The cause of an unresponsive classroom can be due to a number of things, but one common cause is bored students. We bet the image of no one raising their hands to participate is all too familiar. Get them up and moving with any one of these classroom game ideas. When students are interacting and engaged, they won’t have to time to get bored!

5 Classroom Game Ideas to Make Your Subject Fun

PANTS

Nostalgic and challenging, PANTS makes for a brilliant classroom game in an elementary English class. The acronym stands for places, animals, names, things, and score. You may alter the categories for difficulty according to your class’s grade level. First, divide the class into teams, each with their own boards. Then pick any letter from the alphabet for each round. Within a time limit, the teams must identify one example per category. The team with the most correct answers wins.

Pinoy Henyo

Pinoy Henyo (literally Filipino genius) is played between teams of two. The goal is to guess a word in the shortest amount of time. In this case, let the word be a key word from your lesson. First, a member from one team sits in front, and place a small board with the key word written on it near their forehead. The board should face the class and not the student so that they could not be able to see the word. The student then guesses the word by asking their teams yes-or-no questions. Their team can only reply with “Oo” (yes), “Hindi” (no), or “Pwede” (maybe). The student should come up with the answer in 1 minute and 30 seconds. The team with the most answers wins.

Two Truths, One Lie

This a True or False activity made fun. First, come up with three statements from your lesson. Tell your class each set of questions contain two true statements and only one false statement. Divide the class into teams. For every set of three statements, each team must then be able to identify which statements are true and which one is false. The team with the most correct answers wins.

First to the Front

Perfect as a mathematics, English, or social studies classroom game, First to the Front has long been a favorite among teachers. One student from each team starts in a line at the back of the classroom and take one seat forward for each question they answer correctly, sentence finished, or word guessed. The first to the front wins.

Hangman

Hangman can be used at the start of the class as a classroom game to warm up the students and get them active. This is especially good for young students. First, think of a key word from your lesson and write the number of letters on the board using dashes to show many letters there are. Provide the shortest phrase as a clue. Then ask students to suggest a letter. If it appears in the word, write it in all of the correct spaces. If the letter does not appear in the word, write it off to the side and begin drawing the image of a hanging man.

For PE class, check out these traditional Filipino games the kids might enjoy.

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After a long, tiring day at work, the only thing you’d like most in the world is to go home and eat a filling dinner. However, if you’re too exhausted, you also wouldn’t have the energy to whip up a complicated meal with all kinds of bells and whistles. A simple meal that’s easy and fast to cook but will also leave you satisfied is what you need. This ginisang sitaw and kalabasa recipe is exactly that.

Going Healthy: The Delicious Ginisang Sitaw at Kalabasa Recipe

Easy to cook, this ginisang sitaw at kalabasa recipe is also perfect for those healthy eaters who are looking to cut their meat intake and increase their vegetable consumption. To get the best advantage out of this recipe, it is recommended that you sauté the vegetables. This helps to lock in the nutrients of the vegetables. It also gives them that vibrant and beautiful color, which helps to make your dish look even more delicious when you serve it at the table.

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INGREDIENTS:

• Squash, cut into cubes
• String beans, cut into 2-inch-long pieces
• Pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Canola or olive oil, for sauteing
• Garlic
• Onion
• Ginger
• Salt or fish sauce

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the pan to warm it up. Add oil, enough to sauté the ingredients.
2. When the oil is hot, sauté the garlic. After a few seconds, add the onion and ginger.
3. Add the pork pieces and cook until they turn golden brown.
4. Add the cube-sliced squash and sauté until they are cooked halfway.
5. Add the 2-inches cut string beans and sauté for about 2 mins.
6. Add water for the sauce; it’s up to you to determine your preferred amount. Add salt or fish sauce to taste then boil for 5 minutes.
7. Smash a number of squash cubes to thicken the sauce. Boil for another 2 minutes.
8. Take pan off heat and serve the dish.
9. Enjoy!

 

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Wherever you go around the world, you will be surprised at how everyone thinks Filipinos are too hospitable. Foreigners who come to visit the Philippines speak of Filipinos going out of their way to help them when lost, or the heartwarming generosity of a Filipino family hosting a visitor in their poverty-stricken home. Are we really that kind to strangers?

