, a “joking letter” consisting of a funny poem written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots. If a woman can correctly guess the sender of the card, she earns herself an Easter egg later that year.
SOUTH KOREA
Valentine’s is celebrated each month starting February through April. On February 14, women give their men chocolates, flowers, and candies. During White Day (March 14), men will not only give their partner chocolates and flowers, but also a special gift. April 14 is a celebration for those who are not in a relationship. This is called Black Day, wherein singles mourn their status by eating “jajangmyeon” or black bean noodles.
SOUTH AFRICA
Women pin the names of their crushes on their sleeves, allowing men to discover their secret admirers.
JAPAN
Girls give the traditional Giri Choco to male colleagues, friends, or even bosses. It has no romantic association unless a handmade gift is given with another chocolate variant, called Honmon Choco. A month later, males have to return the favor with gifts, chocolates and more.
GERMANY
Lovers will not only exchange chocolates, flowers, and other heart shaped gifts, but also pigs. It is believed that pigs represent luck and lust, and can be given in different forms—pictures, miniature statues, chocolates, etc.
TAIWAN
Valentine’s is celebrated twice a year. On February 14 and July 7, flowers play an important role. Red roses represent “only love”, 99 roses represent “love forever”, and 108 roses signifies popping the question “Will you marry me?”
WALES
The Welsh celebrate their patron saint of love Saint Dwynwen on January 25, which is equivalent to Valentine’s Day. Wooden love spoons are given as gifts.
MIAO, SOUTH WEST CHINA
During the Sister’s Meal Festival, women cook an assortment of colorful rice dishes, which are wrapped in silk and offered to serenading suitors. The fate of the relationship rides upon the item found within the rice. Two chopsticks mean love, but a clove of garlic means the romance is over before it even started.
— Researcher: Panahon TV intern Gem Lat
“I Love You” – three words that are spoken to let our dear ones know how special they are.
In the Philippines, more than 7,000 islands serve as home to roughly 100 languages. Each has its own unique way of expressing the love language.
Regardless of the language, it is always a delight to hear these words even on a normal day. Who knows? There may come a time when you’ll need any of these words as you travel across the Philippines. Happy Valentine’s Day!
— Researcher: Panahon TV intern Jeroh Hiyastro
Researcher: Panahon TV intern Jeroh Hiyastro
Flowers, chocolates, “cheesy” notes and love songs–there’s no doubt, Valentine’s is officially here! Whatever your relationship status is, here are some hugot lines that will not only help you express your feelings, but will also give you knowledge about the weather.
1. “Amihan ka ba? Lamig mo kasi eh.”
The Northeast Monsoon, also known as Hanging Amihan refers to cold and dry air coming from Mainland China or Siberia. It starts to sweep across our country during the “ber” months and peaks in January until February. This is the reason for the chilly weather mostly in the evening or early morning.
Don’t wait for your loved one to tell you this hugot. To prove your special someone that you’re not like the Amihan, better give them a warm hug today!
2. “Buti pa ang panahon, kayang i-forecast ng PAGASA. Pero ‘yung pagiging tayo, malabo kasi isa kang PAASA.”
Through the years, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been providing the weather updates. It is the top source of information whenever weather disturbances enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Aside from delivering various data, such as 24-hr public weather forecasts, weather bulletins, shipping and farm weather forecasts, the bureau also offers live broadcast reports and interviews for different media outlets.
3. “Bagyo ka ba? Kasi when you left my area of responsibility, you left my heart under a state of calamity.”
An average of 19 to 20 tropical cyclones or bagyo enter PAR each year. Almost half of these may directly hit the country. Cyclones can be very devastating to the lives and property. When the extent of damage has become immense, the local government units (LGU) have the authority to declare a state of calamity for an easier and faster access to disaster relief funds.
4. “Para kang track ng bagyo. Minsan nagla-landfall, minsan lumilihis at lumalayo.”
A cyclone’s track is influenced by different factors like the High Pressure Area (HPA), Southwest Monsoon or Northeast Monsoon. It may make landfall or directly hit the land, but there are also instances that a cyclone re-curves away from the country.
5. “Buti pa ang ulan, may pag-asang tumila. Pero ang feelings ko ayaw paawat, parang babaha.”
Rain is a product of water cycle. Rains become enormous and more frequent during the Habagat Season or whenever weather disturbances like a Low Pressure Area (LPA) or tropical cyclones prevail within our premises. If rains persist for about three hours, flooding is possible in low-lying areas, while landslides may also transpire in mountainous areas.
6. “Ang feelings mo sa ‘kin ay parang SUMMER sa Pilipinas. Akala ko meron, wala pala talaga.”
As a tropical country, the Philippines has only 2 official seasons – the Wet/Rainy Season and Hot/Dry Season. The term “summer” has been part of our culture but it is technically incorrect. Summer and winter are only experienced by countries in the temperate regions.
7. “Ang turing mo sa ‘kin ay parang SNOW sa Pilipinas. Hindi nag-eexist.”
Most of us dream of building our own snowman and wish to experience a White Christmas. But in reality, it’s not possible in the Philippines because we don’t have winter in the tropics.