Apparently, yes, we are, even before we became hispanized. It is a trait that runs through our blood, handed down by our ancestors when we welcomed foreign settlers to our lands and traded local goods with them despite physical and cultural differences. Today, when guests arrive in Filipino homes, they are offered whatever is being served during meals. Most of the time, even a new meal is prepared to the liking of the visitor. The Filipino hospitality is best exemplified in regard to foreign guests, who are treated with the utmost respect.

So if you were to ask which part of the house Filipino families frequent the most, the obvious answer would be the living room (or sala, as most Filipinos prefer to call it). Aside from being the area where homeowners welcome and entertain guests, it is also the very space where families come together for either a chat, lounge session, or television time together. And this the very reason why every Filipino sala needs to combine three things: style, space, and comfort. As a Filipino, how do you make sure your guests are pleased the moment they step in, especially when they unexpectedly come over?

The Most Fabulous Color for Your Filipino Living Room

While the sala is not the most intimate room in a home, special attention to its design is still important. Being the place where we welcome and entertain guests, this is the room that gives our visitors a glimpse into who we are and how we live. Here are the best colors to welcome visitors with.

Minimalist white

If you wish to maximize space of a small living room, use sheer white. Apply the clean and minimalist color on everything including walls, furniture, and curtains. This will allow full light and radiance to penetrate throughout your 15-square meter living room, making it look more spacious than it actually is. However, white can be a boring color for some. To give the room more personality, a very simple and effective way is to decorate the plain walls with paintings or wall stickers. This will allow your room to reflect light effectively without leaving the walls completely bland.

Monochrome

Another way to utilize white in your room is to paint one side of the walls gray and add a bit of black as accent to give depth. The stylish contrast between white and dark and light gray creates a youthful and elegant vibe in any home. Then select furniture with similar colors to create a clean and balanced environment. If you wish to add color, give pops and hints of it in furniture or house decor like the lamp or cushions.

Navy blue

Quite a lot of people love blue because of how the color positively affects your state of mind. But how would navy look on your walls? We are completely aware how dark shades shrink space. The trick lies in your choice of colors for your living room fixtures, furniture, and decor. To complement navy, opt for those in white or light neutral tones. Decorate the room with a clean, minimalist style. The result will surprise you!

Turquoise

Yet another shade of blue, but this time along with a tone of green to bring out a sense of naturalness and freshness, turquoise exudes memories of the beauty of the ocean and the sky to the room. Accentuate this main shade with any of the following: moss green, white, dandelion, beige, orange, or cream. You’ll be welcoming guests to a little paradise of summer, modernity, or nostalgia.

Textures

Another brilliant way to create an illusion of space is texture. It is a useful design element when you are in search of creative ways to perk up a dated or boring room. It is also a practical approach, thanks to its affordability and ease of installation. Faux wood wallpapers are a great choice. They not only enlarge space, but give the room a touch of warmth as well. The look of tile or brick, on the other hand, adds a rustic touch. The right surface and combination of light colors can add a feeling of space. To avoid too much saturation in the room, it is suggested to use neutral colors on the rest of the walls.

Neutrals

One foolproof way for decorating your living room is using neutrals for wall color. If you are going for an all-neutral look, layer different hues of the same color for a classy and sophisticated feel. Choose a lighter shade for the walls, then opt for darker upholstery. Choose a rug in a color that complements a wooden flooring but also is just a shade darker than the walls so the furniture stands out. Pick the same color if you prefer carpeting. Neutral wall colors such as tan, taupe, and beige also allow some architectural details to take the center stage. Neutrals also look lovely with indoor plants for that earthy look!

Pastels

Because of their sleepy brightness, pastel colors can give greater comfort and tranquility to the living room. That pleasant feeling is the culprit for which designers increasingly encourage their clients to insert these colors in the living room. Pastel colors, with their softness and neutrality, will rest your eyes and give your space a light and shine. Designers believe that they do not always produce a monotonous and “very bright” interior. When properly combined, they are usually enough for the living room to become attractive.

Certain shades of a pastel blue enhances positivity and relaxation, making it an ideal color for the living room. A very pale pink or lavender gives off a youthful vibe. A watered-down lemon pairs well with wood. Mint is another interior designer favorite. It’s fresh and soft and offers a great alternative for white decor. The shade of green undoubtedly also makes the room feel alive and energetic.

A Final Word

Make first impressions, visits, and even sleepovers memorable in your home with these fail-safe colors. With the proper planning, sense of ambition, and persistence, everyone can create a living room that is absolutely perfect for your home.

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What comes to your mind when you think of the Philippines? Do you think of white sand beaches? Or is it the hot tropical weather? Do you also think of the warm, friendly people? Whatever you think of, it is undeniable that the Philippines is a place with a rich culture. 

That culture is evident in the festivals that abound the whole year long in the tropical paradise. From January to December, the country hosts a multitude of gatherings that display the diverse elements of our local culture and also celebrate the essence of what it means to be Filipino. In August, especially, there is no lack of fun festivals the whole month long.

August Festivals You Should See at Least Once

Here are six of the most exciting August festivals to look forward to.

Palu-Palo Festival 

Explora PH

When: August 4–5

Where: Basco, Batanes

Travel Time: 2 hours from Manila via air

It’s a gathering of the various municipalities in Batanes, with the aim to showcase the best of their ethnic group’s culture and to commemorate their storied existence.

Fruit Festival

Busy.org

When: August 9–11

Where: Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes from Manila to Kidapawan City through Cotabato City via air and land

This is Kidapawan City’s annual fruit festival as its way of celebrating its fruit-growing industry. The city prepares a variety of activities for the event, such as a parade, cultural shows, exhibits, street dancing contests, and even educational lectures about fruit preparation.

Cordova Dinagat Festival

HelloTravel

When: Second week of August

Where: Cordova, Cebu

Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes from Manila via air

This festival celebrates the unique culture of the Cordovanhons, particularly their fishing rituals. Events like an interpretative dance contest and street dancing are organized by the locals. 

Kalibongan Festival

Explore Cotabato

When: August 14

Where: Kidapawan City, North Cotabato 

Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes from Manila to Kidapawan City through Cotabato City via air and land

Featuring a “blood compact” peace ceremony, a traditional horsefight, and many other native-themed events, this is a party like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The term kalibongan itself means “grand festival,” and this is when the local tribes of the place like the Manobos and Bagobos go down to the city and proudly show off their cultural heritage.

Lubi-Lubi Festival

Sarangani Today

When: August 15

Where: Calubian, Leyte

Travel Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes from Manila to Calubian through Tacloban City via air and land

The highlight of this festival is a cultural presentation participated in by the residents of the town, where they dance and express the significance of coconut trees to their community. 

Pavvu Rulun Festival & Padda na Lima

Rappler

When: August 15–17

Where: Tuguegarao, Cagayan

Travel Time: 5 minutes from Manila via air

This festival is a grand celebration like no other, with a wide selection of events such as cultural presentations, sports fests, a trade fair, street dancing, and a beauty pageant. The term pavvu rulun means “coming together,” and indeed, this occasion is an opportunity for the locals to get together and celebrate.

Festivals are a way to celebrate life. For Filipinos, who are known for having the happiest and most fun-loving dispositions in the world, celebrations and gatherings are an important part of life and culture. 

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Despite its name, the Filipino beef morcon is not a thick chorizo but a roulade made of round-cut beef flank steak, marinated in a soy sauce mixture with spices, and stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, dill pickles, chorizo slices, ham, and sometimes cheese and/or bacon. The roulade is then braised, baked, roasted, or slow-cooked, then served in a thick tomato-based gravy.

Usually served during festive occasions, the beef morcon remains a household favorite for its unique and flavorful taste. This dish may involve a lot of prep, but it is definitely worth the work!

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Filipino Beef Morcon Recipe

Preparing the Filipino beef morcon is not as hard as you think. If you know how to fry and simmer, then serving this dish for your next holiday dinner parties won’t be a problem.