8. “Ako na lang piliin mo! Supertyphoon ang pag-ibig ko, Signal Number 5 ang effort ko.”
A tropical cyclone is classified into five categories–tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon and super typhoon. A Super typhoon is the most powerful with maximum winds of more than 220 kilometers per hour.
PAGASA issues Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals (TCWS) whenever a cyclone is expected to approach PAR or directly hit the land. Signal Number 5 means the eye of the super typhoon is drawing near, wherein residents may experience the strongest impacts within 12 hours.
9. “Kung ako ang bagyo, ikaw ang heat and moisture ko. Kailangan kita para lumakas at mabuhay ako.”
High temperatures and ample amount of water vapor are two important ingredients for a cyclone to grow stronger. It needs moisture and heat to sustain its intensity and elongate its life span. Without these, it may weaken or gradually dissipate.
10. “Para tayong mainit at malamig na hangin, pinagtagpo pero hindi magkasundo.”
Are you familiar with the Tail-End of a Cold Front? It is one of the weather systems expected to affect the country this month. Cold front is the boundary of two air masses, where the cold air mass dominates the warm air mass. When these two converge, bad weather will follow. Unfavorable weather conditions include heavy rains and thunderstorms.
February is already here! Before you plan your surprises for your loved ones, checking the weather first is an absolute must. Here are the top three things you need to know about this month’s weather:
1. No goodbyes for Amihan yet.
Slightly colder weather will prevail in some parts of Luzon as the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Amihan is expected to continue its peak. The surge of these winds usually occurs during January to February each year.
In history, the coldest day in February was experienced in Baguio City wherein a chilling 6.7 degrees Celsius was recorded on February 1, 1963.
However, due to the strong El Niño, the effect of Amihan this year may not be as dominant as the previous years.
Aside from lower temperatures, light rains may also occur, mostly in the northern provinces. Meanwhile, for small seacraft, venturing out into the sea may also be risky as strong to gale force winds associated with the Amihan may still be experienced.
2. Missing the rain
Based on the rainfall outlook, most parts of the Luzon, entire Visayas and several areas in Mindanao could receive a way-below normal amount of rain this month.
Dry conditions, dry spells and droughts are expected to prevail. These are the main challenges the agricultural sector faces.
3. There’s still a chance… for a weather disturbance.
Despite the occurring El Niño, our country is still not safe from a Tropical Cyclone or “bagyo”. PAGASA says that an average of 0 to 1 Tropical Cyclone may develop within or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this February.
Other weather systems expected to affect the country include the Northeast Monsoon, Tail End of a Cold Front, Low Pressure Area, Ridge of High Pressure Area, and Trough of Low Pressure Area.
Roses are red; violets are blue. Do you know that flowers have different meanings, too?
Love is in the air, urging love-struck Pinoys to visit the famous stretch of flower markets in Dangwa, Sampaloc to pre-order breathtaking bouquets for the special someones.
Going days before Valentine’s Day is actually encouraged as flower prices are likely to soar on February 14. But when faced with the plethora of floral selections, one question comes to mind: What kind of flowers should you buy?
For thousands of years, red roses have been the classic symbol of romantic love. But beyond this ubiquitous Valentine bloom, only a few know the meaning behind the other colors of roses, as well as the other types of flowers. Although it is easy to appreciate a pretty bouquet, it doesn’t hurt to know the messages different flowers carry.
Brush up on your floral dictionary with the list below:
Red Rose
The flower with the biggest demand on V-day, it conveys romantic love, passion and respect. 25 red roses means “Congratulations!” while 52 of these blooms convey unconditional love.
White Rose
Commonly used in weddings, white roses mean innocence, purity, reverence and truth. However, it is also sometimes associated with sympathy and death.
Yellow Rose
If you want to give flowers to a friend, yellow roses are recommended since they denote friendship and joy. They’re also appropriate to give to newlyweds, new mothers and graduates.
Pink Roses
Pink roses stand for gratitude, admiration and happiness. In recent years, roses in deep pink have been associated with the advocacy against breast cancer.
Orange Rose
Symbolically, it shows desire or fascination for the recipient. So give this to someone you want to get to know better.
Lavender Rose
Do you find someone enchanting? Give him or her a lavender rose. It also symbolizes love at first sight.
Black Rose
The black rose does not exist, but the darkest red variety can look black. This flower depicts an ending. However, some suggest that it could also mean the beginning of something new.
Carnation
Its name roughly translating to “flower of the gods,” carnations have long been used in the ceremonial crowns of the ancient Greeks. These flowers also symbolize a mother’s love, fascination and distinction.
Tulips
Classic and affordable, tulips are one of the most popular flowers in the world. Generally, tulips convey warmth and comfort.
Gerberas
The Gerbera variety of the Daisy Family expresses cheerfulness as shown in its variety of vibrant colors. So send some if you want to brighten someone’s day.
Snapdragons
These flowers are said to have a dragon-like appearance because when you squeeze them together, their ‘jaws’ looks like a dragon opening and closing its mouth. It has two seemingly conflicting meanings – graciousness or a sign of deception.
So before you give flowers this love season, look up their meanings first, and decide which ones will truly convey what you feel. After all, a well-thought gift is always appreciated, especially on Valentine’s Day.