Ingredients

Roulade

• 2 lbs beef bottom round
• 12 slices fried bacon
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into strips
• 4 pieces Gherkins sweet pickles, sliced into strips
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, sliced into strips
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup oil

Marinade

• juice from 1 lemon
• ½ cup soy sauce

Sauce

• 2 cups beef stock
• reserved marinade (from marinating beef)
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 large red onions, cubed
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 red capsicum
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp chopped basil
• freshly ground black pepper
• bay leaf
• salt
• olive oil

Equipment

• mallet
• kitchen twine
• paper towels

Directions

1. Ask the butcher to cut the beef round, morcon style (wide beef slices). Arrange each beef slice between two heavy duty plastic wraps, then with a meat mallet, pound to about ½-inch thick (or thinner). Repeat with remaining beef slices. When slices are thin enough, trim sides of meat to shape it as close to a rectangle.
2. Marinate beef in lemon juice and soy sauce for at least 3 hours.
3. Drain beef from marinade, squeezing any excess liquid and reserving marinade.
4. Lay beef on a flat work surface and arrange bacon in a single layer on top of beef.
5. Arrange strips of carrots, pickles, cheese, and halves of eggs lengthwise over bacon.
6. Gently gather end of beef upwards then roll neatly into a log, enclosing filling.
7. With kitchen twine, tie beef roulades snugly at both ends and center to fully secure.
8. Lightly dredge with flour then set aside.
9. In a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat, heat oil. Once oil is ready, gently add beef roll and lightly brown on all sides. Remove from pan then drain on paper towels.
10. In the same pan, sauté garlic, onions, and capsicum. Add in the reserved marinade and wine then bring to a boil, scraping sides to deglaze pan.
11. In a separate pot, place the deglazed wine, beef stock, chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, and the browned beef roualde. Make sure that the beef is covered entirely with liquid; otherwise, add water. Then bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
12. Add the tomato paste, black pepper, and salt (according to your taste). Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until beef is tender.
13. Remove the beef and the bay leaves then set aside.
14. Using a blender, blend the remaining sauce to make a thick gravy. If it’s too runny, then thicken it further by simmering it again in medium heat uncovered. On the other hand, if you find the sauce too thick, simply add water. Season with salt and pepper, then turn off the heat.
15. Remove beef rolls from pan and allow to stand for about 3 to 5 minutes. Slice them into 1-inch-thick rounds, then arrange the slices on a serving platter. Keep warm.
16. Finally, pour tomato gravy on top. Garnish with olive oil and cherry tomatoes.

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If you think Boracay, Baguio, and Palawan are all the Philippines has to offer, think again. From up north to down south, the Philippines is filled with wonders spread all over the thousands of islands that comprise the country. What if you were to consider exploring the second largest island in the Philippines? That means you can only marvel at an endless list of adventures waiting for you there! Dubbed by many as the Land of Promise, Mindanao is famous for its rich land and various indigenous tribes untouched by colonizers. In case you didn’t know about any of the awe-inspiring locations in Mindanao, check out this list of some of the sights that the Southern Philippines has to offer. Explore Mindanao!

Explore Mindanao, the Second Largest Island in the Philippines

Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur

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Many locals believe that the Enchanted River is home to supernatural spirits responsible for the river’s unique color. Diving expeditions have found that the river is in fact part of a vast underwater cave system that has yet to be fully explored. From January to April 2017, the local government closed the river for rehabilitation. When it reopened, swimming was no longer permitted, and a separate swimming area has been provided nearby. Guests can still view the blue lagoon from the viewing area.

Grand Mosque of Cotabato

To explore Mindanao means to marvel at Islamic wonders. One of the most popular landmarks of amazing Cotabato City in Mindanao is the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, which is also widely famous as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid. The mosque is indeed an incredible place, and you simply can’t stop admiring the impressive architecture of this mosque. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei funded the mosque at a reported cost of US$48 million. It is the largest mosque in the Philippines!

Mount Apo in Davao

You never fully explore Mindanao without climbing its highest point. Mount Apo, King of Philippine Peaks, is one of Southeast Asia’s highest mountains, and it’s right here in Davao. The mountain’s peak reaches an elevation of 10,311 feet, which is 3,144 meters above sea level. A 500-meter-wide crater lake created by volcanic activity waits for you at the top. The mountain is home to rubber plantations, a 150-meter-tall waterfall called Tudaya Falls, and wild boar and deer.

Lake Sebu in South Cotabato

Lake Sebu, the municipality, features an ecotourism destination. The town itself rests 1,000 meters (over 3,000 feet) above sea level. The T’boli, Severa, and other indigenous groups, as well as three majestic lakes and an equally majestic ecosystem, call Lake Sebu home. There are many activities you can do in Lake Sebu, but the most popular are the trek to the Seven Falls and boating in any one of the area’s three lakes. Also notable is the T’boli Museum, which showcases the culture of the tribe.

Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur

This 95-meter-wide waterfall plunges 55 meters high from the top of the three-tiered waters that look like a huge white curtain! There is a bamboo raft on the side of the pool, and you can ride it to approach the falls. If you have more time, you can follow the staircase beside it. It will bring you to the second and third levels of the waterfalls. The falls in both levels are smaller, but the beauty is still incomparable due to its unique formation. Farther from the three-tiered waterfalls, a smaller one hides near the entrance.

Pink Mosque in Maguindanao

Mosques are sacred sites, but this pink mosque (Masjid Dimaukom) of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, makes mosques more approachable to non-Muslims! Painted bright pink, its minarets stand out among all the mosques in the country. Datu Saudi Ampatuan’s mayor, Samsudin Dimaukom, who financed the building, said that he and his wife chose the color because, first, Dimaukom’s wife considers it her favorite color and, second, because they said that pink symbolizes peace and love.

Siargao Island

Located off the coast of Surigao del Norte, Siargao is also known by its other name: the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. There are several resorts on the island offering a good place to spend the night after a day of surfing. However, surfing is not the only thing you can do here. The island’s natural attractions, such as the largest mangrove forest in Mindanao and the coral reefs teeming with rich marine life, also draw in visitors. Catch the annual surfing competition, the Siargao Cup, every September!

Pink Beach in Zamboanga

A pink mosque and now a pink beach? The beach at the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga offers quite a unique experience. What makes this beach pink? Crushed red organ pipe corals (Tubipora musica) wash ashore and blend well with the white sand, making it look pink in broad daylight. Walking along the beach, you’ll find some of these corals brought in by the waves. This pink beach is said to be the only one of its kind in the country and is part of a marine protected area, so trips to the island are regulated. No overnight accommodations are available. Aside from swimming and snorkeling, we also recommend bird watching, especially in the lagoon.

The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin

In the 1870s, a volcano nearby erupted, sinking the cemetery along with the capital city surrounding it below sea level. In order to commemorate this place of loss, people built the looming cross in remembrance. Visitors all over the Philippines and the world come to admire this man-made wonder filled with legend and enchantment. It has been more than a century since the cemetery sank, so it isn’t at all surprising how marine life has taken over—from different varieties of colorful fish and other sea creatures to healthy corals and giant glowing clams. This is a memorial park decorated with marine gardens.

Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte

Considered as a diving paradise located in the northern part of Zamboanga, there is so much to see and to do here! Explore Mindanao in Dakak Park and Beach Resort, a resort acknowledged for its beautiful coral reefs and the rich, scenic refuge it provides to diverse marine flora and fauna. In addition to that, Dapitan is also famous for its Rizal Shrine and inspiring Historical Walking Tour. Another popular destination is Gloria’s Fantasyland, the best go-to destination for families with kids (or childish adults). It’s a world-class commercial center and amusement theme park comparable to Disneyland! Featuring 35 rides, Gloria’s Fantasyland is the biggest theme park outside Metro Manila. It’s usually best to visit the theme park at night so you can enjoy the scenic wonders, light combination, and stage performances.

Eden Nature Park in Davao

In the district of Toril in Davao City, you’ll find Eden Nature Park at the foot of Mount Talomo. Across 80 hectares, you’ll have a chance to explore a wildlife sanctuary full of exotic birds, plants, flowers, and insects. This nature park is actually 95% man-made, but it has jaw-dropping scenery, including 100,000 tall forest trees and 100,000 pine trees. It smells so fresh! If your feet grow tired from exploring the 80 hectares, hop on their 45-minute shuttle tour, which ensures that you see the very best that this park has to offer.

The Land of Promise Awaits You

Do not confine your trips in Luzon and Visayas. Mindanao is a huge paradise to make adventures in. Explore Mindanao this summer!

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